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Drag Queen Detective #1
Men, Murder and Makeup
Murder is a Drag.
Victor Sommers has a secret. Not only is he Maple Grove’s top hairstylist and drag queen extraordinaire, he is also the town’s reclusive best-selling novelist, murder mystery author, Vicki Dean.
The murder of Mayor Jennings has everyone in the small town on edge and Vicki Dean is the prime suspect. Can Victor clear her name without revealing his secret identity?
The hunky new sheriff, Harper Wolfe, investigates the murder. Will he help Victor prove Vicki's innocence or be a threat to not only his freedom but also his heart?
Victor must let go of his fear and step out of the shadows in his high heels and lipstick to solve this mystery. He is ready for his close-up whether he wants it or not.
Victor Sommers has a secret. Not only is he Maple Grove’s top hairstylist and drag queen extraordinaire, he is also the town’s reclusive best-selling novelist, murder mystery author, Vicki Dean.
The murder of Mayor Jennings has everyone in the small town on edge and Vicki Dean is the prime suspect. Can Victor clear her name without revealing his secret identity?
The hunky new sheriff, Harper Wolfe, investigates the murder. Will he help Victor prove Vicki's innocence or be a threat to not only his freedom but also his heart?
Victor must let go of his fear and step out of the shadows in his high heels and lipstick to solve this mystery. He is ready for his close-up whether he wants it or not.
206 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2021
123 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
About the author
Shane K. Morton
65 books239 followersShane K Morton lives in California with his husband and their fur baby. His Novels include: The Point Pleasant Holiday Series, Bluegrass Boys Series, Moray University Collection- Adorkable, The Trouble With Off-Campus Housing, Private Waterloos and The Year of the Cock. Short stories: And We Call It Bella Notte, Ginger in the City and Get off of my Runway. Shane can usually be found at a film festival or performing in cabaret somewhere in a dark dive bar in LA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
December 23, 2021
3.5 rounded up. This was the silly, light read I needed right now. It is a cozy mystery involving Vic a drag queen who has 3 personas : Victor a gay hairdresser, Vickie a secret mystery writer and Raven a drag emcee. The mayor of the town is murdered and Vickie is kind of framed for it. Since Vickie is a secret identity he has to reveal the truth to Sheriff Hottie. The 2 begin dating and solve the mystery. That is a very short summary. I did not know who the killer was to the end which is always a plus. The pacing was good and kept me engaged. When everything was revealed, I did not really understand why the killer chose to frame Vickie though. The romance side of the plot was not developed enough IMHO but hopefully we'll see more in future books 😊
March 15, 2021
I am a big fan of cozy mysteries and this book didn’t disappoint. Vic is a delightful character and his inner turmoil over his secret identity felt very real to me. I’ll break this review down into two parts—investigation and personal relationships. Investigation: I think the author did a great job of including red herrings and provided a large cast of suspects. Vic was both logical and gutsy—two key characteristics required for a CM protagonist. The pacing was top notch and nothing felt like it was forced. Personal relationships: I’ll start with Cory. Everyone needs a ride or die like him. So adorable, so loyal, and so fierce. I hope he gets an epic love of his own. Sheriff Hottie is just that...hot. So yummy. He wanted to protect Vic but didn’t try to stifle him. That’s a big deal to me. Hottie accepted all the pieces that made Vic whole. I find it really refreshing. If I had one teeny tiny criticism it would be that maybe the romance came together a bit too quickly. I don’t presume to know what the author has in store for us and there’s plenty of room for conflict between Vic and Hottie in future investigations. I mean, Vic and Cory will stick their noses where he doesn’t think they belong. Also, I can appreciate when the conflict in a book occurs outside the relationship as long as it results in emotional growth for the main character and therefore strengthens the relationship. Plenty of opportunity for that with these characters. I can’t wait to see what happens next for them.
