You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
evawondergem's review
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Violence
bookenbee's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Police brutality
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and War
Minor: Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Racism, Sexism, Blood, Medical content, Outing, and Colonisation
qace90's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
When I heard there was going to be a sequel to Lavender House, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Plus I love that Rosen writes such complex, messy queer characters who aren’t necessarily good people, but their queerness isn’t why they’re not good people.
I really love Andy, his community, and the ways he’s growing since leaving the police force and finding family. This story especially shows him making so many connections and finding what happiness means for him as an out queer man when being gay is criminal, but being in the closet and invisible isn’t really an option anymore. Lee, Elise, and Gene are all such great friends for Andy, and his varied interpersonal relationships are always such a good part of the story.
As to the mystery, I think it was well done. I did figure out one element fairly early on, but other elements were a shock! Seeing the pieces all come together and trying to figure out what justice can look like when the cops aren’t on your side was another great element to the story.
All around this was such an engrossing story, and I cannot wait to see what’s next for Andy now that the community is beginning to accept him and trust him. I love the blending of historical fiction with mystery and the way none of these characters are perfect people, but trying their best to thrive when being themselves can be so dangerous.
When I heard there was going to be a sequel to Lavender House, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Plus I love that Rosen writes such complex, messy queer characters who aren’t necessarily good people, but their queerness isn’t why they’re not good people.
I really love Andy, his community, and the ways he’s growing since leaving the police force and finding family. This story especially shows him making so many connections and finding what happiness means for him as an out queer man when being gay is criminal, but being in the closet and invisible isn’t really an option anymore. Lee, Elise, and Gene are all such great friends for Andy, and his varied interpersonal relationships are always such a good part of the story.
As to the mystery, I think it was well done. I did figure out one element fairly early on, but other elements were a shock! Seeing the pieces all come together and trying to figure out what justice can look like when the cops aren’t on your side was another great element to the story.
All around this was such an engrossing story, and I cannot wait to see what’s next for Andy now that the community is beginning to accept him and trust him. I love the blending of historical fiction with mystery and the way none of these characters are perfect people, but trying their best to thrive when being themselves can be so dangerous.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Gun violence and Sexual content
shybookstagramer's review against another edition
4.0
This is a continuation of Andy Mills' story from Lavender House and I thought it was well done. We got to see some old characters and relationships show up and grow, but we also got a few new characters from Andy Mills' past. I liked learning a little more about his past prior to him being a cop then PI. This one followed a mystery inside a mystery. When you think the one is wrapped up, it opened up a whole new slew of questions that needed to be answered. I actually liked how that was done.
Definitely recommend it for those that like a little bit of mystery and/or noir-type books.
These are very different from LC Rosen's YA novels. So be aware of that if you love those. Still good but different vibes completely.
Thank you to bookishfirst, forgebooks, and the author for an arc of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Violence
Moderate: Murder
More...