Customer Reviews

Miami Manhunt

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Miami Manhunt" was published in July, and perhaps with good reason: It's a good "summer read." That old chestnut about being an ideal book to take to the beach because it's light and breezy proves true here. The story revolves around three friends, all gay men in their late 20s. Ray is a local newspaper journalist who has yet to find the ideal man. Ted is a local broadcast journalist working his way through the men of Miami. And Brian is a toyboy, a plaything kept by a rich publisher who spends most of his time out of town; the two are partners, but without the passion that once defined their relationship. Their stories all are about finding Mr. Right, and each character has a very different journey. The characters in "Miami Manhunt" are very well-drawn and believable. They really drive this novel. And their stories all are intriguing--until about 3/4 of the way into the book, that is, when things for everyone start coming together a little too neatly. But perhaps I was expecting something a little more realistic (the odds of the ways in which Ray and Ted meet their boyfriends are slim) from a book designed to be something else (which would be the aforementioned "summer read"). All together, this is a good book and a fun read, an excellent follow-up to the author's previous work, "Boston Boys Club."

So many glowing reviews posted here, but I didn't feel the magic. This is one of the dullest novels I've ever read. With the characters' lifestyles and location, you'd think their lives would be interesting. But a "day in the life" as the approach goes here isn't at all gripping.

First off, there's nothing sexy or even particularly romantic going on, let alone guys just having fun. But I do recall one character who fancies himself in love dealing with love in terms of "lust" which is hardly the same thing. However, the character (an overaged boytoy who is as tired of his partner in life as his partner is of him) seems too immature and naive to be believed, and unfortunately hasn't remained sufficiently physically attractive to please his partner.

Two other characters looking for love are a local tv personality and a film critic, and we spend too much time on their jobs with them. As a reader, you end up reading reviews of imaginary as well as RL films, and with the on-air personality who profiles local happenings, and not being familiar with Miami, I can't speak to the locales or organizations he gives mention of, yet a familiarity with Miami shouldn't be a prerogative for reading the novel.

I'm writing the review and realizing I have totally forgotten all the details surrounding the fourth lead, but I think there was one. However, all the lead characters take turns in narration, with each chapter devoted to telling a segment of the story from a character's POV, and all of these guys all sound alike, speaking with the author's presumed voice, though that shouldn't be the case as their backgrounds are all different. As for the minutia, if you find yourself fascinated by every detail of every humdrum thought they have, this is great, but if you don't want to be laden with inanities, this is not so great. The only thing it shows us is how each character (ourselves?) is totally obsessed with self and pay lip service to others. But I don't think the message here is that profound, especially as the novel reads like it was written pretty easily, over the course of a weekend, and isn't meant to be a depressant, either.

A trend that bothers me, which is repeated here, is to have an author have his characters in the present novel praising the author's prior work, which is either a lot of ego at work or the latest marketing ploy, which I hope dies out soon.

Ok, I finished Miami Manhunt. OH MY GOD!!!!! This was an amazing read. I did not know how Johnny Diaz was going to out do himself after Boston Boys Club, but he did. I really loved all the characters, but really loved Ted and Ray. Brian and Eros, I felt I was left hanging somewhat, but that is just my view point.

I do not want to give too much away, but when Ray had the accident and does not fight for his boyfriend, I was at the point of tears, but was not happy either.

If you are on the fence, jump over and buy the book...You will not be sad.

The author's second novel (after "Boston Boys Club") covers a subject that its target gay male readership can definitely identify with: the problem of looking for love, and knowing what it looks and feels like when you find it.

Ray Martinez is one of three late-twentysomething gay friends in Miami, who meet up every Friday night to update each other on their week, as well as check out the new faces and bodies, at Score, a popular nightspot. Ray is the movie critic for the Miami News, lives with his lively mutt Gigli (named for the particularly memorable - and not in a good way - JoLo/Afleck film he reviewed), and is somewhat jealous of his straight twin brother, Rasco, whom he feels he is more respected by his Cuban-American family, as well as due to the fact that he is soon to be married. Ted is a reporter and "lifestyle" show host on a local television station, and, although he enjoys the recognition and adoration that status brings to him, feels a bit intimidated by the buff beauties who make up the Miami gay singles scene, and longs to meet someone who will be attracted to who he is, rather that he does for a living. Then there's Brian, the only one of the trio who is technically "coupled", though at this stage his relationship with longtime partner Daniel is devoid of all semblances of romance ... or sex ... and they have an "understanding" that they are both free to have outside sexual daliances, though no more than once with the same person. That rule is in serious danger of being broken, ever since Daniel met the sexy and romantic Eros, who makes him realize how much he is missing in the relationship.

Alternating chapters between the three friends, the book takes you through both high and low points in their current lives, as well as exploring whether one has to compromise your true desires to find a workable relationship with another person. Extemely well written light novel, with likeable characters who grow emotionally throughout the book. I give it a Score of a full five stars out of five.

it reads like a sophmore english project. The grammar and construction is repetitive, predictable, and doesn't add to the book. While the stories and characters are interesting, the overuse of adjectives flatens the whole feel. i wanted to like it more.

Miami Manhunt is the best gay fiction book I've read in ages. Johnny Diaz, with his flowing writing style, really makes you feel exactly what the characters are going through. Though I have never been to Miami, I could feel the humidity and felt like I was part of its vibrant culture.

The book explores the lives of three gay men living in Miami. Each character is well rounded. I found something I could relate to in each of them. The plot is fast and each character experiences life in his own words. I found the friendship between the men to be refreshing as it is not often found in today's gay fiction. The central theme throughout this book is the importance of family, friends, and true love. Don't be mistaken, there is a good deal of very hot sex in this book as well!! You will enjoy references to pop culture and feel like you are part of "the scene." This book had many laugh out loud moments along with very touching situations. It is a true celebration of Miami and more importantly of gay life. I couldn't put it down. Don't miss it!!

I read Johnny Diaz' other two books "Beantown Cubans" and "Boston Boys Club" and although they are all good, of the three I liked "Miami Manhunt" the most. The characters are young men experiencing what most of us go through with family, friends and lovers. This book is particularly good for commuters to work and also vacationers because each chapter is short and from the viewpoint of one of the characters and as such, you can read a section quite quickly. Ray, Ted and Brian have some very good and some not very good moments. If you are looking for a read that is deep and cerebral this is not the book for you. If you are looking for something light, humorous, fun, and easy on the mind then this IS the book for you. I am looking forward to the sequel (too much has been left dangling for there not to be one)....

Johnny Diaz is a great author. I have read all his books published to date, and am waiting for the next! Very realistic characters, settings, and plots. Definitely something to add to your collection.

Johnny Diaz's latest made me want to get on a plane and go to Miami right now! I truly enjoyed the characters, their relationships with their families and each other. The characters were relatable and well-drawn. You get more than a peak into each character's life and a deeper understanding of who they are and where they're coming from. Diaz also brought alive the city of Miami with all of its celebrity, personalities and cultures. This was a fun, fun read. I see huge, huge success in Johnny's future.

I am disappointed with Mr. Diaz's second effort...very disappointed. I want to write a well rounded review, but even that feels like a waste of my time.

Now, I am not being intentionally harsh. It is just that I expected so much, and rightly so. How can a person who makes a living writing for a newspaper and on his second novel(!), write so amateurish?

The three story lines are somewhat believable and relatable. I'll give him that. But why use the first person POV for all three characters? Most of all the things that don't work in Miami Manhunt is because of his use of it and present tense. I understand that it is easier to write in the first person, that it helps readers relate better and so makes the work easier to follow and read, but it wasn't a good choice. In Brian's case, for example, a third-person POV would have worked better, because it would have allowed for someone else other than himself to make sense of his predicament. As a professional writer Mr. Diaz should have thought about this more.

The language was bad and his technique was bad. I felt like I was reading a first draft. Not polished at all. Mr. Diaz kept repeating the same information over and over. Telling reader how Ray feels is not the same as showing us how Ray feels. The attempt at name-brand dropping was almost ridiculous, but not as much as his attempt at writing a "Latino" character. Ray, the Cuban-American character, is described as the whitest guy you'd ever meet, intentionally, but then Mr. Diaz felt the need to keep emphasis his Cuban identity and culture. Now, I am not saying the two can't co-exist, but Mr. Diaz didn't succeed in his attempt at doing so. It seemed that he was trying to write a Latino character the white readers he wrote the novel for would be content with, along with the stereotypical well endowed Latin lover, Eros. Quite sad.

Then, there was the bad grammar and...typos! I actually stopped counting half way through.

I just heard that Mr. Diaz is releasing a third novel next year. It makes me question who his editor is over at Kensington.