What’s a comic book writer’s life without a real-life archnemesis?MG Martin thought she’d turned the last page on the dangerous Golden Arrow case. The bad guys are behind bars, and the rest is up to her detective boyfriend, Matteo Kildaire. But when Golden Arrow impersonators start popping up all over Los Angeles, the writer in MG can’t help but be intrigued. Are they impostors, or has the … or has the original Golden Arrow returned for another story arc?
A reemergence of drug crime has left the LAPD baffled, and golden arrows are once again being left at crime scenes. Matteo asks MG if she’ll resume consulting on all things geek, and she jumps at the opportunity. No need to mention that she may also do some sleuthing, with her friends’ help, right?
It’s rumored that the Golden Arrow will make a guest appearance at an exclusive queen party, and MG, Lawrence, and Ryan go undercover to sniff out the truth. But the sting goes sideways in a deadly way, and it’s up to their little crew to prove that the Golden Arrow might actually be the supervillain they’re chasing. Because looks can be deceiving, and every good writer knows the sequel is where the real plot twist happens…
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I had high expectations for The Queen Con, the much anticipated follow-up to the Golden Arrow Mysteries series starter, The Frame-Up (which I gave a 5 star review). I was not disappointed. This twisty-mystery book cemented my position as enthusiastic nerd herd devotee. This book has it all: Superheros, Comic book Nerds, Gamer Geeks, Drag Queens, intrigue and romance all neatly wrapped up in a witty, adventure-filled ride the reader can’t help but enjoy. Case in point, the roller coaster ride of emotions this book provoked in me. MG’s and Matteo’s (swoon!) relationship is evolving, and MG is going through some growing pains as she navigates her first serious relationship. This left me feeling hopeful and happy to anxious and angry. MG’s emotions and actions are authentic and relatable, although I still wanted to shout at and shake her many times for her thoughts and behaviors. And eclipsing this is the mystery and danger that surround MG and her crew, specifically Lawrence and Ryan. There were many moments of deep, nail-biting concern for them. Meghan Scott Molin’s writing style masterfully draws me in to MG’s world, a world that often feels simultaneously magical and ominous. I’m eager for the next installment in this clever mystery series.
The Queen Con by Meghan Scott Molin is a humorous contemporary mystery/romantic comedy with diverse characters: a geeky female main character (Michael-Grace), her straight-laced cop boyfriend (Matteo), and her drag-queen best friend (Lawrence) along with beaucoup geeksters as secondary characters. As with the prior novel in the series, the tone is slightly snarky, and the pace clips along rapidly, keeping me fully focused on the novel. Most enjoyable is that MG, tired of men trying to change her, has given up on relationships, yet remains a woman fully-functioning on her own. She is courageous and determined, doesn’t wait around to be “saved” by a man, and remains delightfully geeky and, though comfortable with herself, a bit out of place in the real world. The slow-burn sexual tension between MG and Matteo is charming. The blend of romance and mystery is deftly woven. People who enjoy Star Trek, classic comic books, mysteries, and contemporary romantic comedies will enjoy this book.
Nerds, Superheroes, and Drag Queens
No sex
No objectionable language
No cringeworthy violence (Encounters are all action not gore)
The Golden Arrow, a comic book superhero, apparently has become very real. Drug dealers are being restrained and turned over to the police. Yet, is this the REAL Golden Arrow from book one, or is it an imposter with a sinister agenda?
Meanwhile competing drag queens’ venues are being disrupted by either the Golden Arrow or an imposter or drug lords. MG, our main character, and her cop boyfriend try to sift through the clues and events to figure out just what is going on before somebody gets killed. Who can be trusted?
Expect lots of good plot twists, enjoyable action, and confused emotions between MG and her not-at-all nerdy love interest.
I find the premise of the book, a comic book artist/costume designer vs the denizens of urban evil delightfully unusual. MG with her short bright pink (sometimes) hair, edgy style, and realistic questions about what she wants from life, is a main character I cannot help but love. If all that sounds even a little interesting to you, go for it!
Good for teens (14 or older?) – adults
Ok, I’ll admit I had some moments in this book where I shouted and wanted to throw my kindle or strangle one of the characters- but I absolutely loved it! The storyline is a bit complicated but the way it all plays out is just a work of art. I love all of the characters so much, I already can’t wait to read it again! I hope we get more than just one more golden arrow book, I need a dozen more!
That was fun!
Drag queens, drugs, mystery, romance, superheroes, nerd love, and murder!
I enjoyed the emotional journey of our Yin Yang couple, Michael-Grace and Mateo. Mateo is crush-worthy.
The mystery was not ass good as book one but overall it felt like a better book. Probably because MG is less prickly and the characters are so likable they now feel like old friends.
And the nerd love! For the love of Thor give me book three soon!
“For a few moments, I let the worries fall away, and do what I love best—lose myself in another world.”
– Michael-Grace