Dead on Your Feet: A Mystery (Stonewall Inn Mysteries)

From Publishers Weekly

Michaels (Love You to Death) hands another murder case to out-of-the-closet, loud and proud Boston hairdresser Stan Kraychik in this witty, fast-moving romp. Skilled in conversation and adept at mining clues from gossip, Stan is an able amateur sleuth. When his lover Rafik ("rhymes with technique") Panosian asks him to investigate the murder of the Boston City Ballet's director, Stan complies, in part for reasons of his own. He worries that fantasy-come-true Rafik, a physically flawless dancer who rides a motorcycle, wears lots of leather and speaks with a French accent, may be a philanderer or even the killer. Interrogations of the catty, egocentric members of the ballet company help Stan narrow the list of suspects and determine Rafik's true feelings. A controlled, self-mocking tone and some campy humor keep things moving at a rapid clip, while steamy (safe-sex) scenes of light bondage balance the overall levity. Although the finale holds few surprises and the denouement slips into the sentimental, this agreeable mystery draws readers into Stan and Rafik's tumultuous professional and personal lives.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

A third appearance for Boston hairdresser/amateur sleuth Stan Kraychik (Love You to Death, 1992, etc.), who's all a-dither at committing to a relationship with Nureyev-like choreographer Rafik Panossian, now working on a new ballet for controversial director Max Harkey. When Max is messily dispatched, Stan, on a first-name basis with members of the ballet set, is given the green light to investigate by his former nemesis, rugged Officer Branco. Among his interviewees: a wealthy benefactor; a ballet mistress with a Russian accent; a conductor; and a homophobic homosexual ballet star. A cute guy is killed; an unappealing one makes advances; and Stan and Rafik spat and make up (in love scenes that may be a tad too graphic for mainstream tastes). Then, in a fabulous penthouse surrounded by balconies, Stan and the killer meet up one last time.... Much here for gay balletomanes, but others may have less interest in Stan's romantic soul-searching, his bumbling detective work, and his clientele back at Snips. -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.