Customer Reviews

The Actor's Guide To Adultery

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you liked The Actor's Guide to Murder, then you'll probably also enjoy The Actor's Guide to Adultery. However, as is common with sequels, the lack of freshness is evident throughout this book. There are at least two sections that are taken nearly word-for-word from the first novel. Also, Jarrod's mishaps with his cell phone are amusing the first time, but not so the second, third, or fourth time. Also, there are way too many coincidences that merely add distraction to the plot, rather than amusement. And the resolution is a bit too convoluted, but it had to be because the author created such an incredibly crowded plot, really TOO crowded. Still, despite these criticisms, the book is enjoyable, Jarrod is a funny main character, and the scenes involving the making of Jarrod's movie Creeps are very funny. Let's hope Rick Copp can bring a fresher perspective to the next book in this series!

It's rare to find a series where the second book is better than the first. (I can't think of anyone since Sue Grafton.) Rick Copp has done just that. He builds consistently on the characters he created in "The Actor's Guide to Murder" and makes them even more real.

I got tired of most of the mystery genre because even my favorite authors got way too dark and heavy-handed. Copp writes believable, engaging mysteries that are actually fun to read without being over the top. I can hardly wait for #3!

Former child star and now-struggling actor Jarrod Jarvis gets a call from his agent. No, he didn't get the part he'd been hoping for, but she's fallen in love and wants to invite him to the wedding. Jarrod is suspicious of the handsome actor his agent fell for, especially when his 'gaydar' seems to pick up vibes that Juan Carlos might just be more interested in Jarrod's boyfriend Charlie than in pretty Laurette.

Things take a deadly turn when one of the guests at Laurette's wedding dies of poisoning, but Laurette puts together a movie deal for both Juan Carlos and Jarrod. On the set, Jarrod's fears are confirmed--Juan Carlos is sleeping with just about everyone. Still, being unfaithful doesn't make the man a killer--and someone out there is committing murder. Worse, a stalker from Jarrod's more famous past is back on his trail and a handsome detective is testing Jarrod's ability to stay faithful to his partner.

Author Rich Copp charms with a funny adventure set in the strange world of Hollywood. Everything is way over the top, coincidences run rampant (although some are cleverly explained), and gay romance definitely does not run easily (but then, neither does straight romance). Jarrod makes a convincing and sympathetic first-person character as he wrestles between lust and love and worries about his (pathetic) career.

If you're looking to take a break from the intensity of, say Elizabeth George or T. Jefferson Parker and want to just relax into a fun and funny mystery, THE ACTOR'S GUIDE TO ADULTERY is a great choice.

Unlike some other funny gay mystery novels of recent years (cough, Stukas, cough), Copp's novels are middle brow fluff with attempts at smart humor. I even think these novels could make enjoyable movies (like a funny version of Don Strachey). Although I did enjoy the book, I still felt a little hungry when I was done (maybe a helping of social commentary to go with the social satire). Also, there's something that bothered me about the big showdown at the end, it didn't have to happen. It was exciting and splashy, but unnecessary and a tiny bit contrived. Also another thing that annoyed me about the book is the increasing appearance of product names in novels. I really don't want to know what brand of diet cola the main character drinks or what make and model of car he rents (unless it's particularly funny or significant). If the main character was one of those people who acts morally offended when they can't get Schmola Cola, THAT could be funny. Otherwise, I really don't care to know what brand names the author endorses.

Rick Copp's second novel starring former child actor turned amateur detective Jarrod Jarvis is even better than his first novel, 'The Actor's Guide to Murder'.

While Mr. Copp's writing style comes off as light and frothy fun on the surface, underneath is a good amount of depth, wit, clever twists and turns, a truly positive, and heartfelt, portrayel of gay men in love and a surprise ending that I just didn't see coming.

I'm currently reading his third novel with Jarrod 'The Actors Guide to Greed' and he just keeps getting better. He already had me in tears in the second chapter after an early unexpected development hurts someone close to Jarrod.

Mr. Copp's great ability to juggle humor, romance, and tension has one this guy over as a true fan!

I look forward to more works from Mr. Copp as he's just my type of writer!

This second novel in the Jarrod Jarvis series definitely holds its own. Jarrod narrates with style, wit, and panache, and we honestly care about him, his relationship with LAPD boyfriend Charlie, and the other characters. There's even a hunky ex-Navy SEAL with the hots for Jarrod thrown in for good measure...


The plot largely concerns Jarrod's manager and best friend, dynamo Laurette, and her newly-found, and hastily-married, actor husband Juan Carlo. Following a murder at the wedding, it becomes clear that Juan Carlo is sleeping with everybody in sight, of both genders, Jarrod takes the job of an extra on Juan Carlo's new movie in South Florida to keep an eye on him. Mayhem ensues as Jarrod tries to solve the murder and figure out Juan Carlo's infidelities while escaping his own childhood stalker, recently released from prison, and dodging the advances of a hot ex-Navy SEAL. Through it all, his relationship with longtime boyfriend Charlie starts to crack, and may crumble before the murderer is unmasked.


Bottom Line: Definitely a great read. Having finished it in one day myself, I can attest to its appeal. Light and breezy enough to make you laugh, with enough mystery and suspense to make you want to keep going straight through to the end. This novel serves to support the gay mystery genre.

I thought was very entertaining and I hope he writes many more. I have read both of his novels and have the third one on hold.

If you're a fan of comedy-mysteries, chances are you'll like this one. For starters, it's very funny (I especially loved the one-hour quickie wedding at Hearst Castle). The hero of the book is a former sitcom child star, so there's lots of insider Hollywood humor. The action is fast-paced. Copp manages to build up quite a bit of suspense as his hero solves the murder.
This is the second book in the series. I read the first and liked it a lot, and found this one just as much fun. I hope he keeps writing more.