Great PI story series with a gritty, realistic feel. The only thing I don't dig so much: the love interest is more or less a given, no real background story beyond the facts. That might be realistic for the kind of tough guy the 1st person narrator is, but doesn't make for a moving read.
The focus imo is clearly on the crime/suspence part with some sex/casual hookups thrown in.
All in all a very good read. ( )

3.5 stars.

In the second Boystown collection, Chicago private investigator Nick Nowak finds himself involved with a young man who murdered his stepfather but refuses to assist in his own defense, hired to find the murderer of a dead porno star, and, in a case that traps him between the two men he loves, searching for a serial killer’s only living victim. Set in the second half of 1981, Boystown 2 follows Nick as he juggles his deepening relationship with Detective Bert Harker with the return of his ex, Daniel Laverty. Which man will he choose? Or will he be able to choose?
This series gets better and better.
I love the detail in the novel depicting the era of the early 80's, from the clothes, the music and the car's. Very well done. it made me feel as if I was right there with Nick.
But unfortunately, the early signs of Aids starts to rear it's ugly head and really depressed me knowing what was to come.
The mysteries are really very good. But the author's shining talent is in his character development. He makes you care and want to find out what happens to Nick and his world. ( )