Customer Reviews

Aloha, Candy Hearts (Russell Quant Mysteries)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Periodically I go through "genre benders"; I started devouring gay mystery fiction about a year ago. Hands down, Anthony Bidulka is the best I've read. I went through all of his novels in succession and then waited, impatiently, for about 6 months until ALOHA, CANDY HEARTS came out. I am not disappointed.

This is the first time I've ever actually reviewed a book on Amazon. And as it turns out, I'm a fundamentally lazy reviewer... I figure you'll be able to get an idea of the plot from the synopsis above. In a nutshell what I'd like to say about ALOHA, CANDY HEARTS is that (1) it was great to spend some time with Russell again, (2) it was great to spend some time with the fantastically-rendered cast of secondary characters, (3) it was great to spend some time back in Saskatoon, and (4) I look forward to how the series develops based on the intensely-personal decision Russell is required to make in this installment. What more can I say? This book is worth every cent I paid for it.

I don't just think Russell Quant is a fantastic representation of gay detectives, I think he's one of the most interesting, affecting, and approachable literary characters I've read in a while. This is an exceptional series; and ALOHA, CANDY HEARTS is an excellent addition.

I was once known to be a literary snob. At the urging of friends, I began reading genre fiction.
One of the more curious mystery titles I was suggested, was the first Russell Quant book, Amuse Bouche. I've now just finished devouring the sixth in this adorable and endearing series, Aloha, Candy Hearts. I stretched out the final pages as long as I could, feeling a bit heart sick. Not only from the deeply rewarding, heartbreaking yet still uplifting ending, but because I knew the story of detective Russell Quant, his family and friends in charming Saskatoon, and rich adventures around the world would come to an end too. At least until the next book, which I dearly hope comes out soon.
Do not be fooled. I urge you literary snobs, pick up a mystery or romance or fantasy novel, you may be surprised at what you find, and the joy it will bring you.

I needed something new to read and saw this book in my local gay book store, and decided to give it a shot. I had never heard of the author before and new nothing about the book, or series. As it turned out, I enjoyed this book so much, I bought all the others in the series and started reading them (from the beginning so I knew what all the 'inside' stuff was in this book). Bidulka is a very talented writer and it's nice to read stories that are hard to put down. These are not your typical books where you can tell who the bad guy is by page 20. Plus, I like Russell a lot. He seems like the kind of PI I'd hire if I needed one. And the supporting characters are also engaging and really help add depth to the stories.
If you like a good who-done-it, and are looking for a really good engaging series of books, check these out. I can't wait for the new one due out sometime this year. Keep up the good work Anthony. If any of these were to be made into a movie, I wonder who'd play Russell????????

This tale puts a lot of Russell Quant's worlds together in a fun, delightful read. Enjoyingly set mostly back in Saskatoon, all the usual characters make their appearance. We learn a little more about Russell's immediate family, we get to have Russell in conflict over his personal life and two choice men, and we have a fun treasure map and murder investigation all at once. If you've read any of Bidulka's previous Quant mysteries, you can't miss this one.

I've learned with the Russell Quant books that a title is not just a title. In every case in this clever series, the book titles allude to much more than the words themselves imply. Indeed, a mainstay of the series is that the detective eventually finds himself somewhere in the world, away from his cozy prairie home. But if you want to learn about Hawaii, buy a guidebook. Certainly the author, Anthony Bidulka, draws vivid depictions of his foreign locales du jour (in this case Honolulu, Hawaii), with nuanced description of food, wine, weather, and the smell of the wind, but he never overshadows the two most important components of these books: 1. the mystery, and 2. the characters. That is why we keep coming back to these books. That is why so many people love them.
In Aloha, Candy Hearts, there are good by's and hello's aplenty, and a unique mystery combining the little known world of archivists, the lives and loves of literary giants, and even an true life Olympic heroine fallen from grace.
A joy to read.

The wait was almost too long for Bidulka's fans but Aloha, Candy Hearts was worth it. For this instalment, the Russell's personal life takes center stage and the mystery is almost secondary. While I couldn't put it down when I was reading it, a month later, I don't remember a single detail of the book beyond the shifts in our hero's love life. But the book was necessary to set us up for what comes next and leaves us hungry for the next book. My only complaint is that sometimes Bidulka's stories drift dangerously close to twee. Russell's brief flirtation with Plakcy's hero Kimo from the Mahu series was such an example of a touch too precious. Still, the series remains one of the best for mystery lovers overall and an oasis for a gay audience searching for someone they can relate to.

Another hit. This series is always like visiting with an old friend only they take you along to exotic places with them. Mr. Badulka delivers another fun winner with Aloha Candy Hearts and does a great job of keeping the interest flowing throughout with his intricate style and story, making it one of my favorites reads for this year. Be sure to check out all my recommendations for favorite fun reads.

This book Aloha Candy Hearts not only is a suberb mystery. It also expand the recurring characters personalities. I couldn't put it down. I can't waite for the next one.

A new Russell Quant book is a special occassion in my reading life. Like many of my favorites in the mystery genre - Grafton, Bruen, Parker, Hart - the books by this author - Bidulka - do not come along nearly often enough. I've come to expect from this unexpected series (its about a gay private detective living in the prairies of Canada) not only a good mystery, but a good time. I look forward to re-entering the world of Quant, his mother, friends, and his travels around the world as he solves crimes, looks for love, and generally lives a full and happy life with gusto and a sharp sense of humor. Although I am far from being a gay Canadian private eye - while I'm in the pages of a Bidulka mystery, I want to be Russell Quant. A must read.

There are only a few series where the books just don't come out fast enough for me. The Russell Quant series by Anthony Bidulka is one of them.
I know nothing about Saskatchewan, or even much about Canada, I'm not a gay man. I've never been to any of the places Russell Quant travels to. Still, I somehow feel connected to the characters and the world they live in.
In Aloha, Candy Hearts, Russell Quant is fresh from enjoying some beach time in Hawaii with his significant other (where something very important happens - but I won't spill the beans!). He heads home to his prairie oasis, his loving dogs, his quirky friends and family, and a mystery that starts before he's even off the plane.
Who knew history and archiving could be so interesting? Really.
With the mystery solved, Russell barely escaping with his life, the story ends up with our lovely detective back in Hawaii, for a scene you do not want to miss.
Hooray. Russell is back and better than ever.