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LA Private Detectives #1
Errors and Omissions
Rock star Brent Hunter has a plan to get back to the top of the charts - until his jet vanishes en route to London. Four months later, a phone call convinces Austin Hunter that his brother is alive and in hiding. That, or it's all an elaborate and deadly confidence game. Austin turns to private detective Kirk MacGregor to find the truth about his brother. As Kirk follows a trail of dead-end leads in the most perplexing investigation of his career, a strong attraction simmers between him and Austin, despite the fact they're both married. Together they unearth a tragic family history of violence, pure greed, and a 30-year-old fratricide as they take on the coldest killer since Hannibal Lecter. But deadly foes have nothing on the painful truths and even more painful losses Kirk and Austin must face... and none of that compares to confronting what they feel for each other.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 5, 2012
82 people want to read
About the author
Lee James
26 books8 followersLee James grew up in a small town in a Midwestern “Red” state ending in a vowel. After graduating from an ultra conservative high school, Lee fled to a California university, where he earned a bachelor’s in English and forever dropped rube terms such as “warsh,” “deeshes,” and “youins” from his vocabulary. His new degree left him with two options: write novels and go on welfare, or take the LSAT and try to get into a law school.
Lee studied law, then went to work for a government agency ending in a vowel in an administrative capacity that, should he tell you about it, would result in him killing you… with its tedium. Retiring early (read that as escaping with his sanity), Lee turned to writing—his first love. Lee and his partner-spouse live in one of those Midwestern “Blue” states ending in a vowel, where he’s always working on his next novel.
Visit Lee or try the path of least resistance: leejameswrites@gmail.com
Lee studied law, then went to work for a government agency ending in a vowel in an administrative capacity that, should he tell you about it, would result in him killing you… with its tedium. Retiring early (read that as escaping with his sanity), Lee turned to writing—his first love. Lee and his partner-spouse live in one of those Midwestern “Blue” states ending in a vowel, where he’s always working on his next novel.
Visit Lee or try the path of least resistance: leejameswrites@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 20, 2012
On the whole, I quite enjoyed this story, but some things really irritated me, eg, some of the language: the repetitive use of 'unit' and 'low hangers', just say cock and balls, for crying out loud; a wanker is one who wanks (masturbates), it's not a cock - that's just a cock (and not a unit).
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery, but didn't feel very engaged by any of the characters.
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery, but didn't feel very engaged by any of the characters.
February 29, 2012
I've generally liked other books from Dreamspinner but this one let me down. About a quarter of the way through I really thought I was just going to give up. But I stuck it out and finished by skimming over large portions, if only to say I had finished it. It's not often that a book makes me irritable but in this case, mission accomplished. How many times can someone be described as a "superstar" let alone refer to HIMSELF as a rock superstar? Do you think Madonna says to her latest boytoy, "life as a rock superstar is not at glamorous as everyone thinks"? And the constant brand-dropping grated on my nerves. Yes, I know we are dealing with fabulously wealthy superstars, but must every wristwatch be referred to by brand name? Every car? The brands of furniture? The brands of clothing? Do really wealthy people refer to their house as "my mansion"? Let's go back to my mansion and have sex? I don't mean to come across as hateful. When I read books of this genre I'm not expecting great literature, but sometimes an author just seems to be trying too hard.
no-thanks
February 18, 2013
March 6, 2012
what the hell are "roomy, bespectacled eyes"? are they large, spacious eyes with glasses, or did the author mean to write 'rheumy'? seriously confused by this. later, the character (samuel stein) is described as having "glasses, and big eyes", but "roomy" to describe big eyes? christ almighty, at first i really couldn't decide if this is a case of homophones that confuse, or a writer making a bizarre word choice. i'm' fairly certain it's the latter.
*sigh*
setting that bit of writing/editing oddness aside, there were other random instances of grammatical/spelling flubs, but nothing else to that level of strangeness.
interesting premise, decently structured plot, no real rush-rush moments that can often be found in mystery/suspense sub-genre within broader romance format- where everything just seems awkward & like the author lost patience. actually, this author seems to have taken his time building to climax, and at several points could have peaked but merely built the apex higher- but not in an annoying just-get-to-the-point way. no really glaring red neon signs pointing out 'whodunit', but instead the author has laid rather subtle hints along the way.
the sex scenes are somewhat randomly raunchy- not a nasty-bobby-michaels raunchy, but in comparison to the rest of the book. & really, who the hell calls a lover who is a grown ass man 'top gun' or 'star baby'? or refers to a cock as a 'unit'? yech. these bits were disjointed and disconcerting, but not jolting to the point i couldn't continue to read.
could have done without constant brand referencing and long descriptions of everything posh. the book would have been 30 pages shorter had these been pared down.
i kind of liked how the author didn't come out and write the exact ages of each character, least not that i remember, but they're somewhat older than the average m/m mains. no, you will not find the stereotypical just-turned-18, wide-eyed (hehehe roomy-eyed) boyish ingenue here.
adding & subtracting as necessary for 'roomy' word choice (that's like -15 stars), other editing, sex scenes, wierd emotional responses (or lack thereof), decent suspense, not total happy ending... 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4, because i'm nice like that.
EDIT: author was kind enough to explain 'roomy' was the intended word, so, although it's not my favorite word choice for that instance, subtracting aforementioned 15 stars now seems excessive so we'll knock it up to a 3.75
*sigh*
setting that bit of writing/editing oddness aside, there were other random instances of grammatical/spelling flubs, but nothing else to that level of strangeness.
interesting premise, decently structured plot, no real rush-rush moments that can often be found in mystery/suspense sub-genre within broader romance format- where everything just seems awkward & like the author lost patience. actually, this author seems to have taken his time building to climax, and at several points could have peaked but merely built the apex higher- but not in an annoying just-get-to-the-point way. no really glaring red neon signs pointing out 'whodunit', but instead the author has laid rather subtle hints along the way.
the sex scenes are somewhat randomly raunchy- not a nasty-bobby-michaels raunchy, but in comparison to the rest of the book. & really, who the hell calls a lover who is a grown ass man 'top gun' or 'star baby'? or refers to a cock as a 'unit'? yech. these bits were disjointed and disconcerting, but not jolting to the point i couldn't continue to read.
could have done without constant brand referencing and long descriptions of everything posh. the book would have been 30 pages shorter had these been pared down.
i kind of liked how the author didn't come out and write the exact ages of each character, least not that i remember, but they're somewhat older than the average m/m mains. no, you will not find the stereotypical just-turned-18, wide-eyed (hehehe roomy-eyed) boyish ingenue here.
adding & subtracting as necessary for 'roomy' word choice (that's like -15 stars), other editing, sex scenes, wierd emotional responses (or lack thereof), decent suspense, not total happy ending... 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4, because i'm nice like that.
EDIT: author was kind enough to explain 'roomy' was the intended word, so, although it's not my favorite word choice for that instance, subtracting aforementioned 15 stars now seems excessive so we'll knock it up to a 3.75
September 14, 2013
This is a mystery, with thriller sensibilities, that hails from California -- it has that sunburnt and chrome-gleaming feel through-out.
There are a lot of sunglasses, fast cars, beautiful Beverly Hills locations and so much sunshine.
There’s also plenty of wry and sarcastic humor, a fact with humanizes our hero and makes for several laugh-out-loud moments. As an example: “Avery should be a travel agent for guilt trips”.
Our protagonist is a former FBI agent turned law firm private detective. It’s obvious that at the start of the novel, while he is enjoying his life professionally, he is very lonely personally. His dog is his only companion at home, and except for his father and a few professional friends, he doesn’t have anyone. Added to that is the pang of the divorce from his wife, from a combination of his final acceptance that he’s gay and her infidelity.
Over the course of the book, it’s encouraging to watch that change and see a great romance develop, even in the face of tragedy.
It doesn’t hurt that the sex scenes are hot.
I like the contrast of Kirk, a more straight-laced law-enforcement type (though now in private practice), and Austin, the laid back music star. Both of the guys are as masculine as you could ask for — but gay where it counts. While the characters are rich, their opponents are rich, and the action largely sticks to places where the wealthy tread, I never got the feeling from the main character (or his romantic interest) that they anything less than down-to-earth.
The mystery itself takes quite a few twists and turns, starting with a dead man’s missing time and ending with a serial killer.
While some of the action can be rough and heart-pounding, it never descended into the realms of the gory splatter-fests you might find in other mainstream novels.
Highly recommended.
I'm honestly quite befuddled by all the negative reviews here. I have read far worse (in this genre and others), and few that were better.
Notes Score: 5
The "Notes Score" refers to how many highlighted passages the book elicited. Whenever I read on an ebook reader, I highlight passages of the book that strike me as funny, stick out from the norm, or are just very well written.
There are a lot of sunglasses, fast cars, beautiful Beverly Hills locations and so much sunshine.
There’s also plenty of wry and sarcastic humor, a fact with humanizes our hero and makes for several laugh-out-loud moments. As an example: “Avery should be a travel agent for guilt trips”.
Our protagonist is a former FBI agent turned law firm private detective. It’s obvious that at the start of the novel, while he is enjoying his life professionally, he is very lonely personally. His dog is his only companion at home, and except for his father and a few professional friends, he doesn’t have anyone. Added to that is the pang of the divorce from his wife, from a combination of his final acceptance that he’s gay and her infidelity.
Over the course of the book, it’s encouraging to watch that change and see a great romance develop, even in the face of tragedy.
It doesn’t hurt that the sex scenes are hot.
I like the contrast of Kirk, a more straight-laced law-enforcement type (though now in private practice), and Austin, the laid back music star. Both of the guys are as masculine as you could ask for — but gay where it counts. While the characters are rich, their opponents are rich, and the action largely sticks to places where the wealthy tread, I never got the feeling from the main character (or his romantic interest) that they anything less than down-to-earth.
The mystery itself takes quite a few twists and turns, starting with a dead man’s missing time and ending with a serial killer.
While some of the action can be rough and heart-pounding, it never descended into the realms of the gory splatter-fests you might find in other mainstream novels.
Highly recommended.
I'm honestly quite befuddled by all the negative reviews here. I have read far worse (in this genre and others), and few that were better.
Notes Score: 5
The "Notes Score" refers to how many highlighted passages the book elicited. Whenever I read on an ebook reader, I highlight passages of the book that strike me as funny, stick out from the norm, or are just very well written.
February 20, 2012
This book left me feeling somewhat let down and confused. Firstly, the plot and "who-done-it" was too convoluted. Being of average intelligence this isn't sour grapes on my part. There's just no way the villain could have had the means to initiate something of this scale and the coincidences that enabled it were too farfetched. Secondly, some of the dialogue was wince inducing, e.g. lovers calling each other "top gun" and "baby star". "Baby Star", really?! Thirdly, there's a lot of death in this book and while I'm not opposed to that if it supports the storyline, losing two main protags leaves the story feeling very unsettling/unfinished at the end.
On a positive note, it was a quick read because the twists and turns had me wondering who could have done it. It was sweet to see the friendship grow between Mac and Austin. And, really nice to see a writer unafraid of writing about men who show emotion.
On a positive note, it was a quick read because the twists and turns had me wondering who could have done it. It was sweet to see the friendship grow between Mac and Austin. And, really nice to see a writer unafraid of writing about men who show emotion.
January 23, 2016
Icarus Ascending is a brisk but deeply fulfilling dive into crime noir with a succulent thread of man candy woven throughout the work. To say Icarus is cinematic in Crime Noir scope and appeal would be akin to saying Hitchcock knew something about thrillers and film.
Yet, like the master of suspense that Hitch was, James weaves a tale that is concise with prose to the point where, as a reader, you are compiling your own hit list of whodunnit as you turn the page. The thing is, with each plot twist and curve James deftly slings your way, your list quickly devolves into being written on quicksand. This is a very good thing. Like Mr. Hitchcock did with "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (first attempted in 1939 and then again in 1956, where Hitch described himself as saying the ’39 version was "crafted by a talented amateur and the latter by a seasoned professional") Mr. James retake on it’s previous incarnation (Errors and Omissions) in its newer retelling follows Hitch’s success in that E&O was a well crafted and engaging novel, the reworking of it is that much cleaner - a deft eye and a steady hand of, dare I say it, literary genius at work in this genre.
Indeed, it is this clean and "take no prisoners" prose that gives Icarus its bite. Like the crazed sociopathic killer at the heart of this tale, James creates an ensemble of characters that take a bite of your imagination and run wild into the night with it. James draws scenes and colors them with all the mastery of JMW Turner masterpiece - the settings are just opaque enough so that every subtle light and dark he paints with leaves you wondering if you saw everything he put there. This is a very good thing in a crime mystery. He keeps you guessing right up to the ending.
I won’t go into a blow-by-blow of the work as that is a huge disservice to the author and the work itself. I don’t do book reports and loathe those who put plot points into reviews. This is ESPECIALLY true of mystery works. I want you to discover this world and these men (and women) who inhabit them. You’d be all the richer for it. Like Icarus, I found myself ascending toward the climatic light, hoping that the characters I’d grown to love in the works would make it through and not parish from the that harsh light of revelation in the end. A decidedly quality work. Bravo Mr. James. The first of a series and I will rush to purchase the next volume in this illustrious and gripping work.
Too bad ol’ Hitch isn’t around to option it. It would make for one helluva thriller. Kudos.
Yet, like the master of suspense that Hitch was, James weaves a tale that is concise with prose to the point where, as a reader, you are compiling your own hit list of whodunnit as you turn the page. The thing is, with each plot twist and curve James deftly slings your way, your list quickly devolves into being written on quicksand. This is a very good thing. Like Mr. Hitchcock did with "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (first attempted in 1939 and then again in 1956, where Hitch described himself as saying the ’39 version was "crafted by a talented amateur and the latter by a seasoned professional") Mr. James retake on it’s previous incarnation (Errors and Omissions) in its newer retelling follows Hitch’s success in that E&O was a well crafted and engaging novel, the reworking of it is that much cleaner - a deft eye and a steady hand of, dare I say it, literary genius at work in this genre.
Indeed, it is this clean and "take no prisoners" prose that gives Icarus its bite. Like the crazed sociopathic killer at the heart of this tale, James creates an ensemble of characters that take a bite of your imagination and run wild into the night with it. James draws scenes and colors them with all the mastery of JMW Turner masterpiece - the settings are just opaque enough so that every subtle light and dark he paints with leaves you wondering if you saw everything he put there. This is a very good thing in a crime mystery. He keeps you guessing right up to the ending.
I won’t go into a blow-by-blow of the work as that is a huge disservice to the author and the work itself. I don’t do book reports and loathe those who put plot points into reviews. This is ESPECIALLY true of mystery works. I want you to discover this world and these men (and women) who inhabit them. You’d be all the richer for it. Like Icarus, I found myself ascending toward the climatic light, hoping that the characters I’d grown to love in the works would make it through and not parish from the that harsh light of revelation in the end. A decidedly quality work. Bravo Mr. James. The first of a series and I will rush to purchase the next volume in this illustrious and gripping work.
Too bad ol’ Hitch isn’t around to option it. It would make for one helluva thriller. Kudos.
March 24, 2012
This was more like 2.5 stars. I liked the storyline of the book, but I didn't care for the characters- any of the characters. Kirk is a man who was married but is in the midst of a divorce when he gets hired for a simple job of finding a supposed dead rock star. The attraction he feels for the dead guy's brother, who also is a rock star, is returned even though Austin is married too. While working the case we are introduced to Stan, a detective, who ends up in a relationship with Kirk. Stan and Kirk confess their love for each other and even move in together after one date. What?! Kirk and Austin are still flirting with each other while trying to find Austin's brother and fighting off a killer. Which brings me to John, the killer, in the book description he is said to be the "coldest killer since Hannibal Lecter" but Kirk and Austin both get attacked at different times by him and he runs off. And don't even get me started on Austin and his horrible accent. I found myself cringing any time he came onto the page and opened his mouth. And while he is in mourning he is playing poker and looking at other men. I realize there is nothing wrong with doing those two things, but after only a few days or weeks of "the love of my life" dying, the last thing I would be doing is flirting and playing around.
I do give Mr. James credit though cause he did what I can't and that's to write a book. This is just my opinion of the book and you can take it or leave it.
I do give Mr. James credit though cause he did what I can't and that's to write a book. This is just my opinion of the book and you can take it or leave it.
July 31, 2016
I have to say, this book was pretty much a DNF -- I read the first few chapters before deciding the characters were a bit Too Much all around. Too much talent, too much money, too much over-exaggerated unrealistic accent...you name it, they had Too Much of it. I ended up just skipping chunks and reading a few pages here and there; had no problem following the basic arc of the story and missed out on details that I wasn't interested enough in to go back and catch up on. During my skipping, I actually found one character I was able to connect with on some level, and he died in the next-to-last chapter. The end felt rushed, the dialogue was unnatural and pretentious... and there was a Sekrit Twin. There were some serious issues brought up regarding one character's misongynistic views toward women which were glancingly referred to later, but never actually addressed -- in fact, the character who knew about them pretty much shrugged and ignored the whole issue, which I found rather disturbing. I don't necessarily mind an anti-hero, but I need some reason to CARE about the MCs at least, and ultimately, I didn't.
February 10, 2012
I like the book for what it is, a thriller with romance sprinkled on. It has rock stars, PI's, cops and a adorable dog and cat, what is not to like?
There are also some some things that threw me off, mention of european jeans (twice!!), inches of cock (better left at Nifty's), spacing errors (spell checker broke down at DSP HQ?)and convenient plot solutions.
But all in all I liked reading it, the pacing was ok, likeable characters and good epilogue.
There are also some some things that threw me off, mention of european jeans (twice!!), inches of cock (better left at Nifty's), spacing errors (spell checker broke down at DSP HQ?)and convenient plot solutions.
But all in all I liked reading it, the pacing was ok, likeable characters and good epilogue.
May 9, 2017
~ 3.5 Stars ~
Kirk MacGregor is a PI working for his father’s law firm. He’s also a brilliant artist and has always had the support and love of his family. He’s really a great person; you couldn’t find a nicer, more giving person to know.
Kirk had made the choice to marry, but now that relationship is legally coming to an end. There’s a sense that he’s enthusiastic about his profession, but not so much about his personal life. He now feels it’s time to come out, at least to his father, Avery. Kirk has a great companion by the name of Gunther, but what he would really like is that someone special to settle down with.
Austin Hunter is laid back and flirty, divorced and the father of twin boys, but is now married to the love of his life, Jase Ruether, a well-to-do author. Austin is a retired recording star who grew tired of life on the road and of being in the forefront of all the hoopla. His younger brother, Brent, has dragged him back into the music world, but Austin stays in the background. Claire, the matriarch of the family, has been very much in control of the boys and the business. The life they had was hard on all of them.
When it’s believed that Brent died in a plane crash, the Hunters seek Kirk’s expertise as a PI. Claire believes it was murder. Austin thinks his brother’s still alive. More than one death has somehow been connected to Brent and the music business. What kind of secrets is this family hiding? Then more grisly murders occur, all with the same MO, and Kirk and Austin find themselves in the midst of more than one bizarre murder investigation.
Lee James has created a mystery with so many twists. Icarus Ascending is suspenseful, horrifying, and it gives us insight into the mind of a killer. The contrast of Kirk’s and Austin’s lives is clear, and I got the feeling they would always be no more than friends. This is also a very emotional story about first loves lost, finding love again, and losing love in the worst possible way. I think it sends a message about being true to yourself, because you don’t know what you’re missing, and then when you do find it, it may be too late.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
Kirk MacGregor is a PI working for his father’s law firm. He’s also a brilliant artist and has always had the support and love of his family. He’s really a great person; you couldn’t find a nicer, more giving person to know.
Kirk had made the choice to marry, but now that relationship is legally coming to an end. There’s a sense that he’s enthusiastic about his profession, but not so much about his personal life. He now feels it’s time to come out, at least to his father, Avery. Kirk has a great companion by the name of Gunther, but what he would really like is that someone special to settle down with.
Austin Hunter is laid back and flirty, divorced and the father of twin boys, but is now married to the love of his life, Jase Ruether, a well-to-do author. Austin is a retired recording star who grew tired of life on the road and of being in the forefront of all the hoopla. His younger brother, Brent, has dragged him back into the music world, but Austin stays in the background. Claire, the matriarch of the family, has been very much in control of the boys and the business. The life they had was hard on all of them.
When it’s believed that Brent died in a plane crash, the Hunters seek Kirk’s expertise as a PI. Claire believes it was murder. Austin thinks his brother’s still alive. More than one death has somehow been connected to Brent and the music business. What kind of secrets is this family hiding? Then more grisly murders occur, all with the same MO, and Kirk and Austin find themselves in the midst of more than one bizarre murder investigation.
Lee James has created a mystery with so many twists. Icarus Ascending is suspenseful, horrifying, and it gives us insight into the mind of a killer. The contrast of Kirk’s and Austin’s lives is clear, and I got the feeling they would always be no more than friends. This is also a very emotional story about first loves lost, finding love again, and losing love in the worst possible way. I think it sends a message about being true to yourself, because you don’t know what you’re missing, and then when you do find it, it may be too late.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
April 13, 2017
** 4.5 Stars **
Great gay thriller!
Great gay thriller!
December 17, 2015
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As I understand it's a second edition and a lot has been changed, even the title. By the way, neither the original, nor the new title makes any sense. The first one was boring and not explanative, the second one would be proper for a sci-fi book. If the second edition is an improved version, no wonder the average rating for the first one is so low.
The book is tagged as "Mystery & Thrillers, Erotica", and I picked it up because I was looking for "Erotica". Unfortunately, this book has nothing to do with the genre. There are several "erotic" scenes, but they go like this: They undressed and went upstairs. One hour later... That's not how erotic scenes should be written in an erotic book.
As for the "Mystery & Thrillers" tag, yes, it's sort of a mystery novel, though also not quite what is expected from the genre. Readers are not given clues to solve the crime on their own, to wait and see at the end whether they were right. Readers are also not told everything the main character thinks or does. So the "surprise" in a "surprise twist" comes from the fact that we don't know, what Kirk deduced and planned, and learn what's going only when he acts. Still, it's a fairly interesting mystery.
Stylistically, the book sets in on a bad note. The first dialog is written as though Kirk is speaking with a computer: he has all the eternety between the phrases to reflect and draw, because the robot will wait. He also oddly speaks with one person at time in a four-way conversation and the other three persons don't speak with each other. I tempted to quit reading right there and then, but persisted and was rewarded - the style gets better after the first chapter, with the exception of some bad proof-reading (like repetition at location 970)
There are some very annoying factual mishaps, like mentioning of 'the rugged terrain of the Arctic" and other geography related incidents, such as the location of the crash site. "Near the top of the highest mountain in the Arctic. Okstindan, I'm told". Well, the highest mountain in the Arctic is Mt Gunnbjorn and it's in Greenland, not in Norway. There are some gaps in biological knowledge as well. "Since twin births sometimes run along family lines" - yes, twin births run along family lines, but it's a maternally inherited trait. The idea of someone trying to shoot a man from three paces and missing didn't set well also. On the other hand, I liked the idea that "many Europeans don't share the same sexual hang-ups most American hold near and dear". It's very true, but unfortunately, wasn't played in the book well enough.
On the whole I would give 2.5 stars, rounding up.
As I understand it's a second edition and a lot has been changed, even the title. By the way, neither the original, nor the new title makes any sense. The first one was boring and not explanative, the second one would be proper for a sci-fi book. If the second edition is an improved version, no wonder the average rating for the first one is so low.
The book is tagged as "Mystery & Thrillers, Erotica", and I picked it up because I was looking for "Erotica". Unfortunately, this book has nothing to do with the genre. There are several "erotic" scenes, but they go like this: They undressed and went upstairs. One hour later... That's not how erotic scenes should be written in an erotic book.
As for the "Mystery & Thrillers" tag, yes, it's sort of a mystery novel, though also not quite what is expected from the genre. Readers are not given clues to solve the crime on their own, to wait and see at the end whether they were right. Readers are also not told everything the main character thinks or does. So the "surprise" in a "surprise twist" comes from the fact that we don't know, what Kirk deduced and planned, and learn what's going only when he acts. Still, it's a fairly interesting mystery.
Stylistically, the book sets in on a bad note. The first dialog is written as though Kirk is speaking with a computer: he has all the eternety between the phrases to reflect and draw, because the robot will wait. He also oddly speaks with one person at time in a four-way conversation and the other three persons don't speak with each other. I tempted to quit reading right there and then, but persisted and was rewarded - the style gets better after the first chapter, with the exception of some bad proof-reading (like repetition at location 970)
There are some very annoying factual mishaps, like mentioning of 'the rugged terrain of the Arctic" and other geography related incidents, such as the location of the crash site. "Near the top of the highest mountain in the Arctic. Okstindan, I'm told". Well, the highest mountain in the Arctic is Mt Gunnbjorn and it's in Greenland, not in Norway. There are some gaps in biological knowledge as well. "Since twin births sometimes run along family lines" - yes, twin births run along family lines, but it's a maternally inherited trait. The idea of someone trying to shoot a man from three paces and missing didn't set well also. On the other hand, I liked the idea that "many Europeans don't share the same sexual hang-ups most American hold near and dear". It's very true, but unfortunately, wasn't played in the book well enough.
On the whole I would give 2.5 stars, rounding up.
July 31, 2016
I heard the audiobook and seriously had trouble following what was going on and who was who.
Many different characters appear in the beginning and during the course of the story and aren't properly introduced so I didn't have a distinct picture of anyone in my head.
Plus it was really hard figuring out who was the main character's (Kirk's) "real" love interest.
Also very annoying were the many flashbacks and info dumps that occurred mainly in the first half (or so) of the story. Boooriiing!
I probably only made it through that story, because I listened to the audiobook during my morning runs and while on trains and busses. Reading this would have cost way too much energy and concentration (to stay awake *ehem*).
Spoilers:
In the end the two characters that get together only get together because their previous love interests were murdered. Which is a bad way of resolving the problem of "character is in a relationship with a hot guy he loves but suddenly feels sexual interest and sexual tension with another hot guy". (Which was the case for both characters that end up together in the end and both these cases were solved in a similar, "easy" (for the writer) way.
Plus Kirk getting together with his first love interest in the story (Stan) kind of caught me by surprise, but maybe I missed the clues that he's interested in Stan because there was so much mention of him and Austin and their interest in each other all the time [even during the time Austin was still in a relationship] and then suddenly there's Stan.. WTF?
[Shortly before Kirk got together with Stan, Austin was "free" again (since his lover was murdered) but said he wouldn't love anyone ever again (which sounded kinda unbelievable, since he showed so much interest in Kirk even while his lover was still alive and they were happy together) and it's obvious, that Austin would have probably just needed some time, but instead of waiting for Austin to be ready for him, Kirk gets together with Stan practically over night... Well.. it's not like the getting together with Austin in the end was very different, now that I think about it..]
The mystery part of the story wasn't easy to follow (mainly because of the poorly introduced many maaany characters as mentioned before), but was probably thought through and some parts were even interesting. So this probably could have been a nice enough story and decent mystery novel, if the annoying parts I mentioned could have been mended during editing. :/
Many different characters appear in the beginning and during the course of the story and aren't properly introduced so I didn't have a distinct picture of anyone in my head.
Plus it was really hard figuring out who was the main character's (Kirk's) "real" love interest.
Also very annoying were the many flashbacks and info dumps that occurred mainly in the first half (or so) of the story. Boooriiing!
I probably only made it through that story, because I listened to the audiobook during my morning runs and while on trains and busses. Reading this would have cost way too much energy and concentration (to stay awake *ehem*).
Spoilers:
In the end the two characters that get together only get together because their previous love interests were murdered. Which is a bad way of resolving the problem of "character is in a relationship with a hot guy he loves but suddenly feels sexual interest and sexual tension with another hot guy". (Which was the case for both characters that end up together in the end and both these cases were solved in a similar, "easy" (for the writer) way.
Plus Kirk getting together with his first love interest in the story (Stan) kind of caught me by surprise, but maybe I missed the clues that he's interested in Stan because there was so much mention of him and Austin and their interest in each other all the time [even during the time Austin was still in a relationship] and then suddenly there's Stan.. WTF?
[Shortly before Kirk got together with Stan, Austin was "free" again (since his lover was murdered) but said he wouldn't love anyone ever again (which sounded kinda unbelievable, since he showed so much interest in Kirk even while his lover was still alive and they were happy together) and it's obvious, that Austin would have probably just needed some time, but instead of waiting for Austin to be ready for him, Kirk gets together with Stan practically over night... Well.. it's not like the getting together with Austin in the end was very different, now that I think about it..]
The mystery part of the story wasn't easy to follow (mainly because of the poorly introduced many maaany characters as mentioned before), but was probably thought through and some parts were even interesting. So this probably could have been a nice enough story and decent mystery novel, if the annoying parts I mentioned could have been mended during editing. :/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2015
Icarus Ascending, LA Private Detectives: Book One, Lee James
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Mystery and Thrillers, erotica
Well, I really struggled to get through this. The writing is good but I just couldn’t get on with the story or the characters.
I liked Kirk, felt for him when he’d tried the be normal/be married thing. I felt for his ex wife too – it was clear they still had a deep love and respect for each other. Austin – well, I juts had in my head a Gay Austin Powers, he spoke just like that, very OTT all the while and yet somewhere underneath all the brashness and flirting he seemed a decent and intelligent man. They seem to me the two main characters though there’s a myriad of others and I found that got very confusing.
Then there’s the murders, the body count that stacks up, and for a supposed untouchable top assassin the guy messes up twice with Kirk and runs away... what? I know we’re supposed to be believing he’s reaching meltdown point and making mistakes, but I couldn’t see him just running off. I did have trouble placing who was who and how they fitted the story at times, and had to keep backtracking to remind myself what was happening and how, and who some people were as there were so many of them. I found I was guessing – very wrongly – at what had happened and who was behind the murders, but when all was revealed there was no way I could have guessed right given I only had part of the info and again it just didn’t seem all that plausible to me. I didn’t see where that person would have got the money or contacts to set up such a huge undertaking. As for the Brent issue, well, I didn’t expect that and TBH it didn’t feel right. Ditto the other person involved – I went with the version we were given as truth, to then find out that actually that didn’t happen that way...well...and to believe that none of the family realised this was a possibility? Surely they would have know all his family? Its tagged as erotica, but though there’s some sex in it I wouldn’t class it as erotic or erotica. Sadly a fail for me.
Stars: Two. one that wasn’t for me.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
If you enjoyed my review I'd love it if you would please click “Like” and if you didn't I'd love to know why, so I can make future reviews more helpful.
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Mystery and Thrillers, erotica
Well, I really struggled to get through this. The writing is good but I just couldn’t get on with the story or the characters.
I liked Kirk, felt for him when he’d tried the be normal/be married thing. I felt for his ex wife too – it was clear they still had a deep love and respect for each other. Austin – well, I juts had in my head a Gay Austin Powers, he spoke just like that, very OTT all the while and yet somewhere underneath all the brashness and flirting he seemed a decent and intelligent man. They seem to me the two main characters though there’s a myriad of others and I found that got very confusing.
Then there’s the murders, the body count that stacks up, and for a supposed untouchable top assassin the guy messes up twice with Kirk and runs away... what? I know we’re supposed to be believing he’s reaching meltdown point and making mistakes, but I couldn’t see him just running off. I did have trouble placing who was who and how they fitted the story at times, and had to keep backtracking to remind myself what was happening and how, and who some people were as there were so many of them. I found I was guessing – very wrongly – at what had happened and who was behind the murders, but when all was revealed there was no way I could have guessed right given I only had part of the info and again it just didn’t seem all that plausible to me. I didn’t see where that person would have got the money or contacts to set up such a huge undertaking. As for the Brent issue, well, I didn’t expect that and TBH it didn’t feel right. Ditto the other person involved – I went with the version we were given as truth, to then find out that actually that didn’t happen that way...well...and to believe that none of the family realised this was a possibility? Surely they would have know all his family? Its tagged as erotica, but though there’s some sex in it I wouldn’t class it as erotic or erotica. Sadly a fail for me.
Stars: Two. one that wasn’t for me.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
If you enjoyed my review I'd love it if you would please click “Like” and if you didn't I'd love to know why, so I can make future reviews more helpful.
March 18, 2012
3.5 stars
I decided to review Errors and Omissions after a friend read the book and recommended it to me for its mystery plot line. Set in Los Angeles and in the world of rock and roll, Errors and Omissions tells the tale of Kirk MacGregor, a rich private investigator whose been hired by the Hunter family to find their missing and presumed killed rock star son, Brent. (His plane disappeared over the Atlantic, or so they’ve been lead to believe.) This sets up the mystery aspect of the novel. Add in a homophobic contract serial killer, the attraction between Kirk and Austin (Brent’s brother) and you have what I would call a mystery-thriller-romance novel that is more heavily geared towards the mystery genre than the romance one.
Now normally I like my romance novels to have more relationship development than Errors and Omissions gave me. And although I did not guess the identity of the ‘bad guy’ until the bitter end (quite a feat for a mystery lover like me), the book did not grip me on an emotional level like I hoped. I just couldn’t connect with Austin, who seemed to be a caricature of a Southerner and unfortunately grated on my nerves. Plus the romantic in me felt too much of the novel detailed romantic liaisons that weren’t the two main protagonists. (And for those readers who hate cheaters -- like me -- this would not be the book for you as Austin is married when Kirk and he first meet up and flirt.)
However, there were some things about the book I truly enjoyed. As I said the mystery characteristic of the plot was gripping, at times horrifying and finally jaw-dropping: everything you want in that type of novel. And the serial killer? Truly scary, up there with Hannibal Lector and Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs.
So while I cannot recommend Lee James’ Errors and Omissions as a romance novel, but I can certainly recommend it as a mystery lovers dream that deserves a look.
Dark Divas Reviews
I decided to review Errors and Omissions after a friend read the book and recommended it to me for its mystery plot line. Set in Los Angeles and in the world of rock and roll, Errors and Omissions tells the tale of Kirk MacGregor, a rich private investigator whose been hired by the Hunter family to find their missing and presumed killed rock star son, Brent. (His plane disappeared over the Atlantic, or so they’ve been lead to believe.) This sets up the mystery aspect of the novel. Add in a homophobic contract serial killer, the attraction between Kirk and Austin (Brent’s brother) and you have what I would call a mystery-thriller-romance novel that is more heavily geared towards the mystery genre than the romance one.
Now normally I like my romance novels to have more relationship development than Errors and Omissions gave me. And although I did not guess the identity of the ‘bad guy’ until the bitter end (quite a feat for a mystery lover like me), the book did not grip me on an emotional level like I hoped. I just couldn’t connect with Austin, who seemed to be a caricature of a Southerner and unfortunately grated on my nerves. Plus the romantic in me felt too much of the novel detailed romantic liaisons that weren’t the two main protagonists. (And for those readers who hate cheaters -- like me -- this would not be the book for you as Austin is married when Kirk and he first meet up and flirt.)
However, there were some things about the book I truly enjoyed. As I said the mystery characteristic of the plot was gripping, at times horrifying and finally jaw-dropping: everything you want in that type of novel. And the serial killer? Truly scary, up there with Hannibal Lector and Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs.
So while I cannot recommend Lee James’ Errors and Omissions as a romance novel, but I can certainly recommend it as a mystery lovers dream that deserves a look.
Dark Divas Reviews
February 2, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This book was a great murder mystery and James does a pretty amazing job of parceling out the information and piecing things together. I had a little trouble getting into the story in the beginning, though I can’t honestly say if that was due to the story itself or the narration. Perhaps a bit of both. But only a couple of chapters in, I was immersed in the world and hanging on with baited breath to see what the author was going to throw at me next.
We know who the killer is from the very beginning. In fact, the story begins in his POV. But the great thing that James did here is that even though we are aware of who is committing murder, we also know that it’s at the direction of someone else. And that mystery is played out until nearly the very end. I had no clue who had ordered the hits until just before that person was revealed. And even then, it was just a guess on my part. Though I have to admit that person’s motive left me a bit wanting, because it didn’t explain the reason why so many people had to die. Fair warning, guys: there is a lot of death in this book. While most of it is related after the fact, some does happen on the page. And some of it, even in description, is pretty gruesome. Blood and guts don’t bother me in fiction, so I actually appreciated that fact. But if you’ve got a queasy stomach, you should be prepared.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This book was a great murder mystery and James does a pretty amazing job of parceling out the information and piecing things together. I had a little trouble getting into the story in the beginning, though I can’t honestly say if that was due to the story itself or the narration. Perhaps a bit of both. But only a couple of chapters in, I was immersed in the world and hanging on with baited breath to see what the author was going to throw at me next.
We know who the killer is from the very beginning. In fact, the story begins in his POV. But the great thing that James did here is that even though we are aware of who is committing murder, we also know that it’s at the direction of someone else. And that mystery is played out until nearly the very end. I had no clue who had ordered the hits until just before that person was revealed. And even then, it was just a guess on my part. Though I have to admit that person’s motive left me a bit wanting, because it didn’t explain the reason why so many people had to die. Fair warning, guys: there is a lot of death in this book. While most of it is related after the fact, some does happen on the page. And some of it, even in description, is pretty gruesome. Blood and guts don’t bother me in fiction, so I actually appreciated that fact. But if you’ve got a queasy stomach, you should be prepared.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
May 11, 2012
I’m between 2 and 3 stars, I’m not sure how to be fair with Errors and Omissions.
Errors and Omissions is a puzzle, the killings and the way one character is related to the other is well plotted.
The writing keeps you guessing and putting together conspiracy theories that are complicated.
It might get a bit too much at some point.
You know when they try to complicate things that do not need complications? Well....
Let´s just say is an OK first book from the author.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley
Errors and Omissions is a puzzle, the killings and the way one character is related to the other is well plotted.
The writing keeps you guessing and putting together conspiracy theories that are complicated.
It might get a bit too much at some point.
You know when they try to complicate things that do not need complications? Well....
Let´s just say is an OK first book from the author.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley
March 21, 2016
I listened to the audio of this book and found the narrator did a pretty decent job. I definitely don't consider this book to be a m/m romance, though I thought at first it would be. It is definitely gay fiction, though. The story is told from a third person narrative and it's not from the perspective of one main character or even two of them. In this mystery, even the killer gets a pov. At first that turned me off. It's a personal thing, I'm just not a fan of getting into the head of a psychopath. I don't want to see their antipathy or delight in taking someones life. But as the story went on, I really wanted to know who was really behind the violent acts that occurred. I was intrigued as the story went on and it looked like more than one person was involved. I was very satisfied with the way it ended, and that there was an opening for something more than friendship for two of the characters. It's good that it's not rushed, but I do like the possibility of characters finding love even if it's further down the road. I do want to find out if there is a second book released in the series. I would be eager to read it.
February 14, 2018
What?
There are a few things that would have improved my enjoyment.
First off...Austin and Kent. Cut out any touching, or romantic feelings.
As just friends, it would have worked better. Maybe in book 2 you could change it to friends to lovers, but it never felt right here. Between Austin supposed to be morning, and Kent starting up with Stan. The ending just felt like a big FU. I don't know how much time had passed, but it didn't feel right. Now...I did like prior to the end with Austin I think I would have liked that being the ending point.
Second...and this I could have fixed myself. Read...don't listen.
I've listened to Brian Rollins before, and I've enjoyed his narration in the past.
I just think I would have enjoyed more if I had read the written word, or maybe followed along with the book. There are just some books that work better in my head, if I see the words.
There are some aspects I liked. But they are even more spoilerish. Forget the killer. The was more interesting to me.
There are a few things that would have improved my enjoyment.
First off...Austin and Kent. Cut out any touching, or romantic feelings.
As just friends, it would have worked better. Maybe in book 2 you could change it to friends to lovers, but it never felt right here. Between Austin supposed to be morning, and Kent starting up with Stan. The ending just felt like a big FU. I don't know how much time had passed, but it didn't feel right. Now...I did like prior to the end with Austin I think I would have liked that being the ending point.
Second...and this I could have fixed myself. Read...don't listen.
I've listened to Brian Rollins before, and I've enjoyed his narration in the past.
I just think I would have enjoyed more if I had read the written word, or maybe followed along with the book. There are just some books that work better in my head, if I see the words.
There are some aspects I liked. But they are even more spoilerish. Forget the killer. The was more interesting to me.
June 13, 2012
This book was reviewed for Musings of a bookworm
I really wanted to like this book, the blurb was good and set a really good scene but I just wasn't able to connect with it.I found it long winded and in truth.. boring. The shame of it is that there is the bones of a really great plot but it's execution(and I mean that in both senses of the word!) was atrocious. I mean why do I need to know that Kirk pees like a race horse. The story also didn't flow, you would jump from one scene to another it felt forced as if conversations not finished or you has skipped a page. I will admit I gave up, I wanted to solve the puzzle but in the end just could not be bothered to carry on. I just didn't care enough about them in fact the only character I did care about was Kirk's dog!!!!
I really wanted to like this book, the blurb was good and set a really good scene but I just wasn't able to connect with it.I found it long winded and in truth.. boring. The shame of it is that there is the bones of a really great plot but it's execution(and I mean that in both senses of the word!) was atrocious. I mean why do I need to know that Kirk pees like a race horse. The story also didn't flow, you would jump from one scene to another it felt forced as if conversations not finished or you has skipped a page. I will admit I gave up, I wanted to solve the puzzle but in the end just could not be bothered to carry on. I just didn't care enough about them in fact the only character I did care about was Kirk's dog!!!!
June 15, 2012
I guess I'd give this a 2.5, but don't really think it deserves rounding up to a 3. The mystery/suspense portion of the book was fine but I couldn't care less for any of the characters. None of the relationships between the various men rang true either, and it wasn't believable when words like "soulmate" were suddenly bandied about. Overall this was a disappointing read and I had to force myself to finish it in order to see how the mystery played out.
January 8, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley and DSP Publications for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest and open review.
Although I finished this book, I didn't enjoy it and ended up skimming through a lot of it.
The characters, to me, weren't likeable or believable. They were too over-the-top.
As this was the first book I'd read by Lee James I will read another as I don't believe you can judge an author on just one book.
Although I finished this book, I didn't enjoy it and ended up skimming through a lot of it.
The characters, to me, weren't likeable or believable. They were too over-the-top.
As this was the first book I'd read by Lee James I will read another as I don't believe you can judge an author on just one book.
January 27, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
I love a good mystery. Sadly, Icarus Ascending, by Lee James is not a good mystery. Actually, the only phrase that comes to mind when I try to think about what to write is "it's a mess".
For full review see Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
February 26, 2012
I enjoyed the story but not really the end, although I was expecting it. I agree about some of the language used in the story including some supposid terms of endearment. I would read more by this writer in the future.
December 9, 2015
I read this book in 2012 "Errors and Omissions" and I have to say it was just as good the 2nd time around. Lee James created a tension filled mystery. But most of all Kirk and Austin two characters that are similar and different in their lives.
March 6, 2012
The thriller part was pretty good but here wasn't a lot of romance and I didn't like the ending one bit.
Read
August 25, 2016Gave up. I can't get past the cheesy Texan accent. I don't know what the hell the guy is saying and I live in Oklahoma.
Read
May 16, 2015DNF, didn’t like narrator and reviews are bad
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