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Donald Strachey #2
On the Other Hand, Death
When the giant Millpond Company finds its plans for a mega-shopping mall stymied by the refusal of an elderly lesbian couple to sell their home, the ladies are subjected to ugly vandalism and frightening death threats. The powerful director of Millpond in turn hires Don Strachey, Albany's only gay detective, to protect the ladies, find the culprits, and clear the corporate name. Strachey accepts with misgivings that deepen rapidly as kidnapping, extortion, and murder darken the lives of Albany's gay community. Fast-paced, deftly plotted, and superbly written, this is one of the best Strachey novels yet.
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
27 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Richard Stevenson
81 books142 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Richard Stevenson is the pseudonym of Richard Lipez, the author of nine books, including the Don Strachey private eye series. The Strachey books are being filmed by here!, the first gay television network. Lipez also co-wrote Grand Scam with Peter Stein, and contributed to Crimes of the Scene: A Mystery Novel Guide for the International Traveler. He is a mystery columnist for The Washington Post and a former editorial writer at The Berkshire Eagle. His reporting, reviews and fiction have appeared in The Boston Globe, Newsday, The Progressive, The Atlantic Monthly, Harper's and many other publications. He grew up and went to college in Pennsylvania and served in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia from 1962-64. Lipez lives in Becket, Massachusetts and is married to sculptor Joe Wheaton.
Richard Stevenson is the pseudonym of Richard Lipez, the author of nine books, including the Don Strachey private eye series. The Strachey books are being filmed by here!, the first gay television network. Lipez also co-wrote Grand Scam with Peter Stein, and contributed to Crimes of the Scene: A Mystery Novel Guide for the International Traveler. He is a mystery columnist for The Washington Post and a former editorial writer at The Berkshire Eagle. His reporting, reviews and fiction have appeared in The Boston Globe, Newsday, The Progressive, The Atlantic Monthly, Harper's and many other publications. He grew up and went to college in Pennsylvania and served in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia from 1962-64. Lipez lives in Becket, Massachusetts and is married to sculptor Joe Wheaton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 4, 2020
Just as entertaining as the first book, even though I found the mystery a little less ‘solvable’ with the clues given to the reader. Not that the first one was easy to guess, but at least in retrospect you could see where the hints had been dropped, here…not so much. Some connections between the characters involved seemed to come out of nowhere near the end. (I mean, not even my friend Rosa
guessed it and she’s the Queen of Theories.)
I still enjoyed watching Don solve it for me and getting another view of the gay community in the 80’s, always interesting despite the depressing factors due to the state of things at the time. At least Don’s humor almost always makes all that and the homophobic comments more tolerable to read.
Even though these books are definitely not romance, I’m still appreciating the relationship parts. Don is 100% pure Don in this book, and then some, but fortunately Timmy isn’t a doormat, so…things got interesting. LOL
I’m not sure I like the way things were resolved, though, case-related circumstances and seemed to be the reason for more than because they actually solved anything by themselves. It’s fine for now, but I can’t see that as a solution in the long run, since
I guess we’ll see where that’s going, if anywhere.
As a side note, I hope Don constantly using the book’s title when he talked to people isn’t going to be a new trend in the series, I found it really annoying.
guessed it and she’s the Queen of Theories.)
I still enjoyed watching Don solve it for me and getting another view of the gay community in the 80’s, always interesting despite the depressing factors due to the state of things at the time. At least Don’s humor almost always makes all that and the homophobic comments more tolerable to read.
Even though these books are definitely not romance, I’m still appreciating the relationship parts. Don is 100% pure Don in this book, and then some, but fortunately Timmy isn’t a doormat, so…things got interesting. LOL
I’m not sure I like the way things were resolved, though, case-related circumstances and seemed to be the reason for more than because they actually solved anything by themselves. It’s fine for now, but I can’t see that as a solution in the long run, since
I guess we’ll see where that’s going, if anywhere.
As a side note, I hope Don constantly using the book’s title when he talked to people isn’t going to be a new trend in the series, I found it really annoying.
June 6, 2015
4,5 stars!
Started as a simple vandalism on the property of a lesbian couple the story turned into a murder case. I don't want to say more, not to give away too much. It is why to review the mystery books is not that easy. The best - you go there without knowing anything.
But it's the second book in the series and you have to know what you put yourselves into. IMO On the Other Hand, Death is even better than the first book.
My absolute highlight here is OF COURSE Donald Strachey.
If you like the story but don't like the main character or don't feel him, then it could be difficult to like the book.
I'll make it short: I LOVE Dan Stachey and thereby I declare myself to a fan of the series.
My favourite kind of mystery -the one that makes me laugh without being ridiculous and loosing a tension in the storyline.
The one that has characters that makes me want to read about again and again.
Everything just suits here!
*a well-plotted mystery
*it's highly atmospheric
*monogamy against open relationship(in other words Timmy against Don arguments-FUN!)
*PI that is never at a loss for words
*witty and clever dialogues
*great writing
I can't say enough how I'm glad to find the series.
Of course-highly recommended from a fan of gay mystery to all fans of good gay mystery!
P.S Some words to the cover. It's getting better. Comparing to the the first book. But it is still a way to go. Though the cover of the first book, with a dog, could suite better for the second book.
THERE IS A DOG HERE.
Don't see it as a spoiler!
September 4, 2020
Unexpected BRs brighten my days, and this was one of this. I liked meeting Don again despite wanting to smack him now and then. And the case, while interesting, left me with a bitter taste... I think the solution was a bit out of nowhere... and I felt sad, reading about those times, the crude homophobia that flown around like it was nothing, and all those wasted lives... Still, and entertaining read and better even reading it in the best company!
July 15, 2018
Don Strachey uses his powers of snark and observation to help a pair of old women being targeted for hate crimes. Wrapped up in the mystery are some eccentric neighbors, a shopping mall tycoon, one of Don's old lovers and a gay advocate trying to put together a national gay strike. Part-time helper/part-time foil Detective Bowman, who drops homophobic slurs like they're going out of style (hey, it's the 80s and it's New York) but somehow still manages to do his job and take Don seriously.
I thought I had this figured out at one point, but I was so wrong, lol. There are plenty of potential suspects to go around. The snark was off the charts, the characters were fun and well-written, and even Bowman got some ironic chuckles out of me.
Timmy and Don are, well... Don's not the best boyfriend in the world. (These books are NOT romance.) Timmy finally puts his foot down but the conclusion of that was kind of confusing to me. It was left somewhat up in the air.
The formatting is again terrible. There are no page breaks between chapters. It goes into italics for pages or chapters at a time for absolutely no reason, and at one point even switched to a smaller font size. I'm not sure if that's because I got these first few books at Kobo and so they're not Kindle-formated, or if that's just how the books are no matter where you get them from. But it was annoying.
Oh, and the author does that thing where he constantly shoehorned the title into the dialogued and text, which is a pet peeve of mine.
I thought I had this figured out at one point, but I was so wrong, lol. There are plenty of potential suspects to go around. The snark was off the charts, the characters were fun and well-written, and even Bowman got some ironic chuckles out of me.
Timmy and Don are, well... Don's not the best boyfriend in the world. (These books are NOT romance.) Timmy finally puts his foot down but the conclusion of that was kind of confusing to me. It was left somewhat up in the air.
The formatting is again terrible. There are no page breaks between chapters. It goes into italics for pages or chapters at a time for absolutely no reason, and at one point even switched to a smaller font size. I'm not sure if that's because I got these first few books at Kobo and so they're not Kindle-formated, or if that's just how the books are no matter where you get them from. But it was annoying.
Oh, and the author does that thing where he constantly shoehorned the title into the dialogued and text, which is a pet peeve of mine.
April 24, 2012
(3.5 / 5)
The mystery in the second Strachey book is more solid, but I'm still feeling distanced from the characters. Would love to know more backstory.
Also note, this ebook edition is just as badly formatted as the first. I don't know what MLR are doing here.
The mystery in the second Strachey book is more solid, but I'm still feeling distanced from the characters. Would love to know more backstory.
Also note, this ebook edition is just as badly formatted as the first. I don't know what MLR are doing here.
August 22, 2011
Solid entry in the Donald Strachey series with a nice mystery setup. The story starts out as a simple vandalism case-an elderly lesbian couple is being harrassed with homophobic slurs painted on their property. Purely coincidentally, we're sure, a developer wants to buyout the homeowners in the area to put up a shopping mall and the lesbian couple happens to be the only holdout. Just when you think-am I really about to read a two hundred page novel about vandalism and urban development?, the plot explodes into a mess of kidnapping, extortion, and murder. Stevenson's biggest strength is keeping the feel of the classic Mickey Spillane type P.I. novel, with a modern setting and characters(for it's time-this was written in the 80s, and the politics/gay culture is dated).
Unfortunately, his biggest weakness is the relationship between Strachey and his boyfriend Timmy. They spend the novel fighting about monogamy-Tim appears to want it, Strachey doesn't, but there are hints that Timmy isn't 100% faithful either. Unfortunately the whole plot is left underdeveloped so it's confusing who's doing what, and then the conflict is tied with a nice, and completely unearned, bow at the end. This could have been a great picture of a real issue for many gay couples, instead it's an afterthought left half done. Another weakness can't really be discussed without a spoiler, but let's just say the way one character dies will have you rolling your eyes-really?
Still, it's a fast, exciting read, with sharp dialogue and intricate plotting. Recommended reading for mystery/PI fans.
Unfortunately, his biggest weakness is the relationship between Strachey and his boyfriend Timmy. They spend the novel fighting about monogamy-Tim appears to want it, Strachey doesn't, but there are hints that Timmy isn't 100% faithful either. Unfortunately the whole plot is left underdeveloped so it's confusing who's doing what, and then the conflict is tied with a nice, and completely unearned, bow at the end. This could have been a great picture of a real issue for many gay couples, instead it's an afterthought left half done. Another weakness can't really be discussed without a spoiler, but let's just say the way one character dies will have you rolling your eyes-really?
Still, it's a fast, exciting read, with sharp dialogue and intricate plotting. Recommended reading for mystery/PI fans.
April 30, 2016
3.5 of 5 stars – Nice Sequel to the Start of an Entertaining Series.
I love gay mysteries and romances, and Richard Stevenson does a good job of combining both in one of the more entertaining such series. I liked this for the same reasons I liked each in the series. This sequel was as good as the debut and continued to build the story. With crisp, witty writing, it’s a good mystery, set in the energized post-Stonewall era, and brought to life by a colorful, hard-boiled yet likable PI, who just happens to be gay.
Stevenson’s style made this a light, entertaining and easy read, with a good plot, pace, tension and just enough details and clues to not slow down the action. I enjoyed the step back in time to the early ‘80s. This was the kind of historical that, at the time, was written as a contemporary piece, capturing moments of what were then current situations and culture. Among the many time capsule tidbits I enjoyed were the clothes, dated technology, and political, high-spirited post-Stonewall era. And for those interested, it worked well as a standalone, with its own self-contained mystery, while also developing Strachey, his lover and other supporting characters in a way that created a storyline spanning across the series.
What engaged me the most with this story was the character of Don Strachey (who gave his first-person POV), and you’d probably have to like him to like this book. I grew to like him for all his skills, heart and humanness; and it was refreshing that he was not in shame of but was open about being gay. He was hard-boiled, cynically humorous with witty banter, and at times a little off-kilter, including some convenient ethics (imagine: “Mr. PI with the morals of Rhett Butler – and the mustache”). While Strachey was well drawn, the others were not as much. That might be expected with secondaries, but I wished for a little more with some, his lover in particular. Thankfully, a little better drawn, even if a bit stereotypically, was the bigoted, begrudging local police detective who served as a nice foil.
I appreciated that the main focus was on the mystery, with the gay aspect and any romance as a subplot. As Strachey put it, ““I’m a PI, yes, and more or less coincidentally gay.” So, instead of being an m/m romance, there were actually two mysteries – starting with a lesbian couple being harassed, and later, a murder. These mysteries were good, just a little predictable but still suspenseful, with the case being nicely set up, and ending in a believable solution. Along the way, the investigation had several realistic twists and turns; and I had to smile several times when the title was cleverly played out to show that “on the other hand…”, there were other possibilities.
Mixed in with all this was a nice bonus of Strachey’s gay life, and I was pleased to see his relationship continuing with his lover, Timmy. It gave Stevenson the chance to explore (and for me to see) the development of a relationship for Strachey. It’s an interesting one, reflecting the realities of such things, including working out what kind of a relationship, the struggles, temptations, understanding, and amusing banter between the two. And for those interested, any sex scenes were nicely built but discretely taken offscreen.
Stevenson delivered a second quality story to continue this series, and I look forward to the next one.
I love gay mysteries and romances, and Richard Stevenson does a good job of combining both in one of the more entertaining such series. I liked this for the same reasons I liked each in the series. This sequel was as good as the debut and continued to build the story. With crisp, witty writing, it’s a good mystery, set in the energized post-Stonewall era, and brought to life by a colorful, hard-boiled yet likable PI, who just happens to be gay.
Stevenson’s style made this a light, entertaining and easy read, with a good plot, pace, tension and just enough details and clues to not slow down the action. I enjoyed the step back in time to the early ‘80s. This was the kind of historical that, at the time, was written as a contemporary piece, capturing moments of what were then current situations and culture. Among the many time capsule tidbits I enjoyed were the clothes, dated technology, and political, high-spirited post-Stonewall era. And for those interested, it worked well as a standalone, with its own self-contained mystery, while also developing Strachey, his lover and other supporting characters in a way that created a storyline spanning across the series.
What engaged me the most with this story was the character of Don Strachey (who gave his first-person POV), and you’d probably have to like him to like this book. I grew to like him for all his skills, heart and humanness; and it was refreshing that he was not in shame of but was open about being gay. He was hard-boiled, cynically humorous with witty banter, and at times a little off-kilter, including some convenient ethics (imagine: “Mr. PI with the morals of Rhett Butler – and the mustache”). While Strachey was well drawn, the others were not as much. That might be expected with secondaries, but I wished for a little more with some, his lover in particular. Thankfully, a little better drawn, even if a bit stereotypically, was the bigoted, begrudging local police detective who served as a nice foil.
I appreciated that the main focus was on the mystery, with the gay aspect and any romance as a subplot. As Strachey put it, ““I’m a PI, yes, and more or less coincidentally gay.” So, instead of being an m/m romance, there were actually two mysteries – starting with a lesbian couple being harassed, and later, a murder. These mysteries were good, just a little predictable but still suspenseful, with the case being nicely set up, and ending in a believable solution. Along the way, the investigation had several realistic twists and turns; and I had to smile several times when the title was cleverly played out to show that “on the other hand…”, there were other possibilities.
Mixed in with all this was a nice bonus of Strachey’s gay life, and I was pleased to see his relationship continuing with his lover, Timmy. It gave Stevenson the chance to explore (and for me to see) the development of a relationship for Strachey. It’s an interesting one, reflecting the realities of such things, including working out what kind of a relationship, the struggles, temptations, understanding, and amusing banter between the two. And for those interested, any sex scenes were nicely built but discretely taken offscreen.
Stevenson delivered a second quality story to continue this series, and I look forward to the next one.
September 2, 2012
I don't know what it is about the end of summer, but that's when I find myself curling up with a mystery. The Strachey books are a perfect fit this time of year for me. The second book in the series has a good mystery that had me guessing a little and there's something really...endearing about a book set (and written) in the days before cell phones and internet searches.
Don and Timothy are one of my favorite fictional couples. Don is probably not the romantic ideal in a lot of ways, but that's part of what I love about him and part of what makes Timothy such a great character. Their interactions and the way they react to one another is fantastic and there's a point in this book where I was sniffling for Timmy and, at the same time, laughing out loud.
Anyone with issues about cheating/open relationships/semi-monogamy might come away hating this book, but I think it's more realistic than the typical HEA. I'm a fan of HEA and undying love and all those great things in romance novels, but this is a mystery with the relationship ups and downs as a sub-plot.
I felt like it dragged in places and I had to push through to get really engaged again, so, overall, I'd give this one 3.5, bumping it up to 4 for goodreads and looking forward to the next one.
Don and Timothy are one of my favorite fictional couples. Don is probably not the romantic ideal in a lot of ways, but that's part of what I love about him and part of what makes Timothy such a great character. Their interactions and the way they react to one another is fantastic and there's a point in this book where I was sniffling for Timmy and, at the same time, laughing out loud.
Anyone with issues about cheating/open relationships/semi-monogamy might come away hating this book, but I think it's more realistic than the typical HEA. I'm a fan of HEA and undying love and all those great things in romance novels, but this is a mystery with the relationship ups and downs as a sub-plot.
I felt like it dragged in places and I had to push through to get really engaged again, so, overall, I'd give this one 3.5, bumping it up to 4 for goodreads and looking forward to the next one.
June 10, 2015
This is the second in the Don Strachey mysteries and we find our intrepid hired to find out who committed vandalism on an elderly lesbian couples home. A firm that is interested in purchasing the couples home hires Don to see who has been harassing the women.Also, two activists that has been guests at the women's home become targets when one is kidnapped.On the personal front, Tim wants Don (who can't keep it in his pants) to be more committed in their relationship. Monogomy would be the safest route, especially with AIDS on the rise.The mystery kept me guessing and I love Don & Tim! A highly recommended edition to this well written series!
August 9, 2015
Interesting, a bit dated in its thinking, but fascinating to read. I vaguely remember the film version of this. On to #3
November 24, 2019
The second book in the Donald Strachey murder mysteries, starring a gay private investigator in early 1980s upstate New York. In this one, Don is hired by a massive real estate company who's looking to build a mall just outside of town. The only thing preventing them from starting construction is a pair of elderly lesbians who refuse to sell their farm. All their other neighbors have signed away their land – but won't actually be getting the cash unless the ladies sell as well. When homophobic vandalism and threatening letters turn up on the ladies' farm, Don is hired by the very same real estate company to look into it. He's fairly certain the company is responsible, but if they want to pay him thousands of dollars to make themselves look better, Don won't say no. Matters are complicated when a houseguest of the ladies is kidnapped, and an enormous ransom is demanded; the only way they can raise the money is by selling the farm. The missing guest is the boyfriend of a young gay activist currently touring the country to try and convince people to sign up for a nationwide gay strike. Would he fake a kidnapping just to raise awareness? Has the real estate company crossed the line into violence? And will they figure out where the missing man is before he's killed?
I liked this book a lot better than the first one in the series, Death Trick , though it does continue the trend of terrible names (at least this one is semi-justified in the dialogue). Timmy, Don's longterm boyfriend, is much more of a presence this time, and their relationship has an actual subplot: Don won't stop sleeping around despite Timmy's desire for monogamy. They both feel more like characters and less like empty figures meant only to drive the plot. Even the secondary characters – the elderly lesbians, the gay activist couple, the jerkwad cops – are fleshed out. The evocation of time and place is very well-done, and I quite liked the solution to the mystery. A very fun, quick-paced read.
As a side note: I read this as an ebook, and some editor or publisher or whoever has done a terrible job transferring it from the print edition. Weird breaks in the middle of paragraphs, random italics, and typos on nearly every page. If that kind of thing renders a book unreadable for you, you might want to put in the effort of chasing down the original print books.
I liked this book a lot better than the first one in the series, Death Trick , though it does continue the trend of terrible names (at least this one is semi-justified in the dialogue). Timmy, Don's longterm boyfriend, is much more of a presence this time, and their relationship has an actual subplot: Don won't stop sleeping around despite Timmy's desire for monogamy. They both feel more like characters and less like empty figures meant only to drive the plot. Even the secondary characters – the elderly lesbians, the gay activist couple, the jerkwad cops – are fleshed out. The evocation of time and place is very well-done, and I quite liked the solution to the mystery. A very fun, quick-paced read.
As a side note: I read this as an ebook, and some editor or publisher or whoever has done a terrible job transferring it from the print edition. Weird breaks in the middle of paragraphs, random italics, and typos on nearly every page. If that kind of thing renders a book unreadable for you, you might want to put in the effort of chasing down the original print books.
October 19, 2022
Donald Strachey, the Albany NY-based gay private detective, is asked by a real estate conglomerate to investigate an incident of homophobic graffiti that's been found on the home of a lesbian couple whose property the company wants to acquire. Sensing something's likely amiss beneath the surface of this assignment, Don nevertheless agrees to take on the case. Things quickly turn dark and, eventually, deadly. With the assistance of his informal network within Albany's gay community, Don must figure out what's at the heart of what turns out to be a pretty sinister plot.
It's a terrific book! Stevenson's writing is by turns witty and caustic and always intelligent; the pace is fast and the twists and turns of the plot are plentiful and always plausible. Stevenson packs into this novel--without ever feeling pushy or didactic--such subjects as institutionalized and internalized homophobia; corrupt monolithic corporations and their enablers, corrupt bureaucratic agencies; and radicalized gay rights activism. The book takes place in 1984 but too many of the problems Don has to face down here are still with us; maybe some have actually gotten worse.
There's also an important thread in the book about the fragile, evolving relationship between Don and his lover Timmy. They make a couple to root for as the navigate the terrain of Don's serial infidelities.
On the Other Hand, Death is an excellent mystery and a fine example of gay-themed fiction. Highly recommended.
It's a terrific book! Stevenson's writing is by turns witty and caustic and always intelligent; the pace is fast and the twists and turns of the plot are plentiful and always plausible. Stevenson packs into this novel--without ever feeling pushy or didactic--such subjects as institutionalized and internalized homophobia; corrupt monolithic corporations and their enablers, corrupt bureaucratic agencies; and radicalized gay rights activism. The book takes place in 1984 but too many of the problems Don has to face down here are still with us; maybe some have actually gotten worse.
There's also an important thread in the book about the fragile, evolving relationship between Don and his lover Timmy. They make a couple to root for as the navigate the terrain of Don's serial infidelities.
On the Other Hand, Death is an excellent mystery and a fine example of gay-themed fiction. Highly recommended.
December 23, 2023
4.5 stars
The second instalment in this series is more compelling than the first, in both its main mystery and romance subplot. Don easily secured a spot on my list of favourite gay detectives with his sharp-witted, often sarcasm-infused narrative voice, his deep attachment and commitment to the gay community, and his imperfect yet inherently genuine personality.
Don and Timmy's relationship dynamic somewhat echoes the situation with Toreth and Warrick in the Administration series, particularly their conflicts over monogamy versus an open relationship. After some arguments, it was Timmy who, like Warrick, made a compromise, acceding to a one-sided open relationship. I love stories featuring established relationships tinged with volatility, so the palpable tension between Don and Timmy in this book is almost custom-made for me. Despite not being the primary focus here, the romance aspect definitely enriched both the storyline and Don's character. My heartstrings were tugged at every mention of Timmy's name.
I'm concluding this year's reading by continuing my journey with Don and Timmy.🥰 If you're seeking a departure from overly saccharine m/m romance, this series offers a refreshing alternative worth exploring.
The second instalment in this series is more compelling than the first, in both its main mystery and romance subplot. Don easily secured a spot on my list of favourite gay detectives with his sharp-witted, often sarcasm-infused narrative voice, his deep attachment and commitment to the gay community, and his imperfect yet inherently genuine personality.
Don and Timmy's relationship dynamic somewhat echoes the situation with Toreth and Warrick in the Administration series, particularly their conflicts over monogamy versus an open relationship. After some arguments, it was Timmy who, like Warrick, made a compromise, acceding to a one-sided open relationship. I love stories featuring established relationships tinged with volatility, so the palpable tension between Don and Timmy in this book is almost custom-made for me. Despite not being the primary focus here, the romance aspect definitely enriched both the storyline and Don's character. My heartstrings were tugged at every mention of Timmy's name.
I'm concluding this year's reading by continuing my journey with Don and Timmy.🥰 If you're seeking a departure from overly saccharine m/m romance, this series offers a refreshing alternative worth exploring.
October 2, 2023
If you want to revisit the 1980s and what law enforcement and much of the general population thought about gay men and the gay movement this is the book for you. It's full of the old terms, cops attitudes, the powerful behaving badly, and a couple of very brave, endearing women. Don, don't call him Bob, is a finely drawn detective who happens to be gay. Kind of like X formerly known as Twitter.
The plot unfolds a bit on the slow side, the characters are well drawn, and if you don't mind the NYer style of describing the looks/actions of a newly introduced character, you're all set. I find it a bit annoying - how about bringing in the details in at least two paragraphs.
I admit that I was wanting to get on with my "serious reading" (1984) and skipped a section, late in the book. But...actually felt a little guilty for shortchanging Stevenson and went back and read what I'd skipped. Not a knock your socks off detective story but a good glimpse into a time we have shoved into the memory hole like so many other unflattering behaviors here in the US.
The plot unfolds a bit on the slow side, the characters are well drawn, and if you don't mind the NYer style of describing the looks/actions of a newly introduced character, you're all set. I find it a bit annoying - how about bringing in the details in at least two paragraphs.
I admit that I was wanting to get on with my "serious reading" (1984) and skipped a section, late in the book. But...actually felt a little guilty for shortchanging Stevenson and went back and read what I'd skipped. Not a knock your socks off detective story but a good glimpse into a time we have shoved into the memory hole like so many other unflattering behaviors here in the US.
January 5, 2026
Don Strachey is a gay hard-boiled private detective in the era of the height of aids. You get the feel of a Sam Spade mystery. But there is never a dull moment with his wicked sarcasm and dry wit. It becomes full entertainment just waiting to see what remarks comes next. Yes, he can be a bastard at times, and I still wonder why Timmy still loves him. Total opposites, but it works.
What starts out investigating the harassment of a lesbian couple, turns into a rollercoaster mystery of kidnapping and murder. While the mystery was OK, I found myself more interested in Don & Timmothy’s relationship. My heart always goes out to Tim, cause let’s face it, Don is screw up when it comes to commitment and relationships. And it comes to a full head in this book. Don’s realization that he can’t take Tim for granted. Yes, he needed a kick in the butt, to admit Tim means more to him than ever. Yes, Don, karma can be a bitch.
What starts out investigating the harassment of a lesbian couple, turns into a rollercoaster mystery of kidnapping and murder. While the mystery was OK, I found myself more interested in Don & Timmothy’s relationship. My heart always goes out to Tim, cause let’s face it, Don is screw up when it comes to commitment and relationships. And it comes to a full head in this book. Don’s realization that he can’t take Tim for granted. Yes, he needed a kick in the butt, to admit Tim means more to him than ever. Yes, Don, karma can be a bitch.
July 14, 2017
Great book, the pace here is 10 out of 10. I was flipping pages, very engaged, no way I was going to put this down until I knew who did it. The book is less dated than the first book, better pacing and plot, a great job, I see why they started the movie series with this book.
A couple of quibbles, the boyfriend Timmy could have been a cardboard cut-out. No personality or chemistry with Strachey. Also this is the second book in a row that the culprit is plucked out of thin air, from a mystery standpoint I didn't like that. In the end it was very lightly tied to someone we had heard of, but I really didn't remember who they were.
Also a great title, could have used it in the text of the book!
Still an upswing in the series, looking forward to the next one.
A couple of quibbles, the boyfriend Timmy could have been a cardboard cut-out. No personality or chemistry with Strachey. Also this is the second book in a row that the culprit is plucked out of thin air, from a mystery standpoint I didn't like that. In the end it was very lightly tied to someone we had heard of, but I really didn't remember who they were.
Also a great title, could have used it in the text of the book!
Still an upswing in the series, looking forward to the next one.
May 31, 2022
_On the Other Hand, Death_ receives four stars from me due to the engaging plot and good reminder of how things were in the past.
It is funny for me that I've seen all of the Strachey films and choose to read this one as my first read. The film of this book is my least favorite of the films. But the book has some interesting things to it that make it more interesting than the film.
The plot moves from one point to one point. I think the clues are very subtlety presented. Which makes for a good mystery.
Recommended: if you like a P.I. story this is a good one. If you don't like one, it would be a good start. If you want to see gay literature, this is a good start too. There are lots of gay issues presented, some discussed.
It is funny for me that I've seen all of the Strachey films and choose to read this one as my first read. The film of this book is my least favorite of the films. But the book has some interesting things to it that make it more interesting than the film.
The plot moves from one point to one point. I think the clues are very subtlety presented. Which makes for a good mystery.
Recommended: if you like a P.I. story this is a good one. If you don't like one, it would be a good start. If you want to see gay literature, this is a good start too. There are lots of gay issues presented, some discussed.
May 7, 2018
A fast-paced mystery with a likeable narrator, a host of believably eccentric side characters and a great sense of time and place. For a modern reader, this book—set in 1984—feels both like a window into queer history and surprisingly up-to-date. I enjoyed (except enjoyed isn’t really the right word) the interaction between Strachey, the prosaically homophobic police he had to cooperate with, and all the other characters from whom he pulled in favours to solve the case.
This was an impulse purchase in a secondhand bookshop, but I will certainly look out for more Donald Strachey novels in future.
This was an impulse purchase in a secondhand bookshop, but I will certainly look out for more Donald Strachey novels in future.
April 15, 2022
It's not the edition pictured here, but I love the original paperback cover. It was very unusual for a gay mystery in 1984 to get such mainstream styled cover art. Thumbs up to Penguin.
This is a hard one to review. Stevenson's writing is really top notch, and his characterizations are great. The actual mystery is a little wobbly, and he's so committed to an unapologetic portrayal of his 80's Albany queer milieu that most of the characters, including his lead, come off as fairly unsympathetic - although there is a strong sense of community.
This is a hard one to review. Stevenson's writing is really top notch, and his characterizations are great. The actual mystery is a little wobbly, and he's so committed to an unapologetic portrayal of his 80's Albany queer milieu that most of the characters, including his lead, come off as fairly unsympathetic - although there is a strong sense of community.
May 1, 2022
The second gay detective tale by Richard Stevenson, this one with considerably less small town gay atmosphere—unfortunately. The private detective is called to investigate the cause of vandalism to the property of an elderly lesbian couple, which spirals into threats, a kidnapping, and a death. Writing is not so deft this time around, but the plot is complicated and intriguing and makes for an enjoyable read. What it fails to do is set me in search of the authors 15 or more subsequent books. Stevenson doesn’t pretend that he’s a rival to Raymond Chandler, which is good, because he’s not.
October 11, 2024
Donald's 2nd adventure finds him once more in the middle of it, where his want to walk away is only outmatched by his need to protect those who cant defend self ,oh yea, and Solve a crime! Reluctant in tone but fast on feet this book sprints the whole way through, You maybe need to catch your breathe, don't let that turn you off. The characters are well written, Motives of people make sense, Just a gem of a tale.
December 23, 2022
A good straightforward mystery with a great great gay main character in private detective Donald Strachy. Stevenson fully develops Strachy in this sophomore outing. This time Strachy is hired to discover who is threatening an aging lesbian couple who are being pressured to sell their land to a shirtless developer.
September 18, 2024
I am exploring 80's LGBT detective fiction. This series went on a long time. I may explore another but I may be good ending here. Don the main character is funny and cutting but not all that deep. I was impressed by how much sex he had. Loved Dot and Edith.
November 21, 2018
It was all right. Yay for gay mysteries--I appreciated the setting and historical details. Interesting and well paced, but I wanted more character development.
Read
January 14, 2020Read a long time ago. I remember the series as being a good one.
October 23, 2020
Re-read after many years, it holds up very well
April 13, 2022
Liked this one even more than the first book in the series. I am really loving Strachey.
March 9, 2023
Don is hired by a corporation to do some PR work and figure out who's been harassing a target for one of their developments, but soon what starts out as abuse and threats turns into murder. Again, I loved Don's sarcasm and the way he constantly riles up Bowman, who is just the right balance between laughably ignorant yet also, maybe, kind of, a little bit decent? This instalment made it absolutely clear that Don is a very bad romantic partner and his relationship with Timmy confuses me somewhat but I really like them together on the page. I found the plot less engaging than Death Trick but what brought the rating down was that the reveal came out of nowhere and I don't think there was enough foreshadowing to make the payoff rewarding.
January 17, 2024
This whipped! A fun pulpy gay mystery that is also an interesting artifact of 80s gay culture.
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