Books Like...

'The Long Call' by Ann Cleeves follows Detective Inspector Matthew Venn as he investigates a murder in North Devon, where he grew up in a strict religious sect. The story unfolds with a convoluted investigation involving the community center and daycare center run by Matthew's husband, Jon, for mentally disadvantaged adults. The plot is praised for its solid murder mystery, interesting characters, and thought-provoking commentary on religion and power dynamics within the community. Cleeves' writing style is noted for its atmospheric descriptions, subtle regional effects, and unique verbal rhythm that captivates readers.

'Final Atonement' by Steve Neil Johnson is a crime thriller set in the New York Hasid community, featuring detective Doug Orlando. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged until the satisfying ending. The writing style vividly brings New York to life, highlighting the tensions between different groups in the city. Orlando's struggles with his job, personal life, and solving the murder of a Jewish rabbi create a realistic and honest portrayal of a detective's life.

Death Trick by Richard Stevenson is the first book in the Donald Strachey series, centered around a gay private investigator in Albany. The story revolves around Donald Strachey being hired by the Blounts to find their missing son, William, who is a murder suspect. Despite the police suspecting Billy, Strachey believes in his innocence and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the murder. Set in the early 80s, the book delves into themes of homophobia, gay life before the AIDS epidemic, and the complexities of the gay community at that time. The writing style is described as tightly focused, fast-paced, and highly entertaining, with memorable character descriptions and humanistic interactions.

'The Same Breath' by Gregory Ashe is a gripping mystery romance that introduces readers to the dynamic duo of Tean and Jem. The book delves into the complex journey of these two flawed men as they navigate through existential conversations, emotional vulnerabilities, and past traumas. The plot gradually unfolds, intertwining a captivating crime story with the characters' development, creating a rich and engaging narrative. The writing style showcases Ashe's ability to craft memorable characters with witty banter, deep emotional connections, and a blend of humor and darkness.

The 'Three Nick Nowak Mysteries' in the series 'Boystown' by Marshall Thornton follows the life of Nick Nowak, a private investigator and ex-cop in Chicago during the early 80s. The stories revolve around Nick's struggles as a gay man in a time when acceptance was scarce, and safe sex was not a priority. The narratives are raw, gritty, and in-your-face, mirroring Nick's unapologetic and promiscuous character. Despite the tough setting and challenging circumstances, Nick perseveres, carves out a life for himself, and solves intriguing mysteries along the way.

The writing style of the book is described as descriptive, straightforward, and easy to visualize. The author, Marshall Thornton, creates a realistic portrayal of the early 80s, capturing the challenges faced by the gay community during that time. The stories are short, engaging, and introduce readers to Nick Nowak's complex character, his past traumas, and his evolving journey as a private investigator navigating a world that is both hostile and alluring.

'Amuse Bouche' in the series 'A Russell Quant Mystery' by author Anthony Bidulka follows the story of a gay private investigator, Russell Quant, based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The plot involves Russell taking on a case where a man goes missing on his wedding day to a member of Saskatoon's upper class. The investigation leads Russell on a wild chase through France and back to Canada, uncovering twists and turns along the way. The writing style is described as engaging, with a slightly slow start but a rewarding payoff in the end. The narrative is clear and attractive, although it may come to abrupt ends and restart in different veins, keeping readers intrigued.

Southernmost Murder by C.S. Poe is a murder mystery set in Key West, focusing on the quirky and adorable narrator, Aubrey Grant, who manages a historic house museum. When Aubrey's FBI agent boyfriend, Jun Tanaka, visits for vacation, they stumble upon a skeleton in a closet, leading to a series of break-ins, thefts, and murders. The story blends historical and contemporary elements, showcasing Aubrey's passion for history and Jun's dedication to solving the mystery, all while navigating their developing romance amidst the chaos.

The book is a delightful mix of romance, mystery, and humor, with well-developed characters like Aubrey and Jun who face challenges with resilience and wit. The plot unfolds at a fast pace, keeping readers engaged as they uncover clues, navigate through twists, and witness the characters' growth and chemistry in the midst of danger and intrigue.

In 'The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks' by Josh Lanyon, the story kicks off with Perry discovering a dead body in his bathtub, leading to a murder mystery in an old boarding house setting. As the plot unfolds, a budding romance develops between Perry, an asthmatic painter librarian, and Nick, an ex-Navy SEAL. The book balances elements of suspense, humor, and heart, while exploring the dynamics between the quirky tenants and the historical home they inhabit.

In the book 'Pretty Pretty Boys' by Gregory Ashe, readers are introduced to Detective Emery Hazard and Detective John Henry Somerset Somers who are partnered together to investigate a series of murders in their hometown. The dynamic between the two main characters is described as turbulent, with a complex relationship that mirrors the challenging mystery they are trying to solve involving extremists from opposing political standpoints. The writing style is praised for its ability to link chapters seamlessly, keeping readers engaged and intrigued by the flawed yet complementary characters.

'A Friend in the Dark' in the 'Auden & O'Callaghan Mystery' series by Gregory Ashe and C.S. Poe follows the story of two broken men, Rufus and Sam, who come together to solve a murder involving police corruption, murder, and human trafficking. The book showcases the unique partnership between the misfits as they try to unravel the events leading to Jake's demise while dealing with personal struggles and forming a strong bond despite their initial dislike for each other. The writing style intertwines the strengths of both authors, C.S. Poe's intricate knowledge of New York City and quirky character development, with Gregory Ashe's gritty storytelling and complex male protagonists.