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Deadly Mystery #7
A Prayer for the Dead
A Tom and Stanley Novel
Does murder follow Tom and Stanley around, or do they follow the murders?
After a hospital stay, Stanley is invited by Father Brighton to convalesce at St. Marywood, an isolated monastery on the ocean cliffs of Big Sur. Upon arrival, Stanley finds Father Brighton dead. The order’s doctor writes it up as a death by natural causes, but those seem to be quite prevalent at the monastery. The recent demise of a young brother who fell from the cliffs is described as an accident, but Stanley’s nose is twitching. Plus the order’s finances have taken a sudden, mysterious turn for the better. Is something rotten at St. Marywood?
Stanley and Tom can’t resist digging around even if it means testing their tumultuous relationship against a gaggle of handsome, young, virginal, and—they are told—gay men.
Continues the Deadly Mysteries Series published with MLR Press.
Does murder follow Tom and Stanley around, or do they follow the murders?
After a hospital stay, Stanley is invited by Father Brighton to convalesce at St. Marywood, an isolated monastery on the ocean cliffs of Big Sur. Upon arrival, Stanley finds Father Brighton dead. The order’s doctor writes it up as a death by natural causes, but those seem to be quite prevalent at the monastery. The recent demise of a young brother who fell from the cliffs is described as an accident, but Stanley’s nose is twitching. Plus the order’s finances have taken a sudden, mysterious turn for the better. Is something rotten at St. Marywood?
Stanley and Tom can’t resist digging around even if it means testing their tumultuous relationship against a gaggle of handsome, young, virginal, and—they are told—gay men.
Continues the Deadly Mysteries Series published with MLR Press.
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2015
7 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Victor J. Banis
142 books214 followersVictor J. Banis is a writer. http://www.vjbanisauthor.com/
Victor Jerome Banis (May 25, 1937 – February 22, 2019) was an American author, often associated with the first wave of west coast gay writing. For his contributions he has been called "the godfather of modern popular gay fiction
Victor Jerome Banis (May 25, 1937 – February 22, 2019) was an American author, often associated with the first wave of west coast gay writing. For his contributions he has been called "the godfather of modern popular gay fiction
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 13, 2015
***ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
I’m a HUGE fan of the Deadly Mystery series, and when I found out that Victor J. Banis would release the book number 7 – FOUR years after the book 6! – I was thrilled to bits by this news.
Now I can tell you a little secret – I haven’t read the previous two books, because I had no idea that more books would come, and I used my Tom and Stanley resources sparingly. The good news- I read the last book of the series and I didn’t feel that I missed something. AND. I have still a bit of Tom and Stanley for myself to enjoy, in case the author will take up time for the next instalment. Because it could NOT be the last book in the series! IT CAN’T! I have my reasons to believe it.
Those who read and enjoy Deadly Mystery knows that every book presents a solved and completed criminal case. And even if the series in the first place should be qualify as a mystery, where a criminal story is the focus of the plot, the main attraction of the series are Tom and Stanley, our unusual and meanwhile established couple, and their relationship. Victor J. Banis created something totally different comparing to all gay cop/detective couples that we know from the other books – Tom and Stanley are unique, and the series is a perfect mixture of the fast paced well-build mystery, amusing and witty writing style, refreshing main characters that one couldn’t have enough of and playful humour. It is sexy, entertaining and addicted!
The story:
When Stanley takes an invitation from Father Brighton to convalesce at St. Marywood, an isolated male monastery on the ocean cliffs of Big Sur, the very least he could expect on his arrival is to find Father Brighton lifeless in his cottage.
Even if a guardian is positive that a death caused by a heart-attack, Stanley feels something rotten in the monastery. And as we remember, Stanley’s instinct has never deceived him. Only this time it is not Tom who stands by him, but his friend Chris, who accompanies Stanley as a travelling companion, because Tom has to complete the job, and can’t come with.
So, it is why we have, for my taste, not enough of my favourite couple in A Prayer for the Dead. Even if I like Chris, and I enjoyed Stanley’s investigation within this exceptional environment – Stanley in a MALE monastery! – and totally unpredictable mystery, well, at least it was for sure until 80%, but I missed Tom. BADLY. There were some thoughts, and one conversation on phone, but he literally appeared on the page in the middle of the night at 51%! And he came not alone! No, don’t be afraid- he had a present for Chris. Suddenly we got one gay couple more. This new established couple was too unimportant to pay too much attention to, but that still took much too much attention from the main couple.
So, I haven’t got enough of Tom and Stanley in the book 7 but in spite of it, I try to see it positively – Victor J. Banis is obligated to write the next sequel! Readers have to be rewarded for their patience with an extra-portion of Tom and Stanley next time.
The ending… *sigh* was sweet and touching, and made me happy.
*** This review has been crossed posted to Jessewave
August 31, 2015
This is the latest installment in Deadly Mystery series by the high esteemed Victor J. Banis’s (trivia: do you know that he has his own Wikipedia entry as the ‘godfather of modern popular gay fiction’ and he has been writing since the 60’s??) As entry number 7 in the series, I feel like I need to write down preliminary information about it first, especially since the last book before this one was released four years ago.
This series has a special place in my heart. It is one of the series I read in my early years of reading MM genre (I read the first book back in 2009) and since then I have followed it religiously. I admit that I was in a phase of already saying goodbye to it, when I heard that Banis had difficulty writing due to his age and illness. Of course when I saw this on DSP’s upcoming soon page, I was ecstatic. I couldn’t wait to read Tom and Stanley’s adventure again.
A Prayer for the Dead is first and foremost a mystery (and gay fiction) novel. If you are looking for romance and a steamy on-page relationship, you will be disappointed. Yes, Tom and Stanley are a couple, but their journey into the relationship has been written in the earlier books. In addition, Tom and Stanley are not that lovey-dovey, my eyes-are-for-you-only couple. In fact, I think Tom and Stanley are one of the most complex gay couples I have read over the years.
The root for that, for me at least, is how Tom has never seen himself as a homosexual. He has rather homophobic tendencies – he dislikes the outlandish behavior of his partner, Stanley (he doesn’t even like Stanley’s decorating job), he still thinks some attitudes are ‘too feminine’ and ‘faggy’. Even Stanley sometimes still thinks of Tom as being ‘too manly’. It’s not what you think of a perfect gay couple; it might even befuddle you, but that’s what makes them intriguing, I think.
Anyway, the mystery happens when Stanley and his best friend Chris go to St. Marywood and they find the dead body of Father Brighton, who invited Stanley to come to the friary in the first place. After working with Tom for a while in their detective agency, Stanley’s nose is twitching, as he is sure that Father Brighton’s death is not natural. Especially since there is also another death of a younger novice, who fell from a cliff, not long before Father Brighton’s death. Stanley is sure there is a connection behind it – and that some of the friars are keeping secrets.
I really enjoyed the mystery – the location of the friary gives an isolated closed murder feel to it, which I like from reading so many Agatha Christie’s novels when I was younger. I enjoyed the process of Stanley (and Chris) looking for clues — Tom himself joins the best friends after almost half-way through the book. I knew that one of the friars was responsible, but I was definitely wondering about the reason and what secret they were keeping. When I found out the reason (alongside Tom and Stanley), I was pleasantly surprised. My mind didn’t go that way, I guess. So yes, the mystery was good and satisfying.
On the personal side, however, namely Tom and Stanley’s relationship, I was a bit concerned. Despite their differences and the fact that both men can still enjoy the beautiful form of other guys (in Stanley’s case) or girls (in Tom’s case), I want my couple to be solid. I know it’s going to be more hard work, due to both men’s psyche, but I thought that we had passed the uncertainty phase from both Tom and Stanley back in book #5. Now … I am not sure. It feels like even Stanley is thinking about ‘life after Tom’, like he knows their relationship is not going to last. It left me with a bit bitter taste in my mouth.
Then again, I’m still very much pulled into Tom and Stanley’s gravity... so until it is written otherwise, I’m going to dismiss my concern and think of Tom/Stanley to be content with their relationship. I don’t know if Banis will continue this down the road and how, but as long as I’m still alive and able, if there’s a new Deadly Mystery book, I will definitely read it.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
This series has a special place in my heart. It is one of the series I read in my early years of reading MM genre (I read the first book back in 2009) and since then I have followed it religiously. I admit that I was in a phase of already saying goodbye to it, when I heard that Banis had difficulty writing due to his age and illness. Of course when I saw this on DSP’s upcoming soon page, I was ecstatic. I couldn’t wait to read Tom and Stanley’s adventure again.
A Prayer for the Dead is first and foremost a mystery (and gay fiction) novel. If you are looking for romance and a steamy on-page relationship, you will be disappointed. Yes, Tom and Stanley are a couple, but their journey into the relationship has been written in the earlier books. In addition, Tom and Stanley are not that lovey-dovey, my eyes-are-for-you-only couple. In fact, I think Tom and Stanley are one of the most complex gay couples I have read over the years.
The root for that, for me at least, is how Tom has never seen himself as a homosexual. He has rather homophobic tendencies – he dislikes the outlandish behavior of his partner, Stanley (he doesn’t even like Stanley’s decorating job), he still thinks some attitudes are ‘too feminine’ and ‘faggy’. Even Stanley sometimes still thinks of Tom as being ‘too manly’. It’s not what you think of a perfect gay couple; it might even befuddle you, but that’s what makes them intriguing, I think.
Anyway, the mystery happens when Stanley and his best friend Chris go to St. Marywood and they find the dead body of Father Brighton, who invited Stanley to come to the friary in the first place. After working with Tom for a while in their detective agency, Stanley’s nose is twitching, as he is sure that Father Brighton’s death is not natural. Especially since there is also another death of a younger novice, who fell from a cliff, not long before Father Brighton’s death. Stanley is sure there is a connection behind it – and that some of the friars are keeping secrets.
I really enjoyed the mystery – the location of the friary gives an isolated closed murder feel to it, which I like from reading so many Agatha Christie’s novels when I was younger. I enjoyed the process of Stanley (and Chris) looking for clues — Tom himself joins the best friends after almost half-way through the book. I knew that one of the friars was responsible, but I was definitely wondering about the reason and what secret they were keeping. When I found out the reason (alongside Tom and Stanley), I was pleasantly surprised. My mind didn’t go that way, I guess. So yes, the mystery was good and satisfying.
On the personal side, however, namely Tom and Stanley’s relationship, I was a bit concerned. Despite their differences and the fact that both men can still enjoy the beautiful form of other guys (in Stanley’s case) or girls (in Tom’s case), I want my couple to be solid. I know it’s going to be more hard work, due to both men’s psyche, but I thought that we had passed the uncertainty phase from both Tom and Stanley back in book #5. Now … I am not sure. It feels like even Stanley is thinking about ‘life after Tom’, like he knows their relationship is not going to last. It left me with a bit bitter taste in my mouth.
Then again, I’m still very much pulled into Tom and Stanley’s gravity... so until it is written otherwise, I’m going to dismiss my concern and think of Tom/Stanley to be content with their relationship. I don’t know if Banis will continue this down the road and how, but as long as I’m still alive and able, if there’s a new Deadly Mystery book, I will definitely read it.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
October 25, 2015
I have very mixed reactions to this story.
Victor Banis’ sense of place in this story is beautifully written. There are moments when the prose reminds me of PD James’ evocative, finely crafted British mysteries. Murder in a cloistered community is not an uncommon event in English mystery writing. And Banis does this well.
Unfortunately, there are also moments when the story feels dated. At times Banis’ gay characters are reduced to leering double entendres and jock-strap sniffing. The closets in this series are American size walk-in dressing rooms. For a reader in 2015, there are conversations, stereotypes and judgements in this book which verge on homophobia. It might just be that the story feels out of it’s time. I would be more comfortable with this as a period piece set in the 1970s.
