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Corey Shaw Mystery #1
Breathless
Synopsis:
The body of a man is found as Provincetown prepares for Mates weekend, a popular leather gathering. Corey thinks a BDSM scene went past its extreme limit. He tours the town's dark dungeons, looking for a murderer preying on young men. Can Corey find him before becoming a victim to the ultimate BDSM fantasy of execution?
Excerpt:
“All of the victims were killed in the same manner, in cities where a major leather event was being held,” Corey said.
“And you think that this maniac is here in Provincetown?”
“You saw the body yourself, Chief.”
“But none of the others.”
“You will very shortly.”
“What do you mean?” Chief Stewart said in surprise.
“The files from those cases are being emailed to all communities involved to each other,” Corey answered. “You’ll be able to make your own conclusions. Please ask Agent Seger to forward anything she finds back to them.”
Chief Stewart began to grasp the scope of the crime. “Any connections between the victims?”
“So far, none that we can tell,” Corey sighed. “They were all young men from around the country, just visiting leather events.”
“San Francisco, New York City, Chicago and Washington, DC are all huge compared to Provincetown. They always have hundreds of events going on all the time. Can they say for certain that those guys were in those cities for those events?”
“In a couple of the cases, surviving relatives knew what their kin were up to, attending a leather gathering. Unfortunately some of the men were closeted, it seems, and the families had no idea where their family members went. It was only after the death that the relations realized there was a part of him they had never expected. In the two cases where the victim has not been identified, not counting ours, it’s theorized that he was so far in the closet, he gave his family and friends no clue to where he was going, so they have no idea where to start looking for him.”
“Or,” Chief Stewart held up a finger. “The family knows where he went but so disapproved of their man’s lifestyle that they don’t care if he’s missing. It doesn’t matter to them if he’s dead, as long as he’s not bugging them anymore.”
Corey nodded throughout the chief’s hypothesis. “Sad but very possibly true.”
The body of a man is found as Provincetown prepares for Mates weekend, a popular leather gathering. Corey thinks a BDSM scene went past its extreme limit. He tours the town's dark dungeons, looking for a murderer preying on young men. Can Corey find him before becoming a victim to the ultimate BDSM fantasy of execution?
Excerpt:
“All of the victims were killed in the same manner, in cities where a major leather event was being held,” Corey said.
“And you think that this maniac is here in Provincetown?”
“You saw the body yourself, Chief.”
“But none of the others.”
“You will very shortly.”
“What do you mean?” Chief Stewart said in surprise.
“The files from those cases are being emailed to all communities involved to each other,” Corey answered. “You’ll be able to make your own conclusions. Please ask Agent Seger to forward anything she finds back to them.”
Chief Stewart began to grasp the scope of the crime. “Any connections between the victims?”
“So far, none that we can tell,” Corey sighed. “They were all young men from around the country, just visiting leather events.”
“San Francisco, New York City, Chicago and Washington, DC are all huge compared to Provincetown. They always have hundreds of events going on all the time. Can they say for certain that those guys were in those cities for those events?”
“In a couple of the cases, surviving relatives knew what their kin were up to, attending a leather gathering. Unfortunately some of the men were closeted, it seems, and the families had no idea where their family members went. It was only after the death that the relations realized there was a part of him they had never expected. In the two cases where the victim has not been identified, not counting ours, it’s theorized that he was so far in the closet, he gave his family and friends no clue to where he was going, so they have no idea where to start looking for him.”
“Or,” Chief Stewart held up a finger. “The family knows where he went but so disapproved of their man’s lifestyle that they don’t care if he’s missing. It doesn’t matter to them if he’s dead, as long as he’s not bugging them anymore.”
Corey nodded throughout the chief’s hypothesis. “Sad but very possibly true.”
160 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
10 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Alex Morgan
891 books27 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(1)gay & lesbian
Alex Morgan was born and raised in western Oklahoma where he attended college and majored in chemistry and mathematics. Later, he moved to the Dallas area where he obtained his master’s degree and then a doctorate in analytical chemistry. He now lives in Baltimore.
He is an avid reader, particularly mysteries, since being introduced to the Hardy Boys in grade school. After reading his first Agatha Christie novel, Murder on the Orient Express, in junior high, mysteries have been one of his biggest enjoyments. He has always enjoyed reading comic books and loves the super-hero genre just as much.
Combining these two concepts, he has written two mystery novels prior to “Breathless”, in which he introduced gay, paranormal sleuth Corey Shaw. He is also the author of several gay erotica short stories published by loveyoudivine Alterotica.
