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Deadly Mystery #5
Deadly Silence
The hospital says it was an accident. Patience Pendleton says someone is trying to murder her father - but who? Her demented twin, Prudence? Or Farley, the jilted fiancee, who thought he would be marrying money? Or Zack, the queer brother threatened with disinheritance? Or, might it be the ghosts of past evil...? #5 in the Deadly Series
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2010
5 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Victor J. Banis
142 books216 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 17, 2016
3,5 stars rounded up
The mystery in this sequel doesn’t belong to my favorite in the series, but who cares?
If you read the book#5, then, I bet, you read it because of the main characters, and not of the mystery itself. And I'm not an exception (in spite of the fact that Victor J. Banis belongs to one of my favorite gay mystery’s writers). I just love Tom and Stanley much more than a mystery. And even more I like them work together, communicate with each other (it is always VERY funny) and STAY together(in spite of all enemies, fake friends and tricky situations).
I spent wonderful hours with them, reading this book. Stanley surprised me with his BEHAVIOR. (Not with his thoughts, I could understand his worries). But I forgave him at the end.
The ending was heartwarming and touching. And if Tom forgave him, who am I to complain?!
Read
August 30, 2010I had long ago decided that I prefer Tom on Stanley, and with this last book Victor J. Banis gave me a reason more.
Tom completely changed his life to love and live with Stanley, he abandoned his career as detective, he openly recognized Stanley as his partner, in business and love, and he has never once questioned this love. Yes, he has still a right eye for a beautiful woman, but he is not tempted to follow that eye. And Stanley? Already in the previous book he questioned their love, and if I remember well he was the one to run away instead of fighting for it. Now that he has obtained almost everything from Tom, he wanted more, he wants to change Tom, to make him more gay, or maybe to make their life more gay.
But as his friend Chris tries to explain to Stanley, it was not that he was so happy before meeting Tom; the life Stanley regrets, the one night stands, the possibility to flirts with the eye candy passing in the street, it was a unfulfilling life, something that pushed Stanley to change his work in the first book of this series. And it was not like Tom fallen in love at first sight with Stanley or that Stanley didn’t pursue Tom; I found Stanley’s attitude a bit like what I would expected from a spoiled brat, he desperately wants something, he couldn’t live without it, and then, when he obtains the coveted toy, he is no more interested, or what it’s still behind the window is better of what he has in his hands.
True, Stanley is able to understand his mistake, and basically he betrays Tom only with his mind and intention, but still, from the man that made Tom’s feel guilty for the interest he had for a woman, Stanley’s attitude is a bit too much carelessness.
The mystery here is a bit less involving on an emotional level than before, maybe since for the first time, there was no direct involvement of Stanley and Tom (no one of them really new the victim, the victim is not a sympathetic character…); this is probably their first real case, and so, maybe for this reason, since they are not part of the mystery, the case itself was almost on a second line, it was more important to discover what Stanley was thinking and doing. As he said, it’s probably a natural crisis any new couple has to reach and overcome, it’s the basis of a long-lasting relationship or the reason for a break-up. Sometime I would have liked to be there, to steal Tom under Stanley’s noses, and I was almost cheering for Chris to do so.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608201058/?...
Tom completely changed his life to love and live with Stanley, he abandoned his career as detective, he openly recognized Stanley as his partner, in business and love, and he has never once questioned this love. Yes, he has still a right eye for a beautiful woman, but he is not tempted to follow that eye. And Stanley? Already in the previous book he questioned their love, and if I remember well he was the one to run away instead of fighting for it. Now that he has obtained almost everything from Tom, he wanted more, he wants to change Tom, to make him more gay, or maybe to make their life more gay.
But as his friend Chris tries to explain to Stanley, it was not that he was so happy before meeting Tom; the life Stanley regrets, the one night stands, the possibility to flirts with the eye candy passing in the street, it was a unfulfilling life, something that pushed Stanley to change his work in the first book of this series. And it was not like Tom fallen in love at first sight with Stanley or that Stanley didn’t pursue Tom; I found Stanley’s attitude a bit like what I would expected from a spoiled brat, he desperately wants something, he couldn’t live without it, and then, when he obtains the coveted toy, he is no more interested, or what it’s still behind the window is better of what he has in his hands.
True, Stanley is able to understand his mistake, and basically he betrays Tom only with his mind and intention, but still, from the man that made Tom’s feel guilty for the interest he had for a woman, Stanley’s attitude is a bit too much carelessness.
The mystery here is a bit less involving on an emotional level than before, maybe since for the first time, there was no direct involvement of Stanley and Tom (no one of them really new the victim, the victim is not a sympathetic character…); this is probably their first real case, and so, maybe for this reason, since they are not part of the mystery, the case itself was almost on a second line, it was more important to discover what Stanley was thinking and doing. As he said, it’s probably a natural crisis any new couple has to reach and overcome, it’s the basis of a long-lasting relationship or the reason for a break-up. Sometime I would have liked to be there, to steal Tom under Stanley’s noses, and I was almost cheering for Chris to do so.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608201058/?...
January 10, 2015
This another fun installment. Though I was not particularly impressed with the mystery or the romance development, it was still great fun to read.
September 15, 2010
The 5th book from Deadly Mystery series (is this the last or will there be more?) feels like an "afterthought" or one of those "after the happily ever after" situation. I feel like the mystery itself takes the backseat ... because to be perfectly honest, clues for the the perp are pretty obvious (if you have read enough Agatha Christie *lol*) and it didn't really have direct relation that threat either Tom or Stanley's life. Instead, this book is more about Stanley "re-evaluating" his life after being committed to Tom: how he feels restless and questioning whether he is satisfied enough for not being into the "gay life" anymore.
To be perfectly honest, sometimes I think Stanley acts like a spoiled brat. He knows how dedicated Tom to him. Tom is willing to leave the police force and (except for that one incident in book #3) he doesn't question his love for Stanley. While Tom never seen himself as "gay" man, only a man who is in love with Stanley, sometimes I think Stanley doesn't think this is enough and wishes Tom to be slightly "gayer" than he is now.
BUT, on the other hand, I don't know if Tom is willing enough to embrace the more "diva" part of Stanley. I might state this wrong, what I am trying to say is, Stanley loves to decorate, it's outlandish part that he enjoys. But Tom frowns upon that. Also Tom doesn't agree with Stanley loving the night life. I guess I cannot completely blame Stanley to think that Tom hasn't accepted him as a whole person.
It's a lovely way to look at this two very different characters in their journey towards understanding and acceptance. I think there will still be a lot of challenges ahead; heartaches even. The ending doesn't really tell you that it will be happily-forever-after, it is still out on the open what ending that Stanley and Tom choose for them. However, I wish that they will work it out the differences and arrives at the same ending, despite the it all
To be perfectly honest, sometimes I think Stanley acts like a spoiled brat. He knows how dedicated Tom to him. Tom is willing to leave the police force and (except for that one incident in book #3) he doesn't question his love for Stanley. While Tom never seen himself as "gay" man, only a man who is in love with Stanley, sometimes I think Stanley doesn't think this is enough and wishes Tom to be slightly "gayer" than he is now.
BUT, on the other hand, I don't know if Tom is willing enough to embrace the more "diva" part of Stanley. I might state this wrong, what I am trying to say is, Stanley loves to decorate, it's outlandish part that he enjoys. But Tom frowns upon that. Also Tom doesn't agree with Stanley loving the night life. I guess I cannot completely blame Stanley to think that Tom hasn't accepted him as a whole person.
It's a lovely way to look at this two very different characters in their journey towards understanding and acceptance. I think there will still be a lot of challenges ahead; heartaches even. The ending doesn't really tell you that it will be happily-forever-after, it is still out on the open what ending that Stanley and Tom choose for them. However, I wish that they will work it out the differences and arrives at the same ending, despite the it all
March 29, 2017
While the installment is a fun read, the mystery itself was... not very mysterious, to say at least, but main characters are busy as hell.
December 25, 2014
3.5 stars
While I didn't love this one as much as the other books in the Deadly Mystery series this story is well written and for the most part interesting. The mystery element is easily solved but that's okay as the focus of the story is on Stanley and Tom's relationship. While Tom is now fully committed to Stanley it seems Stanley is not as sure. As they work to solve their case Stanley's also trying to figure out just what he really wants in his life. I've come full circle in this series. Book one I loved Stanley and could barely stand Tom. As the books came along my love for Stanley faded as it grew for Tom. In this story it is Tom who kept me engaged and I felt for him as Stanley thought of greener pastures and happier times instead Tom who'd turned his whole life around for Stanley. In the end Stanley never really betrays Tom, except maybe in his mind, and there is a nice HEA for the pair. I think this is the last story for this couple and while I'm sad it has ended I must say that it's been an emotional, fun, sexy, interesting and totally entertaining series. Kudos to Victor J. Banis for bringing these two totally disparate men together and despite ups and downs making them a loving couple.
While I didn't love this one as much as the other books in the Deadly Mystery series this story is well written and for the most part interesting. The mystery element is easily solved but that's okay as the focus of the story is on Stanley and Tom's relationship. While Tom is now fully committed to Stanley it seems Stanley is not as sure. As they work to solve their case Stanley's also trying to figure out just what he really wants in his life. I've come full circle in this series. Book one I loved Stanley and could barely stand Tom. As the books came along my love for Stanley faded as it grew for Tom. In this story it is Tom who kept me engaged and I felt for him as Stanley thought of greener pastures and happier times instead Tom who'd turned his whole life around for Stanley. In the end Stanley never really betrays Tom, except maybe in his mind, and there is a nice HEA for the pair. I think this is the last story for this couple and while I'm sad it has ended I must say that it's been an emotional, fun, sexy, interesting and totally entertaining series. Kudos to Victor J. Banis for bringing these two totally disparate men together and despite ups and downs making them a loving couple.
November 14, 2010
The ending to this one really let me down. Not enough to give it fewer stars, but it just wasn't what I wanted or needed for a resolution. :(
September 22, 2014
These characters piss me off! I think I'll take a break before I read the next book.
September 4, 2020
An excellent mystery, truly. I won't say that the resolution caught me by surprise, but it was very well done.
But Stanley and Tom's relationship is less than thriving. They have some very troubling issues, and they are not working on them, they are simply sitting there, waiting for them to disappear :( Stanley has some very reasonable complaints about the way in which Tom pretends that some parts of him don't exist. The icky gay parts. Which is... ridiculous, but yes, okay, I can see why Tom would like that Stanley were straight in everything except in bed. And Stanley is sabotaging their relationship in any possible way, so... I don't know, I don't think that what they have is very healthy :/
I think the only healthy character here is Chris, and I don't know for how long, giving that he has to deal with both of them.
Still wishing these book were narrated by anyone else than Guy Veryzer
But Stanley and Tom's relationship is less than thriving. They have some very troubling issues, and they are not working on them, they are simply sitting there, waiting for them to disappear :( Stanley has some very reasonable complaints about the way in which Tom pretends that some parts of him don't exist. The icky gay parts. Which is... ridiculous, but yes, okay, I can see why Tom would like that Stanley were straight in everything except in bed. And Stanley is sabotaging their relationship in any possible way, so... I don't know, I don't think that what they have is very healthy :/
I think the only healthy character here is Chris, and I don't know for how long, giving that he has to deal with both of them.
Still wishing these book were narrated by anyone else than Guy Veryzer
May 9, 2021
3.5*
I guess I had too much of a good thing by reading all the books back to back (except this one, I needed a break).
It became a bit too repetitive and I did not like Stanley's attitude toward Tom or his resentment toward not being a center of other men's attraction.
Mystery was not the best either and it was pretty obvious how the plot was going to untangle from the beginning.
Still, I like the writing style and I could not help admiring Tom and his approach to life and love.
I guess I had too much of a good thing by reading all the books back to back (except this one, I needed a break).
It became a bit too repetitive and I did not like Stanley's attitude toward Tom or his resentment toward not being a center of other men's attraction.
Mystery was not the best either and it was pretty obvious how the plot was going to untangle from the beginning.
Still, I like the writing style and I could not help admiring Tom and his approach to life and love.
September 13, 2015
Stanley &Tom are back in the 5th in the Deadly series...In this mystery, the two are hired by Patience Pendleton who insists that someone is trying to kill her father while he is a patient at a lavish nursing home.The nursing home and her father insist it was an accident (the fault of a nurse who administered too much insulin) .The list of suspects grow as another accident happens to the father, including drug addicted and unhinged twin sister of Patience, Prudence, a brother named Zack who is gay and the father has threaten on numerous occasions to disinherit,and Prudence boyfriend Farley.The mystery is pretty good, but the true meat of the story is the relationship of Stanley and Tom.Tom is truly a good, guy he loves Stanley and is in the relationship for the long haul.Stanley on the other hand is antsy, he knows he loves Tom, but he misses his care -free youth...Stanley in this mystery makes me hate him.Chris (friend of both men) suggest that Stanley is never happy with what he has.He chased after Tom, and now that he has him, he wants something else.Stanley is a true jerk and doesn't deserve Tom, another reviewer suggested that it would serve Stanley right if Tom left him for Chris....I agree.I won't say what happens to resolve this romantic hitch in the road...I 'll just say, fasten your seatbelts, it's. gonna be a bumpy ride!
May 4, 2011
I've read the reviews and just had to see what Stanley's problem was. I'm guessing what I read was the birth of a real relationship and not the fantasy hereafter. Here are two guys who have never been in any serious relationship before and have found out love and great sex is just not enough. The reality, every long term relationship has its ups and downs. I've heard a saying that goes like this. "And the two shall become one" The question is which "one"? Stanley, I see was struggling with that one. As for friends, sometimes just listening and showing support are the best that one can offer. Chris was not a very good friend. Looks like he had his own agenda.
Hope to read more Mr. Banis : )
Hope to read more Mr. Banis : )
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2011
I can't believe Stanley. How old is he? Fifteen? Fortunately, he didn't do anything unforgivable, but it's the fifth book and I'm way more involved with Tom and Stanley than the first book. So, if any of them have doubts about their relationship I suffer dammit!
Uhm...this is not much a review but a ramble, really. It still amazes me how Victor makes the dialogues and scenes flow smoothly, like in a movie. He recently wrote a post about characterization and giving the characters contradictions. I agree with all that but, seriously, Stanley is starting to behave like a spoiled brat [image error]
Uhm...this is not much a review but a ramble, really. It still amazes me how Victor makes the dialogues and scenes flow smoothly, like in a movie. He recently wrote a post about characterization and giving the characters contradictions. I agree with all that but, seriously, Stanley is starting to behave like a spoiled brat [image error]
July 8, 2014
-1 star for the ending. It just seemed too abrupt (to me).
Otherwise, loved, loved, loved this book and the series :)
Otherwise, loved, loved, loved this book and the series :)
July 1, 2011
Not as good as the first 4 in the series, maybe because Stanley went off the rails a bit & I kept mixing up Prudence & Patience. Stanley did eventually regain his senses & the case resolved itself. This is kind of a low key mystery story & more a peak into the lives of established couple Stanley & Tom than anything else. Still enjoyable & I'm looking forward to Deadly Mystery #6.
October 17, 2010
If you're thinking about reading the fifth book in the Deadly Mysteries, you already know who Stanley and Tom are. :) This was a good m/m mystery - but be warned (this shouldn't be a surprise, either) that there is angst. Would it be Tom and Stanley without angst?
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!
August 5, 2010
I may never get enough of these two characters. The last few pages of the book nearly killed me and I absolutely loved it. Can't wait for more!
January 2, 2012
4 to 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.
September 14, 2015
3.5 stars
February 21, 2016
The course of true love ne'er did run smooth.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews