A Body on the Hill

A Mitch O'Reilly Mystery #2

by Brad Shreve

PI Mitch O'Reilly is hired by big time Hollywood director T.J. Mooney to follow his son, Austin, who is trying to start an acting career without riding the coattails of his powerful father. T.J. isn't happy his beloved son has changed his last name and chooses to live in a sketchy neighborhood rather than the family mansion in Bel Air.

To Mitch it's another routine stakeout until a body is found below the Hollywood Sign. Evidence shows the person wasn't killed on the hill. Instead, someone went through the trouble of dragging the victim through the trail and dumped them there. Was the killer sending a message? If so, deciphering that message could lead Mitch to solving the crime.

Genres: Mystery, M M Mystery, LGBT, Gay, Contemporary

227 pages, ebook

First published June 10, 2020

About the author

At far too young an age, Brad developed a love for political satire and became an avid fan of the Doonesbury comic strip. He spent years taking art classes and designing his own strips before realizing he enjoyed writing the stories more than the visual art. His thoughts turned to being a writer someday.

The earliest adult novels he devoured were science fiction until he started reading mysteries. He was hooked. Authors Lawrence Block, Sue Grafton, Gregory Mcdonald and Robert B. Parker, had strong influences on him.

He was thrilled when he discovered LGBTQ mysteries are a thing, and the list of authors who inspired him to write in the subgenre are too numerous to mention. He published his first novel in 2019.

Brad produced Queer Writers of Crime, a weekly podcast featuring interviews with LGBTQ authors of mystery, suspense, and thriller fiction. Episodes are still available. He currently produces the podcast Queer We Are.

He lives in the California High Desert with his best friend and husband Maurice.

Reviews

[Garrick Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to put my hand up to admit that I stalled on this book on my first attempt to read it. Nothing to do with the book or the author, it’s just that real life got in the way and I had to put all my reading to one side for several months.

I finally got back to it recently, and rather than picking it up from where I left off, half-way through, I decided to read it afresh from the start.

I’ve found that one of the major problems with many series is that authors give us the main character in book one, and then continue to write book after book, giving us nothing new, or no insights into what makes the protagonist who they are, or what drives them to do what they do. Not in The Body on the Hill, Brad Shreve’s successful sequel to Body in a Bathhouse.

I really noticed not only Mr Shreve’s development as a writer, but more of Mitch O’Reilly. I don’t want two dimensional characters in books I read. Some people might, but I’m after depth, motivation, and most of all, the flaws who makes the MC who they are. We get them aplenty in this story.

I took off my investigative hat while reading the book and trying to dive into the story without working out who did what. Unusual for me, but it was a refreshing exercise. I really love this new complex man Brad Shreve has given us. The ending, although I had an inkling, was satisfying, and what I really liked was that the relationship between Mitch and Trent was real, as was Mitch’s sudden bouts of PTSD, well-written and accurately depicted.

My only surprise was that it wasn’t until about page 360-ish, that I realised WeHo was not some vast shopping mall, but an abbreviation for West Hollywood.

Well done, Mr Shreve, I look forward to book #3 in the series.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great follow-up to the first Mitch O'Reilly Mystery from author Brad Shreve. Full disclosure, I record book recommendations for Brad's Queer Writers of Crime podcast. I loved Brad's first book and this one does not disappoint. I especially loved not only the care, but the hardship, and reality Brad writes about Mitch's PTSD. This PI is truly 3-dimensional. And the murder mystery is a whole lot of fun. Looking forward to book 3!

[PaperMoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good follow up investigation featuring 'rough diamond' MC Mitch, who's struggling to keep up with two businesses (private investigating and security equipment/cameras retailing). He's also losing his battle against repressing post-traumatic memories from his past enlisted service with these triggered episodes starting to negatively impact his professional and personal life.

Mitch's investigation into who would kill a good looking, well-mannered, all-round nice-guy/boy-scout actor takes into L.A.'s high end of town as well the more seedier aspects. The author provides heaps of suspects (family, friends, frenemies, colleagues, ex-boyfriends) and I vacillated between two main ones until near the very end when it became quite clear who 'dunnit'. I quite like Mitch's no-nonsense 'call-it-as-it-is' interviewing/interrogative manner which does hide his softer side often for the 'under-dogs' of society.

He's emotionally supported by recurring characters such as stalwart twin sister Josie (a hoot of a character), his pushy PTSD support group 'mentor' Harold, and 'not-quite boyfriend' Trent. Unfortunately, the romance arc between Mitch and Trent appears to be heading for a rocky downfall in this book and I really hope this does not mean the author plans to 'clear the deck' for other love interests in up-coming titles (as has happened with other favorite PIs of mine such as Jeffrey Round's Dan Sharp or Marshall Thornton's Nick Nowak)
because I'm fond of buffed, bright and optimistic Trent who provides such a nice foil for Mitch's darker outlook on life. 3.5 stars.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this enough to finish it, it was less interesting than #1. I knew who'd done it early on though I liked who helped. The PTSD rep was good, the drug abuse rep was good, and the little dig at white people was good. The manuscript would've benefited greatly from one more polish edit for missing opening " and closing ", repeated actions, and so on.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I have one complaint. My heart is broken. I know the reasons why, but still….Trent. *sobs*

This is another one heck of a mystery. I was close to actually getting it right this time. I swear I need to go to a mystery 101 class, because I think I’ve lost my touch. Or maybe it’s just the author did that good of moving things around so you couldn’t figure it out. ;) It’s a great story. Everything a good murder mystery needs. And I’m loving this series.

Mitch was shocked when he was hired to tail Austin, famous T.J.’s son. Especially when after tailing him on and off for a few days and talking to a few people, Austin seemed like the perfect kid. But when Austin ends up dead, someone definitely doesn’t like Austin and Mitch wants to know who. Especially since he fell asleep during his watch. But T.J. doesn’t want him around, he’s not the nicest man, and the family seems all kinds of screwed up. But Mitch doesn’t get how bad until Austin’s mother hires him to find the killer. The more he digs into this murder, the more things are coming out. And they aren’t pretty pictures. The list of suspects is growing longer by the minute and it’s getting harder to deal with it because he’s having daytime flashbacks and night terrors. And right now, it’s going to be a toss up on if he can get the killer in time, before he ends up dead in the middle of a flashback or dead from something else.

I don’t want to give too much away, because when I made the comment at the beginning about Trent, it’s related to personal stuff. And if you want to know, you need to read book 1 and this one to find out what’s going on and why Mitch is the way he is. But even with the personal stuff he’s dealing with, he’s still one heck of an investigator. He has a natural talent for digging and knowing what to look for. Unfortunately, it often gets him in trouble, and not in a good way. But I love watching him work. He has a way about him. I love his smart mouth, because he doesn’t care about if he’s hurting someone’s feelings. He just wants at the truth. Not that he doesn’t care. Don’t get me wrong. He can be tactful when he wants to be, he just doesn’t put up with people’s crap. Although he’s trying to get better. Honestly, I get where it’s coming from, but I think it’s a part of his charm lol. It hurt me for him in this one, as well. Knowing he was sitting right outside where Austin snuck out, struck him on a level he can’t get over. And my heart hurts for him because of it. Technically, no, it’s not his fault. You can’t watch someone 24/7, especially when they figure out they’re being tailed. But it’s the point. He knew how sweet this kid was and how hard he was working to get to where he wanted to be on his own. Not riding anyone’s coattails. And that made Mitch admire him all the more. For me too.

This is such a good story, but there are a few times when I bawled like a baby. Being a mom, I guess I was trying to put myself in their shoes and it's an awful feeling. But it’s a mystery, baby, and I loved every minute of it. Brad knows how to weave a great story. The characters are in depth and complex, to the point you don’t quite know what to think about each one. I’m ready for book 3, because I’m hoping to see a few things happen. Plus, I just love this series and am ready for the next story. If you guys haven’t read this series yet, you need to.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author for me and one I'll keep reading/listening.

Mitch O'Reilly is an excellent character, he feels very real real: his struggle, his anger, his pain... an intricate, complex character to whom you can't help to empathize with. The secondary characters are also good ones in their own right and I really liked them.

The mystery was really interesting and well done, my only complain is that, even when it was pointed out that moving the body to the point in which it was found would have been a difficult task, the reasons to do it so are never explained.

But as I said, it was a really good story and I look forward to read more by this author.

Oh, and Theo Sinclair's narration was superb.

[Tony Williamson,jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So full of real

All the characters in this series are so true to life. Broken. Some with hope, others maybe not so much. I love Mitch. He has demons, yet still does all he can for others. Hector, I identify with on too many levels. But, they fight on as we all do.

[Dieter Moitzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

Mitch O’Reilly has quite a lot of free time as business at his store Eye Spy Supplies still isn’t what one would call overwhelming. That’s why he accepts to follow T.J. Mooney’s invitation to come to see him in his ritzy Bel Air villa. Mooney, a successful Hollywood producer, asks Mitch to spy on his estranged youngest son Austin Bouchard (the young man has taken the name of his mother, from whom T.J. is divorced) and offers a ridiculously high fee. Mitch recognizes an easily earned buck when he sees one—and he can use any additional income—so he accepts immediately. Anything to keep him busy, anything to keep his tortured mind occupied; he is still suffering from frequent nightmares and the odd flashbackattack the origin of which can be found in his time as a member of the US Militray Police Corps and his two missions in Afghanistan. He therefore tails Austin more or less stealthily, from his flat in LA’s Koreatown to his hangouts with his friends. And then, one morning, he discovers that he hasn’t been thorough enough… because Austin is found murdered right beneath the world-famous Hollywood sign.

T.J. is not only heartbroken but also livid. But his ex-wife Dominique, Austin’s mother, a renowned model, wants to know who killed her son and isn’t certain the police will find the culprit. She entrusts Mitch with a parallel investigation, which turns out to be complicated as Austin’s life was smoother than a Barbie doll’s crotch. Mitch therefore digs into the past of his family—Austin had a half-sister, cool-hearted businesswoman Erin, as well as a half-brother, tennis ace and womanizer Jared—and his friends: his two gay flatmates Cody and Devin, his off-and-on boyfriend Hector, a meth- and booze-addict, his oldest friend Zach, or singer Rachel Roundtree. While Mitch is searching for clues, he also needs to manage his own life, which little by seems to go awry. Not only is he still struggling with his debilitating PTSD, which makes him grumpy and sometimes outright venomous, but he is also trying to come to terms with his somewhat floating relationship with handsome and stunning Trent.

I like my mysteries easy, smooth, fluffy and cozy, but not exclusively. From time to time, I yearn for something grittier, grimier, slightly rougher and more rugged. This book was the ideal read for that craving. The main character Mitch, who tells the story in the first person, is an excellent observer, capable of conveying the sensation of a situation or a setting in a few chosen words. And he sure isn’t living in a smooth and fluffy world full of lovey-dovey attitude, smiling faces, and warm-hearted people offering free hugs left, right, and center. No, he is living in the real world, where things are tough and life more a question of day-to-day survival than pursuit of happiness. He is one of those “characters with issues” who because of their difficulties in and with life get that edge, that angularity that makes them seem so real, as if they were standing before the reader’s eyes in three dimensions. And yet, although nothing really seems easy, Mitch remains surprisingly positive, a believer in the good nature of mankind despite seeing proof of the contrary all around him more than once. Yes, I admit, I really liked Mitch, his sense of repartee, his wry humor (sometimes very bitchy—I loved it), his stings, his struggles and edges and weak spots.

The plot felt authentic, a classical whodunit where I was allowed to suspect one secondary character after another, with details and clues being added as the story flows (smoothly and at a nice pace). Those secondary characters seemed very genuine, too, and matched the overall tone of the book as well as the different social strata the storyline explores: from the obscenely rich to the outcasts of society. This books explores the darker sides of our modern lives with a sane and uncompromising look on things but without dragging the reader down. It is both lucid and entertaining, on top of being well-written and well-researched.

[Dilyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed A Body on the Hill even more than I enjoyed A Body in a Bathhouse. There's enough of Book 1 mentioned that you can read this one without having read its predecessor, however, I don't recommend it.

Here's why.

There's a new mystery to solve, but the mystery aspect feels secondary compared to Mitch's personal story. You won't really see his growth/downfall (he has his ups and downs) unless you've read the first book and are able to compare the two.

Another reason is a guy Mitch meets (and whom I'm not going to name to avoid a small spoiler) in A Body in a Bathhouse. They sort of start a relationship and without having read the first book, you won't grasp their dynamic as much.

I've mentioned in my previous review that a sex scene, which was between those two, didn't really grab me. I think now that it was because of the characters' chemistry. I'd like to see more of that between them. It improved by the end of the second book, but then something happened between the guys (I'll again avoid details for fear of spoilers) so I don't really know what to expect on that front.

However, a relationship isn't really the focus of these books. It's about the cases and I suspect it will be more and more about Mitch rediscovering and improving himself. What I think we'll keep seeing in the novels to come is a chilled pace with some action sprinkled here and there, mostly at the end of each book.

There were a lot of historical facts on buildings which is fun... to read or listen to while you snack on something or do chores, but it was a little bit too much info when in the novel, especially since those facts had nothing to do with the mystery.

So, yes, I'd like for the author to improve on some things, but I'm still going to add A Body on the Hill to My Favorite Reads of 2020 list, maybe as an honorable mention, but more likely as a favorite. It grabbed me on some subconscious level and made me wish I could read more about Mitch as soon as I was done with this novel.

I'd recommend A Body on the Hill to those who enjoyed A Body in a Bathhouse. Again, if you're interested in the series, I'd suggest you start from the first book.

[Sharon Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed 'A Body on the Hill', the second book in the Mitch O'Reilly mystery series. The writing was excellent and the story definitely kept me interested. The book is a standalone but it is much better if you have read book one first. Although a separate story, there are on-going characters and themes that you will want to know about.
I wont repeat the synopsis as it is easily available but what I really enjoyed about this book is getting deeper into Mitch's persona. He has problems and he needs to face these before he can move on with his life. He is coping but only just. I was so glad to see that he came to realise that he needed professional help.
I really recommend both books in this series and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Body on the Hill (Mitch O’Reilly Mystery 2)
By Brad Shreve
Beeson Press, 2020
Five Stars

“I do wish things could be different. I wish I could live a normal life.”

The murder at the center of the second Mitch O’Reilly mystery is less gruesome but more heartbreaking than the one in the first book in the series. Once again, Mitch O’Reilly comes in contact with a big name in Hollywood, but what seems at first to be a lucrative and easy job turns tragic and ugly in the blink of an eye.

The reader’s loyalties are divided in this second book as they were in the first. We care most about Mitch himself and his struggle to grapple with his demons and find some real happiness; but we also care about the murder victim, and root for Mitch to solve the crime.

Josie, Mitch’s twin sister, and Trent Nakos, his sort-of-maybe-boyfriend, are reprising their roles as two voices offering comfort and love to the disheveled detective, who seems to bounce between emotional highs and lows as he takes steps to deal with his PTSD and his increasingly complicated murder investigation. The really fascinating part of the story is the way the author presents all the people in the victim’s orbit, carefully structuring the narrative to reveal juicy tidbits that send Mitch off in another direction. As the war-damaged private eye digs into the world of Hollywood moguls and struggling waiter/actors, both he and the reader gradually get overwhelmed with potential motives and all sorts of emotional backlash in what at first seems to be a senseless killing. Mitch is trying to sort out the mess in his own brain, but ends up focused on other people to avoid his personal pain.

“There was too much going on with the case. There was too much going on with me.”

What is so disarming about Shreve’s books is that Mitch seems on the outside to be a sort of American ideal—the handsome, clean-cut soldier. However, we only hear that description of him from others, who don’t see the anger and the hurt and the despair that haunts him. Mitch has no illusions about himself, and his chaotic office and sad little furnished apartment both speak to that abnegation of self that is his default setting. Josie, Trent, and Howard—his PTSD group mentor—all try hard to bolster him up and move him forward. The most painful truth here is that Mitch is his own worst detractor.

In the end, Shreve lets Mitch solve the mystery, but not his own life. For those of us who have started to root for him and share his friends’ frustration at his halting progress, the only solution is to wait for the next book and keep reading.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the Mitch O'Reilley series and also Brad's second book. I enjoyed the first one quite a lot. It was a great story of a PI who was having emotional difficulties after his war service. Mitch is a fascinating character and I was happy that he came back for more.

I immediately noticed that Brad's writing skills had improved. The style was smoother, dialogue crisper, and the entire flow of the book was very smooth and natural. The books reads well, meaning that it makes sense and you don't have to reread paragraphs to understand their meaning.

The plot is more complex, with very interesting characters. We are still in LA but it's a Hollywood world and thus the characters are more appropriate to that lifestyle.

What I wasn't expecting was the backwards progress Mitch makes in his life. At the end of book one, he seemed to be in a good place in his life. He had a "boyfriend" so had stopped having anonymous sex. His ego was pumped after solving a complex case, and his business seemed stable. As we go to book 2, he starts sliding down a steep hill very quickly. In spite of having a great support group and personal mentor, his mental issues have burst out uncontrollably into his daily life. His episodes occur during mundane conversations, without any triggering device. He becomes physically unstable and simply collapses.

I truly felt horrified that he is going in this direction. All forms of mental illness are terrible conditions; I just wasn't prepared for the symptoms to come to the forefront in the second book.

Without giving away any spoilers about the mystery, let's just say this isn't a happy ever after ending. Maybe Brad is saving that for book three or just trying to show the reader a very factual view of this condition.

Please read this book for the excellent writing, the character development, and the complex plotting. But be forewarned if Mitch's descent could be a trigger for you.

[Gabryel Tobias · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another case down!

I was excited to read the next book in this series. While Mitch has struck me as a bit of a bulldog and hard headed in the first book, he had softened towards the end, and I really wanted to see how his relationship with Trent would change him and his life and work.

Sadly, a lot of the critiques that I had about this character and series remain true. In a whodunnit mystery series, you want to be able to root for the detective. In this case, Mitch just isn’t likeable enough for me to do so. I was horribly disappointed at how little personal growth there seemed to be until the very last few pages. In a lot of the book, Mitch kept spiraling into his PTSD flashbacks, and being an asshole to anyone who tried to help, which really hurt his relationships.

The mystery itself was interesting, and wasn’t a complete loss. It kept me guessing, and I was genuinely endeared to a few of the side characters like Josie and Trent, which kept me reading to the end. Overall, a solid 3.5 stars.

[Suze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mitch isn’t a sympathetic character, and what progress he made in book 1, seemed to disappear. He is dealing with PTSD and we see/learn more about the reasons.
Trent plays true to his fixer role right to the end and at same time deserves a medal for putting up with and yet i wanted him to rant a bit!
A few different protagonists to the murder but narrowed down although as we get Mitch’s questions, we don’t get in his head reasonings.
I felt in parts it was quite abrasive, Mitch TJ and some others.
I didn’t enjoy quite as much as book 1, felt Mitch went backwards as a character rather than grew.

[Jerry Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Brad Shreve's A Body in a Bathhouse, I looked for more of Mitch O'Reilly's brand of detective work. The second book, A Body on the Hill, did not disapoint. Mitch is a PI who, despite alll too human foibles and inner demons, follows his cases through, and solves, sometimes more than one, mystery. Shreve's cast of characters are well developed and will keep you guessing 'whodunit' until the satisfying end. There's just enough left up in the air to keep me waiting until the next case. I enjoyed this book enough to want to go back and read the first again.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Mitch O’Reilly series, was a fast and fun read. The twists and turns left me wondering until the end who committed the murder. I had liked Mitch a lot in the first book, but like him even more now. Although you can read this as a stand-alone book, I do think you should read “A Body in the Bathhouse” first because it will add depth to the character development. I really am looking forward to book three to see what happens to Mitch next!

[Avid Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compared to the first one: A Body in a Bathouse, this book felt too complicated, the plot too convoluted and I didn’t believe the motive! I did appreciate the insight into Mitch’s character and his growth in understanding of his mental health issues and the support he received from Trent and his sister. The writing is as good as ever and carries the storyline. I do want to know what happens to Mitch and hope there is a follow up.

[Joe Roque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number two in the Mitch O'Reilly series, another well written whodunit from Brad Shreve. Interesting, well-developed characters keep up the pace in this easy to read mystery. Real and fictional Southern California locales add to the intrigue. This page-turner will have you guessing right up to the end. Kudos Mr. Shreve, you've done it again!!

[T.A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good mystery.

This is the second book in the series, Mitch is a great flawed character.The mystery did keep my guessing, I thought it was 2 people, but it wasn't one of them and the other was a surprise.

I do hope there's a more in the series and hopefully soon.

[Sirius Business · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 for me. Overall an enjoyable book, however, I didn't like it as much as the 1st book. I didn't want want bump it up to 4 and give it the same rating as the 1st book, thus I set the rating at 3/5. I'd definitely read another book in this series though, as I'm curious to see where this goes.

[Vic Mansfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one!

Once again, Brad has woven a good story with down-to-earth characters. Struggles and triumphs. And he really keeps you guessing till the end. A great read. I’m ready for more!

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was well written and worth a read. I completely forgot about Trent from the first book (whoops), but I'm not surprised with the ending. Give this book a try. It's a good read.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 4.5 Stars **

[Matt Lubbers-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great mystery novel. This book really keeps you guessing all the way through.

[Frank778 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read. Looking forward to more!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥♥♥♥½