(1)gay & lesbian
Alex Morgan was born and raised in western Oklahoma where he attended college and majored in chemistry and mathematics. Later, he moved to the Dallas area where he obtained his master’s degree and then a doctorate in analytical chemistry. He now lives in Baltimore.
He is an avid reader, particularly mysteries, since being introduced to the Hardy Boys in grade school. After reading his first Agatha Christie novel, Murder on the Orient Express, in junior high, mysteries have been one of his biggest enjoyments. He has always enjoyed reading comic books and loves the super-hero genre just as much.
Combining these two concepts, he has written two mystery novels prior to “Breathless”, in which he introduced gay, paranormal sleuth Corey Shaw. He is also the author of several gay erotica short stories published by loveyoudivine Alterotica.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 10, 2014
A serial killer is preying on young men at high profile leather events.
Corey is Massachussett's state agent to the Psionic Corps, an agency created by Congress to assist in investigations. I liked this idea, but the execution of the story was uninspiring. There are awkward character introductions and clunky exposition for world building. Add in some head spinning POV changes and odd descriptions like "ravioli abs" and it is a disjointed read.
Corey is the devastatingly gorgeous sex on legs and Ethan is his insecure husband. I was not thrilled with the characters. They come across undeveloped and lacking in dimension. Take Doyle, the raging homophobe and his hate speech:
Then Corey's cadre of long time friends with the sniping of "bitch" and calling everyone "girl" grated on my nerves and made trying to follow a conversation with five people in it difficult.
WARNING PLOT HOLE: If Corey is psychic and has incredible mental powers including be able to sense Ethan's moods then why is there a revelation when he meets up with old friends--giant plot hole, like swallow a crane big.
Unfortunately, the issues with characterization include the main character Corey. Married for six years, and while on assignment starts fucking without a care or thought for Ethan. Especially, when he knew jealousy was a huge issue for his partner. He also flaunts his powers when earlier it was expounded upon how critical it was to keep them secret. Leaves a scene with the Master he's dominated still restrained and waltzes out and no one in the dungeon says jack. When Corey asks if another guy thinks he's attractive, I scoffed. Then there's gems from our hero like this:
So now all my hopes lay with sexy times, a payoff for all the other shortcomings. But... the sex was not erotic. It wasn't even gay porn with no frills crudely entertaining. It was just not engaging, either the mind or the libido. I'm still wondering about the chocolate sauce as lube. Not visually erotic and since there was no rimming seemed a distasteful choice.
Finally, the whodunit portion of the story was less successfully revealed than the Mystery Machine crew pulling of the mask at the end of Scooby Doo. I'd say more, but that would ruin it for a reader who did decide they wanted to read this. But, it was the worst wrap up I've read in so long that I can't remember one so disappointing.
Overall, no character sympathy, lack of eroticism, and poor mystery resolution combined for a lackluster read.
1.5 stars An extra half star for the unrealized premise.
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
Corey is Massachussett's state agent to the Psionic Corps, an agency created by Congress to assist in investigations. I liked this idea, but the execution of the story was uninspiring. There are awkward character introductions and clunky exposition for world building. Add in some head spinning POV changes and odd descriptions like "ravioli abs" and it is a disjointed read.
Corey is the devastatingly gorgeous sex on legs and Ethan is his insecure husband. I was not thrilled with the characters. They come across undeveloped and lacking in dimension. Take Doyle, the raging homophobe and his hate speech:
“I just don’t know why we have to rush around to apprehend someone who appears to be doing society a favor.”
Then Corey's cadre of long time friends with the sniping of "bitch" and calling everyone "girl" grated on my nerves and made trying to follow a conversation with five people in it difficult.
WARNING PLOT HOLE: If Corey is psychic and has incredible mental powers including be able to sense Ethan's moods then why is there a revelation when he meets up with old friends--giant plot hole, like swallow a crane big.
Unfortunately, the issues with characterization include the main character Corey. Married for six years, and while on assignment starts fucking without a care or thought for Ethan. Especially, when he knew jealousy was a huge issue for his partner. He also flaunts his powers when earlier it was expounded upon how critical it was to keep them secret. Leaves a scene with the Master he's dominated still restrained and waltzes out and no one in the dungeon says jack. When Corey asks if another guy thinks he's attractive, I scoffed. Then there's gems from our hero like this:
“We need to hold off. There’s no one there right now except the attack lesbian guarding the place."Top it off, Corey's character has so many personality changes that I got whiplash.
