First You Fall: A Kevin Connor Mystery (Kevin Connor Mysteries)

by Scott Sherman

Paperback, 2008

Status

Available

Call number

PS3619.H4675 F577

Collection

Publication

Alyson Books (2008), Paperback, 224 pages

Description

When his friend's death is ruled a suicide, Kevin Connor - a hustler by trade, sleuth by default - sets out to prove a case of murder. It doesn't help matters that the victim's grown children, who disapproved of his gay lifestyle, are only concerned about their inheritance. But they aren't Kevin's only problem. His highly strung mother has moved in with him, and she knows nothing about the way he earns his living...

Media reviews

User reviews

LibraryThing member richardderus
I received, unpacked, cataloged, and finished 'First You Fall' by Scott Sherman. Flawed, a first novel for sure, but very funny in many places, poignant in others, and a worthwhile read. Gay rent-boy sleuth has never resolved his feelings for closet-case first love; they meet again when rent-boy's
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good friend allegedly commits suicide, and first love is one of the cops investigating; hijinks ensue.

For a book featuring a rent-boy, there is surprisingly little...ummm, well, a fast consultation shows NONE...no graphic sex in the book. The author talks about sex a lot, but that's sorta what you expect in a book with this main character. That SHOULD win over a mainstream audience. There was only marginally less sex in the 'Brandstetter' mysteries by Joseph Hansen, and they were hugely popular.

The mystery aspects of the book weren't its strongest selling points. I was sure I knew who the murderer was, and I was right; I had the murderer's motive all wrong, though, and that made a nice surprise. The satisfying resolution to the red herrings strongly appealed to my orderly side. The romantic complications were believable, and while I have never been a rent-boy (never pretty enough), I have been down the road that Kevin, our main character, traveled, though without the happy ending. Life so needs a better script, don't y'all agree?

Recommended for mystery fans, straight or gay, who like to root for the underdog to win; also to fans of the reluctant sleuth genre. The truly homophobic should not even try this book. The mildly, "ewww ick" homophobic might see something worthwhile here.
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LibraryThing member silversurfer
a Light, airy and entertaining little mystery starring that hustler turned sleuth, Kevin Conner. The mystery wasn't such a mystery for buffs of the genre, I figured it out, but half the fun is in getting there...sorta like sex. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
LibraryThing member Bramptonite
The plot just pulls you in. Loved the extra characters as much as the protagonist. Mom, the Nerd, campy best friend, the gentle sadist, the naked overweight siren,and many more make this book a joy to read.
LibraryThing member jules0623
Do not love Tony. I was rooting for Kevin/Marc or even Kevin/Freddie or Kevin/Romeo... any one of these men would be better for Kevin than Tony.

Brilliant book otherwise. Loved it, although the ending felt a little rushed. Going to buy the second one right now.
LibraryThing member JDRuskin1184
I liked this book more than I thought I would, but it didn't read as romance. I found nothing likeable about the love interest Tony. I'm not sure I liked the MC, Kevin, either, but at least he was interesting. Tony bored me to tears. The mystery wasn't very mysterious, but it had enough twists and
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turns to pull me along. There were some really funny moments throughout the story, especially Kevin's quirky clients. The World's Nicest Sadist was my favorite. Those scenes made me laugh out loud.
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LibraryThing member Carol420
This turned out to be a fun little mystery. Early on it becomes obvious that this is as much a light, almost screwball, comedy as it is a mystery. If you just go along for the ride, you’re in for an enjoyable read. The deceptively humorous story makes the twist to the mystery at the end all the
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more surprising. Kevin is an engaging character; in spite of what his age and profession might make you believe otherwise. He is also surrounded by a large group of equally well-defined characters, including some of Kevin’s customers, who are portrayed in a quite non-judgmental fashion. If the story has any weakness at all it’s in the last part of the story which stretches credulity just a little bit too far. Otherwise, it's a really good and worth your time read. Those that like to follow award winners will be pleased to know that this was the winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Best Mystery in 2009.
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Awards

Lambda Literary Award (Nominee — 2009)

Language

Original publication date

2008-06-01

Physical description

224 p.; 5.31 x 0.59 inches

ISBN

1593500599 / 9781593500597

Other editions

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