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Marshall James #2
Beautiful Corpse
“It was 1984. Prince ruled the airways. The Los Angeles Olympics had come and gone, taking with it a spotlight that had shone harshly on the city’s night crawlers and left them thankful for the the shadows. AIDS was spreading its dark, black, wings over us all, and I was a happy guy. At least I thought I was, until things took a sudden turn for the deadly.” - Marshall James
It’s been over a year since Marshall James first became intimately familiar with murder. He’s six months sober now and happily living with the love of his life, LAPD Detective Mac McElroy. Despite the coming storm of AIDS and its devastating toll on the world Marshall knows, his dark days seem to be behind him. Then one night he says the wrong thing, storms out in anger, and walks straight into a nightmare. Someone is setting him up to take the fall for a beautiful corpse. But who would do something so evil, and so planned? Within hours he finds himself running from the police and the mob, and running toward a killer he must apprehend before the only chance left is no chance at all.
It’s been over a year since Marshall James first became intimately familiar with murder. He’s six months sober now and happily living with the love of his life, LAPD Detective Mac McElroy. Despite the coming storm of AIDS and its devastating toll on the world Marshall knows, his dark days seem to be behind him. Then one night he says the wrong thing, storms out in anger, and walks straight into a nightmare. Someone is setting him up to take the fall for a beautiful corpse. But who would do something so evil, and so planned? Within hours he finds himself running from the police and the mob, and running toward a killer he must apprehend before the only chance left is no chance at all.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2020
11 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
Mark McNease
54 books119 followersI've recently released 'Blank Page to Bookshelf: From First Sentence to First Sale,' condensing two years of my workshops into one easy to read guide on fiction writing, character creation, and self-publishing.
I've also written horror as M.A. McNease - not a pen name, it's my initials. Books under M.A. McNease include 'I, Warlock,' 'A House in the Woods (1 and 2)', and 'Hell to Pay' (a two-book volume of both House in the Woods books).
I'm the author of the Kyle Callahan Mysteries, two of which have been best sellers on Kindle. In 2022 I released the second Maggie Dahl Mystery, 'Open Secrets,' with Maggie pursuing another killer in sleepy Lambertville, NJ.
My Detective Linda mystery, 'Last Room at the Cliff's Edge', was released in September, 2016, and called a winner by Publishers Weekly. I released the first Marshall James thriller, 'Murder at the Paisley Parrot', in 2017, followed by 'Beautiful Corpse,' 'Final Audition,' and most recently 'Night Flight to Murder Town' in 2025.
'Black Cat White Paws: A Maggie Dahl Mystery' was released in 2018, followed by 'Open Secrets.'
I have 10 audiobooks currently available (Audible, Amazon, various retailers). My short story 'Stop the Car' was selected as a Kindle Single and is now an audiobook narrated by the amazing Braden Wright. It was selected twice to be included in the Amazon Prime reading library.
For old time's sake I also have two Emmys for Outstanding Children's Program for 'Into the Outdoors', a television show I co-created and wrote for two years that is now in its 17th year.
I live in the New Jersey woods with my husband, Frank, and our two cats, Wilma and James.
You can find me at my website, MarkMcNease.com.
I've also written horror as M.A. McNease - not a pen name, it's my initials. Books under M.A. McNease include 'I, Warlock,' 'A House in the Woods (1 and 2)', and 'Hell to Pay' (a two-book volume of both House in the Woods books).
I'm the author of the Kyle Callahan Mysteries, two of which have been best sellers on Kindle. In 2022 I released the second Maggie Dahl Mystery, 'Open Secrets,' with Maggie pursuing another killer in sleepy Lambertville, NJ.
My Detective Linda mystery, 'Last Room at the Cliff's Edge', was released in September, 2016, and called a winner by Publishers Weekly. I released the first Marshall James thriller, 'Murder at the Paisley Parrot', in 2017, followed by 'Beautiful Corpse,' 'Final Audition,' and most recently 'Night Flight to Murder Town' in 2025.
'Black Cat White Paws: A Maggie Dahl Mystery' was released in 2018, followed by 'Open Secrets.'
I have 10 audiobooks currently available (Audible, Amazon, various retailers). My short story 'Stop the Car' was selected as a Kindle Single and is now an audiobook narrated by the amazing Braden Wright. It was selected twice to be included in the Amazon Prime reading library.
For old time's sake I also have two Emmys for Outstanding Children's Program for 'Into the Outdoors', a television show I co-created and wrote for two years that is now in its 17th year.
I live in the New Jersey woods with my husband, Frank, and our two cats, Wilma and James.
You can find me at my website, MarkMcNease.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 20, 2022
I love it
😂😂 why do I think the author wrote this from a personal experience 😂😂 it’s so entertaining I can’t believe I’m only reading his books now, we should have been acquainted a long time ago 😂😂 the sense if humour is galore in here
😂😂 why do I think the author wrote this from a personal experience 😂😂 it’s so entertaining I can’t believe I’m only reading his books now, we should have been acquainted a long time ago 😂😂 the sense if humour is galore in here
September 14, 2021
Beautiful Corpse is an awesome read that keeps you on edge and takes you on an unpredictable journey, giving you a glimpse inside the 80s. It’s dark and scary and yet the author manages to slip in his twisted wry humor. The character of Marshall James is flawed but still a redemptive guy... and that's why the reader will always root for him. This author is quiet the storyteller and mystery fans that don’t mind same sex characters will really like it.
December 15, 2020
In 1984 LA life was not too bad for Marshall and his husband the homicide detective. That is, until Marshall woke up drugged and in bed with a corpse and the uniforms arriving just as he escaped the establishment. The dead man was unidentifiable for a time, but who he turned out to be connected to was a real nightmare. And Marshall only had a short time to do his own investigating before his very law enforcement husband got into trouble.
As always, the characters are memorable and engaging, the atmosphere is well described . McNease never fails to hold the reader's interest while bringing in a well crafted story!
Sean Rhead did a decent job with the narration.
As always, the characters are memorable and engaging, the atmosphere is well described . McNease never fails to hold the reader's interest while bringing in a well crafted story!
Sean Rhead did a decent job with the narration.
April 24, 2021
What a joy to listen to another Marshall James Thriller. In this second book, Beautiful Corpse, we discover that Marshall James's past catches up with him in the most surprising way. Taking place in 1984, Marshall continues to share with us the events of his life as a gay bartender in his mid-twenties. AIDS is taking its toll on the gay community and it is known that HIV is known to cause it but there was no test for it, at the time. He's living with his boyfriend in celibacy and enjoys life working in one of the hottest gay clubs in Hollywood. But things take a wrong turn when in anger he storms out on his guy and wanders to a bathhouse for a change of scenery and find himself in a bathhouse bed with a corpse, recovering from being drugged. All works out well after some incredible occurrences but the strain it puts on his relationship is mentioned. Once again, Mark McNease writes a tight, smooth mystery with not one slow or boring spot in the entire book. The book was so much like visiting an old friend who resumes fascinating reminiscences about his interesting, and at times hazardous life. The narrator, Sean Rhead, was incredible and a great fit for Marshall James. Such a pleasure to hear him read!
September 15, 2020
This is a sequel to Murder at the Paisley Parrot and like that one, is told by the protagonist as a remembrance of his life.
What we have here is a Marshall James who is clean, sober and living happily with Kevin. In the beginning, at least...
A fight with Kevin has Marshall running away to a bathhouse, where a bit of inconsequential flirting becomes a nightmare and now Marshall is running for his life.
Set in 1984, with the ever-present spectre of AIDS looming in the background, this is a fantastic story that kept me hooked until the end. And I must say, the epilogue broke my heart :(
Another great story by an author that knows how to submerge you into the places and times of his stories.
And Sean Rhead did a good job with the narration.
Although I'm bewildered at the fact that this book is tagged as a romance. It is not. It's a thriller, a mystery with a gay protagonist who also happens to be in a relationship. Argh! Well, at least now it will have a mystery tag *laughs*
What we have here is a Marshall James who is clean, sober and living happily with Kevin. In the beginning, at least...
A fight with Kevin has Marshall running away to a bathhouse, where a bit of inconsequential flirting becomes a nightmare and now Marshall is running for his life.
Set in 1984, with the ever-present spectre of AIDS looming in the background, this is a fantastic story that kept me hooked until the end. And I must say, the epilogue broke my heart :(
Another great story by an author that knows how to submerge you into the places and times of his stories.
And Sean Rhead did a good job with the narration.
Although I'm bewildered at the fact that this book is tagged as a romance. It is not. It's a thriller, a mystery with a gay protagonist who also happens to be in a relationship. Argh! Well, at least now it will have a mystery tag *laughs*
June 2, 2020
I liked this book. The main character had a problem in the past, but is now sober and living a life that he loves with a woman he loves. Then, a corpse turns up and he starts living a nightmare. He is running not only from the cops but also the mob and things are not what you think they are.
This book started out a little slower than I am used to with books of this genre, but they picked up nicely and the second half of the book was really good. It kept my interest and the characters were very well portrayed. I recommend this book.
This book started out a little slower than I am used to with books of this genre, but they picked up nicely and the second half of the book was really good. It kept my interest and the characters were very well portrayed. I recommend this book.
November 14, 2020
I enjoyed this audiobook. It is book 2 of a series and book 1 is referred to but enough information is given that I understood what was happening without having read book 1. I liked the character of Marshall James, a gay man in California in the 1980s. After fighting with his lover, he goes out to a bar and finds himself in bed with a corpse the next morning. How he figures this out without getting caught is pretty amazing. The plot line is satisfying and the narration was excellent. Now I will go back to read book 1.
May 22, 2020
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
It’s been a year since Marshall James became acquainted with murder as he is now living sober with the love of his life. Things are going well despite the world around him. But things will not be silent and calm for long.
A corpse will appear which will make him the target in an ever ending nightmare. He will soon be on the run again not only from the police but the mob as well. Who is really after him? All is not what it seems.
It’s been a year since Marshall James became acquainted with murder as he is now living sober with the love of his life. Things are going well despite the world around him. But things will not be silent and calm for long.
A corpse will appear which will make him the target in an ever ending nightmare. He will soon be on the run again not only from the police but the mob as well. Who is really after him? All is not what it seems.
August 29, 2020
A short but easy read, recounted in a retrospective manner by MC Marshall ... the plot reminded me of Marshall Thornton's Fade Out. And like the first title in the series, the looming specter of AIDS lurks quietly in the background. 3.5 stars.
May 25, 2020
Thank you to author Mark McNease for this FREE Kindle copy of Beautiful Corpse. Also to Goodreads for hosting the opportunity.
I liked it. The pace picks up slowly as all the elements are brought together, and the last third of the book moves along well. Pretty good scene setting and cast, but there still needs to be some editing done, which knocks this from a 3.5 to a 3.0 rating.
I liked it. The pace picks up slowly as all the elements are brought together, and the last third of the book moves along well. Pretty good scene setting and cast, but there still needs to be some editing done, which knocks this from a 3.5 to a 3.0 rating.
September 5, 2020
Marshall always does it for me.....
I enjoy this series, the hero is very likable but very real. The action moves quickly since the book is short. But the personality come through loud and clear. More realistic than the Stan Kraychick series and more likable. Hopefully a few more will be written.
I enjoy this series, the hero is very likable but very real. The action moves quickly since the book is short. But the personality come through loud and clear. More realistic than the Stan Kraychick series and more likable. Hopefully a few more will be written.
October 2, 2020
A real page turner! I’ve always wanted to say that!
I recommend reading book 1 in the series but it isn’t totally necessary to enjoy this one. I do think it makes this that much more enjoyable. Although some of the twists and turns are a little predictable, most are not. Nonetheless this series keeps you guessing. I loved the read.
I recommend reading book 1 in the series but it isn’t totally necessary to enjoy this one. I do think it makes this that much more enjoyable. Although some of the twists and turns are a little predictable, most are not. Nonetheless this series keeps you guessing. I loved the read.
June 18, 2020
This was a very short book. It took a while to get into it and then it became action packed..... just the way I like them. This guy finally got it together and became sober for some time now.
I liked it when it started moving faster!!!
I liked it when it started moving faster!!!
July 1, 2020
Loving it. We skip forward a year to 1984 and once again Marshall is up to his neck in murder.
I love this is set in a time before cell phone and the internet.
I hope the author is going to write a 3rd book.
I love this is set in a time before cell phone and the internet.
I hope the author is going to write a 3rd book.
April 2, 2021
Intriguing and wistful
I have read quite a few stories by Mark McNease and all of them having enjoyable. This story, told as part of memoir by an aging gay man is intriguing and wistful. As a gam man in my 60’s, I truly enjoyed it
I have read quite a few stories by Mark McNease and all of them having enjoyable. This story, told as part of memoir by an aging gay man is intriguing and wistful. As a gam man in my 60’s, I truly enjoyed it
May 22, 2020
Loved this book. A quick read (125 pages on Kindle) and a real page turner. Looking forward to more books by Mark McNease and ordered the first Marshall book, Murder at the Paisley Parrot.
May 24, 2020
This is an entertaining, action packed read!
Want to read
September 4, 2020🎁 The Marshall James Thrillers Series (2 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (9/4/2020)! 🎁
September 8, 2020
Loved This Story
Mark McNease, is a story teller. I loved this story. I loved the Main Characters. It was well-written, and had a good storyline.
Mark McNease, is a story teller. I loved this story. I loved the Main Characters. It was well-written, and had a good storyline.
