Frank Anthony Polito: Dragged to Death
Domestic Partners in Crime #4
I’ve enjoyed the first three books in this series, which features writer Peter Penwell and actor JP Broadway adding sleuthing to their busy lives. Somehow, bodies keep turning up, no matter what they do. They also are hosts of a house reno show on “HDTV” – a show that sounds like HGTV’s sadly departed Bargain Block. In this outing, however, the home reno is taking backstage to a drag show, which they’ve agreed to participate in for charity.
The strongest part of this novel is the explication and definition of the drag community, and the reasons why people are a part of it. As Peter and JP join the group they are introduced as drag “sisters” who will learn techniques from the older queens. In loving detail, Polito provides rich descriptions of the makeup and fashion that go into a drag presentation. I loved that this was a universe where these men felt safe and accepted. Like every other bubble in the world, though, bad things sometimes happen.