Death Wore a Fabulous New Fragrance

It all started when I was persuing books in the airport bookstore when I came across the title, "Death Wore a Fabulous New Fragrance." I pulled it out and did a quick thumb-through when I heard my flight's boarding call. Having found nothing else that even came close to piquing my interest, I paid for the book and ran to catch my flight. For the next two hours, I was grinning, laughing, and having a grand time with two of the most imaginative characters in the most glamourous of situations to the point that *I* was jealous of them. Yeah, yeah, they're fictional characters but the panache they pull off when ordering Bombay Sapphire Gin Martinis....buy this book, make a pitcher of Bombay Sapphire Gin Martinis (or Long Island Iced Teas) and lose yourself in this book. I *dare* you to read between the lines on some of these characters! I know I did and it made it all that much more enjoyable!

I really enjoyed this book for several reasons. First, I had read Mr. Outland's first mystery book and enjoyed it thouroughly. Second, it was fun trying to figure out who the famous people in the book he was talking about were (some I could, some I am STILL trying to figure out). Lastly, I really enjoy Mr. Outland's style of writing. It is very easy to read, and the dialogue is fun, and timely. Thanks, and I can't wait for the next in the series! Jenny

Socially vacant people would take one look baby Binky van de Kamp and homosexual Doan McChandler and stereotype the pair as a drag queen and a fag. Anyone who gets to know them, quickly realizes that they are just two people who prefer to live the high life to the fullest, but do not have the cash to do so in an orthodox manner. The unusual ideas this pair uses to maintain their current lifestyle is ludicrous. Still they would go the extra mile for a friend in need (hopefully finding cash on the way). Just a month ago, Doan and Binky risked their lives to successfully rescue a friend from a murder charge. This achievement leads them to open up their own detective agency. Their first client is an acquaintance of Doan, accused of murdering a closeted movie hunk. The duo goes to LA where they quickly find themselves surrounded by human piranhas willing to do anything for a buck. Orland Outland has created a unique and refreshing new kind of mystery series that is pure fun. The mystery propels the story line forward, but it is the campy characters and their serio-comic scenes that give DEATH WORE A FABULOUS NEW FRAGRANCE its quirky charm (and odor). Though Binky and Doan are not a romantic couple, their constant zings and witty ripostes are priceless. This is the beginning of a warm friendship with a new series clearly on the cutting edge (and sometimes to the outside of that). Harriet Klausner