Another Dead Teenager

Zubro has a way of pushing your right to the edge, then pulling you back. The graphic description of the one corpse is most uncomfortable - but not dwelt on so long as to make me put the book down. Did I see the ending coming? I selected the killer early on, then dismissed them, only to have them return in a blaze of glory right at the end of the book. The ending was good - though a bit overdone. Once it was set in motion, you didn't have any surprises.

This is the first book like this I've read. The first gay mystery, the first by Zubro. I read it the same day I got it and can't wait to read more.I think the reviewer who commented that the gay characters didn't seem real, or the gay plot seemed overdone, is offbase. The fact that Turner (protagonist) is gay doesn't even come up until a fair ways into the book. His characters life is a main point in the book (his family is involved) and although there are some plotlines toward the end of the book that seem irrelevant, it helps to define this on-going character for the readers of the series.The book is well written, moves at a good pace and contains enough clues and red-herrings to keep you engaged (IMHO).

This was the first "gay" mystery I've read, and I now want to eventually obtain and read all of Zubro's mysteries. The pace is fast and smooth for the most part in this book, but at times becomes choppy. Nonetheless, Zubro's intimate knowledge of police procedure and activity is plain, as well as his knowledge of the streets of Chicago. Zubro also weaves well into the story Paul Turner's (he's the protagonist) personal life in a meaningful way that in this book is actually part of the main plot. The characters become three dimentional, taking on lives of their own. The only criticism I have for Zubro is he spends too much time telling things to the reader, rather than letting the plot reveal what is going on. Such as little asides to explain why a character did something. These asides slow down the pace and can be condescending to readers already familiar with how police work. The best aspect of this book is how Zubro portray's a gay character as a human being rather than an icon. It is my hope that Mr. Zubro will provide us with many such mysteries in the future, and I look forward to reading those he has already published.

This is a step up from your average gay murder mystery. Most of the characters are regular guys who just happen to be gay -- no hairdressers or drag queens here. Parts are funny, and nothing sticks out as being particularly bad. Perfect beach reading material.