Death by Misfortune by A.M. Riley opens in present day Los Angeles, which is clearly its own uniquely surrealistic place. Here, what seems to be a typical film production is underway – over budget, out of time, and in trouble. Within the towering hierarchy of film stars, Hollywood players, and unionized workers struggling to make this particular movie, there is a famous director Griffen, a deeply troubled assistant director Becket, his innocent-yet-capable personal assistant Jeremy, and Jeremy’s personal assistant Leslie – a witty and flamboyantly gay man who brings sharply humorous touches to the otherwise serious plot. Meanwhile, everyone is sleeping with everyone else, and these important, vengeful people seek Tarot readings from a psychic who tapes what should be confidential sessions. When she is murdered, there is no shortage of motives. It is up to closeted gay detective Bill Turner to track down the killer while Jeremy, who blindly attempts damage control, tries to stay ahead of the cops, destroying evidence and laying down false trails.
This deeply absorbing page-turner is a treat to read. Those readers who loved the author’s complex and emotionally wrenching novel Amor en Retrogrado will welcome the reappearance of Detective Bill Turner of the LAPD. Both novels are stand-alone mysteries, and Bill remains as enigmatic as ever though in this book he does make progress appreciating his secret lover Christopher. The stand-out character is Jeremy, who is young enough and sexually inexperienced enough to have an endearing innocence, especially as contrasted to the decadent Hollywood predators with which he works, but who also has a core of resilience and competence formed from an unstable childhood with a father who was an itinerant alcoholic. His growing relationship with the enigmatic Becket has strong parallels to his codependent relationship with his father. The twisty, exciting plot and deep emotional involvement with the characters would be enough to satisfy the reader right there. The fact that we get an insider view of the typical Hollywood movie set, complete with technical details and political maneuvering, is icing on the cake. Very highly recommended.
Filed Under: Books, Recommended Reads
Tagged: erotic romance, gay romance, romance, top pick
