This one lagged for me, quite a lot, though I did appreciate our MC's ambivalence regarding the reporter Harker likes. And I did appreciate how Nick wrapped up the plot. And I did appreciate the end. Worth the read. ( )

This fourth book in the series is the only one of novel-length. It is a gripping story about a more or less cold case of gay-bashing and murder that spins into the present (here beginning of the 80ies).
This one was the best as there was more room for the more personal history of Nick and his boyfriend - most of it was told also very matter-of-factly, but it evoked strong emotions though.
It was not a funny or light-hearted read, altough it has some humor in it, the overall tone is a bit darker. It sounds realistic, but some naive part of me hopes, that it really really is too pessimistic a description.
A great read. ( )

the first full-length novel of the Boystown series, it's late summer 1982 and private detective Nick Nowak is asked to find a retired gentleman's long lost lover.

Instead, he finds himself embroiled in a decades old murder connected to the man who wants to be Chicago's next mayor. Meanwhile, an ambitious young reporter develops a friendship with Nick's lover Bert, making Nick wonder exactly where their relationship may be heading.
Bert Harker's mysterious illness finally has a name, GRID and a death sentance.
The author finely interweaves the murder case with Nick's emotional turmoil as he realizes his lover is slipping away and that he truly loves him.
This is the BEST BOOK in the series so far. I prefer the full length novel to the novella's in the other books. The author can and does do so much more with the length.
The murder mystery is riveting and well plotted.
But it's Nick's flawed character and his well hidden heart,that keeps me coming back to this series.
I cannot wait for the next book.
I really care about these character's and their lives.
Even though the fear and dread is just around the corner. ( )