So now all my hopes lay with sexy times, a payoff for all the other shortcomings. But... the sex was not erotic. It wasn't even gay porn with no frills crudely entertaining. It was just not engaging, either the mind or the libido. I'm still wondering about the chocolate sauce as lube. Not visually erotic and since there was no rimming seemed a distasteful choice.
Finally, the whodunit portion of the story was less successfully revealed than the Mystery Machine crew pulling of the mask at the end of Scooby Doo. I'd say more, but that would ruin it for a reader who did decide they wanted to read this. But, it was the worst wrap up I've read in so long that I can't remember one so disappointing.
Overall, no character sympathy, lack of eroticism, and poor mystery resolution combined for a lackluster read.
1.5 stars An extra half star for the unrealized premise.
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
August 4, 2010
This one just didn't work for me for a couple of reasons. The psychic aspect could have been interesting, but it fell flat & didn't end up being central to the story like it should have. The main character Corey ends up sleeping with someone else while away being (or NOT being) psychic. Now I don't really have a problem with this story line. Except that Corey forgets about his partner Ethan that night, the next morning and well into lunch. Really? It takes you that long to think "whoa, I accidentally cheated on my partner of several years!"
And then there is the villain. Who probably also has some psychic abilities, but there is never fully explained. I understand that this book was created from a short story. I have a feeling that this might have worked better that way. There is just not enough substance or info to make this work as a novel.
And then there is the villain. Who probably also has some psychic abilities, but there is never fully explained. I understand that this book was created from a short story. I have a feeling that this might have worked better that way. There is just not enough substance or info to make this work as a novel.
September 15, 2015
Corey Shaw is a member of a new type of law enforcement called the Psionic Corps. They were created by Congress to help law enforcement by means of paranormal abilities. Corey is called to Provincetown on Cape Cod when a body is found. This just happens to coincide with Mates weekend which is a popular leather gathering.
I enjoyed the premise to this story, but I was disappointed in the lack of character development. I admit to wishing there was more background given on the Psionic Corps and how were their powers developed. I don't think that is what the author was after for this particular story. There was a different view of BDSM than what I have read preciously. It is a much darker side.
It will be interesting to me to see, how the next book in the series develops.
I enjoyed the premise to this story, but I was disappointed in the lack of character development. I admit to wishing there was more background given on the Psionic Corps and how were their powers developed. I don't think that is what the author was after for this particular story. There was a different view of BDSM than what I have read preciously. It is a much darker side.
It will be interesting to me to see, how the next book in the series develops.
September 12, 2010
It was easy to pick this novella with mysterious detective plot which was involving leather BDSM gay scene, however psychic detective consultant was too off. Corey, the psychic, went straight in to the BDSM scene to catch the murderer who ehm fulfilled his victims fantasies to the happy afterlife by hanging fantasy turned true. Corey had some non-vanilla sex with strangers, caught the murderer and felt little guilty in front of his partner Ethan. Even if the novella is pretty short it is stuffed with plot and various characters to the point of bursting and longer format would perhaps do better to the whole thing.
January 4, 2013
This book is more a paranormal thriller novel than a BDSM story. But it's interesting. If you really want a BDSM story, read Master's Dungeon CDE by the same author.
Note that Safe Word is a previous version of the same book.
Note that Safe Word is a previous version of the same book.
February 16, 2019
No, just no. I didn't like the MC, the writing or the story, which could have been great but not the way it was told.
March 28, 2019
No reality at all.
March 21, 2015
I admit that initially I was hesitant to read Breathless – not for the M/M aspect (because I certainly enjoy those reads), but rather the paranormal aspect. While I enjoy movies and television shows which feature psychics, books with psychics as main characters tend to be iffier for me – the ways in which a book can go wrong far exceed the likelihood that the author will be successful in his or her efforts to weave a story in which the psychic powers enhance the character and story rather than dominating it or making it farcical. That said, Mr. Morgan has succeeded in walking that fine line and creating a character – Corey Shaw – who is believable as a person and as a psychic and one I am glad I got the opportunity to read.
As noted in the book’s blurb, Corey is a paranormal detective called in to use his blend of psychic powers to find a murderer. By all descriptions, Corey is Greek-god-hot and in a six-year relationship with an insecure and jealous man who nearly goes apoplectic when Corey gets called to Provincetown during a major leather event – it is clear to the reader that Ethan’s insecurity does not bode well for their relationship. But Corey takes his role as Psionic detective seriously and throws himself into the investigation fully – so fully that he learns (or admits) things about himself he didn’t know (consciously) … he enjoys being sexually dominant, especially over someone else who is dominant. This self-realization and BDSM elements were yet another aspect to the storyline that Ms. Morgan handled confidently and kept them relevant to the story rather than having the characters indulge in sex for sex’s sake. But I will say, the sex that occurs is HOT, especially when Corey dominates Master Darryl.
Breathless is a great start to the Corey Shaw Mystery series. Mr. Morgan has crafted an interesting world in which persons with psychic abilities are able to use them in law enforcement, while populating said world with a charming cast of characters. Based on the series listing on Goodreads, it appears that the entire series is being rereleased by a new publisher and I am looking forward to the rerelease of the next book in the Corey Shaw Mystery series as I want to know what happens to Corey next.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
As noted in the book’s blurb, Corey is a paranormal detective called in to use his blend of psychic powers to find a murderer. By all descriptions, Corey is Greek-god-hot and in a six-year relationship with an insecure and jealous man who nearly goes apoplectic when Corey gets called to Provincetown during a major leather event – it is clear to the reader that Ethan’s insecurity does not bode well for their relationship. But Corey takes his role as Psionic detective seriously and throws himself into the investigation fully – so fully that he learns (or admits) things about himself he didn’t know (consciously) … he enjoys being sexually dominant, especially over someone else who is dominant. This self-realization and BDSM elements were yet another aspect to the storyline that Ms. Morgan handled confidently and kept them relevant to the story rather than having the characters indulge in sex for sex’s sake. But I will say, the sex that occurs is HOT, especially when Corey dominates Master Darryl.
Breathless is a great start to the Corey Shaw Mystery series. Mr. Morgan has crafted an interesting world in which persons with psychic abilities are able to use them in law enforcement, while populating said world with a charming cast of characters. Based on the series listing on Goodreads, it appears that the entire series is being rereleased by a new publisher and I am looking forward to the rerelease of the next book in the Corey Shaw Mystery series as I want to know what happens to Corey next.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
March 15, 2015
4 star review by Dan
Breathless is the first book of the Corey Shaw Mysteries. Corey Shaw is a member of a new type of law enforcement agency, the Psionic Corps. He is currently assigned as the Massachusetts Psionic Officer, and when we meet him, he is enjoying an evening with his partner Ethan. After wearing themselves both out with some hot sex, they fall asleep, only to be awoken by a phone call telling Corey that a body has been found in Provincetown.
The “Mates” weekend is underway in Provincetown, and it is a huge annual draw to the gay leather community. Included in that community, of course, is the BDSM crowd. But someone is taking it too far. The young man’s body shows signs of restraints, caning and death by hanging. There is also semen on the back of the young man’s legs, which is not his own.
The next little bit kind of didn’t do it for me personally. Rather than driving from the Boston suburb where he lives to P-town, Corey just teleported himself, his SUV and everything in it. I could buy the Psi portions of the story, but that teleportation of the SUV seemed a bit over the top.
So back to the story. Corey arrives in P-town, and begins to search for the killer. It proves a little hard to do. If you can pick up everyone’s thoughts, and you’re a veritable godlike being, with a perfect muscled body, handsome face, big dick, etc., etc. how do you find someone in particular when everyone’s thoughts are thinking how much they would like to get into some hot sex with you? It proves hard. Add to that the fact that Corey gets caught up in the moment and has some hot sex with a Master in a dungeon, which at least was safe sex because he wore a condom and the Master said he never practiced bareback sex. The only problem, besides the fact that he is cheating on his partner is that his mind is so tied up that he misses the second murder!
Does Corey find the killer? Will the killer kill again? I liked the book. I didn’t like the teleportation, as I mentioned above, or the cheating on his partner, but the book was very enjoyable overall.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Breathless is the first book of the Corey Shaw Mysteries. Corey Shaw is a member of a new type of law enforcement agency, the Psionic Corps. He is currently assigned as the Massachusetts Psionic Officer, and when we meet him, he is enjoying an evening with his partner Ethan. After wearing themselves both out with some hot sex, they fall asleep, only to be awoken by a phone call telling Corey that a body has been found in Provincetown.
The “Mates” weekend is underway in Provincetown, and it is a huge annual draw to the gay leather community. Included in that community, of course, is the BDSM crowd. But someone is taking it too far. The young man’s body shows signs of restraints, caning and death by hanging. There is also semen on the back of the young man’s legs, which is not his own.
The next little bit kind of didn’t do it for me personally. Rather than driving from the Boston suburb where he lives to P-town, Corey just teleported himself, his SUV and everything in it. I could buy the Psi portions of the story, but that teleportation of the SUV seemed a bit over the top.
So back to the story. Corey arrives in P-town, and begins to search for the killer. It proves a little hard to do. If you can pick up everyone’s thoughts, and you’re a veritable godlike being, with a perfect muscled body, handsome face, big dick, etc., etc. how do you find someone in particular when everyone’s thoughts are thinking how much they would like to get into some hot sex with you? It proves hard. Add to that the fact that Corey gets caught up in the moment and has some hot sex with a Master in a dungeon, which at least was safe sex because he wore a condom and the Master said he never practiced bareback sex. The only problem, besides the fact that he is cheating on his partner is that his mind is so tied up that he misses the second murder!
Does Corey find the killer? Will the killer kill again? I liked the book. I didn’t like the teleportation, as I mentioned above, or the cheating on his partner, but the book was very enjoyable overall.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Read
January 4, 2011This was okay. I struggled with the infidelity since it didn't have any real bearing on the murder mystery. The two BDSM scenes with Corey and Darryl were unnecessary. They just made you dislike Corey and question his work ethics and integrity. The Psychic abilities could have been a bigger and more interesting part of the story. Blaming the psychic abilities and the meeting of Mitch as the cause of Corey's lack of control, inability to focus on work and his infidelity just didn't convince me. Ethan has every right to kick his ass to the curb.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.5 stars
Okay, um, wow. This story was unbelievable, and I mean that in the truest sense of the word. The premise was good. I liked the whole idea of it, but it was lacking in execution. I found myself shaking my head at just about every turn, unable to understand just exactly what the author was going for. There was really not a whole lot that worked for me in this story.
Read Kris's review in its entirety here.
2.5 stars
Okay, um, wow. This story was unbelievable, and I mean that in the truest sense of the word. The premise was good. I liked the whole idea of it, but it was lacking in execution. I found myself shaking my head at just about every turn, unable to understand just exactly what the author was going for. There was really not a whole lot that worked for me in this story.
Read Kris's review in its entirety here.
May 14, 2014
Becky Reviews Breathless by Alex Morgan
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW: Breathless is a thrilling murder mystery cloaked in a BDSM lifestyle. Add to that a psychic cop who can’t always figure out the crime and you’ve got a story that will hold your attention. There are a number of psychic and sci-fi elements to the story that are fun to read.
The murder investigation is fascinating. The love story doesn’t quite grab me as much. I couldn’t get wrapped up in the characters as much as I did in the plot.
A good psychic mystery with some BDSM elements.
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW: Breathless is a thrilling murder mystery cloaked in a BDSM lifestyle. Add to that a psychic cop who can’t always figure out the crime and you’ve got a story that will hold your attention. There are a number of psychic and sci-fi elements to the story that are fun to read.
The murder investigation is fascinating. The love story doesn’t quite grab me as much. I couldn’t get wrapped up in the characters as much as I did in the plot.
A good psychic mystery with some BDSM elements.
November 23, 2018
An incredible murder-mystery; very thrilling read. Alex Morgan writes of a seedy world of leather bars and dominance, centered around a serial killer. Excellent descriptions of the "scene" and great characterization of the protagonist. I first read this story when it was a short - and since released as a novella under the title "Breathless". I hope to read more about Corey, the homicide investigator with a special "gift"!
March 30, 2013
Maybe this book isn´t bad, but it isn´t for me.
I can take supernatural of fantasy or scifi, but I have to be able believe in it.
Cop psychic in our normal world, who investigate a murder is acceptable, but only until he wants use a teleportation. Too much for me, so I put it of after only few pages. Maybe I will try it again some day.
I can take supernatural of fantasy or scifi, but I have to be able believe in it.
Cop psychic in our normal world, who investigate a murder is acceptable, but only until he wants use a teleportation. Too much for me, so I put it of after only few pages. Maybe I will try it again some day.
November 12, 2013
I like the "psionic" premise, and I might have given this one three stars if the plot had been more developed. Also, this one hit on two of my pet peeves. Not only does Corey chat on his partner of sex years, he also has unprotected sex with a stranger.
November 1, 2009
A dark, sexy tale featuring a psychic cop and a serial killer at large at a gay bdsm gathering. A powerful, uncomfortable, unforgettable pice of writing.
probably-not
September 29, 2012Poor reviews.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews