How to Greet Strangers: A Mystery
"Thompson writes with confidence and authority capturing the rhythm, cadence, language, attitude and swagger of a positive gay male in the 21st century....keep your fingers crossed that Thompson brings Archer back for more adventures." --Drew Jackson, Edge Atlanta"An intriguing story weaving in elements of mystery, spirituality, as well as black and gay issues... an excellent pick for fans of mysteries not afraid to walk a different path."--Midwest Book Review"This book is so well crafted that I would stop reading so I could savor a  sentence and admire the craft."--Angel Curtis, OutSmart"...an important work to include in any fiction collection."--American Library Association, GBLTRT Newsletter, Summer 2013"Readers will love Archer, the unapologetically black gay narrator of  HOW TO GREET STRANGERS. His fierce, queeny asides add sparkle to this gritty thriller, which uses an Oakland-based Santeria cult as its backdrop. Thompson's knowledge of (and love for) Santeria comes shining through. Highly recommended."Craig Laurence Gidney, author ofSea, Swallow MeHow to Greet Strangers is a Finalist for Best Gay Mystery, 2013. The Lambda Literary Awards ceremony takes place in New York City on June 4.''How to Greet Strangersis equal parts spiritual odyssey and gripping detective story, a bold and vibrant work. Read it and fall into a world you will not easily forget.'' --Carolina de Robertis, author ofThe Invisible MountainandPerla''With Archer Barron, Joyce Thompson has introduced a truly new personality to the world of the murder mystery and this is no mean feat. What is even more remarkable is the world Archer Barron inhabits. Only a writer of Thompson's skill and imagination could do this justice and she puts the reader right in there alongside Archer. The book is filled with keen and pithy insights into the big existential questions: love, death, religion, and what Archer calls being a prisoner in the human zoo. Oh, and you will amazed when you find out who done it.'' --Karl Marlantes, author ofMatterhornandWhat It Is Like to Go to War''How to Greet Strangersis suspenseful, spiritual, sexy, and satisfying. It's both a kick-ass mystery and a genuine story of love and the human heart. Thompson creates characters on the far edges of modern life and gives them such humanity that we feel deeply connected to them.'' --Scott Sparling, author ofWire to Wire''A sophisticated murder mystery that explores identity issues and Santeria traditions.''--Kirkus Reviews''...I could not put down this very unusual mystery and even grew to accept that spirits could manifest themselves into the believers' lives. Given my usual attitude towards the supernatural in a realistic novel, that is quite an accomplishment on the author's part. The novel is too complex, too nuanced to sum up in a few sentences.'' --Wayne Gunn for Lambda Literary''With her beautifully imagined and breathtakingly originalHow to Greet Strangers, Joyce Thompson has single handedly rebooted the murder mystery. The prose sings, the story truly thrills, and the detective, Archer Barron, is a hero like no other (and I'm not just talking about the cross-dressing). This is one of those rare, delicious tales you'll want to both cherish and gulp down in one sitting.'' --Karen Karbo, author ofTrespassers Welcome HereandHow Georgia Became O Keeffe