Amuse Bouche: A Russell Quant Mystery
4 journalers for this copy...
I think this is the first book I've read that features a gay detective in the frozen north; PI Russell Quant lives in Saskatoon, where fashionable accessories involve layer upon layer of cold-weather gear. As the story opens, he's hired to look into the disappearance of a local businessman's groom, who never showed up for their commitment ceremony. This leads Russell on a colorful chase through the French countryside before returning home to find - well, I won't spoil it. The mystery itself is rather thin, or at least I guessed enough of it ahead of time to suggest so, as I seldom figure out the really good puzzles. On the other hand, I don't read mysteries for the sake of the puzzles, and here there's plenty of fabulous scenery, delectable food, and likeable - if frustratingly tentative - characters to keep me entertained; in fact, the title sums it up quite well, as "amuse bouche" stands for tasty little appetizers that amuse the mouth before the main course. [I see by the publisher's web site that a second Russell Quant book is available; I think I'll be putting it on my list!]
I've offered this on CasualReader's book relay site on the Boyz Boyz Boyz relay.
*** Later: as of Oct. 19 the book will be on its way to BCer nkwriter in Toronto, who claimed it from the relay. Hope you enjoy it!
*** Later: as of Oct. 19 the book will be on its way to BCer nkwriter in Toronto, who claimed it from the relay. Hope you enjoy it!
Got it! Thanks very much.
Journal Entry 4 by thebookmistress at Daybreak Restaurant at Church and Carleton in Toronto, Ontario Canada on Sunday, February 26, 2006
Released 18 yrs ago (2/26/2006 UTC) at Daybreak Restaurant at Church and Carleton in Toronto, Ontario Canada
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Didn't go to the "Daybreak" meet-up, so got a chance to re-read the book.
Russel Quant is charming and unique PI, and Saskatoon is certainly a unique setting for a mystery. I enjoyed the writing style very much -- just the right touch of humour and sexiness. It is also great to see gay witnesses, victims, and suspects treated just as people, not as stereotypes or spokespeople. Among the many interesting secondary characters, I particularly loved Barbra -- after all the "Cat Who" mysteries, it's a relief to meet a well-loved pet without any additional magical skills. The murder case was complicated, and perhaps not revealed in an ideal way, but I am definitely looking forward to Russel's next case.
Russel Quant is charming and unique PI, and Saskatoon is certainly a unique setting for a mystery. I enjoyed the writing style very much -- just the right touch of humour and sexiness. It is also great to see gay witnesses, victims, and suspects treated just as people, not as stereotypes or spokespeople. Among the many interesting secondary characters, I particularly loved Barbra -- after all the "Cat Who" mysteries, it's a relief to meet a well-loved pet without any additional magical skills. The murder case was complicated, and perhaps not revealed in an ideal way, but I am definitely looking forward to Russel's next case.
Journal Entry 6 by thebookmistress at Starbucks - (see notes for details) in Toronto, Ontario Canada on Monday, February 27, 2006
Released 18 yrs ago (2/27/2006 UTC) at Starbucks - (see notes for details) in Toronto, Ontario Canada
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
I picked up the book at my local Starbucks at the corner of Yonge and Wellesley in Toronto. It was just sitting on the counter with people just walking past it not noticing it. I saw the yellow, "I'm free, I'm not lost" post-it on the front and knew I had found a travelling book. It is actually my first one. I heard about bookcrossing.com a few months back and found it a really interesting idea and something that I wanted to be a part of. I just didn't get around to becoming a member until today. Now that I have found my first book I was inspired to join. I plan to read it and release it back into the wild as soon as I can.
Journal Entry 8 by GResmer at Union Station (see release notes for details) in Toronto, Ontario Canada on Saturday, March 18, 2006
Released 18 yrs ago (3/18/2006 UTC) at Union Station (see release notes for details) in Toronto, Ontario Canada
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
The book was released in Union Station on a bench in the GO train waiting area between the centre of the station and the Bay Street exit doors.
The book was released in Union Station on a bench in the GO train waiting area between the centre of the station and the Bay Street exit doors.
I found this book on a bench in Union Station...I saw the "I'm Free!" yellow sticker on it...looked around...and there it was all alone just waiting for someone to enjoy it. I just read through the comments and noticed "GResmer" found it at the Starbucks at Wellesley and Yonge...it shows how small this world is....I also go there every other weekend when I visit my boyfriend...I love the concept of all this and look forward to reading the book and releasing it to another to enjoy.