Rehearsed to Death

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Hart to Hart via HGTV, this fabulous new quozy (queer cozy) mystery series by award-winning author and playwright Frank Anthony Polito's features a gay couple who solve crimes while renovating houses in suburban Detroit as part of their hit reality show Domestic Partners. Now, their foray into community theater proves a major risk thanks to some deadly improvisation . . . Peter's first play is having its world premiere at Pleasant Woods's community theater. His handsome one and only, JP, has the lead. Rehearsals have begun. And New York City's award-winning, hotshot helmer, Xander Sherwood Deva, is directing. Unfortunately the controlling, arrogant, poison-barbed, egomaniacal diva has everyone on edge. No wonder he finally pushes someone over it . . . Xander is found strangled to death in the same extra-long, imported cashmere scarf he's been brandishing like a boa ever since he arrived. In the name of making art he's burned a lot of bridges and made a lot of enemies but which one wanted to bring down the curtain on him As they say in the theater- the show must go on. But not before amateur sleuths Peter and JP become Domestic Partners in Crime and try to solve this deadly real-life drama ahead of opening night.

Reviews

PRAISE FOR RENOVATED TO DEATH

Playwright and novelist Politos new series is built on a solid foundation that consists of an eclectic cast of characters (including a police detective whose professional cluelessness rivals that of Sheriff Amos Tupper from Murder She Wrote), a close-knit community setting in the form of a posh suburb of Detroit, and a leisurely paced plot with a killer twistNot since Sarah Gravess Jake Tiptree mysteries has home remodeling been so deadly entertaining. Library Journal

[A] sprightly cozy from Lambda Award winner PolitoSome crackerjack renovation tips, including the proper procedure for refinishing woodwork, will appeal to DIY enthusiasts. Publishers Weekly

Polito debuts a cozy featuring a gay couple who get entangled in a murderQuirky, humorous. Kirkus Reviews

"Renovated to Death by Frank Anthony Polito might just be the perfect cozy mystery. PopSugar

A fast, fun readwith bonus renovating tips! Laura Levine, author of Murder Gets a Makeover

The fabulous and fun Domestic Partners in Crime in this wildly entertaining new home makeover murder mystery dont cut corners on the laughs or suspense with suspects coming out of the woodwork! Youll want to both love it and list it as your favorite new cozy series! Lee Hollis, author of Death of an Ice Cream Scooper

The real estate market is hot and so is Frank Anthony Politos debut mystery, Renovated to Death. If youre addicted to HGTV, if youve dreamed of flipping a house, or even if your DIY skills are limited to changing a lightbulb, youll enjoy this trip to Pleasant Woodswhere no ones ever been murdered, until now! Leslie Meier, author of Easter Bonnet Murder

Renovated to Death is an amusing mystery set in a rapidly gentrifying suburb of Detroit, featuring a largely gay cast of characters and narrated by mystery writer Peter, who cohosts a home renovation show with his actor partner JP. After a suspicious death occurs in the home they are scheduled to remodel on the next season of their show, they get caught up in trying to solve the mystery. An entertaining cozy read! Carol, Schuler Books

Fun new mystery series about a home renovation show set in Michigan with LGBTQ main characters. Lisa Joyce, South Portland Public Library

This is an absolute delight and exactly the breath of fresh air cozies need. A recommended purchase for all collections where mysteries are popular. Elle P., Worcester Public Library

Author Bio

Frank Anthony Polito is an award_x2011_winning author and playwright. His novels include the Lambda Award-winning Drama Queers!, Lost in the '90s, The Spirit of Detroit, and Band Fags!, among many others, and his plays have been produced around the country. He holds an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon and a BFA in Theatre from Wayne State. After growing up in the Detroit suburbs, Polito lived in New York City for 18 years before moving to Pleasant Ridge, Michigan with his partner Craig Bentley and their two dogs. They live in a 1924 Craftsman Colonial that they purchased on HGTV's House Hunters and have been renovating together since 2013. He can be found online at facebook.com/frankanthonypolito.