Jackson Square Jazz (Scotty Bradley Series #2)

Publishers Weekly

After a somewhat slow opening, the thrills stack up Hollywood-style with car chases, a kidnapping, a home invasion and a funny, daring escape in Herren's steamy second gay mystery (after 2003's Bourbon Street Blues) set in a lovingly evoked New Orleans. Self-described boy-toy, ex-exotic dancer and fledgling gumshoe Scotty Bradley works to earn his PI's license researching cases for his straight-laced older lawyer brother, Storm. Too briefly, the author entices us into a well-rendered world of professional ice skating as the brothers pursue answers to clear an upcoming young champion of a murder rap. Later, a scintilla of clairvoyance and some dog-eared tarot cards give Scotty the insight necessary to crack a long unsolved crime. The reader can forgive a few stereotypical characters when Scotty has such unusual pals as hunky hottie Colin, a cat burglar, and can turn for support to his petrified-hippie parents, who fully accept his lifestyle. In the end, faced with the dire prospect of monogamy with either a bawdy bandit or a G-man stud, Scotty gets to have his beefcake and eat it too. (Apr. 6) Forecast: The jacket art, which includes a photo image of one man embracing another from behind, will alert readers that they should be prepared for some sex more explicit than that, for example, in the gay mysteries of David Stukas or Michael Craft, who supplies a blurb. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

French Quarter denizen Milton Scott Bradley, 29, gay, and almost a private investigator, tackles a second murder mystery (after Bourbon Street Blues). This time out, he searches for clues that will help him clear a closeted, 19-year-old, world-class ice skater from suspicion in the stabbing death of a blackmailing tabloid reporter. Convenient assistance comes from Scotty's lawyer brother, their understanding sister, and their free-spirited and marijuana-smoking parents, while pesky complications appear in the form of missing moms, ardent suitors, and not-so-furtive "tails." A chatty narrative, witty asides, and a few touristy tidbits complete the splashy picture. Recommended for gay mystery collections. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.