What do you think?
Rate this book
Todd Mills Mystery #4
Outburst
Todd Mills is running out of time.
Against his instincts, Todd is lured to the Stone Arch Bridge by an anonymous phone call with promises of a hot blackmail story. Under pressure, and in need of a scoop, Minneapolis television's most well-known (and only) openly gay reporter soon finds that his visit to the bridge does deliver a sensational exclusive, but not the one he is expecting: Todd arrives to see a man murdered, leaving him as the sole witness to the crime.
Todd's lover, city homicide investigator Steve Rawlins, immediately takes on the case. But when a mysterious suspect emerges, the danger only intensifies, for this suspect has a secret, a past, and an identity that isn't what it appears to be. An attempt is made on Rawlins's life in the course of his investigation, and Todd--dragged into the center of the story he's trying to cover--makes a frightening discovery. The murder victim was a police officer, and was gay. The killer, it seems, has developed a taste for watching gay cops die.
And unless Todd and Rawlins are able to put together the pieces of the suspect's meticulously concealed past, the consequences may prove deadly--for them both.
Against his instincts, Todd is lured to the Stone Arch Bridge by an anonymous phone call with promises of a hot blackmail story. Under pressure, and in need of a scoop, Minneapolis television's most well-known (and only) openly gay reporter soon finds that his visit to the bridge does deliver a sensational exclusive, but not the one he is expecting: Todd arrives to see a man murdered, leaving him as the sole witness to the crime.
Todd's lover, city homicide investigator Steve Rawlins, immediately takes on the case. But when a mysterious suspect emerges, the danger only intensifies, for this suspect has a secret, a past, and an identity that isn't what it appears to be. An attempt is made on Rawlins's life in the course of his investigation, and Todd--dragged into the center of the story he's trying to cover--makes a frightening discovery. The murder victim was a police officer, and was gay. The killer, it seems, has developed a taste for watching gay cops die.
And unless Todd and Rawlins are able to put together the pieces of the suspect's meticulously concealed past, the consequences may prove deadly--for them both.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
3 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
R.D. Zimmerman
22 books19 followersA pseudonym used by Robert Alexander
Award-winning author R.D. Zimmerman has been nominated for two Edgars, two Lambda Literary Awards, and an Anthony. He has written ten previous novels, including Tribe and Closet (1996 Lambda Literary Award winner) in the Todd Mills series, six children's books, and created six bestselling mystery jigsaw puzzles. Raised in Chicago, he now lives in Minneapolis.
Award-winning author R.D. Zimmerman has been nominated for two Edgars, two Lambda Literary Awards, and an Anthony. He has written ten previous novels, including Tribe and Closet (1996 Lambda Literary Award winner) in the Todd Mills series, six children's books, and created six bestselling mystery jigsaw puzzles. Raised in Chicago, he now lives in Minneapolis.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 13, 2018
I liked this one the best of the series so far.
Todd and Rawlins seem to have stalled as far as their relationship development is concerned - they still have conflicts over how their jobs cross over and they seemed to spend as much time on the outs as together. Maybe they will be one of those couples that bounce along on conflict.
Todd has been drawn into witnessing a murder but with all leads pointing one way, he is not seeing the pattern that should be there of a murderer.
He chases down lots of leads (why weren’t the police) and gets all the players involved.
I did feel sorry for Kris, constantly going through life battling for her place, for acceptance. All becasue of a freak winter accident. And now almost forced into a course of action. And also at the centre of the deaths of two cops.
And Mark, basically a plot device of the killers.
Lots of atmospheric scene setting - literally.
The reveal of the murderer happens very quickly and then, The End. I did want more there, not sure what though!
Todd and Rawlins seem to have stalled as far as their relationship development is concerned - they still have conflicts over how their jobs cross over and they seemed to spend as much time on the outs as together. Maybe they will be one of those couples that bounce along on conflict.
Todd has been drawn into witnessing a murder but with all leads pointing one way, he is not seeing the pattern that should be there of a murderer.
He chases down lots of leads (why weren’t the police) and gets all the players involved.
I did feel sorry for Kris, constantly going through life battling for her place, for acceptance. All becasue of a freak winter accident. And now almost forced into a course of action. And also at the centre of the deaths of two cops.
And Mark, basically a plot device of the killers.
Lots of atmospheric scene setting - literally.
The reveal of the murderer happens very quickly and then, The End. I did want more there, not sure what though!
March 4, 2017
Loved this book. This series keeps getting better.
September 22, 2012
The fourth in the Todd Mills mysteries is a very intense read! Todd is called by a mystery caller one day for a meeting where the caller weaves a tale of blackmail to our intrepid reporter. Todd is hesitant to this meeting at first, but his curiosity and reporter's instinct make him go. He is waiting on the bridge for this meeting when a handsome young man approaches and ask Todd (who he calls by name) why was he wanted. They both realize as a storm approaches with high winds they were both set up to meet at this bridge,but for what purpose. The young man and Scott decide to leave as the winds and rain pick up a figure approaches and shots ring out. The young man falls a bullet wound in his chest the figure points the gun at Todd , points, shoots, misses and a sign falls down and knocks Todd out..,After the storm Todd is found by his lover/boyfriend Steve Rawlins (who he told of the mysterious meeting) and Todd relays what happen ....the thing is where is the body ! The police investigate, do find blood , and the body is found by Todd and Rawlins a day later. The young man who was killed turns out later to be an openly gay park police officer.Why did someone want Todd to witness the murder of this by all reports honest and kind young man. As Todd investigate this mystery he finds himself receiving calls from the murderer threatening him and his lover. Steve Rawlins is struggling not only with his newly discovered HIV+ status, but also this most intriguing murder investigation , and his relationship withTodd Mills. Thrown in the mix is. Kris Kenney, beautiful, young ang troubled, does her arrest in Los Angeles have something to do with the murdered police officer.Sometimes things are people aren't what they seem....This novel is another fast ride so turn off your cellphone and make no plans and just enjoy another edge of your seat Todd Mills mystery!
August 7, 2012
#4 in Todd Mills series.
Todd Mills is waiting to meet a supposed blackmail victim with a hot story. Instead, he finds an about-to-be-murdered young gay cop, lured there by the same tipster/killer. Involved in the police investigation is Todd's lover, Steve Rawlins, recently diagnosed as HIV positive--a fact that adds darkness to an already grim story. Rawlins becomes a target for the killer who has a grudge against gays and cops, the roots of which we begin to learn about gradually and with several sideways moves.
Todd Mills is waiting to meet a supposed blackmail victim with a hot story. Instead, he finds an about-to-be-murdered young gay cop, lured there by the same tipster/killer. Involved in the police investigation is Todd's lover, Steve Rawlins, recently diagnosed as HIV positive--a fact that adds darkness to an already grim story. Rawlins becomes a target for the killer who has a grudge against gays and cops, the roots of which we begin to learn about gradually and with several sideways moves.
January 7, 2008
Light gay mystery that is fun. Interesting characters and situations. Todd Miller is a TV news anchor. His lover is a cop. How do they make rules about their work talk ?
But the end was weak. The characters that were interesting at the beginning were not well developed. What a disappointment.
But the end was weak. The characters that were interesting at the beginning were not well developed. What a disappointment.
January 16, 2009
First read January 1999.
Second time Sept 2012
Second time Sept 2012
April 20, 2011
Very intense read.
March 20, 2016
Much better
It got stuck a bit on the transgender but overall it was a real improvement over hostage
Would recommend this book
It got stuck a bit on the transgender but overall it was a real improvement over hostage
Would recommend this book
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews