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A Nick Williams Mystery #2
The Amorous Attorney
Nick Williams, heir to a vast fortune, lives with his lover, Carter Jones, in the Eureka Valley neighborhood of San Francisco at 137 Hartford Street in an unassuming bungalow. Little do the neighborhood ladies, who do their daily marketing on Castro Street, know that just down the street their neighbor is the richest homosexual since possibly Alexander the Great.
His no-nonsense secretary Marnie Wilson keeps things together at the office in the Tenderloin at 777 Bush Street. To her frustration, Nick is always turning away clients. He doesn’t really need the money, after all.
In The Amorous Attorney, Jeffrey Klein's love affair is heating up and Nick has to chase him down because, frankly, he needs a lawyer to set up his new business. Oh, and Eddie Mannix at Metro is on the warpath and being a general pain in Nick’s ass. After finding Jeffrey shacked up in a compromising position, Nick has to deal with his own personal mess when it comes to saying goodbye to an old flame.
After receiving a telegram asking for help, Nick and Carter end up flying south of the border, down Mexico way. When they get there, they find a corrupt politician, a flirtatious police captain, and a woman terrified of an uncertain future and what it holds for her.
Long before the Summer of Love, pride parades down Market Street, and the fight for marriage equality, San Francisco in 1953 was all about the Red Scare, F.B.I. investigations, yellow journalism run amok, and the ladies who play mah jong over tea.
His no-nonsense secretary Marnie Wilson keeps things together at the office in the Tenderloin at 777 Bush Street. To her frustration, Nick is always turning away clients. He doesn’t really need the money, after all.
In The Amorous Attorney, Jeffrey Klein's love affair is heating up and Nick has to chase him down because, frankly, he needs a lawyer to set up his new business. Oh, and Eddie Mannix at Metro is on the warpath and being a general pain in Nick’s ass. After finding Jeffrey shacked up in a compromising position, Nick has to deal with his own personal mess when it comes to saying goodbye to an old flame.
After receiving a telegram asking for help, Nick and Carter end up flying south of the border, down Mexico way. When they get there, they find a corrupt politician, a flirtatious police captain, and a woman terrified of an uncertain future and what it holds for her.
Long before the Summer of Love, pride parades down Market Street, and the fight for marriage equality, San Francisco in 1953 was all about the Red Scare, F.B.I. investigations, yellow journalism run amok, and the ladies who play mah jong over tea.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2016
51 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Frank W. Butterfield
123 books106 followersFrank W. Butterfield, not an assumed name, loves old movies, wise-cracking smart guys with hearts of gold, and writing for fun.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 18, 2021
This is the second book in this series that I have read. A year ago, I read the first book for one of my reading challenges, and this year the second one for the next edition of the same challenge. I don't remember many details from the previous book, but I generally think this one is even better than the previous one.
Nick and Carter are characters that are easy to like. The more that they are so obviously in love with each other. There is something very cute about watching them deal with problems together and support each other. They make one of the more intimate couples and are just cute. I also like their friends.
The plot is fine. Nick's former lover and his lawyer have an affair with a very famous film actor, which causes a series of problems. Everything happens mostly in Mexico. If you like clear and definite answers to the question "who killed?", then you will not be satisfied with the ending of this book. Although it's not like the story goes without any ending. I will even say that the ending is pretty dramatic. This is not what I expected and I have a bit of mixed feelings. But it's a good story anyway.
It will be nice to meet Nick and Carter in the next book. Though I won't be surprised if it doesn't happen until next year, with the next edition of the same challenge. These are good, even if simple, stories.
Nick and Carter are characters that are easy to like. The more that they are so obviously in love with each other. There is something very cute about watching them deal with problems together and support each other. They make one of the more intimate couples and are just cute. I also like their friends.
The plot is fine. Nick's former lover and his lawyer have an affair with a very famous film actor, which causes a series of problems. Everything happens mostly in Mexico. If you like clear and definite answers to the question "who killed?", then you will not be satisfied with the ending of this book. Although it's not like the story goes without any ending. I will even say that the ending is pretty dramatic. This is not what I expected and I have a bit of mixed feelings. But it's a good story anyway.
It will be nice to meet Nick and Carter in the next book. Though I won't be surprised if it doesn't happen until next year, with the next edition of the same challenge. These are good, even if simple, stories.
April 11, 2019
This is the second in the Nick Williams Mystery series, and in reality it's a part 2 or continuation of the story started in The Unexpected Heiress. If you haven't read that maybe you should, though the author does a fairly good job of bringing readers up to date.
Nick, Carter, and their friends or associates are dealing with the fallout from the events of book 1 and, Nick is still on the job sorting out the whereabouts of a closeted Hollywood (were there any other kind?) movie star. One he knows is schacked up with his former boyfriend, friend, and attorney. Carter & Nick fly to Ensenada on a work/rescue mission but encounter a bit more than they bargained for.
I'm enjoying where this series is going, the tone, and distinctly male perspective. It is true that Nick and company seem to live in a slightly fantastical world, money insulates a lot of harsh reality, but, so far, these guys are living pretty much on their own terms. Yes, they've lost family and jobs, but so far no one's been arrested (though the threat looms) or beaten-up (mostly because their scrappy or 6'4", and taller, muscle men). Also the way Nick handles money ... *sigh* I wish to meet him. But the situations are not improbable and if we can't allow folks a spot of happiness in fiction, where can we. I also like how the historical, geographical, and societal aspects are well researched but not info dumped.
Once again the mystery isn't so mysterious, and I don't think it's meant to be the point anyway. The book is more of a continued exploration of Nick & Carter's relationship, how it's still evolving and growing. I like that despite all the hyperbole in reference to Nick's wealth, Carter being "the most handsome" man in the world, and they being the most in love couple ever, that they still have eyes to appreciate other men's assets. *cough* It made me like them and believe their story. I hate when male gay relationships are made to conform to heteronormative strictures.
I'll definitely continue, particularly since, so far, they seem to be continuations of a larger portrait.
***Once again, as a PSA, there's no on page sex.***
Nick, Carter, and their friends or associates are dealing with the fallout from the events of book 1 and, Nick is still on the job sorting out the whereabouts of a closeted Hollywood (were there any other kind?) movie star. One he knows is schacked up with his former boyfriend, friend, and attorney. Carter & Nick fly to Ensenada on a work/rescue mission but encounter a bit more than they bargained for.
I'm enjoying where this series is going, the tone, and distinctly male perspective. It is true that Nick and company seem to live in a slightly fantastical world, money insulates a lot of harsh reality, but, so far, these guys are living pretty much on their own terms. Yes, they've lost family and jobs, but so far no one's been arrested (though the threat looms) or beaten-up (mostly because their scrappy or 6'4", and taller, muscle men). Also the way Nick handles money ... *sigh* I wish to meet him. But the situations are not improbable and if we can't allow folks a spot of happiness in fiction, where can we. I also like how the historical, geographical, and societal aspects are well researched but not info dumped.
Once again the mystery isn't so mysterious, and I don't think it's meant to be the point anyway. The book is more of a continued exploration of Nick & Carter's relationship, how it's still evolving and growing. I like that despite all the hyperbole in reference to Nick's wealth, Carter being "the most handsome" man in the world, and they being the most in love couple ever, that they still have eyes to appreciate other men's assets. *cough* It made me like them and believe their story. I hate when male gay relationships are made to conform to heteronormative strictures.
I'll definitely continue, particularly since, so far, they seem to be continuations of a larger portrait.
***Once again, as a PSA, there's no on page sex.***
August 10, 2016
The Amorous Attorney (A Nick Williams Mystery)
By Frank W. Butterfield
Amazon, 2016
ASIN: B01H2BU2PC
190 pages
Four stars
I’m very much enjoying this new series by a new author (new to the genre, at least). Frank Butterfield uses his real name, and creates a world that is mostly fantasy, but then again, maybe not. Riffing on the Perry Mason novels by Ring Lardner, Butterfield gives them a very gay angle in a San Francisco that is, surprisingly for some, very anti-gay. In post-McCarthy America, homos are embattled, both in normal life and in Hollywood. Nick Williams is shielded from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune by the many millions left to him by his notorious Uncle Paul. Nick lives with his giant Georgia peach of a boyfriend, Carter Jones, whom he refers to coyly as his husband. His hobby is using his money to help out his queer friends as they are damaged by the endemic homophobia of the Land of the Free.
In Episode 2 of what I hope will be a LONG series, Nick and Carter end up in Mexico, trying to help their friend and lawyer Jeffery Klein, who has had the misfortune of falling in love with a matinee idol. Shades of Cary Grant and the dark shadows of Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons hover in the background as Nick and his gay boys discover the allure and corruption of Ensenada, down in Baja.
It is sort of a superhero fantasy wrapped in noir Hollywood, but there are roots in reality. My own husband’s uncle was thriving and working in Los Angeles in this period, and living with his boyfriend, with whom he would share a lifetime. Few gay folk, men or women, ever challenged the status quo as Nick Williams does, but they were there, and many of them found happiness; Butterfield reminds us of that fact.
Butterfield writes in a way that evokes the manners and lingo of the early 1950s (I love his references to automobiles and real places—Google is my sidekick as I read). Nick and Carter live comfortably but modestly, and not at all off the radar, since Nick is a familiar face in the newspapers. Anyone who ever watched the Perry Mason TV series will smile in recognition (and if you didn’t, go find some on the interwebs, because it will help you visualize his world).
My only gripe is that the editing is intermittently sloppy, which is merely a distraction. One might say that there seem to be entirely too many queer men ready to flirt with Nick and Company; but I would counter that with the fact that gay men and women knew how to find each other in the bad old days, and that, ultimately, they were not all that different from us. They just played the game differently in order to survive.
Keep it coming Mr. Butterfield. I’m a fan.
By Frank W. Butterfield
Amazon, 2016
ASIN: B01H2BU2PC
190 pages
Four stars
I’m very much enjoying this new series by a new author (new to the genre, at least). Frank Butterfield uses his real name, and creates a world that is mostly fantasy, but then again, maybe not. Riffing on the Perry Mason novels by Ring Lardner, Butterfield gives them a very gay angle in a San Francisco that is, surprisingly for some, very anti-gay. In post-McCarthy America, homos are embattled, both in normal life and in Hollywood. Nick Williams is shielded from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune by the many millions left to him by his notorious Uncle Paul. Nick lives with his giant Georgia peach of a boyfriend, Carter Jones, whom he refers to coyly as his husband. His hobby is using his money to help out his queer friends as they are damaged by the endemic homophobia of the Land of the Free.
In Episode 2 of what I hope will be a LONG series, Nick and Carter end up in Mexico, trying to help their friend and lawyer Jeffery Klein, who has had the misfortune of falling in love with a matinee idol. Shades of Cary Grant and the dark shadows of Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons hover in the background as Nick and his gay boys discover the allure and corruption of Ensenada, down in Baja.
It is sort of a superhero fantasy wrapped in noir Hollywood, but there are roots in reality. My own husband’s uncle was thriving and working in Los Angeles in this period, and living with his boyfriend, with whom he would share a lifetime. Few gay folk, men or women, ever challenged the status quo as Nick Williams does, but they were there, and many of them found happiness; Butterfield reminds us of that fact.
Butterfield writes in a way that evokes the manners and lingo of the early 1950s (I love his references to automobiles and real places—Google is my sidekick as I read). Nick and Carter live comfortably but modestly, and not at all off the radar, since Nick is a familiar face in the newspapers. Anyone who ever watched the Perry Mason TV series will smile in recognition (and if you didn’t, go find some on the interwebs, because it will help you visualize his world).
My only gripe is that the editing is intermittently sloppy, which is merely a distraction. One might say that there seem to be entirely too many queer men ready to flirt with Nick and Company; but I would counter that with the fact that gay men and women knew how to find each other in the bad old days, and that, ultimately, they were not all that different from us. They just played the game differently in order to survive.
Keep it coming Mr. Butterfield. I’m a fan.
November 7, 2016
Book 2, and the series continues to delight. I love the way it's written, and yes, it is very reminiscent of the Perry Mason novels (which are way different than the TV show) that it's paying an homage to. I love the idea that people didn't know what guacamole or ceviche or even a margarita was (nice legend there in this book). Can't wait to read #3 but trying to read them slowly, because they are such a delight.
February 25, 2019
This is a rather enjoyable series. The author had a actually rather clever idea. How can a book about a group of homosexual people set in the US of A in the 1950s be anything but quite depressing? Make the MC really, really rich. It's not that the book ignores the problems gay people experienced in this time but Nick has access to almost unlimited funds and it's astonishing (but still believable) how many problems suddenly disappear if you throw money at them.
Where the books really shine is the world building, which is vibrant and interesting. Their weakness is that as mysteries they are not really super great. Still, they are fun to read. I recommend to read them in order as the overall story arc is continuing through the books and the timeframe is really quite dense. I think the ever growing cast of secondary characters could become rather confusing if people just jump in there with one of the later books.
With regard to romance (for the m/m crowd) - the two MCs are an established couple and deeply in love.
Where the books really shine is the world building, which is vibrant and interesting. Their weakness is that as mysteries they are not really super great. Still, they are fun to read. I recommend to read them in order as the overall story arc is continuing through the books and the timeframe is really quite dense. I think the ever growing cast of secondary characters could become rather confusing if people just jump in there with one of the later books.
With regard to romance (for the m/m crowd) - the two MCs are an established couple and deeply in love.
November 16, 2018
Okay, only two books in and I'm realizing the "murder mystery" in the Nick Williams Mystery series is definitely secondary to the characters, as in we have the murder of a Hollywood star referred to a few times, and at the end of the book, it's still sorta unsolved.
But it really doesn't matter. Trust me on this one. What really is fascinating about this series is the 1950's setting - Nick's new Diner's Club card, eating at neighborhood cafeterias where everyone knows your name, using the operator to place calls to numbers like Upton 7777, taking a flight to Chicago on TWA, buying houses in San Francisco for a few thousand dollars, etc.
Nick and Carter are continuing to grow their core of friends to work in the still-not-set-up security company, and Nick buys a boat. More fun to come .... starting on Book 3 in the series. 3.5 stars.
But it really doesn't matter. Trust me on this one. What really is fascinating about this series is the 1950's setting - Nick's new Diner's Club card, eating at neighborhood cafeterias where everyone knows your name, using the operator to place calls to numbers like Upton 7777, taking a flight to Chicago on TWA, buying houses in San Francisco for a few thousand dollars, etc.
Nick and Carter are continuing to grow their core of friends to work in the still-not-set-up security company, and Nick buys a boat. More fun to come .... starting on Book 3 in the series. 3.5 stars.
January 14, 2021
What a joy this second Nick Williams Mystery turned out to be. Author Butterfield creates an enticing world I would love to experience - to live back in the post-WWII era, but without facing insane prejudice for being gay. Butterfield achieves this by having Nick be the wealthiest man in San Francisco. Sure people hate him and society's not caught up yet and won't for decades, but he and his husband Carter can use his wealth to insulate themselves from the worst of it, creating a beautiful life for themselves and those around them. Works for me. Feels like book 2 is still setting up the stories of all the characters in Nick's orbit. I like the vibe of this series, love the snappy dialog, and the intimacy and care amongst the characters. Butterfield merges the best of the past and present to create a wonderful world of mystery solving. Really looking forward to book 3!
April 1, 2017
What a wonderful second book in the Nick Williams mystery series. In this book we find Nick, Carter, Margie, Michael, Ben, and Carlo all fired up to start their new company since the news spread in the Hearst rag Carter and the other men were queers. Carter, who was out because of a fire truck ran over his knee was fired and the others were suspended. The one person is their lawyer, Jeffrey Klien. Nick soon discovers that his friend/ex/ and lawyer has been missing from the law firm he started for a while. When he gets a call from MGM homophobic and plain nasty studio head calls to say that their newest heart throb Taylor Wells is MIA and he is wanted at the studio to start filming. Nick knows the only thing to do is head to Los Angeles because Taylor is a closeted star who has been secretly seeing Jeffrey. Nick sends Ben & Carlo on a vacation, to get to know each other and see if there love is here to stay. Nick, Carter, and he are headed to LA, and Margie is to do what she can from there. They will all meet up next week with Jeffrey to draw up papers for their new enterprise. The studio head is paying for their services. In fact they meet the raving loony at the airport in Los Angeles, foaming at the mouth, but when he meets the two big men ( Carter & Mike) he says a few harsh words and runs off like the coward everyone knows he is. In short, the men find Jeffrey & Taylor. Mike literally knocks some sense into him and gets back to the studio and bring Jeffrey back to Los Angeles. Of course it doesn't end there, that would be too simple. Taylor gets engaged, Jeffrey quits the law and both men are MIA again. Oh, we also have Nick & Carter looking for the two love birds and finding them in Ensenada.Also, Ensenada happens to be where Ben&Carlos are. So off they go to The Hotel del Pacifico. I won't say more, other than Nick finds also murder most foul and even in a different territory has to investigate. Great book with thrills and chills. I will definitely following Nick to his next adventure.
September 22, 2018
Review of the audio version of this book:
Nick's lawyer Jeffrey has lost his heart - and possibly his mind. Nick and Carter go to Mexico to find him, and things get wild. I am really enjoying this series. I adore these men and their friends, and I love going on another adventure with them. This is a well written story, and it is read by a talented narrator who performs it exactly as the time period calls for. Mixed in with the fantastic humor are moments of sadness, along with the unfairness of the time, when gay men and women aren't free to love openly without being labeled deviant and criminal. I'm thrilled that there are so many stories already written in this series (and more to come), and I just hope that means I can expect more audiobooks to take me on further adventures with these characters.
Nick's lawyer Jeffrey has lost his heart - and possibly his mind. Nick and Carter go to Mexico to find him, and things get wild. I am really enjoying this series. I adore these men and their friends, and I love going on another adventure with them. This is a well written story, and it is read by a talented narrator who performs it exactly as the time period calls for. Mixed in with the fantastic humor are moments of sadness, along with the unfairness of the time, when gay men and women aren't free to love openly without being labeled deviant and criminal. I'm thrilled that there are so many stories already written in this series (and more to come), and I just hope that means I can expect more audiobooks to take me on further adventures with these characters.
April 23, 2017
The first in this series was so enjoyable, I could not resist reading the second one right away. Again, nice to visit an imaginary world in which the good guys win, and where the good guys are a beautiful passel of mutually-supportive gays, too. The trip to Mexico in this book provides some humor about not getting out of San Francisco enough, which tickled me in part because the San Franciscan narrator inevitably concludes that there's no place like home, no matter how lovely the beach resort. Same mix of historical accuracy for background with lots of hunky, happy gay men romping in the foreground (while also fighting for truth, justice, and the Gay Way) as the first in this series, which makes me look forward to reading more of them. Thanks, Mr. Butterfield!
February 1, 2021
If you appreciate gay mystery romance novels, you’ll certainly enjoy ‘The Amorous Attorney (A Nick Williams Mystery # 2)’ by Frank W. Butterfield. If you’re ‘chronologically gifted’ - meaning you lived through the 1950s - you’ll particularly like Butterfield’s evocative descriptions of that time.
Do read the Historical Notes at the end of the novel before reading the story itself. That section provides a useful primer on what’s real, what’s fictional, and what’s a blend of the two in ‘The Amorous Attorney’.
Butterfield notes that for many years he’d wanted to create a gay satire of the Perry Mason novels by Erle Stanley Gardner. Even if a murderer isn’t always definitively identified, he clearly seems to have succeeded.
On to the third book in the series, ‘’The Sartorial Senator’.
Do read the Historical Notes at the end of the novel before reading the story itself. That section provides a useful primer on what’s real, what’s fictional, and what’s a blend of the two in ‘The Amorous Attorney’.
Butterfield notes that for many years he’d wanted to create a gay satire of the Perry Mason novels by Erle Stanley Gardner. Even if a murderer isn’t always definitively identified, he clearly seems to have succeeded.
On to the third book in the series, ‘’The Sartorial Senator’.
July 9, 2016
If you completely enjoyed The Unexpected Heiress, as I did, and read it in one or two days, as I did, then you'll really enjoy The Amorous Attorney. Maybe it was just my schedule, but I was able to take my time a bit and savor all of the twists and turns. Just as with the previous, there is plenty of unexpected surprises, but this time, we get to explore them more. Never once did I say, "I saw that coming," and never once was I disappointed. Giggles and chills will be had, as well as a Cheshire cat grin. It's hard to not love the guys and gals in this book. I highly recommend it!
February 10, 2017
I'm enjoying this series more than I thought. In my opinion, this series is for a more unhurried reader.... maybe even a more mature reader. You will not enjoy this book if you're always looking for something to happen - it's more like walking with the characters through their days. Also, there's lots of sex going on however, the reader is never invited to any of it.....and I do wish that were different. I'm finding that I'm enjoying each book more than I did the one before - I hope this is a very long series I don't want it to end.
April 2, 2018
I love this series! This fun story was even better than The Unexpected Heiress. All of the sex in this book is off page which leaves plenty of room for imagination. I laugh at all of the hot water heater puns and numerous others. While light on the actual mystery, the draw of this series is that it is heavy on life and laughs at itself. Thank you Frank!
August 28, 2017
perfecto
January 6, 2022
Tried this series again because it’s a favorite of several GR friends, but I just don’t find this writing up to scratch. Needs polishing by an editor. DNF @43%.
August 5, 2016
Can't Wait for Next Installment
I have fallen in love with Nick, Carter, Mike, Marnie and other characters. This is a really nice homage to mysteries of the 40's. Frank has painted us (with words) a vibrant picture of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and even Mexico in that era. Before same gender love was acceptable, these MC's lived and loved boldly and unashamedly, and stood up for themselves and others. The cases are full of suspense and kept me on the edge waiting for the other shoe to drop. Am waiting with baited breath for next story.
I have fallen in love with Nick, Carter, Mike, Marnie and other characters. This is a really nice homage to mysteries of the 40's. Frank has painted us (with words) a vibrant picture of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and even Mexico in that era. Before same gender love was acceptable, these MC's lived and loved boldly and unashamedly, and stood up for themselves and others. The cases are full of suspense and kept me on the edge waiting for the other shoe to drop. Am waiting with baited breath for next story.
October 4, 2017
Wonderful series!
Love these stories. Lots more to go, which is delicious. Nick is so cool and Carter is to die for. The pages seem to turn themselves. Can't wait to find out what these guys do next. So fun.
Love these stories. Lots more to go, which is delicious. Nick is so cool and Carter is to die for. The pages seem to turn themselves. Can't wait to find out what these guys do next. So fun.
February 13, 2020
I read the first book in this series and was not impressed. But, to be fair, I wanted to read another book by this author to have more read material to base my opinion on. I think there are around seventeen books in this series. Maybe the first book was a rookie effort. The main problem I have with the books is the unrealistic crusade the main character has concerning gay acceptance. I have nothing against that agenda. I'm all for it. But, he is too antagonistic in his actions and sometimes others suffer for his actions as they did in the first book in the series. Also, one cannot dismiss the fact that these books take place in 1953. The things Nick says and does are not realistic in nature. And, his wealth is incredibly unrealistic. These books read like gay fairy tales. I realize that combination of words is offensive but I mean fairy in terms of a literary form. Nick is rich and saves the day for people who are not rich. Sort of like with the Doc Savage books. That sort of "hero". Except, Nick leaves casualties in the path of his crusading.
These books are not that well written. The plotting is flimsy. The moral high ground the main character takes is undercut by his mean-spirited attitude towards those who are not gay. All in all, this is a series I doubt I'll continue. There's a lot of better books by gays out there to read than what Mr. Butterfield is writing. I can recommend books by Josh Lanyon, Anthony Bidulka, Meg Perry...I do not recommend this book or this series.
These books are not that well written. The plotting is flimsy. The moral high ground the main character takes is undercut by his mean-spirited attitude towards those who are not gay. All in all, this is a series I doubt I'll continue. There's a lot of better books by gays out there to read than what Mr. Butterfield is writing. I can recommend books by Josh Lanyon, Anthony Bidulka, Meg Perry...I do not recommend this book or this series.
June 1, 2024
In The Amorous Attorney, we get to see a little more of what happened to Nick's attorney, Jeffrey Klein and his actor lover, Taylor Wells despite the studio's fixer, Eddie Mannix putting the kibosh to the affair. I won't spoil anything as certain parts of this journey are continued on from book 1, The Unexpected Heiress, and if you haven't read that one there are a few mentions here that could spoil that one. As you know this is a spoiler free zone.
Nick has issues to contend with that linger from book one as well so let's just say he needs his attorney. Nick and Carter find themselves on a little trip trying to figure out just what is going on. Do they? You'll have to read that for yourself but if you know Nick & Carter you know trouble just seems to find a way to their door. Will these troubles help or hamper their journey for answers? You know my answer to that.
Just know that despite finding more questions than answers at times, Nick & Carter and their ever growing friends and family never fail to entertain.
Blogger Note for 1-3:
I'm glad I went to the beginning because at least for the first 3 I had opportunity to read now, there is a few things that linger from one story to the next. Would you be lost? Not really as the author does a wonderful job keeping the reader in the know but I'm glad I read it this way and not just because I'm typically a series read-in-order gal. The overall feel just meshed so perfectly.
Nick has issues to contend with that linger from book one as well so let's just say he needs his attorney. Nick and Carter find themselves on a little trip trying to figure out just what is going on. Do they? You'll have to read that for yourself but if you know Nick & Carter you know trouble just seems to find a way to their door. Will these troubles help or hamper their journey for answers? You know my answer to that.
Just know that despite finding more questions than answers at times, Nick & Carter and their ever growing friends and family never fail to entertain.
Blogger Note for 1-3:
I'm glad I went to the beginning because at least for the first 3 I had opportunity to read now, there is a few things that linger from one story to the next. Would you be lost? Not really as the author does a wonderful job keeping the reader in the know but I'm glad I read it this way and not just because I'm typically a series read-in-order gal. The overall feel just meshed so perfectly.
January 8, 2019
This series started strong and just got better. Can't wait to read more! Nick and Carter along with Mike and Jeffrey all feel like better versions of friends I wish I had.
In terms of the case-to-cast ratio, the first (and only) dead body arrives at something like 51%, so it's not the typical cozy mystery and centers more on a character-driven narrative. Not that I'm complaining - it's what I find endearing and compelling about this series. I love the characters and their group dynamic, but it does adhere to many of the Cozy Mystery conventions (Lack of gore/violence, off-page murder/sex, etc.) for readers that want to branch out a bit.
With so many women writing M/M Romance, a book like this should be standard study as to the group dynamics between men who love men. The witty and flirtatious banter rings authentic and natural even if some of the slang is from the mid-20th century. The friendzoned-ex is a standard trope IRL but almost always absent in the M/M Romance genre, so it's a refreshing change and pleasant surprise to find that it's explored in a tenderhearted and genuine manner in this book.
In terms of the case-to-cast ratio, the first (and only) dead body arrives at something like 51%, so it's not the typical cozy mystery and centers more on a character-driven narrative. Not that I'm complaining - it's what I find endearing and compelling about this series. I love the characters and their group dynamic, but it does adhere to many of the Cozy Mystery conventions (Lack of gore/violence, off-page murder/sex, etc.) for readers that want to branch out a bit.
With so many women writing M/M Romance, a book like this should be standard study as to the group dynamics between men who love men. The witty and flirtatious banter rings authentic and natural even if some of the slang is from the mid-20th century. The friendzoned-ex is a standard trope IRL but almost always absent in the M/M Romance genre, so it's a refreshing change and pleasant surprise to find that it's explored in a tenderhearted and genuine manner in this book.
March 20, 2020
This novel picks up two days after the first book ends and continues the storyline about Jeffrey and Taylor. The gang ends up in Ensenada, Mexico, and murder ensues.
The one thing I've found about these books, so far, is that they don't seem to be "mysteries" in the traditional sense. While Nick is a Private Eye, he doesn't really seem to investigate. He asks some questions, but there doesn't seem to be the "chase" or "urgency" that one finds in traditional mysteries. I don't mind that, as I've come to love the characters.
Some of the writing isn't the best, and Mr. Butterfield could do with a better editor. Occasionally, I'll find an awkward sentence or the repetitive use of a word, which only pulls me out of the story. To some degree, it reflects the characters, but disappointing in the overall.
I've got the third one queued and will give it a go. Then I'll decide if I'll continue with the rest of the series.
The one thing I've found about these books, so far, is that they don't seem to be "mysteries" in the traditional sense. While Nick is a Private Eye, he doesn't really seem to investigate. He asks some questions, but there doesn't seem to be the "chase" or "urgency" that one finds in traditional mysteries. I don't mind that, as I've come to love the characters.
Some of the writing isn't the best, and Mr. Butterfield could do with a better editor. Occasionally, I'll find an awkward sentence or the repetitive use of a word, which only pulls me out of the story. To some degree, it reflects the characters, but disappointing in the overall.
I've got the third one queued and will give it a go. Then I'll decide if I'll continue with the rest of the series.
July 30, 2021
I don’t really know what to make of this series. And I don’t know how to rate each book. It’s set in the 1950’s. I’m not familiar with a lot of the slang back then. So some of the dialogue comes off clunky to me. Think I’ll watch a detective drama set in the 50’s to help me with the vocabulary. Lol
Nick being a millionaire is good and bad. It cushions his outing but also distorts the situation for the reader. Money solves everything for him and his friends. So far. But I don’t think these books are meant to be to the letter historical. Kinda fantasy gay hero of the 50’s and I’m cool with that.
Nick doesn’t do a lot of detecting but I like him and Carter and the rest of their friends. I’ll try the next book after watching some Perry Mason on Amazon Prime. 😂
Nick being a millionaire is good and bad. It cushions his outing but also distorts the situation for the reader. Money solves everything for him and his friends. So far. But I don’t think these books are meant to be to the letter historical. Kinda fantasy gay hero of the 50’s and I’m cool with that.
Nick doesn’t do a lot of detecting but I like him and Carter and the rest of their friends. I’ll try the next book after watching some Perry Mason on Amazon Prime. 😂
September 6, 2018
Immensely enjoyable, this series is (fortunately!) a long one.
I truly enjoy the little details, like Carter reading 'The Hobbit', and that mix of reality and fantasy that make this such an easy and wonderful read.
The mystery itself is not the true plot-line, the point of this story is Nick doing whatever he can to help his friends during those very homophobic times, applying money and wit to go to the rescue of their friend and lawyer Jeffery Klein, who is in Mexico, in a very compromised position.
I simply couldn't stop listening until the end.
The narration was great and got me truly submerged into the story. Don't miss this series!
I truly enjoy the little details, like Carter reading 'The Hobbit', and that mix of reality and fantasy that make this such an easy and wonderful read.
The mystery itself is not the true plot-line, the point of this story is Nick doing whatever he can to help his friends during those very homophobic times, applying money and wit to go to the rescue of their friend and lawyer Jeffery Klein, who is in Mexico, in a very compromised position.
I simply couldn't stop listening until the end.
The narration was great and got me truly submerged into the story. Don't miss this series!
November 30, 2018
Kindle - variant cover
Continuing the story begun in Book 1 - the fallout from Nick's outburst at Hearst has caused a number of his friends to lose their jobs. Nick plans to counter this by establishing his own security firm, with Mike as CEO and Carter as Fire Investigator, plus a number of others caught up in the situation. The only problem is that Jeffery, the lawyer needed to carry out the paperwork has disappeared...
Nick and Carter follow to Mexico, where the missing lawyer has shacked up with his current beau - the MGM filmstar Taylor Wells... and the situation degenerates from there.
Well up to the standard I've already come to expect from this author.
Continuing the story begun in Book 1 - the fallout from Nick's outburst at Hearst has caused a number of his friends to lose their jobs. Nick plans to counter this by establishing his own security firm, with Mike as CEO and Carter as Fire Investigator, plus a number of others caught up in the situation. The only problem is that Jeffery, the lawyer needed to carry out the paperwork has disappeared...
Nick and Carter follow to Mexico, where the missing lawyer has shacked up with his current beau - the MGM filmstar Taylor Wells... and the situation degenerates from there.
Well up to the standard I've already come to expect from this author.
December 3, 2018
The Nick Williams mysteries start in the late 40s/early 50s and involve a former policeman who comes into money and decides to open his own detective business so that he doesn't have to deal with a homophobic police force, especially since he has just met the love of his life.
The cases are interesting and the characters interesting as well, although I sometimes thought Butterfield was not exactly sure what to do with all of them.
Definitely a fun look at San Francisco's gay community before being gay was acceptable there.
The cases are interesting and the characters interesting as well, although I sometimes thought Butterfield was not exactly sure what to do with all of them.
Definitely a fun look at San Francisco's gay community before being gay was acceptable there.
October 2, 2018
I love how it feels like an old fashion tv show.
I'm not big on historical books, but I like this one.
The little touches for the time period that aren't missed.
It's got humor, and special moments.
It's not a seat of your pants read, yet it never drags or feels forced.
I love the characters.
I wish for some sexy times, but I didn't miss them until the story was over and realized there weren't any. Oh, there was sex...just not one page.
Very enjoyable.
I'm not big on historical books, but I like this one.
The little touches for the time period that aren't missed.
It's got humor, and special moments.
It's not a seat of your pants read, yet it never drags or feels forced.
I love the characters.
I wish for some sexy times, but I didn't miss them until the story was over and realized there weren't any. Oh, there was sex...just not one page.
Very enjoyable.
August 1, 2023
The second in the Nick & Carter saga that continues immediately from the events of the first. This time, it's Hollywood and Mexico, fake marriage, and a flirtatious police captain that sets up a sort of mystery that isn't really the point -- that being the deepening love between Nick & Carter and the amorous adventures of their set and acquaintances. All very sophisticated and broad, but not licentiously detailed. A fun romp in the sun.
October 31, 2018
Enthralled
I can see this series is going to be addicting as I was completely enthralled by the plot and of each character but most all of Nick and Carter’s relationship. Their love is amazing but even more so is their trust and understanding of each other. It is absolutely inspiring.
I can see this series is going to be addicting as I was completely enthralled by the plot and of each character but most all of Nick and Carter’s relationship. Their love is amazing but even more so is their trust and understanding of each other. It is absolutely inspiring.
July 7, 2022
Rich in period detail if light on detection, this is a pleasant romp through a gay 1953 fantasia. Yes there is homophobia but also queers abound, everyone hits on the the two MCs, and there few problems that flirting or money can't solve. It does sometimes seem a little odd just how little any of these ostensible detectives seem to care about the murder, but still it's a fun book.
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