Rating: 
Summary: The Mark Manning series has moved to a new publisher
Review: "Name Games" is the fourth Mark Manning mystery, but the first to be published by St. Martin's Press (under its Minotaur mystery imprint). The series continues with its principal characters and plotline intact; it is now September, some nine months after the events of "Body Language," the 1999 installment. Manning is established in Dumont, Wisconsin, as publisher of the local newspaper, adjusting to life with his sixteen-year-old nephew. Manning's lover Neil, a Chicago architect, is now spending more time in Dumont, but the future of their relationship is still uncertain. This struggle for the three guys to create a family is an important subplot of "Name Games." The main plot, naturally, focuses on another murder that has shocked the sensibilities of tranquil little Dumont. The idea for this whodunit was inspired by a hobby--an art, really--that hits close to home for me. Several years ago, when I secured my initial contract to write the first three installments of the Mark Manning series for Kensington Books, my partner understood that he'd have some time on his hands while I was at the word processor. So he cultivated a new interest, miniature interiors, which I discovered (ironically enough) to be a big business. The potential for deadly intrigue proved irresistible, and there lay the inspiration for the plot of "Name Games." I hope you'll have as much fun reading it as I had writing it. Do let me know. I'm always happy to hear from readers.
Rating: 
Summary: A Whopper of a Mystery!
Review: After many disappointments in reading mystery/suspense novels by gay writers, I finally discovered Michael Craft. NAME GAMES contains all the criteria of what I consider a good gay novel:EXCELLENT WRITING. The author's skillful writing is full of wit and fun. And his characterization is great. I got to know and care about the characters in NAME GAMES. They were not flat, stereotyped, two-dimensional characters as one finds in so many gay novels. GOOD STORY. This novel was a real page-turner. Rarely do I hate to see a book come to an end as I did this one. Even though I had my suspicions quite early as to whom the murderer might be, I had my mind changed several times by clever twists and turns the author created to throw his readers off-track. NO PREACHING. So many gay writers want to pound the gay message into readers' heads until the sermonizing destroys the story. Craft, without using a sledgehammer to do so, depicts normal gay people doing what they have to do to get along in a less-than-perfect society. The readers can agree or disagree with Mark Manning and his family/friends' lifestyles, but they aren't forced to swallow a lesson with every page as if they were being spoon-fed a big dose of castor oil. If I have one criticism, I think Mr. Craft makes the gay lifestyle a little too easily accepted by the townspeople of Dumont, Wisconsin. Folks outside a major city (from my observations being raised in a small town) are not easy to convince that being gay is not a product of the Devil. The town's number one homophobic, Miriam Westerman (who is such a camp, she should reappear in every Mark Manning mystery!), is a perfect villain, though, and more than compensates for the lack of the usual signs of small-town bigotry. I have not read his earlier novels, but judging by the reviews of his previous works, Michael Craft's writing gets more skillful with each new book. Michael Craft has captured me as a loyal reader as long as he turns out the quality writing I found in NAME GAMES.
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Summary: Michael Craft is a gifted storyteller born to entertain
Review: After winning all the highest honors and accolades from fans and peers for his national news-breaking stories, reporter Mark Manning retires from the prestigious Chicago Journal. He moves to Dumont, Wisconsin to take on the job of publisher-editor of the Dumont Daily Register. Mark's significant other, architect Neil Waite, has landed a job at the local printing plant. The two men remain together in domestic bliss while raising Mark's teenage cousin. Dumont is the scene of the Midwest Miniatures Society hosted by Grace Lord, proprietor of a local shop that specializes in miniatures. Grace scores a major coup when she entices Carrol "the King of Miniatures" Cantrell to judge the convention's main event. However, someone kills Cantrell with the suspicion falling on the man's lover Sheriff Doug Pierce, a closeted gay. Neither Mark nor Neil believe Doug is the killer and begin making inquiries so justice can be served. Mark Manning is a sensitive and erudite character. Though the series is labeled a gay mystery, Michael's sleuthing will appeal to fans of cerebral mysteries because of his intelligence and willingness to risk everything for a just cause. His relationship with his lover is compassionate and serves to endear him further to his audience. The entertaining who-done it that is NAME GAMES is well crafted and very complex with many viable suspects. Michael Craft is a gifted storyteller born to weave tales of entertainment. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: A well written mystery in a wonderful series.
Review: Each novel in this series improves upon characterizations, plot lines, and overall suspense. In this installment, Mark Manning, the protagonist, has a much broader and more responsible role in both his personal relationship, his job, friends, and with his nephew Thad. The mystery plotline is stronger as well as Michael Craft incorporates red herrings and less obvious solutions than in some of his previous books. The title of the book was too big a give away to some of us who play "Name games" on a regular basis, but you still look forward to Mark Manning solving the crime. An enjoyable read, with only a few "over the top" characters.
Rating: 
Summary: Welcome Back, Mark!
Review: He's back and better than ever. Now firmly ensconsed as publisher a small Wisconsin town's newspaper and as his young cousin's guardian, Mark seems more settled than in past installments, but he's still as perceptive and exciting as ever. With long-time partner, Neil, in town as an architect overseeing the town press's plant, he's more present than ever, and it's nice to see how readily he and Thad (their ward) have formed a relationship, one that Mark's initially a little jealous of. Neil serves as a rock for Mark and Thad. The town's leading miniature proprieter has organized a combo show-and-tell and seminar, and has lured the best in the business to serve as judge. When said judge is found dead, there is the initial shock, and annoying DA Harvey Kaiser looking for someone to convict, whatever the cost. The prime suspect? The town's sheriff, Doug Pierce, Mark's friend and a closeted gay man who was carrying on a torrid affair with the deceased. The town's loyalties soon become divided. Add into the mix an upcoming obscenity trial with many political consequences. Craft has done an excellent job fleshing out these characters. You actually understand them, their insecurities and their strengths. He's also delivered a wide array of possible suspects and does good work making the actual villain NOT obvious. Isn't that nice for a change? Highly recommended.
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Summary: The Best Yet
Review: I could hardly put this one down...best of the series...LOVED it!! Jeeps getting better and better. Mark and Neil are such a model couple. Hope the next one is out soon.
Rating:
Summary: Fullfilling
Review: I have read all the books in the Mark Manning series and this one is just as good, if not the best. There is more insight into Mark Manning the person. The plot keeps you guessing even though you may have it figured out.(Which I wont reveal here: Buy the book and discover the wonderful world of Mark Manning!) Michael Craft definitely keeps you turning the page right until the end. I know I am already awaiting the next installment. Thank you Michael for such great story telling!
Rating: 
Summary: Perplexed
Review: I must have missed something here. Judging from the other reviews, am I the only one who found disfavor with this book? While the author can indeed give a tale, however predictable it is, an interesting slant, I found the plot tedious with few if any surprises. Surprises: something I kind of expect when reading this genre. My only surprise was how well all the other reviewers enjoyed this book. Thanks, but I think I'll pass on the other Mark Manning sagas.
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Summary: The maturing of Manning and Craft......
Review: I've read the previous Manning mysteries and with each one I've learned a littled more about Manning. However, I always wanted a little more insight. In Craft's latest work, Name Games, Manning is finally a full fledged character. A character the reader truly gets to know and understand. The previous Manning was unsure of himself and this left the reader unsure as well. The new Manning is mature, confident, witty (thank God!) and sometimes jaded. My only complaint is to Manning should get a subscription to GQ! This is the best of Craft. The plot flows and as usual the reader can "guess" the killer, but why bother to strain when Craft's writing keeps you enticed until the end. Bood job Michael!
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Summary: Mark Manning Becomes Even More Engaging!
Review: In Name Games, author Michael Craft offers us the fourth entry into the Mark Manning series of mysteries. With Name Games, Craft has certainly hit full stride. Manning is a well-developed, familiar protagonist and Craft seems to have fully taken hold of Manning's character development. Although this publication marks a switch in publisher from Kensington to St. Martin's Press, absolutely nothing suffers by the change. Manning's latest adventures find him well settled into his new home in Dumont, Wisconsin, where he is editor and publisher of the Dumont Register. His partner Neil is present throughout the story as he is on an extended work assignment for Quatro Press in Dumont. (Neil was more intermittant in the last story because of Mark's move from Chicago. Neil remained in Chicago and commuted to Dumont on weekends). This is an extremely postive development as we can witness Mark and Neil grow more settled as a couple. In addition, the character of Doug Pierce (country sheriff) continues and he is a welcome face in the Manning series. Mark's ward Thad Quattrain has developed from a total brat (as we met him in the last installment) to a decent and loving sixteen year old who has formed an excellent relationship with Mark and Neil; Thad appears quite proud to have two gay surrogate parents.The story revolves around a "miniatures" exhibiton to be held in Dumont. The celebrity judge is murdered and Sheriff Doug Pierce is implicated. Mark takes hold of the murder and works diligently at solving it. There are plenty of suspects and each is well portrayed in Craft's development. While there is a bit of foreshadowing, the reader is urged not to jump to conclusions. I managed to wrongly solve the mystery about four times through the book!Craft provides an engaging read from start to finish. His writing has improved and in addition to the action of the story, he cleverly manages to bring us into some of his more reflective thinking on a number of issues throughout the story. The conclusion is somewhat surprising and yet satisfying. Manning is well entrenched on my must read list. The only unfortunatel thing about finding a new author or series at the start is the wait for the next one. For those not familiar with Michael Craft's "Mark Manning" series, there are four waiting to be read. By the time you're finished, they'll probably be a fifth. At least this reader hopes so!Great work Michael! Keep them coming ... a little faster perhaps!
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