The Lure

by Felice Picano

Book Overview

In 1979, Felice Picano rocketed to fame with the publication of this shocking, controversial thriller. Riveting and candid in its depiction of the gay sexual subculture of the era, and praised by Stephen King as "Explosive . . . Felice Picano is one hell of a writer, " The Lure thrusts young widower Noel Hathaway into a dark universe of physical and psychological violence; an unwilling lure used by the police to unmask an elusive killer.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440050812
• ISBN13: 9780440050810
• Release Date: January 1979
• Publisher: Delacorte Press
• Length: 409 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Compelling thriller set in New York's gay community

Noel Cummings, university professor, young and more handsome than perhaps he realises, and physically fit, has recently lost his wife Monica, but is now doing well in his new lecturing post in New York. Then while cycle on an elevated highway he witnesses an horrific murder. When he tries to report it he is first accused of the crime himself; but then later finds himself enlisted by the police in helping track down the real culprit, the mysterious Mr X. This involves going undercover in the gay community under the code name The Lure. Noel is soon totally immersed in his assignment and gay life; but in order not to blow his cover how far will he need to go prove that he is gay? How far can he trust his police boss? How will he cope when he finds himself strangely attracted to his supposed target Mr X with his reputation for sadistic M/M preferences, and equally attracted to Mr X's beautiful and aloof female lover and model? Noel's world is turned upside down as he is drawn deeper and deeper into a word of gay sex and drugs, as he comes to learn things about himself he never knew. The deeper he gets the less sure he is of who he can trust, and the less sure he is of who is in control. This all makes for a thrilling suspenseful adventure, fast paced and so well written. A fascinating mystery and game of psychology that grips the reader throughout, and which is made all the more compelling with its cast of appealing characters and ruthless villains. Highly recommended.

Gritty and Sexy

This gay CLASSIC is truly a fascinating and intriguing read. It is a fast paced, gritty mystery that captures the reader's imagination from the very beginning, and will keep the reader in suspense throughout the book. I totally enjoyed reading this book for the first time over 20 years ago, and having re-read it just recently, I can say without hesitation that this book is one of Picano's best. THIS IS REAL GOOD STUFF!

A Thriller for the Ages

There's nothing wrong with this book. Nothing at all. Everything Picano put into print in this fine piece of fiction is absolutely mesmerizing. It is impossible to stop reading it. It will grip you tightly and take you away to the fantastic world where Picano weaves a web of crime, corruption, love, sex, hatred, and kink.If you read this book, you will never forget it. I think it is the finest example of mystery fiction in the last half of the twentieth century.Heterosexual Noel Cummings stumbles across a murder in action. He tries to prevent it, but fails. Subsequently, he is drafted into service as an undercover operative searching for the killer in gay New York. When he enters the world, he can see right and wrong as plainly as black and white, but over time, he begins to question reality as he knows it. The murderer keeps on killing and Noel is always just one step away from him.Picano is one of the best writers of this or any generation and The Lure is quite possibly the finest book he's ever written. When originally published, The Lure was on the Book of the Month club list and was an instant best seller. Time has not taken its toll on this book even though the action takes place some twenty years ago.Set aside a few hours to be swept away to a dark and scary world where you don't know who your real friends are. You'll not regret it.

The Lure

Hi from Russia! It's three years since I've first read this book and I still consider it's the best or one of the best books I've EVER read. It's a great thriller and beautiful romance, it's funny and sad, and it's simply impossible to forget it once you've finished reading. It'll stay with you till tthe end of your life, every word of it. I can't think of a comparison that would be good enough to give you an idea what the book is like. Read for yourself, you won't need any compfrisons.

One hell of a suspense ride through gay New York!!

The Lure stands up as one of the best "page-turners" I've ever read. It is set at a time in New York that was loved, feared, and now, perhaps missed. You won't soon forget Noel or the most interesting cast of originals he meets and loves. Believe me, you'll be reading it under your desk at work, like I was, because you'll be compelled to read on to the end once you start. Felice Picano continues his masterful fiction in more recent works: including Like People in History -- also a wonderful book