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Boystown #2
Three More Nick Nowak Mysteries
In the second Boystown collection, Chicago private investigator Nick Nowak finds himself involved with a young man who murdered his stepfather but refuses to assist in his own defense, hired to find the murderer of a dead porno star, and, in a case that traps him between the two men he loves, searching for a serial killer’s only living victim. Set in the second half of 1981, Boystown 2 follows Nick as he juggles his deepening relationship with Detective Bert Harker with the return of his ex, Daniel Laverty. Which man will he choose? Or will he be able to choose?
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2010
76 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Marshall Thornton
56 books629 followersThree-time Lambda Award-winning author, Marshall Thornton is best known for the Boystown and Pinx Video mystery series. Other novels include the erotic comedy The Perils of Praline, or the Amorous Adventures of a Southern Gentleman in Hollywood, Desert Run and Full Release. Marshall has an MFA in screenwriting from UCLA, where he received the Carl David Memorial Fellowship and was recognized in the Samuel Goldwyn Writing awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
April 13, 2019
4.5 stars
Long Quotes Alert!
So much better than book 1. Freaking Loved it!! The writing is amazing and addictive.
“I read something interesting in Gay Times this week. A bunch of guys out in Los Angeles have been getting pneumonia, and according to the article, it’s linked to some aspect of the homosexual lifestyle.”
“Some aspect of the homosexual lifestyle? You mean, like colored hankies or moustaches?” Ross asked.
Brian frowned. “I just think people should know. Two of the guys died.”
“If it’s anything serious, I’m sure they’ll figure it out,” I said, trying to sound reassuring. Brian seemed overly panicked about the whole thing. “Los Angeles is a big place. I’m sure it’s not that difficult to find two gay guys who died of the same thing.”
Oh Boy! Nick, Daniel, Ross, Harker, Brian, Earl.....
This was more emotional than book 1. Nick character growth is evident and i am sure this is just the beginning. Nick is still Nick, we get to understand a little bit why he is afraid of getting into a committed monogamous relationship. I have to say, Nick is a very lonely man and i do feel sorry for him. He breaks my little heart. After being rejected by nearly everyone he loves and was counting on, I believe Nick developed a very unhealthy coping mechanism i.e Sex! Lots and Lots Unprotected Sex! it gives me the creeps, but i am dealing with it, because it is the true representation of that era. Ahh!! sexual freedom, the not knowing and all that 80s jazz.
I’d only ever been in love once, with my ex. If I wanted to, I could still touch the feeling I had for him. And it was different from what I felt for Harker. I wanted Harker, I was sure of that. Sometimes I wanted him so much it hurt. But want isn’t the same as love. It’s only part of love.
Oh Nick!
The mysteries in this one are even more interesting and engaging. Like book 1 we got 3 little mysteries for Nick to solve. I have to say, Nick's way of solving mysteries is unconventional and hilarious sometimes.
Mystery 1: LITTLE BOY SILENT - Deals with family greed, lies, murder in the family and some family drama.
Mystery 2: LITTLE BOY BLOND - Deals with the Porn Industry.
Mystery 3: LITTLE BOY LOVED - Deals with missing gay boys and a serial killer.
We got a parade., which was also interesting, there is never a dull moment when it comes to Nick Nowack.
The crowd was middling, definitely a crowd, but middling. The parade would go for about twenty blocks. I did some math in my head and got to around five thousand. But then, I added on two or three thousand. Throw in the queens who’d gotten up late, were still fixing their hair, and would only make it for the tail end, and I wondered if they might actually make it to ten thousand this year.
THAT ENDING!!!! GAWD!
Long Quotes Alert!
So much better than book 1. Freaking Loved it!! The writing is amazing and addictive.
“I read something interesting in Gay Times this week. A bunch of guys out in Los Angeles have been getting pneumonia, and according to the article, it’s linked to some aspect of the homosexual lifestyle.”
“Some aspect of the homosexual lifestyle? You mean, like colored hankies or moustaches?” Ross asked.
Brian frowned. “I just think people should know. Two of the guys died.”
“If it’s anything serious, I’m sure they’ll figure it out,” I said, trying to sound reassuring. Brian seemed overly panicked about the whole thing. “Los Angeles is a big place. I’m sure it’s not that difficult to find two gay guys who died of the same thing.”
Oh Boy! Nick, Daniel, Ross, Harker, Brian, Earl.....
This was more emotional than book 1. Nick character growth is evident and i am sure this is just the beginning. Nick is still Nick, we get to understand a little bit why he is afraid of getting into a committed monogamous relationship. I have to say, Nick is a very lonely man and i do feel sorry for him. He breaks my little heart. After being rejected by nearly everyone he loves and was counting on, I believe Nick developed a very unhealthy coping mechanism i.e Sex! Lots and Lots Unprotected Sex! it gives me the creeps, but i am dealing with it, because it is the true representation of that era. Ahh!! sexual freedom, the not knowing and all that 80s jazz.
I’d only ever been in love once, with my ex. If I wanted to, I could still touch the feeling I had for him. And it was different from what I felt for Harker. I wanted Harker, I was sure of that. Sometimes I wanted him so much it hurt. But want isn’t the same as love. It’s only part of love.
Oh Nick!
The mysteries in this one are even more interesting and engaging. Like book 1 we got 3 little mysteries for Nick to solve. I have to say, Nick's way of solving mysteries is unconventional and hilarious sometimes.
Mystery 1: LITTLE BOY SILENT - Deals with family greed, lies, murder in the family and some family drama.
Mystery 2: LITTLE BOY BLOND - Deals with the Porn Industry.
Mystery 3: LITTLE BOY LOVED - Deals with missing gay boys and a serial killer.
We got a parade., which was also interesting, there is never a dull moment when it comes to Nick Nowack.
The crowd was middling, definitely a crowd, but middling. The parade would go for about twenty blocks. I did some math in my head and got to around five thousand. But then, I added on two or three thousand. Throw in the queens who’d gotten up late, were still fixing their hair, and would only make it for the tail end, and I wondered if they might actually make it to ten thousand this year.
THAT ENDING!!!! GAWD!
October 18, 2014
Excellent. One of the best series EVER.
I don't know if I should review every sequel of the Nick Nowak Mysteries.
I'm afraid that I'll frighten away all potential readers with my exaggerated rapture in regard to it. I myself know such a reaction.
Because I LOVE the second book even more than the first one and it's getting better with every next instalment, and I hope VERY that a lot of my GR friends,and not only, can share my excitements, and the last thing I want is to spoil anything for you.
So...I promised to myself, no more [imagine on this place a link to WOW-gif/OMG-gif/Mamma mia-gif; WARNING: you can get a lot of porn gifs, don't ignore them if they are of a MM-nature]
From now on I'll stay factual. At least I'll try.
Nick Nowak, one of the best private investigator I've read about, continues to be the main magnet, the moving force of the story. But here you'll see not only the old-bad-ass-cool Nick. Hard shell - soft core. It is how I'd describe him in the second book. And I don't need to say that I love THAT NICK even more. He has not only to solve his always dangerous contracts but also to deal with his complicated private situation. YEAH! RELATIONSHIPS. No spoilers!
The plot includes 3 cases. Like in the first book, they are not directly connected, but somehow very related to each other. The suspense part is one of the best in the series. I didn't even wink during reading, let alone eye-roll, that is unfortunately only seldom. Even by top writers I have an occasional eye-roll along the reading.
The writing remains a highlight for me. The Nick's POV is the most enjoyable and entertaining telling. His dry humour, his sex appeal that he radiates are an ultimate joy! And Marshall Thornton possesses fantastically the skill to find a perfect balance between a suspense mystery, a hot sexy romance part and a pensive background events like nobody else. In fact an unique experience.
Do I really need to add HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ?!
YES, if somebody still didn't get it---->HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
I don't know if I should review every sequel of the Nick Nowak Mysteries.
I'm afraid that I'll frighten away all potential readers with my exaggerated rapture in regard to it. I myself know such a reaction.
Because I LOVE the second book even more than the first one and it's getting better with every next instalment, and I hope VERY that a lot of my GR friends,and not only, can share my excitements, and the last thing I want is to spoil anything for you.
So...I promised to myself, no more [imagine on this place a link to WOW-gif/OMG-gif/Mamma mia-gif; WARNING: you can get a lot of porn gifs, don't ignore them if they are of a MM-nature]
From now on I'll stay factual. At least I'll try.
Nick Nowak, one of the best private investigator I've read about, continues to be the main magnet, the moving force of the story. But here you'll see not only the old-bad-ass-cool Nick. Hard shell - soft core. It is how I'd describe him in the second book. And I don't need to say that I love THAT NICK even more. He has not only to solve his always dangerous contracts but also to deal with his complicated private situation. YEAH! RELATIONSHIPS. No spoilers!
The plot includes 3 cases. Like in the first book, they are not directly connected, but somehow very related to each other. The suspense part is one of the best in the series. I didn't even wink during reading, let alone eye-roll, that is unfortunately only seldom. Even by top writers I have an occasional eye-roll along the reading.
The writing remains a highlight for me. The Nick's POV is the most enjoyable and entertaining telling. His dry humour, his sex appeal that he radiates are an ultimate joy! And Marshall Thornton possesses fantastically the skill to find a perfect balance between a suspense mystery, a hot sexy romance part and a pensive background events like nobody else. In fact an unique experience.
Do I really need to add HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ?!
YES, if somebody still didn't get it---->HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
November 1, 2019
Wow, that got good. I was already liking it better than the first volume, but it stepped up the game strong there at the end. I found the mysteries more engaging in this one, too. Nick and I are going to be together for a good long while, methinks.
dnf
August 10, 2019DNF @ 56%
I can deal with Nick sleeping around and being in an open relationship. That's between him and Harker. What I can't deal with is his complete unprofessionalism. I tend to give P.I.s more leeway than I do cops or detectives, but even P.I.s agree to a code of ethics when they get their license. Pretty sure "don't sleep with witnesses/POIs/anyone even remotely related to an investigation" is in there somewhere. I'm surprised Nick hasn't slept with any actual suspects yet, but I'm sure that's just a matter of time. Man cannot keep it in his pants. And skipping over the many random sex scenes didn't help keep my irritation over this to a simmer, as I'd hoped.
The mysteries in this one aren't that interesting either. I'd much rather be reading about the case Harker's working on than the mafia or porn stars.
Also, Nick's a jerk.
I can deal with Nick sleeping around and being in an open relationship. That's between him and Harker. What I can't deal with is his complete unprofessionalism. I tend to give P.I.s more leeway than I do cops or detectives, but even P.I.s agree to a code of ethics when they get their license. Pretty sure "don't sleep with witnesses/POIs/anyone even remotely related to an investigation" is in there somewhere. I'm surprised Nick hasn't slept with any actual suspects yet, but I'm sure that's just a matter of time. Man cannot keep it in his pants. And skipping over the many random sex scenes didn't help keep my irritation over this to a simmer, as I'd hoped.
The mysteries in this one aren't that interesting either. I'd much rather be reading about the case Harker's working on than the mafia or porn stars.
Also, Nick's a jerk.
March 10, 2016
Little Boy Lost: 4 stars
Little Boy Blond: 5 stars
Little Boy Loved: 5 stars
Little Boy Blond: 5 stars
Little Boy Loved: 5 stars
June 19, 2014
Written June 18, 2014
4 Stars - Like watching a crime series on TV with three well-made and interesting episodes
Book #2
I liked and enjoyed part #1 of Boystown (3.8 stars from me) which I listening to (a very well narrated audiobook). I almost immiedetly felt my need for more smexy Nowak P.I. mysteries. And I still do. This is for sure a (six books and a short precuel so far) series to keep in mind.
This time I read the book by myself but I kind of missed that nice and so raggedy sexy narrators voice.
***********************************************************
Yay, again are we served another unique gay crime novel —with a lot of smex and a tiny bit romance in it— from Mr Thornton. All set in that good old 1980:s 'Chicago Boystown' with a very cool, tough and horny gay MC; The unforgetable and just ruthlessly nicely portrayed private investigator Nick Nowak.
~ You can not help but be charmed by it all
***********************************************************
We get three new exciting investigations in this second book. There are new sexy men who come and go, inner (much needed) analyzes of Nick's own feelings, promises and faithfulness (??), gay politics, homophobia, the porn-film industry, a mass murderer, young gay boys on the run etc etc.
These three PI cases are all resolved and completed neatly, but in Nick's own life is it still quite a lot of unclear and unresolved stuff.
I'm looking forward to read a lot more about Nick's relationship with the mysterius Detective Bert Harker and the return of the not yet forgotten ex-lover, Daniel Laverty. Will it be an "love-boyfriend-affair" with one of them? I'm not sure. ~ Maybe just a lot more of all these "one-night-stands" as usual, with this incorrigible Nick 'Man' - who is so quick and witty with his fly...
***********************************************************
I already got the next one, Boystown 3 on audio and can't wait for some time soon to listening to it.
These books are just as a good crime drama on TV, you just want to watch the next episode. Two books, six episodes, and four more books and a lot of more episodes to experience and enjoy. Lucky me!!
~ And dear Nick Nowak? ...Oh yeah, that guy is a sweetie.
I LIKE - Crime and steam in the good old 80:s. I don't need to say more
*************************
The Boystown series by Marshall Thornton:
+ 
4 Stars - Like watching a crime series on TV with three well-made and interesting episodes
Book #2
I liked and enjoyed part #1 of Boystown (3.8 stars from me) which I listening to (a very well narrated audiobook). I almost immiedetly felt my need for more smexy Nowak P.I. mysteries. And I still do. This is for sure a (six books and a short precuel so far) series to keep in mind.
This time I read the book by myself but I kind of missed that nice and so raggedy sexy narrators voice.
***********************************************************
Yay, again are we served another unique gay crime novel —with a lot of smex and a tiny bit romance in it— from Mr Thornton. All set in that good old 1980:s 'Chicago Boystown' with a very cool, tough and horny gay MC; The unforgetable and just ruthlessly nicely portrayed private investigator Nick Nowak.
~ You can not help but be charmed by it all
***********************************************************
We get three new exciting investigations in this second book. There are new sexy men who come and go, inner (much needed) analyzes of Nick's own feelings, promises and faithfulness (??), gay politics, homophobia, the porn-film industry, a mass murderer, young gay boys on the run etc etc.
These three PI cases are all resolved and completed neatly, but in Nick's own life is it still quite a lot of unclear and unresolved stuff.
I'm looking forward to read a lot more about Nick's relationship with the mysterius Detective Bert Harker and the return of the not yet forgotten ex-lover, Daniel Laverty. Will it be an "love-boyfriend-affair" with one of them? I'm not sure. ~ Maybe just a lot more of all these "one-night-stands" as usual, with this incorrigible Nick 'Man' - who is so quick and witty with his fly...
***********************************************************
I already got the next one, Boystown 3 on audio and can't wait for some time soon to listening to it.
These books are just as a good crime drama on TV, you just want to watch the next episode. Two books, six episodes, and four more books and a lot of more episodes to experience and enjoy. Lucky me!!
~ And dear Nick Nowak? ...Oh yeah, that guy is a sweetie.
I LIKE - Crime and steam in the good old 80:s. I don't need to say more
*************************
The Boystown series by Marshall Thornton:
+ 
April 13, 2017
A very smart lady wrote in her review that the one thing Nick can't change is his sexuality and that observation for some reason has stuck with me. It's not because he should be something other than he is; it's more a comment on life. We all have things we can't change and that shapes us and guides us and influences us, regardless of our wants and desires. I think this second look into Nick Nowak pretty much hammers that concept down with brutal consistency. Nick wants a lot of things. He wants to find answers to his cases. He wants Harker to move in with him. He wants an object of his lust to not be straight. He wants to go back in time and do things differently. I could go on and on about what he wants, but as with his sexuality, there are just some things that Nick can't change. I know it, he knows it. And it sucks.
So the promiscuity continues. Him being a guy magnet works to his advantage and yes, the menages and drug use are present again. I just worry about all the unprotected sex. It gives me a lot of anxiety. I shouldn't harp on that because this story is not only about sex. It's about Nick and his cases and the political/personal/social ramifications as he finds the answers he's paid to find. It's also a commentary on homosexual history - the evolution of coming out, tolerance, intolerance, the community and lifestyle, and the barest inkling of AIDS making its presence known.
Underlying that is a pervasive sadness, bringing me back to my initial statement. Nick hasn't been able to get past his love of Daniel. Obviously that does not stop him in the bedroom, but he's alone and lonely despite his complicated relationship with detective Harker and his many other dalliances.
I'm definitely intrigued. I'm caught in this uncomfortable, sometimes depressing, sometimes triumphant but always interesting story about this man. I want good things for him. I want him to be happy. However I'm pretty sure I'm going to be disappointed. Regardless, I'll persevere and read on in the hopes that I'm proved wrong... but that ending? It foreshadows otherwise.
So the promiscuity continues. Him being a guy magnet works to his advantage and yes, the menages and drug use are present again. I just worry about all the unprotected sex. It gives me a lot of anxiety. I shouldn't harp on that because this story is not only about sex. It's about Nick and his cases and the political/personal/social ramifications as he finds the answers he's paid to find. It's also a commentary on homosexual history - the evolution of coming out, tolerance, intolerance, the community and lifestyle, and the barest inkling of AIDS making its presence known.
Underlying that is a pervasive sadness, bringing me back to my initial statement. Nick hasn't been able to get past his love of Daniel. Obviously that does not stop him in the bedroom, but he's alone and lonely despite his complicated relationship with detective Harker and his many other dalliances.
I'm definitely intrigued. I'm caught in this uncomfortable, sometimes depressing, sometimes triumphant but always interesting story about this man. I want good things for him. I want him to be happy. However I'm pretty sure I'm going to be disappointed. Regardless, I'll persevere and read on in the hopes that I'm proved wrong... but that ending? It foreshadows otherwise.
May 13, 2014
Wow! I did not expect that!!
I liked the first book, liked it a lot, but did not think this second installment will be sooooo much better!
First, I think I needed time to get use to Nick. I didn't like him in the beginning of book one and it took me about 60% into it to warm up to him.
In this book I really liked him and I think it was his relationship with Harker that made me see a softer and warmer side of him.
It is still hard to read about all his one night stands (not even a one night... More like one minute stand) in this pre AIDS time.
I need my romance in my books, and here it is not really a romantic tale, but the plot and the writing... God! Beautiful!
I must admit, the end tore my heart a little and even before Nick phone call to Harker's mother, I wanted Nick and Harker to be together! Yes, it's me, the romantic fool!
I am going STRAIGHT to book 3.
P.S.
I read some reviews on the books and saw readers taking stars off because of all the unsafe sex scenes and the multiple sex partners, I did not like it too but we must understand that this is a total different world to the one we live in today, sex wise. Condoms were used mostly as a way to not get girls pregnant, not for safety.
Taking off stars for that is like taking off stars from, let's say "The Bronze Horseman" because WW2 was horrible, ugly war! (Terrible comparison, I know)
That's history!
I liked the first book, liked it a lot, but did not think this second installment will be sooooo much better!
First, I think I needed time to get use to Nick. I didn't like him in the beginning of book one and it took me about 60% into it to warm up to him.
In this book I really liked him and I think it was his relationship with Harker that made me see a softer and warmer side of him.
It is still hard to read about all his one night stands (not even a one night... More like one minute stand) in this pre AIDS time.
I need my romance in my books, and here it is not really a romantic tale, but the plot and the writing... God! Beautiful!
I must admit, the end tore my heart a little and even before Nick phone call to Harker's mother, I wanted Nick and Harker to be together! Yes, it's me, the romantic fool!
I am going STRAIGHT to book 3.
P.S.
I read some reviews on the books and saw readers taking stars off because of all the unsafe sex scenes and the multiple sex partners, I did not like it too but we must understand that this is a total different world to the one we live in today, sex wise. Condoms were used mostly as a way to not get girls pregnant, not for safety.
Taking off stars for that is like taking off stars from, let's say "The Bronze Horseman" because WW2 was horrible, ugly war! (Terrible comparison, I know)
That's history!
October 12, 2022
Gritty and Fabulous!
I love Nick and the backdrop of Chicago in the 80’s.
What you get:
Casual sex
Anonymous sex
Relationship sex
Ex sex
A porn studio
Gay for pay actors
A murder
A disappearance
A sickness
Nick deals with it all in his no frills fashion: with his gun and a dab of spit.
My rec? Yes!
I love Nick and the backdrop of Chicago in the 80’s.
What you get:
Casual sex
Anonymous sex
Relationship sex
Ex sex
A porn studio
Gay for pay actors
A murder
A disappearance
A sickness
Nick deals with it all in his no frills fashion: with his gun and a dab of spit.
My rec? Yes!
January 4, 2019
4 Stars
Nick is such a hard character to love, but man...he's just so real. Well, at least as real as a fictional character can be. He's flawed, he's sexually indescriminate...but he's got an inner moral compass that steers him right when it comes to his cases. In this one, I feel like we got even more character development, especially in showing that he actually has feelings. That he cares for people, but his heart will always belong to Daniel. And OMG, that apology - I worried it was too little, too late...but happy that he'd come to see why the way he handled that gay-bashing hurt Daniel so much, to understand on a visceral level why Daniel called it off.
AND OMG that ending...
I don't usually read the spoilers for books to follow ones I'm currently reading (or listening) but I'm so tempted to see if Harker's mom's comment about Harker "being sick" means what I think it means. And what that might mean for Nick.
(Also, this is the kind of writing I'm used to from Marshall Thornton. Atmospheric, detailed settings & character development/portrayal. I don't think I'm the right audience for his shorter stories, but I am ALL FUCKING IN for this series...oh, and the Pinx Video books as well.)
I'm not sure I can listen to Brad Langer without imagining Grey/Caleb/John from JLH's SPECTR series...but in this book/series his delivery is much less dramatic. Didn't really effect the rating one way or another.
Nick is such a hard character to love, but man...he's just so real. Well, at least as real as a fictional character can be. He's flawed, he's sexually indescriminate...but he's got an inner moral compass that steers him right when it comes to his cases. In this one, I feel like we got even more character development, especially in showing that he actually has feelings. That he cares for people, but his heart will always belong to Daniel. And OMG, that apology - I worried it was too little, too late...but happy that he'd come to see why the way he handled that gay-bashing hurt Daniel so much, to understand on a visceral level why Daniel called it off.
AND OMG that ending...
I don't usually read the spoilers for books to follow ones I'm currently reading (or listening) but I'm so tempted to see if Harker's mom's comment about Harker "being sick" means what I think it means. And what that might mean for Nick.
(Also, this is the kind of writing I'm used to from Marshall Thornton. Atmospheric, detailed settings & character development/portrayal. I don't think I'm the right audience for his shorter stories, but I am ALL FUCKING IN for this series...oh, and the Pinx Video books as well.)
I'm not sure I can listen to Brad Langer without imagining Grey/Caleb/John from JLH's SPECTR series...but in this book/series his delivery is much less dramatic. Didn't really effect the rating one way or another.
April 19, 2014
The crime stories keep getting better and better along with Nick.
Figuring out Nick is another story altogether. I think he is still figuring himself out and I'm just a viewer watching him do it.
Think the whole series is going to be one hell of a rollercoaster ride. Can't write a longer review I'm sorry as have to continue reading............
Figuring out Nick is another story altogether. I think he is still figuring himself out and I'm just a viewer watching him do it.
Think the whole series is going to be one hell of a rollercoaster ride. Can't write a longer review I'm sorry as have to continue reading............
September 25, 2019
*3,5 stars*
So what is Nick Nowak up to in this second instalment of the series?
A lot, as always (and I’m not talking about his countless, still continuing hook-ups). All in all Nick is faced with quite a few revelations and developments, and that’s on a personal level, not the professional one (which incidentally is also very busy!)
The thing is that Nick has a real hard time understanding his emotions. And he seems to be unwilling to make the effort to understand them. They happen, he reacts a teeny bit, then they get brushed under the carpet and he carries on, distracting himself with work.
The clear and factual writing style of the author continues, and although it is supporting what is going on with Nick, I am starting to think that this is simply the way Marshall Thornton writes.
The situation at the end of the book looks like this, to me:
.) Nick really likes Harker and cares about him, but he doesn’t love him. On top, Harker is in the same closet Nick’s been in and only willing to come out before his retirement. Which is quite a few years off.
.) Nick is still in love with Daniel. I could virtually feel the pull Daniel has on Nick.
.) Nick and Daniel talk about what happened in the past, and both admit
All this means that Nick is ‘stuck with’ two guys who love him, or is he?
The ending, which I’d call a pretty neat cliffhanger, certainly leaves a lot open.
Final verdict: we do get a bit more emotionally involved with Nick as a man, but I wonder if he will ever get round to look at his feelings and actually talk about them.
No idea where this will go from here! Onto book 3!
So what is Nick Nowak up to in this second instalment of the series?
A lot, as always (and I’m not talking about his countless, still continuing hook-ups). All in all Nick is faced with quite a few revelations and developments, and that’s on a personal level, not the professional one (which incidentally is also very busy!)
The thing is that Nick has a real hard time understanding his emotions. And he seems to be unwilling to make the effort to understand them. They happen, he reacts a teeny bit, then they get brushed under the carpet and he carries on, distracting himself with work.
The clear and factual writing style of the author continues, and although it is supporting what is going on with Nick, I am starting to think that this is simply the way Marshall Thornton writes.
The situation at the end of the book looks like this, to me:
.) Nick really likes Harker and cares about him, but he doesn’t love him. On top, Harker is in the same closet Nick’s been in and only willing to come out before his retirement. Which is quite a few years off.
.) Nick is still in love with Daniel. I could virtually feel the pull Daniel has on Nick.
.) Nick and Daniel talk about what happened in the past, and both admit
All this means that Nick is ‘stuck with’ two guys who love him, or is he?
The ending, which I’d call a pretty neat cliffhanger, certainly leaves a lot open.
Final verdict: we do get a bit more emotionally involved with Nick as a man, but I wonder if he will ever get round to look at his feelings and actually talk about them.
No idea where this will go from here! Onto book 3!
June 5, 2014
More mysteries, more sex, and more Nick!
I still can’t get over how hard and fast Nick Nowak slipped into my world. Without flash or fuss, BOOM! He’s in and I’m hooked! He’s got this voice and presence you want to listen to, follow, and root for. Don’t get me wrong—Nick is a real ass sometimes. Haha…But I love him.
As an ex-cop and PI in the city of Chicago, Nick mostly works cheating husband cases and background checks. But every so often big time trouble comes walking through his door. Murder, missing kids, and corruption. When it comes to his cases, Nick chases down the answers and ties up loose ends. But it’s a whole other ball game when it involves his emotions and love life.
”One minute, I wanted to say whatever I had to say to get him back, and the next, I hoped I never saw him again as long as I lived.”
Nick seems more apt to wait it out, see if the emotional turmoil can work itself out rather than talk about it. He doesn’t run from emotions, but he’s not in a big rush to face ‘em either. It feels more like Nick doesn’t know how to talk about his feelings. You know he’s feeling it all, but he can’t find the words. He expresses himself in other ways—like sex. Haha…He never seems to turn down sex when it’s offered and believe me he gets offers. *grins* I want to slap him upside the head sometimes. But a real attachment and relationship is brewing for Nick in this book. One that could turn into something special, if Nick can see past his hurt from his last love. Is the pain still too tender, too much to see what he has right in front of him? *Fingers crossed* Nick figures it out.
One of the many reasons why Marshall Thornton’s writing has charmed me right down to my toes is his way with descriptions. The man can pull a new character or setting into the story so completely in just a few lines or words. Lines like—“a voice that reminded me of a car in need of a muffler” or “good-looking in a nineteen fifties kind of way”. With texture, smells, and colors, I can see the new client or bar or sex partner so vividly. Clear as day! Details and sounds that I recognize in my own life, strung together to make the scene and story come to life on the page and in my head.
BUT my absolute favorite part of this series—so far anyway—is Nick’s sense of humor and voice. I feel like every line and new layer gets me deeper into Nick’s head and life. We get to know him more and more with each story. His sense of humor sneaks up on me—catches me off guard. His tone can switch from sarcastic to sexy or self-deprecating to cocky in a blink of an eye. Little lines that make me smile, smirk, and laugh from beginning to end.
“He hadn’t even met me and he didn’t like me. I felt a sense of accomplishment.”
Hehe…Go meet Nick! He will make one hell of an impression on your reading heart and world.
June 29, 2015
4.5
This series is addictive.
There are so many things here I usually don't like to read about which Marshall Thornton presents in such a way that I can't help myself. This is one of the rare series (and authors) that turns something I don't enjoy into something I can't wait to read about.
Nick Nowak is one of the rare characters I've come across whose decisions don't annoy me. As long as he stays the way he is, I could read about anything. Even the dreaded triangles.
What I appreciate a lot is that Nick doesn't spend time moping around nor does he 'juggle' anything the way the blurb implies. That is something that makes this surprisingly enjoyable (for me). Nick actually works on his cases. It's not his fault that his personal life sometimes clashes with them.
Okay, it might be a bit but who cares.
Another thing I should point out is that the author didn't create a character from this or last year and shoved him into 1980s with our sensibilities. Nick Nowak is all 1980s.
There are two murder cases and one missing teenager in this second book. Most of it ends up connected to Nick's life, his past and present.
In Little Boy Silent Nick is hired to find a reason a young man refuses to help himself even when he faces decades in jail for the murder of his stepfather.
Little Boy Blond is one of those stories that might turn some readers away from this series. So a warning is in order for those readers who want the world neat and a main character who doesn't make mistakes, a protagonist who doesn't do anything bad. Nick is not flawless. Far from it. Not everything ugly we do has to have a neat little wordy explanation. I loved this one.
In Little Boy Loved Nick is asked to find a teenager. The case brings all kinds of trouble.
This series is addictive.
There are so many things here I usually don't like to read about which Marshall Thornton presents in such a way that I can't help myself. This is one of the rare series (and authors) that turns something I don't enjoy into something I can't wait to read about.
Nick Nowak is one of the rare characters I've come across whose decisions don't annoy me. As long as he stays the way he is, I could read about anything. Even the dreaded triangles.
What I appreciate a lot is that Nick doesn't spend time moping around nor does he 'juggle' anything the way the blurb implies. That is something that makes this surprisingly enjoyable (for me). Nick actually works on his cases. It's not his fault that his personal life sometimes clashes with them.
Okay, it might be a bit but who cares.
Another thing I should point out is that the author didn't create a character from this or last year and shoved him into 1980s with our sensibilities. Nick Nowak is all 1980s.
There are two murder cases and one missing teenager in this second book. Most of it ends up connected to Nick's life, his past and present.
In Little Boy Silent Nick is hired to find a reason a young man refuses to help himself even when he faces decades in jail for the murder of his stepfather.
Little Boy Blond is one of those stories that might turn some readers away from this series. So a warning is in order for those readers who want the world neat and a main character who doesn't make mistakes, a protagonist who doesn't do anything bad. Nick is not flawless. Far from it. Not everything ugly we do has to have a neat little wordy explanation. I loved this one.
In Little Boy Loved Nick is asked to find a teenager. The case brings all kinds of trouble.
November 12, 2014
I am loving Nick and his POV. I am not so sure I am feeling things between him and Harker, but that's ok since they are not strictly monogamous. Daniel seems to be Nick's kryptonite. But kryptonite or no, nothing keeps Nick from a good man-love opportunity. While Nick had success cracking a case and rekindling things with Daniel, I sense a dark cloud looming over Boystown with Harker falling ill. I have a feeling that I will be binge reading Boystown all weekend.
March 1, 2016
I feel I can't properly review these books. It seems the best review I can give them is the fact that when you finish one you immediately have to start the next.
There are some brilliant, amazing, shiny reviews posted. Please read them if you don't believe me.
Me, I'm off to read the next one.
There are some brilliant, amazing, shiny reviews posted. Please read them if you don't believe me.
Me, I'm off to read the next one.
October 7, 2014
This was so good. Nick is back solving three more cases during the second half of 1981. The mysteries continue to be really well written and are possibly even more engaging than in the first book. The story is told from Nick's very cynical POV and I really enjoy his dry sense of humor. He's also starting to question his actions and feelings much more than he did in the first book, even if he does dismiss those questions almost immediately and refuses to be too introspective.
This book had a very foreboding feeling through out it. There's some talk of a disease affecting gay men, and even though Nick dismisses this as paranoid rumors, as readers we know what's coming. There's also a serial killer targeting young gay men and Nick is hired to find his only surviving victim. The whole thing leaves you feeling like you're standing on the edge of a cliff, knowing you're about to fall, but not being able to do anything about it.
And OMG that ending! I need to go and read the next one right now.
This book had a very foreboding feeling through out it. There's some talk of a disease affecting gay men, and even though Nick dismisses this as paranoid rumors, as readers we know what's coming. There's also a serial killer targeting young gay men and Nick is hired to find his only surviving victim. The whole thing leaves you feeling like you're standing on the edge of a cliff, knowing you're about to fall, but not being able to do anything about it.
And OMG that ending! I need to go and read the next one right now.
June 27, 2016
This audio series is excellent! Nick has continued to grow on me. I agree with other reviews that he has way too much unprotected sex, but we have to remember this is set in the 80s before the AIDS epidemic. I'm anxious to read the next book and see where things go with Nick, Daniel and Harker.
June 5, 2014
In this second trio of mystery novellas about Chicago ex-cop and PI Nick Nowak, we see more interesting cases, and gain some insight and depth into Nick himself. We see just a bit more of Daniel, Nick's ex, and begin to feel some of the stresses and background that drive Nick. The tension, on sexual, emotional and professional levels, between Nick and Harker adds interest, and they begin working out their relationship. And yet Nick still pines after the deeper feeling he remembers having for Daniel, and is unable to say no to the frequent propositions he gets from young men he meets.
In this on-the-brink-of-AIDS era, we also hear the first rumblings of the "gay cancer" as a confusing condition is appearing primarily on the coasts. It adds enormous poignancy to the book, and to the casual frequent sexual encounters of both Nick and those around him. I found myself in the back of my head thinking about who had done what with whom, and trying not to get too attached to too many characters who, as this series follows life, will be finding out whether the virus leaves them as one more funeral and a name crossed through in an emptying address book.
The casual no-condom sex is entirely fitting for the era, when a condom was for birth-control not death control. And part of me also ached thinking of the loss of the simplicity and connection of the era, when a dozen men could be fuck-buddies, and all that care and calculation didn't have to be part of the equation. Not that Nick doesn't make some bad choices in saying yes to blow-jobs and often fucking from just about anyone, even if they're part of an ongoing case. And not that there weren't other STDs at the time. But it's a little like watching a minority group poised for their Tiananmen square, thinking freedom's coming as societal rules ease, not knowing that the tanks are rolling in.
At the end of the book, Nick and Harker are moving toward a real relationship, and the romantic element is stronger than in the past book. But this is still primarily one man's story, and a blend of mystery, history, and relationships. Significant spoiler: Except that this series is too good to miss.
In this on-the-brink-of-AIDS era, we also hear the first rumblings of the "gay cancer" as a confusing condition is appearing primarily on the coasts. It adds enormous poignancy to the book, and to the casual frequent sexual encounters of both Nick and those around him. I found myself in the back of my head thinking about who had done what with whom, and trying not to get too attached to too many characters who, as this series follows life, will be finding out whether the virus leaves them as one more funeral and a name crossed through in an emptying address book.
The casual no-condom sex is entirely fitting for the era, when a condom was for birth-control not death control. And part of me also ached thinking of the loss of the simplicity and connection of the era, when a dozen men could be fuck-buddies, and all that care and calculation didn't have to be part of the equation. Not that Nick doesn't make some bad choices in saying yes to blow-jobs and often fucking from just about anyone, even if they're part of an ongoing case. And not that there weren't other STDs at the time. But it's a little like watching a minority group poised for their Tiananmen square, thinking freedom's coming as societal rules ease, not knowing that the tanks are rolling in.
At the end of the book, Nick and Harker are moving toward a real relationship, and the romantic element is stronger than in the past book. But this is still primarily one man's story, and a blend of mystery, history, and relationships. Significant spoiler: Except that this series is too good to miss.
February 11, 2023
Awesome sequel to Boystown: Three Nick Nowak Mysteries.
The mystery is more dark and somber and the three installments are nicely intertwined. Nick is becoming a more introspective character although his dry humor made me smirk a lot.
Like here:
“Yeah, that's why I unbuckled my belt because I thought he could teach me about weights.”
Or here:
"Can we negotiate this?” I asked the attorney
“You want to negotiate a blowjob?”
“Not the blowjob itself. I think that’s a fine place to start. You didn’t mention other possibilities.”
I smiled at him.
“After that, we’ll do anything you want. How’s that?”
Glimpses’ of Nick’s ex-boyfriend Daniel contribute to a romance aspect which I was not expecting.
I smiled. A while later, I asked, “Did that mean anything? What we did? Or was it just another way of saying good-bye?” He studied me, then said, “I hope it meant something. I hope it meant hello again.”
4 totally deserved stars
The mystery is more dark and somber and the three installments are nicely intertwined. Nick is becoming a more introspective character although his dry humor made me smirk a lot.
Like here:
“Yeah, that's why I unbuckled my belt because I thought he could teach me about weights.”
Or here:
"Can we negotiate this?” I asked the attorney
“You want to negotiate a blowjob?”
“Not the blowjob itself. I think that’s a fine place to start. You didn’t mention other possibilities.”
I smiled at him.
“After that, we’ll do anything you want. How’s that?”
Glimpses’ of Nick’s ex-boyfriend Daniel contribute to a romance aspect which I was not expecting.
I smiled. A while later, I asked, “Did that mean anything? What we did? Or was it just another way of saying good-bye?” He studied me, then said, “I hope it meant something. I hope it meant hello again.”
4 totally deserved stars
November 8, 2017
Used the Kindle adding audio option and really enjoyed having both the kindle and the audio versions. I was hot to continue listening to #3 only to realize that there isn't the audio add on option for the other books in the series. How annoying now I'll have to only use my eyes. Oh how I suffer to follow Nick on his journeys through Chicago.
October 30, 2014
What a mess! With the cliffhanger like that, who needs to sleep, eat or interact with real people?
This is so good! Marshall Thornton is a master of slow torture, and I get the feeling it will get even more painful. But I can't wait to find out.
This is so good! Marshall Thornton is a master of slow torture, and I get the feeling it will get even more painful. But I can't wait to find out.
February 18, 2016
4.5 stars.... excellent writing. But that ending was just... just... well, I'm terrified to read on in the series and yet I cannot stop. Reading this and knowing what they don't know, seeing all the signs (hindsight), it's just so heart-wrenching. I want to go cry in a corner. Instead, I have book 3 cued up.
July 9, 2023
3.4~3.5*
April 21, 2025
I think the last of the three stories here was the best, which to be fair is not a bad choice if you're putting together a collection. This volume gives us the first rumors of AIDS in the series, which raises the question of what's going to happen with the three regularly scheduled sex scenes each novella has given us thus far in the series. Will Nowak keep it in his pants once the reality sinks in?
I don't know Chicago, but I did come of age in the 80s and damn has Thornton nailed the feel of the decade so far. I'm extending a lot of trust going ahead with the series. It's not a period I really want to revisit, I certainly don't want to read the kind of depressing stuff that was my experience of gay fiction back then. Thornton has earned some credit with his handling of the 90s in other books, so we'll see how it goes.
I don't know Chicago, but I did come of age in the 80s and damn has Thornton nailed the feel of the decade so far. I'm extending a lot of trust going ahead with the series. It's not a period I really want to revisit, I certainly don't want to read the kind of depressing stuff that was my experience of gay fiction back then. Thornton has earned some credit with his handling of the 90s in other books, so we'll see how it goes.
May 21, 2014
I really loved the first installment, but the second is even better.
Aside the fact it ends with a major cliff hanger (can't wait to continue to the next) the book was deeper, we get to know nick a little better, he evolve kinda grow up a little, getting a bit tired of fucking around and start disliking the way his life looks, he is getting old and he needs a home with someone to warm his bed , that's where harked and Daniel gets in .
I'm still not sure who is better for nick, I'm not sure nick's knows Either, but it's sure a reason to jump to the third installment to find out, and if harker is still an option after the dramatic ending !
Aside the fact it ends with a major cliff hanger (can't wait to continue to the next) the book was deeper, we get to know nick a little better, he evolve kinda grow up a little, getting a bit tired of fucking around and start disliking the way his life looks, he is getting old and he needs a home with someone to warm his bed , that's where harked and Daniel gets in .
I'm still not sure who is better for nick, I'm not sure nick's knows Either, but it's sure a reason to jump to the third installment to find out, and if harker is still an option after the dramatic ending !
December 25, 2012
Great PI story series with a gritty, realistic feel. The only thing I don't dig so much: the love interest is more or less a given, no real background story beyond the facts. That might be realistic for the kind of tough guy the 1st person narrator is, but doesn't make for a moving read.
The focus imo is clearly on the crime/suspence part with some sex/casual hookups thrown in.
All in all a very good read.
The focus imo is clearly on the crime/suspence part with some sex/casual hookups thrown in.
All in all a very good read.
February 5, 2015
OMG. What an ending. The last story in particular was excellent. I was on the edge of my seat. Moving on to Book 3. Now!
November 12, 2014
Audiobook
I knew that I'd re-read the series the moment I read the last page.
But I have never thought that I would listen to it as a re-read!
I don't think that it has remained unnoticed on GR that I'm a big FAN of Boystown series.
As well as the fact that I'm a big FAN of Marshall Thornton.
And now I have make a confession that since I LISTEN to Boystown I became a big FAN of Brad Langer.
I LOVE HIS NICK.
I wish only I could admire his Chicago accent!
I'm good in all kinds of German accents, but I'm a loser in English accents! But luckily for me, I have a NATURAL BORN CHICAGO GIRL among my GR friends, and I trust her that the Chicago accent of Brad Langer is amazing. (*waves Katie!*
)If you prefer audiobooks...
If you have not yet read Boystown series...
I'm jealous. I wish I were you. (With much more pleasure if you are a gay man).
My original review.
April 28, 2014
This was even better than the first book. There was more continuity and connection in the three stories and we get a bit deeper into Nick's character.
Nick is trying to make a relationship work with closeted cop, Bert Harker and has an understanding of the pressures Harker faces. They are not exclusive and Nick is still sleeping around. To put even more of a strain on things, Nick is drawn into the serial killer case Harker is working on, which also brings him back in touch with his ex-boyfriend Daniel.
There is a more serious and more emotional tone to this book. The sleuthing is just as good and there is a storyline that continues throughout the three mysteries. I would also have to say the ending was a bit of a cliff hanger. The tone is still dark and clearly about to get darker, but I am completely drawn in and looking forward to it.
Nick is trying to make a relationship work with closeted cop, Bert Harker and has an understanding of the pressures Harker faces. They are not exclusive and Nick is still sleeping around. To put even more of a strain on things, Nick is drawn into the serial killer case Harker is working on, which also brings him back in touch with his ex-boyfriend Daniel.
There is a more serious and more emotional tone to this book. The sleuthing is just as good and there is a storyline that continues throughout the three mysteries. I would also have to say the ending was a bit of a cliff hanger. The tone is still dark and clearly about to get darker, but I am completely drawn in and looking forward to it.
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