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Soho Noir #1
Tainted Love
SOME RELATIONSHIPS ARE JUST MURDER
It’s 1985, and Joe Stone is excited to be joining his old school friend, and lifelong crush, Chris, for a long weekend in London’s Soho—home to a vibrant, developing gay scene, and a million miles from the small town Joe and Chris grew up in.
But when Chris is brutally murdered, the police just write his death off as another rent boy, fallen foul of a bad hook up. Joe realises that his best friend was killed deliberately, and joins forces with former police detective, Russell Dixon—Chris’s flatmate—to find out why.
Spiralling debt, illicit sex, blackmail, spurned lovers and hard-nosed gangsters all play their part, but who among the celebrities, fashionistas, drag queens, ex-lovers and so-called friends is Chris’s killer?
A noirish whodunit set in 1980s London, with all the big hair, electro-pop, shoulder pads, police discrimination and lethal killers that the era had to offer.
TAINTED LOVE IS THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SOHO NOIR SERIES OF COZY CRIME NOVELLAS.
It’s 1985, and Joe Stone is excited to be joining his old school friend, and lifelong crush, Chris, for a long weekend in London’s Soho—home to a vibrant, developing gay scene, and a million miles from the small town Joe and Chris grew up in.
But when Chris is brutally murdered, the police just write his death off as another rent boy, fallen foul of a bad hook up. Joe realises that his best friend was killed deliberately, and joins forces with former police detective, Russell Dixon—Chris’s flatmate—to find out why.
Spiralling debt, illicit sex, blackmail, spurned lovers and hard-nosed gangsters all play their part, but who among the celebrities, fashionistas, drag queens, ex-lovers and so-called friends is Chris’s killer?
A noirish whodunit set in 1980s London, with all the big hair, electro-pop, shoulder pads, police discrimination and lethal killers that the era had to offer.
TAINTED LOVE IS THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SOHO NOIR SERIES OF COZY CRIME NOVELLAS.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2019
About the author
T.S. Hunter
7 books15 followers Claiming to be at least half-Welsh, T.S. Hunter lived in South Wales for much of his latter teens, moving to London as soon as confidence and finances allowed. He never looked back.
He has variously been a teacher, a cocktail waiter, a podium dancer and a removal man, but his passion for writing has been the only constant.
He's a confident and engaging speaker and guest, who is as passionate about writing and storytelling as he is about promoting mainstream LGBT fiction.
He now lives with his husband in the country, and is active on social media.
He has variously been a teacher, a cocktail waiter, a podium dancer and a removal man, but his passion for writing has been the only constant.
He's a confident and engaging speaker and guest, who is as passionate about writing and storytelling as he is about promoting mainstream LGBT fiction.
He now lives with his husband in the country, and is active on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 22, 2019
I was part of the promotional blog tour for this novella!
Tainted Love is the first book in the Soho Noir series, which is LGBT Mystery/Thriller! Set in the London district of Soho in 1985, main character Joe is out clubbing for the weekend with friends including his long-term crush Chris. The night ends in tragedy when Joe finds Chris's body covered in blood. A murder has been committed. The police don't want to fully get involved with solving the case, which leaves Joe and Russell (Chris's former flatmate and an ex-cop) to track down the killer. Many secrets about Chris's past begin to unravel as various suspects including Chris's business partner come onto the radar. It was a fast-paced read, with an array of characters, most who weren't as they seemed. The ending did feel a little rushed, however, I did enjoy the story-line as well as the 80s London setting. I'm excited to read the next book!
Tainted Love is the first book in the Soho Noir series, which is LGBT Mystery/Thriller! Set in the London district of Soho in 1985, main character Joe is out clubbing for the weekend with friends including his long-term crush Chris. The night ends in tragedy when Joe finds Chris's body covered in blood. A murder has been committed. The police don't want to fully get involved with solving the case, which leaves Joe and Russell (Chris's former flatmate and an ex-cop) to track down the killer. Many secrets about Chris's past begin to unravel as various suspects including Chris's business partner come onto the radar. It was a fast-paced read, with an array of characters, most who weren't as they seemed. The ending did feel a little rushed, however, I did enjoy the story-line as well as the 80s London setting. I'm excited to read the next book!
March 18, 2019
"Tainted Love" gives us the flavor of 1980's fashion and music in this murder / mystery set in 1985 in the Soho area of London. Joe visits his childhood friend Chris in the big city, initially awed by Chris' exciting life of establishing his fashion line, partying all night long with lovely boys, and meeting celebrities. But when Chris is brutally murdered, Joe realizes that perhaps Chris' life was just a glamorous facade.
At only 85 pages, the author does a nice job with the setting, and gives us an array of interesting characters and suspects. Could it be drag queen Patty, Chris' business partner, his landlord, the shady mobster-type, and what about the coded information Joe finds in Chris' diary? We get an interesting series of leads, clues and red herrings that move us along the way as Joe and Russell learn Chris' secrets and uncover his killer.
The plot had a few lapses here and there, but the murder/mystery held my interest and I was surprised to learn the killer's identity. There's no romance here, other than two sexual relationships briefly mentioned. The pace of the story was good, although the ending seemed a bit quick. This is apparently the first book in a series and I will definitely read more in the series. 4 stars.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
At only 85 pages, the author does a nice job with the setting, and gives us an array of interesting characters and suspects. Could it be drag queen Patty, Chris' business partner, his landlord, the shady mobster-type, and what about the coded information Joe finds in Chris' diary? We get an interesting series of leads, clues and red herrings that move us along the way as Joe and Russell learn Chris' secrets and uncover his killer.
The plot had a few lapses here and there, but the murder/mystery held my interest and I was surprised to learn the killer's identity. There's no romance here, other than two sexual relationships briefly mentioned. The pace of the story was good, although the ending seemed a bit quick. This is apparently the first book in a series and I will definitely read more in the series. 4 stars.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
August 29, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
As someone from the LGBTQ+ community who loves the programme it’s a sin, the film pride, 80s music, and murder mysteries I feel like this book was written for me. It is simultaneously heart warming and heart breaking and I can’t wait to read the following novellas to spend more time with these characters!
As someone from the LGBTQ+ community who loves the programme it’s a sin, the film pride, 80s music, and murder mysteries I feel like this book was written for me. It is simultaneously heart warming and heart breaking and I can’t wait to read the following novellas to spend more time with these characters!
December 14, 2019
A decent first offering for this author for me. I liked the 1980's setting (ah my youth ...) but the focus is more on the whodunnit and less on any romance between the MCs. I'm not a fan of novellas but I think the length for this is pitched just right.
August 4, 2019
This novella is such a delight! In such a few short pages (116 pages Goodreads tell me) so much happens and it does not deter from the enjoyment, it enhances it. Plus who could refuse such a provocative cover! 😉
Set in the 1980s where being gay is frowned upon and an unjustified reason to hit someone, we meet Joe and Chris, friends since school, on a night out at a party in a bar. From the opening scenes with Joe witnessing an argument between Chris and some burly man in a hat, you can sense things aren’t going to go well. Then he witnesses another argument between Chris and his friend “Patty” it makes you sick in your stomach to what might happen next. When the evening ends with a brutal murder and leaves you with more questions then answers you wonder what we have stumbled on.
Between Joe and Chris’ roommate Russell, an ex-copper they solve the clues to track down the killer as the police just aren’t interested. I absolutely did not have a clue to who the killer was, even when Russell had an Einstein moment I still didn’t see it.
The plot moves on at such a quick pace there is no room for preamble. It is solved within a couple of days and in that short space of time we are lead down so many different garden paths with so many different suspects! It made my head spin in delight, the book felt so real and gritty. Nothing dragged and I was eager to see where I was going, albeit shocked at times. I thought the pacing was perfect because it allowed us time to view the scene, soak up the different points of views and scenery and be completely immersed in the story and the characters.
Hunter has done something amazing here, in a few pages the characters feel developed and I bloody cared a lot at what might happen to them. We feel so many emotions with Joe and Russell, we watch them as they are trying to deal with the grief of losing their friend and at the same time so many secrets are revealed whilst on the hunt for the person who would commit some a heinous act!
I loved losing myself in Tainted Love for a short while, but not only this, Hunter painted such a vivid depiction of the time, the night clubs, the music, the clothes and most important the treatment (lack of) for the gay community. I felt like I was there, living and breathing the situation, the bar even the murder!
Whilst reading this I did have the song Tainted love bouncing around my noggin. It’s a song that holds a special place in the heart as somehow it was my mum and dads song -don’t ask, but it’s also one of my go-to songs when I am getting ready to go out! However, using it as a title for this novella is absolutely spot on! Joe has a Chris on such a pedestal at times, he can’t see the real him, and when he learns the truth, his love for Chris does become tainted, and again for most of the men in Chris’ life, I thought it was played out so well, shame some of the men didn’t listen to the lyrics a bit more closely and maybe one listened to it too much!
I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Joe and Russell in Who’s That Girl, another bloody tune (Running around with you in my head)! Hopefully, they will be solving crimes for a while longer, Russell being the ex-cop with the skills and the know-all and Joe, innocent a bit flappy with his temper but with a heart of gold. Plus be nice to see Patty aka Paul and Luc again! I am annoyed that I have left it so long to read the first book in this series, but I am a huge fan now of Hunter and his Soho Noir series. It is quirky, it is relevant and it is so heartfelt. I am way way excited about the next book!
Ok ok, enough gushing now….well until next time……..
🎙Who’s that 👩
🏃♀️ around with you?
Tell me
Who’s that 👩
🏃♀️ around with you? 🎶🎶🎶
Until next time xxx
Set in the 1980s where being gay is frowned upon and an unjustified reason to hit someone, we meet Joe and Chris, friends since school, on a night out at a party in a bar. From the opening scenes with Joe witnessing an argument between Chris and some burly man in a hat, you can sense things aren’t going to go well. Then he witnesses another argument between Chris and his friend “Patty” it makes you sick in your stomach to what might happen next. When the evening ends with a brutal murder and leaves you with more questions then answers you wonder what we have stumbled on.
Between Joe and Chris’ roommate Russell, an ex-copper they solve the clues to track down the killer as the police just aren’t interested. I absolutely did not have a clue to who the killer was, even when Russell had an Einstein moment I still didn’t see it.
The plot moves on at such a quick pace there is no room for preamble. It is solved within a couple of days and in that short space of time we are lead down so many different garden paths with so many different suspects! It made my head spin in delight, the book felt so real and gritty. Nothing dragged and I was eager to see where I was going, albeit shocked at times. I thought the pacing was perfect because it allowed us time to view the scene, soak up the different points of views and scenery and be completely immersed in the story and the characters.
Hunter has done something amazing here, in a few pages the characters feel developed and I bloody cared a lot at what might happen to them. We feel so many emotions with Joe and Russell, we watch them as they are trying to deal with the grief of losing their friend and at the same time so many secrets are revealed whilst on the hunt for the person who would commit some a heinous act!
I loved losing myself in Tainted Love for a short while, but not only this, Hunter painted such a vivid depiction of the time, the night clubs, the music, the clothes and most important the treatment (lack of) for the gay community. I felt like I was there, living and breathing the situation, the bar even the murder!
Whilst reading this I did have the song Tainted love bouncing around my noggin. It’s a song that holds a special place in the heart as somehow it was my mum and dads song -don’t ask, but it’s also one of my go-to songs when I am getting ready to go out! However, using it as a title for this novella is absolutely spot on! Joe has a Chris on such a pedestal at times, he can’t see the real him, and when he learns the truth, his love for Chris does become tainted, and again for most of the men in Chris’ life, I thought it was played out so well, shame some of the men didn’t listen to the lyrics a bit more closely and maybe one listened to it too much!
I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Joe and Russell in Who’s That Girl, another bloody tune (Running around with you in my head)! Hopefully, they will be solving crimes for a while longer, Russell being the ex-cop with the skills and the know-all and Joe, innocent a bit flappy with his temper but with a heart of gold. Plus be nice to see Patty aka Paul and Luc again! I am annoyed that I have left it so long to read the first book in this series, but I am a huge fan now of Hunter and his Soho Noir series. It is quirky, it is relevant and it is so heartfelt. I am way way excited about the next book!
Ok ok, enough gushing now….well until next time……..
🎙Who’s that 👩
🏃♀️ around with you?
Tell me
Who’s that 👩
🏃♀️ around with you? 🎶🎶🎶
Until next time xxx
May 15, 2020
1985. 35 years ago, around a third of a century. The way gays were treated so snidely back then was rather surprising given that the setting of this novella is one of the premier cosmopolitan cities of the world. To be denied one's rights is horrible, but for a government institution to deny one any form of justice, flippantly assigning a disgusting lie as the probable cause for one's death just because they can't care any less is downright horrific.
This just won't do, not for Joe, who stumbled upon his friend mutilated carcass in the latter's apartment. Together with Chris's ex-detective flatmate, he goes in search of whodunit to clear his bro's reputation.
While it did turn out that the victim's character wasn't as sterling as everyone thought, he was nevertheless a true friend who never abused his closest pals' kindness, preferring to solve his problems his way. It was this streak of independence and brazenness and yes, arrogance that eventually cost him dearly. It's a sad end for such a promising talent, but when you , it's just a matter of time before your luck runs out.
Btw I really like the gorgeous, glitzy Art Deco-ish style of the covers of the Soho Noir series. This one is a tad too overt for my taste tho. As for the story itself, there's nothing outrightly smutty here, though there were some pretty charged scenes in the first chapter. Because of its length, I believe the author made a good call to simply focus on the mystery.
I'm rating this 6.5/10 or 3 stars out of 5.
This just won't do, not for Joe, who stumbled upon his friend mutilated carcass in the latter's apartment. Together with Chris's ex-detective flatmate, he goes in search of whodunit to clear his bro's reputation.
While it did turn out that the victim's character wasn't as sterling as everyone thought, he was nevertheless a true friend who never abused his closest pals' kindness, preferring to solve his problems his way. It was this streak of independence and brazenness and yes, arrogance that eventually cost him dearly. It's a sad end for such a promising talent, but when you , it's just a matter of time before your luck runs out.
Btw I really like the gorgeous, glitzy Art Deco-ish style of the covers of the Soho Noir series. This one is a tad too overt for my taste tho. As for the story itself, there's nothing outrightly smutty here, though there were some pretty charged scenes in the first chapter. Because of its length, I believe the author made a good call to simply focus on the mystery.
I'm rating this 6.5/10 or 3 stars out of 5.
April 23, 2019
One of the things I appreciated the most was the 80s London setting. I find the 80s the most interesting time when it comes to LGBTQ+ history. So many important things happened and lifestyle was so different back then. You get to learn about homophobia and AIDS during that time period. It’s not only entertaining but educational and I really appreciated that. I think we have to do better to educate ourselves on these topics, because we have it a lot easier today and we should honor those who came before and fought for us.
I feel like the atmosphere was spot on. Music plays a huge part in the novel and it gives it a special feel. I loved playing the songs mentioned and getting immersed in the story.
The characters were nicely developed and I can’t wait to know what’s going to happen to them in the next installments. I really enjoyed walking through Chris’ (the victim) life and knowing the perception people had of him. Every character has a different opinion of the victim and you just don’t know what to think of him.
Our two main characters are addicting to read about. Russell is cunning but kind, while Joe is a bit of a disoriented fly stumbling around but determined to solve his best friend’s murder.
Tainted Love is an addicting LGBTQ+ crime story that will leave you dumbfounded. You will need to read the rest of the series.
I feel like the atmosphere was spot on. Music plays a huge part in the novel and it gives it a special feel. I loved playing the songs mentioned and getting immersed in the story.
The characters were nicely developed and I can’t wait to know what’s going to happen to them in the next installments. I really enjoyed walking through Chris’ (the victim) life and knowing the perception people had of him. Every character has a different opinion of the victim and you just don’t know what to think of him.
Our two main characters are addicting to read about. Russell is cunning but kind, while Joe is a bit of a disoriented fly stumbling around but determined to solve his best friend’s murder.
Tainted Love is an addicting LGBTQ+ crime story that will leave you dumbfounded. You will need to read the rest of the series.
April 22, 2019
This is set in 1980’s Soho, London in the gay club scene with music from Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Soft Cell et al.
Joe is visiting London to see his friend, Chris, who he has been besotted with since school. He’s good looking, confident and runs a fashion label with his business partner Gavin..
On a lively, fun night out Joe meets Luc a beautiful Frenchman and for the first time in his life he feels happy…..BUT….he sees Chris argue with Patty and the Lizard….(local gangster Tony.).
After a night of glorious passion with Luc, Joe heads back to Chris’ flat only to find him dead in a pool of blood. The police arrive, but due to the homophobia of Detective Skinner……they realise nothing will be done….it’s just another dead rent boy !!.
So, Joe and Russell, Chris’ housemate and ex-Police officer, decide to investigate themselves….they find bad debts, a gangster, an MP, blackmail and love and passion in amongst discrimination and homophobia in this brilliant, vibrant novella.
I loved the writing by TS Hunter, it evokes the feel of London in the 80’s, the music and the atmosphere of Soho…with its neon lights (and clothing !)…in this cosy mystery…..with a distinct noir touch. 🌈🌈🌈
My thanks to Red Dog Press for the opportunity to read this and a free copy of the book and promotional materials. This is my honest and unbiased review
Joe is visiting London to see his friend, Chris, who he has been besotted with since school. He’s good looking, confident and runs a fashion label with his business partner Gavin..
On a lively, fun night out Joe meets Luc a beautiful Frenchman and for the first time in his life he feels happy…..BUT….he sees Chris argue with Patty and the Lizard….(local gangster Tony.).
After a night of glorious passion with Luc, Joe heads back to Chris’ flat only to find him dead in a pool of blood. The police arrive, but due to the homophobia of Detective Skinner……they realise nothing will be done….it’s just another dead rent boy !!.
So, Joe and Russell, Chris’ housemate and ex-Police officer, decide to investigate themselves….they find bad debts, a gangster, an MP, blackmail and love and passion in amongst discrimination and homophobia in this brilliant, vibrant novella.
I loved the writing by TS Hunter, it evokes the feel of London in the 80’s, the music and the atmosphere of Soho…with its neon lights (and clothing !)…in this cosy mystery…..with a distinct noir touch. 🌈🌈🌈
My thanks to Red Dog Press for the opportunity to read this and a free copy of the book and promotional materials. This is my honest and unbiased review
April 19, 2019
There is so much I enjoyed about this book! One, it makes for a fast read, not just because it's a novella, but the pace is fast and the story is constantly moving. This fast pace helped me connect with Joe, who was new to Chris' world and friends. Joe knows Chris from their past, and it shows once they meet up again. Both have changed a lot, and when Joe begins to try to find the truth to Chris death, he learns more about his friend than he expected.
Another aspect that sets this book apart for me is the setting. I love that it's written in the '80s and during such a rocky time in history. Even though I've never been to London it didn't matter, the visuals and descriptions were enough for me to imagine it in my mind.
Anyone who enjoys mystery, LBGTQ stories, or just a fun quick read should give Tainted Love a try!
Another aspect that sets this book apart for me is the setting. I love that it's written in the '80s and during such a rocky time in history. Even though I've never been to London it didn't matter, the visuals and descriptions were enough for me to imagine it in my mind.
Anyone who enjoys mystery, LBGTQ stories, or just a fun quick read should give Tainted Love a try!
April 13, 2019
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a short story which packs a lot of punch into not all that many pages! I am really looking forward to future installments.
The story is set in the mid 80s and is placed perfectly in the setting. It captures the seedy, loud, slightly dangerous, and fearful of AIDS environment. It is frightening how the police treat a serious crime, but sadly not surprising - but the unlikely duo of Joe and Russell do the legwork themselves to find out what happened to their friend Chris. It is a crazy, but sadly believable answer, which is revealed in a clever way.
I had to read this book to find out how the contents of the blurb could fit into 85 pages. Well, it is done with style, and covers all bases, so my compliments, T.S.Hunter!
This is a short story which packs a lot of punch into not all that many pages! I am really looking forward to future installments.
The story is set in the mid 80s and is placed perfectly in the setting. It captures the seedy, loud, slightly dangerous, and fearful of AIDS environment. It is frightening how the police treat a serious crime, but sadly not surprising - but the unlikely duo of Joe and Russell do the legwork themselves to find out what happened to their friend Chris. It is a crazy, but sadly believable answer, which is revealed in a clever way.
I had to read this book to find out how the contents of the blurb could fit into 85 pages. Well, it is done with style, and covers all bases, so my compliments, T.S.Hunter!
September 3, 2024
A short little novella audiobook I listened to today at work since we had so much busy work!!!!!! But idk it was kinda fun and Chris was kinda a hoe
September 30, 2024
A great book depicting struggles of not fitting into society while being mysterious and frustrating, in a good way. A great read.
March 21, 2019
Review to follow on the blog tour
March 14, 2019
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Tainted Love is a short novel – only about 80 pages – but the author has packed a lot of story into those pages. Being retired, I love being able to stay in and read and this is what I did this morning. I really enjoyed this story.
Chris and Joe were childhood friends. Both being gay in a small English town meant that they supported each other. This friendship followed into adulthood and, although their lives were now widely different, Joe was happy to accept Chris’ invitation to spend the weekend with him in London. The year was 1985, by the way.
Joe had taken the safe path – university and a job with his local council. Chris was an up and coming fashion designer in London. He was the good looking one, the charming one, the popular one but he was also the one willing to make some questionable decisions. When Chris is brutally murdered it is up to Joe and former police detective, Russell Dixon, to solve the crime. The police were not going to make an effort.
The book is generally well written and well edited. There were just a few minor errors but these did not distract from the story, which is definitely a good one. I thought that I had worked out who did it by page 60 but I was wrong.
Tainted Love is described as being book on in the Soho Noir Series and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
Tainted Love is a short novel – only about 80 pages – but the author has packed a lot of story into those pages. Being retired, I love being able to stay in and read and this is what I did this morning. I really enjoyed this story.
Chris and Joe were childhood friends. Both being gay in a small English town meant that they supported each other. This friendship followed into adulthood and, although their lives were now widely different, Joe was happy to accept Chris’ invitation to spend the weekend with him in London. The year was 1985, by the way.
Joe had taken the safe path – university and a job with his local council. Chris was an up and coming fashion designer in London. He was the good looking one, the charming one, the popular one but he was also the one willing to make some questionable decisions. When Chris is brutally murdered it is up to Joe and former police detective, Russell Dixon, to solve the crime. The police were not going to make an effort.
The book is generally well written and well edited. There were just a few minor errors but these did not distract from the story, which is definitely a good one. I thought that I had worked out who did it by page 60 but I was wrong.
Tainted Love is described as being book on in the Soho Noir Series and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
April 6, 2019
Tainted Love by T.S. Hunter is the first book in The Soho Noir series. It is a well written and exciting murder mystery set in 1980's Soho. The story itself captured my interest and scenes kept me reading. The characters were colorful and interesting. I am excited about what comes next in the series.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
April 9, 2019
Review to follow on blog tour
April 16, 2019
What an amazing start! I really want to see where this series is going to go. A great whodunnit, where the killer could literally be anybody. So many people loved and mostly hated the victim. He was loud, brash, crude, egotistical, selfish and more, but you couldn't help but love his boisterous personality. He had flair but his mouth got him dead.
Joe was excited to see his long time friend and once upon a time crush. He was in love with Chris for forever but it was only one sided. But they still remained friends. Chris had finally talked Joe into coming to the club with him. It wasn't really Joe's scene but he wanted to be with Chris, so why not? In the midst of dancing and having a great time with a new guy, Joe noticed some shady things going on with his friend. A confrontation with a shady character, a fight with his friend in drag who was performing that night, and finally Chris having to leave in a rush. He didn't think anything else of it, until the next morning when he found the friend in drag, bloody in the alleyway and crying, and Chris dead and bloody on the building floor. When Chris's roommate, Russell and he talked to the police, they knew nothing would be solved. It would be wrote off as another gay rentboy dead. But Russell and Joe starting adding things up and we're determined to find the killer before someone else ended up hurt or dead. And the list of suspects keeps getting longer.
Nothing like finding your longtime friend dead. And murdered at that. I'd be freaking out like Joe, probably. I felt for Joe. He had been in love with Chris for so long. He finally had let go of it, but couldn't help be feel jealous or upset that every time he turned around, someone else had been in love with Chris and/or slept with him. He hurt a bit. But no matter that felt, he had to find out who killed Chris. And he was determined to help Russell.
Russell, being suspended from the force for a set up, knew the officer in charge wouldn't solve the case. He's the one who set up Russell to begin with. And anyone who was gay was lower than dirt in his book. Russell knew he was going to have to find out things on his own. And if he took down the corrupted while he was at it, great! But man, trying to find out who in the long list, was becoming impossible.
The good thing is Russell was learning to really care about Joe. They both loved Chris in their way. He liked Joe as his little sidekick. They worked well together.
I'm anxious to see where this is going next. I'm hoping maybe these two will work together again. It's a good read.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Joe was excited to see his long time friend and once upon a time crush. He was in love with Chris for forever but it was only one sided. But they still remained friends. Chris had finally talked Joe into coming to the club with him. It wasn't really Joe's scene but he wanted to be with Chris, so why not? In the midst of dancing and having a great time with a new guy, Joe noticed some shady things going on with his friend. A confrontation with a shady character, a fight with his friend in drag who was performing that night, and finally Chris having to leave in a rush. He didn't think anything else of it, until the next morning when he found the friend in drag, bloody in the alleyway and crying, and Chris dead and bloody on the building floor. When Chris's roommate, Russell and he talked to the police, they knew nothing would be solved. It would be wrote off as another gay rentboy dead. But Russell and Joe starting adding things up and we're determined to find the killer before someone else ended up hurt or dead. And the list of suspects keeps getting longer.
Nothing like finding your longtime friend dead. And murdered at that. I'd be freaking out like Joe, probably. I felt for Joe. He had been in love with Chris for so long. He finally had let go of it, but couldn't help be feel jealous or upset that every time he turned around, someone else had been in love with Chris and/or slept with him. He hurt a bit. But no matter that felt, he had to find out who killed Chris. And he was determined to help Russell.
Russell, being suspended from the force for a set up, knew the officer in charge wouldn't solve the case. He's the one who set up Russell to begin with. And anyone who was gay was lower than dirt in his book. Russell knew he was going to have to find out things on his own. And if he took down the corrupted while he was at it, great! But man, trying to find out who in the long list, was becoming impossible.
The good thing is Russell was learning to really care about Joe. They both loved Chris in their way. He liked Joe as his little sidekick. They worked well together.
I'm anxious to see where this is going next. I'm hoping maybe these two will work together again. It's a good read.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
May 16, 2019
A bit of nostalgia—for those of us of a certain age, at least—and a cold-blooded murder set the stage for T.S. Hunter’s murder mystery Tainted Love, introducing the start of a new investigative partnership and baiting the hook quite nicely for the second novella in the series, Who’s That Girl?
Set in Soho, London, circa 1985, Hunter establishes the sense of time and place, with little to no effort, in the pop culture references of that time. The hair, clothes, and music (note the book titles and prepare for an earworm or two) do their part to firmly ground readers in the setting. Of course, there are also reminders of the time that lend a darker tone to the story—the AIDS epidemic is taking its toll, and homophobia and discrimination and corruption in the police force set the stage for potential injustice in the murder case of a young fashion designer with secrets to spare, Chris Sexton.
Joe Stone takes on the role of amateur sleuth in this cozy noir-style mystery after finding his best friend, and unrequited love interest, dead in the entry hall of his flat, in an obvious homicide. He doesn’t go it alone, however. Russell Dixon was Chris’s landlord, and he provides all the expertise needed in the investigation. Russell is a former detective who has his own backstory which lends a connection to Skinner, the detective assigned to investigate Chris’s murder, and I liked the wisdom and composure Russell brought to the story to offset Joe’s tendency to want to jump to conclusions without basis and bull-in-a-china-shop his way through the necessary investigative procedures. It highlighted both their age difference and their experience gap.
Establishing cause and wading through motives and suspects and red herrings is part and parcel to the storyline, conducted at a brisk but plausible pace to keep things moving towards a satisfying resolution to the mystery. The limited word count doesn’t allow for deeper characterizations or procedural details, and the murderer became obvious to both readers and Russell in due order, but I liked very much what was offered in this story, appreciated the poignancy of the resolution, and look forward to getting to know both Joe and Russell better in the next installment of the series.
If you enjoy a quick cozy with a nostalgic feel to it, Tainted Love is a nice way to spend a couple of hours.
Reviewed for The Novel Approach
Set in Soho, London, circa 1985, Hunter establishes the sense of time and place, with little to no effort, in the pop culture references of that time. The hair, clothes, and music (note the book titles and prepare for an earworm or two) do their part to firmly ground readers in the setting. Of course, there are also reminders of the time that lend a darker tone to the story—the AIDS epidemic is taking its toll, and homophobia and discrimination and corruption in the police force set the stage for potential injustice in the murder case of a young fashion designer with secrets to spare, Chris Sexton.
Joe Stone takes on the role of amateur sleuth in this cozy noir-style mystery after finding his best friend, and unrequited love interest, dead in the entry hall of his flat, in an obvious homicide. He doesn’t go it alone, however. Russell Dixon was Chris’s landlord, and he provides all the expertise needed in the investigation. Russell is a former detective who has his own backstory which lends a connection to Skinner, the detective assigned to investigate Chris’s murder, and I liked the wisdom and composure Russell brought to the story to offset Joe’s tendency to want to jump to conclusions without basis and bull-in-a-china-shop his way through the necessary investigative procedures. It highlighted both their age difference and their experience gap.
Establishing cause and wading through motives and suspects and red herrings is part and parcel to the storyline, conducted at a brisk but plausible pace to keep things moving towards a satisfying resolution to the mystery. The limited word count doesn’t allow for deeper characterizations or procedural details, and the murderer became obvious to both readers and Russell in due order, but I liked very much what was offered in this story, appreciated the poignancy of the resolution, and look forward to getting to know both Joe and Russell better in the next installment of the series.
If you enjoy a quick cozy with a nostalgic feel to it, Tainted Love is a nice way to spend a couple of hours.
Reviewed for The Novel Approach
April 30, 2019
Let me tell you what I love about the concept of the Soho Noir series, the quick read feel of it. You can just pop it or them (there will be others in the series) in your bag. It is the modern crime equivalent to a Mills & Boon romance novella, but with a more serious premise and incorporating important social and societal topics.
Side note - I also adore the cover art for this book and that the titles are an ode to the 80s.
The story follows Joe who discovers the body of his friend Chris and his attempts to find the killer. Chris wasn't just any old friend though, he was the one who encouraged Joe to finally be himself and to live and love, and not just to adhere to the rules and opinions of others.
In a way this story is about having the courage to identify and love the way you want to, despite the myths, controversy, hatred and discrimination surrounding the lives of gay men. It speaks to the fact that although we, as a society, have moved on from the oppressive laws and opinions of homophobia of previous decades, we haven't moved on far enough.
As someone who enjoyed her formative years during the 80s, I can speak to the fact that even in a rural area of the German/Dutch border area the wave of paranoia and panic due to the AIDS epidemic was felt. Interestingly enough the threat or alleged threat was perceived to be from infected heterosexuals who thought nothing of having sex without protection. In fact we had a few who infected sexual partners on purpose and were taken to court and punished for it. In the majority of countries there was a paranoia about the gay community being the source of the disease.
It made life even more difficult for the LGBT community in a sense that they were treated like pariahs. It defined the way gay men were treated, and it certainly changed the face of interactions and relationships in said community. It killed too many, too early and in a tragic way.
This is a cosy crime novella with quite a few poignant moments that serve as a reminder that the world has to comprehend the hate and obstacles, because it has no place in the 21st century. Kudos to Hunter for creating a read that caters for the lover of easy, cosy, crime and also the food for thought readers.
*I received a courtesy copy*
Side note - I also adore the cover art for this book and that the titles are an ode to the 80s.
The story follows Joe who discovers the body of his friend Chris and his attempts to find the killer. Chris wasn't just any old friend though, he was the one who encouraged Joe to finally be himself and to live and love, and not just to adhere to the rules and opinions of others.
In a way this story is about having the courage to identify and love the way you want to, despite the myths, controversy, hatred and discrimination surrounding the lives of gay men. It speaks to the fact that although we, as a society, have moved on from the oppressive laws and opinions of homophobia of previous decades, we haven't moved on far enough.
As someone who enjoyed her formative years during the 80s, I can speak to the fact that even in a rural area of the German/Dutch border area the wave of paranoia and panic due to the AIDS epidemic was felt. Interestingly enough the threat or alleged threat was perceived to be from infected heterosexuals who thought nothing of having sex without protection. In fact we had a few who infected sexual partners on purpose and were taken to court and punished for it. In the majority of countries there was a paranoia about the gay community being the source of the disease.
It made life even more difficult for the LGBT community in a sense that they were treated like pariahs. It defined the way gay men were treated, and it certainly changed the face of interactions and relationships in said community. It killed too many, too early and in a tragic way.
This is a cosy crime novella with quite a few poignant moments that serve as a reminder that the world has to comprehend the hate and obstacles, because it has no place in the 21st century. Kudos to Hunter for creating a read that caters for the lover of easy, cosy, crime and also the food for thought readers.
*I received a courtesy copy*
April 16, 2019
Prepare for full flashbacks to the 80s. This book has a great soundtrack and incredibly authentic-feeling insight into Soho and eighties culture in London. I was fully immersed and slightly disoriented afterwards to come back to the world of smartphones. How you manage to so fully create that world AND give us a murder mystery through to solution in such a short book I have no idea.
Joe is a great country-lad-dazzled-by-the-city character, somewhat led by his childhood friend Chris. I’d have loved to see more of this duo before their abrupt separation due to Chris’s murder - I really felt for Joe at that point, adrift and with no one else he trusted as much.
Cue Russell, my favourite of this book’s characters and the perfect ex-cop detective; also Chris’s flatmate (I feel like there’s more story there, sounds like Russell has a habit of taking in strays). Russell made me, as a reader, feel safer! Knowing that the murder of a young gay man won’t make it high onto the police detectives’ to-do list, Russell seeks to find out what happened to the colourful, bright, but not-exactly-innocent Chris. He teams up with Joe and it works, but Russell is clearly the brains of this operation.
My biggest regret with this book is not having more depth of understanding of the characters; so glad this is a series so we can get to know them better. But the mystery is brilliant, and brilliantly done.
So who killed Chris, and why? Was it a random gay bashing, a rent-boy transaction gone bad? Does it have anything to do with sinister Tony ‘The Lizard’? Or a crime of passion in the heat of an argument with Boyfriend Paul/Patty? Was it about money and the friction-filled partnership with Gavin? Or political, following Chris’s sudden hyperenthusiastic activism on behalf of the local AIDS centre?
Find out, and see if you can sit on your hands long enough for the next book to come out. I’m not sure I can.
I received a free ARC copy of this book. The above is my honest review.
Joe is a great country-lad-dazzled-by-the-city character, somewhat led by his childhood friend Chris. I’d have loved to see more of this duo before their abrupt separation due to Chris’s murder - I really felt for Joe at that point, adrift and with no one else he trusted as much.
Cue Russell, my favourite of this book’s characters and the perfect ex-cop detective; also Chris’s flatmate (I feel like there’s more story there, sounds like Russell has a habit of taking in strays). Russell made me, as a reader, feel safer! Knowing that the murder of a young gay man won’t make it high onto the police detectives’ to-do list, Russell seeks to find out what happened to the colourful, bright, but not-exactly-innocent Chris. He teams up with Joe and it works, but Russell is clearly the brains of this operation.
My biggest regret with this book is not having more depth of understanding of the characters; so glad this is a series so we can get to know them better. But the mystery is brilliant, and brilliantly done.
So who killed Chris, and why? Was it a random gay bashing, a rent-boy transaction gone bad? Does it have anything to do with sinister Tony ‘The Lizard’? Or a crime of passion in the heat of an argument with Boyfriend Paul/Patty? Was it about money and the friction-filled partnership with Gavin? Or political, following Chris’s sudden hyperenthusiastic activism on behalf of the local AIDS centre?
Find out, and see if you can sit on your hands long enough for the next book to come out. I’m not sure I can.
I received a free ARC copy of this book. The above is my honest review.
April 20, 2019
I loved this short and eminently readable novel. Set in the early 1980s, within London’s gay community, this is not only a story about a murder, but also what it was like to live as a gay man at that time, facing prejudice and discrimination. This was the time of flamboyance, the synthesised music of Soft Cell, the Communards, the Pet Shop Boys, and the fear of AIDS. For anyone who was around during the 80s, it will bring it all back! This is an entertaining whodunit, within the noir tradition, with a cast of dodgy coppers, traditional gangsters, drag queens and fashionistas.
Joe has left his small town to stay with his long-time friend Chris in the frenetic world of Soho. Chris is forging a successful career as a fashion designer. He is confident, enigmatic, arrogant and popular. Joe has always been in love with him but also in his shadow. After an evening at a Soho nightclub, Chris is found murdered. The police regard his death with disinterest; just the killing of another rent boy. Joe, along with Chris’ flat mate, ex-copper, Russell, feel they have no option other than to investigate for themselves. This opens more than one can of worms and exposes the underbelly of London life, with its corruption and hypocrisy.
This is a quick, well written, read that moves at pace and really brings the 80s back to life. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of Tainted Love from the publisher, Red Dog Press, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
Joe has left his small town to stay with his long-time friend Chris in the frenetic world of Soho. Chris is forging a successful career as a fashion designer. He is confident, enigmatic, arrogant and popular. Joe has always been in love with him but also in his shadow. After an evening at a Soho nightclub, Chris is found murdered. The police regard his death with disinterest; just the killing of another rent boy. Joe, along with Chris’ flat mate, ex-copper, Russell, feel they have no option other than to investigate for themselves. This opens more than one can of worms and exposes the underbelly of London life, with its corruption and hypocrisy.
This is a quick, well written, read that moves at pace and really brings the 80s back to life. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of Tainted Love from the publisher, Red Dog Press, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
May 27, 2019
The Review
I say it often but I will say it again. I am the perfect audience for crime, thriller, mystery, and ghost stories. I am jumpy and I never, ever guess who the killer/culprit is. That is one of the many reasons I really enjoyed reading T. S. Hunters crime novella Tainted Love.
Even though it is a very short novella, Hunter manages to pack an awful lot of mystery and intrigue in the pages. I was constantly guessing whodunit and I can honestly say that I didn’t guess the outcome – this probably says a lot more about me and why I am not pursuing a career at Scotland Yard.
Amidst the crime element, Hunter uses London – in particular Soho as the setting which almost becomes a character in itself – especially when the next element is juxtaposed with it – that element, the growing LGBT community during the 80s. Furthermore, Hunter explores the prejudices that someone would in that community would face; not just by the everyday person but more worryingly within the emergency services, in particular – the police, who were meant to protect everyone.
So yes, Tainted Love is a crime noir novella but it is so much more than that.
Tainted Love by T. S. Hunter is available now.
I say it often but I will say it again. I am the perfect audience for crime, thriller, mystery, and ghost stories. I am jumpy and I never, ever guess who the killer/culprit is. That is one of the many reasons I really enjoyed reading T. S. Hunters crime novella Tainted Love.
Even though it is a very short novella, Hunter manages to pack an awful lot of mystery and intrigue in the pages. I was constantly guessing whodunit and I can honestly say that I didn’t guess the outcome – this probably says a lot more about me and why I am not pursuing a career at Scotland Yard.
Amidst the crime element, Hunter uses London – in particular Soho as the setting which almost becomes a character in itself – especially when the next element is juxtaposed with it – that element, the growing LGBT community during the 80s. Furthermore, Hunter explores the prejudices that someone would in that community would face; not just by the everyday person but more worryingly within the emergency services, in particular – the police, who were meant to protect everyone.
So yes, Tainted Love is a crime noir novella but it is so much more than that.
Tainted Love by T. S. Hunter is available now.
May 4, 2019
What I really enjoyed about this book was is that there is no padding, at all. It is a really succinct crime story, well told.
Joe is in London with his childhood best friend Chris. He has loved him for as long as he can remember, his best friend, the clever, funny, outgoing one. So after a great night out together, he is distraught to find him dead.
This is when Joe realises that there is a lot more to Chris than he realised. How well do you really know anyone? With some help he starts to delve in his friend’s life and discovers the person he knew and admired is quite different to the reality.
What secrets did Chris have that could possibly lead to his death?
A brilliantly written book, that I read in one sitting. I really went on this journey with Joe and Russell and look forward to the second book in the series. Have to say that the front cover is ingenious!
Joe is in London with his childhood best friend Chris. He has loved him for as long as he can remember, his best friend, the clever, funny, outgoing one. So after a great night out together, he is distraught to find him dead.
This is when Joe realises that there is a lot more to Chris than he realised. How well do you really know anyone? With some help he starts to delve in his friend’s life and discovers the person he knew and admired is quite different to the reality.
What secrets did Chris have that could possibly lead to his death?
A brilliantly written book, that I read in one sitting. I really went on this journey with Joe and Russell and look forward to the second book in the series. Have to say that the front cover is ingenious!
November 3, 2023
A quick and cosy read. Not something I would have chosen but found this to be an unexpected pleasure.
At 114 pages it's tightly written, well executed bit of British noir. Even in such a short space each character has room to breathe and be fully formed. No ciphers just to push the tale forward.
It's setting in the wrong hands could have positioned the story to be preachy about the community it deals with but these are clever and intelligent hands that portray all as equal whilst punishing evil regardless of position.
Great work
At 114 pages it's tightly written, well executed bit of British noir. Even in such a short space each character has room to breathe and be fully formed. No ciphers just to push the tale forward.
It's setting in the wrong hands could have positioned the story to be preachy about the community it deals with but these are clever and intelligent hands that portray all as equal whilst punishing evil regardless of position.
Great work
October 21, 2020
This is a great little noir novella. The backdrop of 80s bars and clubs and the Soho gay community keeps things fresh, and the story hurtles along nicely. It's compact but well-plotted, with a likable/intriguing cast of characters. At around 120 pages, don't expect a great deal of depth here, but it's a great ride while it lasts. I'm sold for the next book in the series.
January 29, 2020
Enjoyed this first book in the Soho Noir series and look forward to reading more in the series.
August 23, 2021
Great world and great plot. Wish someone had helped this fab writer develop the novel into a full throttle 300 pager x
September 22, 2023
Nice, quick read.
March 9, 2024
3,5 stars.
A basic but still decent noir-ish mystery.
A basic but still decent noir-ish mystery.
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