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Nicky and Noah Mystery #1
Drama Queen
6 hrs 31 mins
It could be curtains for college theatre professor Nicky Abbondanza. With dead bodies popping up all over campus, Nicky must use his drama skills to figure out who is playing the role of murderer before it is lights out for Nicky and his colleagues. Complicating matters is Nicky's huge crush on Noah Oliver, a gorgeous assistant professor in his department, who may or may not be involved with a cocky graduate assistant...and is also the top suspect for the murders!
It could be curtains for college theatre professor Nicky Abbondanza. With dead bodies popping up all over campus, Nicky must use his drama skills to figure out who is playing the role of murderer before it is lights out for Nicky and his colleagues. Complicating matters is Nicky's huge crush on Noah Oliver, a gorgeous assistant professor in his department, who may or may not be involved with a cocky graduate assistant...and is also the top suspect for the murders!
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 26, 2015
21 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Joe Cosentino
45 books192 followersJOE COSENTINO was voted Favorite MM Mystery, Humorous, and Contemporary Author of the Year by the readers of Divine Magazine for Drama Queen, the first Nicky and Noah mystery novel. He is also the author of the remaining Nicky and Noah mysteries: Drama Muscle, Drama Cruise, Drama Luau, Drama Detective, Drama Fraternity, Drama Castle, Drama Dance, Drama Faerie, Drama Runway, Drama Christmas, Drama Pan, Drama TV, Drama Oz, Drama Prince, Drama Merry, Drama Daddy, Drama King; the Player Piano Mysteries: The Player and The Player’s Encore; the Jana Lane Mysteries: Paper Doll, Porcelain Doll, Satin Doll, China Doll, Rag Doll; the Cozzi Cove series: Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back, Moving Forward, Stepping Out, New Beginnings, Happy Endings; the In My Heart Anthology: An Infatuation & A Shooting Star; the Tales from Fairyland Anthology: The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland and Holiday Tales from Fairyland; the Bobby and Paolo Holiday Stories Anthology: A Home for the Holidays, The Perfect Gift, The First Noel; and the Found At Last Anthology: Finding Giorgio and Finding Armando. His books have won numerous Book of the Month awards and Rainbow Award Honorable Mentions. As an actor, Joe appeared in principal roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Jason Robards, and Holland Taylor. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Goddard College, Master’s degree from SUNY New Paltz, and is currently a happily married emeritus college theatre professor residing in New York State.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
June 16, 2015
My rating keeps disappearing off this...whaaaat!
Oh. My. God.
I cannot stop laughing.
Drama Queen is Hardy Boys-meets-Murder She Wrote-meets-Midsummer Murders, with a side of parodic, farcical, satire.
Colonel Cumharder did it in the boudoir with the oversized dildo...
Who-dunits don't come more whodunnity than this. It really was a delightful read that had me laughing out loud despite being (quick, ready those violins) poorly. With an MC who has a nine inch cock (and only a little aspiration to be a porn star), to an old fart called Wally Wanker, this story is the perfect mixture of humour and mystery. It's nice to read a story that doesn't take itself too seriously, that has both an overt and covert humour to it.
Being part of the drama department at this school is akin to living in Midsummer - the chances of making it out alive buy the end of the book (programme) are limited. And if you have a secret, some skeleton hidden in the back of the closet (well you're not in there, so something needs to be and clothes are so mundane) then you'd better be prepared for that skeleton to end up centre stage dancing to its own tune.
(And then prepare yourself for a likely imminent death). Nobody was beyond suspicion. I think I suspected every character in the book (though hands up, detective material I am not) and I was second guessing myself constantly.
Let's not forget the sex. Sex makes the world go round, or at least the theatre tick! Who was sexin' who - past, present or even in the future, was almost as much of a whodunit as the mystery. Or maybe more of a whodunthem. Of course, Nicky and Noah stole my heart. Every farce needs a romance that is sweet. Every amateur sleuth needs a willing partner. Willing to be the Holmes to his Sherlock that is... Willing to don a moustache and greasepaint and play the sidekick. Also willing to give soppy old romantics like me a falling in lurve storyline. Perfect.
If you like something a bit different. If you need a laugh. If sometimes, just sometimes, you think life takes itself too seriously, then this could be the book for you! Thanks Joe Cosentino for cheering up my Monday!
Previously reviewed at BMBR.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
Oh. My. God.
I cannot stop laughing.
Drama Queen is Hardy Boys-meets-Murder She Wrote-meets-Midsummer Murders, with a side of parodic, farcical, satire.
Colonel Cumharder did it in the boudoir with the oversized dildo...
Who-dunits don't come more whodunnity than this. It really was a delightful read that had me laughing out loud despite being (quick, ready those violins) poorly. With an MC who has a nine inch cock (and only a little aspiration to be a porn star), to an old fart called Wally Wanker, this story is the perfect mixture of humour and mystery. It's nice to read a story that doesn't take itself too seriously, that has both an overt and covert humour to it.
Being part of the drama department at this school is akin to living in Midsummer - the chances of making it out alive buy the end of the book (programme) are limited. And if you have a secret, some skeleton hidden in the back of the closet (well you're not in there, so something needs to be and clothes are so mundane) then you'd better be prepared for that skeleton to end up centre stage dancing to its own tune.
(And then prepare yourself for a likely imminent death). Nobody was beyond suspicion. I think I suspected every character in the book (though hands up, detective material I am not) and I was second guessing myself constantly.
Let's not forget the sex. Sex makes the world go round, or at least the theatre tick! Who was sexin' who - past, present or even in the future, was almost as much of a whodunit as the mystery. Or maybe more of a whodunthem. Of course, Nicky and Noah stole my heart. Every farce needs a romance that is sweet. Every amateur sleuth needs a willing partner. Willing to be the Holmes to his Sherlock that is... Willing to don a moustache and greasepaint and play the sidekick. Also willing to give soppy old romantics like me a falling in lurve storyline. Perfect.
If you like something a bit different. If you need a laugh. If sometimes, just sometimes, you think life takes itself too seriously, then this could be the book for you! Thanks Joe Cosentino for cheering up my Monday!
Previously reviewed at BMBR.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2015
Simple fact. I'm not much of a fan of the murder mystery, whodunit genre. I never have been.
Although this book was very well written and edited, as with every other mystery that I've ever read, I honestly never truly cared who the killer happened to be.
Even when watching murder mystery movies, which take significantly less time and concentration than reading, my level of interest tends to wane very quickly. Which is 100% on me and not the fault of the story.
With that being said, I know that murder mysteries must have a lengthy list of characters in order to accommodate sufficient murder victims and murder suspects.
However, when I saw the twenty-four names on the Cast of Characters list, I was still a bit overwhelmed. That is a LOT of people to have thrown at you to remember particulars about, so I had to keep notes as to who was who.
I'm not a fan of that much busyness and distraction floating around in my reads. Or my head. I'm blond. 'Nuff said. ;- )
Plus, being mainly relationship-focused, the small amount of flirting before Nicky and Noah get together, combined with the skimmed-over sex scenes (i.e., we kissed some, I penetrated him and then we made nut-free buckwheat pancakes ) didn't really hold my attention very well, either. I actually found the food descriptions more enticing than the abbreviated sex scenes themselves. : (
But the murder mystery itself was not easily figured out, as I only determined the murder when I was told, so the book did its job in shrouding the identity.
So if you're a fan of whodunit's, this would probably be a good book for you; unfortunately, I'm not a fan of the genre in general, so the mystery theme wasn't particularly for me.
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My copy of the book was provided by the publisher for a fair, unbiased review.
July 2, 2015
As a huge fan of the murder/ mystery detective genre I looked forward to reading Joe Cosentino’s novel. The best works in this genre always feature unusual, unique or idiosyncratic protagonists and with acting professor Nicky Abbondanza and assistant professor Noah Oliver, two gay academics, the author manages just this. They may not be trained detectives but they have the smarts and also the acting skills to step in when the authorities are at a loss to find who is killing off their peers and in the best tradition of Sherlock Holmes assume disguises to carry out their investigation.
There is a great deal of light heartedness and level of humour in the novel and in some ways I was reminded of the 80’s series Heart to Heart, it has that type of feel with Nicky and Noah as updated versions of the eponymous couple of the early eighties series. In fact the novel would transfer perfectly into a TV pilot movie.
I’m not usually overly fond of first person narratives but I have to say Cosentino’s carries if off perfectly with Nicky as the narrative viewpoint, something which brings with it a character depth and psychological insight that elevates the novel.
One aspect that greatly impressed me about work however was the dialogue which comes across as completely authentic yet also condensed, something one finds more often in well written screenplays (script writing being something I’ve always been very interested in) rather than prose works. I was therefore not overly surprised to find that amongst his many other accomplishments Cosentino is also a playwright.
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable who-done-it and one which although treading a familiar path is also distinctly unique. Full credit to the author for coming up with something fresh, engaging and so well crafted that I believe the Nicky and Noah series could run and run and never grow stale.
There is a great deal of light heartedness and level of humour in the novel and in some ways I was reminded of the 80’s series Heart to Heart, it has that type of feel with Nicky and Noah as updated versions of the eponymous couple of the early eighties series. In fact the novel would transfer perfectly into a TV pilot movie.
I’m not usually overly fond of first person narratives but I have to say Cosentino’s carries if off perfectly with Nicky as the narrative viewpoint, something which brings with it a character depth and psychological insight that elevates the novel.
One aspect that greatly impressed me about work however was the dialogue which comes across as completely authentic yet also condensed, something one finds more often in well written screenplays (script writing being something I’ve always been very interested in) rather than prose works. I was therefore not overly surprised to find that amongst his many other accomplishments Cosentino is also a playwright.
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable who-done-it and one which although treading a familiar path is also distinctly unique. Full credit to the author for coming up with something fresh, engaging and so well crafted that I believe the Nicky and Noah series could run and run and never grow stale.
June 8, 2016
I enjoy amateur sleuth stories but this one felt more like a game of Cluedo and never engaged my sympathies. The main character and his friends are acting and teaching drama students, and surround themselves with people constantly. Most pages have a dozen different names on them, as even if the room is not crowded those present are talking about several other people. Most scenes take place indoors and there isn't a real attempt to evoke a local atmosphere. Murders are stumbled upon as the snappy last line to a chapter. So no atmosphere or emotion at all then.
I'm happy to read stories about gay people, but this one seems over the top for a general readership. The protagonist tells us at the start that he's gay, which is fine, and then proceeds to immodestly describe his plumbing equipment. Would a female sleuth be similarly direct? Last thing that would cross her mind, because it just isn't relevant. We later get what must be a male gay fantasy, in which the MC is relieving himself when a cop enters the bathroom, compliments him on his size - I believe men don't talk or look in public bathrooms - declares that he is married but it's an open marriage and kisses the MC, who is in a relationship. Okay, I guess that's two fantasies in one.
So not for me but if somebody likes a behind the scenes scenario or is prepared to read a sliding puzzle mystery they might give it a higher rating. Issues like tenure as a professor of technical theatre might also interest lecturers. I am sure a lot of effort went in to creating a varied cast of characters (there is a helpful cast list at the start) and working out where everyone was at various times.
I was sent an ARC for an unbiased review.
I'm happy to read stories about gay people, but this one seems over the top for a general readership. The protagonist tells us at the start that he's gay, which is fine, and then proceeds to immodestly describe his plumbing equipment. Would a female sleuth be similarly direct? Last thing that would cross her mind, because it just isn't relevant. We later get what must be a male gay fantasy, in which the MC is relieving himself when a cop enters the bathroom, compliments him on his size - I believe men don't talk or look in public bathrooms - declares that he is married but it's an open marriage and kisses the MC, who is in a relationship. Okay, I guess that's two fantasies in one.
So not for me but if somebody likes a behind the scenes scenario or is prepared to read a sliding puzzle mystery they might give it a higher rating. Issues like tenure as a professor of technical theatre might also interest lecturers. I am sure a lot of effort went in to creating a varied cast of characters (there is a helpful cast list at the start) and working out where everyone was at various times.
I was sent an ARC for an unbiased review.
August 3, 2015
Full review can be found at -
This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 9, 2015
The two characters stumble and bumble their way through the mystery. You are kept guessing as to “who done it”. The sex is hot, but not the focus of this story. I feel it is there to further the relationship between the two main characters and it does do that. FUll REVIEW: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
July 6, 2015
A fun romp in the tradition of cozy mysteries, with an appropriately arch twist. Joe Cosentino keeps it light, fast and well suited to fans of the genre. This puts the series off to a good start and I don't doubt readers will be waiting to see what's up next for Nicky and Noah.
September 9, 2017
Cosentino does it every time!
Cosentino consistently delivers a great read, or listen, in all his books.
With a mix of mystery, romance, and humor Drama Queen kept me up much too late and fully entertained.
Thanks, Joe!
Cosentino consistently delivers a great read, or listen, in all his books.
With a mix of mystery, romance, and humor Drama Queen kept me up much too late and fully entertained.
Thanks, Joe!
December 30, 2015
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. 8/10 pots of gold. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
The narrator:
I found the narration to be pretty good. Michael Gilboe uses different tones and accents to differentiate between the characters well. I’d definitely listen to him again.
The story:
Drama Queen is quite unlike any mystery I’ve read or listened to so far. It starts with the main characters. Noah and Nicky are professors in the drama department of a university. Both have zero experience in police work or investigations. It seems odd when the head of the drama department asks them to look into things involving the murder of a fellow professor. Now I’ve read a lot of stories where one mc took on sleuthing with no experience but usually a detective or police officer paired up with them to make sure any discoveries were handled properly. But I found that Nicky and Noah actually did a pretty good job asking the appropriate questions and cataloging information to make good educated guesses.
The cast of characters is very large in this book. Most of it involves the drama department, teachers and students alike, but also a few film students and professors in other departments add to the ever growing list of dead bodies and murder suspects. As the number of victims increases, the play that Nicky and Noah are working on is put on hiatus and the drama department shut down. It does add to the incentive that the two men find out who is taking out the faculty members but I was a little surprised that the school didn’t shut down altogether.
I found the mystery aspect of the story to be well written. In most mystery books I’ve read, I’d say that 75% of the time I can deduce the killer before the investigators do. However in this book I was taken by surprise and no idea who it was until it was plainly revealed. I have to say the suspect list was high and the motives were numerous, but it stumped me, and I appreciate that the killer was not necessarily the most obvious suspect.
The way the story was told was a little different than most mysteries or m/m romances. It seemed to me that the narrative point of view played towards the reader. There were little jokes almost sent off like punch lines with a wink and a nudge. Most of the book was pretty funny, but sometimes I found that the humor was an obvious jab instead of a joke. Of course the only priest in the book at a funeral was checking out the altar boys, and the graduate student/teachers assistant was trying to sleep his way into a higher position.
Despite the few jokes that were a miss for me, I did enjoy the story. The narration was good, the mystery left me guessing, and I would definitely recommend it. I look forward to reading the next Nicky and Noah mystery for sure.
The narrator:
I found the narration to be pretty good. Michael Gilboe uses different tones and accents to differentiate between the characters well. I’d definitely listen to him again.
The story:
Drama Queen is quite unlike any mystery I’ve read or listened to so far. It starts with the main characters. Noah and Nicky are professors in the drama department of a university. Both have zero experience in police work or investigations. It seems odd when the head of the drama department asks them to look into things involving the murder of a fellow professor. Now I’ve read a lot of stories where one mc took on sleuthing with no experience but usually a detective or police officer paired up with them to make sure any discoveries were handled properly. But I found that Nicky and Noah actually did a pretty good job asking the appropriate questions and cataloging information to make good educated guesses.
The cast of characters is very large in this book. Most of it involves the drama department, teachers and students alike, but also a few film students and professors in other departments add to the ever growing list of dead bodies and murder suspects. As the number of victims increases, the play that Nicky and Noah are working on is put on hiatus and the drama department shut down. It does add to the incentive that the two men find out who is taking out the faculty members but I was a little surprised that the school didn’t shut down altogether.
I found the mystery aspect of the story to be well written. In most mystery books I’ve read, I’d say that 75% of the time I can deduce the killer before the investigators do. However in this book I was taken by surprise and no idea who it was until it was plainly revealed. I have to say the suspect list was high and the motives were numerous, but it stumped me, and I appreciate that the killer was not necessarily the most obvious suspect.
The way the story was told was a little different than most mysteries or m/m romances. It seemed to me that the narrative point of view played towards the reader. There were little jokes almost sent off like punch lines with a wink and a nudge. Most of the book was pretty funny, but sometimes I found that the humor was an obvious jab instead of a joke. Of course the only priest in the book at a funeral was checking out the altar boys, and the graduate student/teachers assistant was trying to sleep his way into a higher position.
Despite the few jokes that were a miss for me, I did enjoy the story. The narration was good, the mystery left me guessing, and I would definitely recommend it. I look forward to reading the next Nicky and Noah mystery for sure.
June 14, 2015
Original Blog Post:
Review Request & Excerpt: Drama Queen: A Nicky and Noah Mystery by Guest Bloggerpoppa Joe Cosentino
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
I do so love mysteries and especially if it has an MM twist. Joe Cosentino has just dropped Drama Queen which features two college theater professors who found themselves in the middle of a murder mystery. This is a who-dun-it a la Agatha Christie but where that woman wrote seriously, this one is quite the snorting laughter type.
Nicky Abbondanza, Professor of Play Directing, has a play production in rehearsal when the whole mystery unfolds. His star actor is acting stranger (well for him) than usual and with him are three hangers-on who absolutely lose themselves under his gaze. Then there is that Professor of Theatre Management/Theatre he barely tolerates who cannot seem to find it in himself to be civil to Nicky. The Professor of Acting is catching his eye and heart while one student is distracting him with multiples of 'uhm' inserted into his grammar. In short, Nicky is distracted and heartbroken. The object of his desire, Noah Oliver (the distracting professor who caught his eye), may just be in a relationship with a student.
Then one professor falls dead. The four students seem to be involved in a secret Nicky cannot discover the answer to, and Noah is looking at him with lust in his eyes. Just as things get a little bit more interesting, another professor falls dead. Noah turns to him for comfort after finding out he is the main suspect to the deaths. Just as they combine forces and saliva, a third professor falls dead and the four students are discovered to be involved in some lurid activity. Nicky's head is just about to explode and Noah is giving him the comfort he had always dreamed of. In the meantime, police detectives are not doing their jobs but one is complicating Nicky's life with his innuendos.
All the time this is going on, we read Nicky's actions and his thoughts, private ones, of things going on around him and without. He pragmatically says one thing but thinks in a drama queen sort of way making us realize that Nicky is just like us. Human.
The tangled weave of murder mystery and other mysteries comes to a startling conclusion that is both satisfying and mind boggling. This is a true comedic and satirical tale set in a fictional college that had been founded by two gay men. Oh, if this college were truly existing today, I wonder how the Republicans would condemn it.
Really enjoyable and light hearted read. Not a cozy mystery per se, but it is. Romantic? Just a bit.
Queenie? Fantabulously!
Review Request & Excerpt: Drama Queen: A Nicky and Noah Mystery by Guest Bloggerpoppa Joe Cosentino
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
I do so love mysteries and especially if it has an MM twist. Joe Cosentino has just dropped Drama Queen which features two college theater professors who found themselves in the middle of a murder mystery. This is a who-dun-it a la Agatha Christie but where that woman wrote seriously, this one is quite the snorting laughter type.
Nicky Abbondanza, Professor of Play Directing, has a play production in rehearsal when the whole mystery unfolds. His star actor is acting stranger (well for him) than usual and with him are three hangers-on who absolutely lose themselves under his gaze. Then there is that Professor of Theatre Management/Theatre he barely tolerates who cannot seem to find it in himself to be civil to Nicky. The Professor of Acting is catching his eye and heart while one student is distracting him with multiples of 'uhm' inserted into his grammar. In short, Nicky is distracted and heartbroken. The object of his desire, Noah Oliver (the distracting professor who caught his eye), may just be in a relationship with a student.
Then one professor falls dead. The four students seem to be involved in a secret Nicky cannot discover the answer to, and Noah is looking at him with lust in his eyes. Just as things get a little bit more interesting, another professor falls dead. Noah turns to him for comfort after finding out he is the main suspect to the deaths. Just as they combine forces and saliva, a third professor falls dead and the four students are discovered to be involved in some lurid activity. Nicky's head is just about to explode and Noah is giving him the comfort he had always dreamed of. In the meantime, police detectives are not doing their jobs but one is complicating Nicky's life with his innuendos.
All the time this is going on, we read Nicky's actions and his thoughts, private ones, of things going on around him and without. He pragmatically says one thing but thinks in a drama queen sort of way making us realize that Nicky is just like us. Human.
The tangled weave of murder mystery and other mysteries comes to a startling conclusion that is both satisfying and mind boggling. This is a true comedic and satirical tale set in a fictional college that had been founded by two gay men. Oh, if this college were truly existing today, I wonder how the Republicans would condemn it.
Really enjoyable and light hearted read. Not a cozy mystery per se, but it is. Romantic? Just a bit.
Queenie? Fantabulously!
August 6, 2015
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was between 3.5 and 4 stars for me.
Nicky is a college professor of Theater at Treemeadow College. He's helping to direct the term play when the bodies begin to drop. Professors are stabbed and poisoned, and the police are stymied, so Nicky teams up with the prime suspect, fellow prof Noah, whose application for tenure had been bashed by at least two of the dead...
I liked the spins this book took, with lots of blind alleys and wrong turns, but I had trouble with the pacing. It seemed like the story was on fast-forward, which left me little time to absorb the humor--or revel in the romance.
Nicky and Noah have desired each other, but Nicky doesn't want to compromise Noah's tenure...until two profs are dead--then it's full steam ahead. Why? I wondered. The cast of the book is eclectic and fun, with spirited antics though I felt the characters were sometimes caricatures, and I had some trouble with the trivialized treatment of mental illness in the story.
When it comes to a mystery, I want a story that unfurls revealing breadcrumbs. In Nicky and Noah's investigations, I felt like the interviews with suspects were too coy, too revealing. A large portion of the narrative relies on eavesdropping and spy-witness, which was less effective as a plot device, due to the giant coincidences, for me.
Truth be told, the murdered profs were generally scoundrels who were rather nasty. I didn't miss them. But I needed more of Nicky and Noah, and their fledgling relationship, to keep me interested. At times I felt like the story was a bit farcical, almost like watching the old movies CLUE or UNDER THE RAINBOW from when I was a kid, so I had a little nostalgia factor growing, but the pacing and coincidence threw me off.
It's a pretty quick read, with a teeny bit of sexytimes, and has a wry humor that I wanted to appreciate more.
This was between 3.5 and 4 stars for me.
Nicky is a college professor of Theater at Treemeadow College. He's helping to direct the term play when the bodies begin to drop. Professors are stabbed and poisoned, and the police are stymied, so Nicky teams up with the prime suspect, fellow prof Noah, whose application for tenure had been bashed by at least two of the dead...
I liked the spins this book took, with lots of blind alleys and wrong turns, but I had trouble with the pacing. It seemed like the story was on fast-forward, which left me little time to absorb the humor--or revel in the romance.
Nicky and Noah have desired each other, but Nicky doesn't want to compromise Noah's tenure...until two profs are dead--then it's full steam ahead. Why? I wondered. The cast of the book is eclectic and fun, with spirited antics though I felt the characters were sometimes caricatures, and I had some trouble with the trivialized treatment of mental illness in the story.
When it comes to a mystery, I want a story that unfurls revealing breadcrumbs. In Nicky and Noah's investigations, I felt like the interviews with suspects were too coy, too revealing. A large portion of the narrative relies on eavesdropping and spy-witness, which was less effective as a plot device, due to the giant coincidences, for me.
Truth be told, the murdered profs were generally scoundrels who were rather nasty. I didn't miss them. But I needed more of Nicky and Noah, and their fledgling relationship, to keep me interested. At times I felt like the story was a bit farcical, almost like watching the old movies CLUE or UNDER THE RAINBOW from when I was a kid, so I had a little nostalgia factor growing, but the pacing and coincidence threw me off.
It's a pretty quick read, with a teeny bit of sexytimes, and has a wry humor that I wanted to appreciate more.
July 3, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. Nicky has been harboring a crush on assistant professor Noah Oliver since they met, but never acts upon it because Noah always has some graduate assistant hanging around suggesting he may, or may not, already be in a relationship. When Noah is up for tenure, the professors opposing his tenure begin dropping like flies. When the police hit a brick wall in trying to solve this case, they call upon Nicky and Noah to use their drama skills to find a killer.
This book is told from Nicky’s point of view, meaning we are privy to his private thoughts, which are quite humorous considering many of these thoughts initially focus on his giant penis and his crush on Noah. As the murder victims start piling up, Nicky thinks of himself as a “Sherlock Holmes” as he tries to unravel the mystery.
For me, this book was a hit because it combined a bit of mystery with some romance and a heavy scoop of drama. The mystery took me on a journey with plenty of twists and turns and left me questioning who the murderer was. The romance portion was cute and sexy all rolled into one. While Nicky and Noah eventually end up in bed together, the scenes fit the story’s pace and are glossed over. As for the drama, this book has drama on every page, and for those of us who appreciate the theater, there is plenty of behind the scenes happenings!
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. Nicky has been harboring a crush on assistant professor Noah Oliver since they met, but never acts upon it because Noah always has some graduate assistant hanging around suggesting he may, or may not, already be in a relationship. When Noah is up for tenure, the professors opposing his tenure begin dropping like flies. When the police hit a brick wall in trying to solve this case, they call upon Nicky and Noah to use their drama skills to find a killer.
This book is told from Nicky’s point of view, meaning we are privy to his private thoughts, which are quite humorous considering many of these thoughts initially focus on his giant penis and his crush on Noah. As the murder victims start piling up, Nicky thinks of himself as a “Sherlock Holmes” as he tries to unravel the mystery.
For me, this book was a hit because it combined a bit of mystery with some romance and a heavy scoop of drama. The mystery took me on a journey with plenty of twists and turns and left me questioning who the murderer was. The romance portion was cute and sexy all rolled into one. While Nicky and Noah eventually end up in bed together, the scenes fit the story’s pace and are glossed over. As for the drama, this book has drama on every page, and for those of us who appreciate the theater, there is plenty of behind the scenes happenings!
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
September 12, 2015
This is a wonderful mystery set at a small liberal arts college in Vermont. Tremeadow College was founded by a gay couple and still draws a lot of gay and lesbian students, staff and faculty. I did not know that when I agreed to listed to review this book. It was a pleasant surprise, mainly because most of the books I have read that feature gay characters always seem to feature graphic descriptions of sex.
I really hate that in a book whether it be a gay or straight couple. I know how it works. Been there, done that. I don't need to read about it books that I am reading for entertainment. Happily, Joe Cosentino did not go there. The most graphic this book gets is a shared kiss between Nicky and Noah from time to time.
Cosentino does a wonderful job of writing a mystery that keeps the reader guessing right up until the end. I never did guess the killer, and I kept making guesses. I loved this story and want to listen to more like it. The characters are well developed and very believable. There is no need for suspension of disbelief.
This book got some major grins from me as Nicky and Noah go about trying to prove Noah's innocence.
I have never listened to a book narrated by Michael Gilboe. He was very believable as a crime solving college professor. Most of his voices are very good. Only two that I didn't really care for. I didn't find them believable at all. I only gave him 3 stars because of the two voices.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
I really hate that in a book whether it be a gay or straight couple. I know how it works. Been there, done that. I don't need to read about it books that I am reading for entertainment. Happily, Joe Cosentino did not go there. The most graphic this book gets is a shared kiss between Nicky and Noah from time to time.
Cosentino does a wonderful job of writing a mystery that keeps the reader guessing right up until the end. I never did guess the killer, and I kept making guesses. I loved this story and want to listen to more like it. The characters are well developed and very believable. There is no need for suspension of disbelief.
This book got some major grins from me as Nicky and Noah go about trying to prove Noah's innocence.
I have never listened to a book narrated by Michael Gilboe. He was very believable as a crime solving college professor. Most of his voices are very good. Only two that I didn't really care for. I didn't find them believable at all. I only gave him 3 stars because of the two voices.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
July 21, 2015
Joe Cosentino did a great job in this suspenseful, murderous, romantic comedy that will keep you guessing and surprised at the same time. Nick Abbondanza, PHD, and Professor in the Theater Department is the Director of the play the College is producing, and along with his partner, Noah, are the driving force within the book. The characters are well developed and all become an integral part of the plot of the story. Very much like a Agatha Christie book, murders start happening with the first being David, the technical and theater design director. Everyone hated him except his girlfriends, current and ex's, The murders continued to occur up to 5, and they all seemed to be related to the first. The Department Head asks Nicky and Noah to do their own investigating along with the police detective. It's a fast moving, who done it, suspenseful book, that has a comedy feel with a bit of romance between the characters. If you want a MM read with murder, suspense, comedy, and a very enjoyable read, you will enjoy this one. Joe continues to amaze with his talents in his writing. Murder and Love in the Theater Department
December 12, 2015
Joe Cosentino has brilliantly done it again! His latest novel, Drama Queen, is the most fascinating mystery of all time. Readers will find many similarities of this action packed mystery to others that have won everyone's attention.
For those who enjoy Franie Fisher Mysteries, Nancy Drew, and the Hardy Boys, than this is the perfect read for you. I loved the laugh out loud moments and the crazy fast-paced plot. Readers will instantly be drawn into Joe Cosentino's stunning mystery.
The characaters are perfect! Yes, they are gay but they will win over your hearts as you read on. A male assistant professor and a male graduate student set out on sleuth that will intrigue and keep readers in suspense. After they meet, bad things are happening. Whose behind it all and what will happen along the way, is indeed one exciting adventure readers must read to find out. I definitely enjoyed reading Drama Queen by Joe Cosentinoe. His words will keep readers coming back for more. Overall, I recommend this novel to readers worldwide and look forward to reading the next adventure by this talented writer.
For those who enjoy Franie Fisher Mysteries, Nancy Drew, and the Hardy Boys, than this is the perfect read for you. I loved the laugh out loud moments and the crazy fast-paced plot. Readers will instantly be drawn into Joe Cosentino's stunning mystery.
The characaters are perfect! Yes, they are gay but they will win over your hearts as you read on. A male assistant professor and a male graduate student set out on sleuth that will intrigue and keep readers in suspense. After they meet, bad things are happening. Whose behind it all and what will happen along the way, is indeed one exciting adventure readers must read to find out. I definitely enjoyed reading Drama Queen by Joe Cosentinoe. His words will keep readers coming back for more. Overall, I recommend this novel to readers worldwide and look forward to reading the next adventure by this talented writer.
July 21, 2015
After reading 'Paper Doll' another novel by Joe Cosentino, I just had to get my hands on 'Drama Queen'. The story is narrated well from Nicky, whom is one of the main characters in this whodunit murder mystery with a few steamy romantic moments cast into the realm for good measure.... And with a few great laugh-out-loud parts on the agenda, this novel is sure to please both the younger and older generation as it has a little bit of everything.
Being a favorite fan of Poirot and all things filled with mystery and suspense that keeps you dumb-founded until the very end, this certainly has my vote. as I was pleasantly pulled into the drama of it all.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It was a great read and I enjoyed it all the way through. It had me from the beginning and I was not able to put this book down until it was finished. So needless to say I finished this book in a few short days. And justice was served at the end of the book which just made the book all the better. Hats off to the author for a fantastic read and I hope to see more books from him.
Being a favorite fan of Poirot and all things filled with mystery and suspense that keeps you dumb-founded until the very end, this certainly has my vote. as I was pleasantly pulled into the drama of it all.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It was a great read and I enjoyed it all the way through. It had me from the beginning and I was not able to put this book down until it was finished. So needless to say I finished this book in a few short days. And justice was served at the end of the book which just made the book all the better. Hats off to the author for a fantastic read and I hope to see more books from him.
February 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this, I've been wanting to read this for a while but thought $6.99 for the digital copy was more than I wanted to spend for an author I hadn't read before but I'm glad I finally did it. I like how unique the book is I've never read something like it, it reads like a satire, mystery and stage play all at once but in a really enjoyable way. I thought I would be overwhelmed by the number of characters in it when I first read the character list but all the characters are so memorable that I've actually never had an easier time remembering characters names before. The plot itself was actually much more developed than I thought it would be, because the book was sort of silly and playful I thought the mystery would suffer and be underdeveloped but it really wasn't and told an awesome story. This was a great read I completed while stuck in the house and it was such an awesome ride I will definitely be reading the sequel to spend more time with this cooky cast.
June 28, 2015
What a fun book! Joe Cosentino sees the world through a fun house mirror, pushing the edge of reality, yet still creating characters with a real emotional core, and writing a mystery plotline that will keep you guessing till the end.
Taking place in the Theatre Department of a small New England college, with diverse and colorful personalities of faculty and students, this book keeps moving at a fast pace. The writing is clever, succinct, absorbing, and full of surprises. Nicky and Noah find their colleagues keeling over dead one by one, and need to find who done it before one of them becomes the next victim. We find out lots of secrets in addition to who is the murderer.
I found myself rooting for Nicky & Noah’s budding romance, intrigued with trying to solve the mystery, and laughing out loud at the antics in this book. I can’t wait to read the next Nicky & Noah adventure.
Taking place in the Theatre Department of a small New England college, with diverse and colorful personalities of faculty and students, this book keeps moving at a fast pace. The writing is clever, succinct, absorbing, and full of surprises. Nicky and Noah find their colleagues keeling over dead one by one, and need to find who done it before one of them becomes the next victim. We find out lots of secrets in addition to who is the murderer.
I found myself rooting for Nicky & Noah’s budding romance, intrigued with trying to solve the mystery, and laughing out loud at the antics in this book. I can’t wait to read the next Nicky & Noah adventure.
July 14, 2015
A delightfully witty mystery romp behind the scenes of a New England college theater department. Drama Queen had me laughing out loud especially at Cosentino's often biting metaphorical insults. He described the once pretty, now aging voice and diction professor as resembling a "hound dog in a concentration camp!"
As a huge fan of Agatha Christie's Poirot and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series I enjoyed the twist and turns of this who-done-it set against the backdrop of s rather DRAMATIC Drama Dept!
But I was surprised to find that Drama Queen also had serious aspects that I enjoyed. It was delightful to see such a diverse cast of characters and that while often tongue in check, the novel also contained a serious message about the nature of discrimination stemming from the subversion of religion.
As a huge fan of Agatha Christie's Poirot and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series I enjoyed the twist and turns of this who-done-it set against the backdrop of s rather DRAMATIC Drama Dept!
But I was surprised to find that Drama Queen also had serious aspects that I enjoyed. It was delightful to see such a diverse cast of characters and that while often tongue in check, the novel also contained a serious message about the nature of discrimination stemming from the subversion of religion.
December 2, 2015
I loved An Infatuation and so when I saw the author had released a new book I gad to read that also. I wasn't disappointed.
Although the story revolves around our two lead MCs playing Sherlock and Watson to solve a series of murders on a small New England college campus, there were many moments where I found myself chuckling at their antics and some of the asides to both other characters and us, the readers.
I dont know why but I also found myself thinking of the film 10 Little Indians whilst reading.
A great cast of secondary characters as well as likeable main MCs made this another great read.
Although the story revolves around our two lead MCs playing Sherlock and Watson to solve a series of murders on a small New England college campus, there were many moments where I found myself chuckling at their antics and some of the asides to both other characters and us, the readers.
I dont know why but I also found myself thinking of the film 10 Little Indians whilst reading.
A great cast of secondary characters as well as likeable main MCs made this another great read.
July 25, 2015
Joe Cosentino embraces murder in the lighthearted vein of a Noel Coward comedy. Ranging from the mildly bawdy to the outright ribald, there’s equal parts mystery and humor in this excellent and clever novel. As a fan of Hollywood’s Golden Era, I found plenty of echoes of Nick and Nora Charles here from the Thin Man films of the 1930s. That brand of elegant humor has been notably absent from our entertainment landscape for far too long. I applaud Cosentino’s ability to invoke that style in this day and age. It would be a crime to spoil any part of the Drama Queen plot with too many overt observations, but there is nothing here that is contrived or trite. If you want a refreshing taste of sophisticated humor in a classical murder package, I highly recommend Drama Queen.
June 7, 2015
Many evenings my father and I would watch shows like Murder She Wrote, Matlock, Father Dowling Mysteries, and Perry mason. Always wrapping ourselves up in the whodunit! I was excited to read Drama Queen because Joe Cosentino is a wonderful writer but I was SO thrilled when I saw it was a mystery. I read like a detective, trying to grab all the clues all the while keeping up with the characters, their personalities, and their own personal story. A lot was going on. It's not often we find good mysteries anymore. Drama Queen is a great mystery if that's your cup of tea.
June 13, 2015
Drama queen was such a fun hilarious read. If you like mystery with a touch of humour you will love this. So when bodies start dropping like flies Nicky and Noah find themselves together trying to find out who is doing the murder and to prove it isn’t Noah. There are so many twists and turns, lots of innuendo and some sweet hot off page sex with Nicky and Noah. This is such a fun summer read so curl up and enjoy!
June 26, 2015
I love this book. Murder/Mystery/Love what else can you ask for. If those weren't enough comedy as well. This was a well written story that kept the pages turning and I kept guessing. For me it was a light read and something that if I left it, I always wanted to come back for more. It did remind me of Murder She Wrote or Matlock which I love. Great job can't wait for more.
January 12, 2016
A light-hearted murder mystery and gay romance peppered with innuendo and a mix of corny and amusing asides. A well-written and enjoyable read that doesn't take itself too seriously.
The audio version was an excellent production. Michael Gilboe's voice and fast-paced narration suited the tongue-in-cheek story and made each of the many characters' voices clearly distinguishable
The audio version was an excellent production. Michael Gilboe's voice and fast-paced narration suited the tongue-in-cheek story and made each of the many characters' voices clearly distinguishable
October 24, 2015
The cover on this book took me by surprised.. kind of gave me the not so sure feeling. But once I open this book, I'll be dang if this fast paced book didn't keep me reading! Another amazing book by Joe Cosentino! This one here will have you turning the pages quicker than you think you can!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
July 26, 2016
This was a really fun,funny book.A theater troupe made up of gay,lesbian,straight actors experiences a death.We play who dun nit while others get the whack.Nicky and Noah feel they can do more than the police to find out who is killing the actors.It is stereotypical and full of drama.Michael Gilboe brings it all to life with his perfect voice.
I was given this book free for an honest review.
I was given this book free for an honest review.
August 13, 2015
It was a fun read, written by my friend Joe Cosentino. Large cast of hysterical characters, I really enjoyed the lead characters. I read my fair share of gay mysteries, but Joe's books make me laugh out loud everytime.
Worth getting a copy; just sayin'.....
Worth getting a copy; just sayin'.....
January 13, 2016
One of the fumiest books l have read in a while. I had both the eBook and the audible version. The narrator made it even more funny. The mystery was very enjoyable. It kept me guessing till the very end. Glad to know there is a second part. Highly recommended.
April 26, 2016
What a great book this is!! Loved it!
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