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Mitch Mitchell Mystery #4
The Sun Goes Down
Mitch Mitchell needs a vacation, and he is determined to make the most of his trip to the Mediterranean island of Gozo. Death never takes a break however, and at the behest of fellow doctor Bob Southern, Mitch soon finds himself investigating the demise of a young, gay lance corporal. The police have ruled it a suicide, but the young man's boyfriend claims it was murder. Suspecting an official cover-up of a queer scandal, Mitch gets to work on an investigation that leads him into a labyrinth of lies, false identities and secret sex. With tension, humor and plenty of Mitch Mitchell's exuberant sexual encounters, The Sun Goes Down cranks up the Mediterranean heat for one of his most baffling and dangerous cases.
212 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2016
35 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
James Lear
13 books363 followersJames Lear is the nom de plume of prolific and acclaimed novelist, Rupert Smith. He lives in London and is the 2008 Winner of Erotic Awards "Best Writer".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 24, 2016
4,5 stars
I don’t know what you felt when you turned the last page of A Sticky End, but I felt a bit sad because
And now -WHO COULD DREAM ABOUT IT?! - 10 years after the publication of Sticky End, a third book in the series, we've been amazed with The Sun Goes Down, a new book of Mitch Mitchell Mystery!
Of course I blamed one of the most beautiful island of the world (it moves immediately to the top of my MUST SEEN list) for having inspired the author to write the book 4...
l can well imagine how James Lear while strolling through the charming alleys and narrow streets of the old town Xlendi, looking at the calm blue waters, admiring a brilliant light of island sunset, enjoying fantastic meals and Maltese beer, came to the brilliant idea to “invite” Mitch to this island paradise, away from stuffy dirty London.
And it is exactly what happens: Frank Southern, an old friend of Mitch during the medical training and brigade surgeon to the garrison at Valletta, whom he haven’t seen since years, invites our Mitch to assist in a delicate professional matter. And honestly, there are worse places to be, than a beautiful Mediterranean island in the summertime, particularly one with a sizable military presence.
Mitch, single again, comes to the island full of hopes and expectations:
"Here on Gozo, surrounded by the darkly sparkling Homeric seas, under the broiling near-tropical sun, I might find adventure. Sex, for sure, with all those soldiers and sailors. Love, even, if I was lucky, but without the oppressive need to be faithful—it could only last as long as I stayed. And, I thought, fingering the pages of the Agatha Christie that lay unread in my lap, I might stumble upon a crime. The setting was perfect: picturesque enough for novelty, surrounded by water to limit escape, a place where people of all types came together, a melting pot."
But Mitch was not the only one with high expectations.
I had either high expectations, and I assure you, I got EVERYTHING I wanted, and maybe even a little bit more.
Funny, sexy, murderous, entertaining, excellent written, with the particular charm of the beautiful surroundings and a very special Mediterranean atmosphere, this book, longingly awaited by all true Mitch and James Lear fans, is a pure MELTING reading pleasure!
Highly recommended!
You might wonder, why 4,5 stars and not 5?
P.S I LIKE this cover!!!
June 22, 2022
What a marvelous final instalment of the life of wanna-be sleuth Mitch Mitchell.
And once again he lovingly takes cues from Agatha Christie stories to solve his very own murder mystery.
This time on the beautiful island of Gozo, right next to Malta.
Mitch was asked by a colleague of his to come to the island and take a look at a peculiar case of neurosis that a soldier displays after the suicide of his comrade.
Was it suicide, though?
A hotel filled with illustrious guests, each and every one with secrets to hide. And right smack in the middle is Dr Edward 'Mitch' Mitchell, solving a crime while chasing handsome Mediterranean men.
And I need to point out that the sex wasn't overly excessive. I mean, compared to book no 3, this was TAME.
And I'm happy to notice that while Mitch is a notorious cheater who puts having sex with as many men as he can manage above all other happiness in life, the end of this story was a bit of a coming home for Mitch. Maybe he did find a likeminded guy to share his life with?
Beautiful settings, wonderful characters and so many gorgeous men, from marble-skinned 20 year old 'virgins' to weathered, hairy muscle hunks... Mitch got them all covered.
A beautiful ending to this unique series.
5 stars!
And once again he lovingly takes cues from Agatha Christie stories to solve his very own murder mystery.
