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Evander Mills #3
Rough Pages
Win a free print copy of this book!
14 days and 09:28:21
25 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
Private Detective Evander "Andy" Mills has been drawn back to the Lavender House estate for a missing person case. Pat, the family butler, has been volunteering for a book service, one that specializes in mailing queer books to a carefully guarded list of subscribers. With bookseller Howard Salzberger gone suspiciously missing along with his address book, everyone on that list, including some of Andy's closest friends, is now in danger.
A search of Howard's bookstore reveals that someone wanted to stop him and his co-owner, Dorothea Lamb, from sending out their next book. The evidence points not just to the Feds, but to the Mafia, who would be happy to use the subscriber list for blackmail.
Andy has to maneuver through both the government and the criminal world, all while dealing with a nosy reporter who remembers him from his days as a police detective and wants to know why he's no longer a cop. With his own secrets closing in on him, can Andy find the list before all the lives on it are at risk?
Set in atmospheric 1950s San Francisco, Rough Pages asks who is allowed to tell their own stories, and how far would you go to seek out the truth.
A search of Howard's bookstore reveals that someone wanted to stop him and his co-owner, Dorothea Lamb, from sending out their next book. The evidence points not just to the Feds, but to the Mafia, who would be happy to use the subscriber list for blackmail.
Andy has to maneuver through both the government and the criminal world, all while dealing with a nosy reporter who remembers him from his days as a police detective and wants to know why he's no longer a cop. With his own secrets closing in on him, can Andy find the list before all the lives on it are at risk?
Set in atmospheric 1950s San Francisco, Rough Pages asks who is allowed to tell their own stories, and how far would you go to seek out the truth.
259 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2024
64 people are currently reading
8833 people want to read
About the author
Lev A.C. Rosen
17 books1,146 followersLEV AC ROSEN sometimes is sometimes known as L.C. ROSEN. He is the author of books for all ages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
July 5, 2024
Think of Cat Sebastian's books set in the fifties, but make them suspenseful. That's what I'd call the Evander Mills series. I loved Lavender House, and The Bell in the Fog blew me away, so Rough Pages was one of my most anticipated 2024 releases. Did it deliver? Yes, I loved to be back in Andy's world. Was it the best book of the three? No, but I don't actually care. And I love the cover!
If I could only use three descriptions in this review, they would be uneasiness in multiple ways, with warmth burning through, a perfect description of the fifties, and oh-so-subtle feelings.
I love how the three books could be read as standalone but also have these extra layers if you read them all in order: the return of people you've met before, Andy's development from cop to PI, and, of course, that wonderful relationship between him and Gene. I must admit, I had wanted to see Andy and Gene a little more in this book because their relationship is so precious, and I longed for their scenes together.
Don't pick up these books because you want to read the perfect crime story. On the contrary. I think even if you don't love crime books but love a chilling and, at the same time, warm atmosphere including colorful characters, you'll love this series.
Thank you so much, Erin from Macmillan International, for sending me this ARC through Edelweiss!
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If I could only use three descriptions in this review, they would be uneasiness in multiple ways, with warmth burning through, a perfect description of the fifties, and oh-so-subtle feelings.
I love how the three books could be read as standalone but also have these extra layers if you read them all in order: the return of people you've met before, Andy's development from cop to PI, and, of course, that wonderful relationship between him and Gene. I must admit, I had wanted to see Andy and Gene a little more in this book because their relationship is so precious, and I longed for their scenes together.
Don't pick up these books because you want to read the perfect crime story. On the contrary. I think even if you don't love crime books but love a chilling and, at the same time, warm atmosphere including colorful characters, you'll love this series.
Thank you so much, Erin from Macmillan International, for sending me this ARC through Edelweiss!
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March 16, 2025
**4.5-stars**
I love this series with my whole heart. Andy Mills is a phenomenal main character and I adore the classic film noir vibes just rolling off these pages.
The mystery, relationships and setting are all equally fantastic and compelling. I need more!
If you're unaware, Rough Pages is the 3rd-installment to Lev A.C. Rosen's Evander Mills series. These are Historical Mysteries set in early-1950s San Francisco and follow a diverse cast of characters.
This story kicks off with Andy being drawn back to Lavender House for a missing person case involving Pat, the butler. Pat has been volunteering his time working at a book store specializing in a subscription service for Queer books.
The proprietor of that bookstore, Henry, has mysteriously gone missing, along with his address book containing the list of all their subscribers. Trust that in the early-1950s, this is a very valuable list. If it falls into the wrong hands, a lot of people would be in danger.
Andy discovers the book shop also had begun publishing Queer books, and it appears someone didn't want them to release their latest project.
Evidence leads Andy to believe there's a mafia connection and that they may have purposely held onto the subscriber list for future blackmail purposes.
It's a race against time as Andy tries to put the pieces of this dangerous puzzle together before his whole world comes crashing down around him.
The mystery, again, was great and I have become so incredibly attached to this cast of characters. It's not just Andy, but also the found family he has surrounded himself with since his termination from the police department.
I loved how at the start of this, he returned to Lavender House, which he didn't do in the second book. So, that was fun to revisit that special place and I like how Rosen incorporated those characters again.
The film noir, classic detective fiction, vibes are so strong in this series. I urge anyone who has a soft spot for those classics to pick this series up. Rosen has nailed that style and when I am reading one of these mysteries, I can see it all playing out in my head like my movie. I love it.
Andy went through so much in this one. He has a budding relationship and he did have to confront a bit of his past again, this time in the form of his former employer.
There were high stakes, tense moments, as well as discussions about books and sharing of stories. I appreciated how a lot of the plot revolved around this idea of subversive books. That was an interesting avenue of exploration.
This series doesn't get enough hype, IMO, so just know, it comes with my highest recommendation. I haven't come across a lot of Queer Historical Mysteries, but I have a feeling, even if I had, this series would still be the tops.
In addition to the overall series recommendation, I also highly recommend the audiobooks, if that's an option for you. They're all narrated by Vikas Adam, whose narration style lends itself so well to the film noir feel of these stories. Vikas is Andy to me.
Thank you to the publisher, Forge Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me copies to read and review. I am not sure what the future holds for this series, but I certainly hope we get a lot more cases to solve with Andy and friends!!
I love this series with my whole heart. Andy Mills is a phenomenal main character and I adore the classic film noir vibes just rolling off these pages.
The mystery, relationships and setting are all equally fantastic and compelling. I need more!
If you're unaware, Rough Pages is the 3rd-installment to Lev A.C. Rosen's Evander Mills series. These are Historical Mysteries set in early-1950s San Francisco and follow a diverse cast of characters.
This story kicks off with Andy being drawn back to Lavender House for a missing person case involving Pat, the butler. Pat has been volunteering his time working at a book store specializing in a subscription service for Queer books.
The proprietor of that bookstore, Henry, has mysteriously gone missing, along with his address book containing the list of all their subscribers. Trust that in the early-1950s, this is a very valuable list. If it falls into the wrong hands, a lot of people would be in danger.
Andy discovers the book shop also had begun publishing Queer books, and it appears someone didn't want them to release their latest project.
Evidence leads Andy to believe there's a mafia connection and that they may have purposely held onto the subscriber list for future blackmail purposes.
It's a race against time as Andy tries to put the pieces of this dangerous puzzle together before his whole world comes crashing down around him.
The mystery, again, was great and I have become so incredibly attached to this cast of characters. It's not just Andy, but also the found family he has surrounded himself with since his termination from the police department.
I loved how at the start of this, he returned to Lavender House, which he didn't do in the second book. So, that was fun to revisit that special place and I like how Rosen incorporated those characters again.
The film noir, classic detective fiction, vibes are so strong in this series. I urge anyone who has a soft spot for those classics to pick this series up. Rosen has nailed that style and when I am reading one of these mysteries, I can see it all playing out in my head like my movie. I love it.
Andy went through so much in this one. He has a budding relationship and he did have to confront a bit of his past again, this time in the form of his former employer.
There were high stakes, tense moments, as well as discussions about books and sharing of stories. I appreciated how a lot of the plot revolved around this idea of subversive books. That was an interesting avenue of exploration.
This series doesn't get enough hype, IMO, so just know, it comes with my highest recommendation. I haven't come across a lot of Queer Historical Mysteries, but I have a feeling, even if I had, this series would still be the tops.
In addition to the overall series recommendation, I also highly recommend the audiobooks, if that's an option for you. They're all narrated by Vikas Adam, whose narration style lends itself so well to the film noir feel of these stories. Vikas is Andy to me.
Thank you to the publisher, Forge Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me copies to read and review. I am not sure what the future holds for this series, but I certainly hope we get a lot more cases to solve with Andy and friends!!
December 17, 2024
4 stars. Containing the suspenseful, crime noir-esque atmosphere I’ve come to really love this series for, Rough Pages is another solid entry into the Evander Mills series.
November 28, 2024
This was, as I anticipated, great!
Rosen does a swell job evoking classic 1950s film noir vibes while filling the story with a diverse queer cast and a complicated gay ex-cop protagonist still reckoning with the implications and effects of his past career. I love the community in this series and I love how Rosen keeps pushing Andy to do better and learn after he fucks up (there is some great relationship negotiating here, especially in the context of Andy being white and his boyfriend being Filipino).
The themes here -- book banning, government censorship, the utter importance of queer people reading and seeing themselves reflected in books -- are beautifully evoked and sadly extremely relevant in a lot of the US right now.
This plot is twisty! I was suspicious of one culprit but not another, and was genuinely surprised at the direction a few side characters went at the end of the story.
More please!!
Rosen does a swell job evoking classic 1950s film noir vibes while filling the story with a diverse queer cast and a complicated gay ex-cop protagonist still reckoning with the implications and effects of his past career. I love the community in this series and I love how Rosen keeps pushing Andy to do better and learn after he fucks up (there is some great relationship negotiating here, especially in the context of Andy being white and his boyfriend being Filipino).
The themes here -- book banning, government censorship, the utter importance of queer people reading and seeing themselves reflected in books -- are beautifully evoked and sadly extremely relevant in a lot of the US right now.
This plot is twisty! I was suspicious of one culprit but not another, and was genuinely surprised at the direction a few side characters went at the end of the story.
More please!!
October 14, 2024
I really like this series, and Rough Pages feels very timely in light of all the book banning taking place.
Set in 1950's San Francisco, these follow a gay ex-cop turned Private Investigator serving the queer community. This was a time when they really had to hide and it was scary for anyone trying to just live their life. In Rough Pages, Andy Mills takes on a case involving a missing bookstore owner who ran a covert gay books by mail program. Because if that mailing list has been found by the feds it would put a lot of people in danger.
As a mystery, I think this is decent. But what I really like is the ongoing story following Andy and his found family, and unpacking elements of being a queer person in this time and place. If you like the series, I do recommend it! The audio narration is great with those noir vibes, similar to past books. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
Set in 1950's San Francisco, these follow a gay ex-cop turned Private Investigator serving the queer community. This was a time when they really had to hide and it was scary for anyone trying to just live their life. In Rough Pages, Andy Mills takes on a case involving a missing bookstore owner who ran a covert gay books by mail program. Because if that mailing list has been found by the feds it would put a lot of people in danger.
As a mystery, I think this is decent. But what I really like is the ongoing story following Andy and his found family, and unpacking elements of being a queer person in this time and place. If you like the series, I do recommend it! The audio narration is great with those noir vibes, similar to past books. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
May 22, 2024
Pat has asked Andy to visit Lavender House because he needs assistance from a private detective. Pat's friends Howard and DeeDee run a small San Francisco bookstore, but their main business is a subscription service, a book of the month club for their gay clientele, if you will. Pat's afraid the list of subscribers has gotten out, because this is the 1950's, and the postal service is prosecuting anyone who sends "obscene" materials through the mail. Andy's investigation is complicated by Rose, a nosy reporter who is determined to get a story, regardless of the cost to the people involved. This is a fascinating, atmospheric look at early 1950's San Francisco's gay community--well-plotted historical fiction with well-drawn characters. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
June 29, 2025
Quick, fun, with heart to spare. The series continues to let its characters grow and change, allowing ancillary characters to deepen and become more complex as the main character also continues his evolution. The writing is sharp and atmospheric, falling into the tenor of a traditional detective noir with feeling like a caricature of itself. The matter of identity is still at the heart of each story, what it means to know who you are and being able to accept and share the person you find. This story felt more ominous than the last two, with maybe a little more desperate of an edge that felt a little forced at time but perfectly at home other times, and it works well for the story, being something I felt was missing a little in the previous novel.
The mystery is interesting enough, with enough red herrings and clues, to be fun, if, again, not wildly intricate or jaw-dropping in its ultimate revelations. The secondary storylines flowed effortlessly from the central mystery, which continues to be a hallmark of this series, the way the particular cases reflect the emotional journey of the main character. Nothing felt added on or secondary, all the pieces fit together. This particular novel had an (appreciated) meta- aspect, about the power of books and reading, and what it means to find yourself represented in media. At a time when more books are being banned every week in the US and the US Supreme Court just granted parents rights over educators, to opt their children out of reading books that feature queer characters, the message is timely and impactful. These ideas are pretty heavy-handed here, very much text and not subtext, but instead of feeling preachy this felt magnetizing and encouraging, emboldening, even (if, on occasion, being a little cheesy). While it is painful to reflect upon the fact that something subversive and dangerous in the 1950s is still subversive and dangerous 70 years later, having a queer book loudly and without caveat proclaim the importance of queer representation regardless of how dangerous it is, and in fact precisely because of how dangerous it is, to the status quo, well, the message feels fearless and joyful. It is heartfelt and sincere and important enough that it felt right that it was so on the nose. Plus, who doesn’t like mysteries about bookshops?
One of the continual parts of this series that adds tension and shapes the world is the very real danger of being a queer ex-cop, and what kind of danger that brings to the main character but also to literally everyone he knows and works for. It is a valid bit of world-building; not only does it always add additional stakes and obstacles, during the McCarthy era and the “Lavender Scare” there was a perpetual paranoia that the books need to feel accurate. With that said, I hope it doesn’t remain so critical to every novel. It has worked well so far, manifesting in different narrative threads, different obstacles for our main character to navigate… But if every single novel in the series going forward is going to have an A story about some murder and a B story about hiding the investigation from any sort of authority because that would result in something worse than the original crime, well, there are only so many permutations before that stops feeling like actual stakes. So far it has been effective, and it needs to be part of the story given the time and place and, but I do hope it doesn’t always share focus as heavily as it has in these three novels. These novels already have to jump through hoops to find a way to solve murders but then be OK with not officially reporting the murder or having anyone face official legal consequences for it, since that kind of legal attention is exactly what is being avoided. There are a lot of dead queer folk in these stories, so far, and they are mourned in the community without their murderers, who have been found out, necessarily facing justice. So far that balancing act has worked, and I don’t see those extenuating circumstances changing any time soon. So, I wouldn’t mind if the next novels were to focus more on the intricacy of the crime and have the fear of being outed as only a secondary threat/storyline, to be honest. Hopefully, as the main character continues to grow into himself that will be a natural result.
Still, all said, a twisty mystery with compelling and exciting characters, and one that happens to have a really critical message at its heart. This novel has shown that the series isn’t afraid to flirt with being a little dirtier and grittier (not much, but a little) while still having the youthful vibrancy (and confusion) of a coming-out story. Well-written and tightly paced, the story left me interested in following the journey of our growing cast of regular characters and trying to solve another case.
(Rounded up from 3.5)
The mystery is interesting enough, with enough red herrings and clues, to be fun, if, again, not wildly intricate or jaw-dropping in its ultimate revelations. The secondary storylines flowed effortlessly from the central mystery, which continues to be a hallmark of this series, the way the particular cases reflect the emotional journey of the main character. Nothing felt added on or secondary, all the pieces fit together. This particular novel had an (appreciated) meta- aspect, about the power of books and reading, and what it means to find yourself represented in media. At a time when more books are being banned every week in the US and the US Supreme Court just granted parents rights over educators, to opt their children out of reading books that feature queer characters, the message is timely and impactful. These ideas are pretty heavy-handed here, very much text and not subtext, but instead of feeling preachy this felt magnetizing and encouraging, emboldening, even (if, on occasion, being a little cheesy). While it is painful to reflect upon the fact that something subversive and dangerous in the 1950s is still subversive and dangerous 70 years later, having a queer book loudly and without caveat proclaim the importance of queer representation regardless of how dangerous it is, and in fact precisely because of how dangerous it is, to the status quo, well, the message feels fearless and joyful. It is heartfelt and sincere and important enough that it felt right that it was so on the nose. Plus, who doesn’t like mysteries about bookshops?
One of the continual parts of this series that adds tension and shapes the world is the very real danger of being a queer ex-cop, and what kind of danger that brings to the main character but also to literally everyone he knows and works for. It is a valid bit of world-building; not only does it always add additional stakes and obstacles, during the McCarthy era and the “Lavender Scare” there was a perpetual paranoia that the books need to feel accurate. With that said, I hope it doesn’t remain so critical to every novel. It has worked well so far, manifesting in different narrative threads, different obstacles for our main character to navigate… But if every single novel in the series going forward is going to have an A story about some murder and a B story about hiding the investigation from any sort of authority because that would result in something worse than the original crime, well, there are only so many permutations before that stops feeling like actual stakes. So far it has been effective, and it needs to be part of the story given the time and place and, but I do hope it doesn’t always share focus as heavily as it has in these three novels. These novels already have to jump through hoops to find a way to solve murders but then be OK with not officially reporting the murder or having anyone face official legal consequences for it, since that kind of legal attention is exactly what is being avoided. There are a lot of dead queer folk in these stories, so far, and they are mourned in the community without their murderers, who have been found out, necessarily facing justice. So far that balancing act has worked, and I don’t see those extenuating circumstances changing any time soon. So, I wouldn’t mind if the next novels were to focus more on the intricacy of the crime and have the fear of being outed as only a secondary threat/storyline, to be honest. Hopefully, as the main character continues to grow into himself that will be a natural result.
Still, all said, a twisty mystery with compelling and exciting characters, and one that happens to have a really critical message at its heart. This novel has shown that the series isn’t afraid to flirt with being a little dirtier and grittier (not much, but a little) while still having the youthful vibrancy (and confusion) of a coming-out story. Well-written and tightly paced, the story left me interested in following the journey of our growing cast of regular characters and trying to solve another case.
(Rounded up from 3.5)
August 5, 2025
Received from NetGalley, thanks!
CW: homophobia, racism
*slight spoilers for earlier books in the series*
I loved this book! My favourite in the series thus far.
In this installment we have Andy tracking down a missing bookseller, who may have gotten into trouble for selling and sending obscene materials through the mail. I don't know if this is super accurate with the post office (I assume it is?), but now, you can send whatever you want in the mail, as long as it's in an envelope; if the post office doesn't know what it is, it's none of their business.
I really loved how Andy continued to evolve as an out (or at least not actively hiding), queer man, as well as how his relationship with Gene is developing. I really appreciated Gene putting Andy in his place about his hero complex; not everyone needs to be saved by Andy Mills, despite him thinking they do.
I was also so happy to have the family from Lavender House back in this book. They felt like such an important catalyst to Andy's introduction to the queer community (in book one) and I had hoped that they would be in book two more than they were. It was great to catch up with them again and see how Andy can fit into their little family.
But, but, what I really loved about this book, is that it's a book about books. There are so many times that they are discussing the importance of books, especially queer books, and what they were saying is still SO relevant today (70+ years later). How it's important to see yourself in books, how you can learn about yourself from reading books, how books make you more empathetic towards others whose background you don't share, etc. This quote in particular is just so, SO good:
Pat laughs. “No, no, Andy. Books are dangerous.” I turn to him, surprised. “What?” “It’s just about who they’re dangerous to she was wrong about. She meant her, Howard maybe. If people are afraid of you reading a thing—a reporter, the mob, the government—that means they’re afraid of reading it too. Afraid of knowing what’s in the book, whether it be some personal secret, or just some story of love that could make someone feel less alone. Books are just as dangerous to the people who don’t want us to read them as they are to us. Because they make us less alone. They make us see ourselves. They make us realize what we deserve. And sometimes they make people who aren’t like us realize it, too. That’s why they’re dangerous. And that’s why we all have to live dangerously—so we keep reading them.”
I do have to say that the homophobia was especially difficult to read in this, even though I'm sure it's historically accurate. It's also a big part of the plot, so it kind of has to be there, but it was still super uncomfortable to read. Even though I really disliked reading it, I did really appreciate how Rosen wrote it, which probably sounds weird! He didn't write any slurs (Andy called himself a , once) and one side character referred to an unnamed queer person as a fairy, but I think that if the language had been historically accurate, it would have likely been a lot worse. The same goes for the racism in the book; yes, folks in the early 50s were super racist, but no slurs were used.
I absolutely devoured this book, I actually read it almost in one sitting, which I haven't done for quite some time. Even though this one isn't out until October, I'm already hoping for a fourth book!
CW: homophobia, racism
*slight spoilers for earlier books in the series*
I loved this book! My favourite in the series thus far.
In this installment we have Andy tracking down a missing bookseller, who may have gotten into trouble for selling and sending obscene materials through the mail. I don't know if this is super accurate with the post office (I assume it is?), but now, you can send whatever you want in the mail, as long as it's in an envelope; if the post office doesn't know what it is, it's none of their business.
I really loved how Andy continued to evolve as an out (or at least not actively hiding), queer man, as well as how his relationship with Gene is developing. I really appreciated Gene putting Andy in his place about his hero complex; not everyone needs to be saved by Andy Mills, despite him thinking they do.
I was also so happy to have the family from Lavender House back in this book. They felt like such an important catalyst to Andy's introduction to the queer community (in book one) and I had hoped that they would be in book two more than they were. It was great to catch up with them again and see how Andy can fit into their little family.
But, but, what I really loved about this book, is that it's a book about books. There are so many times that they are discussing the importance of books, especially queer books, and what they were saying is still SO relevant today (70+ years later). How it's important to see yourself in books, how you can learn about yourself from reading books, how books make you more empathetic towards others whose background you don't share, etc. This quote in particular is just so, SO good:
Pat laughs. “No, no, Andy. Books are dangerous.” I turn to him, surprised. “What?” “It’s just about who they’re dangerous to she was wrong about. She meant her, Howard maybe. If people are afraid of you reading a thing—a reporter, the mob, the government—that means they’re afraid of reading it too. Afraid of knowing what’s in the book, whether it be some personal secret, or just some story of love that could make someone feel less alone. Books are just as dangerous to the people who don’t want us to read them as they are to us. Because they make us less alone. They make us see ourselves. They make us realize what we deserve. And sometimes they make people who aren’t like us realize it, too. That’s why they’re dangerous. And that’s why we all have to live dangerously—so we keep reading them.”
I do have to say that the homophobia was especially difficult to read in this, even though I'm sure it's historically accurate. It's also a big part of the plot, so it kind of has to be there, but it was still super uncomfortable to read. Even though I really disliked reading it, I did really appreciate how Rosen wrote it, which probably sounds weird! He didn't write any slurs (Andy called himself a , once) and one side character referred to an unnamed queer person as a fairy, but I think that if the language had been historically accurate, it would have likely been a lot worse. The same goes for the racism in the book; yes, folks in the early 50s were super racist, but no slurs were used.
I absolutely devoured this book, I actually read it almost in one sitting, which I haven't done for quite some time. Even though this one isn't out until October, I'm already hoping for a fourth book!
October 8, 2024
Fun continuation of this historical mystery series about a gay PI in 1950s San Francisco. This addition is about the disappearance of a local bookseller, and there was some not-so-subtle commentary about how cowardly contemporary book banning efforts are.
This series is especially excellent on audio.
This series is especially excellent on audio.
October 8, 2024
The third installment in Lev A.C. Rosen's terrific 50s noir detective series takes on a favorite topic for readers... books!
It seems as though queer detective Evander Mills can't stay out of trouble. For the third novel to feature him The disgraced cop-turned PI returns to where it all started, Lavender House, where his chosen family (all queer folks living in secret) realizes that their identities might be public. For Mills, his friends, and his community, being outed might have fatal consequences. There's a queer bookstore nearby that has been mailing out fiction for voracious readers. But the bookstore owner has gone missing. As has copies of his salacious new book. As has his list of all his contacts. In order for Mills to keep his queer community safe, he has to find the owner, find out who knows about his contacts, and figure out which nefarious forces know too much...
I don't read too many serialized detective series, but I put Mills up on the same level as Marple and Poirot for me - if there's a Mills story, I'm reading it. Lev A.C. Rosen's detective series is not only highly entertaining, but rooted in rich queer history and constantly expanding. This third novel gives us the broadest suspect pool and the most real estate to make the story go off track - luckily, it never does. The introduction of a new foil (or friend?) in Rita is a great addition to the mix of well-plotted, multidimensional characters who are often caught between a rock and a hard place in this series. This is a formidable addition to an already strong series that you should be reading!
It seems as though queer detective Evander Mills can't stay out of trouble. For the third novel to feature him The disgraced cop-turned PI returns to where it all started, Lavender House, where his chosen family (all queer folks living in secret) realizes that their identities might be public. For Mills, his friends, and his community, being outed might have fatal consequences. There's a queer bookstore nearby that has been mailing out fiction for voracious readers. But the bookstore owner has gone missing. As has copies of his salacious new book. As has his list of all his contacts. In order for Mills to keep his queer community safe, he has to find the owner, find out who knows about his contacts, and figure out which nefarious forces know too much...
I don't read too many serialized detective series, but I put Mills up on the same level as Marple and Poirot for me - if there's a Mills story, I'm reading it. Lev A.C. Rosen's detective series is not only highly entertaining, but rooted in rich queer history and constantly expanding. This third novel gives us the broadest suspect pool and the most real estate to make the story go off track - luckily, it never does. The introduction of a new foil (or friend?) in Rita is a great addition to the mix of well-plotted, multidimensional characters who are often caught between a rock and a hard place in this series. This is a formidable addition to an already strong series that you should be reading!
August 7, 2025
This was a stronger mystery than the previous books, even though I did figure out the whodunit early on. But there were other layers to it than just that. Unfortunately, once again, we see how it's impossible for LGBT peoples to get actual justice in this time period of paranoia and homophobia. The resolution was also predictable given how the last two books resolved.
I liked seeing Andy becoming more and more accepted in his new community, as well as him accepting his new community in return, and how he's learning to navigate his relationship with his boyfriend. Being targeted by the police, having to steer clear of the press, even having to fear the random homophobe who might wish to do them harm has lead them all to make complex support systems to keep everyone safe, but by that same reason, when one of them comes under threat, all of them become susceptible to the same threat. It's quite depressing really.
I really enjoyed Vikas Adam's narration, except his voice for one of the female characters that was just this side of cartoonish.
I liked seeing Andy becoming more and more accepted in his new community, as well as him accepting his new community in return, and how he's learning to navigate his relationship with his boyfriend. Being targeted by the police, having to steer clear of the press, even having to fear the random homophobe who might wish to do them harm has lead them all to make complex support systems to keep everyone safe, but by that same reason, when one of them comes under threat, all of them become susceptible to the same threat. It's quite depressing really.
I really enjoyed Vikas Adam's narration, except his voice for one of the female characters that was just this side of cartoonish.
October 3, 2024
Andy is on the case again. He's hoping to protect his friends, make some money, and just try to live his life. I'm going to aim to keep this a spoiler free review for all 3 books.
But this is another great addition to this series. Andy has been through so much and is making so much growth from book 1 to now. And I love going along on a case with him as he meets, interviews, and connects clues to each mystery. I love how he ends each night hanging out drinking, listening, and just living his life.
This is such a great noir detective type story and I love the feel of it. Many parts break my heart, it's hard to hear about the prejudice and violence, but I don't think it's inaccurate. I did this as an audio and I loved it!
But this is another great addition to this series. Andy has been through so much and is making so much growth from book 1 to now. And I love going along on a case with him as he meets, interviews, and connects clues to each mystery. I love how he ends each night hanging out drinking, listening, and just living his life.
This is such a great noir detective type story and I love the feel of it. Many parts break my heart, it's hard to hear about the prejudice and violence, but I don't think it's inaccurate. I did this as an audio and I loved it!
March 26, 2024
I was so excited to see the eARC for this on NetGalley on Monday. Rough Pages was an excellent mystery with solid twists that don't come out of no where but that I didn't find too predictable. I really enjoy this series, the historical details, the honest way the characters come across, and the unflinching messiness of queer life, particularly post WWII America. It deals bluntly, graphically with homophobia just like the other two books in the series, but it also shows queer joy and queer community in the face of violent homophobia.
It's wonderful to watch Andy come into his own as a gay man, to see his support network, and the networks the other characters build for one another. It's also refreshing to read a mystery that isn't copaganda, and in fact show the police to be a corrupt and messy organization of men.
I really look forward to seeing where this series goes.
It's wonderful to watch Andy come into his own as a gay man, to see his support network, and the networks the other characters build for one another. It's also refreshing to read a mystery that isn't copaganda, and in fact show the police to be a corrupt and messy organization of men.
I really look forward to seeing where this series goes.
October 10, 2024
Jeez Louise, this series just gets better and more impactful with each book. A gay historical noir mystery with a beating, human heart at the center.
January 22, 2025
A long anticipated read for me - the third in Lev AC Rosen’s Evander Mills series - Rough Pages missed some of the charm of its predecessors but still stood up as a well developed and intriguing mystery with (as always) an important dose of history.
Andy, our protagonist, is back in this installment as a well-established, though newly minted, queer detective known for helping his rainbow family with discreet matters not able to be entrusted to others outside their community. I really love the work that Rosen has done and the time he’s taken to develop and bring his characters to life. Andy, Elsie, and the whole family remain interesting and genuine snapshots of queer folks living full, though complicated, lives during a time where it was increasingly dangerous to just exist.
I appreciate Rosen’s dedication to queer history in the United States and the way he weaves important moments into his stories in a way that feels genuine and authentic while also educating his readers.
This book was a bit short and it felt like Rosen didn’t ever quite hit his stride in a way that conveyed a lot of suspense like his prior novels. I wasn’t quite hooked as I have been with the last two, and I have mixed feelings about the perpetrator of the crime in this story.
Despite these few qualms which knocked my review down to a 4 star, I will continue to advocate for more folks to read this book series. It’s so enjoyable and I’m very much looking forward to the next installment!
Andy, our protagonist, is back in this installment as a well-established, though newly minted, queer detective known for helping his rainbow family with discreet matters not able to be entrusted to others outside their community. I really love the work that Rosen has done and the time he’s taken to develop and bring his characters to life. Andy, Elsie, and the whole family remain interesting and genuine snapshots of queer folks living full, though complicated, lives during a time where it was increasingly dangerous to just exist.
I appreciate Rosen’s dedication to queer history in the United States and the way he weaves important moments into his stories in a way that feels genuine and authentic while also educating his readers.
This book was a bit short and it felt like Rosen didn’t ever quite hit his stride in a way that conveyed a lot of suspense like his prior novels. I wasn’t quite hooked as I have been with the last two, and I have mixed feelings about the perpetrator of the crime in this story.
Despite these few qualms which knocked my review down to a 4 star, I will continue to advocate for more folks to read this book series. It’s so enjoyable and I’m very much looking forward to the next installment!
September 24, 2024
4.5 stars
This book (and series) take place in San Francisco in the early 1950s when being gay isn't a crime but things like dancing and hand-holding between same-sex couples are. Evander "Andy" Mills was a police inspector until he was caught in a raid in a gay bar and fired. He now works as a PI for members of the gay community.
Rough Pages brings Andy back to Lavender House, a home where all the residents and staff are openly gay and keep each other's private lives a secret from the outside world. This is the first time Andy has been back in nine months and he does it as a favor to Pat who is the butler there and needs his help. Pat's friends own a bookstore that has a book service mailing gay titles to subscribers, which was illegal at the time. The friends, along with the mailing list, are missing from the store. If this list has fallen into the wrong hands, everyone on it could be in danger. Andy becomes involved in a risky search for the bookstore owners and the list. This storyline is suspenseful and full of surprises.
Like the other books in the series, Rough Pages has historical details about the times and what it was like for gay citizens. This book especially ramps up the tension and through Andy, we see how dangerous it was to be gay and never being able to relax and live your life the way you want. His romance with Gene is progressing, but Andy is always worried his actions will put both of them in danger. It's sad that the part of the story dealing with book bans is still all too relevant today. The mystery is suspenseful and the characters memorable. Each book could work as a standalone, but I'm glad I read all three in order so I could see Andy starting to embrace who he is and enjoy life. I highly recommend this book and this series and hope it continues!
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley, Forge Books, and Tor Publishing. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
This book (and series) take place in San Francisco in the early 1950s when being gay isn't a crime but things like dancing and hand-holding between same-sex couples are. Evander "Andy" Mills was a police inspector until he was caught in a raid in a gay bar and fired. He now works as a PI for members of the gay community.
Rough Pages brings Andy back to Lavender House, a home where all the residents and staff are openly gay and keep each other's private lives a secret from the outside world. This is the first time Andy has been back in nine months and he does it as a favor to Pat who is the butler there and needs his help. Pat's friends own a bookstore that has a book service mailing gay titles to subscribers, which was illegal at the time. The friends, along with the mailing list, are missing from the store. If this list has fallen into the wrong hands, everyone on it could be in danger. Andy becomes involved in a risky search for the bookstore owners and the list. This storyline is suspenseful and full of surprises.
Like the other books in the series, Rough Pages has historical details about the times and what it was like for gay citizens. This book especially ramps up the tension and through Andy, we see how dangerous it was to be gay and never being able to relax and live your life the way you want. His romance with Gene is progressing, but Andy is always worried his actions will put both of them in danger. It's sad that the part of the story dealing with book bans is still all too relevant today. The mystery is suspenseful and the characters memorable. Each book could work as a standalone, but I'm glad I read all three in order so I could see Andy starting to embrace who he is and enjoy life. I highly recommend this book and this series and hope it continues!
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley, Forge Books, and Tor Publishing. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
April 21, 2025
Rough Pages
(Evander Mills Mystery #3)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This one seemed cozier. The family aspect was even more prevalent. Andy has grown so much as a character, as well as Gene. There is a scene where Gene has to tell Andy to stop trying to be Superman aka his white savior, it’s wonderful. It was such a great depiction of how to handle the situation in a loving way from both angles. Also, the timely political narrative, though it’s set just after WWII.
Quotes:
“…some days, maybe, I think it would be nice to have a body I don’t need to pad to fit my dresses right, but some days I really love the body I got. Now if they had a pill or shot that could change me back and forth…” (pg. 39)
To be who you want to be while still having all the male privileges. Yeah, that would be nice.
“His life fell apart five minutes ago and now a whole new possibility for one has sprung up in front of him, like flowers on a corpse.” (pg. 196)
Such a beautiful and tragic view of losing loved ones.
“Books are just as dangerous to the people who don’t want us to read them as they are to us. Because they make us less alone. (pg. 244)
More research!
*Gave me a ‘to read’ list, at least 6 books I’ve never heard of: The City and The Pillar, Hemlock and After, The Invisible Glass, Spring Fire, Women’s Barracks, and Olivia. (pg. 29)
Note to self: Indiana University appears again. *Green Feather Movement of 1953*
(Evander Mills Mystery #3)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This one seemed cozier. The family aspect was even more prevalent. Andy has grown so much as a character, as well as Gene. There is a scene where Gene has to tell Andy to stop trying to be Superman aka his white savior, it’s wonderful. It was such a great depiction of how to handle the situation in a loving way from both angles. Also, the timely political narrative, though it’s set just after WWII.
Quotes:
“…some days, maybe, I think it would be nice to have a body I don’t need to pad to fit my dresses right, but some days I really love the body I got. Now if they had a pill or shot that could change me back and forth…” (pg. 39)
To be who you want to be while still having all the male privileges. Yeah, that would be nice.
“His life fell apart five minutes ago and now a whole new possibility for one has sprung up in front of him, like flowers on a corpse.” (pg. 196)
Such a beautiful and tragic view of losing loved ones.
“Books are just as dangerous to the people who don’t want us to read them as they are to us. Because they make us less alone. (pg. 244)
More research!
*Gave me a ‘to read’ list, at least 6 books I’ve never heard of: The City and The Pillar, Hemlock and After, The Invisible Glass, Spring Fire, Women’s Barracks, and Olivia. (pg. 29)
Note to self: Indiana University appears again. *Green Feather Movement of 1953*
October 24, 2024
3.5 stars
The narrator on this series is great, and I enjoyed the narration again. This time there was a character whose voice I couldn't stand, I do think it matched the character but I still found it grating. I think this was an instance where I just picked up this book at the wrong time. I really like the returning characters, but I was so stressed reading this one! The series is definitely not cozy, it's often stressful or depressing, but this time I found it overwhelmingly so. I think there was just less hopefulness in this book? There were so many things going wrong or threatening to go wrong in so many aspects of the case and the detective's life and it just ramped up my anxiety. Also, the topic of book censorship is so relevant to today that it stressed me out even more. I think with things in the world as they are I just wasn't ready for this level of stress in my fictional forays. I do think this series is great and if you're open to a more nail biting read it's definitely worth picking this one up. I just wished for a little more comfort for the characters I care about.
*Audio ARC provided by NetGalley
The narrator on this series is great, and I enjoyed the narration again. This time there was a character whose voice I couldn't stand, I do think it matched the character but I still found it grating. I think this was an instance where I just picked up this book at the wrong time. I really like the returning characters, but I was so stressed reading this one! The series is definitely not cozy, it's often stressful or depressing, but this time I found it overwhelmingly so. I think there was just less hopefulness in this book? There were so many things going wrong or threatening to go wrong in so many aspects of the case and the detective's life and it just ramped up my anxiety. Also, the topic of book censorship is so relevant to today that it stressed me out even more. I think with things in the world as they are I just wasn't ready for this level of stress in my fictional forays. I do think this series is great and if you're open to a more nail biting read it's definitely worth picking this one up. I just wished for a little more comfort for the characters I care about.
*Audio ARC provided by NetGalley
March 16, 2025
My favorite in the series so far! Evan is really coming into his own in this one. The case is of a missing bookshop owner and some books have disappeared. The shop is very important to the community as it sends gay books to subscribers so they fear the list has fallen into the wrong hands. The investigating was not perfect and I guessed the killer quite early but it was nice to see Evan's relationship grow and him handling his past life. Highly recommend!
October 4, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Rough Pages is the third story in the Evander Mills series by author Lev AC Rosen and takes place in San Francisco in the early 1950s. Like the previous installments, the reality of being queer during this period of history is vividly reflected in how the cast behaves and reacts to the world around them. Unlike the other books, I feel like this one has an even sharper edge to it through Andy’s former police chief and the blunt way the chief expresses his views on queer identities. I thought this was an excellent way to reinforce the harsh reality that queer people faced during the time; the dialogue from the chief was especially illustrative of how awful the status quo mindset of the time was.
Overall, I thought Rough Pages was a terrific read. Mostly, I think this could be read as a standalone if you haven’t read the previous two books, though you might appreciate the depth of Andy’s relationship to Pat, Elsie, and Gene a little better if you do.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Rough Pages is the third story in the Evander Mills series by author Lev AC Rosen and takes place in San Francisco in the early 1950s. Like the previous installments, the reality of being queer during this period of history is vividly reflected in how the cast behaves and reacts to the world around them. Unlike the other books, I feel like this one has an even sharper edge to it through Andy’s former police chief and the blunt way the chief expresses his views on queer identities. I thought this was an excellent way to reinforce the harsh reality that queer people faced during the time; the dialogue from the chief was especially illustrative of how awful the status quo mindset of the time was.
Overall, I thought Rough Pages was a terrific read. Mostly, I think this could be read as a standalone if you haven’t read the previous two books, though you might appreciate the depth of Andy’s relationship to Pat, Elsie, and Gene a little better if you do.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
October 9, 2024
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a free advanced listener’s copy. I received this copy in exchange for my honest review.
The third installment of the Evander Mills series was another wonderful addition to this noir mystery collection. The feeling of all the series parts before this and the newest installment is this wonderful chemistry between classic noir detective stories and queer history. Lev A.C. Rosen does it again with a story of a missing bookstore owner with a connection to the original Lavender House family through a queer book subscription service that could put the family in danger just as they approach the finish line to adopt their newest member.
These books always feel like an experience where i’m along for the ride with our trusty, gruff, and a bit awkward Detective Mills but the mystery is also so full of suspects and clues that you can really feel like you’re figuring things out with Evander and not like you’re a step ahead or behind him. I also love all the world building around Evander’s life at the ruby, his status with Gene (his boyfriend) and the family he’s slowly building around himself in this corner of the queer community in San Francisco.
Once again, Vikas Adams does a great job as the voice of Evander and the book’s narrator. He juggles the gritty tones well with Evander’s genre defying vulnerability and discomfort very well, the series wouldn’t be the same without him. This entire series is just so fun and the quality stays consistent and enjoyable; a perfect series to pick up for fall!
The third installment of the Evander Mills series was another wonderful addition to this noir mystery collection. The feeling of all the series parts before this and the newest installment is this wonderful chemistry between classic noir detective stories and queer history. Lev A.C. Rosen does it again with a story of a missing bookstore owner with a connection to the original Lavender House family through a queer book subscription service that could put the family in danger just as they approach the finish line to adopt their newest member.
These books always feel like an experience where i’m along for the ride with our trusty, gruff, and a bit awkward Detective Mills but the mystery is also so full of suspects and clues that you can really feel like you’re figuring things out with Evander and not like you’re a step ahead or behind him. I also love all the world building around Evander’s life at the ruby, his status with Gene (his boyfriend) and the family he’s slowly building around himself in this corner of the queer community in San Francisco.
Once again, Vikas Adams does a great job as the voice of Evander and the book’s narrator. He juggles the gritty tones well with Evander’s genre defying vulnerability and discomfort very well, the series wouldn’t be the same without him. This entire series is just so fun and the quality stays consistent and enjoyable; a perfect series to pick up for fall!
July 12, 2025
New! Andy Mills! Mystery!!
The synopsis sounds great, the cover is fantastic, I can't wait for more from this series that is inexplicably under-rated/obscure.
Have now read it, proper review to come, but for now i am just a stack of emotions in a trench coat. Such a good addition to this series.
----
Real review (although I stand by that "stack of emotions in a trench coat" bit):
I'm officially, absolutely obsessed with Lev AC Rosen's Evander Mills historical mystery series. The balance of whodunit plot, character development, and historical authenticity is so well done in every one of them, and Rough Pages is no different. I've become so attached to Andy Mills by now, as well as the various characters who surround him in his 1950s San Francisco world, and that brings the stakes even higher than they already are.
Each of these books feels extremely on point for our current moment - this one with an emphasis on queer literature and its censorship - without once sacrificing historicity. The point is made because it was as real and significant then as it is now.
Suspenseful yet warm, film noir vibes paired with rich, complex characterization - this series remains one of my favorites, and one I hope gets to continue for a long, long time.
Thank you to Forge Books for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
The synopsis sounds great, the cover is fantastic, I can't wait for more from this series that is inexplicably under-rated/obscure.
Have now read it, proper review to come, but for now i am just a stack of emotions in a trench coat. Such a good addition to this series.
----
Real review (although I stand by that "stack of emotions in a trench coat" bit):
I'm officially, absolutely obsessed with Lev AC Rosen's Evander Mills historical mystery series. The balance of whodunit plot, character development, and historical authenticity is so well done in every one of them, and Rough Pages is no different. I've become so attached to Andy Mills by now, as well as the various characters who surround him in his 1950s San Francisco world, and that brings the stakes even higher than they already are.
Each of these books feels extremely on point for our current moment - this one with an emphasis on queer literature and its censorship - without once sacrificing historicity. The point is made because it was as real and significant then as it is now.
Suspenseful yet warm, film noir vibes paired with rich, complex characterization - this series remains one of my favorites, and one I hope gets to continue for a long, long time.
Thank you to Forge Books for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
June 23, 2025
** THE VERSION OF THIS BOOK THAT I READ WAS AN ARC **
June 25, 2025
This story unfortunately just did not grab me AT ALL in comparison to the previous books in this series. Womp womp
September 28, 2024
Thank you to Lev A.C. Rosen and Tor Publishing Group (through Netgalley) for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Rough Pages is a continuation of Evander “Andy” Mills work as a P.I. under the roof of the Ruby. Things are going well for everyone until a bookseller goes missing, along with an extensive list of addresses of members to a queer book mailing subscription. A list that could harm those closest to Andy if the names were released.
I first read Lavender House and The Bell in the Fog with my family, so I jumped on an opportunity to continue the series. It’s wonderful to see Andy becoming more comfortable in his own skin as a gay man working in the hidden queer community. Trying to help those around him in a time when being queer, and being found out, could mean being brutally attacked, if not worse. After all, it's only been nine months since his first case was closed, and this freedom to be himself is still new.
Rough Pages, again, dealt with difficult topics of homophobia and racism. It's hard to read, and Rosen tackled both with grace. Your heart absolutely aches for the characters and what they have to deal with on a daily basis.
While meeting many new characters, some favorites still pop in. I was so excited that the family at Lavender House from the first book, along with Elsie, Lee and Gene at the Ruby were still included in the plot. Like most mystery series, you don't necessarily have to read them in order, but I think you'll get the best experience starting from the beginning.
Andy’s relationship with Gene (eeeeeeee!) is still growing and I love to see the honest communication between them. It's healthy, and wonderful, and you can tell that it's the best thing to happen to Andy.
While this wasn't my favorite book in the series, it was still one that kept me engaged and was a great addition to the series! I can't wait to read about more cases in the future.
Available October 1, 2024.
Rough Pages is a continuation of Evander “Andy” Mills work as a P.I. under the roof of the Ruby. Things are going well for everyone until a bookseller goes missing, along with an extensive list of addresses of members to a queer book mailing subscription. A list that could harm those closest to Andy if the names were released.
I first read Lavender House and The Bell in the Fog with my family, so I jumped on an opportunity to continue the series. It’s wonderful to see Andy becoming more comfortable in his own skin as a gay man working in the hidden queer community. Trying to help those around him in a time when being queer, and being found out, could mean being brutally attacked, if not worse. After all, it's only been nine months since his first case was closed, and this freedom to be himself is still new.
Rough Pages, again, dealt with difficult topics of homophobia and racism. It's hard to read, and Rosen tackled both with grace. Your heart absolutely aches for the characters and what they have to deal with on a daily basis.
While meeting many new characters, some favorites still pop in. I was so excited that the family at Lavender House from the first book, along with Elsie, Lee and Gene at the Ruby were still included in the plot. Like most mystery series, you don't necessarily have to read them in order, but I think you'll get the best experience starting from the beginning.
Andy’s relationship with Gene (eeeeeeee!) is still growing and I love to see the honest communication between them. It's healthy, and wonderful, and you can tell that it's the best thing to happen to Andy.
While this wasn't my favorite book in the series, it was still one that kept me engaged and was a great addition to the series! I can't wait to read about more cases in the future.
Available October 1, 2024.
June 24, 2025
“If people are afraid of you reading a thing—a reporter, the mob, the government—that means they’re afraid of reading it too. Afraid of knowing what’s in the book, whether it be some personal secret, or just some story of love that could make someone feel less alone. Books are just as dangerous to the people who don’t want us to read them as they are to us. Because they make us less alone. They make us see ourselves. They make us realize what we deserve. And sometimes they make people who aren’t like us realize it, too. That’s why they’re dangerous. And that’s why we all have to live dangerously—so we keep reading them.”
I have quite enjoyed each one of the Evander Mills books, but this one, while not actually the strongest, may be my favorite one yet. There is just something I am drawn to when a novel is about books, why books are so important to us, how books speak to us, how we can find community in books. And in this moment in time, when book banning is becoming more and more prevalent, simply for including gay people or people of color, this book is even more important and necessary.
I’m really glad to see Andy settle in, not only in his new job of being a private eye, but also in his own skin. Living his truth has made him stronger, and I’m so pleased to see it. I rather hope that Rosen gives us more stories about Andy and Lee’s new venture of matchmaking lavender relationships because that is just so charming. I hate that it had to be done, but I love how creative Andy and Lee are with it.
I’ve just seen that book #4 is being released in October, and I’m so excited!
I have quite enjoyed each one of the Evander Mills books, but this one, while not actually the strongest, may be my favorite one yet. There is just something I am drawn to when a novel is about books, why books are so important to us, how books speak to us, how we can find community in books. And in this moment in time, when book banning is becoming more and more prevalent, simply for including gay people or people of color, this book is even more important and necessary.
I’m really glad to see Andy settle in, not only in his new job of being a private eye, but also in his own skin. Living his truth has made him stronger, and I’m so pleased to see it. I rather hope that Rosen gives us more stories about Andy and Lee’s new venture of matchmaking lavender relationships because that is just so charming. I hate that it had to be done, but I love how creative Andy and Lee are with it.
I’ve just seen that book #4 is being released in October, and I’m so excited!
June 25, 2025
Once again, Andy Mills is a great detective.
What I enjoy about these books is that we get to see all characters as their true selves - their ability to be open about their sexuality is important, and a key element of the story, but we also see the good and bad parts of people. Andy wants to protect his boyfriend, even when it’s not safe or helpful in the long run. He wants to help the people in his community but also struggles with self-doubt.
I liked the case a lot: it was a little confusing but not in a confusing way, if that makes sense? We got a lot of piecemeal elements that didn’t really fit together until later - which I liked because it made the puzzle that much more interesting! AND the whodunnit of it all was excellent.
I think I could read like 90 more of these books.
What I enjoy about these books is that we get to see all characters as their true selves - their ability to be open about their sexuality is important, and a key element of the story, but we also see the good and bad parts of people. Andy wants to protect his boyfriend, even when it’s not safe or helpful in the long run. He wants to help the people in his community but also struggles with self-doubt.
I liked the case a lot: it was a little confusing but not in a confusing way, if that makes sense? We got a lot of piecemeal elements that didn’t really fit together until later - which I liked because it made the puzzle that much more interesting! AND the whodunnit of it all was excellent.
I think I could read like 90 more of these books.
January 1, 2025
Another Evander Mills investigation with the thick pulpy, noir atmosphere of the 1950s SF, complete with the underground clubs and mafia. I love the focus on queer publishing and bookselling in this one. The fear of persecution is omnipresent but so is determination to find joy wherever you can.
Vikas Adam's voice is amazing for this, so gritty, rough and weary.
Vikas Adam's voice is amazing for this, so gritty, rough and weary.
January 22, 2025
Not as successful as the second book in this series (still waiting on the first one from interlibrary loan) but a good read nonetheless. Really enjoy these characters and the concept of the series.
January 22, 2025
This is the third book in the Evander Mills mystery series. Evander “Andy” Mills is a disgraced former cop turned private investigator who takes on cases for members of the local gay community who can’t go to the policy. In this story, Andy investigates the missing proprietors of a gay friendly book shop along with their mailing list, which could ruin the lives of a lot of his friends and loved ones. In addition to the mystery, we see Andy learn to live (somewhat) openly and have an adult relationship with bartender Gene. Gene is part Filipino in addition to being gay, so he has racism and homophobia to navigate.
Andy’s investigation starts back at Lavender House where is journey as a PI started. Pat, the butler volunteers at the book shop and brings the case to Andy’s attention. From there Andy encounters a tenacious reporter, his old police chief and the mafia, all of whom must be handled carefully to avoid outing both Andy and his friends. The personal and emotional stakes are high and while the conclusion wasn’t entirely surprising, it was compelling enough to keep me reading until the end.
This book is great at building atmosphere and San Francisco in the 50s is a character all by itself. Andy’s anxiety while he works to solve the mystery is palpable and it’s very easy to get caught up in the mystery. I would have liked to see more of Andy and Gene working through their relationship trouble. It seemed to be solved rather quickly. Otherwise, this is a great read and I can’t wait for the next.
Andy’s investigation starts back at Lavender House where is journey as a PI started. Pat, the butler volunteers at the book shop and brings the case to Andy’s attention. From there Andy encounters a tenacious reporter, his old police chief and the mafia, all of whom must be handled carefully to avoid outing both Andy and his friends. The personal and emotional stakes are high and while the conclusion wasn’t entirely surprising, it was compelling enough to keep me reading until the end.
This book is great at building atmosphere and San Francisco in the 50s is a character all by itself. Andy’s anxiety while he works to solve the mystery is palpable and it’s very easy to get caught up in the mystery. I would have liked to see more of Andy and Gene working through their relationship trouble. It seemed to be solved rather quickly. Otherwise, this is a great read and I can’t wait for the next.
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