Customer Reviews

Federal Fag

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

 

 

I really love Hunter's Alex Reynolds books because they are so entirely unique. They blow-apart stereotypes and everything we've come to expect in the gay-mystery sub-genre: the leading character, Alex Reynolds and his partner Peter, are deeply in love and committed, and Alex's mother is a wonderful and inspired addition. It's a relief to read a series in which the characters are not constantly whining about the plight of being gay, and where the stories don't necessarily revolve around gay issues, even though that does enter into it a bit. Unlike many gay mystery series, you get the feeling that these guys have lives outside their sexuality.

Federal Fag is a welcome addition to the series, as Alex and his family try to discover who killed a porn star-former friend of Alex's. I found myself laughing out loud over and over again (especially when Alex's mother shows up for the first time). Hunter hits just the right balance between the humor, which is first rate, and the mystery, which is a well-thought-out, constant source of surprise.

If you like more than a little humor with your mystery, you'll love it. This is a wonderful book!

Yahoo! Jean is back! Yes, the fiesty, funny star of the Alex Reynold's series returns for another set of wacky and wild adventures centered around rescuing her apparently totally helpless son Alex (and his equally helpless husband, Peter). If you loved Jean in GOVERNMENT GAY, you get twice as much of her in FEDERAL FAG. And what's not to love? Of course, if for some reason you were hoping book two of the Alex Reynold's series might center more on Alex and Peter (they even LIVE with Mom), might have a little more spice and less sugar, might develop and expand what is a sorta interesting plot...uh,keep hoping. Hunter seems set on playing to every stereotype of a gay man. He goes for straight laughs (pun intended) and doesn't bother breaking it up with any tension or excitement. I like a good joke as much as the next guy, but this one is wearing thin. THE ADVENTURES OF ME MUM is not what I was looking for when I opened this book. Give Jean her own series, Fred!

The second book in the Alex Reynolds series vaguely follows the same plot pattern as its predecessor, "Government Gay": Alex inadvertently becomes involved in a covert government operation; decides to conduct his own investigation for personal reasons and despite instructions to the contrary from the authorities; puts himself, his "husband", and his mother in mortal danger; and eventually resolves the case after learning that one or more persons is not who they seem to be. It's a pleasant enough formula, and writer Hunter balances out the mystery angles with just enough humor to make "Federal Fag" a diverting light read.

However ... two off-putting aspects of Hunter's protagonists that appeared below the surface in the first book become more pronounced - and grating - in this second novel. One is the cutesy relationship between Reynolds and his squeaky clean husband Peter. Alex and Peter come off as just a bit too superior and a bit too perfect, both as gay men and especially as a gay couple. To be specific, they're uncomfortably snobby and condescending toward the world in general and gay society in particular, and it's not an attractive trait. The other turn-off is the couple's unnaturally close relationship with Alex's eccentric British mother, with whom they live and work. A supportive, accepting parent is one thing, but Jean is intrusively involved in Alex and Peter's lives, so much so that the three appear to be codependent to an unhealthy degree. It's not good when the protagonists' quirks begin to overshadow other considerations ... like plot ... and this increasingly threatens to become a problem in the otherwise likeable "Federal Fag".

Alex Reynolds accompanies his long time lover Peter to Los Angeles. However, Peter refuses to allow his husband to attend his high school reunion in spite of the fact that all the attendees knew that Peter left the closet years ago. Stuck by himself in his Santa Monica hotel room, Alex rents a porn flick, "Big Tools of the Trade". To his surprise, Alex sees an old college lover, Patrick Gleason, in one of the staring roles.

Alex decides to find his old mate and eventually obtains his number from a mutal friend. He calls and arranges to see Patrick in LA apartnment. However, when Alex arrives at the place, he finds Patrick lying dead on the floor and the CIA looking over his shoulder. Alex with the help of his lover begin to investigate the pornography world in an attempt to learn who killed Patrick because the culprit wants Alex to be his next vicitm.

Like its predessecor, GOVERNMENT GAY, FEDERAL FAG is obviosuly not for everyone. However, anyone who gives the who-done-it a chance will enjoy the novel. Alex and Patrick are a unique and interesting couple, with a fun to read storyline. Regardless of the reader's sexual choice, this is a well-written series that provides an interesting ambience as well as a first rate mystery.
This reviewer thought it was really special for many reasons.

Harriet Klausner

This quick-paced book is filled with action ... a very enjoyable and worthwhile read.

Rounded out with movie references aplenty and the presence of the delightfully fey Jean, this Alex Reynolds entry should please lots of readers.