April 29, 2022
I enjoyed this much more than expected - any camp was not off-putting and the plot was well developed and progressed at a good pace. I liked both MCs and gym-bunny sidekick. My only wish is for an author to please let the policeman love interest be a nerd with a dad-bod just as a refreshing change!
July 31, 2022
This is the first book in the Drag Queen Detective series by Shane K Morton.
Victor Sommers is a drag queen living in a small northern California town. He used to live in San Francisco, but left there for his mental health. There's a back story there that we're given snippets of, but not the full story. I don't know if that will come up later at some point or not. Anyway... Vic is a hair stylist by day and, as his drag alter ego Raven Ronelle, the emcee of a local bar's drag show by night. Unbeknownst to the people in town -- including his best friend, Cory -- Vic has another alter ego (and another career!) as Vicki Dean, best-selling mystery novelist. "Vicki" (the corporation of) owns a house and piece of land in a remote part of town (Vic's hideaway writer's den). Though famous, Vicki Dean is a recluse -- gossiped about, but rarely seen around town. So far so good for Vic. But when someone kills the mayor and sets up Vicki Dean as the murderer, she needs to come out of hiding to clear her name. How can Vicki help Sheriff Harper Wolfe clear her name without revealing her biggest secret of all -- especially when Vic is attracted to Sheriff "Hottie"? And, what about Cory. Vicki Dean's biggest fan? Will his bestie understand?
This series is fun. The language is a bit more "colorful" than the usual cozy -- and seemed a bit stereotypical to me. However, I don't really know the "drag" world enough to say if that's true or not. It wasn't off-putting, just not what I'm used to in the usual cozy. That being said, the characters don't seem stereotypical other than what you normally get in cozies. There's the protagonist (Vic -- and Raven and Vicki -- who's good at solving murders), the best friend and sidekick (Cory, loyal to his bestie), the love interest cop (Sheriff Hottie, er, Harper Wolfe, who accepts Vic and all his personas), plus the secondary characters that inhabit the town.
The mystery in this first book was well-crafted and intriguing -- with the added suspense of Vic's secret. While the ultimate resolutions was convenient for the series, watching Vic investigate and follow the clues -- and change personalities from his own to Raven's to Vicki's -- was interesting.
I only have a couple of negatives at this point... First, editing is a bit sloppy here and there (character names mixed up in scenes; Angela Lansbury is called Angela Fletcher...) It wasn't horrible, but was noticeable. The other is that "Vicki" is the one who works with the sheriff to solve crimes. I mean, it's Vic behind the scenes, but he must don his "Vicki" persona to do it in public. It does add a layer of suspense as to whether s/he'll get found out, but it takes away some of Vic's power as the main character. I guess it does give Vicki the power and since they're the same person, but...
Overall, this is a fun and funny start to the series, It has a good cast of characters and a good mystery. I already adore Vic, Cory, and Harper. I don't know how long Vicki will or can remain a secret, but I'm going to continue reading on to see.
This book was not complimentary. I am reviewing it of my own free will because the book, or the experience of reading it, moved me to do so. All thoughts and opinions are my own, biased only by my experience(s).
#MenMurder&Makeup; #DragQueenDetective; #ShaneKMorton; #CozyMystery
Victor Sommers is a drag queen living in a small northern California town. He used to live in San Francisco, but left there for his mental health. There's a back story there that we're given snippets of, but not the full story. I don't know if that will come up later at some point or not. Anyway... Vic is a hair stylist by day and, as his drag alter ego Raven Ronelle, the emcee of a local bar's drag show by night. Unbeknownst to the people in town -- including his best friend, Cory -- Vic has another alter ego (and another career!) as Vicki Dean, best-selling mystery novelist. "Vicki" (the corporation of) owns a house and piece of land in a remote part of town (Vic's hideaway writer's den). Though famous, Vicki Dean is a recluse -- gossiped about, but rarely seen around town. So far so good for Vic. But when someone kills the mayor and sets up Vicki Dean as the murderer, she needs to come out of hiding to clear her name. How can Vicki help Sheriff Harper Wolfe clear her name without revealing her biggest secret of all -- especially when Vic is attracted to Sheriff "Hottie"? And, what about Cory. Vicki Dean's biggest fan? Will his bestie understand?
