Eye Contact (Mark Manning Series) [Hardcover]

Michael Craft (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Obvious and unconvincing, the latest appearance of Chicago journalist Mark Manning (introduced in Flight Dreams, 1997) is less a mystery than a platform for exploring gay sexuality. Manning is skeptical of astrophysicist Pavo Zarnik's announcement of the discovery of a new planet. He also doubts the authenticity of Zarnik's claims to be a renowned Eastern European scientist. The fatal shooting of a fellow reporter, also investigating Zarnik, ups the ante. Personal complications ensue when Manning is assigned a bodacious and flirty young assistant whose charms prove a potent distraction from the reporter's relationship with his loftmate, Neil, an architect who's redesigned their plush condo. All this happens on the eve of a gay-rights festival that is agitating the local Christian fundamentalists. Craft makes the identity of the limping killer obvious, gives his characters wooden, expository dialogue and grounds Manning's investigation in flimsy evidence (e.g., Manning suspects Zarnik isn't really from Eastern Europe because his personal hygiene is impeccable and he eats peanut butter). Manning's moral quandaries are generally convincing, but overall there is more gay sex?some real, some imagined, most graphically depicted?on these pages than mystery. Readers seeking narrative satisfactions will likely be disappointed.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

In Flight Dreams (LJ 6/1/97) up-and-coming Chicago journalist Mark Manning solved a mystery, came out, became wealthy, and met the man of his dreams. Now, two years later, he and hunky cub reporter David (a potential temptation) investigate the new head of the Civic Planetarium, who claims discovery of a tenth planet but has no concrete proof. Mark suspects fraud and connects the man to the murder of another colleague, the newspaper's science reporter. Good plotting, with witty conversations, erotic dreams, and a philosophical moment or two; recommended for most collections.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 342 pages
• Publisher: Kensington (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575662922
• ISBN-13: 978-1575662923
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,638,066 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Focus on Character, March 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Eye Contact (Mark Manning Series) (Hardcover)

I like this series more with each book. Journalist Mark Manning is a likable, thinking man's hero, and his lover, young architect Neil Waite makes an appealing foil. The more Michael Craft developes these characters and their relationship, the more I like his mysteries--although, I gotta say, the religious fanatic thing is getting real old (there ARE other motivations for evil). Mark and Neil talk more than most gay protagonists, and about an interesting variety of topics. Craft has toned down the artificiality which affected characters and dialouge in FLIGHT DREAMS, first book of the series. Craft has plotted a solid mystery this time with plenty of action, and I particularly liked the way he handled the threat which developed in Mark and Neil's relationship (although it was far too easily and unrealistically resolved). I look forward to the next installment.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read, May 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Eye Contact (A Mark Manning mystery) (Paperback)

I enjoyed this book immensely. It was fast paced and real. Enough sexual tension and romance coupled with the page turning momentum of a good "who done it". I'm always sensitive to the protrayal of man 2 man relationships, and I feel that Craft does a honorable job in this regard. It will bring out all the emotions, arousal, curiousity, humor, and passion.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another Great Read From Craft, August 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Eye Contact (Mark Manning Series) (Hardcover)

Another wonderful work from Michael Craft! I read it in less than 48 hours, not because I wanted to quickly finish it, but because I found it so damned intriguing. Once again I was drawn into Mannning's character and psyche. Craft has portrayed a serious, intelligent, charming - and yes - flawed human being anyone would want to have as a friend.

A great find for anyone who enjoys a fast-paced mystery replete with shady characters, big city power brokers and everyday people.