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Fugitive Color
Genre: LGBT Erotic Suspense
Max Lancaster's neighbor--his muse, the young ballerina Elena--has gone missing. Between secrets from his past and the fact that he's altering his paintings in his sleep, Max is worried that he's lost his mind. By the time forensic artist Sumner Ellison arrives as part of the investigation even Max can see himself in the role of "person of interest."
Sumner Ellison doesn't believe that Max killed Elena, yet he isn't certain Max is entirely sane. Sumner offers Max oblivion in bed and unflinching honesty. Max takes what Sumner offers, losing himself in the younger man's body while hiding his heart from Sumner's love.
When doubt pulls them apart, it takes the all of Max's passion and the purity of Sumner's faith to find answers create a love that won't fade away over time.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 5, 2010
The concept of the story is really very good. I sat down to read Fugitive Color when I wanted a slam dunk good absorbing read. Since I’m a fan of ZA Maxfield and I really loved the blurb for this, I was excited. Unfortunately the story never lives up to the great summary and takes an obvious turn early on – there is practically a neon sign pointing to the bad guy – and some of the characters drove me insane. It’s not badly written per se and the characters are all fully realized but unfortunately the plot and way too easy, obvious, eye rolling contrivances were surprising (not in a good way) and ruined any reading enjoyment.
The story is actually based on a really interesting premise. A well known, if reclusive, painter is obsessed with painting ballerinas. When his muse goes missing and later turns up dead, Max is the most obvious suspect – even to Max’s eyes. Matters are further complicated by Max’s sleepwalking habit and lately he has been altering his work at night in some very disturbing ways. With Max confused and unsure of what he’s done, the police send in artist Sumner to befriend Max and learn more. Max and Sumner have instant chemistry and aren’t shy about acting on it, leaving Sumner incredibly confused about what and who to believe. When Max’s big brother and protector shows up, nothing is easy anymore.
The mystery itself – who killed the muse ballerina Elena – is unfortunately not very interesting. It could be and it has all the hallmarks of a good idea but somehow in the execution, it never came alive. The story is told from Max and Sumner’s third person point of view and so there isn’t so much a mystery so much as the question both men consider “Did Max kill Elena?” The clues to the answer are dripped out from very early on and there is one crucial scene between the brother, Max, and the cop that lays out the culprit in a neon sign. I was appalled and horrified at this turn, which is way too easy and makes little sense. But I kept hoping I was wrong. Unfortunately I wasn’t and the remainder of the novella as it lays out more drama and tension leads to a really bad..eye rollingly bad resolution.
What I didn’t like about the mystery and resolution is that the culprit never made much sense. There is a thin motive and some of the comments offered made sense with Max’s personality but overall it felt too pat and easy. As if there had to be a bad guy so pick this one from the cast at random. Parts of the explanation are classic bad guy scenes where he explains all his reasoning in a creepy weird way showing a real mental instability. But keep in mind this mental instability is of course so well hidden no one ever knows. Isn’t that always what they say about nice people? But do those nice people just snap out of nowhere and with no impetus? Who knows, but it felt too obvious and clichéd for me.
The characters are well rounded and fully characterized yet I struggled because I didn’t like any of them. Max as the painter is such a good idea that I really wanted to like him. He’s kind of a basket case and lives in his own isolated mind and world but he has moments of charm. Unfortunately he’s also incredibly immature and weak. Sumner tells him up front he’s working for the police yet Max opens up and tells all his secrets anyway. Max convinces himself he’s guilty based on, nothing really, and does almost everything he can to convict himself short of confessing. He does nothing to inspire Sumner’s unwavering loyalty and support and ultimately I wanted to slap Max silly to get a clue. I totally understand his brother’s comment about Max refusing to grow up and take responsibility for his actions.
Sumner is a little more likable since he has moments of honest fear and indecision but he kind of yo-yo’s back and forth. He goes from informing the police of evidence against Max and then going to sleep with Max since he now truly believes in him, then back again. While this is understandable to a degree, Sumner never really materialized on his own outside of the crush he had on Max. I never got a sense of why he loved and admired the man so much. Their romance felt weak and anemic especially during the large dramatic scene where one pushes the other away for their own good. I’m very tired of this overused trope especially when it the entire scene is very obvious for the reader.
ZA Maxfield is not a bad writer despite the sad 1 star rating GR’s offers for “I didn’t like.” I just felt this is a departure from her well thought out, intricate, interesting stories and well defined characters. If the issues I brought up wouldn’t bother you, you could like this offering. Some of the descriptive writing and emotional scenes are touching, poignant, and show the author’s strength. Unfortunately I found these glimpses couldn’t overcome the frustration I had with the story and characters.
The story is actually based on a really interesting premise. A well known, if reclusive, painter is obsessed with painting ballerinas. When his muse goes missing and later turns up dead, Max is the most obvious suspect – even to Max’s eyes. Matters are further complicated by Max’s sleepwalking habit and lately he has been altering his work at night in some very disturbing ways. With Max confused and unsure of what he’s done, the police send in artist Sumner to befriend Max and learn more. Max and Sumner have instant chemistry and aren’t shy about acting on it, leaving Sumner incredibly confused about what and who to believe. When Max’s big brother and protector shows up, nothing is easy anymore.
The mystery itself – who killed the muse ballerina Elena – is unfortunately not very interesting. It could be and it has all the hallmarks of a good idea but somehow in the execution, it never came alive. The story is told from Max and Sumner’s third person point of view and so there isn’t so much a mystery so much as the question both men consider “Did Max kill Elena?” The clues to the answer are dripped out from very early on and there is one crucial scene between the brother, Max, and the cop that lays out the culprit in a neon sign. I was appalled and horrified at this turn, which is way too easy and makes little sense. But I kept hoping I was wrong. Unfortunately I wasn’t and the remainder of the novella as it lays out more drama and tension leads to a really bad..eye rollingly bad resolution.
What I didn’t like about the mystery and resolution is that the culprit never made much sense. There is a thin motive and some of the comments offered made sense with Max’s personality but overall it felt too pat and easy. As if there had to be a bad guy so pick this one from the cast at random. Parts of the explanation are classic bad guy scenes where he explains all his reasoning in a creepy weird way showing a real mental instability. But keep in mind this mental instability is of course so well hidden no one ever knows. Isn’t that always what they say about nice people? But do those nice people just snap out of nowhere and with no impetus? Who knows, but it felt too obvious and clichéd for me.
The characters are well rounded and fully characterized yet I struggled because I didn’t like any of them. Max as the painter is such a good idea that I really wanted to like him. He’s kind of a basket case and lives in his own isolated mind and world but he has moments of charm. Unfortunately he’s also incredibly immature and weak. Sumner tells him up front he’s working for the police yet Max opens up and tells all his secrets anyway. Max convinces himself he’s guilty based on, nothing really, and does almost everything he can to convict himself short of confessing. He does nothing to inspire Sumner’s unwavering loyalty and support and ultimately I wanted to slap Max silly to get a clue. I totally understand his brother’s comment about Max refusing to grow up and take responsibility for his actions.
Sumner is a little more likable since he has moments of honest fear and indecision but he kind of yo-yo’s back and forth. He goes from informing the police of evidence against Max and then going to sleep with Max since he now truly believes in him, then back again. While this is understandable to a degree, Sumner never really materialized on his own outside of the crush he had on Max. I never got a sense of why he loved and admired the man so much. Their romance felt weak and anemic especially during the large dramatic scene where one pushes the other away for their own good. I’m very tired of this overused trope especially when it the entire scene is very obvious for the reader.
ZA Maxfield is not a bad writer despite the sad 1 star rating GR’s offers for “I didn’t like.” I just felt this is a departure from her well thought out, intricate, interesting stories and well defined characters. If the issues I brought up wouldn’t bother you, you could like this offering. Some of the descriptive writing and emotional scenes are touching, poignant, and show the author’s strength. Unfortunately I found these glimpses couldn’t overcome the frustration I had with the story and characters.
May 13, 2010
I usually connect strongly with ZA Maxfield characters. I cheer for them, laugh with them and generally fall in love with them. With this book I didn't do that with these two. I felt emotionally distanced from them. Kind of like I was observing them through a glass window instead of watching them from the kitchen.
That probably makes no sense to anyone but me but that was my impression.
Additionally, I think this book just didn't have the trade mark wit and humor that I am used to with her books.
That probably makes no sense to anyone but me but that was my impression.
Additionally, I think this book just didn't have the trade mark wit and humor that I am used to with her books.
December 18, 2014
I really loved this! The characters and the story were quite unusual and so very intriguing. I didn't even mind that I uncovered the mystery halfway through. I don't have more to say, just that this is a story worth reading:)
July 26, 2010
As I commented, the reason that I bought FC and read it almost immediately, is because I was curious about the disparity in ratings, because Kassa sounded like she liked the story (except for the villain bit) yet gave it one star.
I always read the 1 star reviews and books with 1 star reviews always get my attention.
So, back to the book...I can't say, when I read the first couple of chapters, that I noticed any difference in ZAM's writing style for FC compared to her other romances. Probably because though I bought several ZAM titles, I've only read a few and they were spaced far apart enough that I haven't quite gotten a fix on something such as style. My only impression was that she wrote meatier or longer romances than, say, Shawn Lane or Jet Mykles. That's all that comes to mind when I think of ZAM.
I was liking what I was reading even though Max, up to the end, remained a character I didn't quite get attached to. Sumner was likable, though, and I wish he had been given a different story because despite my 4-star rating, FC is a gloomy read. I've never been a fan of the gothic mysteries of yesteryear -Phyllis Whitney, for example or B/W movie classics (Joan Crawford, Bette Davis scare-the-crap-outta-me types) and this is exactly how FC felt like to me. Yet not quite 'complete' in the effect. If it had been written in the 1st Person, from Max's POV, it could have worked better, perhaps. It could have intensified the feeling of helplessness, confusion and fear; given me an insight into his childhood etc. But it would probably have overwhelmed the romance and I think I would not even have bought it because, as I've often explained, I buy these authors for ROMANCE.
As it is, I found myself rather absorbed in the book and it never entered my mind to give it up at any point, even when it was obvious who the villain was. Actually, I tend not to mind when WhoDunIt is obvious as I find my interest lies in the entire journey with all of its aspects - characterization, setting, writing style, plot, everything. I don't read Romantic Suspense and expect the same kind of mystery level as a pure whodunit like James Patterson, or even a J D Robb for that matter.
In conclusion, I read FC as a 'standalone' with no preconceived expectations from ZAM and gave the 4 stars because I did find it readable and did want to finish it. But...yes there's a but, of course. Would I like to read another one like this from ZAM? Goodness, NO. Not even from another author but only because I don't like gothic mysteries, not because I think FC is badly done.
I always read the 1 star reviews and books with 1 star reviews always get my attention.
So, back to the book...I can't say, when I read the first couple of chapters, that I noticed any difference in ZAM's writing style for FC compared to her other romances. Probably because though I bought several ZAM titles, I've only read a few and they were spaced far apart enough that I haven't quite gotten a fix on something such as style. My only impression was that she wrote meatier or longer romances than, say, Shawn Lane or Jet Mykles. That's all that comes to mind when I think of ZAM.
I was liking what I was reading even though Max, up to the end, remained a character I didn't quite get attached to. Sumner was likable, though, and I wish he had been given a different story because despite my 4-star rating, FC is a gloomy read. I've never been a fan of the gothic mysteries of yesteryear -Phyllis Whitney, for example or B/W movie classics (Joan Crawford, Bette Davis scare-the-crap-outta-me types) and this is exactly how FC felt like to me. Yet not quite 'complete' in the effect. If it had been written in the 1st Person, from Max's POV, it could have worked better, perhaps. It could have intensified the feeling of helplessness, confusion and fear; given me an insight into his childhood etc. But it would probably have overwhelmed the romance and I think I would not even have bought it because, as I've often explained, I buy these authors for ROMANCE.
As it is, I found myself rather absorbed in the book and it never entered my mind to give it up at any point, even when it was obvious who the villain was. Actually, I tend not to mind when WhoDunIt is obvious as I find my interest lies in the entire journey with all of its aspects - characterization, setting, writing style, plot, everything. I don't read Romantic Suspense and expect the same kind of mystery level as a pure whodunit like James Patterson, or even a J D Robb for that matter.
In conclusion, I read FC as a 'standalone' with no preconceived expectations from ZAM and gave the 4 stars because I did find it readable and did want to finish it. But...yes there's a but, of course. Would I like to read another one like this from ZAM? Goodness, NO. Not even from another author but only because I don't like gothic mysteries, not because I think FC is badly done.
January 12, 2023
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
Heaps of tension and wondering what's going on. Gaslight with paint and murder.
The romance has plenty emotion but is less convincing. Something off about the naive puppy crush.
Not perfect, a tad melodrama, but I enjoyed it.
Heaps of tension and wondering what's going on. Gaslight with paint and murder.
The romance has plenty emotion but is less convincing. Something off about the naive puppy crush.
Not perfect, a tad melodrama, but I enjoyed it.
January 27, 2013
4.5 Stars
Review written for MM GOOD BOOK REVIEWS
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
I’m always very happy when I read a book in the genre of Suspense & Mystery and it meets my expectation. This is one of those books.
Max is a very talented painter. He’s considered one of the best in his times and his new studies on the ballerina concept, body and elegance are highly valued. Max is totally obsessed with the strength of his muse, the young and very promising ballerina, Elena., and he shows all of his obsession in his work. Until his painting start to change the very same night Elena goes missing. Every day that his muse is gone Max battles with his emotions, his memory of Elena getting spoiled by the unexplained alteration of his paintings that show her as lifeless as a corpse.
Forensic artist Sumner Ellison is send to approach Max and sketch Elena’s mystery boyfriend while in mean time he’s supposed to fish him for information. What is unknown to the lead detective is that Sumner has had a crush on Max ever since he was in college. Max is his idol, and he nurtures a hero-worship for him. It is almost impossible for Sumner to believe that Max has anything to do with Elena’s disappearance.
While Sumner offers Max all the means to forget the ugly events of the day, Max has his own secrets digging in his mind slowly dragging him toward insanity. When Elena is found dead Max is convinced that he’s responsible for that even though some sparks of hope remain due to Sumner’s strong faith in him. Until they arrest him and charge him for his muse’s murder.
The fragility of his mind has Max reeling with fear and guilt and while his brother assures him that he’ll be fine and won’t get in jail, Max starts to think if maybe it would be the best thing for him to be put away. At least that way he won’t be hurting anyone again.
Sumner even in his blind faith in Max is starting to have his doubts. He can’t not trust his own eyes when eventually Max sleepwalks and alters the painting he made of Sumner, making him appear dead with a cut throat. I his agitated state Sumner allows Max to finally push him away and leaves him all alone, but before the day is over the why’s and the how’s reveals themselves to Sumner’s disbelief. Not only is Sumner shocked by his lack of strength when the man he loves needed him the most, but he might never have a second chance. He might very well lose his lover for good.
Oh dear, what a book, what a great plot, how very fascinating. This story was fantastic and had me in its grip by page one. The suspense and anticipation never let go and even when you finally do the math and figure out who the killer is (that happens fairly early) the plot still keeps hold of you. You’d expect that finding the killer is the goal, but for me that killer was such a surprise I was holding my breath to see the motives and reasons, and if he’d be caught. It was almost the perfect crime. Yes, there were a few small holes, but they were too insignificant and couldn’t do much to spoil.
And the characters, the romance part of this book was also great. I fell in love with Max, his fragility was adorable and the way he saw life was enticing. I’ve always loved painters and Max’ description was so very authentic I wonder if Maxfield isn’t an artist herself. She certainly managed painting living images in my mind with her writing and for that I’m more than grateful.
Sumner was the kind of character that has me feeling both ways. I’m not sure if I like or dislike him. His strong faith on Max was a bit too much, when early on he had nothing to base it on. I suppose the authors characterization of him being a bit naïve, a bit of a kid, was the best bet. But even if I’m having my doubts with Sumner I’ll have to admit that their dynamic was brilliant. I loved the pair together, I loved their interaction. Those love feeling they had, were perhaps a bit too much, too early, but made for a dramatic side that bode well with the plot.
I know I should stop at this point and wrap this review up, but I have to acknowledge the author for one great scene, that I absolutely adored. It’s a spoiler but needs to be said, that the fighting scene was marvelous. When it started I cringed in horror that it might be one of those scenes where you roll your eyes and completely destroys the book for you and imagine my surprise when I read how very well-written it was. Lovely scene indeed.
So now I’ll have to stop and let you lovers of the genre go grab this one and devour it because it’s on hell of a book and shouldn’t be missed.
Review written for MM GOOD BOOK REVIEWS
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
I’m always very happy when I read a book in the genre of Suspense & Mystery and it meets my expectation. This is one of those books.
Max is a very talented painter. He’s considered one of the best in his times and his new studies on the ballerina concept, body and elegance are highly valued. Max is totally obsessed with the strength of his muse, the young and very promising ballerina, Elena., and he shows all of his obsession in his work. Until his painting start to change the very same night Elena goes missing. Every day that his muse is gone Max battles with his emotions, his memory of Elena getting spoiled by the unexplained alteration of his paintings that show her as lifeless as a corpse.
Forensic artist Sumner Ellison is send to approach Max and sketch Elena’s mystery boyfriend while in mean time he’s supposed to fish him for information. What is unknown to the lead detective is that Sumner has had a crush on Max ever since he was in college. Max is his idol, and he nurtures a hero-worship for him. It is almost impossible for Sumner to believe that Max has anything to do with Elena’s disappearance.
While Sumner offers Max all the means to forget the ugly events of the day, Max has his own secrets digging in his mind slowly dragging him toward insanity. When Elena is found dead Max is convinced that he’s responsible for that even though some sparks of hope remain due to Sumner’s strong faith in him. Until they arrest him and charge him for his muse’s murder.
The fragility of his mind has Max reeling with fear and guilt and while his brother assures him that he’ll be fine and won’t get in jail, Max starts to think if maybe it would be the best thing for him to be put away. At least that way he won’t be hurting anyone again.
Sumner even in his blind faith in Max is starting to have his doubts. He can’t not trust his own eyes when eventually Max sleepwalks and alters the painting he made of Sumner, making him appear dead with a cut throat. I his agitated state Sumner allows Max to finally push him away and leaves him all alone, but before the day is over the why’s and the how’s reveals themselves to Sumner’s disbelief. Not only is Sumner shocked by his lack of strength when the man he loves needed him the most, but he might never have a second chance. He might very well lose his lover for good.
Oh dear, what a book, what a great plot, how very fascinating. This story was fantastic and had me in its grip by page one. The suspense and anticipation never let go and even when you finally do the math and figure out who the killer is (that happens fairly early) the plot still keeps hold of you. You’d expect that finding the killer is the goal, but for me that killer was such a surprise I was holding my breath to see the motives and reasons, and if he’d be caught. It was almost the perfect crime. Yes, there were a few small holes, but they were too insignificant and couldn’t do much to spoil.
And the characters, the romance part of this book was also great. I fell in love with Max, his fragility was adorable and the way he saw life was enticing. I’ve always loved painters and Max’ description was so very authentic I wonder if Maxfield isn’t an artist herself. She certainly managed painting living images in my mind with her writing and for that I’m more than grateful.
Sumner was the kind of character that has me feeling both ways. I’m not sure if I like or dislike him. His strong faith on Max was a bit too much, when early on he had nothing to base it on. I suppose the authors characterization of him being a bit naïve, a bit of a kid, was the best bet. But even if I’m having my doubts with Sumner I’ll have to admit that their dynamic was brilliant. I loved the pair together, I loved their interaction. Those love feeling they had, were perhaps a bit too much, too early, but made for a dramatic side that bode well with the plot.
I know I should stop at this point and wrap this review up, but I have to acknowledge the author for one great scene, that I absolutely adored. It’s a spoiler but needs to be said, that the fighting scene was marvelous. When it started I cringed in horror that it might be one of those scenes where you roll your eyes and completely destroys the book for you and imagine my surprise when I read how very well-written it was. Lovely scene indeed.
So now I’ll have to stop and let you lovers of the genre go grab this one and devour it because it’s on hell of a book and shouldn’t be missed.
August 15, 2014
This book had some seriously mixed reviews, and that intrigued me, so, since I like the author, I thought I would give it a shot. I really liked it!
Max is an eccentric artist with a history of sleepwalking. He's a gifted painter and is painting a series on ballerina's. Well, one ballerina in particular. When she goes missing, he's the number one suspect.
Sumner is a forensic artist who is familiar with Max's work and is a fan. He gets to know Max over the course of the case and doesn't believe that Max killed the girl.
I didn't actually catch on to who the killer was as quickly as I normally would have, I think. Thinking back on the story, I can see where I probably should have picked up on it, but I was too caught up in the Max/Sumner dynamic, I think. I thought they were really good together, and I was happy to see someone on Max's side. I found this to be an enjoyable afternoon read.
Max is an eccentric artist with a history of sleepwalking. He's a gifted painter and is painting a series on ballerina's. Well, one ballerina in particular. When she goes missing, he's the number one suspect.
Sumner is a forensic artist who is familiar with Max's work and is a fan. He gets to know Max over the course of the case and doesn't believe that Max killed the girl.
I didn't actually catch on to who the killer was as quickly as I normally would have, I think. Thinking back on the story, I can see where I probably should have picked up on it, but I was too caught up in the Max/Sumner dynamic, I think. I thought they were really good together, and I was happy to see someone on Max's side. I found this to be an enjoyable afternoon read.
June 25, 2013
This didn't work for me at all. I've liked other titles by this author, but this one was a train wreck. Absolutely nothing about the plot or the character's actions made sense. The writing wasn't necessarily bad, but in order to enjoy it you'd have to pretend that it was set in make believe land where people do stupid things while investigating a murder. So yeah, there wasn't much about this I liked.
December 28, 2013
I am a big fan of ZA Maxfield. I love her writing style, characters and plots, and this book was no exception. Even when I realized who the killer was, the book kept me in suspense. I enjoyed the plot twists and development of the relationship between Sumner and Max. This was a quick read for me. I appreciated the descriptive prose and artful elements. Although I liked Sumner's character and understood his draw to Max, the book would have been stronger for me, if Sumner was more developed.
March 30, 2013
Well I was hoping for better. Had some issues with wrong characters being spoken about when you knew who they meant but it was annoying. I enjoyed the premise of the story. I enjoy Z.A. a great deal but this one lacked for me. Hard to believe a crush turned to love after 2 dates only. Sumner annoyed me with his back and forth tell the cops everything but then run away AUGH!
Read
March 18, 2017I cannot give this story a star rating because I DNF'd around 2 hours in. Generally, I love Z.A. Maxfield's work but this really was... not good at all.
From the get go there were issues. The narrator of the audiobook was very weak, the delivery and the pace were choppy and I couldn't differentiate between characters. But primarily it was the story. The whole premise and the execution of the idea were never convincing. There were also structural issues with how the story was constructed and conveyed.
Anyway, you win some you lose some. Authors can't get it right every time. BUT I would recommend the Z. A. Maxfield books "Symphony for piano and Ghost", "Gasp!", "Drawn Together" and "Long Way Home" which are all 4/5 stars for me.
From the get go there were issues. The narrator of the audiobook was very weak, the delivery and the pace were choppy and I couldn't differentiate between characters. But primarily it was the story. The whole premise and the execution of the idea were never convincing. There were also structural issues with how the story was constructed and conveyed.
Anyway, you win some you lose some. Authors can't get it right every time. BUT I would recommend the Z. A. Maxfield books "Symphony for piano and Ghost", "Gasp!", "Drawn Together" and "Long Way Home" which are all 4/5 stars for me.
September 22, 2018
Audiobook reviewThis was a qick read, and I enjoyed it more than expected. The mystery was, like in most cases predictable, but I the set up was a great one. I wasn't too fond of the romance between Max and Sumner, it was too much insta-love for me and I never really felt or believed in it. So the mystery part of it I really liked, but I could have done without the romance. And as for the narration, this was the first time I listened to Bowen Godeep, and I have to say he did a really great job and I hope he'll narrate more books in the future.
November 18, 2021
elegant suspense
I really enjoyed the story and the relationship between the two artists…The true villain doesn’t exactly surprise, but the characters involved had good reason not to suspect the culprit. I loved the author’s descriptions of Max’s paintings.
I really enjoyed the story and the relationship between the two artists…The true villain doesn’t exactly surprise, but the characters involved had good reason not to suspect the culprit. I loved the author’s descriptions of Max’s paintings.
April 14, 2018
Audiobook
The narration didn't work for me.
The narration didn't work for me.
November 2, 2011
3.75 stars.
Fugitive Color sucked me in and kept me reading even when I was sure I knew Who Killed Elena. The story was fast-paced, full of character conflict, and asked the intriguing question of "Did he? Didn't he?" from the perspective of Max, the main character and prime suspect.
One thing Z.A. Maxwell does in this book that I absolutely love is not shy from letting characters lie to and use one another. Allowing characters to lie, tell half-truths, and act in ways most of us think we'd never act even under intense pressure, made the story both more realistic and more intriguing for me as a reader. The lies, selective truth-telling, and constant questioning of motives and actions sucked me into the characters' psychological hall of mirrors, made me question and doubt and believe, and heightened story conflict; all while making the situation itself truer to real murder investigations. People are especially likely to lie when afraid--and some lie better than others.
I somewhat agree with the reviewers who say characterization is less solid than it could have been, and that some certain motivations weren't handled in a way that made the resultant actions wholly believable. Where Max is concerned, however, I have to hand it to Z.A. Maxwell.
While this book was psychologically darker than I expected for a romance, I still enjoyed it, and could not tear myself away until I had finished. Fugitive Color was more a psychological thriller than the mystery/murder investigation the GR blurb might lead one to believe it is, but Z.A. Maxwell makes it work.
Fugitive Color sucked me in and kept me reading even when I was sure I knew Who Killed Elena. The story was fast-paced, full of character conflict, and asked the intriguing question of "Did he? Didn't he?" from the perspective of Max, the main character and prime suspect.
One thing Z.A. Maxwell does in this book that I absolutely love is not shy from letting characters lie to and use one another. Allowing characters to lie, tell half-truths, and act in ways most of us think we'd never act even under intense pressure, made the story both more realistic and more intriguing for me as a reader. The lies, selective truth-telling, and constant questioning of motives and actions sucked me into the characters' psychological hall of mirrors, made me question and doubt and believe, and heightened story conflict; all while making the situation itself truer to real murder investigations. People are especially likely to lie when afraid--and some lie better than others.
I somewhat agree with the reviewers who say characterization is less solid than it could have been, and that some certain motivations weren't handled in a way that made the resultant actions wholly believable. Where Max is concerned, however, I have to hand it to Z.A. Maxwell.
While this book was psychologically darker than I expected for a romance, I still enjoyed it, and could not tear myself away until I had finished. Fugitive Color was more a psychological thriller than the mystery/murder investigation the GR blurb might lead one to believe it is, but Z.A. Maxwell makes it work.
March 20, 2011
"Fugitive Color" is a competent story that doesn’t seem to have any of the usual Z.A. Maxfield humor or wit as in her previous books. As a long time reader and devoted fan, I found that I didn't feel any connection with the characters. They seemed very flat even though the emotional plot should have made them very three dimensional.
I liked the realism and the pragmatic way that both Max and Sumner deal with each other and the situation. Up front, no lies, no deceptions. That's refreshing in our main characters. Usually they keep it all close to the vest to prolong the suspense and make it more difficult to connect. With this plot, that wasn’t necessary and I am glad we didn’t go there. However, the murderer is plain to figure out almost the minute you hear his name. There is nobody else it could be. On top of that every time the reader turns a page one more damning piece of evidence keeps piling up against Max even though you know he isn’t the murderer. Law enforcement is stuck in stereotype. Used as a means to further the drama by not looking farther than their nose until they are forced too. As a reader, knowing who it is and that the cops aren’t going to figure it out, leaving it up to the lover to do so was not original. In the end, the only thing really left to be revealed is why and how. While we get an unsatisfying why, sort of, we never get the how.
While the book has all the great skill in writing that we expect of this author, it just didn’t seem to have any of the heart we have come to anticipate. It tried too hard to make us feel the driving compulsion of the artist to paint but didn’t really tell us why it had to be her all the time. The most engaging scene, revolving around a red hand print is the most emotionally striking part of the book and it only lasts three or four paragraphs.
Last, the title. Titles seem to get more and more obscure all the time. "Fugitive Color" is a mind boggler. There's no fugitive in this story. I can’t even think of one in a figurative sense, certainly none in a literal way. While there is some musing on how there's no color to show loyalty or naivete that still doesn’t explain what the title is trying to tell us about the book. At least it doesn’t tell me anything.
I liked the realism and the pragmatic way that both Max and Sumner deal with each other and the situation. Up front, no lies, no deceptions. That's refreshing in our main characters. Usually they keep it all close to the vest to prolong the suspense and make it more difficult to connect. With this plot, that wasn’t necessary and I am glad we didn’t go there. However, the murderer is plain to figure out almost the minute you hear his name. There is nobody else it could be. On top of that every time the reader turns a page one more damning piece of evidence keeps piling up against Max even though you know he isn’t the murderer. Law enforcement is stuck in stereotype. Used as a means to further the drama by not looking farther than their nose until they are forced too. As a reader, knowing who it is and that the cops aren’t going to figure it out, leaving it up to the lover to do so was not original. In the end, the only thing really left to be revealed is why and how. While we get an unsatisfying why, sort of, we never get the how.
While the book has all the great skill in writing that we expect of this author, it just didn’t seem to have any of the heart we have come to anticipate. It tried too hard to make us feel the driving compulsion of the artist to paint but didn’t really tell us why it had to be her all the time. The most engaging scene, revolving around a red hand print is the most emotionally striking part of the book and it only lasts three or four paragraphs.
Last, the title. Titles seem to get more and more obscure all the time. "Fugitive Color" is a mind boggler. There's no fugitive in this story. I can’t even think of one in a figurative sense, certainly none in a literal way. While there is some musing on how there's no color to show loyalty or naivete that still doesn’t explain what the title is trying to tell us about the book. At least it doesn’t tell me anything.
December 23, 2010
I loved this one, I have only read, I think, two other books by Z.A. Maxfield, but what I have read has not disappointed.
When his muse, a 16 year old ballerina Elena, goes missing, he is one of the prime suspects. And he can't prove he didn't, between past kept secrets and re-painting in his sleep, Max Lancaster, thinks he's going crazy.
In comes forensic artist Sumner Ellison, he doesn't believe Max killed Elena, but he isn't to sure that Max isn't crazy, And while Sumner offers Max oblivion in bed, doubts soon plague him that makes him question his faith in Max more than once.
The only thing I really didn't like about this one was the ending, which is why it only got 4 stars, it just seems to summed up. I'd like to see what happens after this, maybe a second book or something, but something more.
When his muse, a 16 year old ballerina Elena, goes missing, he is one of the prime suspects. And he can't prove he didn't, between past kept secrets and re-painting in his sleep, Max Lancaster, thinks he's going crazy.
In comes forensic artist Sumner Ellison, he doesn't believe Max killed Elena, but he isn't to sure that Max isn't crazy, And while Sumner offers Max oblivion in bed, doubts soon plague him that makes him question his faith in Max more than once.
The only thing I really didn't like about this one was the ending, which is why it only got 4 stars, it just seems to summed up. I'd like to see what happens after this, maybe a second book or something, but something more.
April 27, 2010
I was (and actually, still am) intrigued by the premise of an artist who alters his paintings when he is sleepwalking. For some reason I can't get the picture of Max sitting in his apartment, staring at an oil painting of the ballerina's bruised and broken feet, out of my head. So whilst I had some vivid imagery going on in the background, unfortunately the chemistry between the 2 main characters - Max and Sumner, was not particularly arresting. The initial lust was fine to start off with, but the development into l.o.v.e.-land happened a bit too quick for me.
December 1, 2011
3.5 stars
Good story. Good characters. Some suspense. Some romance. Had I not figured out who the killer was WAY early on, I probably would give it a higher rating. It was pretty obvious so not much mystery as far as that is concerned.
There was quite a bit of Sumner being called "kid" but yet I don't know that his age was ever mentioned in the book. It was obvious that there was an age difference between him and Max but I don't recall the ages being mentioned. Maybe I missed something?
Anyway, good book. As always from this author.
Good story. Good characters. Some suspense. Some romance. Had I not figured out who the killer was WAY early on, I probably would give it a higher rating. It was pretty obvious so not much mystery as far as that is concerned.
There was quite a bit of Sumner being called "kid" but yet I don't know that his age was ever mentioned in the book. It was obvious that there was an age difference between him and Max but I don't recall the ages being mentioned. Maybe I missed something?
Anyway, good book. As always from this author.
May 9, 2010
I seem to have devoured this book in 24 hours. It's not perfect, but the plot moves forward quickly and the characters are really great. It's got an interesting premise—Max thinks he's going crazy, so when he's accused of murder, he starts to believe the accusations despite his innocence—and I found Max especially to be a character you want to root for.
October 11, 2010
I enjoyed this although I thought the main characters got together really fast. I was still on the edge of my seat with the showdown scene with the 'bad guy'.
The reason for four stars instead of five is that the proofreader/editor missed several places where the names were wrong eg Sumner instead of Max. It pulled me out of the story with a huh?
The reason for four stars instead of five is that the proofreader/editor missed several places where the names were wrong eg Sumner instead of Max. It pulled me out of the story with a huh?
November 22, 2011
I really, REALLY wanted to like this story because I've enjoyed many of her others but it just didn't happen.
The characters, IMO, didn't feel fully fleshed out or believable. I knew who the baddie was as soon as s/he was introduced - and it didn't make sense. It's not a *bad* story - just not a great one.
The characters, IMO, didn't feel fully fleshed out or believable. I knew who the baddie was as soon as s/he was introduced - and it didn't make sense. It's not a *bad* story - just not a great one.
April 28, 2012
Compared to other Z.A. Maxfield books, this one seemed shallow in character development and plot. I figured out the killer right off and was surprised that it took so long for everyone to get it. I also thought that it was fairly amazing that our two heroes got into bed so fast and fell in such devoted love so quickly.
I will probably read it again, but not my favorite.
I will probably read it again, but not my favorite.
April 13, 2015
Good mystery
This book would be perfect if it were longer. Maxfield's signature dialogue and characterization talents are there on display. I just wish we had more time with Max and Sumner to develop the depth of relationship that they achieve a little too quickly. Or maybe I'm just griping because I can't get enough Maxfield! She just never disappoints. Great writer.
This book would be perfect if it were longer. Maxfield's signature dialogue and characterization talents are there on display. I just wish we had more time with Max and Sumner to develop the depth of relationship that they achieve a little too quickly. Or maybe I'm just griping because I can't get enough Maxfield! She just never disappoints. Great writer.
February 26, 2015
This felt like the work of a moderately talented high school student who had a good art teacher but otherwise knew very little about the world, especially relationships.
Not worth the time to read it.
Not worth the time to read it.
July 6, 2011
It took me a while to get into but once I was, I was hooked. For a Z.A. Maxfield it is a bit dark but there is still a happy ending at the end.
Read
June 6, 2011It was a fantastic book. I love everything he writes.
June 16, 2011
Good m/m romantic suspense about a sleep walking artist whose muse has been murdered... and he's pretty sure he didn't do it...
June 16, 2012
More of a 3.5
April 11, 2012
Throughly enjoyed reading this story from start to finish, one of my all-time favorite authors.
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