This time on the beautiful island of Gozo, right next to Malta.
Mitch was asked by a colleague of his to come to the island and take a look at a peculiar case of neurosis that a soldier displays after the suicide of his comrade.
Was it suicide, though?
A hotel filled with illustrious guests, each and every one with secrets to hide. And right smack in the middle is Dr Edward 'Mitch' Mitchell, solving a crime while chasing handsome Mediterranean men.
And I need to point out that the sex wasn't overly excessive. I mean, compared to book no 3, this was TAME.
And I'm happy to notice that while Mitch is a notorious cheater who puts having sex with as many men as he can manage above all other happiness in life, the end of this story was a bit of a coming home for Mitch. Maybe he did find a likeminded guy to share his life with?
Beautiful settings, wonderful characters and so many gorgeous men, from marble-skinned 20 year old 'virgins' to weathered, hairy muscle hunks... Mitch got them all covered.
A beautiful ending to this unique series.
5 stars!
June 5, 2023
LOL, I've waited to finish this series for ages. A happily ever after for Mitch? I don't think I'm spoiling anything to say that James Lear leaves it for us to decide.
Nevertheless, it's a marvelous mystery, and I love these characters! I highly recommend James Lear's Mitch Mitchell Mysteries - read them in order.
Nevertheless, it's a marvelous mystery, and I love these characters! I highly recommend James Lear's Mitch Mitchell Mysteries - read them in order.
August 29, 2016
I love Mitch Mitchell. I have mentioned that you can't take this series too seriously. The sheer amount of sex and number of partners that Mitch has in a short period of time is not unprecedented in the real world, but there is an exaggeration for effect that happens in these books. Still, the attitudes and criminalization of homosexuality in the time period do not go unmentioned. Also, the author follows an important literary rule for anyone writing a gumshoe/PI/mystery solver, the main character grows and changes. Mitch is true to himself and his nature (his words, not mine), yet he does ponder his mistakes in life and thinks about the future. I don't know what the future holds for Mitch, but I hope to meet him again in a future book.
2016 reading challenge checks the box for 27. A murder mystery. In this case 2 murders!
2016 reading challenge checks the box for 27. A murder mystery. In this case 2 murders!
June 1, 2017
First book by James Lear. Won't be the last. :D
June 14, 2016
Rosalie's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 stars
Mitch Mitchell is nothing more than a man whore. The very first early encounters that are read about are all the sexy men that Mitch has taken to bed (or the bath, or the beach...or anywhere!). Immediately, I felt sorry for Mitch. Through all the sexual escapades, I could already tell that Mitch was hiding from something. It's very quick that you find out he's lost the love of his life and he tries to cover his feelings with meaningless sex.
Finding himself invited to a Mediterranean island, Mitch immediately thinks the reason was desired sex from an old acquaintance (you find out very quickly that Mitch is all about himself and lots and lots of SEX!!). But when Mitch is thrown into the middle of a murder investigation, hopes of sex are slightly doused (although he always finds a way to get hot and heavy - and man is it HOT - with someone!). Along comes Bill...and Bill has a way of turning everything that Mitch thought he had figured out in his life, upside down,
I loved this read. M/M is quickly becoming one of my favorite...just seeing a man breaking down and realizing how much someone means to them and the sex? Holy moly it's always smoking! These two needed each other more than they realized and I loved watching Mitch change over the course of the read. The mystery added another complete layer that left me turning the pages into the wee hours of the night. This is definitely one you want to pick up!!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Mitch Mitchell is nothing more than a man whore. The very first early encounters that are read about are all the sexy men that Mitch has taken to bed (or the bath, or the beach...or anywhere!). Immediately, I felt sorry for Mitch. Through all the sexual escapades, I could already tell that Mitch was hiding from something. It's very quick that you find out he's lost the love of his life and he tries to cover his feelings with meaningless sex.
Finding himself invited to a Mediterranean island, Mitch immediately thinks the reason was desired sex from an old acquaintance (you find out very quickly that Mitch is all about himself and lots and lots of SEX!!). But when Mitch is thrown into the middle of a murder investigation, hopes of sex are slightly doused (although he always finds a way to get hot and heavy - and man is it HOT - with someone!). Along comes Bill...and Bill has a way of turning everything that Mitch thought he had figured out in his life, upside down,
I loved this read. M/M is quickly becoming one of my favorite...just seeing a man breaking down and realizing how much someone means to them and the sex? Holy moly it's always smoking! These two needed each other more than they realized and I loved watching Mitch change over the course of the read. The mystery added another complete layer that left me turning the pages into the wee hours of the night. This is definitely one you want to pick up!!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
June 15, 2016
Reviewed for Just Love: Romance blog
I received an advance review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
For those familiar with “Mitch” Mitchell and his escapades, you’ll be glad to learn that he hasn’t lost his touch for stumbling across dead bodies (or live male ones, for that matter). For those not familiar with the larger-than-life American doctor, his heroes include Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle and he quite fancies himself a private dick of sorts. Emphasis on the dick. He has a keen eye (almost a thirst) for a good mystery, and an even keener eye (and a most definite thirst) for men who fancy a vigorous shag. As luck would have it, in Mitch’s world there is never a shortage of either.
The Sun Goes Down, fourth in the series, takes him to a Mediterranean island where plenty of willing and able-bodied men are a natural part of the breathtaking views. He quickly learns it’s not all sunshine, sailors and soldiers however, and is soon buried up to his privates in another murder investigation.
If you’re new to the series and haven’t already guessed, this book continues in the vein of its predecessors – that of being a British whodunit farce of the highest and filthiest order. Lucky for you, despite references to his past exploits, I don’t feel you need to be caught up on the series to enjoy this book.
While I definitely enjoyed the plentiful and enthusiastic sex which is a Mitch Mitchell trademark, I also appreciated the more pensive, almost subdued version of Mitch in this book. When his mind is not otherwise preoccupied with the case or his next conquest, he looks back with some regret on his failed relationships with his long-suffering ex Vince, as well as best friend and occasional lover Boy Morgan, the quintessential one that got away. That isn’t to say he’s no longer the unstoppable force of nature from previous books. While the harsh realities of queer men turning up dead in paradise and no one seeming to give a damn has us seeing a more introspective side to the good doctor, his determination to get to the bottom of things has never been clearer.
I would definitely recommend this book, particularly if you like your erotica with a spot of mystery and humor. The intrigue was satisfying, and just like any juicy mystery novel, potential villains were thick on the ground. Each character was really well sketched out, almost to a caricature-like degree, which made fingering (hah!) the ultimate villain a lot of fun as I raced through the obligatory dramatic reveal and final conclusion. I dare say it was quite a climactic end indeed.
I received an advance review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
For those familiar with “Mitch” Mitchell and his escapades, you’ll be glad to learn that he hasn’t lost his touch for stumbling across dead bodies (or live male ones, for that matter). For those not familiar with the larger-than-life American doctor, his heroes include Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle and he quite fancies himself a private dick of sorts. Emphasis on the dick. He has a keen eye (almost a thirst) for a good mystery, and an even keener eye (and a most definite thirst) for men who fancy a vigorous shag. As luck would have it, in Mitch’s world there is never a shortage of either.
The Sun Goes Down, fourth in the series, takes him to a Mediterranean island where plenty of willing and able-bodied men are a natural part of the breathtaking views. He quickly learns it’s not all sunshine, sailors and soldiers however, and is soon buried up to his privates in another murder investigation.
If you’re new to the series and haven’t already guessed, this book continues in the vein of its predecessors – that of being a British whodunit farce of the highest and filthiest order. Lucky for you, despite references to his past exploits, I don’t feel you need to be caught up on the series to enjoy this book.
While I definitely enjoyed the plentiful and enthusiastic sex which is a Mitch Mitchell trademark, I also appreciated the more pensive, almost subdued version of Mitch in this book. When his mind is not otherwise preoccupied with the case or his next conquest, he looks back with some regret on his failed relationships with his long-suffering ex Vince, as well as best friend and occasional lover Boy Morgan, the quintessential one that got away. That isn’t to say he’s no longer the unstoppable force of nature from previous books. While the harsh realities of queer men turning up dead in paradise and no one seeming to give a damn has us seeing a more introspective side to the good doctor, his determination to get to the bottom of things has never been clearer.
I would definitely recommend this book, particularly if you like your erotica with a spot of mystery and humor. The intrigue was satisfying, and just like any juicy mystery novel, potential villains were thick on the ground. Each character was really well sketched out, almost to a caricature-like degree, which made fingering (hah!) the ultimate villain a lot of fun as I raced through the obligatory dramatic reveal and final conclusion. I dare say it was quite a climactic end indeed.
June 22, 2016
Mitch Stiches Another One Together
One of the most completely unique characters in all M/M literature, Mitch Mitchell has done it again in his own salacious, but insightful, way. Breaking his own heart by driving his beautiful, loving partner Vince out of his life, the American with the physician's license from Edinburgh gets lucky--as usual--with a propitious communication from his old university chum Frank (not Bob as the blurb mistakenly calls him) to help solve a mystery on the beautiful isle of Gozo off the short of Malta.
As usual in a Mitch mystery, his attention is drawn immediately into the book by two exceptionally hot, and perhaps receptive, men--a soldier named Bill and a young lithe blond named Henry--on the boat, and we are privy to all the wonderful things Mitch wishes he could do to each of them on board. He even spots a tall and handsome man with a "dog collar," which means he's a priest, and mentally hyperventilates over that one.
By the time he's achieved his first sexual experience on the island, Mitch has introduced us to a wild assortment of supporting characters, all of which would have been perfectly at home with any of the characters that his hero Hercule Poirot would encounter. There is so much tongue-in-cheek here, and so much plot twisting (and bed hopping) that you don't realize how quickly author Lear is proceeding to a climax in the plot. Among other climaxes.
The added twist in this book is the introspection Lear brings to Mitch as he gets older, and lonely. How it ends leaves us hoping that Lear will continue the tale of this terribly unique and lovable (if sometimes caddish) character.
One of the most completely unique characters in all M/M literature, Mitch Mitchell has done it again in his own salacious, but insightful, way. Breaking his own heart by driving his beautiful, loving partner Vince out of his life, the American with the physician's license from Edinburgh gets lucky--as usual--with a propitious communication from his old university chum Frank (not Bob as the blurb mistakenly calls him) to help solve a mystery on the beautiful isle of Gozo off the short of Malta.
As usual in a Mitch mystery, his attention is drawn immediately into the book by two exceptionally hot, and perhaps receptive, men--a soldier named Bill and a young lithe blond named Henry--on the boat, and we are privy to all the wonderful things Mitch wishes he could do to each of them on board. He even spots a tall and handsome man with a "dog collar," which means he's a priest, and mentally hyperventilates over that one.
By the time he's achieved his first sexual experience on the island, Mitch has introduced us to a wild assortment of supporting characters, all of which would have been perfectly at home with any of the characters that his hero Hercule Poirot would encounter. There is so much tongue-in-cheek here, and so much plot twisting (and bed hopping) that you don't realize how quickly author Lear is proceeding to a climax in the plot. Among other climaxes.
The added twist in this book is the introspection Lear brings to Mitch as he gets older, and lonely. How it ends leaves us hoping that Lear will continue the tale of this terribly unique and lovable (if sometimes caddish) character.
August 13, 2016
Take a classic murder mystery and cross it with a horny self-styled detective who's constantly looking for his next hookup and the result is The Sun Goes Down. I'll be honest-murder mysteries are not my normal fare. But Mitch's character kept things interesting trying to figure out the who-done-it while at the same time tackling the who's-next-in-his-bed challenge. Interesting mix? Yes. Does it work? It sure does.
Mitch is pretty free with his partners (and no-safe sex doesn't find it way anywhere near this book-probably due to the era in which it is set), while at the same time he's on the lookout for a new puzzle to solve. His needs are met on both fronts when he arrives in Gozo, and it makes for both an intriguing enigma to figure out and an erotic journey to enjoy (over and over if Mitch has his way).
The mystery aspect keeps the reader alert trying to figure out what really happened and who is responsible. It did keep me guessing until the end, where Mitch gathers everyone affected to sit and listen to his exposition on the who-what-when-where-why of the case...reminiscent of a classic murder mystery reveal.
And along the way...he might have found a man he can call his. Or as much his as he can considering his very free sexual lifestyle.
The Sun Goes Down keeps you guessing with plenty of twists and turns, interspersed with Mitch's sexual exploits that are definitely for the 18+ crowd. This was a 3.5-star read for me, and fans of M/M mystery injected with a healthy dose of explicit sexual content (including a scene with watersports-not really my cup of tea with that one) will want to pick this one up.
Mitch is pretty free with his partners (and no-safe sex doesn't find it way anywhere near this book-probably due to the era in which it is set), while at the same time he's on the lookout for a new puzzle to solve. His needs are met on both fronts when he arrives in Gozo, and it makes for both an intriguing enigma to figure out and an erotic journey to enjoy (over and over if Mitch has his way).
The mystery aspect keeps the reader alert trying to figure out what really happened and who is responsible. It did keep me guessing until the end, where Mitch gathers everyone affected to sit and listen to his exposition on the who-what-when-where-why of the case...reminiscent of a classic murder mystery reveal.
And along the way...he might have found a man he can call his. Or as much his as he can considering his very free sexual lifestyle.
The Sun Goes Down keeps you guessing with plenty of twists and turns, interspersed with Mitch's sexual exploits that are definitely for the 18+ crowd. This was a 3.5-star read for me, and fans of M/M mystery injected with a healthy dose of explicit sexual content (including a scene with watersports-not really my cup of tea with that one) will want to pick this one up.
October 9, 2016
I can honestly say there's nothing I dislike about this or any of the Mitch Mitchell novels. They're fun, outstandingly pornographic mysteries that manage to keep you interested in more than just the next orgasm. I absolutely adore Mitch Mitchell, who (in my opinion) is a much truer representation of gay manhood than just about all of the "m/m" out there, and much of the literary gay fiction that comes out these days as well. Here's a gay man who is quite openly promiscuous, who is masculine and desires masculinity, and who doesn't pretend to be just like straight people in order to get respect. Furthermore, he's a slutty fellow who wants to love and be loved without neutering himself. All of this shouldn't be revolutionary, but sadly it is. As the queerness of being gay continues to be shoved back into the closet so that straight folks can feel safe with gay having rights similar to their own, I'm grateful for characters like Mitch who remind us what's so great about being different. I hope there are plenty more Mitch Mitchell mysteries to come!
August 1, 2017
Murder in Gozo
Enjoyed this tale, possibly even more than the previous ones as Mitch is starting to question his personal decisions.
Loved the setting in Gozo. As it has been and now is the home of a couple of gay writers, it's a fitting location.
Times have also improved since the era it was set in with Malta being one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to gay rights.
Enjoyed this tale, possibly even more than the previous ones as Mitch is starting to question his personal decisions.
Loved the setting in Gozo. As it has been and now is the home of a couple of gay writers, it's a fitting location.
Times have also improved since the era it was set in with Malta being one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to gay rights.
July 15, 2020
~3.5 stars~
October 11, 2019
Reviewed by Lori
Book provided by the publisher
I wanted to make it clear to the reader, before we begin this review, that this is a M/M novel. Just in case that kind of genre isn't a readers choice for reading. This is the fourth Mitch Mitchell mystery, and I just loved it. It was fast paced, the characters were hilarious and it was a funny entertaining read.
I just need to say right up front, I really really liked Mitch Mitchell. He was a horny devil with a voracious appitite for men. But, he has this charm, this way about him that is just likable. He's made quite a few mistakes in his personal life that he's trying to deal with and along comes a mystery for him to solve and not run away from his problems, but forget about them for a while.
I remember reading once on one of the street teams I'm part of on line, an author once asked what is it about a character that appeals to so many people at the same time. I wish I knew the entire answer, but I think it's the little details the author puts into their characters. The quirks and vulnerabilities that make people likable, can make characters likable as well.
Mitch, his character is believable. He has flaws, but he owns them. He's made mistakes, he's admitted them and knows he's not perfect. He's a man that knows he's got a huge appetite for men. He's a sexual character that owns who and what he is, and I think that that is part of his likeability. The fact that he's funny to doesn't hurt at all.
Mitch loves Agatha Christie, and loves to solve a good mystery. This book reminds me of Josh Lanyon's Holmes and Moriarity books. Both books have the same elements, the main protagonist falling into a mystery while on vacation, the secondary characters have lots of sparkle , and their own personalities. I love Josh Lanyon's books too, and this one ranks right up there with Lanyon's.
If the reader has never read M/M and wants to give it a try, then give this book a try. If M/M romance is the readers choice of romance, I still say, give this book a shot. It really is a great book.
Book provided by the publisher
I wanted to make it clear to the reader, before we begin this review, that this is a M/M novel. Just in case that kind of genre isn't a readers choice for reading. This is the fourth Mitch Mitchell mystery, and I just loved it. It was fast paced, the characters were hilarious and it was a funny entertaining read.
I just need to say right up front, I really really liked Mitch Mitchell. He was a horny devil with a voracious appitite for men. But, he has this charm, this way about him that is just likable. He's made quite a few mistakes in his personal life that he's trying to deal with and along comes a mystery for him to solve and not run away from his problems, but forget about them for a while.
I remember reading once on one of the street teams I'm part of on line, an author once asked what is it about a character that appeals to so many people at the same time. I wish I knew the entire answer, but I think it's the little details the author puts into their characters. The quirks and vulnerabilities that make people likable, can make characters likable as well.
Mitch, his character is believable. He has flaws, but he owns them. He's made mistakes, he's admitted them and knows he's not perfect. He's a man that knows he's got a huge appetite for men. He's a sexual character that owns who and what he is, and I think that that is part of his likeability. The fact that he's funny to doesn't hurt at all.
Mitch loves Agatha Christie, and loves to solve a good mystery. This book reminds me of Josh Lanyon's Holmes and Moriarity books. Both books have the same elements, the main protagonist falling into a mystery while on vacation, the secondary characters have lots of sparkle , and their own personalities. I love Josh Lanyon's books too, and this one ranks right up there with Lanyon's.
If the reader has never read M/M and wants to give it a try, then give this book a try. If M/M romance is the readers choice of romance, I still say, give this book a shot. It really is a great book.
February 19, 2020
I know people thought we had seen the last of Mitch but here came book 4. Mitch has kind of grown? Or at least dealing with the consequences of his actions is making him be more honest with his partners? I laughed outloud many times in this book although there was a urderer on the loose! The "was this love?" part had me in stitches.
I felt this story was a little toned down in the erotica department: there were no threesomes! Not for lack of trying but still. Is this Mitch's happily ever after? Maybe but I thought Book 3 was the last and here we are...
I felt this story was a little toned down in the erotica department: there were no threesomes! Not for lack of trying but still. Is this Mitch's happily ever after? Maybe but I thought Book 3 was the last and here we are...
October 21, 2021
"Some holiday this had turned out to be—a murder, an attempt on my life, a suicide bid that may yet prove successful, three lovers in four days… Yes, I reflected, it was pretty much perfect."
-That sums it up perfectly.
-That sums it up perfectly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2019
Mitch has met his match in this one, which is easily Lear's most erotically-charged work.
October 2, 2024
Mitch Mitchell, Detective Pervert, is back in this fourth book. Picking up in 1932, some months after #3 (A Sticky End). His long time boyfriend Vince has dumped him and gone off to Singapore. Mitch finds himself at loose ends, so he quits his job at the hospital in London and travels to Greece on the invitation of a medical school classmate he once had a crush on. Frank Southern is now a doctor in the British Empire, working on the island of Malta, and he has a patient he needs assistance with. Two years ago, Alf and Ned were more than best friends, they were lovers, something that could ruin their careers in the Army. But then Ned was found dead under mysterious circumstances that Alf has never accepted. Since then, Alf's depression, his moods, and general malaise has the local brass concerned to the point they want to ship him back to England and into a psychiatric asylum. But Frank, and now Mitch, are convinced that's not necessary. So Mitch goes to the spot where Ned was found dead... and begins his erotic investigation, canvassing suspects and theories all the while.
There was a mix of good and bad in this. The good was the erotic scenes were generally fun. The bad was the spinning plates of theories ran thin. A good half of the story is Mitch shuffling the facts he knows, the theories he conjures up, and the endless suspects he thinks are involved. This went on just a hair too long for me.
Three stars.
There was a mix of good and bad in this. The good was the erotic scenes were generally fun. The bad was the spinning plates of theories ran thin. A good half of the story is Mitch shuffling the facts he knows, the theories he conjures up, and the endless suspects he thinks are involved. This went on just a hair too long for me.
Three stars.
September 6, 2024
Mitch Mitchell needs a vacation, and he is determined to make the most of his trip to the Mediterranean island of Gozo. Death never takes a break however, and at the behest of fellow doctor Bob Southern, Mitch soon finds himself investigating the demise of a young, gay lance corporal. The police have ruled it a suicide, but the young man's boyfriend claims it was murder. Suspecting an official cover-up of a queer scandal, Mitch gets to work on an investigation that leads him into a labyrinth of lies, false identities and secret sex. With tension, humor and plenty of Mitch Mitchell's exuberant sexual encounters, The Sun Goes Down cranks up the Mediterranean heat for one of his most baffling and dangerous cases. I read this book without knowing that it was the 4th book in the series, but it did not diminish my experience reading this book. This book is erotica with a basic mystery, but readers shouldn’t go into it expecting a complex murder mystery. The amount of sexual partners that Mitch has in this book isn’t unheard of in the real world, but it was definitely exaggerated for the sake of the story. The smut was steamy and the characters were engaging, and that was all that I wanted from this book. I do plan on reading the rest of the books in the series. I recommend this book for fans of gay erotica.
June 4, 2024
another classic from James Lear. whacanasay... the man knows how to write as sex scene! I was J'obsessed with the steamy, romantic albeit seedy setting for this story (Malta) and I was just as enthralled in the murder mystery as I was in the ass pounding. delicioso. fun quirky sexy characters and a silly but intriguing enough plot - colour me entertained.
star removed because he only ever spelled the capital city of Malta as Valetta and there are two Ls in its name. proofreader must have been on vacation methinks :/
all I'll say is that Homer's Iliad has a 3.91 and The Sun Goes Down has a 4.08. the people have spoken
star removed because he only ever spelled the capital city of Malta as Valetta and there are two Ls in its name. proofreader must have been on vacation methinks :/
all I'll say is that Homer's Iliad has a 3.91 and The Sun Goes Down has a 4.08. the people have spoken
June 2, 2019
Disappointing. The first three books had been good. This was a major flop.
Everything was so unconvincing and unnatural. The mystery part was so weird and poorly-written. The author got so lazy with this one that he just presented random snippets of answers on the first 80% of the book and just narrated the whole story at the last 20% and the connections were just so weak. At the last part I just skimmed. The romance was just sad and forced.
Everything was so unconvincing and unnatural. The mystery part was so weird and poorly-written. The author got so lazy with this one that he just presented random snippets of answers on the first 80% of the book and just narrated the whole story at the last 20% and the connections were just so weak. At the last part I just skimmed. The romance was just sad and forced.
August 27, 2023
The best of the series so far in my opinion. A good story and a good mystery. The first book had the newness of it all and getting into the flow of the writing and getting to know the characters. But this one just worked for me. the characters are developed and fleshed out and I was comfortable with the entire book. I really enjoyed it and read it in a day. I hope there is more to come.
October 28, 2024
It was great to get back to another Mitch story again. And can we say spicey!! This series reads very much like an Agatha Christie novel, but with more twists and turns, spice-lots of spice, oh, and gay. Love all of it. I think I will go back and reread the previous books. They are that much fun, especially when you are trying to figure out the who-done-it.
August 5, 2021
Mitch Mitchell is the horniest character in all of literature. Honestly, the man is a dog. But this was quite a fun mystery romp on a small Maltese island. Very on-brand for our erstwhile detective. I kind of wish there was more of him.
October 31, 2022
While the author walked back some of the more queasy elements of the previous novel, the main character is still often uncomfortably predatory and his HEA feels largely unearned and somewhat arbitrary. Parts are hot and the actual mystery is probably the best of the series.
September 25, 2017
This one didn't do much for me. Having the main character talking to me, the reader, was off putting. The story itself was okay enough but just that one thing knocked it down to 2 stars.
February 12, 2018
A slutty gay American doctor imagines that he is Agatha Christie, visits Malta and solves a couple crimes. An unusual genre and one of the most unpleasant sex scenes I have ever read.
April 19, 2018
Always fun to read about Mitch's sexual adventures and his interesting, quirky, and fun cases. He is such a showman in his resolution...just like the classic Marples.
January 9, 2019
Mature version of Hercule Poirot just as Dr. Mitch tried to embody in the story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2019
Absolutely loved this fourth installment in the Mitch Mitchell series and I hope we'll see a fifth at some point!
September 22, 2019
4.5 stars. This was so much fun and I freaking loved the setting so much. The mystery was great and revisiting Mitch was a pleasure. Till next time. I hope.
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