Comments on: Russell Quant, Gay Private Investigator

By: Patty

Patty — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:12:29 +0000

Congratulations on your marriage, Anthony! I really enjoyed this interview with Russell. I’ve only just started Tapas, but I have to say I really enjoy how emotionally together he is about his single status. Everyone is anxious for him to settle down, including myself, but I’m resisting that urge b/c it’s fun to watch him relish so many experiences with so many interesting people that would be difficult to pull off if he were attached. He can ditch his mom for parts unknown, but a lover is another story. The only part I would quibble about is the scarcity of sex. A single, attractive man like him in a dangerous profession… Anyway, I’m a great fan of your work. Enjoy your honeymoon!!

By: Anthony

Anthony — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:09:16 +0000

Mark

Thanks for your kind comments.
I’m currently on a cruiseship (on my honeymoon, actually) and am re-reading Tapas on the Ramblas. I thought it was nice synchronicity to read about Russell on a cruise while I returned to the same cruiseline that originally inspired that story. And I’m kinda falling for the guy all over again too. Glad you agree he’s a lovable sort.

Cheers from the Arabian Sea!
Anthony

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:58:20 +0000

The interview with Russell the character instead of Anthony the writer was a great twist! I finally got around to reading it and enjoyed it – especially the typical Russell remarks; and insites into this loveable character! I know he is going to be around for a good long time and look forward to reading more of his unusual cases that only the wisecracking detective can solve! Keep up the good work Anthony!

By: Anthony

Anthony — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:22:08 +0000

Hey SGM & Batboy

I’ve had ALOT of emails and messages and even phone calls about the last line of Sundowner Ubuntu.
I absolutely love how different people have read it differently. Some see it as a cliffhanger, some see it as a goodbye of sorts, some see it as hopefull, some never caught the illusion at all, some presumed Russell is talking about Alex, and that because of his love for Alex he has finally been relieved from his unrequited love for Jared.

I kinda hate waiting until 2009 for the story to be told too – I’m actually interspersing work on my other writing project with some preliminary plotting for the next Russell Quant book, just to start the ball rolling.

By: Batboy126

Batboy126 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:57:10 +0000

I took it to mean he was in love with Ethan. Makes for a nice cliffhanger.

By: SGM

SGM — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:27:41 +0000

Okay, here’s the thing. After devouring 5 Russell Quant books, waiting for the guy to get a guy, it seems like he and Alex have something going at the end of the book, and that Russell might actually be in love. But then it ends, “With someone else.” WHAT IN BLUE BLAZES DOES THAT MEAN? Is it meant to be ambiguous? Does Russell maybe have feelings for Ethan? Ohmigawd, and are we really going to have to wait until 2009 for further exploits?

By: Anthony

Anthony — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:38:32 +0000

Hi Batboy126

Thanks for reading the interview and your response.
Indeed, the wonderpants, which showed up in the very first Russell Quant novel, have been an enduring symbol. Just as recently as last week, I happened to be in Mexico on holiday and having lunch in an outdoor cafe. Up comes this guy who blurts out that he wanted to know all about Russell Quant’s “crazy pants!”.
I quickly realized he was referring to the wonderpants. HE loved them because he has his own version of wonderpants that he calls Boogey Pants. Gotta love it!
Happy reading, Batboy
Anthony

By: Batboy126

Batboy126 — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 16:31:24 +0000

Great questions! They covered all the key issues, and provided a bit of background not seen in the novels, such as Quant’s time as a police constable. Thanks for bringing up the Wonderpants.