April 21, 2021
Please tell me there will be a third book in the series!
I have truly enjoyed both books in this series.
I have truly enjoyed both books in this series.
June 18, 2020
120 pages
4 stars
Good pacing and a slow build of tension drive this short story.
Marshall James has got his life in order. He is now clean and sober and has been for some time.
In 1984 he became involved in a convoluted tale of murder. He wakes up next to a dead man. Unthinkingly, he runs out the door of the bath house. He knows he didn't do this murder, but who did? The man named Steven that he met the night before must have drugged him! He must be the killer!
But how to catch him while he is on the run from the cops? For he is sure they have his fingerprints.
Marshall slowly pieces together the clues and in a daring confrontation with the killer he learns all.
An innocent man on the run and trying to find the real murderer is not my style of reading material. I prefer the more straightforward crime thrillers. But this book is very well written and the dialogue is great. Marshall has much courage and I admire that. I also like the way the book weaves the AIDS crisis in the story. In 1984, the disease was relatively new and men were dying by the hundreds. (I lost a very dear friend to AIDS – and it still hurts.) I enjoyed the story overall and will certainly read more of Mr. McNease.
I want to thank GoodReads Giveaway for forwarding to me a copy of this very fine book for me to read, enjoy and review.
4 stars
Good pacing and a slow build of tension drive this short story.
Marshall James has got his life in order. He is now clean and sober and has been for some time.
In 1984 he became involved in a convoluted tale of murder. He wakes up next to a dead man. Unthinkingly, he runs out the door of the bath house. He knows he didn't do this murder, but who did? The man named Steven that he met the night before must have drugged him! He must be the killer!
But how to catch him while he is on the run from the cops? For he is sure they have his fingerprints.
Marshall slowly pieces together the clues and in a daring confrontation with the killer he learns all.
An innocent man on the run and trying to find the real murderer is not my style of reading material. I prefer the more straightforward crime thrillers. But this book is very well written and the dialogue is great. Marshall has much courage and I admire that. I also like the way the book weaves the AIDS crisis in the story. In 1984, the disease was relatively new and men were dying by the hundreds. (I lost a very dear friend to AIDS – and it still hurts.) I enjoyed the story overall and will certainly read more of Mr. McNease.
I want to thank GoodReads Giveaway for forwarding to me a copy of this very fine book for me to read, enjoy and review.
July 23, 2022
( Format : Audiobook )
"Who wasn't gone now?"
Awake in his New York apartment whilst his husband and cat slept and gently snored, Marshall James had just celebrated his fifth anniversary of surviving cancer and thinks back to 1984, as a man in his late twenties. He'd been married then, too, but to a different person, a police detective. Wondering where he was now, Marshall recalls that time in Los Angeles when he was hiding, in fear of facing an accusation of murder.
The story is short, atmospheric, noir, the characters, especially Marshall, well developed and believable, and such a pleasure to read. Narration is by Sean Rhead, a perfect fit for the personality of Marshall, as he relates his memories in the first person. Smooth, warm and well paced, he gives a fine performance, gripping the listener with his nicely modulated reading.
I just loved this book, the ending coming far too quickly for my liking. This is the second in a two part series, the first having the delicious title of Murder at the Paisley Parrot. I still have this one to enjoy. My thanks to the rights holder of Beautiful Corpse who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary via via Audiofreebies. A definite recommendation to all who enjoy noir murder mysteries.
Second reading.
Just as enjoyable as first listen. Very enjoyable.
"Who wasn't gone now?"
Awake in his New York apartment whilst his husband and cat slept and gently snored, Marshall James had just celebrated his fifth anniversary of surviving cancer and thinks back to 1984, as a man in his late twenties. He'd been married then, too, but to a different person, a police detective. Wondering where he was now, Marshall recalls that time in Los Angeles when he was hiding, in fear of facing an accusation of murder.
The story is short, atmospheric, noir, the characters, especially Marshall, well developed and believable, and such a pleasure to read. Narration is by Sean Rhead, a perfect fit for the personality of Marshall, as he relates his memories in the first person. Smooth, warm and well paced, he gives a fine performance, gripping the listener with his nicely modulated reading.
I just loved this book, the ending coming far too quickly for my liking. This is the second in a two part series, the first having the delicious title of Murder at the Paisley Parrot. I still have this one to enjoy. My thanks to the rights holder of Beautiful Corpse who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary via via Audiofreebies. A definite recommendation to all who enjoy noir murder mysteries.
Second reading.
Just as enjoyable as first listen. Very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews