Charlene Reviews: Coming Out Can Be Murder by Renee James

Overview:

(Taken from book)

Bobbi Logan's life and career begin to spiral downward when she comes out as a transgendered woman. But the gutsy hairdresser is determined to live her "new" life authentically, even as she is drawn into the investigation of her brutally murdered friend.

The Chicago police have all but said they're not interested in the death of a "tranny" and the media has failed to report it. As she follows a trail of evidence through the shadowy underground of the Windy City, Bobbi is led to John Strand, a seductive powerbroker. Coming face-to-face with the number-one suspect can only lead to one thing ... murder. But who will it be?

Charlene's Review:

Coming Out is a murder-mystery page-turner. I will admit, as a Conservative Christian, this is not a topic I read a lot of. Being that this novel is based around a transgender woman, I cautiously accepted it for review. I am pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed it immensely, and humbly admit that I learned a few things along the way. I read it straight through and found myself cheering Bobbi on, especially at the end, as she completely embraces her identity.

This is a story that is a fictional tale of murder, but it is also a look into the lives of those living the transgender lifestyle, with all the prejudice and obstacles involved. I have never been one to judge, at least not overtly, but this really opened my eyes to how society secretly views those we don't understand. My favorite quote from the book is, "Hate is destructive." This is the very premise of the book and is explained in painful detail.

James writes with an honest, no-apologies style that grips you. Whether you have prejudices or not, the characters are engaging and believable, with true human emotion. A beautiful sincerity shines through the words and makes you indentify with the struggles and horror Bobbi, and her friends, feel at being seen as less-than. The murder really plays a backseat to the identity struggles and, ultimately, to the ability of the human spirit to prevail. Eye opening and haunting, long after the last page. 5 out of 5 stars!