Body Art

A Thriller

By: Jordan Castillo Price

Narrated by: Gomez Pugh

Does everyone have a certain "type" they end up with, whether they want to or not? If Ray Carlucci's ex is anything to go by, Ray likes his men gorgeous, rebellious, and chock-full of issues. But now that Ray is single again, he has a shot at a fresh start - a very fresh start, since his tattoo shop was gutted by repo men and he can fit all his belongings in the trunk of a taxi.

Ray's shiny new chauffeur's license lands him a job as a driver for an elderly couple on Red Wing Island. It's a cold fall, and since the Michigan island is the summer home to snowbirds who fly south for the winter, it's practically deserted - save for Ray's new household and a sculptor named Anton Kopec, who works day and night twisting brambles and twine into the distorted shapes of macabre creatures. Compelling, bizarre, and somewhat disturbing...not just the sculptures, but the artist, too. Ray has a feeling Anton is just his "type".

When a dead body is unearthed by some workers and a freak ice storm traps them all on the island, Ray can't say for certain that his new flame isn't capable of murder - despite their scorching chemistry.

©2009 Jordan Castillo Price (P)2015 Jordan Castillo Price

New Sub-Genre for Me

I enjoyed this novella. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the romance angle going in, since this was my first MM romance. I liked it.

The couple didn't seem to be quite right for each other- but then, I think I'm just feeling protective of the main character. So great job to this author with the characters- I'm done with the story and still invested in the main character! After giving it more consideration, I think Ray and Anton do make a good, balanced out couple despite character flaws- because they're willing to work at it. Well, Ray is willing to work at it, and for now, that's enough to close a book on.

As for the 'thriller' aspect of this book, it kind of has more of a cozy mystery feel to it. I liked it, but I wouldn't label it as a thriller; especially so blatantly as to use it as a sub-title. I think that would mislead some readers into expecting less romance and something more scary.

The narrator did a great job of making each character sound unique and I'd be glad to listen to another book narrated by them.

Overall, it's a sweet cozy read. (With some VERY cozy scenes of our lovers.) If I didn't have a lot of books on my to be read shelf, I'd be looking for more by this author.

I was provided with a free copy of this audio book by the author, publisher or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.

Short, suspenseful and lovely 'read' :)

This is one of those books in which the setting and the weather are a very important part of the story, adding to the mood beautifully. And Anton! Oh, Anton is such a wonderful character! So free and so focused on his art and... life. Yes, I can understand Ray's fascination with him :)

The mystery was wonderfully plotted, and I was really surprised once the truth was revealed.

And, well, Gomez Pugh... this man is an automatic five stars for me. God, his voice!

Eerie and spooky !

Down on his luck, Ray accepts a job as a driver for an older couple who live on an island. The mansion is creepy, the grounds creepier and the weather is creepiest. This is the perfect mystery to read in the winter. And seriously, Gomez Pugh is a-mazing! He manages to give us Ray’s tough guy and Anton’s oddly endearing artist in a masterful way. I was creeped-out and turned on at the same time.

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

Price and Pugh are a fantastic combination.

Any additional comments?

Jordan Castillo Price is one of those writers that just knows how to tell a good story. And this is another that translates well into audio.

Nice voice, good mystery and Anton. Oh, Anton ...

Pretty interesting

I really enjoyed this little gem I found a while ago. We’ll thought out mystery with a pretty good narrator. A few steamy scenes. Wish we could’ve learned more about Anton and his sister. What were her motives? It was too short of a story to get back grounds on many characters.

Short (thiller?) mm romance...

Hmmmm..well I will say that the narration was what kept me listening. Gomez Pugh's voice gives his characters their own unique voice, which i appreciate when listening to narration. I find that I enjoy it more when I'm able to differentiate between the character, especially the main characters. I do believe this is my first listen from Gomez Pugh and will definitely keep him in my radar. Job well done.

Body Art: A Thiller, is a short story, so character background was very minimal and the “thriller” factor isn't really a thriller, I didn't get goosebumps or chills when listening, it's more of a mystery if anything, like a "who done it" kind of story. Body Art introduces us to Ray, former tattoo artist who's down on his luck thanks to his drug abusing boyfriend who bled him dry of his money. Needing a job and a change in scenery, he applies for a job as a driver on an island for a pair of old rich people. I liked Ray; he's a likable character. Unfortunately, due to the story being more a novella, now that I think of it, we only get a glimpse into the kooky Anton, the artist neighbor.

We're introduced to a handful of unique characters, living in a big old house that's tainted with mystery (not thriller, sorry) and some sensual times between Ray and Anton (always a plus). I give 3.85 of 5 stars for Body Art, due to lack of more intimate moments between Ray and Anton and the abrupt end to this short story. Happy listening all!

Keeps you guessing

4 Blue Roses
4 Blue Flames
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my own request, and voluntarily leave this review.
Narrator Gomez Pugh skillfully brought this short thriller to life, making me wish it was longer. I wanted more as I was engulfed by the spookiest plot about a tattoo artist who turned Chauffeur. The novel is short but it carries the feel of a much heavier story. I kept guessing and wondering about the strange people he works for and meet on the island.
It is kind of a cliffhanger, I don't see the follow up on audible.

I do recommend this audiobook, it's perfect for Halloween.

Happy Listening

Amazing!

Jordan Castillo Price has made such an amazing spooky story. Definitely something that is perfect for Halloween. Just the characters and the storyline makes that whole story. I was guessing throughout the story to see who did it. The chemistry between Rey and Anton is hot and I like the little bit of romance in this book. Then Gomez Pugh does an absolutely amazing job in narrating this story. From all the voices that he does just pulls me more into the story. This is a short one but I couldn't stop listening to his voice.

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.*

Gomez Pugh does narration right!

Any additional comments?

4.5 Stars

Gomez Pugh's narration flows as smooth as aged whiskey and keeps this sexy mystery full of entertaining and interesting characters effortlessly moving along.

Though I personally wouldn't have classified this as a "thriller" it definitely has a good mystery, some very sexy smex, and I found the whodunit very satisfying (I totally did not see that coming!).

More than anything else though the narration was just terrific. This is a "quick" three and a half hours that races by without ever dragging.

RECOMMENDED!

Spooky setting!

Like a good Agatha Christie story, murder on a semi-deserted island is spooky and thrilling. The chemistry between Ray and Anton steamed things up quite nicely. And Gomez Pugh is fast becoming one of my favorite narrators!