Rating: 
Summary: Another winner for Michael Craft
Review: One of the things I especially like about Michael Craft is his ability to research his subjects. Whether he's showing the perversity of the religious right's broadcasting empire, detailing the attraction of Abyssinian cats or, as in this novel, explaining the world of miniature roomboxes, when I finish one of his books I feel like I've been more than entertained: I've been educated. Craft also explores issues that are important to me: self-acceptance and tolerance for others, the importance of free speech, the dangers of fanaticism, personal integrity. That said, I'd like to rave about "Name Games." The plot is tight and well-drawn, the characters come to life and the pacing is fast. The dynamics of friends and family (Mark, Neil, Roxanne, and Thad) seem especially believable, although I hope Neil's personality will continue to expand. Craft puts enough characters into his books that even when you think you know who the killer is, there's always a possibility it's someone else. Pay attention: no clue goes to waste. The author does seem enamored of the word "wagged" as in heads wagged, tongues wagged, a hand wags, a bracelet wags, even a penis gets wagged. And I don't know why Craft needs to introduce the same people so often ("Lucille Haring, my managing editor" at least five times)--are readers really that forgetful? If I became tired of reading "flashed a perfect smile, flexed a perfect body" the fifth time I read it (I did), I could forgive Craft because the story itself was so compelling. But don't let these literary idiosyncrasies put you off. Buy the book. Maybe with another sequel or two, I can learn to dream as erotically as Mark Manning.
Rating:
Summary: Diverting Mayhem in Wisconsin
Review: The cover may be hot, but the story within is more old-fashioned and chatty (not a bad thing) in the Agatha Christie/Margery Alligham mode. Although I have to admit that I was hoping for the mystery that would go with the cover, Craft is very good at charting the everday details of the life of newspaper editor Mike Manning who has to be detective, adoptive dad to his sister's teenage son, lover to his long-time architect boy friend and father confessor to the local sherriff as well as dreamer of suggestively haunting dreams (I can say no more). His main characters are engaging, and his gay and lesbian characters are much more than engaging, they are attractive. The requisite number of potentially murderous eccentrics are deftly assembled in small-town Wisconsin and the mayhem is in keeping with the setting: more proof that you can offed anywhere. The satisfaction level of this fast-read feel-good mystery was dampened somewhat for me, though, by the loooooooooooong stretch that I had to make (suspend my disbelief, Scotty!) to accept that so many very separate worlds had to collide (in rural Wisconsin!) to shore up the explanation of the murder (yes, there is a murder! and it's not a murder of a cow!) and the means to perform an almost perfect crime.
Rating: 
Summary: Awesome Mystery
Review: This book was a total pleasure to read. This is the first one of the "Mark Manning" series that I've read. The murder story-line was very interesting. The mystery took a 'spin' on what I think would be some of the typical gay male fantasies while keeping you guessing to "who did it?". Michael Craft then takes the story a step further by devoloping the main characters through day to day experiences outside of the mystery. Experiences and emotions that gay males might go through in similiar everyday life situations. Mark and Neil (The 2 partners) may not experiencing what you or I have experienced in our life, but their thoughts and reactions to their personal life is interesting to follow. It made me anticipate what would happen next in the new book. Luckily for me, Michael Craft's new addition to the series is now out, "Boy Toy". And I'm finding out how the characters developed. I'm hooked. I've never been a fan of Mystery novels. Now I am. My first was R.D. Zimmerman's "Innuendo", which I totally enjoyed. That made me search the web for more. I found one I really didn't enjoy. But then I found Michael Craft. "Name Games" has me anticipating for more!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome Mystery
Review: This book was a total pleasure to read. This is the first one of the "Mark Manning" series that I've read. The murder story-line was very interesting. The mystery took a 'spin' on some gay male fantasies while keeping you guessing to "who did it?". Michael Craft then takes the story a step further by devoloping the main characters through day to day experiences outside of the mystery surrounding their lives. There are some very fun sub-characters also. Mark Manning and his partner Neil may not be experiencing what you or I have experienced in our life, but their thoughts and reactions to their personal life are honest and heartfelt. When I was finished, I was excited to know what would happen next in a addition to the series. Luckily for me, Michael Craft's new addition is now out, "Boy Toy". And I'm finding out how the characters are developing further. I'm hooked. I am now a fan of the Gay Mystery Genre. More importantly a fan of Michael Craft and his characters in "Name Games".
Rating:
Summary: Awesome Mystery
Review: This book was a total pleasure to read. This is the first one of the "Mark Manning" series that I've read. The murder story-line was very interesting. The mystery took a 'spin' on what I think would be some of the typical gay male fantasies while keeping you guessing to "who did it?". Michael Craft then takes the story a step further by devoloping the main characters through day to day experiences outside of the mystery. Experiences and emotions that gay males might go through in similiar everyday life situations. Mark and Neil (The 2 partners) may not experiencing what you or I have experienced in our life, but their thoughts and reactions to their personal life is interesting to follow. It made me anticipate what would happen next in the new book. Luckily for me, Michael Craft's new addition to the series is now out, "Boy Toy". And I'm finding out how the characters developed. I'm hooked. I've never been a fan of Mystery novels. Now I am. My first was R.D. Zimmerman's "Innuendo", which I totally enjoyed. That made me search the web for more. I found one I really didn't enjoy. But then I found Michael Craft. "Name Games" has me anticipating for more!
Rating:
Summary: Great read!
Review: While it isn't required to read them in sequence, you get a better appreciation of Mark's and Neil's relationship if you do. I enjoy the way their relationship is fleshed out a little more with each book. That's not meant to detract from the main plotlines. Michael Craft has not failed to deliver believable, logical scenarios. There was one thing I particularly loved about this book. The reader has all the clues needed to make his/her own theories, theories the characters haven't mentioned yet. Craft doesn't hide clues. The conclusion of his stories doesn't introduce new people/facts as a convenient way to tie up loose ends. I've enjoyed all the Mark Manning books, but this one in particular was very hard to put down. Once the fifth book is available, I'll be getting it as well!
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