Atmospheric Queer Mystery Set in 1952 San Francisco
Congratulations to Lev AC Rosen for publishing The Bell in the Fog. This is the second historical mystery novel in the Andy Mills series and was perfect to read in October.
In 1952 San Francisco, Andy Mills is still struggling to begin a new chapter of life after service in the Navy and on the SF police force ended when his gay sexual identity was discovered. His fledgling private investigation business is floundering because potential clients, members of the queer community, are reluctant to trust a former cop. Andy is shocked when a new client is James, his former friend and lover who mysteriously disappeared several years ago. James hires Andy to solve a blackmailing case, which leads Andy throughout the city before and after his life is threatened.
I really enjoyed this mystery, even more than Lavender House, this first book in this series. I appreciated learning more of Andy's story, meeting people from his past, and watching him slowly form a found family. There's a strong sense of time and place, and I felt the constant need for Andy to hide from the police who raided the gay bars he frequented in his investigation lest he be beaten again. The characters are complex, flawed, and interesting. I especially liked Lee, a singer/performer who helped Andy with his investigation - will he play a larger role in future cases and books?
Thank you to Bookish First and Forge Books for the review copy of this atmospheric mystery.
In 1952 San Francisco, Andy Mills is still struggling to begin a new chapter of life after service in the Navy and on the SF police force ended when his gay sexual identity was discovered. His fledgling private investigation business is floundering because potential clients, members of the queer community, are reluctant to trust a former cop. Andy is shocked when a new client is James, his former friend and lover who mysteriously disappeared several years ago. James hires Andy to solve a blackmailing case, which leads Andy throughout the city before and after his life is threatened.
I really enjoyed this mystery, even more than Lavender House, this first book in this series. I appreciated learning more of Andy's story, meeting people from his past, and watching him slowly form a found family. There's a strong sense of time and place, and I felt the constant need for Andy to hide from the police who raided the gay bars he frequented in his investigation lest he be beaten again. The characters are complex, flawed, and interesting. I especially liked Lee, a singer/performer who helped Andy with his investigation - will he play a larger role in future cases and books?
Thank you to Bookish First and Forge Books for the review copy of this atmospheric mystery.