I enjoyed the actual murder mystery because I was unable to figure it out on my own. I understood the plot the moment the main character did - which is always what I want from a mystery. I loved the hints, clues and general suspicions that cloud Tom and Stanley’s judgements.
I was surprised to learn that Banis’ work was banned and considered indecent at one point in time. In this story there is a great deal of innuendo and awful lot of flirtation but any actual sex is skimmed over in the style of a 1970s Harlequin romance.
I enjoyed this because I enjoy classic British mysteries. I’m not sure I enjoy it as a contemporary m/m story. Aside from the naughty schoolboy gay humour, it reads much more like a PD James or Ruth Rendell novel than an AE Via, Xavier Mayne or Abigail Roux tale.
I enjoyed reading one of Victor J Banis’ books because he is one of the writers who made it possible for gay fiction to exist and thrive. I would urge any fans of m/m writing to take a look at some of Banis’ writing.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
Victor Banis’ sense of place in this story is beautifully written. There are moments when the prose reminds me of PD James’ evocative, finely crafted British mysteries. Murder in a cloistered community is not an uncommon event in English mystery writing. And Banis does this well.
Unfortunately, there are also moments when the story feels dated. At times Banis’ gay characters are reduced to leering double entendres and jock-strap sniffing. The closets in this series are American size walk-in dressing rooms. For a reader in 2015, there are conversations, stereotypes and judgements in this book which verge on homophobia. It might just be that the story feels out of it’s time. I would be more comfortable with this as a period piece set in the 1970s.
I enjoyed the actual murder mystery because I was unable to figure it out on my own. I understood the plot the moment the main character did - which is always what I want from a mystery. I loved the hints, clues and general suspicions that cloud Tom and Stanley’s judgements.
I was surprised to learn that Banis’ work was banned and considered indecent at one point in time. In this story there is a great deal of innuendo and awful lot of flirtation but any actual sex is skimmed over in the style of a 1970s Harlequin romance.
I enjoyed this because I enjoy classic British mysteries. I’m not sure I enjoy it as a contemporary m/m story. Aside from the naughty schoolboy gay humour, it reads much more like a PD James or Ruth Rendell novel than an AE Via, Xavier Mayne or Abigail Roux tale.
I enjoyed reading one of Victor J Banis’ books because he is one of the writers who made it possible for gay fiction to exist and thrive. I would urge any fans of m/m writing to take a look at some of Banis’ writing.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review for Inked Rainbow Reviews.
October 21, 2015
Classic Victor Banis, very clever story of murder amongst the monks. Stanley and Tom got on my nerves, but they always do.
It's interesting that I keep loving this series even though they both tend toward the wandering eyes.
It's interesting that I keep loving this series even though they both tend toward the wandering eyes.
May 14, 2017
After a hospital stay, Stanley is invited to convalesce at a Monastery in Big Sur. Saint Marywood is beautiful, right on the cliffs, but his arrival is spoiled when he finds his host, Father Brighton, dead. While the order’s physician finds his death to be of natural causes, Stanley is not so sure. There was also another brother who died after falling from the cliffs. Stanley smells a rat and is determined to uncover it. When Tom joins him, the two cannot resist trying to discover the truth behind the deaths and also why the monastery finances have improved so dramatically.
Stanly and Tom are such a delight together. You are never sure what will happen next. Stanley wants to retire but Tom knows he is good at finding clues. He is also good at finding bodies. Their investigation leads them to many places and the final result is nothing I would have expected. Visit with Stanley and Tom as well as Chris and try and solve the mystery along with them. A Prayer for the Dead is an excellent addition to their stories and one that is now on my keeper shelf. Victor Banis has created two amazing heroes with Stanly and Tom.