This series is fun. The language is a bit more "colorful" than the usual cozy -- and seemed a bit stereotypical to me. However, I don't really know the "drag" world enough to say if that's true or not. It wasn't off-putting, just not what I'm used to in the usual cozy. That being said, the characters don't seem stereotypical other than what you normally get in cozies. There's the protagonist (Vic -- and Raven and Vicki -- who's good at solving murders), the best friend and sidekick (Cory, loyal to his bestie), the love interest cop (Sheriff Hottie, er, Harper Wolfe, who accepts Vic and all his personas), plus the secondary characters that inhabit the town.
The mystery in this first book was well-crafted and intriguing -- with the added suspense of Vic's secret. While the ultimate resolutions was convenient for the series, watching Vic investigate and follow the clues -- and change personalities from his own to Raven's to Vicki's -- was interesting.
I only have a couple of negatives at this point... First, editing is a bit sloppy here and there (character names mixed up in scenes; Angela Lansbury is called Angela Fletcher...) It wasn't horrible, but was noticeable. The other is that "Vicki" is the one who works with the sheriff to solve crimes. I mean, it's Vic behind the scenes, but he must don his "Vicki" persona to do it in public. It does add a layer of suspense as to whether s/he'll get found out, but it takes away some of Vic's power as the main character. I guess it does give Vicki the power and since they're the same person, but...
Overall, this is a fun and funny start to the series, It has a good cast of characters and a good mystery. I already adore Vic, Cory, and Harper. I don't know how long Vicki will or can remain a secret, but I'm going to continue reading on to see.
This book was not complimentary. I am reviewing it of my own free will because the book, or the experience of reading it, moved me to do so. All thoughts and opinions are my own, biased only by my experience(s).
#MenMurder&Makeup; #DragQueenDetective; #ShaneKMorton; #CozyMystery
January 11, 2024
podobało mi się. aczkolwiek strasznie chaotyczna jest ta książka;) rozwiązanie zagadki kryminalnej- no nie wpadłabym. na serio serio. takie 4- więc zostaje 4;)
January 18, 2024
3.5 כוכבים,
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית ואנגלית קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/men-...
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית ואנגלית קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/men-...
January 2, 2023
An enjoyable mystery and great characters, especially Cory and the new love interest Sheriff Hottie. I think I am going to enjoy this series
May 31, 2021
I really wanted to like this book, and was very hopeful for the series. The premise is great- Vic, a hairdresser and drag queen is also a best selling murder mystery author, but no one knows that. All is well in the world until someone tries to frame his author's alter ego for the murder of the town's mayor. There's a hunky new sheriff in town, a campy best friend, and some pretty fun banter. Then there's the issue of an actual threat of being murdered in your home. Well, of course that means after a few days of police protection you're just going to go home by yourself, right? Ugh, I get it's a plot device to get the big reveal, but come on, there's got to be a better way to get to it. And also, if you're going to have your MC get bent out of shape that another gay man doesnt know who Jessica Fletcher is, make sure you call her Jessica Fletcher, not Angela Fletcher. No wonder Cory didnt know who Angela Fletcher is, cuz she's non-existent.
May 12, 2021
A good start as Victor and Cory have a tuff over washing dishes lol.
I loved that the characters aka Victor talks to the reader at the start I'd wished they'd kept continuing.
Vic finds himself attracted to Sheriff Hottie Harper and the investigations ramp up and things get dangerous. This is a great mystery to solve with the help of Vic and his helpers Cory and Harper.
Victor aka Raven the drag queen with a few secrets he held for himself.. When the major is murdered and reports of a writer last seen leaving.
I loved that the characters aka Victor talks to the reader at the start I'd wished they'd kept continuing.
Vic finds himself attracted to Sheriff Hottie Harper and the investigations ramp up and things get dangerous. This is a great mystery to solve with the help of Vic and his helpers Cory and Harper.
Victor aka Raven the drag queen with a few secrets he held for himself.. When the major is murdered and reports of a writer last seen leaving.
August 9, 2021
Im now a fan of this series. I love Victor/Vicki/Raven, they are all so distinct and fascinating and that wasn't easy.
This is a cosy mystery surrounding mainly Victor/Vicki. Victor was a charismatic hairdresser and Vicki was the famous top-selling author of the mystery novel living in recluse. So of course, no one in town associated both to be the same being. Harper was the new pansexual hot sheriff in town. Another shoutout to lovely Cory who was kick ass sassy inserting a lot of wit and humour into the novel. I love all the characters in here and definitely recommended to readers who are looking for cosy mysteries with a lot of fun and spice.
This is a cosy mystery surrounding mainly Victor/Vicki. Victor was a charismatic hairdresser and Vicki was the famous top-selling author of the mystery novel living in recluse. So of course, no one in town associated both to be the same being. Harper was the new pansexual hot sheriff in town. Another shoutout to lovely Cory who was kick ass sassy inserting a lot of wit and humour into the novel. I love all the characters in here and definitely recommended to readers who are looking for cosy mysteries with a lot of fun and spice.
February 17, 2021
3.5 stars. A nice twist with the drag queen mystery author, the multiple personalities was interesting and it was quite upbeat. Mentions of sex but not actual scenes. I guessed the culprit in the first intro purely based on how they acted. The big I will find you declarations from Vicki got annoying, as did how Harper did what she said. Interesting story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2023
Sassy andbSleuthing
This was fun, and getting to known the occupants of this small town was a riot. There were a few inconsistencies or editing oversights, but overall I had a good time.
This was fun, and getting to known the occupants of this small town was a riot. There were a few inconsistencies or editing oversights, but overall I had a good time.
August 4, 2022
From the title and blurb, I didn't expect dark or serious, but had no idea how much fun this would be. I fell in love with the town and its quirky characters. Vic/Vicki/Raven is an amazing protagonist, and like many a hero, has a trusted sidekick I adored.
Some mysteries are about the case, others about the main characters' relationship. Although Vic winds up with a new boyfriend, there was a lot of focus on the town, the people, and their dynamic that I found refreshing. And a drag queen detective? I love the idea and the execution, if it's okay to say "execution" when speaking of murder. (Play on words from the second book.)
I couldn't wait to move on to the next installment after finishing this one.
Highly recommended.
Some mysteries are about the case, others about the main characters' relationship. Although Vic winds up with a new boyfriend, there was a lot of focus on the town, the people, and their dynamic that I found refreshing. And a drag queen detective? I love the idea and the execution, if it's okay to say "execution" when speaking of murder. (Play on words from the second book.)
I couldn't wait to move on to the next installment after finishing this one.
Highly recommended.
Read
April 7, 2021Cozy mysteries aren't really my thing and the campy element isn't working for me either. Just a case of a bad match so I'm not rating. DNF @33%.
January 16, 2021
A drag queen, a mysyery writer with a secret, a real life murder, and a hunky sheriff? The plot thickens.
If you love Jessica Fletcher, you will love Vicki Dean. She is a best selling author of mysteries. And she herself is a mysterious recluse. Her secret? She is really Victor. Victor also happens to be a successful drag queen. But the murder of the town's mayor thrusts him/ her into the limelight, and into the arms of Harper, the hunky new sheriff. Together Vic & Harper manage to solve the murder all while falling in love. This is a good, old- fashioned murder mystery with a gay twist. Put on your detective hat & heels and see if you can outsleuth Vic & Harper. You will love this book!
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
If you love Jessica Fletcher, you will love Vicki Dean. She is a best selling author of mysteries. And she herself is a mysterious recluse. Her secret? She is really Victor. Victor also happens to be a successful drag queen. But the murder of the town's mayor thrusts him/ her into the limelight, and into the arms of Harper, the hunky new sheriff. Together Vic & Harper manage to solve the murder all while falling in love. This is a good, old- fashioned murder mystery with a gay twist. Put on your detective hat & heels and see if you can outsleuth Vic & Harper. You will love this book!
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
January 17, 2024
4.5 stars
What a fun book. It’s a quick read and I highly recommend it. I love Victor and his humor is great.
There was a little action but nothing serious and there was no on page sex. Both make sense because it’s a cozy mystery. But I really wanted to, um, watch? them. They got together pretty fast but at least they didn’t say I love you yet. I think I need to read the next one for that.
I love the characters. I like how Victor has to manage three personas (but I’d recognize my best friends if they were in light drag like that. But it was good for the story.)
I’m definitely going to read the next one soon.
What a fun book. It’s a quick read and I highly recommend it. I love Victor and his humor is great.
There was a little action but nothing serious and there was no on page sex. Both make sense because it’s a cozy mystery. But I really wanted to, um, watch? them. They got together pretty fast but at least they didn’t say I love you yet. I think I need to read the next one for that.
I love the characters. I like how Victor has to manage three personas (but I’d recognize my best friends if they were in light drag like that. But it was good for the story.)
I’m definitely going to read the next one soon.
May 24, 2021
Oh have I found a new mystery series!!!!!!!
I am a huge fan of the cozy mystery. I think I have a new favorite and it doesn’t hurt that this one is full of Angela Lansbury references. OMG I loved this book. It’s quirky and fun, with a little beefcake in the form of Sheriff Hottie and lots of drag queens. This story was amazing and I love the characters of Victor, Henry, and Cory. I look forward to learning more about the small town of Maple Grove and the further adventures of the Drag Queen Detective.
I am a huge fan of the cozy mystery. I think I have a new favorite and it doesn’t hurt that this one is full of Angela Lansbury references. OMG I loved this book. It’s quirky and fun, with a little beefcake in the form of Sheriff Hottie and lots of drag queens. This story was amazing and I love the characters of Victor, Henry, and Cory. I look forward to learning more about the small town of Maple Grove and the further adventures of the Drag Queen Detective.
January 18, 2021
Excellent story
This was the kind of story with writing that just pulls you in. I had some knit picky annoyances and figured out the killers at probably the same moment as everyone who reads it will. In every mystery, there is that obvious thing that the protagonist misses. Anyway, the flow and well-written characters made it a five star read for me.
This was the kind of story with writing that just pulls you in. I had some knit picky annoyances and figured out the killers at probably the same moment as everyone who reads it will. In every mystery, there is that obvious thing that the protagonist misses. Anyway, the flow and well-written characters made it a five star read for me.
January 15, 2021
Surprise read
This was a cute cozy read victor is sweet and adorable you will love Cory and sheriff hottie very enjoyable
This was a cute cozy read victor is sweet and adorable you will love Cory and sheriff hottie very enjoyable
January 17, 2021
This was a quick-paced fun read with a strong-ish mystery at its heart, but for me, it’s all about Victor and his BFF Cory. Adored them. Yes, they are over the top, but in all the best ways, and when everything gets serious, their love for each other was wonderful. And Sheriff Hottie is just plain perfect as the love interest.
I read and watch a lot of mysteries, and this book is a perfect 21st century version of the old TV classic cozies. Every suspect that makes Vic's list made sense (not the norm in mysteries, alas), and while I had a strong suspicion as to the “who” (I *devour* these), the how and why eluded me till the big confrontation, making the whole story enjoyable on that end, too.
Definitely joining the Vicki Dean fan club, and can’t wait to see more of Raven.
