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Evander Mills #2
The Bell in the Fog
"Vikas Adam brings a noirish vibe to his first-class narration of this 1952 mystery set in San Francisco...Adam gives Mills a deep, tough voice for the most part, though it softens for more tender moments. Adam is also outstanding with other characters, including those with lesser roles. He gives each a distinctive voice and attitude. More impressively, his performance enhances the atmosphere of the entire audiobook."—AudioFile
The Bell in the Fog, a dazzling historical mystery by Lev AC Rosen, asks—once you have finally found a family, how far would you go to prove yourself to them?
San Francisco, 1952. Detective Evander “Andy” Mills has started a new life for himself as a private detective—but his business hasn’t exactly taken off. It turns out that word spreads fast when you have a bad reputation, and no one in the queer community trusts him enough to ask an ex-cop for help.
When James, an old flame from the war who had mysteriously disappeared, arrives in his offices above the Ruby, Andy wants to kick him out. But the job seems to be a simple case of blackmail, and Andy’s debts are piling up. He agrees to investigate, despite everything it stirs up.
The case will take him back to the shadowy, closeted world of the Navy, and then out into the gay bars of the city, where the past rises up to meet him, like the swell of the ocean under a warship. Missing people, violent strangers, and scandalous photos that could destroy lives are a whirlpool around him, and Andy better make sense of it all before someone pulls him under for good.
A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Forge.
The Bell in the Fog, a dazzling historical mystery by Lev AC Rosen, asks—once you have finally found a family, how far would you go to prove yourself to them?
San Francisco, 1952. Detective Evander “Andy” Mills has started a new life for himself as a private detective—but his business hasn’t exactly taken off. It turns out that word spreads fast when you have a bad reputation, and no one in the queer community trusts him enough to ask an ex-cop for help.
When James, an old flame from the war who had mysteriously disappeared, arrives in his offices above the Ruby, Andy wants to kick him out. But the job seems to be a simple case of blackmail, and Andy’s debts are piling up. He agrees to investigate, despite everything it stirs up.
The case will take him back to the shadowy, closeted world of the Navy, and then out into the gay bars of the city, where the past rises up to meet him, like the swell of the ocean under a warship. Missing people, violent strangers, and scandalous photos that could destroy lives are a whirlpool around him, and Andy better make sense of it all before someone pulls him under for good.
A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Forge.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 10, 2023
165 people are currently reading
10007 people want to read
About the author
Lev A.C. Rosen
18 books1,176 followersLEV AC ROSEN sometimes is sometimes known as L.C. ROSEN. He is the author of books for all ages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 649 reviews
May 31, 2023
The Bell in the Fog is even better than its prequel Lavender House and Lev A.C. Rosen’s best book so far! The Fifties, a disgraced detective, diverse characters; this series is so good! And The Bell in the Fog is also perfectly readable as a stand-alone.
Books with chilling atmospheres enlighten me. I love main characters who are guarded about what might happen. I love tension that’s palpable on every page, even though nothing is happening (yet). I love waiting for eerie moments to come.
The uneasiness in Lavender House was fantastic, and I adored it even more in The Bell in the Fog. That fog in the title perfectly describes this book. It’s like a seemingly hazy day with mist hanging above the water. A chilly day, and shivers might run down your spine. Then the sun pokes its rays through the clouds and slowly burns the fog away. Suddenly there’s so much warmth and beauty to find. Until the darkness and the chill get back, and the mist starts coming in again. It’s tangible in Andy’s love life, his feelings for both James, the man he once loved and who left him without notice, and Gene, the man who might be his future love. It’s noticeable in the mystery parts of the book and the clubs and the bars, with both the queer joy and the terrible raids. And it’s even visible in the setting, San Francisco, one of the foggiest cities on earth but also beautiful with breathtaking views until the mist sneakily creeps up again like a thief in the night.
I loved, loved, loved this book and can’t wait for part three!
Thank you, Libby, from Forge Books (Tor Publishing Group), for sending me the eARC of this book! This series is phenomenal!
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Books with chilling atmospheres enlighten me. I love main characters who are guarded about what might happen. I love tension that’s palpable on every page, even though nothing is happening (yet). I love waiting for eerie moments to come.
The uneasiness in Lavender House was fantastic, and I adored it even more in The Bell in the Fog. That fog in the title perfectly describes this book. It’s like a seemingly hazy day with mist hanging above the water. A chilly day, and shivers might run down your spine. Then the sun pokes its rays through the clouds and slowly burns the fog away. Suddenly there’s so much warmth and beauty to find. Until the darkness and the chill get back, and the mist starts coming in again. It’s tangible in Andy’s love life, his feelings for both James, the man he once loved and who left him without notice, and Gene, the man who might be his future love. It’s noticeable in the mystery parts of the book and the clubs and the bars, with both the queer joy and the terrible raids. And it’s even visible in the setting, San Francisco, one of the foggiest cities on earth but also beautiful with breathtaking views until the mist sneakily creeps up again like a thief in the night.
I loved, loved, loved this book and can’t wait for part three!
Thank you, Libby, from Forge Books (Tor Publishing Group), for sending me the eARC of this book! This series is phenomenal!
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October 29, 2025
**4.5-stars rounded up**
The Bell in the Fog is the 2nd-installment of Lev A.C. Rosen's Evander Mills series. If you are unfamiliar with these books, it's a Queer Historical Mystery series, and it's amazing.
I really enjoyed the 1st-book, Lavender House, when I read it in 2022, but I actually enjoyed this one even more.
I wouldn't say it was because of the mystery components, or that this one is better written, it's more increased enjoyment because of how attached I am to these characters now.
Evander Mills, who goes by Andy, is a fantastic MC. He is everything I would want a lead to be. He contains a lot of depth. I love his back story and watching him forge a new path for his future.
Admittedly, in addition to the great stories, quite a bit of my enjoyment comes from the fabulous narration of Vikas Adam, who so far has narrated all three of the installments.
We are told these stories solely through Andy's perspective, and Vikas Adam IS Andy to me. I will never be able to hear another person reading as Andy and believe it.
The tone and quality of Adam's voice channels such a period-appropriate film noir feel to these audiobooks; I cannot recommend them highly enough. If you are going to read them, you really should check out at least one of the audiobooks if you have them available to you.
To help set the scene, it's 1952, in San Francisco, and Andy is trying to get his private detective business off the ground after being let go from the SFPD after getting caught in a compromising position at a gay bar. He's in desperate need of a new case when a familiar face walks through his door, but it's not someone he's excited to see.
It's James, Andy's lover from his time in the navy, who mysteriously disappeared years before. Even though he wants to immediately kick James out, Andy, ever the gentleman, decides to let him state his case.
James needs help. He's being blackmailed. He wants to find the person behind it and put a stop to it before his entire life and career is flushed down the drain.
Andy is not pleased to see James again, but honestly, he can't afford to be picky. A case is a case, and blackmail shouldn't be too hard to clear up.
The web of deceit is much thicker than Andy could have anticipated though, and soon, everything seems more at risk than ever. We follow Andy in a fast-paced scramble as he tries desperately, not just to protect his client, but everyone he holds dear.
Y'all, this is such an engaging mystery and entertaining series. I feel like it needs more buzz, as I'm not hearing enough people chatting it up.
The classic Detective Fiction vibes are here, but super gay. I love the setting, the entertaining cast of characters and the representation, which includes a wide range of Queer identities and romances.
The community that Andy has found himself, though often complicated, is also heartwarming. There's something about these characters sort of carving out a safe space for themselves in an otherwise hostile world; it's hopeful, while at the same time not negating the serious dangers they face day-to-day, which I appreciated.
The early-1950s setting enhances this story by allowing Rosen to give a subtle, respectful nod to those who came before. To show what they went through, it's eye-opening and was handled in such a tactful way.
As you can tell, I love this series. I've already started the 3rd-book Rough Pages, and I am hoping there are many, many more to come.
I feel like I haven't come across too many Queer Mystery series, so if that is something you also feel is lacking in your reading life, you definitely need to check this one out.
With this being said, Queer or not, this is a great mystery series, period, and I hope more people discover, and love, Andy Mills and friends!
The Bell in the Fog is the 2nd-installment of Lev A.C. Rosen's Evander Mills series. If you are unfamiliar with these books, it's a Queer Historical Mystery series, and it's amazing.
I really enjoyed the 1st-book, Lavender House, when I read it in 2022, but I actually enjoyed this one even more.
I wouldn't say it was because of the mystery components, or that this one is better written, it's more increased enjoyment because of how attached I am to these characters now.
Evander Mills, who goes by Andy, is a fantastic MC. He is everything I would want a lead to be. He contains a lot of depth. I love his back story and watching him forge a new path for his future.
Admittedly, in addition to the great stories, quite a bit of my enjoyment comes from the fabulous narration of Vikas Adam, who so far has narrated all three of the installments.
We are told these stories solely through Andy's perspective, and Vikas Adam IS Andy to me. I will never be able to hear another person reading as Andy and believe it.
The tone and quality of Adam's voice channels such a period-appropriate film noir feel to these audiobooks; I cannot recommend them highly enough. If you are going to read them, you really should check out at least one of the audiobooks if you have them available to you.
To help set the scene, it's 1952, in San Francisco, and Andy is trying to get his private detective business off the ground after being let go from the SFPD after getting caught in a compromising position at a gay bar. He's in desperate need of a new case when a familiar face walks through his door, but it's not someone he's excited to see.
It's James, Andy's lover from his time in the navy, who mysteriously disappeared years before. Even though he wants to immediately kick James out, Andy, ever the gentleman, decides to let him state his case.
James needs help. He's being blackmailed. He wants to find the person behind it and put a stop to it before his entire life and career is flushed down the drain.
Andy is not pleased to see James again, but honestly, he can't afford to be picky. A case is a case, and blackmail shouldn't be too hard to clear up.
The web of deceit is much thicker than Andy could have anticipated though, and soon, everything seems more at risk than ever. We follow Andy in a fast-paced scramble as he tries desperately, not just to protect his client, but everyone he holds dear.
Y'all, this is such an engaging mystery and entertaining series. I feel like it needs more buzz, as I'm not hearing enough people chatting it up.
The classic Detective Fiction vibes are here, but super gay. I love the setting, the entertaining cast of characters and the representation, which includes a wide range of Queer identities and romances.
The community that Andy has found himself, though often complicated, is also heartwarming. There's something about these characters sort of carving out a safe space for themselves in an otherwise hostile world; it's hopeful, while at the same time not negating the serious dangers they face day-to-day, which I appreciated.
The early-1950s setting enhances this story by allowing Rosen to give a subtle, respectful nod to those who came before. To show what they went through, it's eye-opening and was handled in such a tactful way.
As you can tell, I love this series. I've already started the 3rd-book Rough Pages, and I am hoping there are many, many more to come.
I feel like I haven't come across too many Queer Mystery series, so if that is something you also feel is lacking in your reading life, you definitely need to check this one out.
With this being said, Queer or not, this is a great mystery series, period, and I hope more people discover, and love, Andy Mills and friends!
April 26, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
I am really loving this series! If you want noir detective vibes with a gay lead you should really check out these mysteries. The Bell in the Fog is book 2, following gay PI and former cop Andy Mills on a new case involving blackmail. Set in 1952 San Francisco, Andy is still coming to terms with his complicity in police harm to his own community and trying to make amends. Now someone from his past has hired him to find out who is behind blackmail photos that would threaten the military career of the client if his queerness were to be outed. But things are much messier than they first seem...
This is a great mystery with characters I love offering a look at the complexities of what it meant to be a queer person during this time. Definitely recommend! The audio narration is excellent as well and gives that gravelly detective voice you want for the time period. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
I am really loving this series! If you want noir detective vibes with a gay lead you should really check out these mysteries. The Bell in the Fog is book 2, following gay PI and former cop Andy Mills on a new case involving blackmail. Set in 1952 San Francisco, Andy is still coming to terms with his complicity in police harm to his own community and trying to make amends. Now someone from his past has hired him to find out who is behind blackmail photos that would threaten the military career of the client if his queerness were to be outed. But things are much messier than they first seem...
This is a great mystery with characters I love offering a look at the complexities of what it meant to be a queer person during this time. Definitely recommend! The audio narration is excellent as well and gives that gravelly detective voice you want for the time period. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
April 30, 2023
A great continuation of the Andy Mills series, with more of Andy’s own personal story to explore. This story is slower paced than Lavender House and I didn’t love the quick wrap up at the end, but I loved the historical research that the author included with this story. I hope we see more of Andy’s personal life as this series goes on!
July 14, 2023
San Francisco, 1952: Navy veteran Andy is a private detective and former cop. The queer community doesn't really trust him because of this--they knew police were extorting protection money from gay bar owners to keep from being raided, and beating up people they suspected of being gay. Andy is hired to find some incriminating blackmail photos, and the pictures are not the only secrets he uncovers. This historical mystery reminded me of a noir film--the author recreates the threatening and exciting atmosphere of the time. Fights, murders and lies are juxtaposed with love and kindness in this excellent historical mystery. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
November 23, 2023
I enjoyed Lavender House, the first Andy Mills book, 3.75 stars' worth; this time I think LACR has hit his stride, because apart from a few patches of clunky dialogue I have almost no notes.
As the ad copy says, Andy's set up as a private detective now, but because he used to be a cop (and not only a cop, but a cop who did jack to protect other queer people), he's not trusted, so he's not getting much business. He lives above his friend Elsie's bar, the Ruby, and he's costing it business too, so she's not making enough to pay the bribes that prevent raids, and all in all it's a mess.
Plot and vibes here. The plot is Andy solving a blackmail case and a couple of murders, as well as learning some things about his own history that he might have preferred to remain in ignorance of. (Or not, because who becomes a detective if they're not of a mind to know, however unpleasant the knowing.) The vibes are Andy doing his best to make amends and earn his place in the community he properly belongs to (spoiler: he does a fine job) while wrestling with what the most just possible outcome is in a case where real justice is unavailable to either the victims of crime, or its perpetrators, or those who are both.
I worked out the identity of one guilty party sooner than I think I was supposed to -- sooner than Andy did, anyway! -- and I'm not entirely sure that Lee's investigative method would yield results as efficiently as it does, so I'm calling this 4.5 stars and happily rounding up.
ETA: Here's an irony for you: There's a one-star review of this book complaining that you keep hearing about how Andy and the other characters are queer. (Mind you, the reviewer is fine with gay characters in novels! But why do they have to rub his nose in it, amirite?) I live in a pretty queer-friendly bubble but every so often a straight person just smacks you in the face with their privilege. Happy fuckingThanksgiving Genocide Celebration Day, by the way.
As the ad copy says, Andy's set up as a private detective now, but because he used to be a cop (and not only a cop, but a cop who did jack to protect other queer people), he's not trusted, so he's not getting much business. He lives above his friend Elsie's bar, the Ruby, and he's costing it business too, so she's not making enough to pay the bribes that prevent raids, and all in all it's a mess.
Plot and vibes here. The plot is Andy solving a blackmail case and a couple of murders, as well as learning some things about his own history that he might have preferred to remain in ignorance of. (Or not, because who becomes a detective if they're not of a mind to know, however unpleasant the knowing.) The vibes are Andy doing his best to make amends and earn his place in the community he properly belongs to (spoiler: he does a fine job) while wrestling with what the most just possible outcome is in a case where real justice is unavailable to either the victims of crime, or its perpetrators, or those who are both.
I worked out the identity of one guilty party sooner than I think I was supposed to -- sooner than Andy did, anyway! -- and I'm not entirely sure that Lee's investigative method would yield results as efficiently as it does, so I'm calling this 4.5 stars and happily rounding up.
ETA: Here's an irony for you: There's a one-star review of this book complaining that you keep hearing about how Andy and the other characters are queer. (Mind you, the reviewer is fine with gay characters in novels! But why do they have to rub his nose in it, amirite?) I live in a pretty queer-friendly bubble but every so often a straight person just smacks you in the face with their privilege. Happy fucking
June 9, 2024
Hmmm...
I continue to like Andy. He's navigating his new life with stoic determination and stepping up with the gay community to provide them with the protection and help they won't get from the cops. The cops are probably the biggest thugs in this, the way they harass the gay bars and clubs and take bribe money from the owners to leave them alone for a few weeks - or days. It's a terrible time period to be LGBT. Being gay wasn't illegal, but committing gay acts were, and your life could be ruined if you were outed. Unfortunately, that means that vigilante "justice" is often the only way to get anything done. And it's that vigilantism that doesn't really sit well with me, even though I recognize they often had no other recourse.
Andy does get a potential boyfriend, so that's sweet. Though this is far from a romance, so I don't know where that's going to go. I didn't exactly get any of the feels for the pairing, but I'm happy if they're happy.
The mystery brings in a former flame of Andy's, someone he knew in the navy during WWII. He also runs into an old friend from that time as well. The mystery was done somewhat better - it wasn't as unnecessarily hectic at the resolution, but I did get annoyed with Andy But I did like that there was another whodunit that wasn't as obvious as well. I had my suspicions that the
Still, while the mystery and plot was better laid out than in the first book, I'm a bit concerned that Andy got beat up again. And that he knows yet more If he keeps this up, everyone he knows is going to be If this is going to be a repeating motif in this series, it's going to grow old very fast. It may have done so already.
Vikas Adam narrates this as well and does a wonderful job yet again. He did mix up the voices once or twice, but that's it.
I continue to like Andy. He's navigating his new life with stoic determination and stepping up with the gay community to provide them with the protection and help they won't get from the cops. The cops are probably the biggest thugs in this, the way they harass the gay bars and clubs and take bribe money from the owners to leave them alone for a few weeks - or days. It's a terrible time period to be LGBT. Being gay wasn't illegal, but committing gay acts were, and your life could be ruined if you were outed. Unfortunately, that means that vigilante "justice" is often the only way to get anything done. And it's that vigilantism that doesn't really sit well with me, even though I recognize they often had no other recourse.
Andy does get a potential boyfriend, so that's sweet. Though this is far from a romance, so I don't know where that's going to go. I didn't exactly get any of the feels for the pairing, but I'm happy if they're happy.
The mystery brings in a former flame of Andy's, someone he knew in the navy during WWII. He also runs into an old friend from that time as well. The mystery was done somewhat better - it wasn't as unnecessarily hectic at the resolution, but I did get annoyed with Andy But I did like that there was another whodunit that wasn't as obvious as well. I had my suspicions that the
Still, while the mystery and plot was better laid out than in the first book, I'm a bit concerned that Andy got beat up again. And that he knows yet more If he keeps this up, everyone he knows is going to be If this is going to be a repeating motif in this series, it's going to grow old very fast. It may have done so already.
Vikas Adam narrates this as well and does a wonderful job yet again. He did mix up the voices once or twice, but that's it.
October 14, 2023
It should be illegal for the sequel to one of my all-time favorite mysteries to be even better. And YET.
November 15, 2023
4.5 stars. Set in foggy 1950's San Francisco and written with a gritty, atmosphere-shaping prose that befits the story's noir-esque setting, The Bell in the Fog sees private investigator Evander Mills make a triumphant literary return—this time to solve a new case brought to him by an old flame.
November 16, 2023
I loved Lavender House so I knew I wanted to read this one and it was a great continuation. I loved that we get to see some more of Andy’s history and motivation to becoming a cop and then a detective, but I felt overall this story moved a little slower. I love the historical research that went into this even if my heart hurts after reading it. While there may still be way too much hate for queer people today to read how utterly mainstream accepted it was for them to be assaulted and arrested is awful, but I do appreciate that we are not pretending it away from our history. I also appreciated that racism was called out and represented as appropriate for the times. Andy is tired of investigating if his clients’ partners are cheating but he has to make money. So when an old friend and more shows up with a real case he is understandably a little excited even if he also is flooded with a confusing array of emotions. His old friend, James, is being blackmailed and he agrees to figure out by who. This case is full of some twists and a lot more of Andy’s history than he was expecting. This is a great series and I really hope it continues.
July 5, 2024
This was a good follow up to Lavender House. There’s a lot going on as Andy attempts to resolve some past relationship issues, find the person menacing and threatening the queer community and solve a murder but I never felt overwhelmed or lost in the subplots as can sometimes happen. I listened on audio and recommend it if you’re an audio fan. The narrator does a fantastic job.
June 28, 2025
Rosen continues to impress with this series. The writing and atmosphere are inviting and enveloping, fun and quick to read but they feel like they have heft at the same time. I especially appreciate that the character work has continued and deepened, and the series is as much about the main character learning about himself as it is about him solving a case. The themes of coming out and finding yourself have a YA feel, but that makes sense for the character. The balance between the new experience of life that newly-out adults have and the detective grit and violence work well, though I think it could be heightened a little more. Ancillary characters from the last book step into bigger (if somewhat predictable) roles and new character join the cast in ways that feel like they add substance, to the character if not the overall story. The mysteries at the center of the novel are smart, and the ways they parallel the main character’s journey works well. Again, the mysteries feel a little safe, and not wildly tricksy, but they are solidly constructed and feel like they are built off just the right amount of clues and instinct. As a reader you aren’t given the opportunity to ever get in front of the detective, but the way the mystery deepens and unfolds, and the overall pacing allowing the story to reveal itself, is captivating.
The characters and world do limit where he can go with the plot, as the realities of a gay ex-cop in the 1950s create a ceiling for just what mysteries he can solve and who he can get to listen to him, never mind assist him. So far Rosen uses this to good effect, crafting interesting mysteries that don’t stretch credibility and in fact use the (bleak) realities of the setting to add pressure to the cases. I do wonder where the limit will be, where the setting can no longer contain the story, but it isn’t there yet. I would like a little more daring, a little more risk. Not to the character but to the writing. Even as there are murders and beatings and blackmail and more, the story always feels a little safe. I don’t begrudge the story for it, but I do wish for a little bit more of an edge to the story and the writing itself. The writing is descriptive and compelling and certainly keeps you engaged, but considering the stakes as they are I wouldn’t mind it being a little more harried and frantic. Since many of the themes and internal character journey are parallel to contemporary YA literature I think the story would be heightened if those thematic realities were textured with a darker and more jagged storytelling modality. Basically, while I enjoy the story and the vibes, I am left wanting something just a little bolder, given the really engaging world and characters that have been established.
That said, these are fun reads. They have really wonderful, genuine characters that I want to spend time with and don’t want to see experience hardship, characters who continue to grow and evolve across the novels. There is an undercurrent of paranoia that comes from the world-building that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, and the case at the heart of the story, while not incredibly complex, is both thematically appropriate and fun to puzzle over.
(Rounded up from 3.5)
The characters and world do limit where he can go with the plot, as the realities of a gay ex-cop in the 1950s create a ceiling for just what mysteries he can solve and who he can get to listen to him, never mind assist him. So far Rosen uses this to good effect, crafting interesting mysteries that don’t stretch credibility and in fact use the (bleak) realities of the setting to add pressure to the cases. I do wonder where the limit will be, where the setting can no longer contain the story, but it isn’t there yet. I would like a little more daring, a little more risk. Not to the character but to the writing. Even as there are murders and beatings and blackmail and more, the story always feels a little safe. I don’t begrudge the story for it, but I do wish for a little bit more of an edge to the story and the writing itself. The writing is descriptive and compelling and certainly keeps you engaged, but considering the stakes as they are I wouldn’t mind it being a little more harried and frantic. Since many of the themes and internal character journey are parallel to contemporary YA literature I think the story would be heightened if those thematic realities were textured with a darker and more jagged storytelling modality. Basically, while I enjoy the story and the vibes, I am left wanting something just a little bolder, given the really engaging world and characters that have been established.
That said, these are fun reads. They have really wonderful, genuine characters that I want to spend time with and don’t want to see experience hardship, characters who continue to grow and evolve across the novels. There is an undercurrent of paranoia that comes from the world-building that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, and the case at the heart of the story, while not incredibly complex, is both thematically appropriate and fun to puzzle over.
(Rounded up from 3.5)
November 1, 2023
personally, i love my nothing more than background noise audiobooks
read as part of 202-Queer 🌈✨
read as part of 202-Queer 🌈✨
May 7, 2024
You don’t need to read Lavender House to enjoy gay detective Evander “Andy” Mills latest caper. Lev AC Rosen’s newest novel, The Bell in the Fog, can stand on its’ own. The past can come back to haunt you! Andy revisits his Navy past with pals, James and Helen. Andy’s queer community includes his new “Girl Friday” Lee, who’s a she with lipstick on and a he when wearing a suit, hopeful boyfriend and bartender Gene and boss Elsie, owner of The Ruby. A simple blackmail case turns deadly for Andy, who must solve this new mystery before The Ruby goes up in smoke. Thanks to Lev AC Rosen, Forge Books/Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 25, 2023
‘The Bell in the Fog’ by Lev AC Rosen is an excellent procedural mystery.
I’ve copied the book blurb:
”The Bell in the Fog , a dazzling historical mystery by Lev AC Rosen, asks—once you have finally found a family, how far would you go to prove yourself to them?
San Francisco, 1952. Detective Evander “Andy” Mills has started a new life for himself as a private detective—but his business hasn’t exactly taken off. It turns out that word spreads fast when you have a bad reputation, and no one in the queer community trusts him enough to ask an ex-cop for help.
When James, an old flame from the war who had mysteriously disappeared, arrives in his offices above the Ruby, Andy wants to kick him out. But the job seems to be a simple case of blackmail, and Andy’s debts are piling up. He agrees to investigate, despite everything it stirs up.
The case will take him back to the shadowy, closeted world of the Navy, and then out into the gay bars of the city, where the past rises up to meet him, like the swell of the ocean under a warship. Missing people, violent strangers, and scandalous photos that could destroy lives are a whirlpool around him, and Andy better make sense of it all before someone pulls him under for good.”
The blurb is accurate.
Readers definitely need to read the series in order because Andy’s life story is continued from book to book. ‘The Bell in the Fog’ is book two in this series. Andy’s difficulties as a gay man begin from being outed in the novel Lavender House. His personal problems in the first book continue into ‘The Bell in the Fog’. Andy’s life as a police officer was turned upside down as a result of being arrested in a gay club. In trying to survive the devastation caused by his sexuality becoming public knowledge, Andy is struggling with his shame along with the constant threat of beatings from gay bashers. However, he is slowly making a new life for himself with the help of new friends. The mystery is a good read in itself but at the same time the story gives readers much insight into what it was like being gay in a homophobic America of the 1950’s.
I’ve copied the book blurb:
”The Bell in the Fog , a dazzling historical mystery by Lev AC Rosen, asks—once you have finally found a family, how far would you go to prove yourself to them?
San Francisco, 1952. Detective Evander “Andy” Mills has started a new life for himself as a private detective—but his business hasn’t exactly taken off. It turns out that word spreads fast when you have a bad reputation, and no one in the queer community trusts him enough to ask an ex-cop for help.
When James, an old flame from the war who had mysteriously disappeared, arrives in his offices above the Ruby, Andy wants to kick him out. But the job seems to be a simple case of blackmail, and Andy’s debts are piling up. He agrees to investigate, despite everything it stirs up.
The case will take him back to the shadowy, closeted world of the Navy, and then out into the gay bars of the city, where the past rises up to meet him, like the swell of the ocean under a warship. Missing people, violent strangers, and scandalous photos that could destroy lives are a whirlpool around him, and Andy better make sense of it all before someone pulls him under for good.”
The blurb is accurate.
Readers definitely need to read the series in order because Andy’s life story is continued from book to book. ‘The Bell in the Fog’ is book two in this series. Andy’s difficulties as a gay man begin from being outed in the novel Lavender House. His personal problems in the first book continue into ‘The Bell in the Fog’. Andy’s life as a police officer was turned upside down as a result of being arrested in a gay club. In trying to survive the devastation caused by his sexuality becoming public knowledge, Andy is struggling with his shame along with the constant threat of beatings from gay bashers. However, he is slowly making a new life for himself with the help of new friends. The mystery is a good read in itself but at the same time the story gives readers much insight into what it was like being gay in a homophobic America of the 1950’s.
October 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this sequel to Lavender House. It seems that the characters in this one will likely play a bigger role moving forward and I liked getting to know them better. They are certainly an interesting bunch.
I thought this one grabbed my attention quickly and I was flying through it and loving it, but it seemed to get hung up a bit in the middle. Our MC, Andy, was struggling with some things from his past and I found some of his thoughts repetitive and frustrating. I hope the series leaves a certain someone in his past in the next installment.
I was also frustrated because I figured out a couple of things long before Andy did and for a clever detective, he certainly let things cloud his judgement.
However, with that said, I really liked the overall story and the direction the series seems to be taking. I look forward to meeting up with Andy and a few of the other characters again. 3.5★
I thought this one grabbed my attention quickly and I was flying through it and loving it, but it seemed to get hung up a bit in the middle. Our MC, Andy, was struggling with some things from his past and I found some of his thoughts repetitive and frustrating. I hope the series leaves a certain someone in his past in the next installment.
I was also frustrated because I figured out a couple of things long before Andy did and for a clever detective, he certainly let things cloud his judgement.
However, with that said, I really liked the overall story and the direction the series seems to be taking. I look forward to meeting up with Andy and a few of the other characters again. 3.5★
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December 21, 2023Not naturalistic enough and not stylized enough, so it just ends up declarative and vaguely try-hard.
You know, if this were just historical fiction I think I would be more easygoing about the writing quality but with detective novels I guess I have much higher standards. There are so many generic variations on this theme out there that if I’m going to read another one I want the author to DO something with it - impress me! I don’t think this author is going to get there without some aggressive editing, and based on book 1 and what I’ve read of 2, that’s just not going to happen with this series… 3% in (!) and I’m already skimming. So DNF.
You know, if this were just historical fiction I think I would be more easygoing about the writing quality but with detective novels I guess I have much higher standards. There are so many generic variations on this theme out there that if I’m going to read another one I want the author to DO something with it - impress me! I don’t think this author is going to get there without some aggressive editing, and based on book 1 and what I’ve read of 2, that’s just not going to happen with this series… 3% in (!) and I’m already skimming. So DNF.
May 31, 2024
It has a nice story, nice characters, and a nice plot. of course, there are more new characters, and they are also developed well.
Good romance too! (if you couldn't tell there were more gay romances)
5/5
Good romance too! (if you couldn't tell there were more gay romances)
5/5
February 10, 2024
What a great historical mystery! And an amazing audiobook performance by Vikas Adam, who does unique voices for each character. I love how Rosen doesn't shy away from the complexities of being queer in 1950s San Francisco and the tough sometimes unethical choices people made for self-preservation. A meandering surprising plot with lots of local colour in the setting. I also love how Andy frequently uses the library in his detective work!
October 11, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
The Bell in the Fog is the second book in the Evander Mills series from author Lev AC Rosen. It picks up not too long after the events of Lavender House; Andy has set up his PI business in the same building as the Ruby, the nightclub owned by his friend, Elsie. Andy serves as our narrator throughout the book and I personally loved how his PI skills helped him analyze new facts and information about the cases he’s working. As a reader, it was gratifying to learn some tidbit, then watch Andy draw the same conclusions as me.
Unlike book one, The Bell in the Fog also treats readers to a more defined romance for Andy.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
The Bell in the Fog is the second book in the Evander Mills series from author Lev AC Rosen. It picks up not too long after the events of Lavender House; Andy has set up his PI business in the same building as the Ruby, the nightclub owned by his friend, Elsie. Andy serves as our narrator throughout the book and I personally loved how his PI skills helped him analyze new facts and information about the cases he’s working. As a reader, it was gratifying to learn some tidbit, then watch Andy draw the same conclusions as me.
Unlike book one, The Bell in the Fog also treats readers to a more defined romance for Andy.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
October 16, 2023
“ I received a review copy from Bookish First/Forge Books and I voluntarily provided an honest review. This does not affect the opinion of the book or the content of the review.”
After reading and enjoying The Lavender House, I couldn’t wait to catch up with Andy. I really enjoyed getting more of a backstory when it came to Andy and especially his past ties in the Navy as well. The mystery aspect of the story definitely took me my surprise with twists and turns! I legit gasped at one point while reading. Also the person who I thought was behind it all was actually innocent and that was very refreshing. As always I love the theme of found family, community and a sense of belonging. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
After reading and enjoying The Lavender House, I couldn’t wait to catch up with Andy. I really enjoyed getting more of a backstory when it came to Andy and especially his past ties in the Navy as well. The mystery aspect of the story definitely took me my surprise with twists and turns! I legit gasped at one point while reading. Also the person who I thought was behind it all was actually innocent and that was very refreshing. As always I love the theme of found family, community and a sense of belonging. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
November 29, 2023
I love how immersed in the time and place (San Francisco, 1952) this series makes me feel. So much character development in this, the second book in the series. The mystery, the growth of the main character, the evolving relationships with the supporting characters and the romance—it’s all top notch. I can’t wait for the next book. (Hopefully there IS a next book!)
June 19, 2024
So good but so sad.
October 27, 2025
I liked this even more than Lavender House, maybe about more, actually. Rosen weaves together several missions for Andy (start making some money as a PI for the gays, lose his bad rep in the scene from being a cop, solve a blackmailing case, and unravel some relationships from his past) into one compelling story. I find these books propulsively readable. Rosen nails noir tone and storytelling, clearly has done his research, and can sketch characters that you care about with ease. My only issue with both this and Lavender House is that they’re on the short side.
September 29, 2023
Lev AC Rosen has done it again! The Bell in the Fog is a fantastically written book with delicious twists and turns and nuance thick enough to chew on. The noir atmosphere of the writing completely pulled me in and I tore through the book. The historical context of the setting was clearly well researched, and enthralling to read about. It was a really interesting way to look at the time period and the nuances within it, and I felt like I walked away with a better understanding of the Lavender Scare and gay bar culture of the 1950s. The Bell in The Fog asks an interesting question of "How far would you go to protect yourself?" and "How did some queer people making themselves safe put other queer people in danger?" Utterly delicious, this book gave me much to chew on! Great for mystery fans, those intrigued by queer history, and anyone who loves a morally gray character.
^^^ that's my more "official" review but I do have more to say, as per usual. This book was just so, so, so well written. I feel like something I see a lot of within queer spaces is wanting more stories with morally gray queer characters, queer storylines where the characters aren't in a morality play about "here's how to be a good gay." And I would definitely say this book is for anyone who is searching for a story like that. Set in 1952 San Fransisco and dealing with the Lavender Scare, this is a very nuanced story of how the queer folk of the time period dealt with it--both in the ways that they protected each other and the way of selling others out to protect themself. A few of the characters serve in the Navy, and of course, our main character is an ex-cop, and the book never shies away from the fact that these institutions are harmful to so many people, while also exploring how gay men in the navy found solace in each other, seemingly safe at sea. However, the book also really explores the idea that attempting to assimilate into the institutions of the military and the police weren't enough to save the gay men who served those institutions, and the harshness of anti-gay laws. It's a deliciously nuanced look into the past and deeply anti-police and military, so it gave me a lot to chew on when reflecting on queer history. The throughline through the book was very much "how did queer people facing the lavender scare and anti-queer laws find ways to protect themselves in ways that harmed other queer people and the community as a whole? How far would someone go?" and it had all the little wheels in my head turning and reflecting on queer history. I literally checked out books from the library about the lavender scare and a history of gay bars because I was so intrigued by the topic. If anyone has ever watched Black Sails, then this is definitely a book you'd like to chew on.
This book is also incredibly well researched and a love letter look into the gay bar culture of the 1950s. It s a part of queer history I haven't known a lot about, obviously havent been taught in schools, but from reading The Last Night at the Telegraph Club, Moby Dyke, Even Though I Knew the End, and the Lavender House, it's been something that I've been intersted in exploring more, and I loved the insights that this book provided. From the drag performances, to the folks switching partners for police raids, all of it was so interesting to be immersed in without detracting from the story--it ADDED to the story. My coworker asked me to describe this book in three words and I said "Queer Historical Context" because this book does such a good job of having a story and characters that are driven by the historical context while ALSO filling you in on the historical context without being too text-book like.
This is a long review, but i sent probably fifteen ten-minute long voice notes to my friends as i was reading it, just chewing on the naunce of the historical context and the complexities of the characters and the intrigue of the mystery. Lev AC Rosen does a really excellent job of crafting a well researched mystery, and I would read ten more books in this series of Rosen diving into the darker and complex parts of queer history while still being a love letter to the queer community, found family, and queer joy of the time period.
^^^ that's my more "official" review but I do have more to say, as per usual. This book was just so, so, so well written. I feel like something I see a lot of within queer spaces is wanting more stories with morally gray queer characters, queer storylines where the characters aren't in a morality play about "here's how to be a good gay." And I would definitely say this book is for anyone who is searching for a story like that. Set in 1952 San Fransisco and dealing with the Lavender Scare, this is a very nuanced story of how the queer folk of the time period dealt with it--both in the ways that they protected each other and the way of selling others out to protect themself. A few of the characters serve in the Navy, and of course, our main character is an ex-cop, and the book never shies away from the fact that these institutions are harmful to so many people, while also exploring how gay men in the navy found solace in each other, seemingly safe at sea. However, the book also really explores the idea that attempting to assimilate into the institutions of the military and the police weren't enough to save the gay men who served those institutions, and the harshness of anti-gay laws. It's a deliciously nuanced look into the past and deeply anti-police and military, so it gave me a lot to chew on when reflecting on queer history. The throughline through the book was very much "how did queer people facing the lavender scare and anti-queer laws find ways to protect themselves in ways that harmed other queer people and the community as a whole? How far would someone go?" and it had all the little wheels in my head turning and reflecting on queer history. I literally checked out books from the library about the lavender scare and a history of gay bars because I was so intrigued by the topic. If anyone has ever watched Black Sails, then this is definitely a book you'd like to chew on.
This book is also incredibly well researched and a love letter look into the gay bar culture of the 1950s. It s a part of queer history I haven't known a lot about, obviously havent been taught in schools, but from reading The Last Night at the Telegraph Club, Moby Dyke, Even Though I Knew the End, and the Lavender House, it's been something that I've been intersted in exploring more, and I loved the insights that this book provided. From the drag performances, to the folks switching partners for police raids, all of it was so interesting to be immersed in without detracting from the story--it ADDED to the story. My coworker asked me to describe this book in three words and I said "Queer Historical Context" because this book does such a good job of having a story and characters that are driven by the historical context while ALSO filling you in on the historical context without being too text-book like.
This is a long review, but i sent probably fifteen ten-minute long voice notes to my friends as i was reading it, just chewing on the naunce of the historical context and the complexities of the characters and the intrigue of the mystery. Lev AC Rosen does a really excellent job of crafting a well researched mystery, and I would read ten more books in this series of Rosen diving into the darker and complex parts of queer history while still being a love letter to the queer community, found family, and queer joy of the time period.
May 7, 2025
I think this series only has a US publisher because it was kinda difficult to get my hands on a copy. I had to get the audio, which turned out great because the narrator was amazing!
Loving this series and can't wait to continue. More people need to pick this up!!!
Loving this series and can't wait to continue. More people need to pick this up!!!
September 13, 2023
I enjoyed Lavender House, the first Andy Mills mystery, but was still holding out a bit wanting to see where the story would go next (assuming there was a next). The Bell in the Fog more than met my hopes.
This series is very noir. It really couldn't be anything else, set as it is the the post-WWII red scare/lavender menace panics. A book set during this time with primarily queer characters that ignored the threats and abuses would be unacceptably light, a willful covering of the eyes. But those times also saw an emerging queer community that was increasingly asserting its right to exist and refusing to settle for pariah status, and Lev A.C. Rosen shows us both sides of the coin.
Andy Mills, the P.I. in these books, is gay and was a sonar operator during WWII. When he left the Navy at the war's end, he joined the San Francisco Police Force—thinking the best place to hide himself would be the spot no one would ever expect him. When he was brutally ejected from the force, he began his P.I. work, setting up shop in an office/apartment above one of the city's gay bars. He's not warmly embraced by the community, though he does have friends. With regular raids of gay gathering spots and police brutality, any former cop is going to be looked upon askance.
The plotting in The Bell in the Fog is tight, with enough information doled out to make the question of whodunnit at the fore, but not obvious. Andy's surprised when a former lover with whom he sailed in the navy (the promotional materials aptly describe him as "an old flame from the war who had mysteriously disappeared") shows up seeking help to identify a blackmailer and to get back photos being used to blackmail him. This ex didn't leave the military, climbed through the ranks, and is now being considered for a promotion that would be scuttled if word got out about his identity.
In this volume, Rosen displays a particular skill for providing endings that turn out not to be endings, but rather transitions into deeper layers of threat. I don't want to say more than that because of spoilers, but, if you like books that pull the rug out from under you a few times over the course of the action, you'll be delighted by this title.
You don't need to have read Lavender House in order to enjoy The Bell in the Fog. Rosen deftly provides contextual information where it's needed without being at all heavy-handed. In fact, I would suggest starting with this volume as its definitely the stronger of the two.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
This series is very noir. It really couldn't be anything else, set as it is the the post-WWII red scare/lavender menace panics. A book set during this time with primarily queer characters that ignored the threats and abuses would be unacceptably light, a willful covering of the eyes. But those times also saw an emerging queer community that was increasingly asserting its right to exist and refusing to settle for pariah status, and Lev A.C. Rosen shows us both sides of the coin.
Andy Mills, the P.I. in these books, is gay and was a sonar operator during WWII. When he left the Navy at the war's end, he joined the San Francisco Police Force—thinking the best place to hide himself would be the spot no one would ever expect him. When he was brutally ejected from the force, he began his P.I. work, setting up shop in an office/apartment above one of the city's gay bars. He's not warmly embraced by the community, though he does have friends. With regular raids of gay gathering spots and police brutality, any former cop is going to be looked upon askance.
The plotting in The Bell in the Fog is tight, with enough information doled out to make the question of whodunnit at the fore, but not obvious. Andy's surprised when a former lover with whom he sailed in the navy (the promotional materials aptly describe him as "an old flame from the war who had mysteriously disappeared") shows up seeking help to identify a blackmailer and to get back photos being used to blackmail him. This ex didn't leave the military, climbed through the ranks, and is now being considered for a promotion that would be scuttled if word got out about his identity.
In this volume, Rosen displays a particular skill for providing endings that turn out not to be endings, but rather transitions into deeper layers of threat. I don't want to say more than that because of spoilers, but, if you like books that pull the rug out from under you a few times over the course of the action, you'll be delighted by this title.
You don't need to have read Lavender House in order to enjoy The Bell in the Fog. Rosen deftly provides contextual information where it's needed without being at all heavy-handed. In fact, I would suggest starting with this volume as its definitely the stronger of the two.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
May 16, 2024
A very nice and fun follow up to Lavender House. We are still folowing Andy who is now a PI, of sorts, who lives above a queer bar in San Francisco in 1953. I really liked the atmosphere, the harassement and abuse LGBTQ+ people were subjected to at the time was very well portrayed and difficult to read about at times. But we also saw the ways they banded together to support each other and/or fight it. It was grear to see. It was interesting to see how one (in this case Andy) can become integrated into this community, how he finds a space for himself and how this sense of belonging works (for himself to feel that he deserves to belong but also for others to accept him).
What I liked a bit less was the mystery, it was interesting and rather well done but I'm not sure I liked the way it was resolved or the fact that Andy seemed dumber in this one. It was partially explained but he missed some rather obvious clues which kind of bothered me. Alse, he is looking for a sense of identity wich makes sense but his back and forth between 2 love interests felt a bit shallow.
I'm looking forward to book 3 and would highly recommend both books!
What I liked a bit less was the mystery, it was interesting and rather well done but I'm not sure I liked the way it was resolved or the fact that Andy seemed dumber in this one. It was partially explained but he missed some rather obvious clues which kind of bothered me. Alse, he is looking for a sense of identity wich makes sense but his back and forth between 2 love interests felt a bit shallow.
I'm looking forward to book 3 and would highly recommend both books!
November 23, 2025
omg this one was So Much Fun.
October 23, 2023
I really liked Rosen's first book, Lavender House. The second Andy Mills Mystery, The Bell in the Fog is outstanding. We learn Andy's complicated back story and watch him try to figure out if he's got enough self-esteem to feel worthy of a new life. His WWII Navy past comes to light. Old friends and an ex-lover resurface. His connection to The Ruby deepens, and he's got a new case that pays well but leaves too much unfinished when he solves it. He also feels the spark of a possible romance with Gene, if Andy can just get out of his own way. So well written, I flew through the pages. I definitely see this being a series. This might be the best new mystery I've read this year. If you liked or loved Lavender House, give yourself a treat and move The Bell in the Fog up to your number one to-read slot. Can also be read as a stand-alone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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