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Where the Boys Are: Murder, Martinis, and Mayhem... Boys Will Be Boys
Love-cursed journalist, Quinn Harris, has a terrible talent for being at the wrong place at the right time. When a chance reunion brings him face to face with a flame from his past the sparks quickly turn to ice as evidence of foul play arises! He soon learns that it’s no coincidence his high school crush disappeared years ago, without a trace. It’s also no coincidence that his victims look exactly like Quinn… The body count and the stakes are high as Quinn works to unravel the truth behind a string of unanswered murders that hit dangerously close to home. Murder, martinis, and mayhem rule in this stylish LGBTQ thriller from Christopher Murphy.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2019
35 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Murphy
3 books3 followersChristopher Murphy is an activist, artist and author of the breakout thriller, Where The Boys Are.
Christopher is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the Hurston/Wright Foundation. As a graphic designer/copywriter/marketer by day and author by night, Christopher can usually be found creating and designing behind the bright neon glow of his laptop.
When he’s not writing, he enjoys traveling to new destinations. He is a shameless thrill-seeker, lover of roller coasters and all things that go fast. Christopher lives and works out of his home in Las Vegas with “the hubs” and their two dogs, and is currently writing his next novel.
For more information and works by the author please visit www.ChristopherMurphyBooks.com.
(Source: Amazon.com)
Christopher is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the Hurston/Wright Foundation. As a graphic designer/copywriter/marketer by day and author by night, Christopher can usually be found creating and designing behind the bright neon glow of his laptop.
When he’s not writing, he enjoys traveling to new destinations. He is a shameless thrill-seeker, lover of roller coasters and all things that go fast. Christopher lives and works out of his home in Las Vegas with “the hubs” and their two dogs, and is currently writing his next novel.
For more information and works by the author please visit www.ChristopherMurphyBooks.com.
(Source: Amazon.com)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 28, 2023
welcome to 202-Queer 🌈✨
50 in February: 47/50
surprisingly good actually. the mystery was just alright, the characters were really interesting and fleshed out though. i especially enjoyed all the relationships between them.
50 in February: 47/50
surprisingly good actually. the mystery was just alright, the characters were really interesting and fleshed out though. i especially enjoyed all the relationships between them.
September 18, 2020
I think I made the mistake of not reading a blurb but only going by the three "reviews" that were in the spot reserved as a front cover. I was sent on another path. I was of the opinion I was about to open a mystery book crafted by a genius.
The book starts slow. The attention to detail in the description in the first chapter was a bit too much for the common reader. That the first chapter isn't what everyone who's reading it thinks it is...that is a bigger issue. That unique approach to a story left me with the initial feeling of tossing my tablet. I realized quickly it wasn't my tablet's fault so I apologized to my tablet and bought it a nice dinner.
The book is about a reporter named Quinn who is investigating someone I immediately saw as Jeffery Dahmeresque. Let me also state as the person who reviewed Chrysalis by Theresa Dale, I am not bothered at all by LGBTQ+ writing. When presented in a smooth fashion, an unbiased reader doesn't realize a book has a sexuality, it is all and I mean ALL about the story.
This book read like a novel version of the exploitation movies made in the last century. The best friend of Quinn - Bailey - is written like an unimaginably over the TOP version of the character Hollywood Montrose from the movie Mannequin.
There is an over-arching subtext that, in the view of this story, the world is gay and everyone is just living in it. The story about corruption and influence-peddling was very well done. There is a part in the book where a 'hard-done-to' detective explains she is only on the take to support her special needs kid. There is never a good excuse for committing a felony or throwing away public trust. A child of a cop who committed a felony to ensure their upbringing would be humiliated to have that person as a parent. The goal to take down the influence peddler was one part of Quinn I really admired.
If you are a fan of an LGBTQ+ version of Sex in the City, then this book is for you. If you like cold case investigations of serial killers, this book might be for you too.
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
The book starts slow. The attention to detail in the description in the first chapter was a bit too much for the common reader. That the first chapter isn't what everyone who's reading it thinks it is...that is a bigger issue. That unique approach to a story left me with the initial feeling of tossing my tablet. I realized quickly it wasn't my tablet's fault so I apologized to my tablet and bought it a nice dinner.
The book is about a reporter named Quinn who is investigating someone I immediately saw as Jeffery Dahmeresque. Let me also state as the person who reviewed Chrysalis by Theresa Dale, I am not bothered at all by LGBTQ+ writing. When presented in a smooth fashion, an unbiased reader doesn't realize a book has a sexuality, it is all and I mean ALL about the story.
This book read like a novel version of the exploitation movies made in the last century. The best friend of Quinn - Bailey - is written like an unimaginably over the TOP version of the character Hollywood Montrose from the movie Mannequin.
There is an over-arching subtext that, in the view of this story, the world is gay and everyone is just living in it. The story about corruption and influence-peddling was very well done. There is a part in the book where a 'hard-done-to' detective explains she is only on the take to support her special needs kid. There is never a good excuse for committing a felony or throwing away public trust. A child of a cop who committed a felony to ensure their upbringing would be humiliated to have that person as a parent. The goal to take down the influence peddler was one part of Quinn I really admired.
If you are a fan of an LGBTQ+ version of Sex in the City, then this book is for you. If you like cold case investigations of serial killers, this book might be for you too.
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
May 1, 2025
Loved it!
Loved the thriller theme of the book and the elements of danger for all involved. Will definitely be reading more of this author.
Loved the thriller theme of the book and the elements of danger for all involved. Will definitely be reading more of this author.
July 13, 2022
Quinn Harris is an investigative reporter for the Chronicle in NYC. Lately, his job has become a burden with its boring menial assignments. His boss, Marcus Styles gives Quinn a challenge, bring him “something that scares him”.
After many thoughts about Tomas a yoga participant, Quinn heads out to meet with his best friend, Bailey Langston Alexander, a world traveling model. Bailey has just flew home to NYC. While waiting for Bailey at SKY the new gay bar, he keeps an eye out for Tomas, but he spies someone else. James Frazer, forensic analyst for the local PD. He and James have a connection when it comes to their jobs, but they spend a lot of time on the phone. Although Quinn wishes it was more than law enforcement conversations. With this meet up at the bar he and James talk and do a little bit of flirting, but they’re interrupted by Bailey. James and Bailey don’t seem to get along but James has to depart anyways.
Now it’s just Quinn and Bailey, and for Quinn the bar seems to be the same old faces, but one face looks familiar. He starts to reminisce about his and Bailey’s failed boyfriend situations. When Bailey hears about Quinn’s new suggestion for an assignment, he invites Quinn to go to Paris with him. After a lot of teasing about the older man at the bar, Quinn decides to take a chance. And what a surprise, the older man is his science teacher Mr. Anderson Doyle.
From there the situation get’s weird and what happens to Quinn is unbelievable and traumatic. He doesn’t know who he can trust, when he finds that those involved don’t want the truth to come out. Quinn has evidence that he needs to keep a secret. This secret evidence will start Quinn on an investigation to find one young man that could possibly shed light on this tale of horror.
“Where the Boys Are” is and exceptionally well written mystery that had me engrossed and guessing from the start. It’s a dark, psychological, suspenseful, terrorizing and twisted story, with corruption, politics, and prejudice.
As I have read many LGBTQ+ mysteries, I felt Christopher Murphy portrayed all the characters in this gender perfectly and provided an in-depth look into each of their lives. I love the gradual connection between Quinn and James. No matter what, Quinn stayed persistent and dedicated to finding closure for those involved. James was always supported and cared about Quinn, never doubting him.
It’s also a story of Adam Walker and Bailey Alexander. Two very different young men and how their lives were also abusive in different ways and how they overcame it. There’s also those that make decisions to hide and deny the truth: Detective Denise Bradshaw, politician Ted Collins and teacher Anderson Doyle.
I also listened to the audio for this novel narrated by Ronnie Motel. Mr. Motel did a fair narration and different characters could be identified with the voice tones. I felt, the pacing of the narration fit with Quinn and his job as a reporter. The best voice tone was Levi Chandler with the slight British accent and Adam’s southern drawl came through at times.
For me, “Where the Boys Are” was a first time read from Christopher Murphy and a thriller of a page-turner! I was immersed in this novel from the start with this unforgettable story and characters. I am a true murder mystery fan and I highly suggest this novel for those who love a great mystery.
After many thoughts about Tomas a yoga participant, Quinn heads out to meet with his best friend, Bailey Langston Alexander, a world traveling model. Bailey has just flew home to NYC. While waiting for Bailey at SKY the new gay bar, he keeps an eye out for Tomas, but he spies someone else. James Frazer, forensic analyst for the local PD. He and James have a connection when it comes to their jobs, but they spend a lot of time on the phone. Although Quinn wishes it was more than law enforcement conversations. With this meet up at the bar he and James talk and do a little bit of flirting, but they’re interrupted by Bailey. James and Bailey don’t seem to get along but James has to depart anyways.
Now it’s just Quinn and Bailey, and for Quinn the bar seems to be the same old faces, but one face looks familiar. He starts to reminisce about his and Bailey’s failed boyfriend situations. When Bailey hears about Quinn’s new suggestion for an assignment, he invites Quinn to go to Paris with him. After a lot of teasing about the older man at the bar, Quinn decides to take a chance. And what a surprise, the older man is his science teacher Mr. Anderson Doyle.
From there the situation get’s weird and what happens to Quinn is unbelievable and traumatic. He doesn’t know who he can trust, when he finds that those involved don’t want the truth to come out. Quinn has evidence that he needs to keep a secret. This secret evidence will start Quinn on an investigation to find one young man that could possibly shed light on this tale of horror.
“Where the Boys Are” is and exceptionally well written mystery that had me engrossed and guessing from the start. It’s a dark, psychological, suspenseful, terrorizing and twisted story, with corruption, politics, and prejudice.
As I have read many LGBTQ+ mysteries, I felt Christopher Murphy portrayed all the characters in this gender perfectly and provided an in-depth look into each of their lives. I love the gradual connection between Quinn and James. No matter what, Quinn stayed persistent and dedicated to finding closure for those involved. James was always supported and cared about Quinn, never doubting him.
It’s also a story of Adam Walker and Bailey Alexander. Two very different young men and how their lives were also abusive in different ways and how they overcame it. There’s also those that make decisions to hide and deny the truth: Detective Denise Bradshaw, politician Ted Collins and teacher Anderson Doyle.
I also listened to the audio for this novel narrated by Ronnie Motel. Mr. Motel did a fair narration and different characters could be identified with the voice tones. I felt, the pacing of the narration fit with Quinn and his job as a reporter. The best voice tone was Levi Chandler with the slight British accent and Adam’s southern drawl came through at times.
For me, “Where the Boys Are” was a first time read from Christopher Murphy and a thriller of a page-turner! I was immersed in this novel from the start with this unforgettable story and characters. I am a true murder mystery fan and I highly suggest this novel for those who love a great mystery.
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August 5, 2024DNF Huge Trigger Warnings needed
I just couldn't get into this the way it was written.
A debut novel by the author for the story of Quinn.
In the prologue, Adam and Vaughn are in a new relationship which it tells in 3rd person. Adam wakes after having a nightmare involving blood. Being caught with a married man Adam’s in a bad spot. But theirs a Huge Twist… no spoilers.
Quinn was an investigative journalist who wanted real interest cases he could get involved in.
Bailey was a model who shares a home with Lucy, a flight attendant who was never home.
Bailey’s Mr Doyle makes an appearance and they reconnect again but with another huge twist.
This book was written as the 3rd POV telling throughout the book which I did not connect to. I skimmed a lot of this book but ultimately gave up as a DNF after being triggered. This has a horrible violent scene that triggered me, its not pretty at all and definitely not for the faint hearten reader.
I just couldn't get into this the way it was written.
A debut novel by the author for the story of Quinn.
In the prologue, Adam and Vaughn are in a new relationship which it tells in 3rd person. Adam wakes after having a nightmare involving blood. Being caught with a married man Adam’s in a bad spot. But theirs a Huge Twist… no spoilers.
Quinn was an investigative journalist who wanted real interest cases he could get involved in.
Bailey was a model who shares a home with Lucy, a flight attendant who was never home.
Bailey’s Mr Doyle makes an appearance and they reconnect again but with another huge twist.
This book was written as the 3rd POV telling throughout the book which I did not connect to. I skimmed a lot of this book but ultimately gave up as a DNF after being triggered. This has a horrible violent scene that triggered me, its not pretty at all and definitely not for the faint hearten reader.
November 7, 2023
This is a charming little story in the vein of Murder, She Wrote, if Jessica Fletcher was into other women and used her lover to turn the justice system into her own private bitch.
The story has enough elements to remain interesting, and the elements all mean something. It all comes together in a satisfying way. Plus, if you are not into gratuitous sex scenes - this book's got you covered.
The story has enough elements to remain interesting, and the elements all mean something. It all comes together in a satisfying way. Plus, if you are not into gratuitous sex scenes - this book's got you covered.
June 28, 2024
When a chance reunion brings Quinn face to face with a highly respected teacher from his past. They reconnect instantly but when evidence of foul play emerges, and the victims involved bear a significant resemblance to Quinn, he wonders if this was a coincidence at all. With a rising body count and high stakes, Quinn races to uncover the truth behind a series of unsolved murders that strike dangerously close to home.
The world is severely lacking in Queer thrillers, so when I saw that this book had an LGBT Label, I had to pick it up! Not an overly unique plot, but it really was an exciting and fast paced thriller with lots of twists and moral ambiguity. There were also some spicy scenes which I appreciated! I did find the multiple POVs to be hard to follow at times, especially because there were multiple characters who used different aliases at different points in their lives, so sometimes I found myself confused about who was who. Regardless, I really liked this thriller and will be becking out Christopher Murphy's other books!
The world is severely lacking in Queer thrillers, so when I saw that this book had an LGBT Label, I had to pick it up! Not an overly unique plot, but it really was an exciting and fast paced thriller with lots of twists and moral ambiguity. There were also some spicy scenes which I appreciated! I did find the multiple POVs to be hard to follow at times, especially because there were multiple characters who used different aliases at different points in their lives, so sometimes I found myself confused about who was who. Regardless, I really liked this thriller and will be becking out Christopher Murphy's other books!
November 2, 2023
I started this to help me sleep, but after a slow start, it actually went somewhere good. A jaunty little serial killer thriller where byroads come and go without needing to be explored. A pretty decent ride, with a cool destination.
November 11, 2023
Solid 4.5 stars... Great characters amd great mistery... I am not giving it 5 stars because the multiple POVs were. Big confusing at times... But the rest is great... Looking forward to new books from the aurhor
September 19, 2024
Love this book
It's such a great find on my part. I absolutely loved the characters and the story kept you guessing until the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story.
It's such a great find on my part. I absolutely loved the characters and the story kept you guessing until the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story.
December 31, 2020
An awesome 1st novel. Lots of suspense.
February 1, 2024
Didn't expect much but had an Instant liking to the characters and their connection. Still hoping for a sequel. Some sort of closure
January 31, 2023
The whole premise of the book is too far fetched, but I finished it because I really wanted to like it, and wish I hadn't wasted my time. The whole thing was far fetched and not at all believable. Very disappointing.
July 22, 2020
My Recommendation: Not worth the time . . . yet. I think with a lot more editing it could've been a great book because there were definite bright spots, but you had to wade through a lot to get to them. Murphy clearly has some talent, there were a few gripping scenes and the characters were like 85% of the way there, but he needs to pick a lane and stick with it. Either go all out and perfect the over-description/stream of consciousness (a la Joyce) or don't. (I'd go with don't, there's not a real market for Joycean type works and it has to be beyond perfection to break into that.) And then commit to one genre and improve upon that first and then either branch out or start introducing elements of the others in later works. This book could legitimately have been a romance, a thriller, or a travelogue of some sort, but it didn't work as all three even though there were parts of each that shone.
My Response: I took quite a few days before writing this review because I wanted to be thoughtful in my critique and honest in what did and didn't work.
It's always a little bit harder to write a response to a novel when it's the author who reaches out to you to review their work.* I know how much of themselves authors put into their books and to then put it out in the world, I mean come on that's more nerve than I'll probably ever muster, so kudos to all of you out there brave enough to do it.
I'm going to start with what didn't work, and then end on a high with the things that I really enjoyed about this work. So, stick with me because there were DEFINITELY some highlights!
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
*I received a copy of Where the Boys Are from the author in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.
My Response: I took quite a few days before writing this review because I wanted to be thoughtful in my critique and honest in what did and didn't work.
It's always a little bit harder to write a response to a novel when it's the author who reaches out to you to review their work.* I know how much of themselves authors put into their books and to then put it out in the world, I mean come on that's more nerve than I'll probably ever muster, so kudos to all of you out there brave enough to do it.
I'm going to start with what didn't work, and then end on a high with the things that I really enjoyed about this work. So, stick with me because there were DEFINITELY some highlights!
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
*I received a copy of Where the Boys Are from the author in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews