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Dom Reilly Mysteries #3
The Happy Month
In the third book of the Dom Reilly series, Dom is happy. He and his boyfriend, Ronnie, are working on the co-op they recently bought, he has good friends, and things at The Freedom Agenda are working out well. Having decided to take the Larry Wilkes case, he and attorney Lydia Gonsalez need to find a way to get their client out of prison. Meanwhile, attorney Edwin Karpinski asks Dom to look into a fifty-year-old murder. While juggling the two cases, he also deals with a nagging injury, a surprise visit from old friends, and some unexpected danger.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2024
About the author
Marshall Thornton
59 books643 followersThree-time Lambda Award-winning author, Marshall Thornton is best known for the Boystown and Pinx Video mystery series. Other novels include the erotic comedy The Perils of Praline, or the Amorous Adventures of a Southern Gentleman in Hollywood, Desert Run and Full Release. Marshall has an MFA in screenwriting from UCLA, where he received the Carl David Memorial Fellowship and was recognized in the Samuel Goldwyn Writing awards.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 29, 2024
Solid entry in the Dom Reilly series. This didn't quite feel as cohesive to me as the last volume, and didn't have quite as much tension.
While each of the books in this series feels relatively independent, in the sense they don't leave you with a cliffhanger or anything, one of the two plotlines here does further develop the Larry Wilkes case from the prior volume, so don't start here or it'll spoil that one.
I hadn't read the blurb before picking this up, so I hadn't realized or expected Larry's story to continue. While I did enjoy the bits about Larry's case, the new case in this book definitely felt like the stronger of the two plotlines and I wonder if the inclusion of Larry's stuff might have contributed to this feeling less of a whole than the last books.
This volume was also, unexpectedly, Junior's chance to shine, and I appreciated that, though I shan't be surprised if some of Dom and Junior's post-"accident" discussion comes back to haunt Dom in the next installment.
While each of the books in this series feels relatively independent, in the sense they don't leave you with a cliffhanger or anything, one of the two plotlines here does further develop the Larry Wilkes case from the prior volume, so don't start here or it'll spoil that one.
I hadn't read the blurb before picking this up, so I hadn't realized or expected Larry's story to continue. While I did enjoy the bits about Larry's case, the new case in this book definitely felt like the stronger of the two plotlines and I wonder if the inclusion of Larry's stuff might have contributed to this feeling less of a whole than the last books.
This volume was also, unexpectedly, Junior's chance to shine, and I appreciated that, though I shan't be surprised if some of Dom and Junior's post-"accident" discussion comes back to haunt Dom in the next installment.
July 31, 2024
This book had two more enjoyable mysteries/investigations, and I’m glad the books in this series have been longer on average than the Boystown novels because the extra page space has helped the mysteries develop. I liked that the flashbacks in this book were more ambiguous and left us with questions about the motivations of the person being investigated. I thought that was narratively more effective than using flashbacks to show us that a person we already know to be innocent is also a sympathetic figure.
Dom still feels a bit flat for me as a character, as do Ronnie and the other side characters. I’m enjoying spending time with them (and I like that Junior has stayed equal parts funny and annoying), but wish character development got a bit more focus in this series. [Side character and Year of the Rat spoilers]
As always, I have to complain about legal inaccuracies, but they’re not actually a big deal despite the length of my complaints:
* Several times in this series, an attorney has said that it’s okay for them to knowingly solicit false testimony from a witness so long as the witness isn’t their client. This is false. Attorneys have a duty of candor to the tribunal and cannot knowingly solicit false testimony from any witness, regardless of whether the witness is their client. I’m perplexed by all the inaccuracies in Thornton’s books about legal ethics because you can read the California Rules of Professional Conduct for free online (and other states’ too, I’m sure).
* None of the “depositions” in this series are actually depositions. Unlike witness interviews and other out-of-court statements, deposition testimony can be offered as a substitute for in-court testimony in certain circumstances (such as unavailable witnesses). That’s because depositions occur under conditions that are similar to being in court, most importantly that the witness testifies under oath (given by someone who is not involved in the case) and opposing counsel is present and given the opportunity to cross-examine the witness. The “depositions” in these books aren’t being taken as part of a pending legal proceeding, opposing counsel (here, the State of California) isn’t present, and the oath isn’t properly administered. You also don’t take depositions of people who aren’t adverse to you in some way (either the opposing party or a third-party witness you’ve had to subpoena); anyone who wants to support your case can just submit a written declaration, and it’s the opposing party who would depose them. I don’t really expect a non-lawyer author to get all of this right, but there’s almost nothing correct about the depositions in these books and I doubt any research was done before writing them. Since these books focus so heavily on legal proceedings, I think the author should have tried a little harder to get things right.
Dom still feels a bit flat for me as a character, as do Ronnie and the other side characters. I’m enjoying spending time with them (and I like that Junior has stayed equal parts funny and annoying), but wish character development got a bit more focus in this series. [Side character and Year of the Rat spoilers]
As always, I have to complain about legal inaccuracies, but they’re not actually a big deal despite the length of my complaints:
* Several times in this series, an attorney has said that it’s okay for them to knowingly solicit false testimony from a witness so long as the witness isn’t their client. This is false. Attorneys have a duty of candor to the tribunal and cannot knowingly solicit false testimony from any witness, regardless of whether the witness is their client. I’m perplexed by all the inaccuracies in Thornton’s books about legal ethics because you can read the California Rules of Professional Conduct for free online (and other states’ too, I’m sure).
* None of the “depositions” in this series are actually depositions. Unlike witness interviews and other out-of-court statements, deposition testimony can be offered as a substitute for in-court testimony in certain circumstances (such as unavailable witnesses). That’s because depositions occur under conditions that are similar to being in court, most importantly that the witness testifies under oath (given by someone who is not involved in the case) and opposing counsel is present and given the opportunity to cross-examine the witness. The “depositions” in these books aren’t being taken as part of a pending legal proceeding, opposing counsel (here, the State of California) isn’t present, and the oath isn’t properly administered. You also don’t take depositions of people who aren’t adverse to you in some way (either the opposing party or a third-party witness you’ve had to subpoena); anyone who wants to support your case can just submit a written declaration, and it’s the opposing party who would depose them. I don’t really expect a non-lawyer author to get all of this right, but there’s almost nothing correct about the depositions in these books and I doubt any research was done before writing them. Since these books focus so heavily on legal proceedings, I think the author should have tried a little harder to get things right.
August 5, 2024
This series just keeps getting better. The investigations are so intriguing and well-written. I love getting to know the renters better, especially Junior. I’m sure he’d be a lot to live with, but he knows so much queer history. There’s a story there and I’m curious to find out what it is. Like where’d his car come from? I love Dom’s work with Lydia and the work the agency performs. I love how much Dom loves Ronnie. Seeing the friends from Dom’s past made me tear up. I’m just a really big fan of Marshall Thornton’s work.
July 11, 2024
It is nice to see Dom settling into his new role at the Freedom Agenda and to see the outworking of his growing bond/commitment to Ronnie Chen. Two distinct and unconnected investigative plots here for Dom to sink his teeth into - one being a carry-over from the previous series title and the other being a cold-case foray back to the immediate post WW2 era. I gave a little squeeee of joy when Dom gets an unexpected blast from his past .
A couple of passages had me laugh out loud uncontrollably e.g.
A couple of passages had me laugh out loud uncontrollably e.g.
I do remember the sex I had in the sixties. My God! It was so amazing. There was something about it being illegal and forbidden that just made it so much better.” “I bet you could recapture that feeling if you moved to Texas.”This was almost a 5 star rating but my goodness - I had to deduct a whole star for the many annoying typos and editorial shortfalls (time to get a new proofreader Mr Thornton sir)!
July 8, 2024
Enjoyed it and wished it was longer. Looking forward to next instalment already
July 4, 2024
The Happy Month (Dom Reilly 3)
By Marshall Thornton
Published by Kenmore Books, 2024
325 pages
5 stars
Two Los Angeles murders, one in 1948, the other in 1976, occupy Dom Reilly as he works for Lydia Gonzalez at The Freedom Agenda in Long Beach. A man has spent twenty years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. An old man lost to dementia keeps telling his family he murdered his fiancée fifty years earlier.
The year is 1996, and Dom quickly sees the similar motifs in both cases. Gay men, fearing discovery and the ruining of their lives, turn to women friends to cover for them so nobody will find out. As Dom Reilly searches for the truth in these long-closed cases, we learn a history that has generally been erased for the convenience of those who found it uncomfortable. In the midst of these two tragedies there is, oddly enough, one happy story. It, too, has been erased, only to be teased back into the light by Dom’s persistence.
My older brother was born in 1948. I came out to my parents in 1976. In 1996 my partner and I adopted two children. All these dates resonate with someone of my generation, and Marshall Thornton acts as a guide to all those others for whom such a past is unimaginably far away. The two murders haunt Dom’s daily routine, even as his own more recent past lurks with its own shadows.
Dom ponders the fickleness of happiness, even as he is possibly happier than he’s ever been before. Living with his partner Ronnie Chen, he marvels at his own good fortune, fearful that his past might intrude and spoil it. Dom is a nicer man than he was, but I think that’s due to this current happiness. There’s a wry humor to his observation of the world, much gentler than the man we know from Thornton’s earlier books.
The mystery plots are masterfully spun out, seeming to intertwine because of the sad historic patterns that both stories share. Something I found intriguing is that Dom understands how therapeutic his work is for him, while also understanding that both Lydia and Ronnie seem to know this, even though he himself remains something of a mystery to both of them. One part of Dom’s happiness is the awareness that, come what may, Ronnie and Lydia will be there for him.
All this combines to create a satisfying book, while making us hungry for the next one.
By Marshall Thornton
Published by Kenmore Books, 2024
325 pages
5 stars
Two Los Angeles murders, one in 1948, the other in 1976, occupy Dom Reilly as he works for Lydia Gonzalez at The Freedom Agenda in Long Beach. A man has spent twenty years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. An old man lost to dementia keeps telling his family he murdered his fiancée fifty years earlier.
The year is 1996, and Dom quickly sees the similar motifs in both cases. Gay men, fearing discovery and the ruining of their lives, turn to women friends to cover for them so nobody will find out. As Dom Reilly searches for the truth in these long-closed cases, we learn a history that has generally been erased for the convenience of those who found it uncomfortable. In the midst of these two tragedies there is, oddly enough, one happy story. It, too, has been erased, only to be teased back into the light by Dom’s persistence.
My older brother was born in 1948. I came out to my parents in 1976. In 1996 my partner and I adopted two children. All these dates resonate with someone of my generation, and Marshall Thornton acts as a guide to all those others for whom such a past is unimaginably far away. The two murders haunt Dom’s daily routine, even as his own more recent past lurks with its own shadows.
Dom ponders the fickleness of happiness, even as he is possibly happier than he’s ever been before. Living with his partner Ronnie Chen, he marvels at his own good fortune, fearful that his past might intrude and spoil it. Dom is a nicer man than he was, but I think that’s due to this current happiness. There’s a wry humor to his observation of the world, much gentler than the man we know from Thornton’s earlier books.
The mystery plots are masterfully spun out, seeming to intertwine because of the sad historic patterns that both stories share. Something I found intriguing is that Dom understands how therapeutic his work is for him, while also understanding that both Lydia and Ronnie seem to know this, even though he himself remains something of a mystery to both of them. One part of Dom’s happiness is the awareness that, come what may, Ronnie and Lydia will be there for him.
All this combines to create a satisfying book, while making us hungry for the next one.
July 12, 2024
It's always fun to connect up with favorite characters. Here we see Dom working on two cases. One involves an elderly man with dementia who claims he killed his fiance, who was raped and murdered back in 1948. The other is a man convicted of killing his friend in 1976 and who is now a client of The Freedom Agenda - the wrongful-conviction group for whom Dom is an investigator.
As Dom pursues various threads (like why the old man, who is almost certainly gay, would claim to have killed a woman who was raped) he gains insight into the lives of several queer people living thirty years apart. As usual, Dom's acumen about people and their motives help guide him to clues, and the possible connection to another woman's murder two decades later.
There are emotional elements to this story - things like the laws of 1948 that drove gay men deep underground even in Hollywood, and the way being queer was still something to be erased from a narrative thirty years later even if it meant the wrong person was convicted.
But Dom's life with Ronnie is pretty settled, he's a bit bemused by some of Ronnie's enthusiasms but they are figuring out how to live together in a way that suits them both. This story does not hit close to home the way some others have done, so it becomes much more a settled murder mystery, and less of an emotional journey. Dom is finding a life that works, and he's happier than he has ever been. I like that on him (even as I wonder if the author is sharpening his future knives.) A recommended gay mystery series but IMO read the Boystown books first.
As Dom pursues various threads (like why the old man, who is almost certainly gay, would claim to have killed a woman who was raped) he gains insight into the lives of several queer people living thirty years apart. As usual, Dom's acumen about people and their motives help guide him to clues, and the possible connection to another woman's murder two decades later.
There are emotional elements to this story - things like the laws of 1948 that drove gay men deep underground even in Hollywood, and the way being queer was still something to be erased from a narrative thirty years later even if it meant the wrong person was convicted.
But Dom's life with Ronnie is pretty settled, he's a bit bemused by some of Ronnie's enthusiasms but they are figuring out how to live together in a way that suits them both. This story does not hit close to home the way some others have done, so it becomes much more a settled murder mystery, and less of an emotional journey. Dom is finding a life that works, and he's happier than he has ever been. I like that on him (even as I wonder if the author is sharpening his future knives.) A recommended gay mystery series but IMO read the Boystown books first.
October 12, 2024
I enjoyed it but while this clipped along at a speedier pace than book 2 I preferred that story overall.
Maybe the investigations weren't that interesting. We know who framed Larry but they barely appear until the end. There was little tension building up.
I also couldn't get into the Patrick/Vera story. I do think the Karpinskis will make more appearances in future books and not in a good way.
Also, Ronnie's real estate career and it's huge part of the plot. Are we satirising it or celebrating it? I hope the former. Root of all evil.
I enjoyed Junior getting more to do.
Also, took a star off for some really basic editing mistakes - Vera is called Very in one scene - another character is called Georgia until in the last few pages when she's "Gloria", and a few others that I noticed. Sloppy.
All in all, the series bumps along but isn't setting the world alight.
Maybe the investigations weren't that interesting. We know who framed Larry but they barely appear until the end. There was little tension building up.
I also couldn't get into the Patrick/Vera story. I do think the Karpinskis will make more appearances in future books and not in a good way.
Also, Ronnie's real estate career and it's huge part of the plot. Are we satirising it or celebrating it? I hope the former. Root of all evil.
I enjoyed Junior getting more to do.
Also, took a star off for some really basic editing mistakes - Vera is called Very in one scene - another character is called Georgia until in the last few pages when she's "Gloria", and a few others that I noticed. Sloppy.
All in all, the series bumps along but isn't setting the world alight.
January 20, 2025
MM mystery and romance. Dom (formerly known as Nick in his previous life and series) is investigating two old cases simultaneously, one from many years previous. I found it tough to keep track of all the people involved in both cases, let alone one. Plus, at least one conversation (a deposition of Sammy, who's confusingly a female) was referred to that had taken place before the start of this book.
We mostly hear from Dom in his present day (1979), but the book opens and closes with the subject of one of Dom's cases in events taking place in the late 1940s.
Dom meets briefly with a couple of people from his past life. Someone also tries to run him over.
In addition to Dom, we hear a lot about Dom's partner Ronnie, and a little about their two roommates, plus some about Dom's coworkers.
It was a very engrossing story.
We mostly hear from Dom in his present day (1979), but the book opens and closes with the subject of one of Dom's cases in events taking place in the late 1940s.
Dom meets briefly with a couple of people from his past life. Someone also tries to run him over.
In addition to Dom, we hear a lot about Dom's partner Ronnie, and a little about their two roommates, plus some about Dom's coworkers.
It was a very engrossing story.
January 6, 2025
Can Dom solve a 50 year old cold case murder and help get an innocent man out of prison? With the Help of his lover Ronnie and roommates Junior and John helping out when they can, he just might be able to. If he doesn't get himself killed first.
The Happy Month is the third in the Dom Reilly Mystery series and I just ate it up! Yum yum yum.
Marshall Thornton has outdone himself again!
Can't wait for book 4, I want more and more.
If you love a good mystery and haven't read this series yet...
What are you waiting for?
The Happy Month is the third in the Dom Reilly Mystery series and I just ate it up! Yum yum yum.
Marshall Thornton has outdone himself again!
Can't wait for book 4, I want more and more.
If you love a good mystery and haven't read this series yet...
What are you waiting for?
June 30, 2024
Loved this. I sometimes think its better that I haven't read any of the Nick Nowak novels and came into this series as just knowing Dom.
Loving the fact that there is next to no sex and just focusing on the mystery and parts of Dom's relationships which are not sexual.
Again I didn't figure the murderer out and this book kept me interested until the end.
I am hoping there might be a book 4 in the future.
Loving the fact that there is next to no sex and just focusing on the mystery and parts of Dom's relationships which are not sexual.
Again I didn't figure the murderer out and this book kept me interested until the end.
I am hoping there might be a book 4 in the future.
July 1, 2024
The Happy Month
This, the third in the Dom Reilly mystery series, continues shortly after the conclusion of book 2.
Having decided to take Larry Wilkes case Dom is approached by a colleague of Lydia Gonzales his lawyer boss who want him to look into the murder of a woman from fifty years earlier.
A cracking noir thriller that delves into the vicissitudes of being gay or lesbian in the late forties.
This, the third in the Dom Reilly mystery series, continues shortly after the conclusion of book 2.
Having decided to take Larry Wilkes case Dom is approached by a colleague of Lydia Gonzales his lawyer boss who want him to look into the murder of a woman from fifty years earlier.
A cracking noir thriller that delves into the vicissitudes of being gay or lesbian in the late forties.
July 6, 2024
Dom/Nick is the guy
Another fabulous read from the pen, or whatever, of Marshall. I don’t like giving a précis of the story but would like to say that the Dom Reilly series is one of the best. There are more to come I’m sure, and I’ll be waiting. Quite a few spelling errors but does not detract from the story, maybe a better spell checker would help. Marshall, I have read everything of yours and have never been disappointed. Never stop. Cheers.
Another fabulous read from the pen, or whatever, of Marshall. I don’t like giving a précis of the story but would like to say that the Dom Reilly series is one of the best. There are more to come I’m sure, and I’ll be waiting. Quite a few spelling errors but does not detract from the story, maybe a better spell checker would help. Marshall, I have read everything of yours and have never been disappointed. Never stop. Cheers.
July 28, 2024
Dom keeps working on the Wilkes case, while investigating a fifty-year-old murder, as the ghost of who he used to be looms into a growing threat to his present day peace. That my favourite scenes were Dom reuniting with his old friends says something about what I miss about these books, but there were some laugh out loud moments of snark, as well as a profound sense of nostalgic regret, which is a credit to the writing quality of the long-running series as a whole.
July 7, 2024
Nobody does Neo-Noir better than Marshall Thornton
There’s nothing more to add, really. If you loved the Boystown books, you’re already reading the Dom Reilly series. If you haven’t, start. Now.
And the Easter eggs from another wonderful series are perfect - icing on the proverbial cake.
There’s nothing more to add, really. If you loved the Boystown books, you’re already reading the Dom Reilly series. If you haven’t, start. Now.
And the Easter eggs from another wonderful series are perfect - icing on the proverbial cake.
July 26, 2024
I'm thinking if this is a happy month for Dom and Ronnie, what is around the corner!
Nice to have a happy month with them, though shadows of Dom's past do lurk closer.
Two mysteries to solve - who killed the man Larry was put in prison for murdering and who really killed Vera
As always, good solid story and enjoyable reading
Nice to have a happy month with them, though shadows of Dom's past do lurk closer.
Two mysteries to solve - who killed the man Larry was put in prison for murdering and who really killed Vera
As always, good solid story and enjoyable reading
August 5, 2024
I dunno, after Harker and Joseph, I don’t find Dom/Ronnie as compelling. I was delighted that some past characters made an appearance.This entry keeps the gritty tone of the other two and is an engaging mystery, but the repetitive plot point of ‘a brutal act of violence against a woman’ made me wince.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2025
Ok. The author had changed everything. Its ok. But not like Boystown. It fells like all other mysteries. Why to bother? Only to catch last glimpse of Nick Nowak?
If tomorrow would be new release i would not jump to buy it.
There are no tension, not angst.
Why to brought Brian and Sugar? To refresh?
If tomorrow would be new release i would not jump to buy it.
There are no tension, not angst.
Why to brought Brian and Sugar? To refresh?
April 28, 2025
A bittersweet doubly-historical novel
All of Marshall Thornton’s work is well-written, and this is no exception. I’m a little younger than his protagonist, and I enjoy the little period-defining Easter Eggs Thornton drops in.
Dom is a bit of a lunkhead, but a decent guy. I can’t wait to read the next one.
All of Marshall Thornton’s work is well-written, and this is no exception. I’m a little younger than his protagonist, and I enjoy the little period-defining Easter Eggs Thornton drops in.
Dom is a bit of a lunkhead, but a decent guy. I can’t wait to read the next one.
July 13, 2024
Two very similar cases: one cold and one semi current - and that’s the problem. Too many names, not enough recognisable characters - and no real recognisable growth in the relationship between Dom and Ronnie. Not that interesting unfortunately.
September 2, 2024
It's slow but it's Nick so... :D
Very different in pacing than what I'm used to from this author. I struggled a bit to finish but there was enough to keep me going. Kind of a dry ending to the Larry Wilkes case but the Vera investigation remained interesting.
Very different in pacing than what I'm used to from this author. I struggled a bit to finish but there was enough to keep me going. Kind of a dry ending to the Larry Wilkes case but the Vera investigation remained interesting.
July 3, 2024
Great book in the series. Definitely a page turner, kept my attention. I had no idea who the villain was. Thought the characters were strong and likeable. Recommend reading.
September 27, 2024
More Ronnie is never too much.
Will there be more? Will keep an eye out.
Will there be more? Will keep an eye out.
September 28, 2024
4.5 stars
Still loving this series. Dom’s such a likeable character and the mysteries are interesting. I’m also enjoying all of the 1996 news and cultural references sprinkled throughout!
Still loving this series. Dom’s such a likeable character and the mysteries are interesting. I’m also enjoying all of the 1996 news and cultural references sprinkled throughout!
November 24, 2024
A really solid conclusion.
March 7, 2026
Not much to say. Another great one. I want this series to last forever.
October 26, 2026
Well-written as always, but it didn’t keep me dialed in like previous ones. Not sure if I want to continue the series. Will see.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews