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Soho Noir #5
Killer Queen
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
It’s 1988. A mild summer after a turbulent political year for LGBT rights. While working as an assistant to a successful Theatre Director, Joe Stone finds himself unwittingly embroiled in another murder investigation.
Lexi Goode, a young, up and coming actress has her bright future cut short when she is found murdered in her exclusive top floor apartment in the posh end of Soho. Knowing that the police are as racist as they are homophobic, Joe and Russell inevitably take it on themselves to investigate what happened to the young woman.
Along the way they discover illicit liaisons, a string of admirers, a secret life that was helping to pay for the glamorous lifestyle no young actress should have been able to afford. But who would want to kill Lexi?
Finding the answer to that question puts Joe in mortal danger and a young police officer in an awkward position.
KILLER QUEEN IS THE FIFTH IN THE SOHO NOIR SERIES.
It’s 1988. A mild summer after a turbulent political year for LGBT rights. While working as an assistant to a successful Theatre Director, Joe Stone finds himself unwittingly embroiled in another murder investigation.
Lexi Goode, a young, up and coming actress has her bright future cut short when she is found murdered in her exclusive top floor apartment in the posh end of Soho. Knowing that the police are as racist as they are homophobic, Joe and Russell inevitably take it on themselves to investigate what happened to the young woman.
Along the way they discover illicit liaisons, a string of admirers, a secret life that was helping to pay for the glamorous lifestyle no young actress should have been able to afford. But who would want to kill Lexi?
Finding the answer to that question puts Joe in mortal danger and a young police officer in an awkward position.
KILLER QUEEN IS THE FIFTH IN THE SOHO NOIR SERIES.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2019
2 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 12, 2019
Killer Queen was such a thrilling read, I was definitely not expecting that plot twist at the end (I can’t say what since that would spoil the story!) however, the Soho Noir series is moving quickly into the end of the 1980s in the London district of Soho. As a 21 year old born in 98, I love immersing myself in the Soho surroundings and even listening to some classic 80s tunes as I read (sorry parents!) Joe and Russell reunite for a shocking murder case of a promising actress, who had a hidden secret that could have contributed to the horrific foul play after her well-received performance and acclaim for her acting. For a quick and fulfilling read, I can’t recommend this series highly enough. I really don’t want it to end!
November 21, 2019
The year is 1988 and Joe has found a new job as a theatre director’s assistant. When one of the actresses fails to show up for rehearsal, Joe is sent to her Soho flat to go find her. And find her he does… just not alive… You know, I really wish authors would stop making me care about the characters they kill off. For once I’d read the blurb before the book, so I knew Lexi would not survive, and I tried – god how I tried – not to like her, not to get attached, but the truth is I adored her, and I hated that she had to die. I needed a minute to get over it, but then I was totally ready to do some sleuthing! And you know what? This time I actually got it right! To be honest, I don’t think I have any extraordinary sleuthing skills to thank for figuring out whodunnit, nor is it that predictable, I just happened to zero in on the right suspect and I stuck with it, despite numerous red herrings. Still, I am rather pleased with myself 😏
Killer Queen is another gorgeous addition to the Soho Noir series. It’s a tad shorter than the previous instalments, and while I hated to say goodbye again so soon, Toby Hunter did manage, once again, to tell a full tale in few words without rushing things. It’s a gift, I tell ya! I can’t wait to be reunited with my guys next month for Smalltown Boy, which is the last Soho Noir instalment, but I have to admit I keep hoping that it’ll just continue next year, we can work our way through the rainbow again, right?!
Once again I feel it’s my civic duty (or my blogger’s duty in any case) to urge you to pick up not only Killer Queen, but this entire fantastic series! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if cosy crime and / or novellas are your bag, you NEED THIS SERIES! (And you get the earworms for free 😉)
Killer Queen is another gorgeous addition to the Soho Noir series. It’s a tad shorter than the previous instalments, and while I hated to say goodbye again so soon, Toby Hunter did manage, once again, to tell a full tale in few words without rushing things. It’s a gift, I tell ya! I can’t wait to be reunited with my guys next month for Smalltown Boy, which is the last Soho Noir instalment, but I have to admit I keep hoping that it’ll just continue next year, we can work our way through the rainbow again, right?!
Once again I feel it’s my civic duty (or my blogger’s duty in any case) to urge you to pick up not only Killer Queen, but this entire fantastic series! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if cosy crime and / or novellas are your bag, you NEED THIS SERIES! (And you get the earworms for free 😉)
December 28, 2025
3.5⭐️
Another cute little mystery from TS Hunter. Hard in such a short book to give more than a couple of suspects so I did guess the murderer almost straight away, but still enjoyed the ride!
Another cute little mystery from TS Hunter. Hard in such a short book to give more than a couple of suspects so I did guess the murderer almost straight away, but still enjoyed the ride!
November 29, 2019
Each time I write these reviews I struggle because I know I am one closer to the end of the series and the next book is the end! How can this be!! Before I start my review I want a lot of appreciation for the cover! It is my favourite of them all, helps blue is my favourite colour too!
Ok, I still have not found the words I need for the review! I mean will I BLOODY love it do? Because that is the truth! I did! I love the story of Lexi and her secret life. Joe is working as a stagehand for Cameron the director and we are introduced to Lexi who is taking centre stage for the play due to the leading actress Hattie Duvall has suddenly taken ill and Lexi has literally killed it with her performance. She receives some flowers but who is this mysterious admirer. Next day she is found dead in her flat by Joe, poor bloke he always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Skinner (cue dramatic booing and hissing) turns up and think he owns the show.
Thankfully Skinner does not take up too many pages, however, if I bit my nails, I would start. We are coming up to the last book, Smalltown Boy and my suspicions are that Skinner is going to be gunning for Joe. (Him being my smalltown boy) I am nervous about the fall out as it’s the last book in the series and I just know there is going to be something explosive happening especially as it’s been building in these books. Freddie and his lawyer colleagues have been pressing buttons and Mike, the cute new policeman has also thrown his two pence in. Enough to make anyone nervous.
Alright, I will talk about Killer Queen instead of digressing to my conspiracy theories. I think for the first time I was a lot quicker than Joe and Russell to who the murderer was, which I felt proud of. Yet, it was bittersweet especially when Joe caught up with me and had his eureka moment, the reasonings were quite sad and to be honest I could envisage this does happen quite a lot. Not the murders but the feelings and the reasoning! This book is the Joe show, we did get to see everyone but yet again there is another murder in Joe’s workplace, and he takes the lead role in this. He is such a loveable character and can hold his own, he has come such a long way since Tainted Love and he just wants to do right by everyone. All I want for him is to be happy again and I think there is a light trying to shine for him – so fingers crossed!
I really can’t get enough of Toby’s writing! I came late to the series but I have read every single one of these and loved them all. I have one thing to moan about and I think I have moaned every time about it….but they are just not long enough! I want more and I demand more, what do I want? MORE – oh oops got a bit carried away here but you get the picture! It is actually criminal that there isn’t more.
Ok back to Killer Queen what else can I tell you? It is just such an epic novella! The whole series is epic! The story that unfolds in front of my eyes is not always the story of who has died and Joe and Russell solving the crime. It is more the story of Joe and Russell trying to survive in the 80s where there is a lot of hate towards the gay community. You have a fear of aids, a fear you will get beaten in the street because you don’t think the same way as someone else and what you get is two guys who would do anything for each other. Two guys who basically say a big F-You to everyone, they have their friends and these friends are family and they are loyal. Regardless of sexuality, this small community of people makes my heart soar. As I have mentioned these are novellas so for Toby to make you care so damn much about everyone in so few a pages is such a testament to his writing!
Ok the last thing, just read the blinking series! If you want to read a series about an ex-policeman and a “Joe” bloggs solving crimes then this is for you. I just love it! There are no dull moments in the book, like normal the plot flows so quickly and we are just taking along the journey at a speed that no words are wasted. It’s like Toby has been in my head and thought right what book does she want, I know! And then he wrote it. These are never a chore to read and I have to savour the words.
Okay, will stop gushing now, just go and get the book. If you want a more coherent review you can try Kelly over at From Belgium with Book love! She will most definitely do a better job than I have!
Get prepared for the last book in December Smalltown Boy, please send tissues!
Ok, I still have not found the words I need for the review! I mean will I BLOODY love it do? Because that is the truth! I did! I love the story of Lexi and her secret life. Joe is working as a stagehand for Cameron the director and we are introduced to Lexi who is taking centre stage for the play due to the leading actress Hattie Duvall has suddenly taken ill and Lexi has literally killed it with her performance. She receives some flowers but who is this mysterious admirer. Next day she is found dead in her flat by Joe, poor bloke he always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Skinner (cue dramatic booing and hissing) turns up and think he owns the show.
Thankfully Skinner does not take up too many pages, however, if I bit my nails, I would start. We are coming up to the last book, Smalltown Boy and my suspicions are that Skinner is going to be gunning for Joe. (Him being my smalltown boy) I am nervous about the fall out as it’s the last book in the series and I just know there is going to be something explosive happening especially as it’s been building in these books. Freddie and his lawyer colleagues have been pressing buttons and Mike, the cute new policeman has also thrown his two pence in. Enough to make anyone nervous.
Alright, I will talk about Killer Queen instead of digressing to my conspiracy theories. I think for the first time I was a lot quicker than Joe and Russell to who the murderer was, which I felt proud of. Yet, it was bittersweet especially when Joe caught up with me and had his eureka moment, the reasonings were quite sad and to be honest I could envisage this does happen quite a lot. Not the murders but the feelings and the reasoning! This book is the Joe show, we did get to see everyone but yet again there is another murder in Joe’s workplace, and he takes the lead role in this. He is such a loveable character and can hold his own, he has come such a long way since Tainted Love and he just wants to do right by everyone. All I want for him is to be happy again and I think there is a light trying to shine for him – so fingers crossed!
I really can’t get enough of Toby’s writing! I came late to the series but I have read every single one of these and loved them all. I have one thing to moan about and I think I have moaned every time about it….but they are just not long enough! I want more and I demand more, what do I want? MORE – oh oops got a bit carried away here but you get the picture! It is actually criminal that there isn’t more.
Ok back to Killer Queen what else can I tell you? It is just such an epic novella! The whole series is epic! The story that unfolds in front of my eyes is not always the story of who has died and Joe and Russell solving the crime. It is more the story of Joe and Russell trying to survive in the 80s where there is a lot of hate towards the gay community. You have a fear of aids, a fear you will get beaten in the street because you don’t think the same way as someone else and what you get is two guys who would do anything for each other. Two guys who basically say a big F-You to everyone, they have their friends and these friends are family and they are loyal. Regardless of sexuality, this small community of people makes my heart soar. As I have mentioned these are novellas so for Toby to make you care so damn much about everyone in so few a pages is such a testament to his writing!
Ok the last thing, just read the blinking series! If you want to read a series about an ex-policeman and a “Joe” bloggs solving crimes then this is for you. I just love it! There are no dull moments in the book, like normal the plot flows so quickly and we are just taking along the journey at a speed that no words are wasted. It’s like Toby has been in my head and thought right what book does she want, I know! And then he wrote it. These are never a chore to read and I have to savour the words.
Okay, will stop gushing now, just go and get the book. If you want a more coherent review you can try Kelly over at From Belgium with Book love! She will most definitely do a better job than I have!
Get prepared for the last book in December Smalltown Boy, please send tissues!
November 21, 2019
#5 in the Soho Noir series and can be read as a stand-alone, but you will be missing out on a fantastic series.
Set in 80’s Soho, young Lexi Goode has finished her performance on stage. Usually the understudy, she got her chance at the main role when lead actress, Hattie Duval was indisposed.
Lexi also has a second job, one she has kept secret.
When Lexi doesn’t arrive at the theatre for work. the director, Cameron sends Joe to find her. But he finds her body, she had been murdered.
So, Joe and his friend Russell, an unofficial private detective, start their investigation. Can they find the killer before the corrupt, homophobic detective Skinner locks up the wrong man?
This may be a relatively short novella, but it packs so much in. There’s the clever plot, the descriptive writing that brings the 80’s Soho alive. The characters are so well developed, I really care for them and forever they are not real people. Russell now in a settled relationship with Freddie, and Joe, OH, I was so pleased there may actually be a romance for him with Mark. All mixed with a cosy, murder mystery in a wonderfully entertaining read. Brilliant as always.
Thank you to Red Dog Press for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour and for a free ecopy of this fabulous book. This is my honest and unbiased review.
Set in 80’s Soho, young Lexi Goode has finished her performance on stage. Usually the understudy, she got her chance at the main role when lead actress, Hattie Duval was indisposed.
Lexi also has a second job, one she has kept secret.
When Lexi doesn’t arrive at the theatre for work. the director, Cameron sends Joe to find her. But he finds her body, she had been murdered.
So, Joe and his friend Russell, an unofficial private detective, start their investigation. Can they find the killer before the corrupt, homophobic detective Skinner locks up the wrong man?
This may be a relatively short novella, but it packs so much in. There’s the clever plot, the descriptive writing that brings the 80’s Soho alive. The characters are so well developed, I really care for them and forever they are not real people. Russell now in a settled relationship with Freddie, and Joe, OH, I was so pleased there may actually be a romance for him with Mark. All mixed with a cosy, murder mystery in a wonderfully entertaining read. Brilliant as always.
Thank you to Red Dog Press for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour and for a free ecopy of this fabulous book. This is my honest and unbiased review.
December 2, 2021
I can't believe I'm reading two consecutive novels set in the 1988-89 period! Anyhoos - this was a fairly straightforward investigation by our sleuthing duo ... I guessed the killer a little past the mid-way mark. Nice to see Joe getting a new potential love-interest as well.
October 21, 2024
Yet another great book in the Soho Noir series. A good balance between predictable and surprising, however somewhat less intriguing unfortunately. Still a great book I would recommend to many.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews