A review by stitchnlich
The Bell in the Fog by Lev AC Rosen

dark emotional mysterious sad medium-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? Yes

5.0

Just as with Lavender House, this book was everything I love about detective fiction, and queer to boot. Again, as with its predecessor, this book did not shy away from period accurate depictions of queerness and the context in which queer people survived together but to do anything else would have been a disservice to the characters. While there's definitely a place in some historical genres (such as historical romance) for escapist revisionism (although blatant anachronism, such as Alexis Hall's Something Fabulous, grates on my nerves) this book does not flinch. It adds to the book in my opinion - a lot of detective fiction is gritty and dark for its own sake, dimly lit streets and fog and shady alleys an aesthetic choice, but because of Andy's gayness, and the queerness of his case, and the real threat of what might happen if even the perpetrators are discovered by the police, it takes these hallmark atmospheric elements and makes them integral. The consequences for leaving the shadows are real. Andy's grit is real trauma, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way that past was busted wide open in The Bell in the Fog. I loved Lavender House infinitely, but I actually think this story is a better crafted mystery. I knew who the murderer was in Lavender House about a third of the way through the book, but the twist in this book blindsided me. Pepper in mysterious figures from Andy's past, a tentatively burgeoning romance, and dazzling but down-to-earth drag performers to make this book is a perfect continuation of Andy Mills' story, and I can't wait to hear about more of his cases.

I received an ARC of this book but my opinions are my own.