Joe Keenan books

 Joe Keenan is an American author who has been aptly nicknamed the gay PG Wodehouse. I have read two of his three novels, and they are a joy to read.

Blue Heaven is the story of Gilbert who has devised a plan to get a nice collection of gifts and money from his mother's newest husband. The plan is to get married...for the gifts. However, Gilbert is gay so he needs to find someone to marry. He knows a girl named Moira who is conniving and totally out for herself, but willing to play along. Also in the mix is Gilbert's best friend (and ex-lover Philip). This whole trio is in for a ride, and an experience they never expected. As a reader it is an easy and fun read. The plot is a bit nuts but if you sit back, relax and just let it take you on the ride, it is a very enjoyable ride. The main characters have heft, though some of the side characters are certainly caricatures which fits in with the writing style so well. Though supposedly set in contemporary New York, I don't recall any use of cell phones, or computers. So the feel is very much Wodehouse, 1920's feel but it isn't.

Following this is the novel Putting on the Ritz.  Again, we have Gilbert and Philip. This time Philip and his songwriting partner Claire are asked to turn a rich man's wife into a chanteuse. However, naturally, the wife can not sing...well. Add to this mix some spying, and some great counter-plots and this is another joy to read. So simple, easy writing, great story line, fun characters...

If you are ever in the mood for a fun read, look for some Joe Keenan. He spent time writing for Frasier, and Desperate Housewives, and certainly knows his way around a story and plot. I still have one more of his novels to read at some point...I just need to find it.