Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it.
Fran and her brother Ken Stein are New York private detectives specializing in connecting adoptees with their parents, but this time they are being hired to find the missing daughter of former magazine editor Brian Hennessey. Even though it’s only been five days since the 19-year-old has been missing, four months ago Eliza gave her father the news that she was trans and apparently it did not go well. While Brian has been doing his best to be supportive, using the correct pronouns and not her deadname, he now worries that her disappearance is due to their continued strained relationship. Having felt Othered themselves, Fran and Ken agree to take on the case and begin their investigation at the registrar’s office of New Amsterdam University. |
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Being over six feet tall makes Fran easy to identify, which is why her inquiries at New Amsterdam have Mank curious about why she was there in the first place. Fran herself is interested in knowing why this is the first she’s heard from Mank since giving her maybe boyfriend the news that she and her brother are not your average sibling investigators. The offspring of two brilliant scientists, Fran and Ken Stein (very punny) were literally created in a lab and require frequent USB-port charging to stay awake. Extremely tall and very strong, the siblings have been hiding from those interested in their missing parents and their extraordinary experiments. Mank handled the news by ghosting Fran, which is why she relates all too well to Eliza’s somewhat similar situation and is so willing to take up the case.
For anyone who has ever felt as though they were different from what they were expected to be, this is the book for them. While Ken seems to more easily move through life by flirting his way through brief relationships and using his strength when needed, Fran finds acceptance more difficult to find and that is why Mank’s apparent rejection of her hurts so much. The teasing and insults by Mank’s misogynistic and very rude NYPD partner certainly don’t help, but being able to lift the man over her head does prove to be rather satisfying.
The science-fiction side of the story takes a backseat to the more practical private investigation, with Fran and Ken tracking down student romances and possible college crimes.
Fran also continues to hold the secret that she has been in communication with her missing mother, something she has yet to disclose to her more reactive and emotional brother. Fran’s sharp sense of humor, along with the genuinely heartwarming movements, are trademarks of the author who writes a plethora of series under numerous names. Jeffrey Cohen/E.J. Copperman continues to craft some of the most original novels that tackle timely topics with loads of witty humor, all the while providing thoughtful and rational insights.
To enter to win a copy of Same Difference, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "same,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 27, 2024. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors!
You can click here to purchase this book.
Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).
I enjoy a good mystery! tWarner419@aol.com
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