Set in Boston, Daniel Valentine is a bartender, Clarisse Lovelace is property agent, the two are best friends. Clarisse wishes it were something more, but unfortunately for her Daniel is gay. When a young hustler is found murdered on the front lawn of a local dignitary, the Boston gay community comes under close scrutiny, and Daniel and a few of his close friends find themselves under suspicion. Daniel and Clarisse turn amateur sleuths as they try to find the real culprit, and along the way they uncover some strange goings on.This is a lightweight, fairly short murder mystery, with plenty of humour. Occasionally the writer uses rather contrived dialogue to provide background information or explain the plot; he would perhaps have done better to rely on the narrative. The detective aspect depends heavily on fortunate coincidences, and frequently the social life of Daniel and friends takes centre stage; but the two main characters are interesting and likeable, and it all makes for a pleasant and amusing read.first
Do You like book Vermilion (2000)?
Good. I think it's better with age. I liked the eighties setting and the characters. I felt like Valentine was well developed but about halfway through I was like "Who is the other chick?" and apparently then the author remembered Lovelace and brought her in for the second half. It was a little confusing when she was called by her first name and he by his last.Added a star for the pulp format and the period, and the locations are strong. The characters, particularly the secondary characters, are a little underdeveloped. Will probably read the next in the series but not rushing.
—Adam Dunn
