This collection of six mystery novellas follows a chronological approach from Marco’s first foray into investigation in high school when he defends his favored teacher from false accusations of murdering the school disciplinarian. The next stories depict his first office on Latimer and Twelfth, again in Philadelphia, and his work with a stripper club while he works as a private investigator. By presenting characters from prior events, DeMarco shows more and more about Marco throughout the book.
The author treats such sensitive subjects as coming out, being a scholarship student at a ritzy school, working in a strip club, and remaining in the closet. He also uses the subjects of transgender, drag, and Pride. The stories raise issues also common in the heterosexual community indicating that they are not unique to being LGBTQ.
The mysteries are well laid out with suspense and motivation for the perpetrators’ actions, showing what makes them tick. Engaging characters also cause readers to feel empathy for those who are hurt and falsely accused. Well-researched and accurate details of Philadelphia and New York clearly portray the cities’ geography and culture, and the events that occur. All these qualities make this book more than a simple mystery collection.
This book is welcome to any mystery collection for adults or mature young adults.
Reviewer: s.n.