Funny and suspenseful mystery novel starring Frank Coffin, a homicide detective from Baltimore who saw one too many crime scenes and fled for the beach town of Provincetown. However, a series of murders are livening up the town considerably, which is already lively due to its wild and varied gay population. The best elements of this novel are the vivid and unique setting of P-town, the affectionate portrayal of the gay community, and the well-drawn, often eccentric characters. Great female characters, including Frank's girlfriend, a yoga instructor who can take care of herself, as well as Frank's partner Lola. Also, there's a light, dry humor that runs through the entire book that is most enjoyable. Here's a fascinating description of the "tall ships" in town:
"The straight cross-dressers were harder to figure out--the just plain transvestites everyone in town called tall ships. The tall ships tended to be large men who strode up and down Commercial Street in plus-sized tweed skirts, support hose, and pumpkin-colored lipstick; craggy-faced and lonely-looking men with dispirited wigs and five o'clock shadows poking through pancake makeup."
Later, Frank is showing the photo of the cross-dressing reverend who was found murdered:
"Oh my God," the drag queen in the sequined dress said. "Look at that sad little outfit. It's just heartbreaking."
Good fun!
