cover image CLOSE TO YOU: A Nikki Barnes Mystery

CLOSE TO YOU: A Nikki Barnes Mystery

Joan Albarella, . . iUniverse/Mystery & Suspense, $14.95 (224pp) ISBN 978-0-595-27303-4

Leapin' lesbians! Albarella's (Called to Kill) third over-the-top, overwritten whodunit to feature amateur sleuth Nikki Barnes portrays a world of sex and violence where almost every woman is either gay or bisexual, and almost every man is either a crazed rapist or a total wimp. Nikki, an ultra-liberal Episcopal priest, serves as faculty adviser to the Gay and Lesbian Student Organization at St. David University in Sheridan, N.Y. When one of her students becomes the victim of a vicious rape and murder, Nikki joins cop Max Mullen, the only sane male in the story, to investigate. Other victims—all female—end up spread-eagled and naked, assaulted, dead or nearly so, including Nikki, who sustains more injuries than an NFL linebacker. The megabutch Nikki, who served a tour in 'Nam, is not only irresistible to other women, she's invincible, escaping several attacks to kick butt and save the day. The plentiful sex scenes are good for a few laughs ("They earnestly pulled off slacks and panties, each helping each shed the remnants of another life... another world"). Those looking for trashy escapist fare should be satisfied. (POD)

Forecast:Since the description and cover art give no clue that this mystery is softcore lesbian porn, some readers may feel misled.