Search - Disappearing Nightly (Esther Diamond, Bk 1)

Oh, I really really liked this book! It can only be described as a paranormal mystery romp - fast paced, funny, quirky with a completely over the top cast of characters. The plot was a little uneven in places, but it is completely forgiveable in a first series book. Set in NYC the cast consists of actresses, drag queens, detectives, magicians (as in cutting the lady in half) and, naturally, eccentric 300 year old sorcerors. Lots of fun.

A paranormal screwball comedy adventure. A highly enjoyable, quick read. Very entertaining.

Oomph. I descended to skimming this one, then skipping pieces, then abandoning it. Its centered around thinly disguised (and updated) version of The Magic Show from the late 70's and early 80's when the show's pop tart star disappears. On the surface, it looks like the sort of screwball comedy I like. On reading, it starts decently and it gets worse. Horribly worse.

The organization of magicians, the epidemic of disappearances, etc. At best it feels weak and like the only competent characters are the gay supporting cast and the female lead. To go from there, it isn't even very funny.

Sorry, but not worth it.

Very funny - looking forward to reading the sequel.

Was a fluffy,light mystery. I did enjoy the characters and the plot.

I absolutely *loved* this book!

It's a quick, fun paranormal read about Esther Diamond, who has a role playing a green nymph in the Off-Off-Off Broadway show "Sorceror!" When the show's star, Golly Gee, truly disappears during a magic-show type disappearing act, it doesn't take Esther long to figure out that something strange is going on -- especially when she finds out that other people have also gone missing during the same type of acts.

This book is full of quirky characters who are truly fun and well-developed -- from the three-hundred-plus-year-old Max to the creepy Hieronymus, from Dolly the Dancing Cowgirl and Delilah the beautiful transvestite, to Satsy (aka Saturated Fat) the obese cross-dresser to the tight-lipped Herlihy.

Read it! It's too good to pass up. My only complaint is that the second book in the series, DOPPELGANGSTERS, didn't come out from Luna Books in December 2006 as planned. Fortunately, DAW is publishing it in 2008. I can't wait!