The Killer Wore Leather: An S/M Mystery - Softcover

"I do have one tiny complaint about "The Killer Wore Leather"; it ends."
--Erotica for the Big Brain
"It's definitely easier to find someone to hurt you consensually than to make you laugh, such funny books are simply too precious to be missed."
--Portable Pieces of Thought
The plot is fast-paced, the characters engagingly realized, and "The Killer Wore Leather" is deftly spiced with dry humor that makes the reader both laugh and think for a moment about the point being made. The accurate information provided on the standards of behavior and the consensual nature of kink/BDSM for both gay and heterosexual practitioners make this novel a distinctive addition to any LGBT collection."
-LGBT American Library Association
"Her expertise carries the listener along with the story's dizzying plot twists while keeping them in tears of laughter on a nearly constant basis."
--AudioFile
"This is, hands-down, the best novel, in any genre, that I have read in quite a long time. I reveled in the mystery; the MCs were sympathetic and whip-smart (for the most part). The background setting of the "Mr. and Ms. Global Leather (and Bootblack) Contest" is a brilliant device for introducing vanilla readers to the leather, BDSM-lite, and fetishist scenes without, in any way, being heavy-handed, or too much for the ordinary mystery reader to handle."
--"Rainbow Book Awards"
"Written by Laura Antoniou, this murder mystery is set at a very well observed fetish fair. A dry sense of humor permeates the novel and the author clearly knows her subject."
--"Erotic Trade Only, Issue 115"
"Exploring the erotic world of BDSM personalities and leather kinks makes for a lovely whodunit and a much more modern game of "Clue.""
-- "The Advocate"
"Nearly the entire book takes place at the New York hotel where the leather and kink contest is being held, a wise narrative choice that keeps the story contained and gives potential suspects reason to interact with the victim and each other. Antoniou does a fine job translating the leather and kink scene into a difficult setting for the police to navigate."
--"Foreword Reviews"
"This is novel is not of the one-handed kind, but it is a racy blend of suspense and satire."
--"The Gay & Lesbian Review"
""The Killer Wore Leather" is an amusing and leisurely paced murder mystery that will leave you in stitches and a more informed person about the ever popular BDSM scene."
--"Night Owl Reviews"
Really, if you enjoy mystery novels, want a look into the BDSM lifestyle or are just involved in BDSM yourself, I think you'd really enjoy "The Killer Wore Leather."
--"Pop My Cherry"
"Sexy, funny, a swanky procession of leathered-up masters and slaves with names like Mistress Ravenfyre, Lord Laertes, Master Zenu, Wolfboy, Prairie Master and LeatherDreamz - what's not to love?"
--"Bay Area Reporter"
""The Killer Wore Leather" lets readers explores the private world of BDSM personalities and leather kinks."
--"AVN"
"Well written, intelligent, laugh-out-loud funny at times, and poignant when it needs to be. It offers a message about tolerance without being heavy-handed, and is an all-around interesting story. If you enjoy mysteries and aren't afraid of something a little edgy, definitely pick up this book!"
--Chicks Dig Books
"A tremendous amount of care and detail is offered up so that readers can easily slide right into the story. The moment I began this novel, I was swept into the leather world, jam-packed with lots of vivid detail and hilarious, real-world characters. From check-in to murder, from sleuthing for clues to finding true love, the Grand Sterling Hotel is hopping with leather of every persuasion via non-stop entertainment."
--Rose Caraway
"Great characters, excellently told story, unexpected twists and turns, fun dialog ... My recommendation is if you like mysteries, get the book. If you are into the Leather scene, get the book. If you are kinky, into D/s, into BDSM, scene sometimes... get the book. If you know how to read, get the book."
--"Butchtastic"
"Anyone who is a fan of mysteries, Laura Antoniou's writing, looking for a book that revolves around BDSM that isn't erotica or just looking for an amazing book to read will get a kick out of this!"
--Fox in the Flowers
"Oh my goodness, what a sexy, funny, clever tale Laura Antoniou has managed to collar here! It's a little bit tongue-in-cheek, a little bit knowing-wink, and a little bit eye-opening peek, all depending on how readers orient themselves to the tale."
--Beauty in Ruins
"If you are looking for a mystery that is choc full of humor, knowledge about what really goes on at leather conventions ( I have always wanted to know!) and just a plain great story, then don't miss this seriously funny and captivating read. (Just don't plan on sleeping or getting your deadlines completed on time!)"
--Erzabet Bishop
""The Killer Wore Leather" is amazingly right-on with enough acerbic cynicism to capture my attention all the way through."
-- Cleo Dubois
"Well paced with fun yet sexy descriptions of every type of fetishist that you are likely to find in the Fetish/BDSM scene. Not lacking in mystery either as I found this light-hearted story still surprisingly gripping. A genius balance of kink, humour and mystery."
-- llellsee
"The whodunnit cracks along at a rapid pace with twists and turns, clues and hints. Like all good mysteries, it keeps you guessing right to the end when you exclaim 'but of course!' Giving away any more of the story would be a spoiler but, take my word for it, buy the book and settle in for a very enjoyable time."
--"Skin Two"
""The Killer Wore Leather" is a deliciously tongue-in-cheek murder mystery set at a leather convention, allowing readers into this private world of personalities and peccadiloes. The kinkiest game of clue ever with a sex toy as the murder weapon and every leather man and woman lacks an alibi. Cleverly crafted and highly humorous, Antoniou is at her wicked best in this pageturning fetish fest."
--"Erotica Readers and Writers Association"
"Written by lesbian author and fetish specialist Laura Antoniou, this fresh, funny S&M thriller is an astutely observed satire set in a world we know oh-so-well [...] This book is the real kinky deal. Antoniou brings readers into the leather community as only an insider could. Antonio's brilliant humor doesn't allow anyone to take themselves too seriously. Seamlessly translating BDSM community customs "The Killer Wore Leather" has something for everyone, from the mystery reader who has no interest or knowledge about BDSM to the experienced leather person who will delight in the insider jokes. "The Killer Wore Leather" is a novel that only Laura Antoniou could write."
-"Curve Magazine"
"If you can't tell, I really enjoyed this book! I found "The Killer Wore Leather" hilarious and a decent murder mystery. I think whether you're a 30-year "Olde Guarde" veteran of the leather bar, or someone who just discovered kink, this book is going to entertain you, as it doesn't require insider knowledge, but it definitely rewards you if you're the slightest bit familiar with the titleholder circuit, or Fetlife, or BDSM event scene. This book clocks in at 402 pages, but it is a fast read. I bought the dead tree version, but you can get it in just about any format available... and if the publisher manages to get Karen Ultra-Domme to do the audio version, I'm so there, because I swear I could hear her voice reading this to me the entire time!"
-Chicago Den
"A police procedural with fresh, funny take on the fetish underground."
--James Lear, author of "The Back Passage"
"If knitters, bibliophiles, and teatotalers can have their mystery mavens, why not the BDSM leather world? And who better to deliver it than Laura Antoniou? Her finely honed rapier whit and keen eye for all things madcap makes "The Killer Wore Leather" one meaty tale of murder, mystery, and mayhem. Frankly, you're suspect if you overlook it."
-Debra Hyde, author of Lambda Award winner, "The Story of L"
"This may well be the best book of the year - "The Killer Wore Leather" is 50 shades of hilarious!"
-Glenda Rider, Producer, International Ms. Leather
"Lately it's easier to find someone to hurt me consensually than to make me laugh, so I'm just tickled pink that Laura Antoniou, primarily known for her top-shelf erotica, has decided to render us helpless with laughter in a new comic murder mystery, "The Killer Wore Leather." No one gets a pass, and no ego goes unpricked. The author has a keen eye for the posturing and paradoxes of the leather world, yet there's nothing malicious here. Because it is obvious that the book is a love letter of sorts. Antoniou doesn't overlook anybody's contribution to making the kinky world go 'round. Not just the contestants and judges, but the harried producers, the dedicated volunteers and the oft-neglected vendors -- all of them get a moment in the spotlight to share their unique perspectives. "The Killer Wore Leather "comes just in the nick of time for me. Fifty Shades of Grey stopped being funny around page 34, so thank you, Laura, for giving me something that's supposed to make me laugh!"
-Kate KInsey, author of "Red"

"If you've ever experienced a Leather Contest - from the inside, outside, or somewhere in-between - you must read this book. A perfect parody (or should I say, telling lens?) on the community, with a gripping murder mystery wrapped around it. I was hooked immediately, in between my knowing-head-nods and embarrassed guffaws."
-kd diamond, International Ms. Bootblack 2011
"Laura Antoniou has a winner in "The Killer Wore Leather." Her grasp of the leather contest scene is erie. She captures all the fun and all the drama of these events. You'll swear you've alreaqdy met many of her characters. I thouroughly enjoyed reading this book, it really made me laugh." -Chuck Renslow, Executive Producer International Mr. Leather

"After decades of delightfully decadent kinky prose, Ms. Antoniou now tantalizes by tickling the funny-bone and leading us through a delightfully twisty, tangled web of intrigue, leather, murder, mayhem and kink. With a sharp eye and a sharper wit, she manages to draw the reader into the underground world of BDSM, build a mystery, lovingly skewer the denizens of the dungeon and tell a tale that will keep you guessing until the very end. Whether you're a jaded veteran of perversion or simply a fan of a good whodunit, "The Killer Wore Leather" is sure to enslave you with its charm and humor as you submit to this masterful storyteller!"
-Mollena Williams, Ms. San Francisco Leather 2009, International Ms Leather 2010

"One of the funniest books I've read in years; folks will find bits and pieces of themselves and some of their friends in these pages. Antoniou manages to skewer anyone and anything in the Leather Community equally, all the while weaving good detective work with fabulous writing, and there's a happy ending to boot!"
- Viola Johnson, author of "To Love, To Obey, To Serve," Librarian of the Carter-Johnson Leather Library, Mom and Grandmom to the Leather Tribe

"Bravo, Laura, for holding up a fun house mirror to the Leather Community! Like all good humor, these pages contain a bone of truth that makes us laugh at ourselves while delivering a satirical bite.
Titleholders, this is a great read when traveling to your next contest or run, with caricatures of almost every type in our Community, from the controlling slave Bitsy to the self important, Gay titleholder, Mack Steele. Download it to your Kindle and enjoy it en route. "
-Hugh B Russell, International LeatherSIR 2010
""With The Killer Wore Leather" Laura Antoniou takes on the mystery genre with aplomb. It's a riveting story set in the leather and kink worlds that doesn't succumb to the sensationalist approaches other less well crafted novels might have embraced. I love mysteries, and I love this book.
-Race Bannon, Author, "Learning the Ropes"

Mr. Global Leather has been murdered!

In the Grand Sterling Hotel of Midtown Manhattan, home of the huge annual leather/BDSM/fetish ball and contest, Mr. & Ms. Global Leather, last year's male winner lies dead on the floor of his suite, wearing only very frilly, bright yellow panties. Cormac "Mack" Steel made a lot of enemies in his year wearing the studded leather sash, not the least being his co-winner Mistress Ravenfyre. But she is not alone there are over three thousand attendees at this year's fetish-festooned event from all over the world, some of whom might have had some very personal issues with the corpse.

Enter Detective Rebecca Feldblum of the Midtown East Precinct. Assigned to this doozy of a case because, as one of NYC's only out lesbian detectives, her Lieutenant seems to believe these are "her people." Shocked, amazed and alternately puzzled and amused, Detective Feldblum must navigate a world of doms and subs, masters and mistresses, pups and trainers, leather, latex and lingerie, and discover who murdered the late Mack Steel and hopefully do it before the weekend is over and everyone goes home. In the process, she will discover more about the sexual underworld than she ever really wanted to know, and more about her own past than she could have ever imagined.
Written in the classic spirit of Sharyn McCrumb's Bimbos of the Death Sun, The Killer Wore Leather is both an engaging mystery and a humorous glimpse into the world of modern, pansexual international leather/BDSM contests and conferences.

Only Laura Antoniou could write The Killer Wore Leather. In addition to being the author of the best-selling Marketplace series of erotic novels, she has over 20 years of experience teaching, speaking to and occasionally skewering the alt-sex communities around the world. With a wicked sense of humor, insider information and a twisted imagination, she crafts a spicy mélange of mystery and mayhem!
The Killer Wore Leather is a deliciously tongue-in-cheek murder mystery set at a leather convention, allowing readers into this private world of personalities and peccadiloes. The kinkiest game of clue ever with a sex toy as the murder weapon and every leather man and woman lacks an alibi. Cleverly crafted and highly humorous, Antoniou is at her wicked best in this pageturning fetish fest.

Laura is the best-selling author of the classic BDSM series, THE MARKETPLACE, which has sold more than 400,000 copies and been translated into 5 languages.