John Inman

Gut wrenching, heartbreaking, thought provoking and spiritual are all words to describe this book. John Inman is an amazing writer, he so easily captures a mood or a moment so clearly and truthfully you have no doubt that these are real people who you can empathize with and feel for.

The story is set in a small farming community somewhere in the Midwest, God's country. Bryan is a Methodist minister with a secret, and a well developed sense of snark. I loved Bryan, although at times I wanted show more to smack him upside his head. He could be so intelligent and understanding one minute and completely clueless the next.

The murders take place over a long hot rainy summer while Bryan, his best friend Sam, Sam's Aunt, Bryan's nephew Jesse and Jess's friend Kyle are getting the Methodist Summer Camp ready to open in August. Sam is a wonderful man and I don't know how he waited for Bryan so patiently for so long. I don't think I could have done it.

The location and the weather are as much characters in the story as the open letter are. The peace of the lake set against the horror of he murders; the heavy rains and violent storms help create that oppressive atmosphere you feel growing as the deaths pile up.

I figured out who the killer was early in the story, only because I have reads hundreds of mysteries and this reminded me of a pretty famous one. Not that there is any similarity between the two, just the thought of that one sparked an idea which lead me to a suspect and once that happened there are plenty of clues scattered through the ot the story. This didn't detract anything from the book, I keep reading to see how the truth would play out and how everything would be resolved. I admit I cried when the truth was revealed, so many emotions, so much pain, yet a chance for a better future. Read the book, it is so very very good. show less

The most memorable thing about this book was its sense of place. I was immersed in the world of The Belladonna Arms (their apartment building where 95% of this book took place). And it was a wonderful place to be. Those would be very interesting and warm neighbors to have.

In the beginning, the humor and all of the characters seemed over the top, like caricatures, but once I got into the story I grew to really love them, their humor and big personalities, and I expected the best from them show more all. And they did delivered. This book was page after page of smiles and happiness, well-balanced with the vivacious cast of characters, a range of emotion, and a beautiful (if maybe too perfect) story line.

I will definitely read more by Inman 'cause he can write a very fun and enjoyable story. I recommend this if you want a memorable, light, and quick story. show less

Well, I believe I may have a crush on John Inman and will continue to pick up everything he writes. This was just exactly what I needed…but I have to tell you there was more in this than I was expecting. I jumped in not knowing anything about this book at all other than John thinks it’s one of his funniest. Well, honestly it’s not the funniest. I have only read one other and I have to say I laughed out loud more times in “Boys on the Mountain” than I did this…but maybe it was show more just me…maybe the horror parts of that particular book made you relish the giddy times all the more.



Regardless, this was wonderful. I just wasn’t expecting the heart. The emotional impact of Joe or Pedro or the sweet love shared between our MCs. Frank is just beyond fantastic…I just want to kiss him…



In addition to the heart is some unbelievable depiction of two of the biggest horse’s asses I have probably ever read about…quite a few times this was me…



And yet it was all worth it in the end…throw in a 1300 pound hog named Samson and a treasure map to boot and you will be left horrified but giddy. Yep…horrified but giddy. What better way to end a John Inman book…and I anxiously await the next one. Highly recommended. Awesome BR with Momo, Nathan and Marte" show less

Serenading Stanley by John Inman was a mostly enjoyable read. I say "mostly" because when the main characters are only being kept apart by one of them having a major inferiority complex it makes for plenty of slappable moments. Aside from that quibble, the set up of an alternative 28 Barbary Lane style apartment building and some fun characters and dialogue makes the rest of the book an enjoyable read. Plus, hot sex. So there's that. :-)