I read and watch a lot of mysteries, and this book is a perfect 21st century version of the old TV classic cozies. Every suspect that makes Vic's list made sense (not the norm in mysteries, alas), and while I had a strong suspicion as to the “who” (I *devour* these), the how and why eluded me till the big confrontation, making the whole story enjoyable on that end, too.
Definitely joining the Vicki Dean fan club, and can’t wait to see more of Raven.
October 20, 2023
This book was OK. Who is neither really bad or really good. It’s pretty silly though, there’s no way that any police investigation would happen and how this one happened. I don’t think I would ever read this book again, but I definitely will finish the series.
April 24, 2024
This is delicious.
Gurl, sit down, grab a cocktail, and straighten that wig because this ride will surely jar it loose!
Morton has created the perfect beginning to an intriguing serial. A murder, a mysterious writer, a small town, a handsome new sheriff, and secrets, secrets, secrets galore!
I have to go read the next one now...because I need to know what happens!
Gurl, sit down, grab a cocktail, and straighten that wig because this ride will surely jar it loose!
Morton has created the perfect beginning to an intriguing serial. A murder, a mysterious writer, a small town, a handsome new sheriff, and secrets, secrets, secrets galore!
I have to go read the next one now...because I need to know what happens!
January 19, 2021
** 4.5 Stars **
It was an absolute joy to read! Victor & Harper are fabulous! I can't wait to read the next installment. Hurry up please Mr. Morton !!!
It was an absolute joy to read! Victor & Harper are fabulous! I can't wait to read the next installment. Hurry up please Mr. Morton !!!
June 3, 2022
I was hoping for 'laugh out loud' funny. It wasn't.
This had a good idea for a plot, and I went in hoping for the best, but it was not as funny as I expected; Victor felt half-formed and vague, Cory and his constant "bitch/hon/girl" didn't feel real. Also, the constant reminders about how much Vic loved Cory platonically - like, constant- grated. We get it. He's your best friend.
There was a lot of telling instead of showing.
Also, Sheriff Hottie just felt flat and there was no heat or chemistry between them.
All in all just fell flat with what could've been a really funny, zingy little novel.
This had a good idea for a plot, and I went in hoping for the best, but it was not as funny as I expected; Victor felt half-formed and vague, Cory and his constant "bitch/hon/girl" didn't feel real. Also, the constant reminders about how much Vic loved Cory platonically - like, constant- grated. We get it. He's your best friend.
There was a lot of telling instead of showing.
Also, Sheriff Hottie just felt flat and there was no heat or chemistry between them.
All in all just fell flat with what could've been a really funny, zingy little novel.
March 15, 2022
A fun mystery full of personalities. Victor leads a crazy life with personas: Victor the hairdresser by day, Raven the loud vivacious drag queen at night, then secret reclusive mystery writer, Vicki. I loved how poor Victor was switching personas and outfits depending what was happening. And I absolutely adored his BFF, a muscle bound flaming teddy bear, Cory. And the start of a fine romance with the hottie Sheriff Harper. I can’t wait for the next book!
Second time reading and I enjoyed it even more. It’s just a fun read!
Second time reading and I enjoyed it even more. It’s just a fun read!
July 19, 2021
Worth it!
I took a chance on this book because of the blurb and I am so glad I did. Excellent premise, great characters, quirky little town full of gossips and all surrounding a murder. Throw in a funky sheriff romantic interest and I have found my new favorite series. A must read.
I took a chance on this book because of the blurb and I am so glad I did. Excellent premise, great characters, quirky little town full of gossips and all surrounding a murder. Throw in a funky sheriff romantic interest and I have found my new favorite series. A must read.
February 18, 2021
editing is key, my friends.
i can admit it was vaguely entertaining and i was laughing, but it was mostly hysterical laughter due to the evident lack of editing (there was a "your" when it meant you are...)
i can admit it was vaguely entertaining and i was laughing, but it was mostly hysterical laughter due to the evident lack of editing (there was a "your" when it meant you are...)
October 23, 2021
Exactly what I was looking for in a Cozy Mystery! Loved this!
August 25, 2021
A cozy mystery featuring a drag queen? I was SO there! I literally begged the writer for an opportunity to review the audiobook and find myself having one of the best listens, ever! Shane K. Morton gives readers a delightful yet tension-filled experience with 'Men, Murder and Makeup (Drag Queen Detective Book 1)! EVERYTHING in the book is absolutely perfect: the narrator, the protagonists, the world-building, character development--just everything!
At the start of the story, we meet Victor and his friend as they are out having drinks at their favorite bar. Through his monologue, we discover Victor performs drag as Raven at a local venue and can be seen hosting other events in the community. Our writer is quick to let the readers in on the fact that Victor has another persona. When word gets back that the mayor has been killed and that Vicki Dean's car had been seen driving away from the scene, Victor reveals to the audience of readers that HE is Vicki Dean, the best-selling novelist and town recluse who has become a person of interest in the murder. He was out having drinks with his buddy at the time of the murder so clearing his name will mean revealing his secret life to someone in law enforcement.
The town's newly hired sheriff locates Vicki at 'her' writer's cottage and is let in on Victor's secret. Deciding that Vicki is being set up for the murder, the sheriff puts several measures in place to draw the murder out, keep Vicki safe, and keep Victor's secret. In spite of help from law enforcement intervention, other things occur that compromise Vicki's safety. In the end, Vicki's true identity had been known for an entire year and the murder capitalizes on that knowledge to gain access that threatens Victor's life. It is his buddy that saves his life and circumstances surrounding the murder guarantee that Victor's 'Vicki' identity remains safe from all but his friend and the sheriff, who becomes his lover.
The world-building is awesome but most remarkable was that the writer's world was filled with straight characters. That factor contributed greatly to making the book realistic and that much more enjoyable. In addition, the writer takes time to describe the vibe of the town even with characters contrasting it with their living experiences from large cities. We see development in some characters in ways that result from more than the protagonists growing together as romantic partners. Readers see growth in several of the secondary characters, especially Victor's friend. The story checks additional boxes with impeccable pacing and balance, which keeps the narrative interesting and entertaining. I've got to read more from this promising writer!
At the start of the story, we meet Victor and his friend as they are out having drinks at their favorite bar. Through his monologue, we discover Victor performs drag as Raven at a local venue and can be seen hosting other events in the community. Our writer is quick to let the readers in on the fact that Victor has another persona. When word gets back that the mayor has been killed and that Vicki Dean's car had been seen driving away from the scene, Victor reveals to the audience of readers that HE is Vicki Dean, the best-selling novelist and town recluse who has become a person of interest in the murder. He was out having drinks with his buddy at the time of the murder so clearing his name will mean revealing his secret life to someone in law enforcement.
The town's newly hired sheriff locates Vicki at 'her' writer's cottage and is let in on Victor's secret. Deciding that Vicki is being set up for the murder, the sheriff puts several measures in place to draw the murder out, keep Vicki safe, and keep Victor's secret. In spite of help from law enforcement intervention, other things occur that compromise Vicki's safety. In the end, Vicki's true identity had been known for an entire year and the murder capitalizes on that knowledge to gain access that threatens Victor's life. It is his buddy that saves his life and circumstances surrounding the murder guarantee that Victor's 'Vicki' identity remains safe from all but his friend and the sheriff, who becomes his lover.
The world-building is awesome but most remarkable was that the writer's world was filled with straight characters. That factor contributed greatly to making the book realistic and that much more enjoyable. In addition, the writer takes time to describe the vibe of the town even with characters contrasting it with their living experiences from large cities. We see development in some characters in ways that result from more than the protagonists growing together as romantic partners. Readers see growth in several of the secondary characters, especially Victor's friend. The story checks additional boxes with impeccable pacing and balance, which keeps the narrative interesting and entertaining. I've got to read more from this promising writer!
March 16, 2023
Oh, boy. RuPaul’s Drag Race, in its quest for world domination, has come for Ru’s favorite mystery show, Murder, She Wrote. And I’m glad this gay man’s wish-fulfillment fantasy of a book has been so well-received because:
1) “Yasssssssskweeen: The Book.”
2) In the mood for cheese? How about a bag of Hot Cheetos you bought from eBay that someone else bought at Drag Con from Alyssa Edwards?
3) Iowa ran out of corn because of this book.
4) This is the longest RuPaul’s Drag Race skit ever. So it’s… long. But has its moments, too.
5) More Hallmark Movie Channel than HereTV, alas.
6) PG-13, aka as sexless as modern Drag Race.
7) No sex, and simultaneously too much romance. And it’s so phony, it reads like one of those books written by and for straight women.
8) Annoying characters, sis! Not just the Laganja Estranja character either, sis. Don’t even get me started, sis! Hon! Mother darling! I’m cackling! Annoying as he is, count how many times the protagonist says something along the lines of “I deserved this.”
9) The above entitlement fits with RuPaul’s repackaging of selfishness and entitlement that he constantly sells on his show. Everyone deserves everything just because! You don’t earn love and trust and respect, you DESERVE it.
10) Way too many RuPlatitudes overall.
11) The “feel good” coda is a long way of saying “you’re all born naked and the rest is drag.” No. A man wearing a cop uniform isn’t in drag; a man wearing a lady’s cop uniform that he got from Party City is. More new age-y BS that’s helped bring back 1980s-style narcissism.
12) Plot hole? Nobody ever put two and two together? Victor/Victoria? Not even the mailman? Whatever. There really is only the skeleton of a proper mystery here anyway.
13) This is a stupid, silly book, with juvenile characters, juvenile mystery, and juvenile romance.
14) But I will read the follow up because it seemed like the writer was dumbing himself down; maybe this was his first mystery and that’s why it stunk?
15) I did appreciate all the Murder, She Wrote references.
16) Finally, I do wish the writer well (provided he’s not a straight woman in gay male drag.)
1) “Yasssssssskweeen: The Book.”
2) In the mood for cheese? How about a bag of Hot Cheetos you bought from eBay that someone else bought at Drag Con from Alyssa Edwards?
3) Iowa ran out of corn because of this book.
4) This is the longest RuPaul’s Drag Race skit ever. So it’s… long. But has its moments, too.
5) More Hallmark Movie Channel than HereTV, alas.
6) PG-13, aka as sexless as modern Drag Race.
7) No sex, and simultaneously too much romance. And it’s so phony, it reads like one of those books written by and for straight women.
8) Annoying characters, sis! Not just the Laganja Estranja character either, sis. Don’t even get me started, sis! Hon! Mother darling! I’m cackling! Annoying as he is, count how many times the protagonist says something along the lines of “I deserved this.”
9) The above entitlement fits with RuPaul’s repackaging of selfishness and entitlement that he constantly sells on his show. Everyone deserves everything just because! You don’t earn love and trust and respect, you DESERVE it.
10) Way too many RuPlatitudes overall.
11) The “feel good” coda is a long way of saying “you’re all born naked and the rest is drag.” No. A man wearing a cop uniform isn’t in drag; a man wearing a lady’s cop uniform that he got from Party City is. More new age-y BS that’s helped bring back 1980s-style narcissism.
12) Plot hole? Nobody ever put two and two together? Victor/Victoria? Not even the mailman? Whatever. There really is only the skeleton of a proper mystery here anyway.
13) This is a stupid, silly book, with juvenile characters, juvenile mystery, and juvenile romance.
14) But I will read the follow up because it seemed like the writer was dumbing himself down; maybe this was his first mystery and that’s why it stunk?
15) I did appreciate all the Murder, She Wrote references.
16) Finally, I do wish the writer well (provided he’s not a straight woman in gay male drag.)
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