I've had this paperback on my keeper shelves for many years, and I think it's time it went traveling.

Hansen's "Dave Brandstetter" series is a marvelously well-written, noir-ish detective series. Brandstetter is an insurance investigator, and gay. This second book in the series has him farther along on his recovery from the loss of his life-partner Rod Fleming [who is easily the best-realized fictional character that I know of who exists only in memories]. In this book, Dave has settled down with another man, one who reminds him very much of Rod. As Dave reminds the other man of his own lost lover, the two have a strong attraction, and yet they seem to be having trouble seeing each other instead of the memories of those they've lost; it adds some stress to Dave's investigation and a touch of melancholy to the whole story.

Hansen writes crisp, spare prose, interesting mysteries, and fascinating characters. I recommend the series highly.

I left this book in the Little Free Library on this chilly day; hope someone enjoys it!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2018 D for December release challenge. ***