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Marco Fontana Mysteries #1
Murder on Camac
When author Helmut Brandt is killed in an apparent mugging, P.I. Marco Fontana is hired by Brandt's partner, who suspects this was premeditated murder. Brandt's work on the death of Pope John Paul I angered people in and out of the Church and made him more than a few enemies. His death happens soon after Brandt claims to have incontrovertible new evidence implicating people never before suspected. Fontana doesn't believe in coincidences and takes the case. A former Catholic himself, he knows that uncovering Brandt's killer means more than exposing a thirty-year old plot to kill the it could also ruin the people named in the documents Brandt is supposed to have. Of course, if Brandt's enemies have killed once over this information, they won't hesitate to murder a P.I. who gets too close to the truth. Entering the arcane world of the Catholic Church, Fontana encounters forces determined to keep him from getting to the truth. Though he manages to gain access to the upper levels of the Archdiocesan hierarchy, Fontana realizes that the web of power and deceit is every bit as intricate, tangled, and deadly as he imagined. As the owner of StripGuyz, a troupe of male strippers, Fontana is no stranger to the seamier parts of the Philadelphia gayborhood. But in this case, he finds that there is an even murkier side to life in the city of Brotherly Love.
396 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 8, 2010
4.5 stars
Murder on Camac offers a refreshing spin on the hard boiled PI theme in a well paced, well written mystery. A must read for fans of a well crafted whodunit, the characters come alive within the pages and although the book is packed from every angle, the deft writing keeps the story interesting and entertaining to the very end. If there are any qualms it’d be there are almost too many characters introduced and possibilities offered to fit within one novel. Marco Fontana is a PI I’d love to see more of in the future.
The plot is rather intricate and revolves around one main plot with several interconnecting side plots. Fontana is hired to look into the mugging death of a local well-known author. The dead man’s partner believes the author’s research into the Catholic Church got him killed and wants the truth known. While Fontana is investigating the murder, his second business ~ a group of high class strippers known as StripGuyz ~ is having its own problems from broken hearts to missing strippers. Together Fontana and his friends and associates try to find answers to his case while keeping StripGuyz running smoothly.
The two seemingly opposite businesses actually connect rather well in the storyline and this helps keep the action interesting and well paced. Whenever Fontana hits a roadblock in his investigation, there is always something going on at the local StripGuyz hang out, Bubbles, to demand Fontana’s attention. Additionally, the two elements seamlessly weave together in many places connecting the murder investigation to customers or even employees. Even the various side plots about missing strippers, broken hearts, and lost love are well crafted and interesting. Each of these plots ~ the murder investigation and the StripGuyz business ~ could have sustained its own book, but being woven together creates a rich, textured story that entices from start to finish.
There is a large cast of characters in the book and almost all are well developed. If anything there are almost too many people introduced and often the names and circumstances ran together at first. Eventually each character teased out their own identifying elements but some still were easily confused. A few could have been left out entirely without altering the story (such as Tony, Niko) but most are delightful and entertaining. From the broken English of Fontana’s secretary to his sometimes lover Luke and business manager Anton, Fontana’s unique world of friends, clients, and lovers is full of intriguing detail and wonderful antics. Fontana develops slightly within the span of the novel, mostly in the form of slowly dealing with his commitment phobia. It’s certainly not gone by the end of the novel, but there is more hope for a happy future than there was at the beginning. This keeps the character fresh with so much potential for future stories.
Another great aspect of the book is the setting of Philadelphia. Clearly a long time resident, the author is able to imbue the very feel and essence of the neighborhood, or gayborhood, into the novel. The details from streets to businesses to landmarks keep the reader very present and clearly in the city’s heartbeat. The taste and texture of the city is yet another layer that adds to the story as a whole and shows a reverence and care for the good and bad elements of the city. Too often mysteries are set in a random city but lack the bite of intimate knowledge, and not only does this particular novel offer that and more, but in such a way that the reader has visited the city themselves through reading.
Overall this is a wonderful mystery kept tight through solid prose and good writing. The even pace and witty dialogue draws readers in from the beginning and carries through the twists and turns of an intricate mystery and heart breaking discoveries. I’m sure I won’t be the only one who hopes Marco Fontana makes another appearance, g-string optional.
Murder on Camac offers a refreshing spin on the hard boiled PI theme in a well paced, well written mystery. A must read for fans of a well crafted whodunit, the characters come alive within the pages and although the book is packed from every angle, the deft writing keeps the story interesting and entertaining to the very end. If there are any qualms it’d be there are almost too many characters introduced and possibilities offered to fit within one novel. Marco Fontana is a PI I’d love to see more of in the future.
The plot is rather intricate and revolves around one main plot with several interconnecting side plots. Fontana is hired to look into the mugging death of a local well-known author. The dead man’s partner believes the author’s research into the Catholic Church got him killed and wants the truth known. While Fontana is investigating the murder, his second business ~ a group of high class strippers known as StripGuyz ~ is having its own problems from broken hearts to missing strippers. Together Fontana and his friends and associates try to find answers to his case while keeping StripGuyz running smoothly.
The two seemingly opposite businesses actually connect rather well in the storyline and this helps keep the action interesting and well paced. Whenever Fontana hits a roadblock in his investigation, there is always something going on at the local StripGuyz hang out, Bubbles, to demand Fontana’s attention. Additionally, the two elements seamlessly weave together in many places connecting the murder investigation to customers or even employees. Even the various side plots about missing strippers, broken hearts, and lost love are well crafted and interesting. Each of these plots ~ the murder investigation and the StripGuyz business ~ could have sustained its own book, but being woven together creates a rich, textured story that entices from start to finish.
There is a large cast of characters in the book and almost all are well developed. If anything there are almost too many people introduced and often the names and circumstances ran together at first. Eventually each character teased out their own identifying elements but some still were easily confused. A few could have been left out entirely without altering the story (such as Tony, Niko) but most are delightful and entertaining. From the broken English of Fontana’s secretary to his sometimes lover Luke and business manager Anton, Fontana’s unique world of friends, clients, and lovers is full of intriguing detail and wonderful antics. Fontana develops slightly within the span of the novel, mostly in the form of slowly dealing with his commitment phobia. It’s certainly not gone by the end of the novel, but there is more hope for a happy future than there was at the beginning. This keeps the character fresh with so much potential for future stories.
Another great aspect of the book is the setting of Philadelphia. Clearly a long time resident, the author is able to imbue the very feel and essence of the neighborhood, or gayborhood, into the novel. The details from streets to businesses to landmarks keep the reader very present and clearly in the city’s heartbeat. The taste and texture of the city is yet another layer that adds to the story as a whole and shows a reverence and care for the good and bad elements of the city. Too often mysteries are set in a random city but lack the bite of intimate knowledge, and not only does this particular novel offer that and more, but in such a way that the reader has visited the city themselves through reading.
Overall this is a wonderful mystery kept tight through solid prose and good writing. The even pace and witty dialogue draws readers in from the beginning and carries through the twists and turns of an intricate mystery and heart breaking discoveries. I’m sure I won’t be the only one who hopes Marco Fontana makes another appearance, g-string optional.
October 25, 2015
2009 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
August 19, 2020
Well, this wasn't such a great story. The mystery storyline was interesting enough, but the resolution was less than satisfactory.
And I didn't really engage with any of the characters. I, plain and simple, didn't like Marco Fontana. I found his relationship with Anton absurd and pointless, and his role as a benevolent owner of a strip-tease of no interest, except for being an easy outlook to talk about guys' asses and what is worst, completely irrelevant to the plot.
I don't think I'll be reading more books by this author.
And I didn't really engage with any of the characters. I, plain and simple, didn't like Marco Fontana. I found his relationship with Anton absurd and pointless, and his role as a benevolent owner of a strip-tease of no interest, except for being an easy outlook to talk about guys' asses and what is worst, completely irrelevant to the plot.
I don't think I'll be reading more books by this author.
March 17, 2011
Christian historian and author Helmut Brandt uncovers shocking evidence he believes proves that the decades-old death of Pope John Paul the First was not due to natural causes, but rather, the result of a murder plot that links several high-ranking members of the Church. In this day and age, wielding such damning accusations like that could get a fellow dead, and of course, it does just that. Brandt is gunned down in a gay neighborhood of Philadelphia. When the police choose to push the case to a back burner, calling it a typical mugging gone bad, Brandt’s lover, Timothy Hollister, calls Marco Fontana onto the case.
Marco has his hands full managing a bevy of male strippers called Strip-Guyz, who perform at the local gay watering hole. He doesn’t have time for the case, but a suspicious chain of events pulls Marco into combing through the local Catholic hierarchy as well as crawling through the seedy gay hangouts in the sleazy parts of Philly. Marco brings in a colorful cast of characters to help with his investigation, and goes up against an even more imaginative lineup of suspects. Things seem to be going nowhere until Marco’s life is threatened. Dangerous people and powerful forces are intent on stopping Marco’s investigation. Slowly, clue by clue, Marco uncovers a fascinating knot of intrigue, deceit and murder.
In many ways this is a typical murder mystery. It starts with a murder, and evolves to the point where there is perplexing evidence and suspects lurking in every direction you look. Then the list is narrowed until you think you know who and why, but of course, you don’t.
There are, however, a number of elements that make this story stand well above the typical. The foremost is the entire cast of unusual characters. These people are interesting and fun, with characteristics that challenge the reader. Marco in particular is well drawn and as believable as any protagonist you’ll come across. One of the more interesting things about Marco was revealed by the nature of the case; he was forced to examine his own Catholic upbringing and his feelings about the Church. The author uses this to bring added depth to the character in an interesting and intelligent approach.
Another shining element is the dizzying number of subplots that are constantly evolving throughout the story, most notably, the entire managing-the-strippers subplot. It skillfully adds a playful sexiness to an otherwise dark storyline. Normally when I read a story with this many subplots, it becomes confusing and things tend to drop through the cracks, but not here. The author skillfully develops each subplot and then ties them together for a satisfying ending.
I did note two minor issues with this read. The first, I ran across multiple situations that were a roll-my-eyes coincidence that couldn’t have really happened, but was needed to make the plot work. I normally ignore one or two of these in a story, but it makes an impression after three or four.
My second issue was a bit more serious. Through much of the story, Marco interviewed one character, after another, after another. Many of the clues were revealed through long sessions of dialog, which is not necessarily bad, unless it is over done. I felt the author could have introduced more action scenes to break up the dialog and reduce the monotony of all these long interviews.
These two issues, I assure you, are minor. I feel this is a well-written, interesting, fun story that kept me guessing until the last ten pages. I can highly recommend Murder on Camac to all lovers of the mystery genre.
Marco has his hands full managing a bevy of male strippers called Strip-Guyz, who perform at the local gay watering hole. He doesn’t have time for the case, but a suspicious chain of events pulls Marco into combing through the local Catholic hierarchy as well as crawling through the seedy gay hangouts in the sleazy parts of Philly. Marco brings in a colorful cast of characters to help with his investigation, and goes up against an even more imaginative lineup of suspects. Things seem to be going nowhere until Marco’s life is threatened. Dangerous people and powerful forces are intent on stopping Marco’s investigation. Slowly, clue by clue, Marco uncovers a fascinating knot of intrigue, deceit and murder.
In many ways this is a typical murder mystery. It starts with a murder, and evolves to the point where there is perplexing evidence and suspects lurking in every direction you look. Then the list is narrowed until you think you know who and why, but of course, you don’t.
There are, however, a number of elements that make this story stand well above the typical. The foremost is the entire cast of unusual characters. These people are interesting and fun, with characteristics that challenge the reader. Marco in particular is well drawn and as believable as any protagonist you’ll come across. One of the more interesting things about Marco was revealed by the nature of the case; he was forced to examine his own Catholic upbringing and his feelings about the Church. The author uses this to bring added depth to the character in an interesting and intelligent approach.
Another shining element is the dizzying number of subplots that are constantly evolving throughout the story, most notably, the entire managing-the-strippers subplot. It skillfully adds a playful sexiness to an otherwise dark storyline. Normally when I read a story with this many subplots, it becomes confusing and things tend to drop through the cracks, but not here. The author skillfully develops each subplot and then ties them together for a satisfying ending.
I did note two minor issues with this read. The first, I ran across multiple situations that were a roll-my-eyes coincidence that couldn’t have really happened, but was needed to make the plot work. I normally ignore one or two of these in a story, but it makes an impression after three or four.
My second issue was a bit more serious. Through much of the story, Marco interviewed one character, after another, after another. Many of the clues were revealed through long sessions of dialog, which is not necessarily bad, unless it is over done. I felt the author could have introduced more action scenes to break up the dialog and reduce the monotony of all these long interviews.
These two issues, I assure you, are minor. I feel this is a well-written, interesting, fun story that kept me guessing until the last ten pages. I can highly recommend Murder on Camac to all lovers of the mystery genre.
July 1, 2016
A very good, well-plotted mystery, though thick reading at times. I was introduced to P.I. Marco Fontana in the second book, A Body on Pine in the series, which I enjoyed greatly. In fact, I may have enjoyed the sub-plot more than the main plot because author DeMarco has created such an interesting cast of characters, you want to know more about their lives. Mystery lovers will enjoy reading this novel, not to mention fall in love with Marco Fontana!
November 22, 2022
MARCO FONTANA, PHILADELPHIA’S GAY P.I.
Joseph R. G. DeMarco’s Murder on Camac introduces us to Marco Fontana, a private investigator, not a porn star as his name might imply. Based in Philadelphia’s gayborhood, Marco also owns a company of male strippers called StripGuyz. Thirty-two, five feet eleven, sexy Marco has no glaring faults, although his integrity and deep caring for people can cause unforeseen conflict in his work. He surrounds himself with people he can trust, such as Olga, his wise-cracking secretary (what P.I. doesn’t have one?), and Anton, StripGuyz’ hot manager, who would marry Marco in a minute if he would commit.
When Helmut Brandt, a writer who believed that Pope John Paul I had been assassinated, is murdered, Marco is stunned. A decade before, Marco had seen Brandt at a book signing at Giovanni’s Room in Philadelphia. Impressed with Brandt’s charisma and self-acceptance, Marco had gathered the courage to come out. He has a personal interest in finding Brandt’s killer.
Marco’s investigation takes him from a sleazy hustler bar in the shadows of City Hall to the top story of the Archdiocesan headquarters. Since Marco holds to the principle that “subterfuge to solve a case is one thing but games between friends or potential friends or lovers is not how I work,” he almost overlooks something important that could link a love interest of his to Brandt’s murder.
This fast-moving mystery, the first in the Marco Fontana series, has colorful Philadelphia locations, perfectly rendered dialogue, many engaging characters—and, uniquely, lots of heart.
Joseph R. G. DeMarco’s Murder on Camac introduces us to Marco Fontana, a private investigator, not a porn star as his name might imply. Based in Philadelphia’s gayborhood, Marco also owns a company of male strippers called StripGuyz. Thirty-two, five feet eleven, sexy Marco has no glaring faults, although his integrity and deep caring for people can cause unforeseen conflict in his work. He surrounds himself with people he can trust, such as Olga, his wise-cracking secretary (what P.I. doesn’t have one?), and Anton, StripGuyz’ hot manager, who would marry Marco in a minute if he would commit.
When Helmut Brandt, a writer who believed that Pope John Paul I had been assassinated, is murdered, Marco is stunned. A decade before, Marco had seen Brandt at a book signing at Giovanni’s Room in Philadelphia. Impressed with Brandt’s charisma and self-acceptance, Marco had gathered the courage to come out. He has a personal interest in finding Brandt’s killer.
Marco’s investigation takes him from a sleazy hustler bar in the shadows of City Hall to the top story of the Archdiocesan headquarters. Since Marco holds to the principle that “subterfuge to solve a case is one thing but games between friends or potential friends or lovers is not how I work,” he almost overlooks something important that could link a love interest of his to Brandt’s murder.
This fast-moving mystery, the first in the Marco Fontana series, has colorful Philadelphia locations, perfectly rendered dialogue, many engaging characters—and, uniquely, lots of heart.
February 27, 2016
I’m hopeful and looking forward to more books from Joseph R.G. DeMarco about Marco Fontana. Once the story got going, it was fun, interesting, entertaining, with a touch of tasteful sexy romance, and hard to put down while trying to figure out who the killer is.
Marco is hired by an ex-priest Hollister, to find out who murdered his partner Helmut. The media and detective Gina Giuliani only see it as just another mugging, involving another homosexual. So, who cares, right? They have more important and higher priority cases to work on.
Hollister insists that Helmut’s death was a murder, because he was working on a book that would name those behind the murder conspiracy of Pope John Paul the First. The Catholic Church’s views on homosexuality, its tarnished reputation with young boys, and its ability to keep their embarrassing secrets hidden do not make this an easy task for Marco. Another author Quinn, was working on the same material, and claims that Helmut stole it from him. But, is that enough motive to commit murder?
Along with his P.I. work, Marco also owns and operates the side business, StripGuyz at the club Bubbles. These performers can be just as catty as some drag queens, if not worse. StripGuyz’ manager Anton, is Marco’s love interest, but Anton will not take him seriously until Marco is ready to commit. Marco struggles with the idea of being monogamous and happy.
The lack of clues in this case and word of mouth will take Marco to some dark places like Stella, to murdered young men who know who shot Helmut, and all the way back to Rome. How can he find love, solve the case, and stay alive, while not losing a bet that could end up with him naked on the performing stage at Bubbles?
Marco is hired by an ex-priest Hollister, to find out who murdered his partner Helmut. The media and detective Gina Giuliani only see it as just another mugging, involving another homosexual. So, who cares, right? They have more important and higher priority cases to work on.
Hollister insists that Helmut’s death was a murder, because he was working on a book that would name those behind the murder conspiracy of Pope John Paul the First. The Catholic Church’s views on homosexuality, its tarnished reputation with young boys, and its ability to keep their embarrassing secrets hidden do not make this an easy task for Marco. Another author Quinn, was working on the same material, and claims that Helmut stole it from him. But, is that enough motive to commit murder?
Along with his P.I. work, Marco also owns and operates the side business, StripGuyz at the club Bubbles. These performers can be just as catty as some drag queens, if not worse. StripGuyz’ manager Anton, is Marco’s love interest, but Anton will not take him seriously until Marco is ready to commit. Marco struggles with the idea of being monogamous and happy.
The lack of clues in this case and word of mouth will take Marco to some dark places like Stella, to murdered young men who know who shot Helmut, and all the way back to Rome. How can he find love, solve the case, and stay alive, while not losing a bet that could end up with him naked on the performing stage at Bubbles?
December 29, 2016
I’m hopeful and looking forward to more books from Joseph R.G. DeMarco about Marco Fontana. Once the story got going, it was fun, interesting, entertaining, with a touch of tasteful sexy romance, and hard to put down while trying to figure out who the killer is.
Marco is hired by an ex-priest Hollister, to find out who murdered his partner Helmut. The media and detective Gina Giuliani only see it as just another mugging, involving another homosexual. So, who cares, right? They have more important and higher priority cases to work on.
Hollister insists that Helmut’s death was a murder, because he was working on a book that would name those behind the murder conspiracy of Pope John Paul the First. The Catholic Church’s views on homosexuality, its tarnished reputation with young boys, and its ability to keep their embarrassing secrets hidden do not make this an easy task for Marco. Another author Quinn, was working on the same material, and claims that Helmut stole it from him. But, is that enough motive to commit murder?
Along with his P.I. work, Marco also owns and operates the side business, StripGuyz at the club Bubbles. These performers can be just as catty as some drag queens, if not worse. StripGuyz’ manager Anton, is Marco’s love interest, but Anton will not take him seriously until Marco is ready to commit. Marco struggles with the idea of being monogamous and happy.
The lack of clues in this case and word of mouth will take Marco to some dark places like Stella, to murdered young men who know who shot Helmut, and all the way back to Rome. How can he find love, solve the case, and stay alive, while not losing a bet that could end up with him naked on the performing stage at Bubbles?
Marco is hired by an ex-priest Hollister, to find out who murdered his partner Helmut. The media and detective Gina Giuliani only see it as just another mugging, involving another homosexual. So, who cares, right? They have more important and higher priority cases to work on.
Hollister insists that Helmut’s death was a murder, because he was working on a book that would name those behind the murder conspiracy of Pope John Paul the First. The Catholic Church’s views on homosexuality, its tarnished reputation with young boys, and its ability to keep their embarrassing secrets hidden do not make this an easy task for Marco. Another author Quinn, was working on the same material, and claims that Helmut stole it from him. But, is that enough motive to commit murder?
Along with his P.I. work, Marco also owns and operates the side business, StripGuyz at the club Bubbles. These performers can be just as catty as some drag queens, if not worse. StripGuyz’ manager Anton, is Marco’s love interest, but Anton will not take him seriously until Marco is ready to commit. Marco struggles with the idea of being monogamous and happy.
The lack of clues in this case and word of mouth will take Marco to some dark places like Stella, to murdered young men who know who shot Helmut, and all the way back to Rome. How can he find love, solve the case, and stay alive, while not losing a bet that could end up with him naked on the performing stage at Bubbles?
July 8, 2012
I enjoyed Mr. DeMarco's Murder on Camac. I worked in Philly for many years and lived in Bucks and Montgomery counties and always like reading books with streets I've walked down and restaurants I've eaten in. I particularly remember Venture Inn because it was at their bar where we first heard and fell in love with Enya listening to Shepherd's Moon.
Other reviewers have written about Mr. DeMarco's character building much more eloquently than I could so I won't try. Except to mention that my favorite is Olga. Hopefully she will continue to appear in this series.
I've hidden my review because of the following spoilers.
The ending was a shock and a huge disappointment for me. There is no justification to hide the scandal or murdering the pope by letting G live out his life in a monastery. It is what the catholic church has always done with the same sorry excuse of protecting the faith of the sheep. For Marco not to confront the arrogant Galante with Kusek's suicide was the second biggest disappointment. The first was the sentence: "He would be punished and no one had to learn that men who were supposed to be doing God's work had devolved into murderers." Pretty much what they said about the rapists and abusers.
Maybe I'm too close to the issue but this is the reason I've given Murder on Camac three instead of four stars.
Other reviewers have written about Mr. DeMarco's character building much more eloquently than I could so I won't try. Except to mention that my favorite is Olga. Hopefully she will continue to appear in this series.
I've hidden my review because of the following spoilers.
The ending was a shock and a huge disappointment for me. There is no justification to hide the scandal or murdering the pope by letting G live out his life in a monastery. It is what the catholic church has always done with the same sorry excuse of protecting the faith of the sheep. For Marco not to confront the arrogant Galante with Kusek's suicide was the second biggest disappointment. The first was the sentence: "He would be punished and no one had to learn that men who were supposed to be doing God's work had devolved into murderers." Pretty much what they said about the rapists and abusers.
Maybe I'm too close to the issue but this is the reason I've given Murder on Camac three instead of four stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2013
Seriously think this is my favorite murder mysterious read ever. It's very dynamic. Has enough gay Philadelphian cliches to stay lighthearted, but has a depth to it that can be a bit shocking by book's end, if you give it some serious thought.
PI/nightclub stripper talent manager, Marco Fontana, runs into a case within a case. He has to resort to every trick he knows, and all the luck fortune bestows him to pull this one off. A willful gay male led story that actually focuses on a grand scheming plot that unfolds so neatly, while we get a sneak peek into the first person narrator's likable lifestyle. The pace was nearly flawless. But I did favor the ending to the start (only slightly).
You won't guess the, who done it, but it makes more sense than you'd like to admit by the last page.
Slight SPOILER!
I ended up feeling more sorrow for the "murderer" (if you reach the end, you'll likely know why that's in quotes) than for the actual victim. I wanted to change various aspects of the ending and make everything all right for some tortured souls that made some unfortunate choices. This book made me think of how some people, through deception, make life so unfair for the lot of us. And even themselves.
Loved it! Thanks to the author for a great read.
PI/nightclub stripper talent manager, Marco Fontana, runs into a case within a case. He has to resort to every trick he knows, and all the luck fortune bestows him to pull this one off. A willful gay male led story that actually focuses on a grand scheming plot that unfolds so neatly, while we get a sneak peek into the first person narrator's likable lifestyle. The pace was nearly flawless. But I did favor the ending to the start (only slightly).
You won't guess the, who done it, but it makes more sense than you'd like to admit by the last page.
Slight SPOILER!
I ended up feeling more sorrow for the "murderer" (if you reach the end, you'll likely know why that's in quotes) than for the actual victim. I wanted to change various aspects of the ending and make everything all right for some tortured souls that made some unfortunate choices. This book made me think of how some people, through deception, make life so unfair for the lot of us. And even themselves.
Loved it! Thanks to the author for a great read.
August 9, 2011
This is a book for mystery lovers. As I started reading, I wasn't sure how I was going to like it because there was a lot of information being given to the reader (history, background, location, characters). I was on the verge of information overload, but then it all started clicking together and I really started enjoying this straight forward old school mystery.
I really enjoyed the character development for the primary and secondary characters, I had a great feel for them and could sense their individuality. The plot and subplots kept me interested and I really enjoyed the sense of place, I feel like I know Philadelphia personally (even though I've never been there).
It might be too much if you aren't really into mysteries, but I really enjoyed it! I look forward to Marco's next mystery and gaining a little more insight into his love life decisions.
I really enjoyed the character development for the primary and secondary characters, I had a great feel for them and could sense their individuality. The plot and subplots kept me interested and I really enjoyed the sense of place, I feel like I know Philadelphia personally (even though I've never been there).
It might be too much if you aren't really into mysteries, but I really enjoyed it! I look forward to Marco's next mystery and gaining a little more insight into his love life decisions.
February 18, 2024
Hard not to appreciate for it’s early aughts snapshot of the Gayborhood. (The ode to the Marriott was funny and also dated).
There were too many ideas and characters to keep track of. A good editor was needed. The depiction of life inside the Church felt juicy but undercut by the main character’s repetitive and lengthy exposition and dialogue.
There were too many ideas and characters to keep track of. A good editor was needed. The depiction of life inside the Church felt juicy but undercut by the main character’s repetitive and lengthy exposition and dialogue.
August 17, 2012
Joseph DeMarco's novel following Private Investigator Fontana is a mystery novel for the non-mystery novel reader. The multiple personalities found in this will let your mind try to piece together who killed Helmut Brandt and why. Though your suspicions will continue to change all throughout, up to the last chapter. Unlike most books with a gay male protagonist this story had depth and a complex plot and not solely centered around sex. Though yes there were moments that were sensual but it was not a constant bombardment of raw testosterone that many gay novels tend to have. Each character has traits that readers can connect and empathize with; which to me is a huge plus. Definitely a book I'd recommend.
April 28, 2013
Almost, but not quite 4 stars.
Solid mystery with strong Philly setting and numerous characters - in fact, there are so many of them, it occasionally took me a moment or two to remember who was who. The writing was clean and, besides the constant use of "gayborhood", there was nothing I could really complain about. Well, maybe I found the fact that pretty much everyone wanted in Marco's pants a bit annoying after a while. I had my suspicions about whodunnit, so I wasn't really surprised. In fact, the resolution was somewhat pat, considering all the buildup. I liked Marco and his friends, whether connected to his P.I. business or his group of strippers.
All in all, I liked it and I'll read the sequel. Pretty much immediately. ^^
Recommended.
Solid mystery with strong Philly setting and numerous characters - in fact, there are so many of them, it occasionally took me a moment or two to remember who was who. The writing was clean and, besides the constant use of "gayborhood", there was nothing I could really complain about. Well, maybe I found the fact that pretty much everyone wanted in Marco's pants a bit annoying after a while. I had my suspicions about whodunnit, so I wasn't really surprised. In fact, the resolution was somewhat pat, considering all the buildup. I liked Marco and his friends, whether connected to his P.I. business or his group of strippers.
All in all, I liked it and I'll read the sequel. Pretty much immediately. ^^
Recommended.
November 4, 2016
A fun romp, full of stereotypes of gays, Russians, and private detectives. The Da Vinci Code angle felt rushed towards the end and unnecessary throughout, and a significant part of the entertainment came from its Philly setting. That said, I was indeed entertained. I would would recommend it to my genre fiction-loving gay friends, and I plan on reading the other books in the series.
September 1, 2012
Good gay mystery about a PI who also runs a troupe of male strippers and is hired by a grieving man to find out whether his boyfriend died in a mugging gone wrong, or was murdered because of a book he was writing exposing wrongdoing in the Catholic church.
March 16, 2020
I love this writer. The private detective is believeable and the murder investigayion is realistic for the times.
April 8, 2016
There were a lot of characters on the book, and at times, I found it hard to keep them all straight. Nonetheless, it was a good murder mystery involving the Catholic hierarchy.
could-not-finish
October 19, 2018Guess I'm just not in the mood to be depressed by a book.
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