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The Fall Guy
In 1920s New York, Pinkerton Agent John Brady is assigned to a brutal robbery/kidnapping, an open and shut case with an obvious culprit - but nothing and no one are what they seem.
Small-time crook Cesare Donati has the perfect getaway: a transatlantic cruise ship. When Brady turns up at his cabin door, Cesare knows he is out of options until they reach England.
Will London be a safe haven or a place of reckoning?
Word Count: 12911
Small-time crook Cesare Donati has the perfect getaway: a transatlantic cruise ship. When Brady turns up at his cabin door, Cesare knows he is out of options until they reach England.
Will London be a safe haven or a place of reckoning?
Word Count: 12911
32 pages, ebook
First published January 22, 2019
30 people want to read
About the author
Chris Quinton
47 books99 followersChris started creating stories not long after she mastered joined-up writing, somewhat to the bemusement of her parents and her English teachers. But she received plenty of encouragement. Her dad gave her an already old Everest typewriter when she was about ten, and it was probably the best gift she'd ever received – until the inventions of the home-computer and the worldwide web.
Chris's reading and writing interests range from historical, mystery, and paranormal, to science-fiction and fantasy, mostly in the male/male genre. She also writes male/female novels in the name of Chris Power. She refuses to be pigeon-holed and intends to uphold the long and honourable tradition of the Eccentric Brit to the best of her ability. In her spare time [hah!] she reads, embroiders, quilts and knits. In the past she has been a part-time and unpaid amateur archaeologist, and a 15th century re-enactor.
She currently lives in a small and ancient city in the south-west of the United Kingdom, sharing her usually chaotic home with an extended family, two large dogs, fancy mice, sundry goldfish and a young frilled dragon (Australian lizard) aka Trogdorina.
Chris's reading and writing interests range from historical, mystery, and paranormal, to science-fiction and fantasy, mostly in the male/male genre. She also writes male/female novels in the name of Chris Power. She refuses to be pigeon-holed and intends to uphold the long and honourable tradition of the Eccentric Brit to the best of her ability. In her spare time [hah!] she reads, embroiders, quilts and knits. In the past she has been a part-time and unpaid amateur archaeologist, and a 15th century re-enactor.
She currently lives in a small and ancient city in the south-west of the United Kingdom, sharing her usually chaotic home with an extended family, two large dogs, fancy mice, sundry goldfish and a young frilled dragon (Australian lizard) aka Trogdorina.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 7, 2019
3.5*
Perfectly pitched in tone and historical period, this short novella had exactly the right amount of tension for a narrative featuring a Pinkerton detective and a rogue.
I liked the premise, the language and the plot, I wished there'd been more actual on page intimacy between them rather than allusions and off page sexual references.
Still, I believed in their attraction and I liked the time period appropriate fears and expectations for a gay couple.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Perfectly pitched in tone and historical period, this short novella had exactly the right amount of tension for a narrative featuring a Pinkerton detective and a rogue.
I liked the premise, the language and the plot, I wished there'd been more actual on page intimacy between them rather than allusions and off page sexual references.
Still, I believed in their attraction and I liked the time period appropriate fears and expectations for a gay couple.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
February 8, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this little gem. While it was decidedly short, clocking in under 50 pages, Quinton manages to create a fully fleshed out character when it comes to John. Not only did I get his back story, but also much of his way of analyzing both a suspect and potential lovers. The short was such that I felt I had just experienced a “day in the life” moment through the eyes of the narrator—in this case, John. There was a near instant prickle of awareness that affected both Cesare and John, alerting them that they’d found someone who may well be worth the risk of falling hard and fast over despite the inherent danger of being gay in the 1920s. Their attraction was fully believable and made me so happy to see. Even though I had just met John, I wanted him to find that special guy just because he was such a nice man—one who deserved a someone special.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this little gem. While it was decidedly short, clocking in under 50 pages, Quinton manages to create a fully fleshed out character when it comes to John. Not only did I get his back story, but also much of his way of analyzing both a suspect and potential lovers. The short was such that I felt I had just experienced a “day in the life” moment through the eyes of the narrator—in this case, John. There was a near instant prickle of awareness that affected both Cesare and John, alerting them that they’d found someone who may well be worth the risk of falling hard and fast over despite the inherent danger of being gay in the 1920s. Their attraction was fully believable and made me so happy to see. Even though I had just met John, I wanted him to find that special guy just because he was such a nice man—one who deserved a someone special.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
March 12, 2019
3.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and really I was enjoying this one and would have liked more...what can I say when it comes to books I can be greedy ;)
I'm blaming it on the Pinkertons...
I have to admit I'm not really sure what possessed me to want o reviwe this sotry because it's honestly two of my least favorite things historical and short, but in spite of that it grabbed my attention and I decided that I wanted to give this one a soht and I'm really glad that I did.
As I’ve said on several other occasions, I’m not a big fan of historical stories however, that doesn’t mean that I never read or enjoy them and this one happens to be set during a time in history that has always held more interest for me than most. It’s the roaring 20s in New York, there’s John Brady, who is not only one of the MCs he’s a Pinkerton agent and I know I’m not alone when I say that the Pinkerton Agency has always held a bit of fascination for me so reading a story that has a main character who’s also a Pinkerton Agent was just too tempting to resist.
When Pinkerton Agent John Brady gets assigned to solve a robbery/kidnapping…a case that should have been open and shut quickly becomes complicated for him when he meets a small time crook Cesare Donati who is attempting to smuggle Alice a person of interest in Agent Brady’s case but what really complicates things as well as what Agent Brady learns from Cesare and Alice about his case is the attraction that John and Cesare share for each other.
I have to admit when I saw that there were less than 40 pages in this story, I sincerely questioned how the author was going to make this one work…I mean let’s be honest 32 pages means that every word has to count and overall I was impressed by the job that the author did of making each and every word work for the story. While I did get a good sense of the characters, the setting in terms of time and place I would have really loved more. Again, while the story was complete as it was, I can’t help but believe that more would have been even better, and all this is not to say that what was there wasn’t good no more to the contrary…it was good enough that it had me wanting even more.
At 3.5 stars this was a good story…actually a bit above average and given that there are fewer than 40 pages that’s not to shabby, but I can easily see that with a bit more filling out of the plot, the characters and the relationship this could have easily been a 4 or even 5 star read. I must admit I’ve only read a couple other stories by this author and each time I’ve been left both suitably impressed and wanting more…all in all not a bad thing for an author to do.
*************************
A copy of ‘The Fall Guy’ was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I'm blaming it on the Pinkertons...
I have to admit I'm not really sure what possessed me to want o reviwe this sotry because it's honestly two of my least favorite things historical and short, but in spite of that it grabbed my attention and I decided that I wanted to give this one a soht and I'm really glad that I did.
As I’ve said on several other occasions, I’m not a big fan of historical stories however, that doesn’t mean that I never read or enjoy them and this one happens to be set during a time in history that has always held more interest for me than most. It’s the roaring 20s in New York, there’s John Brady, who is not only one of the MCs he’s a Pinkerton agent and I know I’m not alone when I say that the Pinkerton Agency has always held a bit of fascination for me so reading a story that has a main character who’s also a Pinkerton Agent was just too tempting to resist.
When Pinkerton Agent John Brady gets assigned to solve a robbery/kidnapping…a case that should have been open and shut quickly becomes complicated for him when he meets a small time crook Cesare Donati who is attempting to smuggle Alice a person of interest in Agent Brady’s case but what really complicates things as well as what Agent Brady learns from Cesare and Alice about his case is the attraction that John and Cesare share for each other.
I have to admit when I saw that there were less than 40 pages in this story, I sincerely questioned how the author was going to make this one work…I mean let’s be honest 32 pages means that every word has to count and overall I was impressed by the job that the author did of making each and every word work for the story. While I did get a good sense of the characters, the setting in terms of time and place I would have really loved more. Again, while the story was complete as it was, I can’t help but believe that more would have been even better, and all this is not to say that what was there wasn’t good no more to the contrary…it was good enough that it had me wanting even more.
At 3.5 stars this was a good story…actually a bit above average and given that there are fewer than 40 pages that’s not to shabby, but I can easily see that with a bit more filling out of the plot, the characters and the relationship this could have easily been a 4 or even 5 star read. I must admit I’ve only read a couple other stories by this author and each time I’ve been left both suitably impressed and wanting more…all in all not a bad thing for an author to do.
*************************
A copy of ‘The Fall Guy’ was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2020
Fun little action adventure historical.
March 11, 2019
This book was provided for free by the author and Love Bytes in exchange for an honest review.
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
It’s hard to write a captivating mystery in so few words, but Quinton really makes it work with this story. I was completely captivated on every page. It’s a world I only wish I had more of!
John Brady, a hardworking but seemingly lonely Pinkerton, is working a case involving the disappearance of Alice, a young maid who was seemingly kidnapped and assaulted at her employer’s home. But when Brady meets the shady (and tall, dark, and handsome) Cesare Donati, he’s surprised to find out what really happened to Alice in that house. He also finds himself on a cruise to England, where he must confront the reality of his discovery and his attraction to the suave Cesare.
The length of this short story works perfectly. The plot moves steadily but never rushes, and the chemistry between the two men is apparent from the start. They somehow get a nice, slow burn within a very brief story. It’s a generally PG romance, but they still smolder.
The sudden shift between America and England was a little jarring for such a short piece. And I do wish there were more historical details. With more space, the author could really show off their skills in writing historical romances. All in all, this is a wonderfully readable little romantic mystery.
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
It’s hard to write a captivating mystery in so few words, but Quinton really makes it work with this story. I was completely captivated on every page. It’s a world I only wish I had more of!
John Brady, a hardworking but seemingly lonely Pinkerton, is working a case involving the disappearance of Alice, a young maid who was seemingly kidnapped and assaulted at her employer’s home. But when Brady meets the shady (and tall, dark, and handsome) Cesare Donati, he’s surprised to find out what really happened to Alice in that house. He also finds himself on a cruise to England, where he must confront the reality of his discovery and his attraction to the suave Cesare.
The length of this short story works perfectly. The plot moves steadily but never rushes, and the chemistry between the two men is apparent from the start. They somehow get a nice, slow burn within a very brief story. It’s a generally PG romance, but they still smolder.
The sudden shift between America and England was a little jarring for such a short piece. And I do wish there were more historical details. With more space, the author could really show off their skills in writing historical romances. All in all, this is a wonderfully readable little romantic mystery.
May 23, 2019
Chris Quinton knows how to write a short story.
It’s really hard to believe this book is listed as 32 pages because it struck me with the same impact as a novella at minimum. The author managed to build a world, introduce me to amazing characters and complete a mystery in those scant 32 pages.
John, the earnest and lonely Pinkerton detective and Cesare, the dreamy bad boy with a heart of gold are a great match. Their attraction to one another was instant but not rushed and moved forward as the mystery did. The mystery and evolution of the relationship paced well together and made the whole story flow.
Both characters had a ton of appeal in their own ways and I loved getting to know both of them. The writing showed me the men, their lives and enough of their backstories to understand their motives in everything they did. John is a stand up guy from the moment he’s introduced, he’s someone you wish you could know more of and Cesare’s questionable reputation makes him the perfect foil for John. Their differences could have led to a wealth of angst, but instead the two have a common goal in saving a young woman and honestly, only good guys do that, regardless of their history.
The language and pace read authentically for a historic tale, the balance was well done. Too much would have been campy but this was just enough to be fun to read.
Everything was wrapped up rather quickly and the bow it was tied in was a little too neat (especially considering we’re talking about two gay men in the 1920’s), but, the tidiness of it all was necessary considering the length of the story. So, while not high on the realistic side, it was still completely satisfying.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
It’s really hard to believe this book is listed as 32 pages because it struck me with the same impact as a novella at minimum. The author managed to build a world, introduce me to amazing characters and complete a mystery in those scant 32 pages.
John, the earnest and lonely Pinkerton detective and Cesare, the dreamy bad boy with a heart of gold are a great match. Their attraction to one another was instant but not rushed and moved forward as the mystery did. The mystery and evolution of the relationship paced well together and made the whole story flow.
Both characters had a ton of appeal in their own ways and I loved getting to know both of them. The writing showed me the men, their lives and enough of their backstories to understand their motives in everything they did. John is a stand up guy from the moment he’s introduced, he’s someone you wish you could know more of and Cesare’s questionable reputation makes him the perfect foil for John. Their differences could have led to a wealth of angst, but instead the two have a common goal in saving a young woman and honestly, only good guys do that, regardless of their history.
The language and pace read authentically for a historic tale, the balance was well done. Too much would have been campy but this was just enough to be fun to read.
Everything was wrapped up rather quickly and the bow it was tied in was a little too neat (especially considering we’re talking about two gay men in the 1920’s), but, the tidiness of it all was necessary considering the length of the story. So, while not high on the realistic side, it was still completely satisfying.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
January 25, 2019
This is a nice short story, with good pacing, an interesting plot line and appealing characters. I liked them enough that I'd be happy to see more of them. 3.5 stars rounded up.
March 4, 2019
What's not to love with this short novella? The Fall Guy has romance, heat, humor, mystery, attraction, and plenty of heart. With the exception of the Old West and WW1 stories, the 1920s is my favorite era when it comes to reading and Chris Quinton explores the time incredibly well with respect and loads of entertaining fun. Considering this is a novella/short story, there is quite a lot packed into so few pages and nothing is lacking or rushed. The connection between John Brady and Cesare Donati is fascinating to watch, a lovely blend of flirty attraction and growing heart.
Chris Quinton is another new author for me, there a couple of her books on my kindle but they have yet to be read and after reading The Fall Guy they will certainly move up several notches on my TBR list. The Fall Guy is a fun read with just the right amount of conflict and tension to keep you on your toes. Despite its shortness, you will definitely lose yourself in the story while riding along with John and Cesare as they try to stay one step ahead of the bad guys all while getting to know each other.
Chris Quinton is another new author for me, there a couple of her books on my kindle but they have yet to be read and after reading The Fall Guy they will certainly move up several notches on my TBR list. The Fall Guy is a fun read with just the right amount of conflict and tension to keep you on your toes. Despite its shortness, you will definitely lose yourself in the story while riding along with John and Cesare as they try to stay one step ahead of the bad guys all while getting to know each other.
January 24, 2019
For a short story, The Fall Guy delivered a lot and what's more, I thoroughly enjoyed all of it.
John Brady is a most wonderful main character. He may appear rather gruff and short at first glance, but we soon discover there’s a lot more to him than the stereo-typical cynical gumshoe and that his heart is most definitely in the right place. Cesare Donati is at least as intriguing as John, and, as John soon discovers, Cesare also amounts to a lot more than the sum of his parts. The spark between these two men is obvious from the start, even if, at that moment, neither man knows for sure whether or not the other can be trusted.
As the blurb suggests, nothing in this story is as it at first appears, and the tension in this story doesn’t so much lie in the ‘who dunnit’ but more in the ‘will our heroes be able to stay safe’. In fact, this story is probably more about how John and Cesare meet and end up as partners (in more ways than one, I’ll have you know) than about solving a mystery. However, that doesn’t mean the story is either boring or lacking tension. Reading about their time in London was a bit like waiting for the axe to fall; you know it’s going to happen, but you’re just not sure when.
I love how the author managed to highlight cultural and linguistic differences between prohibition-era New York and London in 1920, without ever stressing them or being obvious about it. And John wondering about Cockney rhyming slang just made me smile.
“Who would take a butcher’s hook at a store window?”
So, I loved the story, I loved the setting, I loved the connection between John and Cesare, and I’m over the moon that when I finished the story I was left with the impression that I’d just read the start of something. I can only hope that Chris Quinton will indeed decide to send John and Cesare on future adventures. I can’t wait to spend more time with them.
John Brady is a most wonderful main character. He may appear rather gruff and short at first glance, but we soon discover there’s a lot more to him than the stereo-typical cynical gumshoe and that his heart is most definitely in the right place. Cesare Donati is at least as intriguing as John, and, as John soon discovers, Cesare also amounts to a lot more than the sum of his parts. The spark between these two men is obvious from the start, even if, at that moment, neither man knows for sure whether or not the other can be trusted.
As the blurb suggests, nothing in this story is as it at first appears, and the tension in this story doesn’t so much lie in the ‘who dunnit’ but more in the ‘will our heroes be able to stay safe’. In fact, this story is probably more about how John and Cesare meet and end up as partners (in more ways than one, I’ll have you know) than about solving a mystery. However, that doesn’t mean the story is either boring or lacking tension. Reading about their time in London was a bit like waiting for the axe to fall; you know it’s going to happen, but you’re just not sure when.
I love how the author managed to highlight cultural and linguistic differences between prohibition-era New York and London in 1920, without ever stressing them or being obvious about it. And John wondering about Cockney rhyming slang just made me smile.
“Who would take a butcher’s hook at a store window?”
So, I loved the story, I loved the setting, I loved the connection between John and Cesare, and I’m over the moon that when I finished the story I was left with the impression that I’d just read the start of something. I can only hope that Chris Quinton will indeed decide to send John and Cesare on future adventures. I can’t wait to spend more time with them.
February 23, 2019
Trigger Warnings: suicide mention, rape mention, abuse mention, sexism
This had so many possibilities to become really good.
But the story's too grand for a novella in my eyes. I would have loved to really sink into the plot and cheer on the romance but... I couldn't.
I mostly put this due to the fact that The Fall Guy lives through telling, not showing. And if you know me, you know I want to experience everything with the characters instead of having been told how it went. That's why I couldn't become invested in the romance too. I didn't feel any romance to be honest. I need more on page intimacy - and I don't mean sex. More intimacy and more time for the characters to get to know each other and then fall in love.
Last thoughts: So... that's it? That was a sudden ending.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy through Signal Boost Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
This had so many possibilities to become really good.
But the story's too grand for a novella in my eyes. I would have loved to really sink into the plot and cheer on the romance but... I couldn't.
I mostly put this due to the fact that The Fall Guy lives through telling, not showing. And if you know me, you know I want to experience everything with the characters instead of having been told how it went. That's why I couldn't become invested in the romance too. I didn't feel any romance to be honest. I need more on page intimacy - and I don't mean sex. More intimacy and more time for the characters to get to know each other and then fall in love.
Last thoughts: So... that's it? That was a sudden ending.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy through Signal Boost Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
February 20, 2019
I received a copy of The Fall Guy by Chris Quinton via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review. I’ve always been fascinated with the 1920s and the author does a good job of capturing the era in this short story. The Pinkertons have a mystique that is upheld in the story as well. John Brady makes a good detective and Cesare Donati is an appealing small-time hood who of course are perfect for each other. It helps they have service in the Great War in common. I’d love to see the further adventures of these two likable characters!
March 8, 2019
The Fall Guy is the first story I read by Chris Quinton and although very short, I found it quite well done. I have to say I have never been a huge fan of historical titles set in the first half of the twentieth century, don’t ask me why, I don’t have an answer. Still The Fall Guy worked pretty fine.
I liked the writing style, it was easy to read. The plot was well done and delivered; sure, being so short, the plot was fast paced, but not too much. Perfectly balanced for some actions that took place in few days. Usually shorts like this one leave me unsatisfied cause I always think it missed something. Not with this story, I was so happy to see John and Cesare be aware of the attraction and so much more that had started to born between them. I loved both of them from the beginning, I felt how good persons both of them were, in different ways but with the same purpose.
I feel to recommend The Fall Guy, it was a truly joy to read it.
The cover art by Vgorbash Dreamstime.com is simple and clean, it caught my attention, I liked it.
I liked the writing style, it was easy to read. The plot was well done and delivered; sure, being so short, the plot was fast paced, but not too much. Perfectly balanced for some actions that took place in few days. Usually shorts like this one leave me unsatisfied cause I always think it missed something. Not with this story, I was so happy to see John and Cesare be aware of the attraction and so much more that had started to born between them. I loved both of them from the beginning, I felt how good persons both of them were, in different ways but with the same purpose.
I feel to recommend The Fall Guy, it was a truly joy to read it.
The cover art by Vgorbash Dreamstime.com is simple and clean, it caught my attention, I liked it.
March 3, 2019
A good short story.
Short stories can be tough to write and a lot of reviewers criticize them for being too short. ??? I don't really get that because if the author lists it as a short story well, it's supposed to be short! Duh!
Anyway, I really enjoyed The Fall Guy and thought that there was good chemistry between the two MCs (main characters). The story read like it might be the beginning of a series and if that's true I'll be waiting to read more as I liked it a lot.
Short stories can be tough to write and a lot of reviewers criticize them for being too short. ??? I don't really get that because if the author lists it as a short story well, it's supposed to be short! Duh!
Anyway, I really enjoyed The Fall Guy and thought that there was good chemistry between the two MCs (main characters). The story read like it might be the beginning of a series and if that's true I'll be waiting to read more as I liked it a lot.
February 26, 2020
Short story that evoked the era well.
Bit of New York elite thuggery, bit of a transatlantic travel, eastenders and pubs!
John and Chas - the agent and thief spark well together, the difficulties of being together are highlighted but not overly pushed and resolved as perhaps would be.
Enjoyed it
Bit of New York elite thuggery, bit of a transatlantic travel, eastenders and pubs!
John and Chas - the agent and thief spark well together, the difficulties of being together are highlighted but not overly pushed and resolved as perhaps would be.
Enjoyed it
February 24, 2019
This was short and fast paced and you still get to know the characters. Wonderfully written and a joy to read.
March 4, 2019
Really enjoyed this.
For such a short story this packs a punch. It's nicely rounded in both plot and relationship with a great sense of place and excellent pacing. On the surface these two might seem like polar opposites but turns out they have more in common than they realise.
I'm hoping this isn't the last we see of these two.
For such a short story this packs a punch. It's nicely rounded in both plot and relationship with a great sense of place and excellent pacing. On the surface these two might seem like polar opposites but turns out they have more in common than they realise.
I'm hoping this isn't the last we see of these two.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews