Shade

A Bob & Marcus Mystery #1

by H.N. Hirsch

A modern murder mystery. Assistant Professor Marcus George, a young, gay Harvard faculty member striving to find his footing in the Ivy League, is drawn into investigating the murder of one of his former students, the son of an elite Massachusetts family. Centered on the tense, competitive world of academic politics, the narrative vividly captures the publish-or-perish standards of academia, the strictures of life in exclusive enclaves in Boston and Kennebunkport, and the gay subculture along the New England coast. As he investigates the murder, Marcus stumbles across academic and financial corruption that could ruin several lives -- even as he falls into a tender and heartwarming love affair that will change his own. Hirsch's first novel is a beautifully realized, gripping tale in the classic style of the murder mystery genre.

Genres: Murder Mystery, Fiction, Mystery, LGBT

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2022

About the author

H N Hirsch was a professor of political science for 40 years. When he retired, he realized a lifetime ambition to write mystery novels. The first, "Shade," was published in 2022. The sequel, "Fault Line," will be published June 1, 2023.

Visit his website at scribble-and-scratch.com

Reviews

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really well-crafted murder mystery set way back in 1985. I have been told that was a happening time and I am starting to take that word for truth. This is a murder mystery that is set with the backdrop of the original Aids epidemic.

This is a same sex romance that is very realistic. Marcus and Bob have a beautiful relationship that grows through the book. As Mr. N is apt to say, if you have an issue with a same sex romance, you have bigger problems then not wanting to read this book.

This book is ‘murder the professor investigated’. A complex mystery that will keep the reader guessing. I just got so involved in the mystery I was thinking about it while I walked to and from work. Once I got into this book, it was hard to put down. The characters are well crafted and real. This book just feels real and won't disappoint.

If you are ape over great mysteries, then this book is for you. An eye-opening look at a time before the internet and smartphones. Historical to me, a blast from the past for others. I'd say read this book because it's a rad read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Sam

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[ty · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of The Secret History, Shade by H.N. Hirsch follows Marcus, a young gay professor at Harvard, trying to solve the mystery of who murdered one of his favorite students. This summery dark academia tale touches on the class system at Harvard right off the bat as well as LGBT culture in the 80’s. The LGBT touches are so well researched it’s refreshing to read something that’s so accurate (the throwing shade comment, not ignoring the AIDS epidemic, etc). Shade almost feels like if Jaws were a gay(er) murder mystery. Marcus may be our main character, but I definitely think that Bob is our standout. His dry humor and one liners are the star of this book. Shade also features two Jewish characters, Marcus and Bob, which is amazing! If you’re looking for an 80’s dark academia story, Shade might just be the one for you!

[Dumbledore11214 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reposted from DA

A modern murder mystery. Assistant Professor Marcus George, a young, gay Harvard faculty member striving to find his footing in the Ivy League, is drawn into investigating the murder of one of his former students, the son of an elite Massachusetts family. Centered on the tense, competitive world of academic politics, the narrative vividly captures the publish-or-perish standards of academia, the strictures of life in exclusive enclaves in Boston and Kennebunkport, and the gay subculture along the New England coast. As he investigates the murder, Marcus stumbles across academic and financial corruption that could ruin several lives -- even as he falls into a tender and heartwarming love affair that will change his own. Hirsch's first novel is a beautifully realized, gripping tale in the classic style of the murder mystery genre.

Review:

Dear H.N.Hirsh,

DA was contacted with the offer to review fourth book in these series. I was intrigued enough and decided to try the first book. The book was on KU so it was easy enough.  

Readers this is a gay mystery set up in 1985 when the two main characters meet and fall in love. I am assuming the next books are taking place in the later years but this is just my speculation.  The set up described well enough in the blurb. From the afterword it sounded that author was a college professor, so I am going to take him on faith where the atmosphere of academia is described from the teacher's point of view. I actually very much agree with the "narrative vividly captures" words from the blurb as applicable to the whole story. I thought the settings and characters were well drawn and I suspect Marcus and Bob will end up being memorable characters for me, but we shall see.

The love story was a little too fast for me, but somehow it all made sense. Sex was completely close door, but this was not really a romance in my opinion it was a love story with realistic feel and happy for now ending and it was probably more mystery than a love story. I also smiled at some point that a nice Jewish professor had to meet a nice Jewish boy :). I am a Jewish woman, I get that part.

It was basically your "amateur detective" subgenre of the mystery and I actually think Marcus was one of the smartest amateur detectives I have read about in a sense that if he discovered something important he called the police and actually shared the information and I appreciated that. It may have been a little less exciting when Marcus shared with the police lieutenant that a certain politician could have been one of the suspects and they ended up talking to him together than if Marcus for example barged in the politician's office by himself, but it made more sense. As I said it made me feel that such a story had a chance to actually happen if we allow that the family of the deceased indeed asked someone else besides the police to look into it.

And what do you know, police investigator did not act crazy either, knowing that other guy just trying to help, he ( within limits) did not mind sharing sometimes. It was refreshing, as I said maybe a little bit less exciting, but refreshing. Although at some point in the story I rolled my eyes when Marcus suddenly wondered and wondered if he should go to the police with a super important development he found it, but he did ! and this is more than majority of the amateur detectives did in the books I read so far .

The most shocking part was that while Marcus discovered who pulled the trigger, police discovered the one who was behind it all. 

I enjoyed it well enough.

B

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book of the series, it tells us how Marcus a professor from Harvard met Bob, at the time a law student. A family of one of Marcus' graduate students Trip asked Marcus to help look into his murder. As he is questioning people he meets Bob, Trip's room mate. Bob decides he's going to help Marcus investigate. A beautiful relationship blooms between the two while investigating. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly wanted to like this book. I admire the courage and dedication of anyone who sits down and tries to write a novel. Further, I think that the perspective of the protagonist, a gay junior professor at Harvard in the 1980s, is an interesting one that should be shared with all. But respectfully, I couldn’t get into this book. I felt like there was a lot of superficial filler — endless and unnecessary details about what the characters ate, their daily activities, etc, none of which added anything except words, and most of which failed to lend any insight into who the characters were as people. Quite frankly, those parts read like a “Just the facts, ma’am”-type police report, becoming monotonous after a while. And there was such limited exploration of the characters beneath the surface that, as a result, the book started to lose me — I couldn’t get vested into any of them because they didn’t seem all that real to me, they were simply character sketches. That, plus the fact that the premise — a well-connected, filthy rich family asking their son’s academic advisor (??) to investigate his death, rather than hiring a private investigator, or seeking assistance by making a call to the elected officials to whom they would clearly have had access — is not believable. However, having said that, where the book engaged me were the few places where Dr. Hirsch dove beneath the surface — for example, the overriding sense of disappointment that Marcus felt from his parents, that no amount of spectacular academic achievement could erase. Or what it meant to be gay during the AIDS crisis. Or working as a junior professor in an elite academic setting where ambition and competition thrive. It’s in those moments that the book, to me, came alive. Respectfully, I think that there is a stellar novel/character study lurking within these pages, providing a perspective that Dr. Hirsch can knowledgeably and insightfully offer. I wish he would consider something like that the next time around.
PS And many thanks to book Sirens for providing this ARC copy exchange for an honest review.

[Catalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely surprise Shade has been. It really gripped me and kept me hooked to the point I've been happy to discover it's first in a series!

A cross between a cosy mystery set in the world of Academia and a LGBT love story. Both narrative threads are well developed and weaved in a convincing and enjoyable way. The world of Academia is well described, with it's intricate ways and the usual nepotism. The world of an emerging LGBT scene, at the time of AIDS killing men left and right is so well portrayed that it made me think of Angels in America(a series a truly love!) . The love story between Marcus and Bob is truly endearing and I am so looking forward to see more of this two in the next book ;)

*Book from BookSirens with many thanks for the opportunity to read this!

[Sumit · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a lot of things to like about this book - the story had great momentum to it, the scene and setting were wonderfully described (esp. Cambridge/the Harvard Campus, Miller's Cove, and the Abramsons' house), the romance was unapologetically queer while the book still addressed stigmas and risks around queerness (which felt authentic to the mid-80s setting of the book). On the downside, the character development left a lot to be desired and many of their interactions felt unrealistic. The moments of introspection felt a little thin, but then again, perhaps those elements would have slowed down the rapid pacing of the book. Ultimately, the book is a mystery novel, and that element of the book is quite enjoyable. All in all, a fun and fast-paced read.

[Amy Voce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well thought out Debut Novel and murder mystery. The setting takes place at Harvard and centres around an Assistant professor, Marcus George. As he becomes enthralled in a murder investigation of a former student. Marcus finds himself tangled in a web of lies and deceit. Everybody is under suspicion and soon Marcus fears for his safety. In the midst of uncertainty he forms a unlikely friendship that becomes a pillar of strength for him. That blossoms into a life changing love affair. This was an outstanding whodunnit. I can't believe this is H.N. Hirsch debut novel! I'm looking forwards to what comes next from this author.

[Larry Pearlman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not wanting to be a spoiler, I won't tell you who I suspected done it. I'll just say that this was a good mystery that had me going in the wrong direction and NOT the direction that the plot line seemed to be leading you. I had my own creative idea and was just flat wrong! Aside from the mystery, this is also a love story and an inside look at the gay community. It is engaging on all fronts. A good read.

[Glen Rutland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read, providing interesting insight on life for gay men in a different time as the AIDS crisis goes on. It also provides an interesting window into how access to the world of the rich and powerful can affect one's morals and judgment if you let it. Finally, an interesting behind the scenes look at the world of academia. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to the next book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shade is a contemporary story with contemporary issues.

Reading book was interesting. Took awhile to get to point of story but the ride there was an informational journey.

There was a lot of actual information about Harvard and the town it houses in.

Author had a clever way of teaching reader but not making format feel like a lesson.

I recommend novel.

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shade (Bob and Marcus Mystery 1)
By H.N. Hirsch
Pisgah Press, 2021
Five stars

On the strength of this murder-mystery I bought the next two in H.N. Hirsch’s Bob and Marcus series.

Columbia University professor and political scientist Wallace Sayre is quoted as saying: "Academic politics is the most vicious and bitter form of politics, because the stakes are so low."

That rather sets the tone for this drily witty—and simultaneously heartfelt—murder-mystery set in the hallowed halls of Harvard. The book’s basic story is pretty simple: Marcus George, an adjunct history professor at Harvard, is caught up in the murder of a brilliant newly-graduated student.

Along the way, Marcus meets a young Brown graduate, Bob Abramson, and the plot unfolds as Marcus and Bob find their way into coupledom while trying to help the murder victim’s family discover why their son was murdered.

This isn’t really a cozy mystery (which is a thing, if you didn’t know it). Right from the start there is tension, as the various parts of the puzzle begin to fit together in awkward ways. Marcus is insecure because of his background in the face of Ivy League arrogance. His own Princeton degree isn’t quite enough to protect him, which surprised me. More to the point, I suspect, is the fact that adjunct professors are notoriously underpaid and exploited, a state they accept in their desire to ascend to the nirvana of academic tenure.

Secondarily, but significantly, Marcus is also insecure about not quite meeting the highest standards in the gay world that he, Bob, and the murder victim are all part of. This is where Marcus contrasts nicely with Bob, who is both handsome and comfortable in his skin—something attributable to his warm and accepting Jewish family. It’s too complicated to discuss without spoilers, but Hirsch does a very deft job of handling all the religious/social class stuff without getting too heavy-handed. And, from his bio at the end, the author learned all this on the job.

There is plenty of shade thrown at the snobbishness of elite universities and their backstabbing faculties. There is conscious contrast made between Marcus’s middle-class Jewish roots in Chicago versus the prestige-hungry academics at Harvard and the rich Wasps who nurture and protect their privilege. Because the story is set in 1985, I could cross-check the author’s details against my own experience in the 1980s—I’m apparently just Marcus’s age. As it happens, I met my Jewish husband at Yale in 1975, and I can attest that Hirsch has caught the feeling of the moment of the mid-1980s. Even as gay liberation was advancing, the scourge of AIDS was rising fast and Republicans were running the country. A lot of his story resonated with me, and the author should be praised for getting it right.

Hirsch is gentle with his characters, especially Marcus and Bob. Rather than the chest-pounding romance I’m usually drawn to, this is a more realistic story of two people meeting (under difficult circumstances in this case) and then finding that they really click. This quiet realism carries the reader through the book, and leaves them looking forward to Marcus and Bob’s next adventure.

[ancientreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Shade" has a lot going for it, and I honestly don't mean that as damning with faint praise: I enjoyed the academic backstabbing (Harvard!) and the jaundiced look at wealth and privilege, besides which it's always a relief to read prose that doesn't make me want to defenestrate myself. Also, the wrap-up of the mystery is deliberately, and satisfyingly, incomplete -- not in the way that sets up for a sequel, but in the way that the real world is messy and justice is often imperfect. (To say more would be a spoiler.)

Two reasons why this is 3.5 stars rounded up, rather than a solid 4. One, the solution of the murder depends on a coincidence rather than on the protagonist's cleverness. Two, I kept wanting to tell the author to let his freak flag fly. He doesn't need to worry about the competence of his prose or the good will of his readers, so why not make Bob and Marcus less perfect? Let them argue harder, give Marcus a sharper edge, crack more jokes? I had the feeling of authorial holding back, as though queer protagonists were obliged to be uniformly nice. The murder victim is by no means painted as a bad person, but he's also the only character who does drugs and screws around. A few rough edges in the living heroes would be welcome.

In the preview of the next Bob and Marcus book, we find them living in California, which is a good thing, because in "Shade" Marcus has the dumbest, most useless therapist you can imagine. And a couple of fact-checking quibbles: There's mention of a 917 area code, but the book is set in the mid-1980s. The 917 area code was introduced in 1992. Also, at one point Marcus's investigation sends him to Queens, and when he wants to get back to Grand Central he calls a cab. The hell he does: You don't call "cabs" in NYC. He either calls a car service or, if he has any sense, he gets on the train, aka the subway. (I could discuss the complexities of two-fare zones back when those existed, but never mind.) Just saying.

Thanks to the author and BookSirens for the ARC. Despite my tire-kicking, I enjoyed myself.

[Mvm]

Classic murder mystery in academia

This is a well written murder mystery that takes place in the setting of Ivy League academia which is augmented by the cutthroat academic politics, the lifestyles of an uber wealthy Massachusetts family and Marcus George, a struggling Assistant Professor trying to find what he wants in life. Tripp, a former student and son of an extremely wealthy family is murdered. Just before his death Tripp had contacted Marcus wanting his advice on a sensitive matter. Their meeting never happens as Tripp is murdered. Marcus delivers his condolences to the family and is asked to investigate Tripp’s death. Marcus stumbles around looking into Tripp’s past and uncovers several unsavory situations with the potential to ruin many lives. As Marcus is trying to decide what to do the tables are turned on him and suddenly, he is the one on the defensive, struggling for his career and possibly his life. In the midst of the chaos, he meets and forms a relationship with Bob who gives his life a center and a meaning he had been searching for subconsciously. It appears that the decks are stacked against Marcus and he finally resolves that he may never know who murdered Tripp. One small observation at a fund raiser leads to the house of cards falling down. The author has done an admirable job with the character development throughout, exercising some wonderful word-play that made me care about and despise characters based on the play on words. The story unfolded easily over the chapters and I found it to be an enjoyable weekend read. Well done. I was provided a copy of this book by the author, and am leaving this review that reflects my opinion of the book voluntarily.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

One fine mystery novel

Ohio author H.N. Hirsch earned his degrees from Princeton and from the University of Michigan and is a political scientist, teacher and writer, currently on the faculty of Oberlin College. He blends his expertise in jurisprudence, modern political theory, gender and sexuality in his novels, especially his ongoing series the Bob & Marcus Mystery Series, of which SHADE is the initial volume. A suggestion of the candor of his writing is present on the opening page of this novel: ‘At first he did not think it would be anything, just a quick meal with a former student. He didn't know a young life was about to end, or that his own life was, in a way, just beginning.’

The plot is condensed as follows; ‘Assistant Professor Marcus George, a young, gay Harvard faculty member striving to find his footing in the Ivy League, is drawn into investigating the murder of one of his former students, the son of an elite Massachusetts family. As he investigates the murder, Marcus stumbles across academic and financial corruption that could ruin several lives -- even as he falls into a tender and heartwarming love affair that will change his own.’ Bob Abramson assists Marcus in the murder mystery and opens windows into a well-drawn LGBTQ romance, all taking place in the 80s, when AIDs and other shadows altered so many lives. Hirsch weaves his tale well, capturing New England ambience and the interplay of his characters cinematically. Looking forward to the next episode - FAULT LINE - in this fine mystery series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

[Georgette B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the first line! I appreciate the forbidding in the beginning, which totally set the tone for the entire story. This style of writing puts me in the mind of Joseph Hansen (Dave Brandstetter). The character development of the story's twists and turns was a brilliant adventure. Funny enough, as I was reading about Bob and Marcus. I was picturing Tab Hunter and Tony Perkins (LOL).

Story: Marcus, a Harvard professor, becomes entangled in the investigation of a former student's death. The investigation leads him into a relationship with Bob, a younger man who was once a roommate of the deceased student. His investigation throws him into the life of the filthy rich and deeper into the politics of Harvard, but inevitably brings justice to his former student.

What I loved:

1) Well researched

2) Vivid imagery

3) Tons of foreshadowing

4) Killer ending (pardon the pun)

5) Having grown up in Danbury, I really enjoyed all the references to the city of Danbury

6) Brilliant character development

7) Romantic overtones

8) Instalove trope

9) Age gap trope (it was a more subtle theme, but present none the less)

What I did not enjoy

1) The fact that it ended… I am always sad when a delightful book ends! I am looking forward to the next story, especially as it is told from Bob's POV. I can't wait to hear Bob's voice.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Julian White · Rating 4 out of 5]

epub on Kobo 312 pages (ISBN 9781942016700); (Free) Review copy

A refreshingly different mystery, with a touch of romance thrown in and set far enough in the recent past to have an element of 'history' while still being recognisably 'modern'...

Assistant (untenured) Professor Marcus George has lunch with a recent graduate, golden boy Trip Howard, who seems to have something on his mind but elects to put off discussing it until both are on vacation away from Harvard. Unfortunately by the time Marcus is ready to make contact Trip has been shot. Marcus is persuaded by the family to investigate this seemingly inexplicable event.

Set in the mid 80s with AIDS looming over the gay lifestyle that Trip embraced but which Marcus has yet to find entirely comfortable the investigation leads to possible academic plagiarism and financial misdoings. The cloistered academic world is well-drawn - the author has wide experience of it - with the very male Harvard structure prominent as a plot motive. Marcus is helped by a (not quite) friend of trip who was sharing the holiday home and who becomes close to Marcus. Several high and low points in the investigation involve forays into possible political scandal and also into porn and drug culture.

A splendid first appearance of what promises to be a fine pair of investigators: a second book is due in 2023...

[DJ McCready · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book exceeded all my expectations. In many ways it was more a procedural (amateur) than a violent scene of death solved. As a University Professor who retired as an Emeritus Professor, I was fascinated by the politicial understanding of academia, including school rankings. I did think the MM Romance was very insignificant when measured against the machinations of discovering the perpetrators of the murder.

I felt the character development of both the main characters and the subsidiary characters was extremely well-done. The plot was drawn out by Marcus being unable to move on at times and at other times getting to personally involved.

Without revealing the story, there two places where I had to put down the boo and gird myself to face what might happen to Marcus.

There were other strengths to the book. One it portrayed 1980s pretty well if I judge as I was in the exact middle of my academic career then. It also gave some insight into the well-off versus other income groups and finally it provided a slight insight into Jewish versus non-Jewish that was quite incidental.

I would love to read the next book in this series promised for 2023..

[pae (marginhermit) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secret History meet The Song of Achilles, kind of.

Debut novel by H.N Hirsch, the story follows Marcus, a faculty member of Harvard roped into his friend Trip’s murder investigation. A lot of suspicions floating around; mostly due to Trip’s sexual orientation,however, the real motives lies deeper than that.

As Marcus digged deeper into the facts, he found staggering infos and issues lies among higher ups: corruption, prejudices, and how some truth can be twisted when you’re with power and money.

Personally, the writing style is very direct. The chapters are short and easy to follow, and the story telling is easy to follow. A good book for Thriller and Mystery beginner readers. Thank you Booksiren and H.N Hirsch for the ARC.

[Susan Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thinking person's mystery, rather than an action-packed thriller. Plenty of possible suspects, several light moments to break the tension, and a little romance thrown in. The characters and dialogue were believable. It accurately reflected human nature and made me think a lot about how differently people can see the exact same situation and circumstances. I did receive an ARC copy, but this is my honest review. I would gladly read another book by this author (free or not).

[Arllau · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well written book. I did enjoy it to a point. The history of the buildings and location as well as the era of the 1980's gay life and academia was accurate and interesting. There was too much unnecessary information, such as food eaten and history, but no real character development. It also was not realistic that a professor would be asked to look into a murder.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.

[Philippa Strum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus George didn’t know what he was getting into when one of his former Harvard students said he needed help – and then turned up dead. Shade is not only a mystery but a rather devastating account of what academia can be like, as well as a pointed depiction of the challenges facing a gay man navigating his way through a sometimes uncomprehending world. It’s a terrific read!

[Urszula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and developed story. Interesting plot full of action twists and turns. Well developed characters and relationships among them. Good reality and background that adds to the story. Enjoyable page Turner. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Thomas D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun fast read

Usually LGBT romance is a lot of sex but (spoiler alert) not so much in this one. Its leads are gay but that’s almost beside the point. It’s a good page turner mystery and was hard to put down. You wanted to know what happened and why. Perhaps a bit too neat in the end, but worth the adventure.

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, The writing was excellent. The story line is solid. the characters were well developed. I received this novel from Book Sirens. This is my true and honest review.

[Steiner · Rating 2 out of 5]

This should've been right up my alley but the pacing was very strange. The mystery and the romance were both very oddly doled out.