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ominousjorts's review against another edition
5.0
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I really didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did in the end, mostly because of when it was originally published (1970!) and because of horror stories I had heard about perpetually morose LGBT fiction featuring impossibly unfortunate situations designed seemingly to punish the characters.
In comparison this book was an absolute delight. Despite serious themes, it never let itself get lost in the depressive reveries that plague more recent works in the genre. It was fun and silly, a real romp, but it was equally touching, and the problems the characters faced genuinely inspired my sympathy.
I don't want to misrepresent this book. At its heart it is a faintly ridiculous private investigator mystery set in small town California, with a gay principal character. However, it is in my opinion an excellent mystery, and I think I might genuinely be in love with Dave Brandstetter.
In comparison this book was an absolute delight. Despite serious themes, it never let itself get lost in the depressive reveries that plague more recent works in the genre. It was fun and silly, a real romp, but it was equally touching, and the problems the characters faced genuinely inspired my sympathy.
I don't want to misrepresent this book. At its heart it is a faintly ridiculous private investigator mystery set in small town California, with a gay principal character. However, it is in my opinion an excellent mystery, and I think I might genuinely be in love with Dave Brandstetter.
jonwesleyhuff's review against another edition
4.0
What a great read! So cool this was published in 1970. I really like hard boiled detective (well, insurance investigator) Dave Brandstetter. There’s so beautifully human and lyrical writing here too. There are some things modern readers will no doubt get a bit wide-eyed at. But it’s still a fantastic read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
ae_olus's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
georgiaphi1389's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
rc2's review against another edition
3.0
Yo, wait this book was really good. A surprisingly diverse cast of characters (I mean, 45% of named characters were gay, there were people of different ethnicities, a positive portrayal of a disabled character). The male characters show emotion, we see Brandstetter visibly upset multiple times over the death of his partner. There is some outdated language and a bit of body shaming (not to mention a WEIRD age gap at one point). The mystery was a little *eh* but Brandstetter was an interesting character and I'll probably read the second one.
calebgrahamlibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
fihman's review against another edition
5.0
So great! And such a surprise: I'd never even heard about Jansen before.
readthesparrow's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
It's clear why this is a landmark of the mystery/detective noir genre. I don't usually buy into introductions which tout the author as one of the genre greats (or as a Great American Author) but in this case it was absolutely true.
Prose is blunt, hard-edged. Harsh in places, deeply emotional in others.
It is from 1970, and it shows. Terminology is dated. This is not a negative for me--it's authentic, and history, especially queer history, shouldn't always be made palatable for modern audiences.
I am looking forward to reading the next book ASAP.
Prose is blunt, hard-edged. Harsh in places, deeply emotional in others.
It is from 1970, and it shows. Terminology is dated. This is not a negative for me--it's authentic, and history, especially queer history, shouldn't always be made palatable for modern audiences.
I am looking forward to reading the next book ASAP.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness and Grief
Moderate: Terminal illness, Homophobia, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Grief, Infidelity, and Outing
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Child abuse
walkie_check's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Murder, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Terminal illness, Murder, Cancer, and Infidelity
Minor: War and Suicide
virgilsinferno's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0