Advance Reviews: The Supersonic Phallus by Steven Key Meyers

 

 

Reviewed by Mary Clarke for Readers’ Favorite, July 7, 2025:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Supersonic Phallus by Steven Key Meyers is an interesting, funny, and well-written novel that takes place in Sinai, Colorado, in 1947, after the end of World War II. It follows Sam, a young journalist, and his handsome colleague, Dean, who were sent to investigate reports from witnesses in Upchurch who claimed to have seen strange lights in the sky. The lights are suspected to be from a flying saucer, and people are getting nervous, which could bring tourists who want to catch a glimpse of the mystery. As Sam and Dean spend nights together hoping to spot the strange light and publish it as a newspaper headline, they start to grow closer, and their friendship turns into something deeper. Sam and Dean begin to feel they are being tricked and suspect Ernie Wacker, a successful businessman, to have faked a UFO sighting with a helicopter and glowing light to boost his uranium business and the town's economy.

The Supersonic Phallus is a captivating read. It is full of surprises and characters that are very lively and energetic. I love how Meyers was able to capture what life felt like after World War II, when people were afraid of bombs and the Soviet Union. I love the humor and the unexpected plot twists. Sam and Dean’s relationship adds an extra layer of warmth to the fast-paced plot and covers themes of self-discovery and forbidden desires. I enjoyed the flashbacks and conversations between the characters; they added some real history and a personal touch to the narrative. The Supersonic Phallus by Steven Key Meyers shows how far people will go to get what they want, like Ernie’s smart, selfish plans and the Sinai Sentinel's attitude to publishing the true account of what was seen in the sky. I recommend this book to people who love fun and engaging stories about friendship and small-town life.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite, July 8, 2025:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Supersonic Phallus by Steven Key Meyers follows newspaper reporters, Sam and Dean, working in 1947 Sinai, Colorado. They are assigned by editor Wilt Pullman to investigate mysterious glowing red objects seen near Two-Mile Mesa, initially reported by Mrs. Jesse Upchurch and other witnesses. As Sam and Dean interview locals, stake out sighting locations, and collect photos, they uncover conflicting accounts, including a staged flying saucer hoax by a local pilot named Ernie. Despite gathering evidence exposing the deception, Wilt pressures them to withhold the truth to protect the town’s economy and promote tourism tied to the UFO reports. Meanwhile, military involvement escalates, as does the relationship between Sam and Dean, after actual unidentified aerial phenomena appear, intensifying their determination to reveal the full story despite institutional suppression.

The Supersonic Phallus is a unique novel that brings to life the persistent observations and dialogue of Sam and Dean, the former being the first-person point of view character. To my surprise and delight, this book runs the gamut of genres. We get a fabulous queer noir set firmly in the 1940s, with period-accurate social issues, gritty work drama, noir aesthetics and a science fiction angle. The prose moves through detailed descriptions of the men’s nightly vigils, complete with coffee, cigarettes, and personal stories, like Dean’s wartime memories, with sharp, credible reportage of sightings, investigations, and a brilliant Gray Barker-esque package. The focus on what the characters observe and say is what provides an authentic, grounded portrayal. Overall, this is an entertaining, evolving mystery that ticks all the boxes. Very highly recommended.