Book Review: Innuendo

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Innuendo     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
R. D. Zimmerman
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Gay / Lesbian
Series: Todd Mills # 5
Delacorte, Nov 1999, $21.95, 307 pp.

One of Hollywood's leading actors Tim Chase is haunted by rumors that he is gay even though he is married to the beautiful Gwen Owens. Tim happens to be in Minneapolis shooting a film. Local TV news reporter Todd Mills figures he would be a natural to interview the movie screen giant, as he himself is gay.

However, Todd receives bad news from his lover, police detective Steve Rawlins. Someone killed a gay teenager they recently met. Todd soon learns that his lover may have also cheated on him with the teen. Steve and Todd's relationship appears over. Meanwhile, Todd meets Tim, who invites him over for an exclusive. Steve sees his lover and the superstar in a heated embrace even as the cop accuses the actor of murder.

INNUENDO is a great contrasting of a Midwest gay lifestyle against Hollywood glamour inside of a well-designed murder mystery. The who-done-it is entertaining and Minneapolis is always a joy to visit. However, this novel belongs to the strong characters who seem genuine in their efforts to either live their life to the fullest or hide inside the closet. R.D. Zimmerman has written his best Todd Mills tale to date because his sympathetic cast brings to life problems confronting the gay community, but in an interesting non-preaching story line.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner