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Deadly Mystery #4
Deadly Slumber
The House of the a mortuary whose directors are drop dead gorgeous and terminally horny-and one of them up to mischief. Stanley and Tom try to separate the naturally dead from the murdered dead and find themselves awash with coffins-until they come to the one Stanley's name on it. Deadly Slumber indeed
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2009
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204 people want to read
About the author
Victor J. Banis
138 books214 followersVictor J. Banis is a writer. http://www.vjbanisauthor.com/
Victor Jerome Banis (May 25, 1937 – February 22, 2019) was an American author, often associated with the first wave of west coast gay writing. For his contributions he has been called "the godfather of modern popular gay fiction
Victor Jerome Banis (May 25, 1937 – February 22, 2019) was an American author, often associated with the first wave of west coast gay writing. For his contributions he has been called "the godfather of modern popular gay fiction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 21, 2017
Audible
4,5 stars!
What for a terrific mix of weird humour, creepy secrets, adult content and romantic mood! By far my favourite book in the series!
What for a witty writing!
What for a lovely epilogue! Balsam for every romantic soul.
LOVE IT!
Audible:
I'm not sure how to judge Guy Veryzer for his narrating. On the one hand, he spoke exactly how I imagine funeral people could talk, and how a mystery that has to do with an extraordinary funeral home, its unusual staff and peculiar directors could be vocalized; on the other hand, his voice is needy to get used to it. It took me at least a while to get used to his slow-motion style.
January 1, 2010
Book #4 of the Deadly series is my favorite by far. First, the mystery is solid. It has this dark, sinister feel to it, especially with the crime related to a funeral home. Second, a couple secondary characters, who also have their own voice mentioned are likeable and their "voice" doesn't take over the story from the two that matters -- unlike Book #3. And last, but not least, the relationship of Stanley and Tom go into a deeper, more intimate level, a repercussion after what happened in the end of Book #3. The way they questioned what they really meant to one another and what will they do with that knowledge. I don't know if this is the last of the "Deadly" series. So far, I haven't heard another book. But if this is the closure, I am fully and wholeheartedly satisfied ...
January 10, 2013
I really enjoy this series. I always feel like I've paid a visit to San Francisco. That is part of the fun. I also like the distinctive voice of the narrator. This is another installment that was both entertaining and a bit thought provoking. Very enjoyable and recommended. I suggest reading them in order. The characters learn and develops through each book.
Read
November 1, 2009The Deadly Mystery series by Victor J. Banis is probably the only gay mystery series out there where the romance part of the book is good as well as the mystery one. In the four books we saw the evolution of their relationship, from being casual lovers and probably having no chance to be nothing else, to tentative long term partners, to the almost apex of happiness in book 3. Then the abrupt end of that novel, with a Tom, the strong man in the couple, scarred and for the first time weak. And maybe also a bit castrated from the fact that this time, it was not him who saved Stanley. They have their roles in the relationship, Tom is the protector and Stanley the one in need of protection, you can't change that, otherwise Tom doesn't know what is his place. Tom is a simple person, he is a man who reasons and acts more with his gut (and heart) than his mind, he is not stupid, but he is not one to brainstorming too much. If you take away from him his role, what he is for Stanley, what is his added value to the relationship. But as simple as Tom is, it's also simple for him to realize that even if scarred, he is still the same man as before, and that Stanley need him.
It's not Tom's trouble to adapt to the new situation that is the focus of this 4th novel, but more the descending phase of their relationship. Don't get me wrong, it's not a negative descending, but more the natural evolution of a relationship fated to last a long time. You can't be forever newly wedded birds in love, you have to arrive at the time when you question if you are ready to take, or maybe respect, the decision to be IN a relationship, with all that means. And strange to say, it's not Tom who questions it, but Stanley. As I said, Tom is simple, he is a man of heart and gut, and when he decided to be with Stanley, he was well sure of what that would have meant. Already before, with the woman who wasn't a woman, Tom proved that he can be tempted, but he is strong enough to not surrender to temptation. Instead I think that Stanley realized for the first time that he has taken a decision for life. Stanley was infatuated, he was madly in love, and he strongly wanted Tom. More Tom resisted and more Stanley wanted him. Stanley didn't have time to think at what would have happened once his desire was granted. That once he had a man like Tom all for him, he has to be a one to one relationship, it's not possible to go off track, neither for a moment. Tom is a very demanding man, not at words, but as a whole: loving a man like Tom is a full time work, and Stanley is probably scared.
It's not a secret, if you read my previous reviews, that I like a lot Tom; I like also Stanley, but truth be told, my favorite is Tom. And so I'm true, I was a bit annoyed with Stanley, how could he have any doubts on his relationship with Tom? didn't he realize how much Tom changed his life to be with him? Didn't he at least be sure of their relationship and not be distracted by some pretty boys who flirt around? But then I understood that Stanley wasn't really interested in any of them, it was only a way to test his love for Tom. And then it was nothing of dramatic or irreparable, only some passing thoughts, and as Tom put it, if you have an itch, you scratch it with your man, and it's everything all right, even if that itch was caused by another man... see? simple and plain my Tom, no painstaking works on an hypothetical "mind" betrayal.
Oh, I forgot to tell you about the mystery... but is it really necessary? There is a mystery, it's good, I wasn't able to find for sure the killer, even if I have my idea on who they was... well friend, you now that, if you want a review on a mystery novel, this is not where you will find it. An "happy" note this time was that neither one of the victims was someone I care of, it was so sad in the previous books to read of interesting characters that were already dead, or soon be dead. I'm still grieving for that young boy in book 2.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608200906/?...
It's not Tom's trouble to adapt to the new situation that is the focus of this 4th novel, but more the descending phase of their relationship. Don't get me wrong, it's not a negative descending, but more the natural evolution of a relationship fated to last a long time. You can't be forever newly wedded birds in love, you have to arrive at the time when you question if you are ready to take, or maybe respect, the decision to be IN a relationship, with all that means. And strange to say, it's not Tom who questions it, but Stanley. As I said, Tom is simple, he is a man of heart and gut, and when he decided to be with Stanley, he was well sure of what that would have meant. Already before, with the woman who wasn't a woman, Tom proved that he can be tempted, but he is strong enough to not surrender to temptation. Instead I think that Stanley realized for the first time that he has taken a decision for life. Stanley was infatuated, he was madly in love, and he strongly wanted Tom. More Tom resisted and more Stanley wanted him. Stanley didn't have time to think at what would have happened once his desire was granted. That once he had a man like Tom all for him, he has to be a one to one relationship, it's not possible to go off track, neither for a moment. Tom is a very demanding man, not at words, but as a whole: loving a man like Tom is a full time work, and Stanley is probably scared.
It's not a secret, if you read my previous reviews, that I like a lot Tom; I like also Stanley, but truth be told, my favorite is Tom. And so I'm true, I was a bit annoyed with Stanley, how could he have any doubts on his relationship with Tom? didn't he realize how much Tom changed his life to be with him? Didn't he at least be sure of their relationship and not be distracted by some pretty boys who flirt around? But then I understood that Stanley wasn't really interested in any of them, it was only a way to test his love for Tom. And then it was nothing of dramatic or irreparable, only some passing thoughts, and as Tom put it, if you have an itch, you scratch it with your man, and it's everything all right, even if that itch was caused by another man... see? simple and plain my Tom, no painstaking works on an hypothetical "mind" betrayal.
Oh, I forgot to tell you about the mystery... but is it really necessary? There is a mystery, it's good, I wasn't able to find for sure the killer, even if I have my idea on who they was... well friend, you now that, if you want a review on a mystery novel, this is not where you will find it. An "happy" note this time was that neither one of the victims was someone I care of, it was so sad in the previous books to read of interesting characters that were already dead, or soon be dead. I'm still grieving for that young boy in book 2.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608200906/?...
May 11, 2010
Book four in the Deadly Mystery series picks up a few months after the traumatic events at the end of Deadly Dreams. Tom and Stanley have both been deeply affected by what they've gone through and the choices they've made. Tom is focused on his own feelings and has practically shut Stanley out as much as he's shut himself away from life. But once he realizes that Stanley needs him he comes out of his funk and they once again reestablish their bond. With their relationship back to normal, or as normal as life can get for these two, they're ready to get back to work.
This time around they're asked to check out some strange activities at Bartholomew’s Funeral Home. Known for years as the best in the business, especially catering to the gay and lesbian community, Bartholomew's has been rocked by the apparent suicide of Percy Bartholomew and some other strange activities. Stanley and Tom work together to figure out what's going on and just what really happened to Percy. With a large cast of secondary characters running around it's hard to pinpoint who's really responsible for what in this very interesting mystery. As with the other books in this series there is a fair bit of humor throughout this fast paced, well written novel.
While Stanley was my favorite throughout most of the this series I must say that during the second half of Deadly Dreams and in this book Tom really cemented his place in my heart. Once he accepts that he needs to go on, even in the face of the physical evidence from his past trauma, he totally commits to Stanley and their life together. I really love how he's developed throughout the series. On the other hand, Stanley spends a good part of the story looking at and thinking about other men. He refers to it in his thoughts as the accident-versus-premeditation theory of sexual happenings, and even thought he never really seriously considers going through with any of his thoughts it did make me a bit uncomfortable at times to read that. However, I did understand that Stanley himself had not fully dealt with all he'd been through and he was questioning, however unknowingly, the strength of his bond with Tom.
Stanley's thoughts about other men, much like Tom's thoughts in earlier books about women, are part of what makes this series so great. Even when they were doing things I didn't like, when one was hurting the other, when I despaired of them having a HEA future, Mr. Banis kept me invested in Stanley and Tom from the very beginning. I loved seeing the changes that occurred as they fell in love, began a true relationship and finally fully committed to each other. I was very satisfied with the romantic yet fun ending to this book.
Deadly Slumber is wonderfully written story and is equal parts mystery/suspense as well as a great continuation to Stanley and Tom's relationship. The mystery aspect wasn't so easy to solve as to be boring but the heart of the story is the relationship that continues to grow between these two complex men. It's been a pleasure reading their story throughout the four books in the series, even the moments in which Tom made me want to smack him around.
Once again I was swept away by Stanley and Tom. This story grabbed a hold of me from the first page and when I was finished reading the last page I was completely satisfied and I am now happily, and impatiently, looking forward to book five, Deadly Silence, which is due to come out this month, I hope.
This time around they're asked to check out some strange activities at Bartholomew’s Funeral Home. Known for years as the best in the business, especially catering to the gay and lesbian community, Bartholomew's has been rocked by the apparent suicide of Percy Bartholomew and some other strange activities. Stanley and Tom work together to figure out what's going on and just what really happened to Percy. With a large cast of secondary characters running around it's hard to pinpoint who's really responsible for what in this very interesting mystery. As with the other books in this series there is a fair bit of humor throughout this fast paced, well written novel.
While Stanley was my favorite throughout most of the this series I must say that during the second half of Deadly Dreams and in this book Tom really cemented his place in my heart. Once he accepts that he needs to go on, even in the face of the physical evidence from his past trauma, he totally commits to Stanley and their life together. I really love how he's developed throughout the series. On the other hand, Stanley spends a good part of the story looking at and thinking about other men. He refers to it in his thoughts as the accident-versus-premeditation theory of sexual happenings, and even thought he never really seriously considers going through with any of his thoughts it did make me a bit uncomfortable at times to read that. However, I did understand that Stanley himself had not fully dealt with all he'd been through and he was questioning, however unknowingly, the strength of his bond with Tom.
Stanley's thoughts about other men, much like Tom's thoughts in earlier books about women, are part of what makes this series so great. Even when they were doing things I didn't like, when one was hurting the other, when I despaired of them having a HEA future, Mr. Banis kept me invested in Stanley and Tom from the very beginning. I loved seeing the changes that occurred as they fell in love, began a true relationship and finally fully committed to each other. I was very satisfied with the romantic yet fun ending to this book.
Deadly Slumber is wonderfully written story and is equal parts mystery/suspense as well as a great continuation to Stanley and Tom's relationship. The mystery aspect wasn't so easy to solve as to be boring but the heart of the story is the relationship that continues to grow between these two complex men. It's been a pleasure reading their story throughout the four books in the series, even the moments in which Tom made me want to smack him around.
Once again I was swept away by Stanley and Tom. This story grabbed a hold of me from the first page and when I was finished reading the last page I was completely satisfied and I am now happily, and impatiently, looking forward to book five, Deadly Silence, which is due to come out this month, I hope.
September 1, 2013
Stanley and Tom are back!! This time investigating the mysterious goings on at a funeral home and the suspicious death of the funeral home owner Percy Bartholomew, and the disappearance of his sister Alice.
The two have come a long way in their relationship but both have doubts. Tom has to come to terms with the serious attempt on his life from the last story which has left him horribly scarred. Stanley has to come to terms with the fact that having met a brother he didn't know he had, he had to kill him to prevent his brother from killing Tom. He also has to come to terms with Tom's facial injuries knowing that Tom got these injuries protecting Stanley.
Can the two move forward from this pain and solve the mystery? Yes they can and do, in the process discovering a love for each other which isn't perfect but is real. Another great mystery with a great cast of characters and one of my favourite mystery series.
The two have come a long way in their relationship but both have doubts. Tom has to come to terms with the serious attempt on his life from the last story which has left him horribly scarred. Stanley has to come to terms with the fact that having met a brother he didn't know he had, he had to kill him to prevent his brother from killing Tom. He also has to come to terms with Tom's facial injuries knowing that Tom got these injuries protecting Stanley.
Can the two move forward from this pain and solve the mystery? Yes they can and do, in the process discovering a love for each other which isn't perfect but is real. Another great mystery with a great cast of characters and one of my favourite mystery series.
March 17, 2017
Somewhat like "Six Feet Under" but with a lot more gay.
The humor is seriously weird, villains are so creepy - incest is my forever squick, atmosphere - grim and macabre, as it should, 'cause funerals.
Dear Stanley. You are and shall remain my forever too stupid to live favorite, but girl. Do count your blessings.
Tom - continue being your precious self.
Dear narrator - please please practice vowels. And words. Speaking, in general.
The humor is seriously weird, villains are so creepy - incest is my forever squick, atmosphere - grim and macabre, as it should, 'cause funerals.
Dear Stanley. You are and shall remain my forever too stupid to live favorite, but girl. Do count your blessings.
Tom - continue being your precious self.
Dear narrator - please please practice vowels. And words. Speaking, in general.
May 28, 2011
I'm so glad for having found this series. When I read Adrien English , I discovered that I really liked mystery novels, more than any other genre. Since then, my search has been frenzied: cops, solving murders and a complex romance. Deadly Mysteries provided that. Thanks Victor ;)
The keyword in this fourth book is guilt. As Tom tries to live with the after-effects of the fire, Stanley lives his own personal hell for killing his brother and causing (indirectly) Tom's scars. On the other side, if there's anything that can take their minds off their worries is solving yet another puzzling death. In The House of the Dead. [image error]
I've to say that I never was frightened by a book that is not paranormal. But, a figure chasing you covered in a sheet in the middle of the night?? Cremations, dead bodies, embalming... Mamma mia.Victor J. Banis knows how to put you in the scene; you can almost smell and feel. The dialogs are so well written that I forget I'm reading and instead feel like an invisible witness to everything that happens to our heroes =D
Finally, I'd like to point out the developing of the main characters. In Deadly Dreams, Stanley is seen like a superficial and careless person, innocent in his own way. However, his character has matured regarding the first book. Like he says: "some people said that men were better and stronger after suffering". The good thing is, the very essence of him is still there, despite all he's been through. Happens the same with Tom. Maybe on a larger scale. His loyalty and love to Staley don't change him at all, and at the same time, change everything. To be able to see how their relationship gets stronger is fascinating.
I'm so looking forward for the next one!! And I hope Stanley doesn't give in to tempation by all those hot looking guys.
The keyword in this fourth book is guilt. As Tom tries to live with the after-effects of the fire, Stanley lives his own personal hell for killing his brother and causing (indirectly) Tom's scars. On the other side, if there's anything that can take their minds off their worries is solving yet another puzzling death. In The House of the Dead. [image error]
I've to say that I never was frightened by a book that is not paranormal. But, a figure chasing you covered in a sheet in the middle of the night?? Cremations, dead bodies, embalming... Mamma mia.Victor J. Banis knows how to put you in the scene; you can almost smell and feel. The dialogs are so well written that I forget I'm reading and instead feel like an invisible witness to everything that happens to our heroes =D
Finally, I'd like to point out the developing of the main characters. In Deadly Dreams, Stanley is seen like a superficial and careless person, innocent in his own way. However, his character has matured regarding the first book. Like he says: "some people said that men were better and stronger after suffering". The good thing is, the very essence of him is still there, despite all he's been through. Happens the same with Tom. Maybe on a larger scale. His loyalty and love to Staley don't change him at all, and at the same time, change everything. To be able to see how their relationship gets stronger is fascinating.
I'm so looking forward for the next one!! And I hope Stanley doesn't give in to tempation by all those hot looking guys.
July 2, 2010
Even though I now know far more than I ever wanted to about embalming and crematoriums, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm addicted to Tom and Stanley and noted with quiet glee that book #5 in this series has just been released. Discovering Mr. Banis has been the highlight of my summer. Thank you, once again, for this great read.
October 24, 2012
I love characters that show their uniqueness by the running commentary in their thoughts. Stanley is an excellent example of this. Between his "accidental" sex ideas and his very real and serious concerns about his fantasies, Tom, and love, Stanley jumps off the pages before he speaks a word. And it's not just his words, but he's an amusing old queen who is occassionally over the top -- not over the top as in unbelievable, but over the top as in being himself without the concern over the opinion of the hetero population.
My only complaint is that an easy fact check was missed: it takes much more than a few minutes to cremate a body. It takes a couple of hours.
My only complaint is that an easy fact check was missed: it takes much more than a few minutes to cremate a body. It takes a couple of hours.
November 11, 2011
A mystery, set in a mortuary, with a surprisingly gruesome end for the villain who is downright ... gruesome in his own right ... I like the relationship between Tom and Stanley in this book despite the strain the pair are under for most of the book (fall out from the previous story). Look forward to the next book in the series.
February 21, 2016
Tom's explanation of love at the end is just priceless.
September 4, 2020
I liked the mystery here, and I'd have loved it if it hadn't been so longwinded and with so many repetitions. I really think these book would be benefited by a good editor :/
And I got tired of the horny young men from the funeral parlour really soon.
But I liked some of the other secondary characters, like Nancy.
And I let out a sigh of relief when these two finally decided to talk all the guilt and resentment that was eating them. Let's hope that they will stay in this good place...
I still hate Guy Veryzer's narration, though.
And I got tired of the horny young men from the funeral parlour really soon.
But I liked some of the other secondary characters, like Nancy.
And I let out a sigh of relief when these two finally decided to talk all the guilt and resentment that was eating them. Let's hope that they will stay in this good place...
I still hate Guy Veryzer's narration, though.
November 8, 2018
I enjoyed the first books of this series, but this one seemed too different. An overly contrived plot didn't pull me in as the first ones had done. Found myself skipping paragraphs just to get to the end quicker.
April 19, 2021
Well, this installment convinced me to continue with the series. Plot was way better and I could foresee who the villain was and why too early to be shocked by revelations but overall it was fun. Probably the best of the series so far.
March 7, 2018
3.75*
July 15, 2012
The fourth in the series is the most intense.Stanley and Tom are trying to find their way back to each other in the aftermath of the events of the third novel.Stanley lives with the guilt of not only having to kill his brother, but the scars from the burns that Tom sufferred saving Stanley's life (again).Both men's scars might destroy their relationship if they let it.Also their new agency is floundering.On that note, they are hired to investigate the strange going ons at Bartholomew's Funeral Home.The place is eerie and the staff predominantly gay knows more then their saying.Tom & Stanley do what they do best.This is a rollercoaster ride filled with thrills and chills...sit back and enjoy the ride!
April 28, 2014
I really enjoyed this instalment of the Deadly Mystery series, but there are so many passages that essentially repeat what has already been said that I did spend a good forty percent of my time wondering why this hadn't been edited.
Regardless, I will read the next instalment, and no doubt the one after...
Regardless, I will read the next instalment, and no doubt the one after...
June 20, 2013
Better than the last one. The case they were working was much more exciting and it was interesting seeing how they worked the problems within their relationship. There were times when I became a little afraid they were going to mess things up but they worked things out well.
The mystery of mortuary was complex, a little grim and so interesting I read it fast and easily. I didn't had any problems with any turns or characters and thoroughly enjoyed everything.
The mystery of mortuary was complex, a little grim and so interesting I read it fast and easily. I didn't had any problems with any turns or characters and thoroughly enjoyed everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2016
Another interesting mystery, but this one felt a bit long winded for me.
I loved the page time with Tom and Stanley, but I felt rather bored with all the pretty horny boys stuff.
The mystery was interesting, I just wanted things to get to the point faster. The ending was exciting although I really want to shake Stanley. Can he please stop and think for once lol.
Overall a good read, just a bit too drawn out in places.
I loved the page time with Tom and Stanley, but I felt rather bored with all the pretty horny boys stuff.
The mystery was interesting, I just wanted things to get to the point faster. The ending was exciting although I really want to shake Stanley. Can he please stop and think for once lol.
Overall a good read, just a bit too drawn out in places.
July 16, 2012
Having a hard time coming up with a star rating for this one. It was a good mystery. Not very angsty. It wasn't an "OMG this is fantastic!" kind of thing. I almost gave it 3 stars, but it wasn't horrible. Don't know if I would read it again, though.
February 19, 2016
Too much talking and less sex. Tom and Stanley acted like they weren't even a couple even though they love each other but Stanley thinking some other guy named Armando while fucking Tom. The cremation process was interesting though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2021
Loved this series - loved Tom's no-nonsense approach balanced against Stanley's more dramatic energy. Some intriguing mystery, funny dialogue (inner and outer) and sexy characters. This is a series that could keep coming (7 out now) and I would just keep reading!
January 23, 2010
A fitting end to the stories
August 5, 2010
The Deadly Mystery series has quickly become a favorite of mine and this one didn't disappoint at all. I love Stanley and Tom together and their adventures are always a fun ride.
September 30, 2010
I'm becoming a very big fan of Victor J. Banis Deadly series. Love Tom's and Stanley's characters and the mysteries they tackle.
Hope to read "more".
Hope to read "more".
March 22, 2021
I love this book. I still mourn Victor Banis!
December 28, 2011
4.25 stars
April 2, 2016
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
May 16, 2015
after having skipped most of #3, started, but after a while still no main characters and then the convos make me want to yell “get to the f’ing point!”. dnf
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