Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Dublin's flamboyant drag scene provides the backdrop for Murphy's scintillating debut and series launch. After many rejected outfits, Robyn has perfected his drag persona, the striking Mae B. Mae B is a hit at TRASH , the drag club Robyn and his best friend, Fiona "Fi" McKinnery, consider a second home. The applause, however, is short-lived when fellow drag queen Eve, wearing Mae B's slinky gown and red wig, savagely parodies Mae B's performance. Soon after, Fi finds Eve--still wearing Mae B's costume--face down in the gutter, dead. The police declare Eve's death an accident, but Fi has her doubts, especially when another TRASH queen is injured in a hit-and-run. When Ben, another TRASH queen, is shot and killed, Fi is sure her friends are in danger. Fi, dubbed "Hagatha Christie" by Robyn, and her long-ago crush, pathologist Patrick Midda, try to find out who's targeting TRASH's queens before the annual Pride parade becomes a sequin and satin--draped funeral procession. Sharp dialogue compensates for characters who occasionally come across as flat. Readers will eagerly await the sequel. Agent: Ed Wilson, Johnson and Alcock. (Nov.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Murphy's debut and first installment in the "Dublin Drag" series follows Fi, whose best friend, Robyn, is making his debut as drag queen Mae B at the local club, TRASH. Fi, who is straight, isn't invited to Mae B's after-party, and is the one to discover a competing queen dead in the alley outside the club. Fi is convinced it was murder, and when another body turns up, her suspicions are confirmed. Murphy has created a spectacular drag world that even those new to the scene can understand and love. While the large cast may be a little overwhelming for listeners, the main characters shine throughout. Narrator Ell Potter uses perfectly modulated tones to capture Fi's range of emotions, from timidness at the drag club to anger and deep sadness as her investigation threatens her friendships. But Fi pushes on, showing determinism and bravery, especially in the final chapters. Well-loved tropes and expectations are present, while others are turned around in a way that keeps the story, especially the final reveal, fresh and exciting. VERDICT Wonderfully flawed and relatable Fi will charm cozy mystery fans. Listeners will be eager for the next installment in this sparkling series.--Carmanita Turner
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