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Boystown #3
Two Nick Nowak Novellas
Private Investigator Nick Nowak is back in two novella length mysteries set in Chicago during the early 1980s. In Little Boy Boom, Nick's car explodes when a thief attempts to steal it. Realizing the bomb was meant for him, Nick sets out to discover who wants him dead only to find that the list of possible suspects is longer than he'd like. When he begins to run out of suspects he wonders if the bomb was truly meant for him.
In Little Boy Tenor, Nick is asked to find the murderer of a church choir's star tenor, while at the same time his friend Ross asks him to find out the truth behind his lover, Earl Silver's mysterious death. As he juggles the two cases, he becomes increasingly disturbed by what he learns.
In Little Boy Tenor, Nick is asked to find the murderer of a church choir's star tenor, while at the same time his friend Ross asks him to find out the truth behind his lover, Earl Silver's mysterious death. As he juggles the two cases, he becomes increasingly disturbed by what he learns.
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 1, 2011
69 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Marshall Thornton
56 books629 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 - 30 of 99 reviews
April 16, 2019
4.25 stars
I Loved him fully and completely. He was mine.
OH NICK! OH NICK! OH FREAKING NICK!
GAAAH! these books are evolving, the writing is evolving, Nick is evolving and the 80s just got worse. I think i should stop getting attached to these characters. The problem is i am already attached.
"Have you heard of GRID?"
He couldn't tell me out right. It wasn't fair to ask. But he was telling me. His silence was telling me. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. The same bad feeling I'd had at the library when the subject first came up.
Reading about the beginning of the AIDS pandemic is heartbreaking. The not knowing what was going on, not knowing how the disease was spread. My heart is breaking for these characters, My heart is breaking for the ones who lived through these heart wrenching times.
The mysteries are spectacular and blend in with the story.
The dry humor and Nick's sarcastic tone makes these books interesting.
This book is emotional. GAAAAH! i didn't expect it to hit this hard.
The sex scenes are evolving too, but i find myself flinching when i read them. Nick is still Nick and never turns down an opportunity for a quick fuck.
I know it is only going to get worse and i am afraid for my little peanut heart, i will be here until the end.
And that ending! UGH! means i have to read the next book! Yeah! Thanks very much Marshall.
I Loved him fully and completely. He was mine.
OH NICK! OH NICK! OH FREAKING NICK!
GAAAH! these books are evolving, the writing is evolving, Nick is evolving and the 80s just got worse. I think i should stop getting attached to these characters. The problem is i am already attached.
"Have you heard of GRID?"
He couldn't tell me out right. It wasn't fair to ask. But he was telling me. His silence was telling me. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. The same bad feeling I'd had at the library when the subject first came up.
Reading about the beginning of the AIDS pandemic is heartbreaking. The not knowing what was going on, not knowing how the disease was spread. My heart is breaking for these characters, My heart is breaking for the ones who lived through these heart wrenching times.
The mysteries are spectacular and blend in with the story.
The dry humor and Nick's sarcastic tone makes these books interesting.
This book is emotional. GAAAAH! i didn't expect it to hit this hard.
The sex scenes are evolving too, but i find myself flinching when i read them. Nick is still Nick and never turns down an opportunity for a quick fuck.
I know it is only going to get worse and i am afraid for my little peanut heart, i will be here until the end.
And that ending! UGH! means i have to read the next book! Yeah! Thanks very much Marshall.
October 20, 2014
I am not sure if I should review this instalment. And if yes, then HOW.
Firstly I'm eager to read my next Nick Nowak book, and secondly I need to order all my thoughts for myself before I am able to share them with somebody else.
Boystown 3 made me not just feel, it opened my eyes and heart a bit wider to many different aspects probably of the most complicated and significant topic in relation to gay rights in the early 80s.
It is why I'd say that the series belongs to the category historical MM fiction for me.
It was intense.
It was hot.
It was thrilling.
It was sad.
It was tragic.
And it was AMAZING.
Until now, the most thought-provoking, honest, deep emotional sequel with the most powerful writing of Marshall Thornton.
I. AM. DRUGGED.
September 9, 2015
Written June 27, 2014
4 1/2 Stars - Even more heartbreaking emotions, it starts to creep into me...
Book #3
It was time to listening to the third Nick Nowak audio after two really good first parts, #1 (3.8 stars) and #2 (4 stars).
I just want more and more from this Boystown in the 1980:s Chicago. Luckely are there six book about this lovely, but also tough (and very very horny) private investigator, Nick Nowak. His life is kind of a jumbly mess, but it is still so nice to follow him from book to book (or novella to novella)
The big question this time was if it would be a more solid "love-boyfriend-affair" for Nick with Detective Bert Harker or his ex-lover, Daniel Laverty. ~ You just never know with this incorrigible Nick 'Man'.
I didn't get all answers this time neither, and Nick pulled down his fly a lot to many times, but the story of Nick's life becomes more and more engaging. I cried at the end, it is by now so very emotional and tough, and of course, was I forced to immediately start with book #4 (A Time for Secrets).
Nick is not a traditional hero and this is not a pink shimmering HEA romance. This world is kind of dirty, seedy and about P.I. work, and poor gay victims of crimes. Just ordinary gay people in the 80:s which constantly makes kind of bad moves and steps on the same 'shards of glass' over and over again. There is a lot of callous sex with strangers (sigh!) and now also an angry hissing 'mother-in-law', and many other interesting a funny people.
This hero doesn't have a easy time every day. But he is a man who usually takes life with a breeze. ~ He has the worst character you can imagine when it comes to certain temptations. ~ Absolutely....wonderful, ha ha!
***********************************************************
Addictive good to keep on listening to. I just want more. But, there is a huge but; The big black AIDS ghost comes closer and closer. **shudder**
I LIKE - of course, I like, I like, I like..
*************************
The Boystown series by Marshall Thornton:
+ 
4 1/2 Stars - Even more heartbreaking emotions, it starts to creep into me...
Book #3
It was time to listening to the third Nick Nowak audio after two really good first parts, #1 (3.8 stars) and #2 (4 stars).
I just want more and more from this Boystown in the 1980:s Chicago. Luckely are there six book about this lovely, but also tough (and very very horny) private investigator, Nick Nowak. His life is kind of a jumbly mess, but it is still so nice to follow him from book to book (or novella to novella)
The big question this time was if it would be a more solid "love-boyfriend-affair" for Nick with Detective Bert Harker or his ex-lover, Daniel Laverty. ~ You just never know with this incorrigible Nick 'Man'.
I didn't get all answers this time neither, and Nick pulled down his fly a lot to many times, but the story of Nick's life becomes more and more engaging. I cried at the end, it is by now so very emotional and tough, and of course, was I forced to immediately start with book #4 (A Time for Secrets).
Nick is not a traditional hero and this is not a pink shimmering HEA romance. This world is kind of dirty, seedy and about P.I. work, and poor gay victims of crimes. Just ordinary gay people in the 80:s which constantly makes kind of bad moves and steps on the same 'shards of glass' over and over again. There is a lot of callous sex with strangers (sigh!) and now also an angry hissing 'mother-in-law', and many other interesting a funny people.
This hero doesn't have a easy time every day. But he is a man who usually takes life with a breeze. ~ He has the worst character you can imagine when it comes to certain temptations. ~ Absolutely....wonderful, ha ha!
***********************************************************
Addictive good to keep on listening to. I just want more. But, there is a huge but; The big black AIDS ghost comes closer and closer. **shudder**
I LIKE - of course, I like, I like, I like..
*************************
The Boystown series by Marshall Thornton:
+ 
March 3, 2016
One sentence changed my entire rating. The last one. I cried on the bus ride home.
Third book in the series and I feel I should at least talk about the fact that all this sex and infidelity (???) doesn't bother me. Shit, I have even dug the threesomes. I don't get it! It's like I don't know who I am anymore!
Um, yeah, pretty much the same review as the first two, on to the next.
Fucking 80's man.
Third book in the series and I feel I should at least talk about the fact that all this sex and infidelity (???) doesn't bother me. Shit, I have even dug the threesomes. I don't get it! It's like I don't know who I am anymore!
Um, yeah, pretty much the same review as the first two, on to the next.
Fucking 80's man.
November 8, 2024
I finished this book, with the same reaction as I did the last. "IT'S ABOUT TIME NICK!"
I don't know what it is about Nick...but not only does Nick's sexscapades not give me a bad feeling, but I'm over here egging him on. YA NICK! DO IT! DO IT! Which is just weird for me. I think part of is, there is no "Love" involved with all these admirers. I hate when a character has everyone they meet fall instantly in love with them. Oh...Nick is catnip to gay men, but they don't fall in love, they just fall on his dick. Usually, these catnip characters have me yelling at them "You are not Brian Kinney"
But guess what...Nick IS Brian Kinney...well...not in personality, but he can pull it off like Brian Kinney.
It's what makes it work. I worry about Nick, but I don't want to change him.
I loved this entire book. Seeing Nick slowly come to realize what is going on with Harker, is gut wrenching. Seeing him realize his feelings, makes me happy. Seeing him fuck anything that moves....welll...Lots of feelings there too...none of them bad.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
REread 4/26/17
Still feel the same...LOVE Nick. Finally I can read book 4 now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reread 2/2/18
Can I ever get enough Nick? NO.
I love returning to the beginning. Seeing Harker in a new light. Remembering Nick and his slutty days.
I need to savor this one, and let it sit on my mind for a little while before I start the next one.
Shit gets REAL, very soon.
My first review says it all...except, this book get better with a reread. Hindsight and all.
I don't know what it is about Nick...but not only does Nick's sexscapades not give me a bad feeling, but I'm over here egging him on. YA NICK! DO IT! DO IT! Which is just weird for me. I think part of is, there is no "Love" involved with all these admirers. I hate when a character has everyone they meet fall instantly in love with them. Oh...Nick is catnip to gay men, but they don't fall in love, they just fall on his dick. Usually, these catnip characters have me yelling at them "You are not Brian Kinney"
But guess what...Nick IS Brian Kinney...well...not in personality, but he can pull it off like Brian Kinney.
It's what makes it work. I worry about Nick, but I don't want to change him.
I loved this entire book. Seeing Nick slowly come to realize what is going on with Harker, is gut wrenching. Seeing him realize his feelings, makes me happy. Seeing him fuck anything that moves....welll...Lots of feelings there too...none of them bad.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
REread 4/26/17
Still feel the same...LOVE Nick. Finally I can read book 4 now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reread 2/2/18
Can I ever get enough Nick? NO.
I love returning to the beginning. Seeing Harker in a new light. Remembering Nick and his slutty days.
I need to savor this one, and let it sit on my mind for a little while before I start the next one.
Shit gets REAL, very soon.
My first review says it all...except, this book get better with a reread. Hindsight and all.
September 27, 2019
Now that ended on a major bang! (And no, for once not THAT kind of bang!)
Which was highly unexpected (for me anyway), but in some ways I'm pleased as punch. I mean: what a revelation!
But, to put my thoughts into some kind of order, rather than throwing them haphazardly at you, these are the things remaining with me after book 3 in this series:
.) Nick made me chuckle. Yes, chuckle. There is humour here! Self-deprecating, very dry, sarcastic humour. Not that it is spread very thickly, but still!
.) Although Nick still very rarely talks or thinks about his feelings and accepts things (like Harkers mum? WTH?) in his relationships (yes, plural, because he is still torn between Daniel and Harker) rather than discuss it, there are feelings here. Yes. They exist. And the last paragraph just blew me away.
.) Nick can be incredibly thoughtful and sensitive. Prime example: the photo album of a victim. He treats it with such care and reverence it made my heart go very very soft for him. He really IS a good guy, even if he is hopeless at sorting his love life.
.) Nick is a great investigator and has a strong sense of justice. He doesn’t let things go just because it’s the easy thing to do.
.) AIDS is looming over the gay population like a dark, scary thunderstorm, just waiting to unfold and devastate. It is awful to know what’s going to happen, while everyone in the novels is pretty ignorant of the pain and anguish to come. It really gives me the creeps.
I have to agree with Shile and Katerina:
This is getting better and better. Nick is starting to grow on me. Despite his still continuing hook-ups with virtually about everyone along the road. My mind boggles at times at the speed with which trousers are dropped, dicks are out and boom!
However, that won't keep me from returning to Nick - very soon!
Can't wait!
Which was highly unexpected (for me anyway), but in some ways I'm pleased as punch. I mean: what a revelation!
But, to put my thoughts into some kind of order, rather than throwing them haphazardly at you, these are the things remaining with me after book 3 in this series:
.) Nick made me chuckle. Yes, chuckle. There is humour here! Self-deprecating, very dry, sarcastic humour. Not that it is spread very thickly, but still!
.) Although Nick still very rarely talks or thinks about his feelings and accepts things (like Harkers mum? WTH?) in his relationships (yes, plural, because he is still torn between Daniel and Harker) rather than discuss it, there are feelings here. Yes. They exist. And the last paragraph just blew me away.
.) Nick can be incredibly thoughtful and sensitive. Prime example: the photo album of a victim. He treats it with such care and reverence it made my heart go very very soft for him. He really IS a good guy, even if he is hopeless at sorting his love life.
.) Nick is a great investigator and has a strong sense of justice. He doesn’t let things go just because it’s the easy thing to do.
.) AIDS is looming over the gay population like a dark, scary thunderstorm, just waiting to unfold and devastate. It is awful to know what’s going to happen, while everyone in the novels is pretty ignorant of the pain and anguish to come. It really gives me the creeps.
I have to agree with Shile and Katerina:
This is getting better and better. Nick is starting to grow on me. Despite his still continuing hook-ups with virtually about everyone along the road. My mind boggles at times at the speed with which trousers are dropped, dicks are out and boom!
However, that won't keep me from returning to Nick - very soon!
Can't wait!
April 13, 2017
Well crap.
I totally did not see that coming because in all seriousness, I didn't think Nick had it in him.
Nick, Nick, Nick.
What can I say?? I have tortured myself with this fascinating series. It pretty much has all the types of angst or things I don't like in a romance (if you could even call it that).
There's open relationships, lies, and guilt.
There's the unfair and unjust homophobia, that makes me sick.
And then there's Harker and Daniel - each loving a man who doesn't love them back as they deserve.
With that going on, as well as the current mysteries that draw Nick in, there's the continuing shadow of AIDS making its appearance. This is like a car crash waiting to happen and I can't look away.
Compelling stuff this is. Heartbreaking as well. Off to the next...
I totally did not see that coming because in all seriousness, I didn't think Nick had it in him.
Nick, Nick, Nick.
What can I say?? I have tortured myself with this fascinating series. It pretty much has all the types of angst or things I don't like in a romance (if you could even call it that).
There's open relationships, lies, and guilt.
There's the unfair and unjust homophobia, that makes me sick.
And then there's Harker and Daniel - each loving a man who doesn't love them back as they deserve.
With that going on, as well as the current mysteries that draw Nick in, there's the continuing shadow of AIDS making its appearance. This is like a car crash waiting to happen and I can't look away.
Compelling stuff this is. Heartbreaking as well. Off to the next...
June 9, 2014
We are treated to two Nick mysteries in book 3 of Marshall Thornton’s Boystown series. Stories filled with legal maneuvers, death, unexplained health issues, killers, bombs, and boyfriends. Nick has his hands full!
Nick Nowak, our hard-boiled Chicago PI, is facing a slew of problems and emotions at work and home. From frustration to fear. So what does Nick do? He dives into more work, booze, and sex, of course.
”This was excitement, and desire, and pleasure. Nothing mattered while you were with a man. Nothing but the man, or men in this case. This was freedom. This was forgetting.”
But somewhere along the way, Nick also finds the truth. The truth about how he feels and what he wants. His heart will often make a decision before his head even knows what to think about it. It’s actually one of my favorite frustrating things about Nick. He will do things—good and bad--without even knowing why.
Nick, Nick, Nick! The man can turn from sexy to sweet with one word, action or silent moment. The hilarious interactions with Harker’s mom in this book showoff such a soft, caring side to Nick. Domestic warring at its best! Haha…The horrible cooking and complaining coupled with warm togetherness and support were a joy to watch—I can still hear Nick grumble and sigh. But it was the sweet forehead kisses and embraces that stole my heart. Nick’s gruff and gritty ways may rule most days, but when his soft side pokes out….wow! He can melt the coldest heart around. Yes, even a cold Chicago winter heart. :)
This series is getting harder and harder to review because I don’t want to spoil the ride for anyone. So I’m just going to share one of my favorite scenes this time out. Mr. Thornton wrote an action sequence in this book that rivals any and all of my favorite run-for-your-life suspense scenes. The way Chicago is used in the pursuit is dazzling! Shooting, dodging, and running around pedestrians and busy streets turns to sharp footfalls on marble and echoes bouncing off walls. And when the smells of the tunnels under the streets popped in to play, all my senses were in on the action! The sounds of huffing & puffing for air, running footsteps, and the smell of trash and urine all came together on the page to form one hell of a chase scene. I loved and lived it!
Book three is my favorite so far in the journey for so many reasons. The layers of Nick’s life and heart are really beginning to show and take hold of my heart. Layers of love and fear mixed together. I can’t get enough! Emotion, mystery, laughs and little details. Details like….
Betamax movie love!
A 1979 Chevy Nova. A beautiful sherbet green Chevy Nova with mag wheels even! GAH!
Old school phrases like “He’ll clam up.”
Dead corn plants and “sloppy, wet, soul kisses”
And the way Nick makes sure a dead kid’s photo album ends up in the hands of someone who cared for him. The size of Nick’s heart continues to surprise me.
It all adds up to one of my favorite reads!
I can’t recommend this series enough. Go read it!
June 8, 2014
Third installment in the Boystown series (fourth if you count the prequel), this is so far my favorite one.
The spread of GRID*, and the rumors and reports about it, permeate the whole book. This gives a totally new perspective to Nick’s huge sexual “appetite”. The sense of impending doom gives a dark twist to all the impromptu hookups and random fucks: there’s a backroom’s bar scene, hot and steamy and at the same time sad and tragic, which will stay etched in my mind for multiple reasons.
But there’s much more: a nice and well done mystery plot, dry wit and a few glimpses of romance.
Awesome.
*Gay-related immune deficiency (GRID) was the name first proposed in 1982 to describe an "unexpected cluster of cases" of what is now known as AIDS source: Wikipedia
April 24, 2014
3.5 stars
The first story dragged a bit but the second one was tighter, more flowing. It dealt with lies and how we maintain them, by denying their existence. Somehow we feel that we would not be able to live, not even breathe, should we acknowledge that that certain lie is the truth. Like ostriches with our heads in the sand.
The crime stories all tie in with Nick's story in one way or another, revealing truths about himself to him and in that way to us. Like most of us he flounders through life, most of the time without seeing or wanting to see, what is really happening and then sometimes things click and he sees and we see.
I had mentioned in my reviews of the previous books of the 'real' feel I get when reading these. I want to expound a bit on that. The stories are real in their portrayal of humanity and what we get up to. There is none of that political correctness prevailant in our current time where people don't smoke, don't do drugs, don't lie, cheat and a multitude of other vices. The don't being a euphemism for 'do but does not tell'. Today we no longer call a spade a spade.
This being my fourth Thornton, I'm begining to recognise some of his trademarks:
-Fondness of the Chicago transport system in the 80's
-Repetition of certain phrases
-Finales which leave me on tenderhooks
So onwards to the next one.
The first story dragged a bit but the second one was tighter, more flowing. It dealt with lies and how we maintain them, by denying their existence. Somehow we feel that we would not be able to live, not even breathe, should we acknowledge that that certain lie is the truth. Like ostriches with our heads in the sand.
The crime stories all tie in with Nick's story in one way or another, revealing truths about himself to him and in that way to us. Like most of us he flounders through life, most of the time without seeing or wanting to see, what is really happening and then sometimes things click and he sees and we see.
I had mentioned in my reviews of the previous books of the 'real' feel I get when reading these. I want to expound a bit on that. The stories are real in their portrayal of humanity and what we get up to. There is none of that political correctness prevailant in our current time where people don't smoke, don't do drugs, don't lie, cheat and a multitude of other vices. The don't being a euphemism for 'do but does not tell'. Today we no longer call a spade a spade.
This being my fourth Thornton, I'm begining to recognise some of his trademarks:
-Fondness of the Chicago transport system in the 80's
-Repetition of certain phrases
-Finales which leave me on tenderhooks
So onwards to the next one.
June 27, 2016
I can tell where this is headed. And I don't like it. I have a feeling the next book is going to crush me, but I can't stop now. On to the next one...
October 30, 2014
“Everyone lies. They lie to the people they love; they lie to themselves. Once you admit it, it's not such a hard thing to live with. What is hard to live with is how far people will go to keep their lies alive”
Reading Boystown is like watching a train wreck. It's awfully scary, but I can't tear my eyes off it. I wish I could express myself properly and say everything I feel about the series, but I just can't. I am unable to form a single coherent thought right now..
I hope, I would survive this.
October 7, 2014
4.5
The best so far. Nick is grappling with his feelings and a complicated love life. And shit blows up..I love it when shit blows up!
The best so far. Nick is grappling with his feelings and a complicated love life. And shit blows up..I love it when shit blows up!
June 29, 2015
4.5
The third Boystown book sets more heartbreaking and more serious tone. There are bits and pieces of the things to come in previous books. The author perfectly sets the stage for the unavoidable future struggles. You can just sit and read.
And cry.
There are two stories here. In Little Boy Boom Nick is trying to find out who blew up his car, and in Little Boy Tenor he is investigating a murder of a young man. Also, Earl Silver died and the speed they buried him and announced the cause of death in the newspaper doesn't look right to Nick.
You can't really write much without spoilers, but this book seems to be the first step on a heartbreaking journey for Nick Nowak and people in his life.
The third Boystown book sets more heartbreaking and more serious tone. There are bits and pieces of the things to come in previous books. The author perfectly sets the stage for the unavoidable future struggles. You can just sit and read.
And cry.
There are two stories here. In Little Boy Boom Nick is trying to find out who blew up his car, and in Little Boy Tenor he is investigating a murder of a young man. Also, Earl Silver died and the speed they buried him and announced the cause of death in the newspaper doesn't look right to Nick.
You can't really write much without spoilers, but this book seems to be the first step on a heartbreaking journey for Nick Nowak and people in his life.
July 31, 2021
2015:I'm heartbroken, damn it. It's beyond painful to see the first GRID cases appearing and knowing that so many people will lose their lives and that life as we all thought we knew it changes forever.
2021: I've been rereading the series, and it feels like a brand-new series to me. With hindsight, it's like digging for clues - not about the murders - but about Nick, and Harker, their relationship, how Nick is becoming a very astute PI, how he is slowing accumulating a group of friends (acquaintances, contacts?) that will become important in later books. 5 stars.
2021: I've been rereading the series, and it feels like a brand-new series to me. With hindsight, it's like digging for clues - not about the murders - but about Nick, and Harker, their relationship, how Nick is becoming a very astute PI, how he is slowing accumulating a group of friends (acquaintances, contacts?) that will become important in later books. 5 stars.
July 21, 2014
This third book in the series had everything that made the first two so compelling. Nick's life is still in turmoil, his friends' lives are in turmoil, but he still has to work the random cases that get dropped in his lap. Nick is flawed, at times even unlikable, but his contradictions are what make me keep rooting for him. With the end of each story, the tension climbs as everyone seems poised on the brink of a disaster they don't see coming. Looking forward to the next one.
March 4, 2016
4.25 stars
Damn... just damn. This series is like watching a train go lazily down the track and knowing that just around the next bend, a horrible train wreck awaits. Every time Nick has sex with someone, I cringe. And the ending of this was just wrenching. But am I going to read book 4? Hell, yes!
Damn... just damn. This series is like watching a train go lazily down the track and knowing that just around the next bend, a horrible train wreck awaits. Every time Nick has sex with someone, I cringe. And the ending of this was just wrenching. But am I going to read book 4? Hell, yes!
June 6, 2014
With each book in this series, we get more connected to Nick's thoughts, his fears and hopes and concerns. (We also get a little more irritated with him for whom he chooses to have sex with. There are really times when so much as a shred of common sense would have him keeping it in his pants, but that's not something Nick's capable of, apparently. Even when a case or his personal liberty may be jeopardized for a quick blow-job.) Nick is a fascinating, flawed and three-dimensional character who suppresses and hides a lot of what he feels from everyone, himself and his lover Harker included.
Harker has never recovered from the illness he had at the end of the last book, and he's on temporary disability, living with Nick, doing okay but never feeling well. Although Harker is clearly committed to Nick, Nick still longs for the ease of his past relationship with Daniel, and is again very attracted to Daniel when they meet. He affects a very detached attitude toward Harker and claims to be waiting until Harker's healthy to break up with him and pursue Daniel. And yet as you watch, you can see that Harker has a big claim on Nick's emotional attention. You can feel the tenderness and caring that he feels more and more for Harker, shown in brief thoughts and fleeting moments.
Nick investigates two cases. The first involves having his own car blow up. The path to the solution is nicely quirky, and there are some points from the previous book that are rounded off. The second turns out to be more emotional, as Nick combines looking into the murder of a gay choir singer with an investigation for a friend. Ross's ex-lover, Earl, has died, of "liver failure", but both men are afraid there was something else involved. Tracking down the truth cuts much closer to home, and points at realities that Nick is trying very hard not to see.
The discussions Nick has with Harker about his cases and their life together deepen the reader's sense of their relationship. Nick has a very cool emotional style, a frustrating ability to compartmentalize, and is totally promiscuous. And yet you are forced to care for him. Once again, this a book on the bring of disastrous change, and that looming tension informs all of the actions and choices throughout the story. Flashes of humor and Nick's laconic style keep the tone from being too dark, despite the oncoming pain.
On to the next one.
Harker has never recovered from the illness he had at the end of the last book, and he's on temporary disability, living with Nick, doing okay but never feeling well. Although Harker is clearly committed to Nick, Nick still longs for the ease of his past relationship with Daniel, and is again very attracted to Daniel when they meet. He affects a very detached attitude toward Harker and claims to be waiting until Harker's healthy to break up with him and pursue Daniel. And yet as you watch, you can see that Harker has a big claim on Nick's emotional attention. You can feel the tenderness and caring that he feels more and more for Harker, shown in brief thoughts and fleeting moments.
Nick investigates two cases. The first involves having his own car blow up. The path to the solution is nicely quirky, and there are some points from the previous book that are rounded off. The second turns out to be more emotional, as Nick combines looking into the murder of a gay choir singer with an investigation for a friend. Ross's ex-lover, Earl, has died, of "liver failure", but both men are afraid there was something else involved. Tracking down the truth cuts much closer to home, and points at realities that Nick is trying very hard not to see.
The discussions Nick has with Harker about his cases and their life together deepen the reader's sense of their relationship. Nick has a very cool emotional style, a frustrating ability to compartmentalize, and is totally promiscuous. And yet you are forced to care for him. Once again, this a book on the bring of disastrous change, and that looming tension informs all of the actions and choices throughout the story. Flashes of humor and Nick's laconic style keep the tone from being too dark, despite the oncoming pain.
On to the next one.
June 11, 2014
"Of course, what did I know? I hadn't been to a church in more than a decade. And that was Catholic. This was some sort of Protestant. For all I knew they had a prayer circle every hour on the hour. Damn, I hoped that wasn't the case. I could listen to a hymn or two; an evening of prayer might make me spontaneously combust."
Love this man--love these stories--I've never read anything that made me as anxious as this series--knowing what is ahead--what the 80's brought--this is great storytelling
Love this man--love these stories--I've never read anything that made me as anxious as this series--knowing what is ahead--what the 80's brought--this is great storytelling
February 6, 2015
I know this series is gonna break my heart. I've read the synopses of the following books and know what's coming. But this series is addictive to me. I can hardly stop listening. Brad Langer is a phenomenal voice for Nick. The writing is fantastic. Nick's confusion and distress are a tangible thing. Moving on to Book 4.
November 12, 2014
Picked up the audiobook at the recommendation of Rosa and Ingela. Thanks, that was an excellent idea. The narrator had just the right amount of a Chicago accent to make Nick really come to life. Aside from the mysteries, you get a front seat view to Nick's unapologetic, no holds-barred sex life and an unfolding health crisis in the gay community. Nick may not always be in touch with his emotional side, but he manages some feels in spite of himself.
September 20, 2017
4.5 stars
January 18, 2017
3.5 stars
As I read and learn more about Nick and the rest of the cast, I become more close to them.
I have to read on.
As I read and learn more about Nick and the rest of the cast, I become more close to them.
I have to read on.
May 22, 2014
OMG !!!! I have goose bumps all over me, the way the grey cloud of AIDS era closing on them all . I could feel it all over my body , the fear, the uncertainty, the hysteria, this book touches you so deep, showing you how normal everyday life can suddenly get twisted without warning .
Amazing!!!
Amazing!!!
July 1, 2019
4.25 stars
That ending though T_T
That ending though T_T
September 27, 2011
Two very good historical m/m mysteries about Chicago PI Nick Nowak. It's 1982, and no one really understands why gay men are getting sick... :(
July 11, 2018
My heart...my heart. I’m not sure I expected the emotional gut punch hidden amongst these mysteries. Gaaahhh. My heart breaks for these men especially during this time of discovery.
August 26, 2022
My heart shudders at the ending. My feelings towards Nick has not changed since the first book. I thought the previous book was intense but this was even more. I love how this series just keep me on my toes at every book. Every time I read a scene, I tell myself okay, I wont continue this series because it was one of my huge TW. But then, I just had to see how this series progress further,
April 25, 2012
The best one so far and I was already hooked before this. Nick is changing. Getting in touch with his feelings isn't quite right. He is just getting closer to what he wants even though he does't realize it in actuality. Meanwhile he is investigating the death of his friends boyfriend who has died from a mysterious illness. It is this foreboding future that is scary as hell because no one sees it coming and we as readers know the writing is on the wall. We still get to read all of Nick's sexual escapades which is great but does nothing to dispel what we think is coming. Nick seems indestructible though. I just hope that he is.
April 22, 2025
Two really solid stories in this volume. And damn, the end of that second one... I expected it, and still in a way it hits like a major cliffhanger, though the mysteries are all resolved, and I think it's a foregone conclusion what the outcome with Harker's going to be, but damn.
So far so good, Thornton.
So far so good, Thornton.
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