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When a body is found in the park, Paul Monroe knows two things: this isn’t a simple mugging, and the weekend he has planned with his boyfriend is officially over before it begins. With no murder weapon but a slew of suspects at the ready, Paul and his partner, Rob, begin the tedious task of piecing together the few clues they have.

Happier than he’s ever been, Cliff knows there’s more to Paul than the tough exterior the man shows to the world, but Cliff is determined to take things slow. An unexpected phone call forces him to revisit the pain of his past, and now he needs Paul more than ever, but he’s hesitant to ask, unwilling to pressure Paul into a decision he might not be ready to make.

Paul’s investigation means more long nights away from Cliff, who is grappling with his unsettling news. Not being able to support Cliff isn’t sitting right with Paul, and for the first time his personal life is as important as his job. Knowing he has Paul to lean on gives Cliff the courage to speak and to heal old wounds as they navigate the minefield of building a relationship. Meanwhile, a killer walks the streets of Thornwood Park, and Paul won’t be satisfied until they are caught and justice served.

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2019

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132 people want to read

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A.P. Eisen

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,075 reviews25.3k followers
October 23, 2020
Diagnosis: Death is book two in the Paul Monroe Mystery series by A.P. Eisen. This is a pen name for Felice Stevens. I think I loved this book even more than the first one. Why? Because the relationship is already established between our two main characters and now, in this one, begins my favorite part, the swooning. And, yes, I did plenty of swooning. The three books in this series are an ongoing relationship between the same two characters but each book contains a different case to be solved.

Diagnosis: Death (The Paul Monroe Mystery Series Book 2) by A.P. Eisen

It’s been about three months since the end of the previous book. Three months that Paul and Cliff have been a couple. They are still new, still learning each other, but they are together every night, both eeking out every minute they can with their busy lives, to spend together.



Paul has still only come out to his best friend and partner at the police department, Rob Gormley. I want to add here that we get to know Rob even better in this book and I love this guy. I adore the relationship he and Paul have. They are almost more like brothers than friends. Cliff is so patient. He is determined not to push Paul. He wants him to come out in his own way, at his own pace. Even though he knew from the beginning that when Paul was on a case, he would always be more unavailable. And he understood. But that still didn’t mean that it was easy for him when plans had to be canceled and he would be home alone. That was when old insecurities would come back to haunt him.

Paul was forty years old and had never been in a relationship. He’s always kept his sexual preferences hidden. Cliff was the only man that had ever made him want more. He knows he’s falling fast and hard for Cliff. And he wants to make him happy. On that particular weekend, he had big plans for the two of them, until that dreaded phone call happened. A murder in the park, and all his plans went out the window.

“He’d never had this compelling need to protect someone like he had with Cliff.”

I need you

While Paul and Rob are doing everything they can to move forward with their case, something in Cliff’s past reappears, causing him to revisit pain he had long attempted to bury. Even with everything on Paul’s plate, he wants to be there for Cliff, and he is. Let me just say that if I didn’t already love Paul, this did it. The little things that he did melted my heart.

Paul and Cliff have already begun to rely on one another, on bouncing ideas off each other, on unwinding after a busy day together sharing the events of their time apart. Feelings are getting deeper. Neither are ready to voice it yet, but it’s there, easy to see, waiting for them to acknowledge.

Release Blitz for Diagnosis: Death (The Paul Monroe Mystery Series) by AP Eisen – Romancing the Dispatcher

While the romantic side of this book keeps us smiling and so happy for these two, the mystery side keeps us on the edge of our seats, not letting up until the very end. This author most definitely knows how to tease us throughout the book, with just enough information to make us think we might be figuring things out, only to throw something else in to keep us guessing. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Paul and Cliff in the third book, Death Comes to Main Street.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Kaity.
2,020 reviews24 followers
March 8, 2023
3-3.5 stars

I’d say the mystery was way more entertaining than book one, but I felt like Cliff should have talked to Paul more about his feelings… haha but overall a good addition to this series!

I’m excited to see where book 3 goes!
Profile Image for Gerbera_Reads.
1,708 reviews156 followers
December 2, 2019
** 4.25 stars **

The second book in the series finds both MCs, Cliff and Paul, trying to navigate their relationship, demanding jobs and personal issues they both have old and new. Paul finally starts to open up and shows Cliff how much he means to him. Cliff's past is back, and he has to make the decision whether to let it back into his life or leave it behind. The choice is painful, but Paul is there to support him. These two got the hang of it, they are in for the long haul.

The case is well written with many leads and questions that need answering. I would have liked more technical side of it, a little more procedure and specifics. But I enjoyed Paul and Rob's way of figuring things out, how they bounced ideas off of each other. They made a pretty good team. The culprit was obvious about half way through the book, but I liked their work and Paul and Cliff's developing relationship.

The book is a bit angstier and steamier than the first. Told from dual POV, the story had romance, moments that ranged from sweet to sad, but in the end both Cliff and Paul were in the right place physically and in their hearts. I enjoyed it. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
Profile Image for Annika.
1,374 reviews94 followers
January 29, 2020
Audiobook review

4,5 stars

I was overjoyed when I saw this book had been released. I loved the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to read more.

Paul and Cliff’s relationship develops by leaps and bounds in this book. It was no secret that Cliff wasn’t too happy with Paul being in the closet, but he also respected him to come out on his own terms when he was ready. I can only imagine what a difficult situation this would be, and I can sympathise with both. I mean no one has the right to force you out of the closet before you are ready, just as much as you shouldn’t be forced back into it for the sake of pleasing someone else. It wasn’t a huge issue in this book and mostly a reflection on my part. I love how Paul tried to come out slowly, by going out on dates, trying to meet Cliff’s friends. And by trying I mean that he always got called away on cases whenever they had plans with the guys.

I liked the mystery, we get to meet some acquaintances from the first book. The murderer was, to me, obvious from that first interaction, but I enjoyed the detective work all the same. The friendship between Paul and his partner Rob is also a good one. They aren’t just partners at work but also genuine friends who support each other through the rough times reminding each other of the good when things are looking dark. I love their dynamic and hope to see much more of it as the series progress.

The characters and their lives feel genuine to me. They aren’t perfect and neither are their reactions, they are human and people can relate to them. Because haven’t we all told a white lie? Overreacted to a situation before having a chance to really look at the situation? I know for sure I more than once have forgotten to make that phone call or send that text. Or hold on to that hurt a little bit longer, because it’s safer than to opening up again? There’s no over the top drama or spinning out of control. It’s life and sometimes it’s a little more difficult to navigate than others, but it’s also something I truly enjoy.

This book was performed by the widely talented Kale Williams. Thinking back, there are a few moments that stand out to me, that touched me more than others. The first one being from Cliff’s POV when Paul kissed him in front of his friends. The love between them just poured off them, it touched the ones in the bar, and it definitely touched me. Also the pain and apprehension when Cliff was talking with his parents was clear in Williams’ voice, and he made the listener feel what Cliff felt, the hope of repairing the broken relationship, and the fear that it would only cause more hurt in the end. Then there was Paul and Rob, when Rob called with bad news. I felt Pauls pain when hearing the news, hurting for his friend and the need to support him. Williams delivered each line with a surety that comes with having almost 100 books under his belt. He knows what he’s doing and it shows.

Diagnosis: Death was a great follow up to the first book and I can’t wait to read more books from this series.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Profile Image for ConM.
952 reviews9 followers
January 21, 2020
Very slow, and REALLY predictable. I’m out of this series.
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,712 reviews
December 11, 2021
Liked it less this time. I forgot how stiff & often unnatural the dialogue was.

Excellent sequel

A smoother read than book one, although emotions don’t always come through well in the narrative. Good mystery, written so well I didn’t guess the murderer right away (even though I should have!) but it was deftly handled in that respect. Steam is mild and that was preferable. I also liked the the development of Paul, Cliff and their lives as individuals as well as in the relationship. Investigative details were pretty good.
Profile Image for Caz.
3,287 reviews1,199 followers
May 4, 2021
I liked this a bit more than the first one, especially the part dealing with Cliff's family situation. Paul's relationship with his work partner Rob is really well done, and the way Paul and Cliff's romance is progressing well. Cliff made it clear in book one that he wasn't going to go back into the closet, but that he also wasn't going to force Paul into anything he wasn't ready for; he holds true to that promise and it's good to see Paul stepping up in small ways (and some big ones) in terms of coming out, and also the way the pair of them are so supportive of each other.

Kale Williams does a great job with the narration; he's the reason I started listening to this series in the first place and he doesn't disappoint.
Profile Image for Paula´s  Brief Review.
1,182 reviews16 followers
September 14, 2022
Sigue siendo muy ameno, la parte de intriga resulta simple pero interesante y la historia de amor es poco pastelera por lo que se hace bastante realista.
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,423 reviews400 followers
December 28, 2019

This is the second book of Paul and Cliff.
Like the first book, this book focused on Paul's case and how he solved the mystery.
I didn't mind at all.
The romance between Paul and Cliff also got the right portion in the story.
Though I was kinda pissed at Paul for his reluctantly making a PDA with Cliff, I was pleased he's finally reached the point that he wanted the world to know that Cliff is his.
They're finally on track to make their relationship 'official' and just said to the world to deal with it!
Cannot wait to read their next adventure!
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,281 reviews7 followers
December 13, 2019
Man This was so good!

I love this series. Yeah I had the killer pegged early but I loved watching Paul and Rob get there. Watching Cliff struggle hurt though. Just because he's sting doesn't mean the pain wasn't intense. Sometimes I just want to hug characters while I'm crying for them. Overall I found this to be a great read with more depth and emotion with the suspense due to more than one situation.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,356 reviews48 followers
December 31, 2023
Reread 09/2021 review- 3.4 stars?? (Skipping the sex scenes ofc, although I think there thankfully weren’t as many as in the first book… at least it felt that way). I do still agree with the points I made in my original review, I just don’t necessarily feel the same way about the rating anymore (of course, it’s possible that that rating included the sex scenes 🤷🏻‍♀️)

Original 12/20 review- 2.9 stars? This book was better than the first, although I am a bit disappointed there wasn’t as much angst involved as the summary led me to believe. Also, I’m still not crazy about them as a couple. 😕
Profile Image for Lindsay Hardin.
748 reviews
December 5, 2019
Detective Paul Monroe is back for another mystery. And continuing his relationship with his late brother’s best friend. The case takes multiple twists and turns that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. The relationship between Paul and Cliff deepens and addresses coming out and previous rejection. This book was well written and better than the first. I hope to see many more books in this series.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,537 reviews140 followers
February 1, 2020
This was better for me than the first book in the series. Although clues, there was no big flashing arrow pointing out the murderer.
I enjoyed Paul and Cliff's relationship, the steady build up and also with Cliff getting to know his parents again.
I am not sure if there will be another book in the series, I hope so as I think there is still more story to tell.
Profile Image for Lena Grey.
1,619 reviews25 followers
November 12, 2020
“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.



Profile Image for Heather.
875 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2020
I’ve been enjoying the Paul Monroe mystery series, and this latest continued with another case to solve and the unfolding of Paul and Cliff’s relationship. I enjoyed the intrigue of the latest case and who the murderer may have been. I wasn’t quite sure who may be the culprit until almost the end, there were a several suspects that had motive to see the victim dead! I enjoyed getting to know more about the people in Detective Paul Monroe and his boyfriend’s life more. Including his partner on the force Rob, and his wife. As well as Cliff’s friend Ryan, and Cliff’s parents who surfaced after fifteen years of silence. I liked that Cliff didn’t let his parents off lightly, and that he made his feelings known with them. I’m loving the direction that Paul and Cliff’s relationship is going, and how much Paul has grown Ande being with Cliff. I’m eager to see how their relationship unfolds, and what mystery awaits us next!
5,704 reviews39 followers
December 12, 2019
very good progression of this series... it continues where we ended after book 1.. it has love and mystery and made me curious and try to guess who done what haha.. plus these two have to figure out their relationship together and themselves apart.. very good plot and i enjoyed the writing
Profile Image for Anke.
2,506 reviews98 followers
January 20, 2020
This was even better than the first book and I'm already waiting for the next one.
Profile Image for yazaleea.
727 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2024
Couple is still cute as hell, but i didn’t love the case this time around. Still was a chill little read, though i knew who the murderer was the first time they were introduced
Profile Image for Annie.
1,715 reviews26 followers
dnf
December 16, 2019
DNF @ 56% - My interest in this couple, case, and series is decreasing rather than improving so I’m calling it and moving on. When I know whodunnit within the first couple chapters of both books, I know this isn’t the romantic suspense series for me.
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,423 reviews400 followers
March 27, 2021
This is the second book of Paul and Cliff.
Like the first book, this book focused on Paul's case and how he solved the mystery.
I didn't mind at all.
The romance between Paul and Cliff also got the right portion in the story.
Though I was kinda pissed at Paul for his reluctantly making a PDA with Cliff, I was pleased he's finally reached the point that he wanted the world to know that Cliff is his.
They're finally on track to make their relationship 'official' and just said to the world to deal with it!
Cannot wait to read their next adventure!
Profile Image for Beth.
2,922 reviews27 followers
December 8, 2019
This second book in the series allows us to see Cliff and Paul’s relationship moving along while Paul solves another murder case and Cliff deals with a personal issue.

One of the best parts of this book is the way that elements of the story arc are used for the MCs’ character development. Through various developments in the story we see both Paul and Cliff realize things about themselves and their relationships. One of Paul’s main concerns in book 1 was being out and that is his thing to deal with as well as his deepening feelings for Cliff. Cliff is not only dealing with his deepening feelings for Paul but with an angry and annoyed best friend who evidently thinks Cliff is going down the same path he has previously with men who don’t treat him well, as if he is a dirty secret. The author does a great job showing the growth of the MCs and of their relationship without it being something that glares thus taking away from the murder part of the storyline.

Secondary characters play some key roles as well, especially Paul’s partner and best friend Rob, who has his own issues to deal with. And once again, while addressing those problems we see growth in Paul. Paul really does come off as the ideal boyfriend here and there were plenty of swoony moments which makes him all the more loveable.

I am really enjoying this series and look forward to more books in the series.

*I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my objective review *
Profile Image for Heather.
1,553 reviews9 followers
February 28, 2024
I love this series! The mysteries are well done. And the characters are great. The author does a good job of balancing the mystery and romance without letting one part over take the other. The narrator does a terrific job and brings the story to life.
1,429 reviews
August 10, 2020
Good story but some of it got repetitive- always drinking coffee/ back and forth with Cliff's parents/ always stressing how much Paul is invested in his job. Rob is a great guy and good friend.
Profile Image for Kat.
663 reviews5 followers
August 17, 2020
Story: 5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆
Audio: 5 Stars☆☆☆☆☆
Book two of the Paul Monroe series by Felice Stevens is a continuation and happens about three months into Paul and Cliff's budding relationship. Even though both are carefully threading water I found it amusing that they didn't see they were basically living together. Paul for all of his insecurities with having his first real boyfriend is a natural. He is sweet, kind and very intuitive to Cliff's needs. Cliff is such a terrific man and perfect for the surly detective. However when Paul is with Cliff he definitely softens around the edges and lets his guard down. He is slowly leaving the closet and it feels right to him. Murder is something that Cliff has come to realize is part of the deal when dating a homicide detective. A grisly death leads to a myriad of suspects and once again Ms.Stevens delivers a fast-paced and riveting mystery along with a sizzling romance. There was also an element of hurt for Cliff as he tries to navigate his feelings of betrayal of his parents who turned their backs on him when he was young. They have reached out to him and he is beyond confused. The books are showing a great deal of growth in the relationship between the two men. You may want to read the first book before delving into the second tale. I so highly recommend this wonderful story.
Audio review: Narrator Mr. Kale Williams.
Once again Kale William's easy relaxed reading made this audiobook a real treat. His interpretation of Paul is just how I imagined it would be. An excellent presentation that I relished from the first moment to the very end. Mr. William's voice really does this great mystery justice. I urge you to try this wonderful and well-presented audiobook.
Profile Image for Edga.
2,256 reviews23 followers
December 4, 2019
This is the second in the series and, as with the first, although there is the suspenseful element, the pace is more consistent with the romance, with suspense secondary. It's a fairly straightforward story, and I have to say that I guessed the killer pretty early on.

Despite this, there is no denying Diagnosis: Death is quite entertaining, and well written. The main characters, Paul and Craig , are likeable and, of course, gorgeous. The story concetates not only on Paul's devotion to his police work, but how he and Craig's relationship grows against the background of Paul's work.

The ending is satisfying. If you’re looking for a book to read in one sitting, I'd definitely recommend this one. Also, I have to say that the covers for both books are gorgeous.

Merged review:

Good second book in the series.

This is the second in the series and, as with the first, although there is the suspenseful element, the pace is more consistent with the romance, with suspense secondary. It's a fairly straightforward story, and I have to say that I guessed the killer pretty early on.

Despite this, there is no denying Diagnosis: Death is quite entertaining, and well written. The main characters, Paul and Craig , are likeable and, of course, great looking. The story concentrates not only on Paul's devotion to his police work, but how he and Craig's relationship grows against the background of Paul's work.

The ending is satisfying. If you’re looking for a book to read in one sitting, I'd definitely recommend this one. Also, I have to say that the covers for both books are gorgeous.
662 reviews4 followers
February 27, 2022
🎧Audiobook Review🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️

Diagnosis Death is the second volume in the Paul Monroe Mystery series. I was thrilled with the first volume and was eager to find out what happened next with Detective Paul Monroe and his boyfriend Cliff Baxter.
The author's writing style is very pleasant, the story is written in an easy-going way and I was very quickly in the middle of the action.

A body is found in the park and Paul knows immediately that his weekend is over. Together with his partner Rob, Paul begins to investigate. I always enjoy rattling along with a mystery novel. The author presented many suspects here, some of whom had a motive. She then surprised me at the end, because I didn't see that coming. That was incredibly well done.
Privately, Cliff and Paul's relationship continues to develop. I really like these two characters as well as Paul's partner Rob, they are likeable and endearing. This time Cliff is struggling with his past. I really enjoyed watching Paul's personal life become more important now and how he supports Cliff.

The mix of a mystery and a romantic story is absolutely great. I also really like that the protagonists are a bit older and how their relationship is steadily developing.

Kale Williams narrated the audiobook, and he did a killer job with his pleasant voice. I love the way he brings the characters to life. The protagonists have been given a voice to match. This audiobook is also an absolute delight to listen to!
Highly recommended!
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