“Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again. All aglow again, takin' a chance on love. Here I slide again, about to take that ride again. Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.” ~ Ella Fitzgerald
Cliff, of ‘Diagnosis Death’ by A.P. Eisen, is in a relationship with Paul, but is reluctant to go all the way. He has been treated badly in the past and is in no hurry to repeat the experience. Yet, he and Paul are doing so well that he’s cautiously optimistic.
It is a new experience for Paul to be in love with someone. He isn’t exactly sure how to maneuver the situation. He knows that Cliff has been burned before, so he doesn’t want to push him, but, as time goes on, he wants to be with him more and more. Paul appreciates that Cliff understands the tenacity with which he approaches his job and how Cliff is able to readjust to changes in their schedule. The latest case, the murder of a prominent doctor, is turning out to be more complicated than he and his partner anticipated. The further things progress the more suspects they discover, causing more complications. Although some are more suspicious than others, their motives are clouded by the fact that doing away with a source of funds for them makes their perpetrating the crime less likely, but they have to investigate every avenue.
In the meantime, Cliff’s best friend is getting anxious about Cliff falling for another “closet case” like his ex, as he refers to Paul. He is afraid that Cliff is putting himself in another situation that will cause him heartache. His friend tells Cliff that since he has been seeing Paul, that he has been neglecting his friends. He convinces him to come out drinking and dancing with them, like he used to rather than waiting around for Paul to come. While they are at the club, Paul and his partner walk in. Cliff sees him but tries not to react. He hates the feeling of having to pretend that they are not together, but Paul surprises him. He comes right over to Cliff and, right in front of his friends, gives him a kiss and tells him he will see him later, leaving a stunned, but happy Cliff to answer a multitude of questions from his buddies.
This is a great addition to the series. I enjoyed observing Paul and Cliff as they work on their communication skills, among other things, necessitating each character to develop and grow together in order to achieve happiness. The investigative part of the story is intriguing and unpredictable. I especially liked the way Paul and his partner are a team and friends as well. Their banter was entertaining and endearing at the same time. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Thanks, A.P., for another great story.