A review by cj_mo_2222
Lavender House: A Novel by Lev AC Rosen

emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This is such a wonderful book!  I love the main character, Evander "Andy" Mills. The books take place in San Francisco in the early 1950s when being gay isn't a crime but dancing and hand-holding between same-sex couples is considered an improper act and an arrestable offense. Andy had worked as a police inspector until he was caught in a raid in a gay bar and fired. He agrees to stay at Lavender House while investigating the suspicious death of a woman who used to live there. 

Lavender House is an unusual place for the time period. All of the residents and staff are openly gay and keep each others' private lives a secret from the outside world. While there, Andy is able to reflect on his own life while investigating the crime. I enjoyed the mystery and getting to know Andy and immediately started reading the second book in this series after finishing this book.