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A Bucks County Mystery #2
Being John Church
Jeff Berman is in freefall. He's been denied tenure, then lost his follow-up job as a presenter on the History Channel. But rock bottom comes fast and painful when he learns that the love of his life, the charismatic, passionate, and devastatingly self-destructive Pascal Montrouge, has died.
At Pascal's funeral, Jeff meets his lover’s parents, who explain that the man Jeff knew was a completely invented identity. As a journalist, Pascal played with facts, and he did the same in his life, where he was the consummate fabulist, fooling everyone a little, and Jeff most of all.
Distraught and betrayed, Jeff is compelled to dig into the dark secrets of his lover's life. His exploration is part amateur sleuth story, part meditation on the nature of love. As Jeff solves the mystery of Pascal life and death he learns how he can move forward into his next chapter.
A book for everyone who has ever loved and lost.
At Pascal's funeral, Jeff meets his lover’s parents, who explain that the man Jeff knew was a completely invented identity. As a journalist, Pascal played with facts, and he did the same in his life, where he was the consummate fabulist, fooling everyone a little, and Jeff most of all.
Distraught and betrayed, Jeff is compelled to dig into the dark secrets of his lover's life. His exploration is part amateur sleuth story, part meditation on the nature of love. As Jeff solves the mystery of Pascal life and death he learns how he can move forward into his next chapter.
A book for everyone who has ever loved and lost.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2022
23 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
Neil S. Plakcy
252 books653 followersI have been a voracious reader all my life, mostly in mystery, romance, and science fiction/fantasy, though a college degree in English did push a lot of literary works into my list of favorites.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
Quick note: sign up for my newsletter at plakcy.substack.com to get free prologues, epilogues and short stories.
I began writing seriously in high school after an inspiring assignment with A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I didn't know I was gay then, but I knew I was longing for an emotional connection with a best friend. That desire shows up across my writing, from romance to mystery to adventure. I am lucky to have found my special person, and I want to inspire readers to make those connections, to one person or a found family.
It took getting an MFA in creative writing to kick-start my career. That's where I honed my technical skills and began to understand what kind of storyteller I am.
I remember reading Freddie the Detective about a very smart pig inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve always believed that dogs make the best detectives. They notice what humans miss — a faint scent, a subtle shift in body language, the hidden treat in your pocket. That belief inspired my Golden Retriever Mysteries, where Rochester helps his human, Steve Levitan, nose out the truth.
My passion is telling stories where community, loyalty, and sometimes love solve problems just as much as clues do. Whether it’s a cozy mystery in Bucks County, a thriller on the streets of Miami, or a romance unfolding under the Mediterranean sun, I want readers to feel the heartbeat of the place and the people.
I write because stories helped me feel less alone growing up, and now I want to give readers that same feeling: a companion, a puzzle, and maybe a laugh.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably walking one of my own goldens, teaching writing, or daydreaming about my next story.
Since then I've written dozens of books, won a couple of treasured awards, and enjoyed the support of readers.
Every place I’ve lived has made its way into my fiction: the rolling hills of Bucks County, the neon heat of Miami, the beaches of Hawaii, the cobbled streets of Europe. I love exploring how communities work — from a café where dogs guide healing, to a fraternity house in South Beach, to a police unit in Honolulu.
My goal is simple: to write stories that feel grounded in real people and real places, but with enough twists, romance, or danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
I hope you'll visit my website, where you can sign up for my occasional newsletter, and also follow my author page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/neil.plakcy.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 9, 2022
I will admit it took some time to truly become engrossed in this book, but I ended up really appreciating the narrative structure of this story and it definitely held my interest to the very end.
Pascal Montrouge, Jeff's lover, is dead and Jeff soon discovers that Pascal is not who Jeff thought him to be.
"I've been wondering about Pascal's lies. That when he said that he loved me, was that a lie, too? But maybe the real question is would I have loved Pascal if I knew the real man behind the facade?"
Jeff learns that Pascal's exotic and exciting childhood - something all of his friends took as gospel - is completely false, and some of his subsequent experiences are suspect as well. Jeff wonders if this subterfuge is also the reason for Pascal's accidental death .... or is his death a murder?
There are reasons why someone reinvents themselves, why they turn their back on family and make new bonds, why sometimes the past is so unyielding and oppressive that dulling one's senses is the only way to cope. And the way in which the author reveals that history is equal parts compelling and heartbreaking.
As I finished the book, I wondered if some of the additional plot elements (suspected crimes, murders) were really needed here, as the central plot of discovery is enough. I recently found a great quote - "When you meet someone for the first time, that’s not the whole book. That’s just the first page” (Brody Armstrong) and the author's take on that dichotomy is what really works so well in "Being John Church." 4 strong stars.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Pascal Montrouge, Jeff's lover, is dead and Jeff soon discovers that Pascal is not who Jeff thought him to be.
"I've been wondering about Pascal's lies. That when he said that he loved me, was that a lie, too? But maybe the real question is would I have loved Pascal if I knew the real man behind the facade?"
Jeff learns that Pascal's exotic and exciting childhood - something all of his friends took as gospel - is completely false, and some of his subsequent experiences are suspect as well. Jeff wonders if this subterfuge is also the reason for Pascal's accidental death .... or is his death a murder?
There are reasons why someone reinvents themselves, why they turn their back on family and make new bonds, why sometimes the past is so unyielding and oppressive that dulling one's senses is the only way to cope. And the way in which the author reveals that history is equal parts compelling and heartbreaking.
As I finished the book, I wondered if some of the additional plot elements (suspected crimes, murders) were really needed here, as the central plot of discovery is enough. I recently found a great quote - "When you meet someone for the first time, that’s not the whole book. That’s just the first page” (Brody Armstrong) and the author's take on that dichotomy is what really works so well in "Being John Church." 4 strong stars.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2022
TBH this struggled to keep my attention, especially from quarter way in. The author is an autobuy for me but nothing about the MC appealed, much less the subject of his investigation (ex-lover Pascale). Rex the puppy proved the brightest spark. 2.5 stars very generously rounded up to 3.
September 3, 2022
When his boyfriend is killed, Jeff realizes that he knows nothing about him and it seems everything he told Jeff was a lie.
Jeff starts going through papers left behind and starts to build up Pascel's real life.
Its a wonderfully woven together story, sad when you realized what started the spiral in Pascel's life.
Whilst this is going on, Jeff starts a new life and meets lots of interesting people in his new town.
I am wondering whether this is the start of a series.
Jeff starts going through papers left behind and starts to build up Pascel's real life.
Its a wonderfully woven together story, sad when you realized what started the spiral in Pascel's life.
Whilst this is going on, Jeff starts a new life and meets lots of interesting people in his new town.
I am wondering whether this is the start of a series.
December 6, 2022
Even though "Being John Church" by Neil S. Plakcy is a mystery, it is also much more than that—it is a journey of discovery and love—a journey you will be glad you have taken.
Jeff Berman’s life keeps falling apart. After being denied tenure he becomes a presenter on the History Channel, but then the show is canceled and he has no idea what to do with his life. At least he is back together with his boyfriend Pascal, even if their relationship has been rocky due to Pascal’s self-destructive behavior in the past. When Pascal dies in a terrible accident Jeff feels completely lost. At Pascal’s funeral, things get even worse as Jeff learns that the man he thought he knew didn’t even exist—his real name was John Church. After speaking with Pascal’s, or John’s, parents and being asked to find out if John killed himself, Jeff becomes obsessed with figuring out who Pascal really was and along the way begins to wonder if his death wasn’t an accident.
John’s life was filled with tragedy and lies and Jeff begins to understand why Pascal became the troubled person that he came to love. As Jeff solves the mystery behind Pascal’s/John’s life and death he also finds a new path for his own life. Along this journey, Jeff ends up with a chance at new love, a puppy, a new home, new friends, and a whole new beginning. For fans of Neil’s Golden Retriever mysteries, there is an extra little treat in this book.
I have become a big fan of Neil’s writing and thoroughly enjoyed Being John Church. The mystery of John’s life and death is filled with plenty of surprises along the way, and the journey of personal discovery that Jeff takes was inspiring. Jeff is a relatable and realistic character and I thoroughly enjoyed spending this time with him, and the dog in the story was a definite bonus!
Jeff Berman’s life keeps falling apart. After being denied tenure he becomes a presenter on the History Channel, but then the show is canceled and he has no idea what to do with his life. At least he is back together with his boyfriend Pascal, even if their relationship has been rocky due to Pascal’s self-destructive behavior in the past. When Pascal dies in a terrible accident Jeff feels completely lost. At Pascal’s funeral, things get even worse as Jeff learns that the man he thought he knew didn’t even exist—his real name was John Church. After speaking with Pascal’s, or John’s, parents and being asked to find out if John killed himself, Jeff becomes obsessed with figuring out who Pascal really was and along the way begins to wonder if his death wasn’t an accident.
John’s life was filled with tragedy and lies and Jeff begins to understand why Pascal became the troubled person that he came to love. As Jeff solves the mystery behind Pascal’s/John’s life and death he also finds a new path for his own life. Along this journey, Jeff ends up with a chance at new love, a puppy, a new home, new friends, and a whole new beginning. For fans of Neil’s Golden Retriever mysteries, there is an extra little treat in this book.
I have become a big fan of Neil’s writing and thoroughly enjoyed Being John Church. The mystery of John’s life and death is filled with plenty of surprises along the way, and the journey of personal discovery that Jeff takes was inspiring. Jeff is a relatable and realistic character and I thoroughly enjoyed spending this time with him, and the dog in the story was a definite bonus!
September 14, 2022
Before I started voraciously reading romance, I read a lot of mysteries. It remains a genre I regularly return to and I always welcome it when romance and mysteries or suspense collide in my books. Despite not reading any other titles by this author, I went into Being John Church: A Bucks County Mystery with the hope for a well-written and intriguing story and a new author to follow. I definitely got that with this story and would read another mystery by this author.
Being John Church is a well-written mystery with some hints of a romantic relationship. That said, this is definitely not a love story. I really enjoyed the premise of the book. The idea that an on again-off again relationship would abruptly end in suspicious circumstances definitely hooked me. I also really liked seeing the story of John Church play out and learning increasingly more about the life of Pascal. I also liked how the author wove Jeff’s professional and personal issues into the story, making for an unveiling of both characters and demonstrating how intertwined all our lives become with our loved ones, friends, and family.
Overall, Being John Church made for an entertaining and unexpected read with plenty of twists to keep the reader’s attention. The pace was middle of the road for the most part, with some pockets of suspense and brief action after a good deal of build-up and investigative discovery. If you are a fan of mystery and not in need of a hot and heavy romance, Being John Church is worth checking out.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Being John Church is a well-written mystery with some hints of a romantic relationship. That said, this is definitely not a love story. I really enjoyed the premise of the book. The idea that an on again-off again relationship would abruptly end in suspicious circumstances definitely hooked me. I also really liked seeing the story of John Church play out and learning increasingly more about the life of Pascal. I also liked how the author wove Jeff’s professional and personal issues into the story, making for an unveiling of both characters and demonstrating how intertwined all our lives become with our loved ones, friends, and family.
Overall, Being John Church made for an entertaining and unexpected read with plenty of twists to keep the reader’s attention. The pace was middle of the road for the most part, with some pockets of suspense and brief action after a good deal of build-up and investigative discovery. If you are a fan of mystery and not in need of a hot and heavy romance, Being John Church is worth checking out.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
September 6, 2022
I had such high hopes for this book, it sounded so very intriguing but I had delayed it for a while for some shorter, quicker reads, waiting to savour it, what a let down, for me anyway. It started off intense enough to draw me in, we barely get to meet Pascal and then he's gone. Like an onion the layers of Pascal, or whoever he was, are to be slowly peeled away and the enigma that was Pascal was to appear. I just got bored with the constant rhetoric in the mean time. Sorry to the author, just didn't grab me I'm afraid.
April 1, 2023
Excellent
It's very thought provoking, accompanying Jeff as he grieves the loss of his boyfriend and starts to dig through Pascal's past. Very good mystery, but I feel the loss too. Shows you how good a writer the author is.
It's very thought provoking, accompanying Jeff as he grieves the loss of his boyfriend and starts to dig through Pascal's past. Very good mystery, but I feel the loss too. Shows you how good a writer the author is.
November 11, 2022
It was just ok. For a mystery it did not have a many twits or Suprise ending. The true identity of the dead person is revealed early in the book.
December 11, 2022
It took me a while to read this. That's not a reflection on the book, merely on my life.
Well written, engaging with a likeable main character.
Well written, engaging with a likeable main character.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews