Customer Reviews

Drop Dead: A Paul Turner Mystery (Paul Turner Mysteries)

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

 

 

I live in Europe but grew up in the States and go back from time to time to visit family. In Chicago, I always stop by Unabridged Books to pick up some gay literature, and this time "Drop Dead" dropped into my hands. It won't be a cat's whisker of a minute before I pick up the other Paul Turner mysteries, 'cause this one was great. The relationship between gay Paul Turner and his distinctly not gay partner Buck Fenwick is drawn hilariously, the relationship between gay Paul Turner and his two children from a previous relationship is touching, the story is interesting, the fashion world is drawn perfectly ... in other words, this was what for me passes as a "couldn't put it down" (I can put books down because I spend most of my time working at the computer, but when I'm free for a bit, I keep on reading). Even if you're not gay, pick this one up ... it's a hoot.

I've read most of Mark Zubro's work, and I think that "Drop Dead" is his best effort yet! A mystery that kept me interested and guessing, good descriptions of places in and around Chicago, likeable hero, and a keen, yet dry sense of humor.

"Drop Dead" features deliciously snappy dialog, along with Zubro's realistically drawn characters and well-paced action. In this latest addition to the Paul Turner mystery series, Zubro gets the balance just right. Read it!

Chicago detectives Paul Turner and Buck Fenwick investigate the death of the world's most famous male supermodel Cullen Furyk because of a fall from a penthouse of the exclusive Archangel Hotel. A witness swears he thought someone pushed the victim though he admits he cannot be fully certain due to the distance. The two cops begin their interview process of everyone who was on the same floor as the deceased by thinking a potential murder occurred.

Paul and Buck learn a lot about the workings of the fashion industry in Chicago. Apparently, two major companies (GUINEVERE, INC, and Velshki and Heying) viciously compete with one another. GUINEVERE has had an edge due to Cullen being their exclusive spokesperson. They also find out that the victim led a promiscuous sex life (mostly with males). Several individuals had motives and opportunity, but the two law enforcement officials know they must uncover the identity of a murderer because the eyes of the world are upon Chicago.

The fifth Paul Turner mystery retains the freshness and brashness of the previous four novels. Fans of police procedurals will enjoy the investigation and the camaraderie between the detectives. The acceptance of Paul being gay to the point of being embraced by his partner, other peers, and his family seems too simplistic to be totally believable. Still, the tale adds a touch of morality as he raises his two boys with wholesome values.

Harriet Klausner

The dialogue was trite and repetitive, and the relationship between Paul Turner and his partner not very believable. I was looking for strong characterisations of the main characters. Instead, what I got were many detailed descriptions of what each successive character wore, the different fabrics, etc.

I'm a fan of the detective/whodunit genre, and have read many and occasionally indiscriminately, but this book left me wondering if the author did any research into police procedures and lingo at all, because if he did, it did not reflect in the story. Seemed a little amateurish to me. By the time I reached the middle of the story - with so many red herrings tossed left right and centre arbitrarily and without follow-up - I stopped caring who the murderer was. Truth be told, I was really rather disappointed.

I did enjoy the interaction between Paul and his kids though, but they were few and far between. If you're looking for strong characterisations and solid plot, this may not be the book for you. But if you're looking for some light reading before bed after a long day at work, pick this one up.

I have read many detective, mystery, and police procedurals from classics to trash. This is in the middle of the spectrum. It's OK, mildly entertaining, contains no real procedural suspense. The subject is the death of a male model and focuses on the fashion world. The only detail concerns what everyone is wearing. Makes a point of being blase at a raft of gay characters. I bought it because of past success from St. Martin's press. They should have left this one for the trade/genre paperbacks. I would have liked it better [on a] ... sale table.

The relationship between Paul and Ben was very undeveloped so not feelings during the last chapter of the book. Their was to many names to keep up with as to who was who.

I liked the concept and some of the characters but they were not developed enough for me to feel for them.

It is ok but I have read much better books.

As usual, this Zubro mystery is well plotted. Also as usual, it is rather tediously written. It would seem the author was always instructed to give details, to carefully note the appearance of each character. What he comes up with is a detailed description of apparel for each character, from the top down: hair, shirt, trousers (or skirt), shoes. Colors, patterns, and fabrics are always noted. All very good, if or when these are noteworthy. But usually folks are wearing denim and cotton and etc., and giving these details imparts nothing to the reader.

This is just a warning--I shall probably continue to read Zubro's books. But I only WISH he wrote a bit better!