The Night G.A.A. Died

Rating:
Summary: toujours gai archy
Review: This is one of my all time favorite "gay mysteries." I'm not even exactly sure why, because by the end, what with the F.B.I. and the C.I.A. and the K.G.B., the plot does seem to have taken a sharp detour and sped right off the edge of the map. Still there is something classic about THE NIGHT G.A.A. DIED.

Ricardo writes clean, effective prose in a wry tone that gives this novel, set in the militant 1970s, a nostalgic, almost poignant feel. It feels real, from the waterfront trucks to the Y.M.C.A., in the way that black and white movies seem more real than color.

Another plus for me: vivid characterizations. I'll follow a plot just about anywhere if I like the characters enough. Smart and sardonic, ex-cop Archie Cain would have made a great series protagonist. And the totally closeted, boyish Johnny is Archie's perfect foil. How disappointing we never get to see their relationship evolve, or follow their further adventures, but seven years later it is probably too much to hope for a sequel.

Rating:
Summary: toujours gai archy
Review: This is one of my all time favorite "gay mysteries." I'm not even exactly sure why, because by the end, what with the F.B.I. and the C.I.A. and the K.G.B., the plot does seem to have taken a sharp detour and sped right off the edge of the map. Still there is something classic about THE NIGHT G.A.A. DIED.

Ricardo writes clean, effective prose in a wry tone that gives this novel, set in the militant 1970s, a nostalgic, almost poignant feel. It feels real, from the waterfront trucks to the Y.M.C.A., in the way that black and white movies seem more real than color.

Another plus for me: vivid characterizations. I'll follow a plot just about anywhere if I like the characters enough. Smart and sardonic, ex-cop Archie Cain would have made a great series protagonist. And the totally closeted, boyish Johnny is Archie's perfect foil. How disappointing we never get to see their relationship evolve, or follow their further adventures, but seven years later it is probably too much to hope for a sequel.