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Boystown #8
The Lies That Bind
The eighth book of the best-selling Boystown Mystery Series begins with a phone call in the middle of the night. Private investigator Nick Nowak is pulled into the troubled world of freelance journalist, and all around pain-in-the-ass, Christian Baylor. When Christian can’t stop lying about the corpse in his bathroom things slip slowly out of control. Meanwhile, Nick’s relationship with former priest Joseph Biernecki takes an unexpected turn and the Federal case against Jimmy English proceeds toward trial.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2016
46 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Marshall Thornton
56 books629 followersThree-time Lambda Award-winning author, Marshall Thornton is best known for the Boystown and Pinx Video mystery series. Other novels include the erotic comedy The Perils of Praline, or the Amorous Adventures of a Southern Gentleman in Hollywood, Desert Run and Full Release. Marshall has an MFA in screenwriting from UCLA, where he received the Carl David Memorial Fellowship and was recognized in the Samuel Goldwyn Writing awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
July 20, 2019
4.65 stars
Joseph answered for me. “AIDS is caused by a virus called HTLV-III. If you use latex condoms the virus can’t get through.”
“Condoms for sex? Like straight people?”
“Exactly.”
“My family is right. The end-time is upon us.”
Joseph and I tried to laugh but there was something very hollow about Ross’ joke.
Writing - Stellar as always.
Mystery- Again, one that i enjoyed, Marshall knows how to twist that knife that he puts so well at the beginning of the book.
Nick never disappoints, He is one of those MCs that you root for, even though he is always 80% on the wrong side.
Poor Ross! but i am so happy to see him.
The banter always keeps me happy. Gaaah! I love it.
Diskettes have made an appearance. We have come a long way.
Entertaining and damn! Amazing read and Nick has a way with words.
As I put the safety belt onto Ross, he whispered into my ear, “So, who is Joseph?”
“Joseph is a slutty priest.”
“Thanks, Nick,” Joseph said, scowling.
Joseph answered for me. “AIDS is caused by a virus called HTLV-III. If you use latex condoms the virus can’t get through.”
“Condoms for sex? Like straight people?”
“Exactly.”
“My family is right. The end-time is upon us.”
Joseph and I tried to laugh but there was something very hollow about Ross’ joke.
Writing - Stellar as always.
Mystery- Again, one that i enjoyed, Marshall knows how to twist that knife that he puts so well at the beginning of the book.
Nick never disappoints, He is one of those MCs that you root for, even though he is always 80% on the wrong side.
Poor Ross! but i am so happy to see him.
The banter always keeps me happy. Gaaah! I love it.
Diskettes have made an appearance. We have come a long way.
Entertaining and damn! Amazing read and Nick has a way with words.
As I put the safety belt onto Ross, he whispered into my ear, “So, who is Joseph?”
“Joseph is a slutty priest.”
“Thanks, Nick,” Joseph said, scowling.
March 1, 2016
Review written February 28, 2016
4 1/2 Stars - Once again happily (easily) convinced;
THIS SERIES IS SIMPLY GREAT!
Book #8
A weekend BR with a bunch of Marshall Thornton's Boystown fans - Sofia, Rosa, Are and Otila. Fun as always. Thanks Ladies!!
And? — Addictive good
Highly recommended books for you M/M romances reader who also loves crime plots, contemporary history and to follow a non common hero's struggle with life in the 80:s. Not always a pink shimmering sweet storyline or pleasant twists maybe, but so worth to read (or listen to).
*********************************************
The Boystown Mysteries series is about gay men in the 1980:s Chicago. There in the big city is this cool, tough, horny gay MC —the unforgetable— private investigator Nick Nowak in the midst of (sexual and..) dangerous exiting adventures.
Is this eight part The Eyes That Bind at last the one when Nick's life will be a bit easier (lighter)? Will he get a more steady ordinary lovelife ()? I crossed my fingers hard but I wasn't sure...
*********************************************
There are so many good old 80:s memories when reading these. Like Wham! (Remember this? ), those old computers, TV shows... I'm getting nostalgic just thinking about that time.
I'm so lucky every time I get the honor to be with Nick Novak and his friends. Dear buddies like: () — The love, the steam, Nick's life? Complicated as always. I'm not going to spoil anything about that truly interesting topic, just saying: Oh Gosh, will they ever learn?
The crime plot here is pretty exciting..
Poor silly dumb Christian (the young ambitious journalist friend of Harker from earlier books) succeeded to make a mess of his life. Our PI Nick couldn't of course but be involved. Add all those other old "cases" not fully solved yet. () Well the good thing is, that there must at least a couple of more Boystown books to get a proper finish to it all. (You hear me Mr. Marshall Thornton?)
It is hard to explain why and what, but this IS good stuff. Never ever a bit disappointing or uninteresting. Eight book-parts and still intriguing stunning good reading.
*********************************************
I LIKE - I'm happydancing once again
******
~ The Boystown series by Marshall Thornton:
My reviews: #1 (3.8 stars), #2 (4 stars), #3 (4.5 stars), #4 (4.7 stars), #5 (5 stars), #6 (4.5 stars), #7 (4.7 stars).
4 1/2 Stars - Once again happily (easily) convinced;
THIS SERIES IS SIMPLY GREAT!
Book #8
A weekend BR with a bunch of Marshall Thornton's Boystown fans - Sofia, Rosa, Are and Otila. Fun as always. Thanks Ladies!!
And? — Addictive good
Highly recommended books for you M/M romances reader who also loves crime plots, contemporary history and to follow a non common hero's struggle with life in the 80:s. Not always a pink shimmering sweet storyline or pleasant twists maybe, but so worth to read (or listen to).
*********************************************
The Boystown Mysteries series is about gay men in the 1980:s Chicago. There in the big city is this cool, tough, horny gay MC —the unforgetable— private investigator Nick Nowak in the midst of (sexual and..) dangerous exiting adventures.
‘Anything a man says while he’s still inside you should not be counted as reliable.’
...love my Nick Novak. Always so clever and wise.
Is this eight part The Eyes That Bind at last the one when Nick's life will be a bit easier (lighter)? Will he get a more steady ordinary lovelife ()? I crossed my fingers hard but I wasn't sure...
*********************************************
There are so many good old 80:s memories when reading these. Like Wham! (Remember this? ), those old computers, TV shows... I'm getting nostalgic just thinking about that time.
I'm so lucky every time I get the honor to be with Nick Novak and his friends. Dear buddies like: () — The love, the steam, Nick's life? Complicated as always. I'm not going to spoil anything about that truly interesting topic, just saying: Oh Gosh, will they ever learn?
‘The receptionist looked me up and down. “Don’t tell me. You walked into a door.”
“No, I was abducted and nearly beaten to death.”
“Well, at least I haven’t heard that one before. ...’
The crime plot here is pretty exciting..
Poor silly dumb Christian (the young ambitious journalist friend of Harker from earlier books) succeeded to make a mess of his life. Our PI Nick couldn't of course but be involved. Add all those other old "cases" not fully solved yet. () Well the good thing is, that there must at least a couple of more Boystown books to get a proper finish to it all. (You hear me Mr. Marshall Thornton?)
It is hard to explain why and what, but this IS good stuff. Never ever a bit disappointing or uninteresting. Eight book-parts and still intriguing stunning good reading.
*********************************************
I LIKE - I'm happydancing once again
******
~ The Boystown series by Marshall Thornton: My reviews: #1 (3.8 stars), #2 (4 stars), #3 (4.5 stars), #4 (4.7 stars), #5 (5 stars), #6 (4.5 stars), #7 (4.7 stars).
March 9, 2016
***4.5***
I finished this a week ago and I'm still suffering from my book hangover.
Every book I pick up just seems so meh.
So yeah, I love this series and I loved this book! Now I have to wait for the next one :(
Thanks to Sofia, Ingela, R, Alona and Rosa for the BR!
I finished this a week ago and I'm still suffering from my book hangover.
Every book I pick up just seems so meh.
So yeah, I love this series and I loved this book! Now I have to wait for the next one :(
Thanks to Sofia, Ingela, R, Alona and Rosa for the BR!
March 2, 2016
Oh, book....Oh, series....LET ME LOVE YOU.
This books probably a 4 or a 4.5, but since the series never disappoints and I just love Nick SO MUCH, I'm going to award it 5, that's right FIVE, stars.
I just have to wait for #9 now.
Fuck.
By the way, if you like this series and think that one one day you may want to listen to it, or even if you don't but would like other people to have the opportunity to listen to it , please go to http://www.audible.com/mt/contactus/r... and ask why you can't find a copy of Bloodlines by Marshall Thornton? And is there plans for The Lies That Bind in audio? Publishing books in audible format is expensive and maybe if enough of us ask, Amazon/Audible will offer Marshall Thornton incentives. Thank you!
Oh, shit! I forgot to thank my BR buddies, Ingela, Sofia, R, Otila and Alona! Thanks, girls! Sorry it took me so long to get started. :/
June 1, 2016
I think I've just read my favorite book in the series. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE all books in the series, and the book #5 was brilliant, intense, powerful and heartbreaking. I love it immensely, but The Lies That Bind has EXCEEDED ALL MY EXPECTATIONS!
It was such a pleasure to read it, to be in Nick's head, to meet all those characters from previous books. The writing - as always- excellent, beyond dispute, but I think that this addition has the best dialogues and the best Nick's intern thoughts. Or maybe I missed this series so much, and this unique spirit of that time, that I couldn't judge objectively. The 80s smile at you from every single page. It is like traveling through time and space. So many loving small details that make the whole setting very atmospheric and authentic.
Boystown #8 is very reach on plot, a lot of happens here. The mystery part is of a such high quality that I became slightly worried at the beginning that the story would be focused mainly on this complicated crime case and Nick's activities as a private dick and less on Nick's private life. All my fears were in vain. Marshall Thornton has remained true to the series dynamic and his writing style, and kept a delicious balance between testosterone and adrenaline.
Of course Nick rules the plot, and HOW! He is in his best form. I don't want to give you anything away, but you'll get many many of an old and even a bit of a new Nick to enjoy.
Though doesn't matter how much of Nick you'll have, it won't be enough. It is never enough.
It is the law of nature: MORE Nick you HAVE, MORE Nick you WANT.
HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
And if you read and love the series, don't forget to post your review on Amazon! We all want to spend a bit more time in Nick's company!
https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...
June 8, 2017
4.5 Stars
You know what? I think this stands as my favorite Nick book so far. By no means am I saying Nick is back 100%, or that his life is finally settled and perfect. Because it isn't. BUT I feel he's more aware of his wants and needs, and though he's not the best at expressing them, he's coming to understand them better.
Peppered with some good times, this series has often been brutally harsh and scarily devastating. However the glimpses of Nick's thoughts and opinions on the people who make up his varied, interesting life, is full of self deprecation and honest reflection - making me appreciate him that much more.
Many times I've not liked the choices Nick has made, but despite that, he hangs onto his tenacious sense of justice. He just can't help himself and it typically (pretty much always) gets him into trouble. Though not usually achieving the outcome he seeks, nor is he ever properly appreciated for solving whatever mystery he's embroiled himself in, he often saves the day, being the hero for some, though never wanting such responsibility or accolades.
This was actually the perfect balance of grit, suspense, romance and wry humor. Never an easy read but that's just a comment or nod to real life - the good and the bad - finding and holding onto what counts to get you through. As we see more and more, the life and times of Nick Nowak has become that much more addictive and compelling with each chapter. We can only hope for more.
BR with the girls! Looking forward to our next longstanding date! It won't come soon enough!
You know what? I think this stands as my favorite Nick book so far. By no means am I saying Nick is back 100%, or that his life is finally settled and perfect. Because it isn't. BUT I feel he's more aware of his wants and needs, and though he's not the best at expressing them, he's coming to understand them better.
Peppered with some good times, this series has often been brutally harsh and scarily devastating. However the glimpses of Nick's thoughts and opinions on the people who make up his varied, interesting life, is full of self deprecation and honest reflection - making me appreciate him that much more.
Many times I've not liked the choices Nick has made, but despite that, he hangs onto his tenacious sense of justice. He just can't help himself and it typically (pretty much always) gets him into trouble. Though not usually achieving the outcome he seeks, nor is he ever properly appreciated for solving whatever mystery he's embroiled himself in, he often saves the day, being the hero for some, though never wanting such responsibility or accolades.
This was actually the perfect balance of grit, suspense, romance and wry humor. Never an easy read but that's just a comment or nod to real life - the good and the bad - finding and holding onto what counts to get you through. As we see more and more, the life and times of Nick Nowak has become that much more addictive and compelling with each chapter. We can only hope for more.
BR with the girls! Looking forward to our next longstanding date! It won't come soon enough!
February 23, 2016
Every time I read a book in the Boystown series, parallel to the enjoyment and awesomeness that I feel while reading it, there is this horrible feeling of loss, of dreading the year-long wait for the next book!
Yes, here again is the worst book hangover!
In this brilliant installment we see Nick change right before our eyes, and I loved it!
His changes fits the era so well, and are so symbolic to the changes of the times, and still, are very much part of Nick's own evolution and are born from his personal experience and life-lessons.
Again, Thornton's way of bringing the bad things that happened in the gay community in the 80's are seasoned with his wonderful sense of humor, and the 80's "memorabilia" like the glimpse to the newspapers headlines, the movies that are showing "now", the music, the very start of the computers crawling slowly on their way to take over our lives. (Just googling these things while reading is a joy by itself!).
Highly entertaining!!
There are still so many things that where left unresolved, that I'm dying to find out about, and that are going to make the year-long wait as torturous as ever.
March 6, 2016
This series about Nick Nowak, a private investigator in 1980's Chicago, hits a sweet spot for me. It's not emotional or angsty, as many of my 5-star favorites are. It's not overtly sweet or romantic. What it is though, is realistic, laconic, unique, with a different kind of emotional punch. These are the AIDS years, and the plague is upon the gay community. There is still uncertainty about the virus and its impact, and the losses are just beginning. As a reader, knowing what is coming lends poignancy to the stories.
And then there is Nick, brusque and tough and self-sufficient, but less so than he'd like to believe. In this book, his new relationship with Joseph, the man he hopes will make him finally happy and get him past Harker, is challenged by differing expectations. And a young sensationalistic journalist Nick is friends with is lying about how a dead man turned up in his apartment.
As parts of Nick's life turn out to be more complicated than he'd hoped, he makes them worse, then doubts himself and goes into a bit of a spiral. But as always with this series, there is a plausible end to the mystery, and a bit of romantic hope in the conclusion of the book. Time spent with this author and his flawed hero Nick are always a highlight. I'll look forward to whatever comes next for our favorite PI. Do read these in order - Nick's growth as a man, through the changes he faces, are the true delight of the series.
And then there is Nick, brusque and tough and self-sufficient, but less so than he'd like to believe. In this book, his new relationship with Joseph, the man he hopes will make him finally happy and get him past Harker, is challenged by differing expectations. And a young sensationalistic journalist Nick is friends with is lying about how a dead man turned up in his apartment.
As parts of Nick's life turn out to be more complicated than he'd hoped, he makes them worse, then doubts himself and goes into a bit of a spiral. But as always with this series, there is a plausible end to the mystery, and a bit of romantic hope in the conclusion of the book. Time spent with this author and his flawed hero Nick are always a highlight. I'll look forward to whatever comes next for our favorite PI. Do read these in order - Nick's growth as a man, through the changes he faces, are the true delight of the series.
February 28, 2016
A worthy installment in the Nick Nowak series. After the halfway mark, the story really rolled through.
I liked how Mr Thornton contrasted perspectives here. What's play acting and what's real. Being bound by silken ties and punished (s/m play acting - but taken oh so so seriously) and then we have being knocked out, bound by rough rope, beaten and broken (real - with pain filled consequences). If you are into the first one you can go and eat after and pat yourself on the back at how good that was. With the second one you do not have a choice and you're lucky to get out alive.
"The world is a strange place, I thought. Here was this kid looking scary as shit but who was probably as harmless as a kitten. The guys I was waiting on where going to show up and my guess was they’d look like suburban dads, but were really scary as shit. Then there were people like Kell Grant and Russell Rouse who wanted to play at pain without getting hurt. The whole thing made me want to go home and cuddle under a blanket with my boyfriend. "
The personal conflict felt real. We explore what happens when one part of the equation wants one thing while the other parts wants another. .
Read with lots of girls -
June 4, 2016
I am very happy that Marshall Thornton has a several more Nick Nowack books to write. They deliver a great mix of mystery, character and historical touchstones of the 1980s. There a bit of romance, conflicted and messy as is usual is with Nick. I wouldn't have him any other way.
2016 reading challenge checks the box for 40. A book that’s guaranteed to bring you joy I knew going in this would be a winner for me.
2016 reading challenge checks the box for 40. A book that’s guaranteed to bring you joy I knew going in this would be a winner for me.
November 3, 2022
All the FEELS!
The one where Nick’s heart gets broken.
Nick Nowak is in love.
Nick is in love, with a broken heart.
Nick is in love, with a broken heart, and hope to n his arms.
I won’t say more since it’ll give away the story. Let’s just say you may have mixed feelings about the priest.
TW: cheating.
The one where Nick’s heart gets broken.
Nick Nowak is in love.
Nick is in love, with a broken heart.
Nick is in love, with a broken heart, and hope to n his arms.
I won’t say more since it’ll give away the story. Let’s just say you may have mixed feelings about the priest.
TW: cheating.
March 8, 2016
We’re back! Back in the 80s. Back in the Windy City. Back with Nick. And damn…it feels so good. I’ve missed him!
Private Investigator, Nick Nowak, is settling into life again. He’s settling into his new apartment, new cases, and love life. But everything can change with one phone call in the middle of the night. Christian Baylor, a tie to a painful time in Nick’s life, rings with a dead-body-in-my-apartment call for help. And off we go with Nick into the night. Off on another mystery filled with twists & turns, lies, half-truths, and trouble. It wouldn’t be a Nowak case without trouble! :)
I love watching Nick work. We’re in book 8 for goodness sakes, but I still love tagging along as he picks apart a case over a cup of coffee. Hitting the pavement, making phone calls, and asking the hard questions. He usually puts it all together bit by bit with a little help from his friends. Which brings me to one of my favorite parts of this series---Nick’s relationships and chemistry. His family of friends holds so many keys to Nick’s past, present, and future. Pieces that bind them all together. The love and hurt and loyalty. Nick isn’t the most talkative guy when it comes to his emotions. *cough* That’s an understatement! He would rather not think about his feelings. BUT you will see and feel Nick—his heart, honor, strength and sense of responsibility--as clear as day in how he lives and works and treats the people in his life. Nick Nowak is a man who has your back no matter what and who will get out of bed (or in..hehe) in the middle of the night when you call. Hell---he’ll come without question or hesitation! He doesn’t even really like Christian, but he still gets up and goes. It’s just how the man is made. And I love him for it. Nick might not be the easiest man to love or get to know, but once you’re in Nick’s life and heart---you’re there to stay.
Nick’s connections and ties remain true and solid no matter what. Ties to old cases, lovers, and family come to light in this book. Ties and developments that make me wonder. Are we finally going to meet Nick’s family? Will we see Russell Rousse again? Nick has a knack for attracting trouble, so I can’t help but wonder if he just introduced a whole new heap of powerful trouble into his world. Whatever and where ever Nick’s journey brings him I’ll be there though. No matter what! As long as Mr. Thornton writes ‘em, I’ll be there!
Book 8 has everything I love about this series ---old and new friends, Nick’s gruff voice, mystery, danger, and 80s history. The fun 80s details make the scenes and story come to life—the VHS tapes, music videos, payphones, beepers, and more!
If you haven’t met Nick yet…go, GO now! He’ll get under your skin and stay there.
Highly recommended.
March 9, 2016
If this was fanfiction I wonder how many tags it would have?
I can think of quite a few off the top of my head.
Jesus.
I AM SO FREAKING SAD THAT THIS IS THE LAST PUBLISHED BOOK! UGGGGHHH!
As I have said on most of my reviews, go read the amazing reviews out there, this is not one of them.
I loved every single second of this series. Obviously since I read them one right after the other. I love Nick so very much. He has easily become one of my top five favorite book characters ever.
This book though. Gah! I am dying for more. DYING I SAY!
If you are reading this you shouldn't be, you should be reading the series. For realsies.
Hey Rosa! Thanks for the loan girl!
I can think of quite a few off the top of my head.
Jesus.
I AM SO FREAKING SAD THAT THIS IS THE LAST PUBLISHED BOOK! UGGGGHHH!
As I have said on most of my reviews, go read the amazing reviews out there, this is not one of them.
I loved every single second of this series. Obviously since I read them one right after the other. I love Nick so very much. He has easily become one of my top five favorite book characters ever.
This book though. Gah! I am dying for more. DYING I SAY!
If you are reading this you shouldn't be, you should be reading the series. For realsies.
Hey Rosa! Thanks for the loan girl!
October 11, 2019
Darn. Darn. Darn.
Marshall Thornton sure knows how to squash my little heart with his nimble writing fingers.
I lost count how often my heart leapt for Nick for so many different reasons!
All the ongoings around Christian and Ross (and the continuing AIDS anguish) would be heart-rending enough, but what happens between him and Joseph really did me in. Just like Nick I’d had high hopes that his latest relationship would be something different.
I guess you could say there is some poetic justice in the ‘unexpected turn’ in their relationship, but mainly, I wanted to shout at Joseph and kick his ankles for shooting my Nick down in such a painful way. Of course, I get where Joseph is coming from, too, but I just want to see Nick happy, and I seriously doubt that their arrangement is going to work in the long run.
Considering Nick’s past and that he still (mostly) avoids talking about emotions/relationships like the plague, it felt paramount that he opens up his heart the way he does. He's definitely moving forward in becoming more conscious of his feelings and emotional needs. To see his efforts crushed was really the pits!
So here I am, with a bleeding heart, giving Joseph a vicious death glare and keeping my fingers crossed that Nick will get what he really wants eventually.
Highly recommended series!
Marshall Thornton sure knows how to squash my little heart with his nimble writing fingers.
I lost count how often my heart leapt for Nick for so many different reasons!
All the ongoings around Christian and Ross (and the continuing AIDS anguish) would be heart-rending enough, but what happens between him and Joseph really did me in. Just like Nick I’d had high hopes that his latest relationship would be something different.
I guess you could say there is some poetic justice in the ‘unexpected turn’ in their relationship, but mainly, I wanted to shout at Joseph and kick his ankles for shooting my Nick down in such a painful way. Of course, I get where Joseph is coming from, too, but I just want to see Nick happy, and I seriously doubt that their arrangement is going to work in the long run.
Considering Nick’s past and that he still (mostly) avoids talking about emotions/relationships like the plague, it felt paramount that he opens up his heart the way he does. He's definitely moving forward in becoming more conscious of his feelings and emotional needs. To see his efforts crushed was really the pits!
So here I am, with a bleeding heart, giving Joseph a vicious death glare and keeping my fingers crossed that Nick will get what he really wants eventually.
Highly recommended series!
March 18, 2016
Here we have once more the gritty streets of Chicago, the looming shadow of AIDS, and yet another confusing murder that leads Nick Nowak circling back into familiar, dark territory. But there’s something new here, something I noticed in the last book. Hope. A sense of self-worth. Nick’s own deeply embedded guilt and self-doubt are mitigated by his growing feelings for soon-to-be-ex-priest Joseph Biernacki. Indeed, in the midst of the confusion and ugliness that the murder unleashes in his life, it is this relationship that is at the core of “The Lies that Bind,” and that gives it emotional weight. Having set aside much of his anger, Nowak “wanted things to be easy for a change.” But, of course, easy isn’t going to happen. There are two moments in this book where I felt sucker-punched, and had to stop to fight back tears.
With all the moral ambiguity of working for the legal team defending elderly mobster Jimmy English, Nick finds his own moral compass in acts of kindness and gentle generosity. He comes to the aid of Christian Baylor, an ambitious twink he doesn’t really like, but whom his late lover Harker liked. He takes Joseph on a road trip to Normal to answer the cry for help of his friend and sometime lover Ross, slowly dying of AIDS and surrounded by his ultra-religious family. He still has Sunday dinner with Harker’s mother and the teenage boy he’s team-parenting with other gay friends.
In the earlier books, Nick indulged in all sorts of sex, before the concept of “safe sex” existed; using it as a kind of shield against unwanted emotions. By the eighth volume, sex has come to mean more to Nick—not just because of the threat of AIDS and the loss of Harker, but because of his ability to associate sex with more tender emotions. A fascinating exception to that is a curiously arousing bondage moment with a young man named Kell Grant. It seems sort of pointless, other than as an odd “how-to” lesson that Grant seems to think Nick needs. In fact, it seems to clarify, both to Nick and to the reader, just how far he’s come emotionally.
Most appealing of all is the way Marshall has seeded little bits of sharp, wry humor throughout the book, often in small throwaway lines and minor details. When a dubious detective who doesn’t know his history with the police department asks him, “Why’d you leave the CPD?”; he responds: “Creative differences.” The Nick in book one couldn’t have made that little joke. This Nick, for all the sorrow and violence he’s experienced, can laugh at his life, now that he feels it’s finally worth living.
With all the moral ambiguity of working for the legal team defending elderly mobster Jimmy English, Nick finds his own moral compass in acts of kindness and gentle generosity. He comes to the aid of Christian Baylor, an ambitious twink he doesn’t really like, but whom his late lover Harker liked. He takes Joseph on a road trip to Normal to answer the cry for help of his friend and sometime lover Ross, slowly dying of AIDS and surrounded by his ultra-religious family. He still has Sunday dinner with Harker’s mother and the teenage boy he’s team-parenting with other gay friends.
In the earlier books, Nick indulged in all sorts of sex, before the concept of “safe sex” existed; using it as a kind of shield against unwanted emotions. By the eighth volume, sex has come to mean more to Nick—not just because of the threat of AIDS and the loss of Harker, but because of his ability to associate sex with more tender emotions. A fascinating exception to that is a curiously arousing bondage moment with a young man named Kell Grant. It seems sort of pointless, other than as an odd “how-to” lesson that Grant seems to think Nick needs. In fact, it seems to clarify, both to Nick and to the reader, just how far he’s come emotionally.
Most appealing of all is the way Marshall has seeded little bits of sharp, wry humor throughout the book, often in small throwaway lines and minor details. When a dubious detective who doesn’t know his history with the police department asks him, “Why’d you leave the CPD?”; he responds: “Creative differences.” The Nick in book one couldn’t have made that little joke. This Nick, for all the sorrow and violence he’s experienced, can laugh at his life, now that he feels it’s finally worth living.
September 5, 2022
I'm working my way through the rest of the Boystown series after pausing at the end of book #7, Bloodlines. It was all just too .... heartbreaking to handle. But now, having gone back and read all the books up to this point, it's a revelation to continue Thornton's amazing series.
Karma's a bitch, and while at times one may be tempted to snarl I told you so, here Nick gets payback in spades for his non-monogamous (at his insistence) relationship with Harker. And yeah, it's painful but Nick's reaction shows his growth over the series so far.
Karma's a bitch, and while at times one may be tempted to snarl I told you so, here Nick gets payback in spades for his non-monogamous (at his insistence) relationship with Harker. And yeah, it's painful but Nick's reaction shows his growth over the series so far.
February 23, 2016
Nick Nick Nick
there is such a thin border of love/hate btwn me and this guy
Love usually wins out.
How many more books in this series I wonder?????? And how long of a wait for the next one??
Cause if I need anything in my life it is MORE NICK OK
there is such a thin border of love/hate btwn me and this guy
Love usually wins out.
How many more books in this series I wonder?????? And how long of a wait for the next one??
Cause if I need anything in my life it is MORE NICK OK
March 21, 2016
Marshall Thornton has given us another amazing story in his BOYSTOWN Series--
Highly recommend this book and the entire series--a must read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery and great characters--
Highly recommend this book and the entire series--a must read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery and great characters--
April 3, 2016
Excellent addition to this series.
August 23, 2019
4.5 stars, rounded up
February 5, 2017
4.5 stars
Marshall Thornston manages to enchant me with every new installment. I laughed, I hoped, I was surprised, I was saddened, I didn't want the book to end.
I don't even know what to talk about first. Well done Mr Thornton, well done!
Marshall Thornston manages to enchant me with every new installment. I laughed, I hoped, I was surprised, I was saddened, I didn't want the book to end.
I don't even know what to talk about first. Well done Mr Thornton, well done!
March 2, 2016
Last spring, i read all 7 Boystown series' books in a week.
I loved every single book. But that time I was in a sad mood, because I was very worried for my mother's health (she was getting heart surgery).
Later, I thought that maybe my opinion about those books was bound to my sad mood, and that's why I loved them so much.
Now, my mother is good, she's alive and kicking. And my mood is definitively more cheerful.
And I loved every single page of The lies that bind. It felt like coming home.
How much I missed Nick! How much I missed Mr Thornton writing!
I love so much that old school type of investigation, without Internet, cell phone, and CSI blabbering.
I love Nick's humanism, and his sense of morality. I love all that humanity that revolves around him: Russell, Brian, Owen, Mrs Harker, Sugar.
I even like Joseph, the "slutty priest", although he's not Bert, and he'll never be (Bert will always have a special place in my heart).
And I love Mr Thornton writing, with all that hard boiled vibe. He makes me laugh, he makes me think, and he makes me stay on the edge of my chair.
i was afraid that this would have been the last book in this series. But no, it's clear that it's not, and I'm very happy about it.
I wish I could read about Nick's adventures until I become old, and I'll be a granny reading about a slutty gay PI in Chicago in the eighties.
That would be fun.
I loved every single book. But that time I was in a sad mood, because I was very worried for my mother's health (she was getting heart surgery).
Later, I thought that maybe my opinion about those books was bound to my sad mood, and that's why I loved them so much.
Now, my mother is good, she's alive and kicking. And my mood is definitively more cheerful.
And I loved every single page of The lies that bind. It felt like coming home.
How much I missed Nick! How much I missed Mr Thornton writing!
I love so much that old school type of investigation, without Internet, cell phone, and CSI blabbering.
I love Nick's humanism, and his sense of morality. I love all that humanity that revolves around him: Russell, Brian, Owen, Mrs Harker, Sugar.
I even like Joseph, the "slutty priest", although he's not Bert, and he'll never be (Bert will always have a special place in my heart).
And I love Mr Thornton writing, with all that hard boiled vibe. He makes me laugh, he makes me think, and he makes me stay on the edge of my chair.
i was afraid that this would have been the last book in this series. But no, it's clear that it's not, and I'm very happy about it.
I wish I could read about Nick's adventures until I become old, and I'll be a granny reading about a slutty gay PI in Chicago in the eighties.
That would be fun.
January 16, 2020
The combination of mystery and Nick's personal problems is well balanced and there's still a mystery going on for the next book ;). I really have no much to say about it...i love this series and i'm gonna keep reading it, one of my favorite parts aside from the mysteries is the fact that you really feel in the 80's and Nick's jokes and references always make me laugh.
The ending was very beautiful.
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Re-read rambling:
The ending was very beautiful.
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Re-read rambling:
May 28, 2025
Oh, did you think we were having some emotional growth in that last installment? Well, Nick is here to remind you that Nick is a dick. It’s almost like being isolated and forced to hide whatever limited relationships you can find leaves you emotionally stunted. Who knew? Add in period attitudes about masculinity and male monogamy and…
I really enjoyed this one though it did feel a little “orchestrated”, like certain relationship issues were arranged to prompt/excuse certain behaviors that might be in the book for reasons other than story. Even the mystery plot felt a little underdone, too much straight line in the wrong direction until it’s time to wrap up and suddenly he makes the right turn. It could have stood to be a bit more complicated.
But when I wasn’t noticing the less than artfully orchestrated bits, I did like what we got out of this installment.
I really enjoyed this one though it did feel a little “orchestrated”, like certain relationship issues were arranged to prompt/excuse certain behaviors that might be in the book for reasons other than story. Even the mystery plot felt a little underdone, too much straight line in the wrong direction until it’s time to wrap up and suddenly he makes the right turn. It could have stood to be a bit more complicated.
But when I wasn’t noticing the less than artfully orchestrated bits, I did like what we got out of this installment.
Read
June 24, 20233.5 Stars
March 7, 2016
Really enjoy this series
It is interesting to see Nick grow and mature as this series goes along. The mystery was convoluted enough to keep me tense as the story progressed. Nick's relationship with Joseph made me even more tense, but the ending was satisfying for me. I Impatiently look forward to the next book in the series.
It is interesting to see Nick grow and mature as this series goes along. The mystery was convoluted enough to keep me tense as the story progressed. Nick's relationship with Joseph made me even more tense, but the ending was satisfying for me. I Impatiently look forward to the next book in the series.
April 9, 2018
Another entertaining novel in the Nick Nowak detective series. Involving plot. Interesting character conflicts. Some hot sex scenes. Maybe it goes on a bit too long. But I recommend the series and will read as many Nick Nowak stories that Marshall Thornton creates.
March 7, 2016
I love Nick Nowak... and in this installment of the great Boystown series he continues to show us what a good guy he is... though he doesn't know it. It's best that you read all the preceding books to fully enjoy this one. There are so many wonderful characters in this series that make an appearance here... or who are referenced but not seen. In book eight, there are three story lines going on: Nick's love life, a new murder that needs to be solved and an old mobster case that we learn more about. Also, since this book is set in 1984, the specter of the Aids Epidemic looms over everything (the scene in Normal was bittersweet). This book has a lot of humor and as always I love the gritty descriptions of Chicago and the writing flows like buttah. Thank you Marshall for giving us Nick Nowak and the Boystown books... I hope there are many more to come. ~ Tom
June 16, 2016
This book 4.5 stars. The series though, that is what is special. The series is definitely a 5+ star read. Nick is a fantastic character in each and every installment but his personal growth is nearly tangible to me as a reader when you reflect on the series from beginning to present.
I have favorite books on my shelves, I have beloved authors from different genres. For UF I can't ever see the Dresden Files being knocked out of the top spot, just as for gay fiction, Boystown has cemented it's own place. I don't do "real" books any longer due to space constraints but this is one series that I want on my bookshelves.
I can't recommend this series enough, especially if you are old enough to have any memory of the 80s. If you aren't then the historical aspect should be enough to fascinate you.
I have favorite books on my shelves, I have beloved authors from different genres. For UF I can't ever see the Dresden Files being knocked out of the top spot, just as for gay fiction, Boystown has cemented it's own place. I don't do "real" books any longer due to space constraints but this is one series that I want on my bookshelves.
I can't recommend this series enough, especially if you are old enough to have any memory of the 80s. If you aren't then the historical aspect should be enough to fascinate you.
February 4, 2020
Marshall Thornton writing at his usual fantastic standard. The action/murder happens from the get-go and the pacing does not flag from then on. The whodunnit elements (and therefore heaps of introduced suspect characters) are nicely interwoven with Nick's ongoing relational issues with finding a guy who lasts the race (or at least until the next book in the series hah); there are definitely anxious moments with ex-priest Joe in this book. And of course readers get continued acquaintance with Nick's ever growing band of ex-lovers and boyfriends. (and their current flames). This series keeps getting better and better.
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