The Story Behind This Book
Many years ago, when I tried to read fiction about lesbian characters, I found I could not relate to them. They seemed a staunch misrepresentation of who I was and who the other gay women in my life were. So I wanted to write a book in this genre that I would want to read, that included people I could really care about; with plot, sexuality, humor and drama that kept me interested. Armchair Detective was the result of that effort.
I have just finished the sequel to this book, available in March 2010, entitled, Also Known As DNA. With notes on the 3rd book, it appears it's going to be a series.
Praise and Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars An Absolute Pleasure, July 30, 2012 By Vix Reader "Vix Reader" (Cali)
This review is from: Armchair Detective (Paperback)
What fun!
I love a book written in the first person. This technique allows me to easily identify with the main character, because I am "in her skin" and I only get information as she gets it. Also, this structure colors how I see the other characters in the book because I am seeing them through a subjective point of view. This technique is even more gratifying because Jobeth is so, so likeable.
While the plot starts off a bit flimsy (a guy hires a private investigator at a coffee shop simply because she is reading a book on the topic?), the relationship between Jobeth and Phoebe is a hoot. They are both very down to earth and I hate to use the word again, but they are two very likeable characters. The overall character development is fabulous. Their relationship doesn't catapult from lust to love in twenty pages. You see them learn to trust each other and neither woman wants to change the other. I really love how Phoebe accepts Jobeth at face value and gives Jobeth time and room to grow. Their dialogue is so sharp and witty; it's easy to see why they fall for each other. The clever banter between the two of them makes for a quick and pleasurable read and the sex scenes aren't bad either. I can't wait to download the sequel and I plan on reading more from this author.
“This genre novel is a lot of fun. It doesn’t try to be anything except what it is, an erotic lesbian detective story, and it does that really well. The hero is a smart, sassy woman who loves to please women. She gets a lot of sex, and we readers get fairly graphic descriptions. She’s not shallow, though. She’s a well-defended butch who isn’t too comfortable with being on the receiving end till she meets the right woman.
That’s the romantic/erotic side of the story. The detective part is suspenseful and full of action. This is not a “who-dun-it”; there’s no question about the identity of the villain. The main question is whether the hero will get herself killed in the process of getting the evidence. She almost does, about four times, in rather ingenious ways. And all along the way, there’s that smart, funny detective patter to amuse us.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, gay-positive, sex-positive read, this is a good choice.”
Jenny Y wrote this review Saturday, December 29, 2012.
BRAVO! Armchair Detective had me captivated from beginning to end. I really hope you plan on doing a sequel to this book as I'd love to read more about Jobeth O'Brien and Phoebe McMasters.
The graphic descriptions of these characters made me sit on the edge of my seat, hardly containing myself, wanting to know what is going to happen next. I found myself laughing, crying and holding my breath with Jobeth and Phoebe. I felt like I was there with these ladies experiencing all that they saw and did. As the plot got more intriguing, I found I couldnt just put this book down, I HAD to read more.
This is definately one of my favourite books. ~Jo Cincotta
Waiting on the sequel...
I loved this book! So much so, I've asked, more like plead with, the author to consider a sequel. I read this book after reading another of Ms. Baeli's books, A Random Act of Blindness. I think her characterization is genius, and whether you are gay or straight, you can identify with her characters. The sex is always very tastefully done so that even the most homophobic soul on the planet should be able to maintain their focus on the plot, which is riveting. And, besides, this is not pornographic; rather, it's about learning to trust and to experience true love which is something that the vast majority of us, gay and straight, hope to find in our lifetimes. I am currently reading a third novel written by Ms. Baeli entitled Achilles Forjan and am finding it every bit the delight that the first two novels were. Again, Ms. Baeli, if you happen to read this, please consider a sequel! I'm dying to know what Jobeth might get herself mixed up into next!
~ Tanya Gotcher,
Little Rock, AR
October 7, 2009
(My reply to Penguin Books when they asked what is my favorite book: "My favorite book is currently Armchair Detective by Kelli Jae Baeli. Others of hers are also very good. She's a characterization master!"
Author's Note: I just finished the sequel, entitled, Also Known As DNA. Watch website for announcements of release date, sometime in March 2010. Additionally, it appears as though this will become a series.
Could Not Put It Down!!
I listen to most of my books because I'm in the car so much. I looked for this author on audible and was sad not to see her there. I ordered the ebook anyway and I was so glad that I did! I devoured this book in a single night which is very rare for me. I am not a lesbian (although I do admit to a wild curiosity.) After reading this, lets just say, I walked away completely satisfied! :)
~R. Griego
Denver, CO
October 29, 2009
Erotica, mystery, laughter..
I found out about Armchair Detective through a search engine, and went to Ms. Baeli's home page. From there, i checked out her book, and decided to order it from Barnes and Noble. Good erotic writing is so hard to find, but that's what i did find in this book. Somewhat surprisingly, the mystery plot was also interesting, and kept me turning pages to find out what would happen. IN addition, i was able to garner a good laugh from the dialogue. It's so refreshing to find a new writer that writes the things i try so hard to find. I can't wait for Baeli's next book...
~Anonymous reviewer on Barnes & Noble site:
“. . .contains some of the best erotica ever written. . . and that’s along with an interesting plot, humor, depth and poignancy, too.”
--Remarkable Women Online
Lesbian Bedtime Story...
This is a delightfully enjoyable piece of lesbian fiction. All of the characters are believable and are far from being stereotypes. The two leading female characters are very different, yet inextricably drawn to each other. Jae Baeli gives these characters a psychological profile that is both revealing and vulnerable. The sex scenes are erotic and vibrant. The leading woman is a strong but vulnerable woman who makes lots of mistakes as an amateur private investigator. Classic cars, botched detective work, hot lesbian love scenes, black mail, x-rated photos, and electronic cigarettes are the main themes of this piece of fiction. Perfect for the coffee table or the night stand. A good bedtime story that won't let you sleep until you're finished reading.
~Gail C. Tracy "Tracer"
Denver, CO
October 7, 2009
Could Not Put It Down!!
I listen to most of my books because I'm in the car so much. I looked for this author on audible and was sad not to see her there. I ordered the ebook anyway and I was so glad that I did! I devoured this book in a single night which is very rare for me. I am not a lesbian (although I do admit to a wild curiosity.) After reading this, lets just say, I walked away completely satisfied! :)
~Rebecca Grieco
Denver, CO
October 29, 2009
Loved it...
"Well its been a long time since I read a book I just didn't want to put down. Armchair Detective was great. I think my heart just about beat out of my chest during the whole scene...So could you tell me where I can find someone like Phoebe? Or Jobeth? Talk about passion, Those two blew me away with all the affection that they had for one another. I wanted you to know the book kept my interest up the whole time. "
~ Lynnette Kuhnert,
Avid Reader in Fayetteville
Satisfying!
"An intriguing and enjoyable read, Armchair Detective is the perfect rendezvous for the lover of escapist erotic fiction, as the reader becomes a voyeur to lusty liaisons. The mystery fan will be equally satisfied as the story sticks to a well-paced, suspenseful plot that runs parallel to the budding romance. The beauty of Armchair Detective is that Baeli manages to balance the romance and suspense storylines, without sacrificing the credibility of either."
~ Justice Harlow,
author of Shall We Consummate? & The Recipe
From the Publisher:
"Jobeth O'Brien is driven by a dream to become a Private Investigator, but her past makes her guarded in matters of the heart. The story takes us through her first case, and her first love, both bringing her more than she bargained for. An erotic, funny, and suspenseful tale of one young lesbian's accidental growth."
~Lightswitcher Books
"A Tasty Morsel for the Mystery Buff...
Armchair Detective is a wonderful mystery with lots of plot twists that keep you interested and make you late for work. I am a fan of lesbian erotica, but i don't care for "nasty stuff." This was a great read because the erotica storyline was tastefully done. Basically, this book was believable. It was not filled with stereotypical lesbo charaters. They were healthy people that had a life in and out of bed."
~Ingrid Nelson,
New Jersey
"I need a cigarette!
Oh. My. God. How much did i love reading the sex parts in this book? okay, i am interested in other things besides sex. But this is really good in that area.The story was also excellent, and i enjoyed how fast it was to read. Really a good book-- i recommend it!"
~Pattie Reese, Yukon, OK
"I wish i could forget...
Being from Oklahoma, it sure was nice to see so much detail in a book about an area i live in. Being a lesbian, i fully appreciated how realistic it was that a stone butch woman can meet someone who opens her up and teaches her to believe in love, and to trust again. This is a book i wish i could forget--so that i can read it again!"
~Sally Kerr,
Oklahoma City, OK
"Coffeetable goodie!
My best friend happens to be a female (i know--unusual) and while waiting around for her to get ready to go out one night, i picked up this book from her coffeetable. I became so involved after a few pages, i asked to borrow it. I'm glad i did. Now ive never read 'lesbian fiction' and i have no idea if it's all like this or not--but this book was really good. I have to admit i got a little hot reading the 'romantic' parts, but more than that, it really was overall a great read. I remained interested in the plot and in the two women. I look forward to Ms. Baeli's next offering. So my advice to anyone reading this review is that if you enjoy a good book--whether you're straight or gay, this is a good choice (as long as you're open minded)."
~Keesan Ludlow,
Colorado Springs, CO
So Good
Finished Armchair Detective this a.m. I must admit I like reading about openly lesbian characters, especially when the plot and writing are so good...Armchair Detective is excellent mind candy. My only comment at this point is I wish it were longer. "
~K. Archer, M.D.,
Longmont, CO