Stanly and Tom are such a delight together. You are never sure what will happen next. Stanley wants to retire but Tom knows he is good at finding clues. He is also good at finding bodies. Their investigation leads them to many places and the final result is nothing I would have expected. Visit with Stanley and Tom as well as Chris and try and solve the mystery along with them. A Prayer for the Dead is an excellent addition to their stories and one that is now on my keeper shelf. Victor Banis has created two amazing heroes with Stanly and Tom.
January 30, 2018
I'm not really sure why but I just didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous books.
June 15, 2018
Okay, so this is the seventh book in the Deadly Mysteries series. Dreamspinner published it a few years ago, and this is the second edition, now published through DSP Publications. I read it back when it was originally published, and it had been a while so when the opportunity arose to review this edition, I jumped on it. I’m glad I did because in the years since my original read, I forgot so many of the details and got sucked right back into the mystery.
The mystery kept me engaged from beginning to end, starting off when, in the hospital, Stanley receives a visit from a Friar. The end result is Stanley accepting an offer to convalesce in Big Sur and is accompanied by Chris, his best friend. Tom originally stays behind to work on other cases. Thus, the first half of the story involves Stanley and Chris arriving to a dead body and a lot of questions, weird behaviors from the other Friars, and just an all-around bad feeling. They do their best to piece together the strange happenings, all the while getting into some awkward as well as funny situations. The setting and descriptions of the monastery were ideal for this story. The Northern California location gave off a feeling of dangerous beauty while capturing the isolation of the friary.
When Tom arrives, he is drawn in and brings in a different perspective and ideas on what could be happening. Obviously, since I read this a few years, the ending this time around was not necessarily a huge surprise. But I had forgotten all the little details that led to the discovery and because I already sort of remembered the result, I was able to see more of the carefully hidden clues that I didn’t notice previously, which is one of the things I thoroughly enjoy doing with my favorite mysteries when I re-read them—knowing how everything plays out.
Though there is flirting, a lot of racy thoughts, quite a bit of innuendo and alluded to acts, on the whole this is not a steamy romance with a lot of intimate action on-page. I’m okay with that, for sure, but the bond between Tom and Stanley is a double-edged sword for me. That which I find so fascinating, and keeps me intrigued on its complexity, is also where I struggle the most. I love it for all its intricacy and uniqueness. They are an enigma, so I can’t help but want to read what will happen next. I also get irritated with them for the same exact reason. Their personalities and the way they care for each other, yet each seeming to have one foot just short of stepping out of the door, is what I find so stimulating. You won’t find a lot of romantic gestures from these two, and very rarely are there moments of sweetness. They don’t quite know how to define themselves and what they are. Or rather, Stanley sort of knows what he considers them and his hopes and feelings, but is also very aware of Tom’s hang-ups and how elusive he can be when it comes to them as a couple. So, Stanley holds loosely to Tom, fully expecting and preparing himself for their inevitable end, keeping an eye open on other scenery (and boy, is there scenery for his eyes to feast on in A Prayer for the Dead). Which is kind of my issue. Even though we are several books into the series, they still aren’t a solid couple with new hurdles or obstacles. Rather, they struggle to really get over the one that has been there from the beginning, never fully committing to the idea of permanency—at least, not with each other. It drives me a bit batty, to be honest. I don’t mind the first few books in a series having this struggle, because it would be unrealistic to have a quick turn in behavior. However, this far into a series I would like to be more confident in the relationship of my MCs, and I’m not.
I have loved this entire series, though admittedly it is sometimes reminiscent of days gone by, with humor and conversations that may come off a little outdated in the interactions, not quite fitting the time and setting of the book. Even so, it is still a cleverly written mystery series with unique characters and plotlines. I am amused time and time again, piecing the clues together with Stanley and Tom, and really am hoping these two eventually get to a place where they are solid.
A Prayer for the Dead is another solid mystery which thoroughly entertained me. Despite my reservations and frustrations with Tom and Stanley’s relationship, I adore their complexity as well as the cleverness of the plot. I really hope there is another installment on its way.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
The mystery kept me engaged from beginning to end, starting off when, in the hospital, Stanley receives a visit from a Friar. The end result is Stanley accepting an offer to convalesce in Big Sur and is accompanied by Chris, his best friend. Tom originally stays behind to work on other cases. Thus, the first half of the story involves Stanley and Chris arriving to a dead body and a lot of questions, weird behaviors from the other Friars, and just an all-around bad feeling. They do their best to piece together the strange happenings, all the while getting into some awkward as well as funny situations. The setting and descriptions of the monastery were ideal for this story. The Northern California location gave off a feeling of dangerous beauty while capturing the isolation of the friary.
When Tom arrives, he is drawn in and brings in a different perspective and ideas on what could be happening. Obviously, since I read this a few years, the ending this time around was not necessarily a huge surprise. But I had forgotten all the little details that led to the discovery and because I already sort of remembered the result, I was able to see more of the carefully hidden clues that I didn’t notice previously, which is one of the things I thoroughly enjoy doing with my favorite mysteries when I re-read them—knowing how everything plays out.
Though there is flirting, a lot of racy thoughts, quite a bit of innuendo and alluded to acts, on the whole this is not a steamy romance with a lot of intimate action on-page. I’m okay with that, for sure, but the bond between Tom and Stanley is a double-edged sword for me. That which I find so fascinating, and keeps me intrigued on its complexity, is also where I struggle the most. I love it for all its intricacy and uniqueness. They are an enigma, so I can’t help but want to read what will happen next. I also get irritated with them for the same exact reason. Their personalities and the way they care for each other, yet each seeming to have one foot just short of stepping out of the door, is what I find so stimulating. You won’t find a lot of romantic gestures from these two, and very rarely are there moments of sweetness. They don’t quite know how to define themselves and what they are. Or rather, Stanley sort of knows what he considers them and his hopes and feelings, but is also very aware of Tom’s hang-ups and how elusive he can be when it comes to them as a couple. So, Stanley holds loosely to Tom, fully expecting and preparing himself for their inevitable end, keeping an eye open on other scenery (and boy, is there scenery for his eyes to feast on in A Prayer for the Dead). Which is kind of my issue. Even though we are several books into the series, they still aren’t a solid couple with new hurdles or obstacles. Rather, they struggle to really get over the one that has been there from the beginning, never fully committing to the idea of permanency—at least, not with each other. It drives me a bit batty, to be honest. I don’t mind the first few books in a series having this struggle, because it would be unrealistic to have a quick turn in behavior. However, this far into a series I would like to be more confident in the relationship of my MCs, and I’m not.
I have loved this entire series, though admittedly it is sometimes reminiscent of days gone by, with humor and conversations that may come off a little outdated in the interactions, not quite fitting the time and setting of the book. Even so, it is still a cleverly written mystery series with unique characters and plotlines. I am amused time and time again, piecing the clues together with Stanley and Tom, and really am hoping these two eventually get to a place where they are solid.
A Prayer for the Dead is another solid mystery which thoroughly entertained me. Despite my reservations and frustrations with Tom and Stanley’s relationship, I adore their complexity as well as the cleverness of the plot. I really hope there is another installment on its way.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
April 19, 2018
Full review at :
https://optimumm.blog/2018/04/19/review-a-prayer-for-the-dead-by-victor-j-banis/
While Stanley is recovering in his hospital bed, a friar comes to visit him. Father Brighton is an old acquaintance of Chris, Stanley’s best friend, and invites him to convalesce at St Marywood, an old monastery on the ocean cliffs.
Stanley agrees to go with Chris, without Tom but when they arrive, they find Father Brighton dead. Most surprising, it’s not the first death in this monastery, a young man was dead a few weeks ago.
Stanley, the trouble magnet he is, understands that there’s no coincidence in those two deaths and even if he claims disliking it, the detective in him wants to investigate.
A Prayer for the Dead is book 7 in this new edition of Tom and Stanley mysteries.
Stanley starts the investigation alone, without his Tom. He couldn’t help it, he knew something was wrong with those deaths. The first part of the book is all about Stanley and Chris trying to solve this new mystery. The second part, Tom comes because he missed Stanley…ok, he didn’t say this, but I knew, he can’t lure me with false pretenses, and our super duet of detectives succeed in their mission. I was glad when he came because Tom Danzel is soooooooo Tom Danzel, and so hot, like super mega alpha hot. Even if they seem to be opposite (and they are), they’re also are complementary and really good together.
I liked this book and this story. It reminds me of a gay lighter version of the novel The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco (I love this book). You know the old suffocating atmosphere in an isolated monastery with mysterious priests or friars here. But like I said, it was a gay version, since all the members of this community are gay.
Even if the atmosphere seems religious and heavy, the book was light, fresh, funny and dynamic. There’s some comical of situations with hilarious moments. Personally, my favorite is the naked man with the jockstrap on a cliff… Yes, it’s sounds like Clue (I loved this game), and I won’t tell you more, you’ll just have to read the book and find this scene.
It was a pleasurable read, funny with a good mystery, and I didn’t see the big explanation coming, not at all.
It’s 4 OptimuMMs for my favorite PI.
***The ARC was provided by DSP Publication . My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
https://optimumm.blog/2018/04/19/review-a-prayer-for-the-dead-by-victor-j-banis/
While Stanley is recovering in his hospital bed, a friar comes to visit him. Father Brighton is an old acquaintance of Chris, Stanley’s best friend, and invites him to convalesce at St Marywood, an old monastery on the ocean cliffs.
Stanley agrees to go with Chris, without Tom but when they arrive, they find Father Brighton dead. Most surprising, it’s not the first death in this monastery, a young man was dead a few weeks ago.
Stanley, the trouble magnet he is, understands that there’s no coincidence in those two deaths and even if he claims disliking it, the detective in him wants to investigate.
A Prayer for the Dead is book 7 in this new edition of Tom and Stanley mysteries.
Stanley starts the investigation alone, without his Tom. He couldn’t help it, he knew something was wrong with those deaths. The first part of the book is all about Stanley and Chris trying to solve this new mystery. The second part, Tom comes because he missed Stanley…ok, he didn’t say this, but I knew, he can’t lure me with false pretenses, and our super duet of detectives succeed in their mission. I was glad when he came because Tom Danzel is soooooooo Tom Danzel, and so hot, like super mega alpha hot. Even if they seem to be opposite (and they are), they’re also are complementary and really good together.
I liked this book and this story. It reminds me of a gay lighter version of the novel The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco (I love this book). You know the old suffocating atmosphere in an isolated monastery with mysterious priests or friars here. But like I said, it was a gay version, since all the members of this community are gay.
Even if the atmosphere seems religious and heavy, the book was light, fresh, funny and dynamic. There’s some comical of situations with hilarious moments. Personally, my favorite is the naked man with the jockstrap on a cliff… Yes, it’s sounds like Clue (I loved this game), and I won’t tell you more, you’ll just have to read the book and find this scene.
It was a pleasurable read, funny with a good mystery, and I didn’t see the big explanation coming, not at all.
It’s 4 OptimuMMs for my favorite PI.
***The ARC was provided by DSP Publication . My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
September 15, 2015
Absolutely a good murder mystery series. I read all 6 books before this one and I couldn't be more entertained. I hope Tom and Stanley can also solve the mystery of their relationship. My full review was submitted to The Novel Approach.
December 16, 2021
Loved this series - loved Tom's no-nonsense approach balanced against Stanley's more dramatic energy. Some intriguing mystery, funny dialogue (inner and outer) and sexy characters. This is a series that could keep coming (7 out now) and I would just keep reading!
November 12, 2015
3.75 stars
September 14, 2015
3.5 stars
April 1, 2016
I enjoyed reading this one. Then again, Tom & Stanley are one of my favorite couples.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews