The prolific Joe Cosentino has stopped by for an interview to celebrate his latest release, The Player, the first Player Piano Mysteries book!
Joe Cosentino, congratulations on the release of The Player, a new MM mystery/romance/paranormal novel.
You’re playing my song. (smile)
Is this your first book featuring a character who is a ghost?
Yes! My popular Tales from Fairyland series (The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland and Holiday Tales from Fairyland) includes fantasy LGBTQ characters, but the stories are my comic gay spins on classic fairytales. And my Cozzi Cove series includes LGBTQ characters in romantic and mysterious situations that border on fantasy, but that highly praised series is more of an LGBTQ romance serial. So, the time has come for Freddy Birtwistle in The Player!
How did you create your leading character, the dazzling and captivating Freddy Birtwistle?
While walking through an antique shop upstate New York, I came across an old player piano. It was handcrafted from maple, mahogany, and spruce with an elaborate leaf pattern molding. In the center section stood the roll of pre-programmed music on perforated paper: George Gershwin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me” from 1926. While listening to the song, I couldn’t help imagining who might have owned the Pianola. Since player pianos were popular with the wealthy in the Roaring Twenties, I imagined the owner, like the piano, was a player and a socialite from a family who made their fortune in the railroad industry. I named him Freddy Birtwistle and envisioned him as tall and lean with slicked-back jet-black hair, violet eyes, high cheekbones, a thin nose, and rosy cheeks. True to the period, he was meticulously dressed in a pinstriped black suit and vest, white silk shirt, and gray suspenders with matching bowtie and silk pocket handkerchief. His shoes were shiny black patent leather with white spats. Even more interesting than my creation’s looks and wardrobe was his alluring and joyous bon vivant personality. I decided Freddy socialized with the rich and famous of his time, and at thirty years old, he was shot by a misinformed jealous husband. An eternal partier, poor Freddy had died having never found true love.
Is the story told through Freddy’s perspective?
No, my central character is twenty-five-year old Andre Beaufort. He’s described as being tall and thin with a cut body, amber eyes, dark hair, milk chocolate complexion, and a bubble butt. Andre is a grade school music teacher who finds the player piano in the basement of his apartment building. By pedaling it and playing famous songs of the Roaring Twenties, Andre brings back the ghost of Freddy, the original owner of the house before it was converted into apartments.
Do Freddy and Andre fall instantly in love?
Not exactly. The two get off to a rocky start, but eventually they find their way into each other’s hearts.
How do they become a ghostly Holmes and earthbound Watson?
Part I: The City House takes place in Hoboken, New Jersey. When Andre’s neighbor, a beautiful woman of mystery, is murdered in the building, Andre must protect his aunt, his best buddy, and himself by joining with Freddy (who only Andre can see—leading to comical misunderstandings) to catch the murderer. In Part II: The Country House, Andre travels to Freddy’s old country home in Cold Spring, New York, which has become a bed and breakfast. Andre discovers a player piano there as well, which joyously brings Freddy to him there. When the owner of the inn is murdered, the game is afoot again, and Andre and Freddy solve their second murder mystery as they continue to fall deeper in love.
What’s special about this book?
The two stories include sexy characters, cozy settings from the Art Deco period, my unique sense of humor, surprising plot twists and turns, fun red herrings, a touch of drama, a shocking yet justifiable ending, and of course lots of sweet romance.
Why two parts?
Since my readers are so loyal and wonderful, I decided to offer them a special gift with The Player. It is actually two books for the price of one!
This isn’t your first mystery series.
Right. After my Nicky and Noah Mysteries series won awards and became incredibly popular to my delight, readers asked if I had written a second LGBTQ mystery romance series. My Jana Lane Mysteries series could have fit the bill, however, the supporting rather than leading characters are LGBTQ in that series. So, The Player was born.
Who are the supporting characters in The Player?
In Part I, Andre’s protective Aunt Nia manages Andre’s apartment building. His best buddy, Victor Martinez, is an actor who gets excited about a commercial audition to play a hemorrhoid. Victor enters into a love affair with cross-dressing lawyer Alexander Popov, the murder victim’s twin brother. The victim’s husband, sexy mystery author Denis Sokolov, just happens to write a novel that mirrors the murder. Hunky and sexy college film professor Leander Bryce enjoys exercising in his skivvies at the window while Andre watches. Milo Archer, a college student with a crush on Andre, wants to start a revolution. Hot personal trainer Hunter Buck and gorgeous grade school vice principal with a secret Preston Steele complete the list of suspects, all of whom share a secret past with the victim, including the police detective, Takoda Shawnee.
And in the second story?
Evangelical ex-judge Cynthia Butler Russell, the owner of the bed and breakfast originally owned by Freddy’s family when it was a mansion, is murdered in her office. The suspects include Cynthia’s straying husband Jim, her envious and comically alcoholic sister Sherry, Cynthia’s gorgeous gay son Nelson, Nelson’s muscular lover Sergio, and Sergio’s PFLAG mother Renata. While staying at the inn, Andre befriends Gabriel, an adorable sleepwalking architect. Andre also meets Zian, a cute painter who desires Gabriel, and Dustin Kelly, the tall detective hiding an interesting secret.
Why do you think there aren’t many other gay cozy mystery series out there?
MM mystery doesn’t have to mean only erotica, dark thrillers, or young adult novels. While that’s fine, I think we’re missing a whole spectrum of fiction. In the case of the Nicky and Noah mysteries and now The Player, my books include romance, humor, mystery, adventure, and quaint and loveable characters in uncanny situations. The settings are warm and cozy. The clues and red herrings are there for the perfect page-turning whodunits.
Many of your characters in The Player are of various ethnicities and sexual identities. Is that deliberate on your part?
Sure. We live in a diverse world. Literature should reflect that.
I’m sure you’ve been told that the book would make a terrific TV pilot and first episode. How would you cast it?
Here’s my wish list to name a few: Matt Bomer as Freddy, Blake Young Fountain as Andre, Wanda Sykes as Aunt Nia, Cheyenne Jackson as Detective Takoda Shawnee, Matt Dallas as Preston Steele, Luke McFarlane as Jim Russell, Michael J. Willett as Nelson Russell, Sarah Paulson as Cynthia Butler Russell, and me (a bit of nepotism) playing the cameo role of Chester the antique store owner. Come on, TV producers, make me an offer!
How can your readers get their hands on The Player?
The purchase links are below.
Will there be more Player novels?
The second one, The Player’s Encore, is on its way.
When can we expect The Player’s Encore, The Player Piano Mysteries Book 2?
Stay tuned!
Thank you, Joe, for interviewing today.
My pleasure. In the words of Freddy Birtwistle, “You’re a blue Serge!”
I hope everyone will give The Player a play. I’m sure, like Andre, you will fall in love with Freddy and have a great deal of fun trying to solve the mysteries. And I love to hear from readers. So drop me a line at http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com.
The Player
Player Piano Mysteries Book 1, published by Dreamspinner Press
a paranormal romantic mystery novel by JOE COSENTINO
Buy Links
| Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
When young music teacher Andre Beaufort discovers an antique player piano in the basement of his apartment building, he is visited by the ghost of the original owner: a dapper and charismatic playboy from the Roaring Twenties, Freddy Birtwistle.
Andre has never seen a ghost and Freddy has never been one, so they get off to a rocky start. But when Andre finds his neighbor murdered on his doorstep, he and Freddy join forces to narrow the pool of suspects.
Soon Andre and Freddy discover that opposites attract, even if one’s alive and the other dead. Together these amateur detectives make an enticing team, and it’s a good thing too, because the first murder they solve together won’t be their last. But the real mystery isn’t just whodunit—it’s how a romance between a man and a ghost can have a happily ever after ending.
The Player contains two stand-alone cozy murder mysteries, The City House and The Country House.
Excerpt:
I was surprised to feel offended by a ghost. “What’s wrong with my decorating?”
He gestured around the room. “Gustavian scalloped pedestal and side table? Why celebrate the kings of Sweden? I had a Swedish friend who was descended from royalty. He was incredibly generous with possessions but wildly possessive. Having dinner at his chalet from time to time was lovely, but I wasn’t about to move into his west wing, no matter how many servants, rings, gold cigarette cases, and silver walking sticks he gave me.” Moving to the fireplace, he said, “And that screen is faded.”
“Because it has survived decades.”
“So did I, but I’m not faded.”
“Actually, you are a bit, being a ghost.”
“I’m crystal clear.” He pointed upward. “Unlike that chandelier, which needs a good cleaning.”
“It’s hard to reach.”
“That’s what servants are for.”
“I don’t have any.”
“Then get some!”
“I can’t afford it. And even if I could, I wouldn’t be comfortable with people serving me.”
“Whyever not?”
“For one thing, it’s not fair to them.”
“Applesauce!”
“Applesauce?”
“Horse feathers.”
“Horse feathers?”
“Nonsense! My manservants adored helping me in and out of the tub. Thinking I didn’t see them sneak a glance or two at my family jewels, which by the way are abundant.” He headed to the bay window area before the balcony. “Turquoise is all wrong for the chaise. The throw pillows clash miserably. The chairs are not in the correct location. They should be side by side rather than facing each other. And one lamp will suffice, not two.”
“Why?”
“When guests attend a soirée, it’s best they not see each other well. Light and close distance add age and proof of alcohol consumption. And why is there a plant on that end table?”
“It’s a gift from my aunt.”
“Well give it back!” Continuing, he said, “And that wall mural and the statues depict piano players and singers unknown to me.”
I ended his critique session. “I purchased these things in a local antique shop. They are all from your period.”
“I knew most piano players and singers of worth, and I’ve never met any of them.” He pointed a finger at me. “And you still haven’t explained why you are living in my house.”
“After you were shot, one of your cousins inherited the house. Eventually, it was sold and converted into apartments.”
Placing his foot on the bench, he said, “You mean my house has been divided into smaller dwellings?”
I nodded. “Ten of them.”
“How dare you destroy my family’s mansion!”
“I didn’t destroy anything. The house was already converted to apartment buildings when I was born. I grew up in my aunt’s apartment downstairs in 1B. She manages the building.”
“Who is the owner?”
“The Tzar Me In Corporation in Florida.”
“A corporation owns my home?”
I nodded. “This is apartment 3A.”
“Are you saying my bedroom, sitting room, bar, and bath are now considered your apartment?”
I nodded again.
“How frightful! And speaking of my bar.” He sauntered over to the kitchenette. “What have you done?”
“It was converted to a kitchenette.”
“What happened to the large kitchen downstairs?”
“It was converted into an apartment.”
He seemed astonished. “Without servants and the kitchen, how do you enjoy hors d’oeuvres at cocktail hour, tea sandwiches at lunch, and oysters Rockefeller appetizer, parsnip and celery root bisque, Waldorf salad, cranberry orange roast ducklings, and cream puffs dipped in chocolate for twenty?”
“I cook for myself.”
“How horrible!”
“Sometimes my aunt Nia cooks for my friend Victor and me. He lives down the hall in apartment 3C.” I couldn’t believe I was discussing all this with a ghost.
“Look here. This is all quite a change for me.” He rubbed his forehead. “And I don’t like it one bit.”
“Well like it or not, you don’t have much choice in the matter. Unless you know how to get back inside the pianola.”
“Actually, I do.”
“How?”
“Last night, after I tucked you into bed, I thought about resting myself, and back I went.”
“So, why don’t you go back now?”
“How rude! I still have more to say to you.” He strutted across the room and plopped down on the chaise.
Praise for Joe Cosentino’s Books:
“Joe Cosentino has a unique and fabulous gift. His writing is flawless…will have you guessing until the very last page, which makes his books a joy to read. His books are worth their weight in gold, and if you haven’t discovered them yet you are in for a rare treat.”
Divine Magazine
“adventure, mystery, and romance with every page….Funny, clever, and sweet.”
Urban Book Reviews
“The author executed his storyline with a marvelous precision that would be the envy of many authors. He draws the readers into the lives of his characters, they become real and in turn, their emotions becomes yours….If you can only afford to buy one more book this year, buy this one.”
Three Books Over the Rainbow Reviews
“I really loved this book and having an ending that made me laugh and cry at the same time is testament to the brilliant writing.”
BooksLaidBareBoys
About the Author
Joe Cosentino was voted Favorite LGBT Mystery, Humorous, and Contemporary Author of the Year by the readers of Divine Magazine for Drama Queen. He also wrote the other novels in the Nicky and Noah mystery series: Drama Muscle, Drama Cruise, Drama Luau, Drama Detective, Drama Fraternity, Drama Castle, Drama Dance, Drama Faerie, Drama Runway, Drama Christmas; the Dreamspinner Press stories: In My Heart/An Infatuation & A Shooting Star, the Bobby and Paolo Holiday Stories: A Home for the Holidays/The Perfect Gift/The First Noel, The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland/Holiday Tales from Fairyland, Found At Last: Finding Giorgio/Finding Armando, The Player Piano Mysteries: The Player/The Player’s Encore; the Cozzi Cove series (NineStar Press): Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back, Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward, Cozzi Cove: Stepping Out, Cozzi Cove: New Beginnings, Cozzi Cove: Happy Endings;andthe Jana Lane mysteries: Paper Doll, Porcelain Doll, Satin Doll, China Doll, Rag Doll (The Wild Rose Press). He has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. Joe is currently Chair of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and he is happily married. Joe was voted 2nd Place Favorite LGBT Author of the Year in Divine Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards, and his books have received numerous Favorite Book of the Month Awards and Rainbow Award Honorable Mentions.
Great interview, and sounds like a fabulous book! I love a good cozy mystery 🙂
Thank you, Susan! I’m a fan of yours too! The Player’s Encore, Player Piano Mysteries Book 2, releases March 15! Hugs, Joe http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com