Novel Set in Salem Tops 'Gay Fiction' on Amazon

"Tim on Broadway," a novel by Salem native Rick Bettencourt that is set in the Witch City, recently topped the "short read gay fiction" category on Amazon.com.

Bettencourt has since moved from Salem to Florida, but said his writing still reflects life on the North Shore. All three of his books — including his latest, "Tim on Broadway" — are either set north of Boston, or have a strong connection to the area.

Tim Benton, the main character from his most recent book, grew up in Salem and attended Salem State University. Bits of the story take place off Lafayette Street and in downtown Peabody. "Tim on Broadway" was released on June 19 and within a week became No. 1 on Amazon's short read gay fiction list.

“I decided to release "Tim on Broadway" like you would a television show — in episodes — because the whole concept reminded me of something like "Glee" meets "The Office,” Betterncourt said in a recent announcement about the book's honor. "Tim on Broadway" is being released in five small eBooks through July and by the end of the month the full season will be available as one volume. A paperback version will be available in September.

"Tim on Broadway" is a gay romantic comedy about an overweight virgin who is obsessed with theater about as much as he is with the bag boy at the grocery store, from which he got fired. A British reviewer described it as, “a heart-warming tale, peppered with humour, with occasional moments of real emotional bam!”

The book is available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes and at most other eBook retail sites.