The Killer Wore Leather: A Mystery by Laura Antoniou

The Killer Wore Leather: A Mystery Reviews

• 
  Danny Tyran

  Obviously, Laura knows her subject; not so much the writing of a whodunit (this is a debut for her in this genre) as what happens at a Mr./Ms. Leather and Blackboot contest. She introduces us to the colorful BDSM fauna with a lot of humor.
  
  I think the Zodians are in reality the Goreans: people who made the World of Gor (John Norman) their way of life.
  
  I'm not sure what to think about the fact that the murdered guy, portrayed as an unpalatable, not to say totally unpleasant individual, was good for this story. As everyone hates him, we can suppose that any attendee or participant could be his murderer; and the attendance at this event is varied and numerous. Which prevents us from pointing the finger with certainty at a possible culprit; which is not a bad thing in a crime novel. But, on the other hand, the fact that this man was so despicable drives the readers not to pity the victim for what happened to him. Which is not necessarily a good thing since you don’t have as much to heart that the detectives discover the culprit that if you had liked at least a little the victim.
  
  The only other not so positive comment is that while the description of the almost too many characters (it’s a convention, remember?) is both realistic and funny ─one recognizes some of our acquaintances ;-) ─, the presentation of the MCs (the 2 detectives) seem to me a little too superficial for them to become dear to the readers. Having better known Rebecca, I could have felt more invested in her investigation and I’d have hoped to see her have a love affair with her ex.
  
  The character I loved most was Paul and he was the murderer. I’d have preferred that it was Ferral, who could have killed for a different reason (e.g. ruined by Mack) or Giuliano Ferri (e.g. unrequited love). Not that I don’t believe that the first slave could be jealous of the newcomer. I’ve seen enough of it to know that it exists and could be very intense. But as someone very famous song, “You can’t always get what you want.” ;)
  
  So, overall, this novel is very interesting and fun, especially for those who have already participated in BDSM conventions; but even the “outsiders” will be able to imagine themselves attending such an event. They'll smile and even laugh several times since Laura presents the convention from outsiders’ point of view.
• 
  Kate Kinsey

  Lately it’s easier to find someone to hurt me consensually than to make me laugh, so I’m just tickled pink that Laura Antoniou, primarily known for her top-shelf erotica, has decided to render us helpless with laughter in a new comic murder mystery, The Killer Wore Leather.
  
  The setting is a leather title contest, a target-rich environment for lampooning every stereotype, prejudice and dogma to be found in the gloriously diverse world of leather/BDSM/kink/whatever. The outgoing Mr. Global Leather, Mack Steele, is a delightfully nasty bit of work: vain, insensitive, judgmental, immoral and unethical. When he ends up dead — stabbed by a three-pronged fantasy knife — there’s no shortage of suspects.
  
  From boi to boy, “Zodian” to transgendered, gay to het, and everything in between and overlapping — they’re all here. Readers familiar with the title contests will certainly be trying to figure out who’s who among the characters, but it simply doesn’t matter. You’ll recognize someone in your own community who walks and talks like these archetypes of the Leather world.
  
  No one gets a pass, and no ego goes unpricked. The author has a keen eye for the posturing and paradoxes of the leather world, yet there’s nothing malicious here. Even the Zodians (yes, I think it’s safe to say that she’s talking about Gor, here) get to speak up for themselves. It’s easy to bitch and whine about “the community/lifestyle/whatever,” but much harder to point out our weaknesses with such a light comedic touch and obvious affection.
  
  Because it is obvious that the book is a love letter of sorts. Antoniou doesn’t overlook anybody’s contribution to making the kinky world go ‘round. Not just the contestants and judges, but the harried producers, the dedicated volunteers and the oft-neglected vendors — all of them get a moment in the spotlight to share their unique perspectives.
  
  (Oh, and I almost forgot the bootblacks! I never really got it before. And now I’m embarrassed that I don’t take better care of my own leather. Even if I’m mainly talking about my purse and my recliner.)
  
  Read carefully so you don’t miss some of the subtler jokes, such as the Pansexual Institute for Sexual Studies. Yes, that’s PISS. I might have to go have a t-shirt made up for that imaginary organization.
  
  If “The Killer Wore Leather” has any underlying “theme,” it’s to remind us not to take ourselves so seriously that we forget why we came looking for this community (or some subcategory of it) in the first place: to get well-fucked and have a good time doing it.
  
  The Killer Wore Leather comes just in the nick of time for me. Fifty Shades of Grey stopped being funny around page 34, so thank you, Laura, for giving me something that’s supposed to make me laugh!
  
• 
  Charles

  
  
  Mr. Global Leather has been murdered!
  
  In the Grand Sterling Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, home of the huge annual leather/BDSM/fetish ball and contest, Mr. & Ms. Global Leather, last year's male winner lies dead on the floor of his suite, wearing only very frilly, bright yellow panties. Cormac "Mack" Steel made a lot of enemies in his year wearing the studded leather sash, not the least being his co-winner Mistress Ravenfyre. But she is not alone – there are over three thousand attendees at this year's fetish-festooned event from all over the world, some of whom might have had some very personal issues with the corpse.
  
  Enter Detective Rebecca Feldblum of the Midtown East Precinct. Assigned to this doozy of a case because, as one of NYC's only out lesbian detectives, her Lieutenant seems to believe these are "her people." Shocked, amazed and alternately puzzled and amused, Detective Feldblum must navigate a world of doms and subs, masters and mistresses, pups and trainers, leather, latex and lingerie, and discover who murdered the late Mack Steel – and hopefully do it before the weekend is over and everyone goes home. In the process, she will discover more about the sexual underworld than she ever really wanted to know, and more about her own past than she could have ever imagined.
  
  
  Written in the classic spirit of Sharyn McCrumb's Bimbos of the Death Sun, The Killer Wore Leather is both an engaging mystery and a humorous glimpse into the world of modern, pansexual international leather/BDSM contests and conferences.
  
  Only Laura Antoniou could write The Killer Wore Leather. In addition to being the author of the best-selling Musclebound as well as the Marketplace series of erotic novels, she has over 20 years of experience teaching, speaking to and occasionally skewering the alt-sex communities around the world. With a wicked sense of humor, insider information and a twisted imagination, she crafts a spicy mélange of mystery and mayhem!
  
  The Killer Wore Leather is a deliciously tongue-in-cheek murder mystery set at a leather convention, allowing readers into this private world of personalities and peccadilloes. The kinkiest game of Clue, ever, with a sex toy as the murder weapon and every leather man and woman lacking an alibi. Cleverly crafted and highly humorous, Antoniou is at her wicked best in this page-turning fetish fest.
  
  
  Okay, first let's deal with the elephant in the room: this novel's title and its cover art. It is easily the literary equivalent of a turd in a punch bowl. The killer wears leather (at a Mr & Ms. Global Leather (and Bootblack) Contest?) Well, duh! Then, as cover art: a pair of leather boots. Wow! Either you're a leather freak, and started salivating at even the pictorial representation of your fetish, or your reaction was "leather boots, at a leather contest? Meh." Personally, I suggest going with either the Mickey Spillane approach: The Corpse Wore Yellow Panties, or a more conventional, but at least more interesting, The Angelfyre Murder.
  
  That mishegas out of the way, this is one really good murder mystery cum introduction to the wonderful world of leather, BDSM-lite and fetishes. Trust me. You'll love it. If you like (or liked) CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and/or The Thin Man movies, this rather lengthy (you really get your money's worth) novel is for you. If you don't like either of the above, shame on you; your mother would be so disappointed.
  
  Now to the next Dumbo flitting about the premises. Yes, the main MC is an out lesbian. To that I say: deal with it. If I can take a really cool lesbian detective and her (hot, male) African-American partner, so can you. There are two very discreet "sex" scenes, and I found myself thinking "Well, I try to get my hand down guys' pants all the time," and "So, that's how women start to make whoopee." Trust me, if it were really heavy-duty f/f action, I would let you know. It ain't. I really liked Det. Rebecca Feldblum, and her attempts to (perhap) reconnect with her ex, who has gone from mild to semi-wild.
  
  As for the leather, BDSM and fetish stuff: feh. This isn't Marquesate. It's truly leather, BDSM and fetish-lite. No one does anything in the least bit icky (other than kill the current Mr. Global Leather, of course.)
  
  The entire story is encapsulated in the summary above. However, the cast of character of this novel gives LOTR: The Return of the King a run for its money, population-wise. There are the the Boys Jack ("No! Not that Jack, the other Jack!" or Angelfyre, a former librarian, outed by the now-stiff Mack Steel as a leather fetishist, who immediately lost her job and really, really hates Mack. An admirable suspect. Or thirty-nine year-old Maureen "Bitsy" Olmstead, a five foot ten, two-hundred and seventy-pound, expediter for the leather contest, and a "slave" in perpetual search for the perfect master. Or Earl Stemple, the harried producer of the contest who heartily loathed the now-late title holder. Or reporter Nancy Nichols, who gets a first-hand, and up-close, introduction to the leather, bondage and fetish lifestyles. Or the cult of the Zodians, men who dress like Wagner-style Vikings and make their women totally subservient.
  
  See? Something for everyone. And all written in a light, tongue-in-cheek, frequently hilarious style by Ms. Antoniou. (Of whom, I want to read more in Musclebound and her Marketplace series.)
  
  If you don't come away with anything else from reading this sexy, funny, truly excellent murder mystery, you'll have learned one thing: You can't tell a book by its cover. Trust me. Would I steer you wrong?
• 
  Cloak88

  Update: 28-6-2020
  The novel is still good as ever, but it seems I never mentioned how good the voice acting by Lauren Fortgang is. She does a fantastic joy and really adds both flair and character to te narration. Just thought this was something I should mention after returning to this novel for the 5th time.
  -----------------------------------------------------------
  One of my favorite detectives/ who-dun-it novels. 4.5/5 stars
  
  A few years back I was looking for an unusual detective/ mystery novel and... Hell Yes! This is the novel that came rolling out. As it seems my old review disappeared on me, let me rewrite this review of one of my all-time favoriet novels.
  
  Say hello to Detective Rebecca Feldblum, one of the few openly lesbian detectives on the New-York police force. And unfortunate recipient of of all murder-cases that even slightly hint at LGBTQ minorities. This new case however takes the Cake. Last years winner of the biggest Leather and Fetish contest has been murdered. The victim was not a well-liked man and now she has a whole phonebook full of suspects grouped at a Leather and Fetish convention that only lasts for three more days.
  
  I was looking for unusual and I found it indeed. This is both a well written police-procedural as an introduction to a strange and interesting world of leather, fetishes and unusual lifestyles. The mix between grounded reality, and tong-in- cheek humor holds up well. Though I suspect plenty of the nuances an references to the BDSM-world went right over my head, I still had great fun.
  
  So in short this is both an awesome read as well as an educative one.
  
  Ps. I noticed that this novel got tagged as "erotica".... Heaving read the book I can say with confidence this is probably more due to subject matter than any content within the novel.
• 
  Zev

  2020 review: The previous review still absolutely stands. I've reread the book a few times since then and continue to like it even more. I look forward to it every time I read it. The dynamics between different people are delightful for different reasons. Detectives Feldblum and DeCosta are great together as cops, and I liked seeing a tense partnership for once. I read a lot of mysteries and watch police procedurals, and this is a variant of the typical. I liked how they both put aside their personal differences so smoothly and fluidly, and how dedicated they each were to their jobs. The way their conflict was ultimately handled, I thought was actually done convincingly. Bitsy and Earl had me cheering from page one, as pretty much always. Bitsy and her beau were a -delight- and oh, my heart warmed. I resemble her beau, and like women who resemble Bitsy, so I felt like I had a stake in such representation, as it were. Ravenfyre and her family--there were times I felt so much sympathy for them. There were times I snickered at some plot twists involving them, and I always laugh at the part where several women cheer a certain event that befalls the Ravenfyre family. I would cheer if I was there watching it, too. I'm mean but ohh, front row seating to that drama! Or maybe I'd die of second-hand embarrassment. Not sure. But on the page, it's fun to look forward to. I've really grown to like the bootblacks over time. I want to be Mickey Abraham when I grow up. Every time she laughed, I laughed, or giggled or tittered. I found Trudy to be really annoying for a lot of reasons, but I was happy for Detective Feldblum and intrigued to watch such a cool-headed cop be not so, as she bumped into an ex. I would -not- handle that a tenth of as well as she did.
  
  I liked -how- the plot kept twisting and why. I liked how I had to think, and sometimes I try to piece together the clues. Mostly, because of how the book is so well put-together, I just read on happily.
  
  Original review: This book was wonderful! I laughed a lot while reading it, and every new plot twist sent me spinning. Oh, someone new is suggested to have killed him? I was wrong! I must read more carefully after imagining exactly what happened! I was so grateful that kink culture was portrayed so honestly. I cheered the detectives on. When the author writes another murder mystery, I am sure to read it.
• 
  Erzabet Bishop

  As an avid fan of the Marketplace books, I was not sure what to expect from a murder mystery at a leather convention. But, knowing Laura Antoniou and her amazing writing style, I dove right in. Right away I was stunned by the visual and theatrical array of activity that should have gotten lost in the shuffle but didn't. Laura puts her vast experience to excellent use in this novel, highlighting all of the characters that can be found at a leather convention. The spiteful contestants, the questions that would drive any organizer out of their mind, the flamboyant and colorful characters and the ones you just want to kill, like our murder victim. I am still reading and am loving every moment of it.
  
  Slave Bitsy is a character that sticks in my mind a lot. We all need one. Those people behind the scenes that take no crap and are the cogs that get things done. I keep thinking I should get one for around the house. lol. Boi Jack and Boy Jack were two others that made me smile. I had only ever read boi once before and never really understood what it meant. Now (I think) I do. (Step in here any time Laura) Boi is a girl who is acting as a boy. I think...anyway, I loved the character dynamics and the movement of the story. It never stopped.
  
  The humor is another thing that really struck me. Every possible person you could meet at a convention is there. Every element of the leather community is there. Doms, Dommes, slaves, Daddies, boys, bois...leather and lace, they are all ready for the action to see who will be the new Leather champions, and to find out who murdered the last one. lol. Gold star for whoever did it!
  
  I am eager to get to the part Laura is describing about the detective and the actual investigation. So if you are looking for a mystery that is choc full of humor, knowledge about what really goes on at leather conventions ( I have always wanted to know!) and just a plain great story, then don't miss this seriously funny and captivating read. (Just don't plan on sleeping or getting your deadlines completed on time!)
  
  Okay...back to sneaking a read when I should be finishing my deadlines.
  
  5/5 Funny, amazing, fantastic and whole lot of sexy!
• 
  D.L. King

  You will like this book.
  
  You may even love this book, the way I do. What I'm saying is that you don't have to be part of the kink community to enjoy The Killer Wore Leather. You can learn about it along with Nancy, the reporter who feels put upon to have to cover such a dog of an event: the Mr. and Ms. Global Leather and Boot Black contest. You'll like it because, here's the deal: it's a murder mystery, and you like murder mysteries.
  
  And, if you happen to be a part of said kink community, you will LOVE it for its hilarious representation, hey, you might even see yourself caricatured within its pages -- you know your friends will... And actually, if you've ever been to a convention of any size, academic, science fiction, romance, engineering, you name it, the book translates.
  
  I have been a fan of Laura Antoniou's writing and wit since I picked up my first Marketplace book way back when. She's a brilliant teller of tales who knows how to turn a phrase -- turn it on its ear. Not only is the plot riviting (because you really do want to know who killed Mac Steele, ass that he is -- and when you think you know, you're wrong...just saying) but the book is laugh-out-loud funny. From Boy Jack to Boy Jack (yes, there are two) to the fabulous acronyms for all the groups and organizations (be sure to spell them out as you read!) you won't be able to put this book down and you won't be able to stop laughing.
  
  Writing comedy is a real gift. This book holds its own well with the likes of Christopher Buckley, Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, (oh, and maybe a little Damn You, Autocorrect, too) not for its content, but for it's wit, style and outrageous humor. I'm not going to rehash the plot. Others have already done that. Simply know that you will like the book, regardless of who you are or where you come from. So do yourself a favor and give yourself a little present.
  
  In full disclosure, I was given an advanced reader copy by the publisher--but I would have loved it just as much if I'd bought it with my own hard-earned money...
• 
  Raven

  Unlike everyone in the nineties, who was reading Laura Antoiou's "The Marketplace," I did not read the series until 2010. Yeah I'm saying it out load, I didn't drink the kool aid. Wanting to support our local small business owner, I lucked out and picked up an autographed copy of, "The Killer Wore Leather an S/M mystery" at Purple Passion.
  
  If you have been to any kind of convention, whether Sci-Fi, Anime, Steam Punk, or Kink related, you will notice some characters from each of the conventions in your own community, this is no different.
  Set in the greatest city in the world, New York, folks came from near and far, to a hotel in mid town for the Mr. and Mrs. Global Leather and Bootblack contest.They all came, rubbing elbows, in all of their leather, rubber, and latex and helmeted horned finery. If you have ever been to a convention and thought god I wish she/he would just die,this book is for you.
  
  In the dead of the night, a Leather man was struck down, and it was up to New York's finest Detective Feldblum and her new partner, the hunky Dominick DaCosta to sift through the language of the BDSM world while figuring out the motivation of the bootblacks and learning a lesson in volunteerism by Bitsy, that's slave Bitsy and boi Jack, not the other boy Jack but both Jacks
  
  In true Laura Antoiou style, no one is saved from her wit and witticisms. Words to the wise, if your feelings get hurt, just remember the words of a famous man:
  "Who the cap fits, let them wear it." And know you're taking yourself to damn serious.
  
  I so loved the mystery in this book, and just when you thought it was safe, and you were the only sane person who knew who the killer was consent was withdrawn.
  Thank the feminist Goddess I live in NY so laughing so hard at parts in the book didn't even raise an eyebrow on the subway.
  I hope there's more form Laura with these two charterers, and a big thank you Laura for the diversity of people not fetish in this story.
  
  And just so you know the killer in the book who killed a distinguished Leather Man in the "community"
  
  Wore leather.
• 
  LVLMLeah

  This is just a fun, light, and humorous murder mystery. Set in a world I really know nothing about, I enjoyed that the author didn't make fun of but laughed with the characters, all of whom kind of over-the-top.
  
  Narrator did an amazing job and brought each character to life in the way she read this.
  
  Loved it.
• 
  Angelica

  THE KILLER WORE LEATHER, BY LAURA ANTONIOU

  
  

  Diego was positively giggling when he handed me this paperback, saying "You have to read this!"

  
  

  I honestly cannot think of a better indication that someone cares for you. He knows exactly how I like my coffee, even though I never told him; he just paid attention and learned. And, so far, his book recommendations are always spot-on.

  
  

  Synopsis: A hotel is being taken over by a leather and kinky sex convention and contest. One of the judges, and last year's winner, is found murdered in his room. Detective Rebecca Feldblum, (called Detective Dyke by her colleagues) is called in to investigate.

  
  

  Overall enjoyment: 10/10. It was such a fun read; it had me laughing out loud on some parts, and always eagerly turning the pages.

  
  

  Plot: It is the classic whodunnit, with lgbt/kink/leather/BDSM as background. One of the things I loved was that the suspense and mystery by themselves are well constructed and engaging, this book is not an excuse to talk about kinky sex with a weak plot to connect things.

  
  

  Characters: Fascinating and well-written. It would have been very easy to give either a condescending or a judgmental look at them, but instead she manages to tell a story about people, and make you genuinely care about them. The back story of Slave Bitsy and Tom had me hugging my pillow like only the best type of fluff fanfic can do.

  
  

  World/setting: She's very careful and savvy with the convention atmosphere. How chaotic it is, trying to appease all the different wills of the people involved. That was another nice touch.

  
  

  Writing style: Fun, fast-paced, easy to read. The mystery is classic and the suspense is well constructed.

  
  

  Representation: Oh, wow, where do I start? You have people of all colors, shapes, sizes, religions, sexual orientations, gender identifications... It's easier to say what I didn't find in this book: there was no specifically stated Muslim character, and no asexuals (but then, it is a "kinky sex" convention, so maybe that would be a bit weird). You have Jewish, black, Asian, gay, straight, bisexual, MtF, FtM, agender, non-binary... And also, lipstick lesbians, butch lesbians, middle-ground lesbians, girly gay boys, bears, daddies, drag queens... Monogamous people, bigamous, polyamorous, aromantics... And, just like in real life, her world is that much richer for it.

  
  

  Political correctness: Like I said, it would have been very easy to be judgmental or condescending in this setting, but this book is not. She treats all these people like normal people because they are. And she does a very good job of showing that, just because you're taking part of a more liberal subculture, it doesn't mean you're immediately free of prejudice. There is a bisexual woman who is in a polyamorous relationship with a man and a woman at the same time; everyone keeps calling her "straight" and "breeder", and saying she could "at least pretend to be queer". And several other instances of prejudice that really shouldn't exist (but do, of course). I especially like how she shows that sometimes people are automatically weary of each other because of their own experiences, like, for instance, Rebecca and Dominick (the two detectives who investigate the case and who didn't know each other at the start of the book) are immediately put on guard, her thinking that he might be a homophobe and him thinking she might be racist. And, of course, their reserves about each other only increase their own suspicions, until they finally hash things out.

  
  

  This is such a good book! Usually we use "it reads like fanfiction" as a bad thing, meaning something sloppily written. This book does read like fanfiction, but it's like the best type of fanfiction: carefully thought out, explicit and mature discussion of sex, awareness, and all those things that make us love fanfic so much.

  
  

  Up next: The House of Discarded Dreams, by Ekaterina Sedia
• 
  Emilious Tarr

  Ms. Antoniou has definitively demonstrated that even in a murder mystery, scared cow makes the best hamburger!
  
  Set in a swank Manhattan hotel, our author spins a compelling yarn about the murder of the retiring Global Mr. Leather, Mack Steel. It seems that Mack has made enemies of practically every part of the kink community with his abrasive personality and bigoted views, opening up potential pool of suspects so wide that the investigation detective despairs of finding killer before the crowd disperses back to their respective locales making the task almost infinitely more difficult. Add in the heat from the brass, journalists trying to make their mark, the producers, and protesters and the pot quickly bubbles on its way to boiling over.
  
  This is also the tale of our protagonist, Detective Rebecca Feldblum of the Midtown East Precinct, who despite being one of the few “out” lesbian detectives in NYC is dismayed to find out that she has been handed this case. Her lieutenant’s belief that these are “her people,” grates on her because she believes nothing could be farther from the truth. It is equally the story of Nancy Nichols, a jaded journalist who wishes she had been assigned almost any other story than the Global Mr. and Ms. Global leather and Bootblack contest, at least until the murder is discovered. As we watch their investigations unfold, viewing the spectacle of a world of dominants, masters and mistresses; submissives and slaves; boys and bois (oops, I almost forgot the bootblacks!) dressed in leather, latex, lingerie or nothing at all through the eyes of the uninitiated, it morphs into an all too human view into the world of conventions and title competitions. In an environment where appearances are often more important than substance, we get an insight into the human relationships and learn that what looks laughable can actually be a deep, meaningful, and satisfying exploration of the human condition.
  
  If you have ever attended a kink convention, or for that matter any kind of convention with a contest, you will delight in finding your own local personalities featured in this story, I know I did! This is a well-crafted story by an internationally renowned author, and it is every bit the story I expected from Laura Antoniou and more. Belly up to the bar and grab this one, it is funny and satisfying on many levels and I, for one, hope we see a lot more of Rebecca and Nancy.
  
  
• 
  comfort

  A book by Laura Antoniou (the Marketplace) was going to be a raunchy hardcore BDSM book, or so I thought.
  
  This is hilarious, now I am not sure that it was meant to be and maybe it is the way it has been narrated (Lauren Fontag).
  
  The scene is the annual Leather/BDSM/fetish ball and contest, in a hotel in downtown Manhattan.
  All the usual suspects are there the winners of last years Mr & Miss Global Leather contestants, this years contestants, the Bootblacks(they are an interesting group and to this reader, quite lovable). Also involved are the husbands, wives, lovers, slaves and various employees of the event.
  
  Early on, the body of last years Mr Global Leather- a seemingly- total Leather guy- is found dead, complete with frilly yellow undies- completely out of character.
  The police are called and the lead detective is, by chance, a lesbian, though she is a pretty straight lesbian and all the goings on have, even her raising her eyebrows. She is teamed up with a newly appointed black male detective from out of town, though he does have a good reputation.
  
  The next few days are spent questioning all the patrons of this event.
  
  You (I) would think this was a book filled with sex,kink, whatever as it is about the "lifestyle", but whilst we encounter all sorts of kinks, fetishes and clothing, there really is no sex. There is a lot of talk about sex as the police question suspects about there way of life. SO whilst there are lots of in-depth discussions on sex, there is no sex.
  
  Slave Bitsy is also a favourite as she has everything in control when it comes to the organisation of the event, her personal life is empty. Being a large framed/tall submissive she is finding it difficult to find a man who can and will dominate her. I have a picture of her with a blutooth headset and clipboard walking around getting people into there correct places in a submissives' corset.
  
  A slaveboy who does everything his Master commands him too, even leaving his Master alone with a previous lover, then being called back into the room (to be shared- he hopes) only to be told to go and buy more condoms.
  
  Enjoyed this tremendously and if the whole scene is of interest to you but you are not looking for anything too heavy, this book is perfect. You may learn something new, but you may just enjoy the detection side of the story.
  
• 
  Annabeth Leong

  The Killer Wore Leather is a fantastic mystery set at a kink convention. Having been to several of those myself, I very much appreciated Antoniou's keen observation of typical characters.
  
  As others have said, this book is quite funny. (In fact, my first encounter with it was at a reading Antoniou did at a kink convention, where she had the audience howling and weeping as she laid chapter one on us).
  
  On top of being funny, it's a page-turner, and it's poignant.
  
  I don't read many mysteries, so I can't speak much to the conventions of that genre. What I do know is that Antoniou does a great job raising both short-term and long-term questions that pulled me through the book. Of course, I wanted to know the Big Answer to the main murder, but at any given time, I wondered how X person would react to Y question or if A and B would ever discuss this particular thing, or if C and D would eventually sleep together.
  
  In many books, I'm interested only by certain subplots -- in The Killer Wore Leather, I cared about everything. I loved every viewpoint, whether of the reporter new to the world of BDSM, the self-absorbed Mistress Ravenfyre, or the world-weary lesbian detective. Each character is well-drawn, fully-realized, and very individual. No one is completely wrong or completely right, which is refreshing and the sign of a very good author. Even characters I was inclined to despise turned out to have their saving graces.
  
  There are some very sexy scenes, and each is very individual to the characters and demonstrates an understanding of the heart of the kink in question. My favorite example is the eroticism with which Antoniou writes about boot blacks -- which was funny but also quite hot.
  
  This leads me to the point about poignancy. Comedy can often have a deep side when it's realistic enough. There were plenty of moments in this book that left me genuinely sad or satisfied. Antoniou hits the nail on the head about many things that weary me about the kink community, but she does it with the love and respect that only an insider can have, and she doesn't neglect to show its bright spots, too.
  
  I couldn't recommend this book enough.
• 
  Star

  Mack Steel is the reigning Mr. Global Leather and while he may have many fans, he doesn’t have many friends. Now it’s time for the annual Mr. & Ms. Global Leather (and Bootblack) contest and for Mack Steel to pass on the crown. Before the contest can begin, Mack Steel is found dead. Detective Rebecca Feldblum is assigned this flustercluck of a case by her Lieutenant since these are “her people”, as she’s one of the few out lesbians on the force. Convoluted by costumes, alternate identities, and political posturing within the community, Det. Feldblum has her work cut out for her. Also, everyone hated Mack Steel, so she’s got a hotel full of suspects and not a lot of time. THE KILLER WORE LEATHER is a great tongue-in-cheek procedural drama with outstanding characters. I found myself laughing out loud at the outlandish characters and events. The author was able to balance great humor with a serious mystery very well. THE KILLER WORE LEATHER also gives people a good deal of correct information on the world of kink and BDSM, which can be much maligned. If you like your mysteries filled with great characters and a lot of laughs, check out THE KILLER WORE LEATHER.
• 
  Lilith Noir

  Oh. Em. Gee! How dare Antoniou write a book so full of giggle-inducing humor? Doesn't she know that BDSM is SERIOUS BUSINESS? I laughed so many times reading this that Master had to take His collar back, since chortling is unbecoming to a slave and I have sullied the honor and tradition and such-like with the way I kind of snort when I am giggling too hard. Totally worth it, though.*
  
  So many wonderful elements in here. The Zodians. Slave Bitsy. The acronyms, oh, the acronyms! Anyone who has ever been to any sort of kinky event will recognize some familiar things. Anyone who has not, I guess can still read it and enjoy the mystery part? Although it might not be quite so funny to them.
  
  I would recommend this book to any kinky person who loves the scene but also has a sense of humor and can take things with a grain of salt. I guess I should also recommend it to the SERIOUS BUSINESS folks, too, since maybe a skilled writer like this can help them loosen up a bit.**
  
  *Okay, I might have made part of this up. Might have.
  
  **What? No, I was kidding! I would never suggest anyone should loosen up! SERIOUS BUSINESS, you guys!
• 
  Neeuqdrazil

  This was so much fun. I wasn't sure what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised. The organisation acronyms were hilarious (Queers United in M-somthing - QUIM? ASS, SASS, FULLAUTO... they just go on and on. Antoniou obviously had a lot of fun with them.)
  
  I had some trouble keeping characters straight (as it were) - I was always getting confused between Nancy, Phedre, and Cory, and which one was which.
  
  But silly, with a good mystery (although not terribly mysterious, in the end). I'd like more mysteries with Rebecca and Dominick.
• 
  Mia

  Laura Antoniou is a Literatrix...a Master of many genres. TKWL is a delicious view of a unique part of society written with her own brand of "snarcasm". I hope this introduction to Detective Rebecca Feldblum is the first of many to come, as Ms Antoniou teases with some interesting characters i'd like to see come out and play some more.
  
  
• 
  Sally

  The Killer Wore Leather is a well thought-out, well-played murder mystery that just happens to take place in a fetish-filled environs of a BDSM convention. If you're thinking that's hardly original, especially since CSI has already done it more than once, you're right, but Antoniou cleverly owns up to that. In fact, she even has one of her characters reference the fact very early on, just so there are no misunderstandings. Yes, she nods to the reader, it's been done before, but never by such a well-qualified insider, and never with such depth and deliciousness.
  
  As murder mysteries go, that element of the tale is rather straightforward. It's your traditional whodunit, with all of the false leads, red herrings, and misdirection you might expect. Personally, I solved the case rather more quickly than the lovely Detective Rebecca Feldblum, but that's perfectly all right. It's the investigation that drives the story, not the solution, and there are a lot of clever twists along the way.
  
  I loved the way Antoniou peeled back the leather and the latex, peeked beneath the satin and the lace, and exposed the human beings involved in the scene. She plays to their fantasy personas, but also has some good-natured fun with their fetishes. For every scene that excites or titillates the reader, there's another that makes us pause, think, and feel for the characters. There are sincere homages to many stereotypes within the book, but some nonchalant dismissals of others as well. Just like in real life, nobody is wholly defined by their costume or their role, and others are so very much not what you would expect.
  
  Oh, and I'm not just talking about the convention attendees, either. Antoniou paints the detectives, hotel staff, and other guests with just as diverse a brush, revealing some clever and witty insights along the way.
  
  Ultimately, aside from the delicious humour, I think what really distinguishes The Killer Wore Leather is its commitment to the BDSM scene, even while acknowledging just how universal its themes and characters are. Theoretically, you could change the setting to a Star Trek convention or a comic con and have it work very well, with the same us-versus-them mentality, the same misunderstandings, and the same protective sort of clique-ness. However, there are some deeper insights into love, friendship, and the whole power dynamic that are unique to the scene, and which really provide the story's charm.
  
  Whether you're whips and chains and collars are second-nature to you, or you have never imagined them on anything other than the neighbour's dog, this is a mystery that's worth a read. Play along and solve the case, or just enjoy the journey . . . it's up to you.
• 
  Kate

  "In Manhattan's Grand Sterling Hotel, home of the annual Mr. & Ms. Global Leather contest, last year's hunky but haughty winner lies dead on the floor of his suite, mysteriously wearing only a pair of frilly, bright yellow panties. Cormac 'Mack" Steel made a lot of enemies during his year wearing the studded leather sash, not the least being his co-winner Mistress Ravenfyre. But she is not alone -- there are over three thousand attendees from all over the world at this year's event, some of whom had very personal issues with the fallen leather world royalty.
  
  "Enter Detective Rebecca Feldblum, who must navigate a world of doms and subs, masters and mistresses, pups and trainers, leather, latex and lingerie, to discover who murdered the late Mack Steel -- and hopefully do it before the weekend is over and everybody goes home.
  
  "Hailed as 'fifty shades of funny,' The Killer Wore Leather is a murder mystery only this author could write."
  ~~back cover
  
  Well, it was mildly funny, and it was a nice little mystery. It sounded a lot like what I imagine Comic Con is like, only for folks of differing sexual requirements ... erm, proclivities, etc. The chaos and excitement of the convention made solving the murder difficult, the investigating detectives had to have a crash course in the various choice of ... erm, lifestyles in order to even begin to search for a motive. And since not very many people stayed in any one place very long, establishing a workable chronology was like pulling teeth.
  
  Yo9u'll enjoy this book if you have even a mild interest in the BDSM world and also like mysteries. I wouldn't recommend it if you don't have both.
• 
  Crystal

  This book was a fun read. I've been reading a lot about the BDSM lifestyle and community in the past few years, and this was another fun glimpse at a much different world than I live in. It read like a spoof, but a loving spoof, with a good mystery, that kept me guessing til the very end. I admit that keeping some of the characters, especially the judges and contestants, separate could be challenging at times (Kelly? George? Blade? who knows?). But other characters were vivid and fairly likable, like the police detectives on the job and the two Jacks. there was some sweet romance (Binky!) and plenty of kinkery, all told with an affectionate light handed touch. the cast was relatively diverse in age, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, religion, and kink/ lack thereof. I started reading this while at a (work) conference--while they were much different experiences, it was a good setting for putting myself in that conference mindset. I would definitely give this author another try, especially if she wrote more mysteries, and recommend this for an enjoyable, interesting fun read.
• 
  Mira O'Hart

  I enjoyed this book immensely. The pacing was fast enough to keep pages turning, but slow enough to build depth and characters. As a BDSM scene participant I loved the descriptions of the convention (the backdrop for the story). It's probably still funny if you haven't been to a BDSM convention, but it's hilarious if you have. The vignettes like, not enough cups at the water coolers, leaving a group scene with the wrong clothes, even the descriptions of the dungeon AKA "Ballroom C".
  I also really enjoyed that one of the main characters, the person investigating the murder, is a reporter. I worked for a mid-sized daily paper for three years and the character resonated for me. It's also nice that she left with an expanded awareness of the kink community. It's not that she was ready to join up, or become a convert, but she saw that the people were real and even what looks 'scary' from the outside can be warm and loving.
• 
  Evadare Volney

  I had a wonderful time with this book, a murder mystery set at an IML-like leather pageant/convention. At first I thought it might be a bit long for a weekend-set whodunit, but Antoniou really dives in and lets us spend time with all the characters - a huge cast representing so many different aspects of the kink community, as well as the detectives who turn out to not really be as much of fish out of water as they thought they were. So much delicious, witty detail, so many touching moments, so many engaging characters, and a few genuine twisty surprises. Although I didn't find the identity of the killer to be a surprise, by the time we get there I'd become so immersed in this world that the initial mystery plot was just one storyline out of many and not even the most compelling one. The journeys of the living characters surrounding the dead man are richly rewarding.
• 
  Christina Eleanor

  I didn’t know what to expect when I got this book for our book club. Right off the bat I could think of a few people in my community that resemble the characters in the book. I enjoyed it until I realized the direction the book was going as to who the killer would be. I was disappointed that it was so predictable in the end. There is really good character development of the lead officer who completed the investigation. I’d like to read more about how her story turns out after this book.
• 
  JT

  Laura Antoniou did an exceptional job with this book. The fact that it is set at a kink event was so fun. The vast variety of personalities and interpersonal dynamics is well developed and the interplay between the police, the general public and event participants in the aftermath of the murder is so believable that this could unfortunately play out an any convention. Typical of Laura's writing there are many twists and in this novel a good deal of humor....not always politically correct.....so real life evident. Laura Fortgang did a wonderful job with the narration and was wonderful to listen to.
• 
  Tequila

  This is another great book from Antoniou and I seriously hope she will write another murder-mystery type book.
  
  It's got a great story, amazing characters, and moments that will make you laugh a time or two. Not only that, but a lot of passages that will make you think, especially when it comes to being in the lifestyle.
• 
  Veronica Jordan

  Oh that was awesome. It was funny as shit and hit all the right silliness. That was great.
  I would really rather give it 4.5 stars as the mystery was a bit confusing and there were so many characters to keep track of but I am rounding up just because it was a fun look at the community and never ever took itself seriously.
• 
  Sévérin Grimm

  Excellent little detective & investigation story done during a Mr./Ms. Leather contest. Everybody is a suspect and our suspicion goes from one character, then to the next.
  
  The author has certainly set foot in such a contest at one point of her BDSM life. That's evident that she knows what she is writing about.
• 
  Teryn

  A lot of fun.
  
  The characters in this book are fun and interesting, and the setting is outrageously perfect. This book isn’t for the faint of heart when it comes to kink, but if that doesn’t bother you, then this is an enjoyable read.
• 
  Shaun Putaine

  Fun and entertaining.
  
  Laura Antoniou brings her wit and humor to a leather mystery. An entertaining and fun read that will tickle anyone even slightly familiar with the kink community, I enjoyed this greatly.