What do you think?
Rate this book
A Nick Williams Mystery #3
The Sartorial Senator
In The Sartorial Senator, Nick and Carter just want to go home to San Francisco after their adventures in Mexico. But, before they can sail into the Golden Gate, Nick receives a subpoena from America's most infamous witch hunter in Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, an old schoolmate from Carter's childhood shows up out of nowhere and revives painful memories. Once they get to the nation's capitol, they are plunged into helping yet another flirtatious police detective solve a curious murder that leads to some very dark places.
In the end, Nick and Carter set a trap to catch the killer and get much more than they bargained for.
Meanwhile, an old schoolmate from Carter's childhood shows up out of nowhere and revives painful memories. Once they get to the nation's capitol, they are plunged into helping yet another flirtatious police detective solve a curious murder that leads to some very dark places.
In the end, Nick and Carter set a trap to catch the killer and get much more than they bargained for.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2016
30 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Frank W. Butterfield
123 books106 followersFrank W. Butterfield, not an assumed name, loves old movies, wise-cracking smart guys with hearts of gold, and writing for fun.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 21, 2016
The Sartorial Senator (Nick Williams mysteries, book 3)
By Frank W. Butterfield
ASIN: B01K3QOYW0
234 pages
Four stars
The Nick Williams series is a clever, smartly written fantasy about a gay man in San Francisco in the 1950s who, because of the chance inheritance of a vast fortune from a notoriously queer uncle, can thumb his nose at the homophobic world around him and protect those he cares about from society’s malice.
Imagine (as the author did) the Perry Mason books if everyone was gay (and, we all know that the television incarnation of Mason, Raymond Burr, was himself gay, although closeted as celebrities of his generation had to be). Try to wrap your mind around the idea of Perry Mason and Paul Drake as a couple, living in a neighborhood called Eureka Valley that would later become the Castro.
Wild, see? Nick Williams and his boyfriend Carter Jones are a kind of gay Batman and Robin, and I can’t help but love them. Nick’s secretary, Marnie Wilson (hello, Della Street) plays Alfred to this dynamic duo, but in book 3 we get Marnie’s mother, who had me wide-eyed and smiling whenever she appeared on the page. Of course, Nick and Carter’s friends—all of whom have suffered homophobic injustice in the land of the free—create a supportive Greek chorus (ahem)
Thus far, the three-part Nick Williams series has only covered about a month’s chronological time, and the books have given us a lot of murder and other assorted mayhem. As book three starts, Nick and Carter are sailing up from Mexico to Los Angeles on their new yacht (don’t ask) when things start to get weird, again. A murder in Washington, D.C. takes them on a cross-country adventure to find a killer, while exploring one of the more esoteric aspects of “the life” in the nation’s capital.
In the end, I had to stop trying to think too hard about Frank Butterfield’s fantasy world and just embrace it. His writing and language, and his sense of place and detail is spot on: it feels like 1953 in America, from the cars to the clothes, from the cigarettes to the perils of air travel. Throw in the kind of startling historical details—Senator Joe McCarthy and a very young Robert F. Kennedy—and you have a slick, amusing detective story that reminds us all that there were a lot of gay people living and surviving in America back in the bad old days.
By Frank W. Butterfield
ASIN: B01K3QOYW0
234 pages
Four stars
The Nick Williams series is a clever, smartly written fantasy about a gay man in San Francisco in the 1950s who, because of the chance inheritance of a vast fortune from a notoriously queer uncle, can thumb his nose at the homophobic world around him and protect those he cares about from society’s malice.
Imagine (as the author did) the Perry Mason books if everyone was gay (and, we all know that the television incarnation of Mason, Raymond Burr, was himself gay, although closeted as celebrities of his generation had to be). Try to wrap your mind around the idea of Perry Mason and Paul Drake as a couple, living in a neighborhood called Eureka Valley that would later become the Castro.
Wild, see? Nick Williams and his boyfriend Carter Jones are a kind of gay Batman and Robin, and I can’t help but love them. Nick’s secretary, Marnie Wilson (hello, Della Street) plays Alfred to this dynamic duo, but in book 3 we get Marnie’s mother, who had me wide-eyed and smiling whenever she appeared on the page. Of course, Nick and Carter’s friends—all of whom have suffered homophobic injustice in the land of the free—create a supportive Greek chorus (ahem)
Thus far, the three-part Nick Williams series has only covered about a month’s chronological time, and the books have given us a lot of murder and other assorted mayhem. As book three starts, Nick and Carter are sailing up from Mexico to Los Angeles on their new yacht (don’t ask) when things start to get weird, again. A murder in Washington, D.C. takes them on a cross-country adventure to find a killer, while exploring one of the more esoteric aspects of “the life” in the nation’s capital.
In the end, I had to stop trying to think too hard about Frank Butterfield’s fantasy world and just embrace it. His writing and language, and his sense of place and detail is spot on: it feels like 1953 in America, from the cars to the clothes, from the cigarettes to the perils of air travel. Throw in the kind of startling historical details—Senator Joe McCarthy and a very young Robert F. Kennedy—and you have a slick, amusing detective story that reminds us all that there were a lot of gay people living and surviving in America back in the bad old days.
August 8, 2021
I love the Nick Williams Mysteries. #3 spends a lot of time setting up the detective agency and introducing the characters I assume will travel through the rest of the books. When I fantasize about living in the 1950's, it's not reality I fantasize about. It's a more equal, alternate reality I envision. Frank Butterfield's books offer the best life for gay men during this time period, most of which is created from a buffer of money. So much fun diving into these books! Looking forward to #4 soon.
November 16, 2018
It's Book 3 and Nick and Carter on the way to Washington DC so Nick can meet with Senator Joe McCarthy's subcommittee and answer questions about the "homosexual infiltration" of San Francisco. Interesting fact: Did you know that Bobby Kennedy was a McCarthy staff member during this time?
As always the murder/mystery is not really important (although the dom/sub component brings up some interesting details about Nick and Carter's relationship) but the world of the various characters is constantly changing. Marnie and her mother are staying at Nick & Carter's place until they find a new home and Marnie's mother is determined to introduce Nick & Carter to all the ladies in the neighborhood and make them a part of the community.
We get two new characters - a former FBI agent Andy who grew up with Carter, and Rumson a former LA detective - plus an assistant for Marnie (Jeffery's former receptionist). Jeffery is dating a Jewish girl he met at Temple and deciding he can no longer be "in the life" if he wants to be a successful lawyer. AND it looks like their Consolidated Security Group will finally get up and running. Starting on Book #4 in the series. 4 stars.
As always the murder/mystery is not really important (although the dom/sub component brings up some interesting details about Nick and Carter's relationship) but the world of the various characters is constantly changing. Marnie and her mother are staying at Nick & Carter's place until they find a new home and Marnie's mother is determined to introduce Nick & Carter to all the ladies in the neighborhood and make them a part of the community.
We get two new characters - a former FBI agent Andy who grew up with Carter, and Rumson a former LA detective - plus an assistant for Marnie (Jeffery's former receptionist). Jeffery is dating a Jewish girl he met at Temple and deciding he can no longer be "in the life" if he wants to be a successful lawyer. AND it looks like their Consolidated Security Group will finally get up and running. Starting on Book #4 in the series. 4 stars.
April 4, 2017
This is the 3rd book in the Nick Williams mystery series and we're a few weeks after the tragic events of the previous mystery. Nick & Carter are still stunned by the killing (in front of them) of their new friend Nacho by deranged brother and him literally kissing Carter goodbye and dying in Nick's arms. Nick acquires the ship and unfortunately, discovers that it was used for nefarious purposes. The captain, ( who seemed like a good guy) turned a blind eye and unfortunately, got caught in his first mate's greed . So, the coast guard apprehended both men and Nick's new ship. Also, Nick discovers that he might be subpoenaed to appear before She rabid paranoid homophobe/ racist Joseph McCarthy's hearings on homosexuals in the armed forces. Nick doesn't like the idea of going to Washington, but plans to give them hell. Before that even happens, Nick & Carter finds themselves shadowed by an FBI agent. Carter recognizes the man as being a face from the past. Also, the hearings are suddenly called. But, Nick is requested to go to Washington to help investigate the murder of a senator's son. Nick & Carter head to Washington but would much more prefer to go back to San Francisco. In Washington, the two men meet a detective that has more common with them, find secrets of the upper crust men who hide in the shadows, and try to solve the murder. I won't say more, but this is a wonderful addition to the series. Also. Nick adds more to his growing agency that is still in name only. Also, I really dislike a certain character who I felt sorry for. Read and you'll see why.
September 8, 2016
Dressed up and Ready to Take you Places...
If you saw a time-lapsed video of me reading The Sartorial Senator, you would think I was watching fireworks: oohs, aahs, agape, my hand over my mouth. The main characters are familiar friends, who are revealing their complexity. On the surface, Frank's stories are pure entertainment; stirring beneath is a growing significance. They are fun trips, spying interesting scenes, but ones that have me contemplating past experiences and what-if scenarios. Like the previous two in the series, the plot churns unpredictably...and some surprises struck chords deep within me. Come for the entertainment, but don't be surprised if you leave with insights...
If you saw a time-lapsed video of me reading The Sartorial Senator, you would think I was watching fireworks: oohs, aahs, agape, my hand over my mouth. The main characters are familiar friends, who are revealing their complexity. On the surface, Frank's stories are pure entertainment; stirring beneath is a growing significance. They are fun trips, spying interesting scenes, but ones that have me contemplating past experiences and what-if scenarios. Like the previous two in the series, the plot churns unpredictably...and some surprises struck chords deep within me. Come for the entertainment, but don't be surprised if you leave with insights...
December 23, 2016
Slightly darker than the previous two books, but a great continuation. Can't wait to read the next one.
October 29, 2023
The Sartorial Senator picks up almost the day after its predecessor in the series, The Amorous Attorney closes. Nick and Carter are on their newly purchased ship and sailing back home to San Francisco. They dock in at Newport Beach (just south of LA), only during the night someone in a mask and dark clothes breaks into the safe to steal all of the money (and possibly more.) While the Coast Guard impounds the ship, Nick and Carter and the remaining crew put up in a local motel, only to find the Hearst empire is still vindictively chasing them, along with a furtive FBI agent with connections to Carter. Then Nick receives a subpoena to appear before the infamous McCarthy commission in Washington DC, over the witch hunt into communism and homosexuals in the Presido grounds. So they fly out and then promptly get roped into solving the mysterious locked-house murder of a Senator's very queer artist son.
Overall, I want to say I enjoyed this, although I was a little bored by the dizzying number of characters that were trotted and out with every chapter, and so many of them coupled up within paragraphs. It also felt like due to the size of the cast, none of the characters really got any development- not even the primary ones, Nick and Carter. And I know it was the fashion back then, but the endless descriptions of smoking was a huge turn off. Seemed like every other paragraph they're pulling out a cigarette, or cigar, or pipe... ugh.
Things I did like was how it felt like an old-fashioned noir-type mystery. So while there were residual 1950s era homophobia and sexism (and just a smidge of latent racism), the story was fairly light weight, and the writing was breezy with some memorable descriptions.
Overall, I want to say I enjoyed this, although I was a little bored by the dizzying number of characters that were trotted and out with every chapter, and so many of them coupled up within paragraphs. It also felt like due to the size of the cast, none of the characters really got any development- not even the primary ones, Nick and Carter. And I know it was the fashion back then, but the endless descriptions of smoking was a huge turn off. Seemed like every other paragraph they're pulling out a cigarette, or cigar, or pipe... ugh.
Things I did like was how it felt like an old-fashioned noir-type mystery. So while there were residual 1950s era homophobia and sexism (and just a smidge of latent racism), the story was fairly light weight, and the writing was breezy with some memorable descriptions.
June 1, 2024
Just when Nick finally thought he'd get home(and get to stay for awhile) another journey appears and this time to Washington, DC in the form of a subpoena from Senator Joe McCarthy. Once he arrives there are other matters that require attention. A familiar face from Carter's past that doesn't exactly make Carter smile which in turn upsets Nick. So not only are they dealing with a blast from the past but also are being asked to discover what happened to a different senator's son.
Cases just seem to follow Nick around.
The Sartorial Senator is a wonderful mystery that though the who may not have kept me guessing to the reveal, the whys certainly had me on the edge of my seat. Just so much goodness and if I don't stop now I'm afraid my spoil-free zone will be compromised. But know this: Nick and Carter will never be dull and will always keep you on your toes.
Blogger Note for 1-3:
I'm glad I went to the beginning because at least for the first 3 I had opportunity to read now, there is a few things that linger from one story to the next. Would you be lost? Not really as the author does a wonderful job keeping the reader in the know but I'm glad I read it this way and not just because I'm typically a series read-in-order gal. The overall feel just meshed so perfectly.
Cases just seem to follow Nick around.
The Sartorial Senator is a wonderful mystery that though the who may not have kept me guessing to the reveal, the whys certainly had me on the edge of my seat. Just so much goodness and if I don't stop now I'm afraid my spoil-free zone will be compromised. But know this: Nick and Carter will never be dull and will always keep you on your toes.
Blogger Note for 1-3:
I'm glad I went to the beginning because at least for the first 3 I had opportunity to read now, there is a few things that linger from one story to the next. Would you be lost? Not really as the author does a wonderful job keeping the reader in the know but I'm glad I read it this way and not just because I'm typically a series read-in-order gal. The overall feel just meshed so perfectly.
December 9, 2018
One of the enjoyable aspects of reading these books is learning odd facts - and identifying real people before checking with the Author's notes at the end. Here we meet Bobby Kennedy (whose name crops up again in Book 26) - I had no idea he had been associated with the McCarthy investigations - and Bette Davis (who also appears in a later book). These little touches, along with hints about what Carter is reading... help make the books even more enjoyable.
In this volume, covering less than a fortnight, Nick and Carter are returning to San Francisco aboard their newly-bought vessel, the Jules Verne, soon to be renamed The Flirtatious Captain. Their slow trip is interrupted by an attempted theft aboard following which the vessel is impounded by the Coast Guard pending investigations into smuggling. While in Newport Nick is served with a subpoena to appear before Senator McCarthy in Washington... And a lot more happens.
This book has perhaps some darker moments than others in the series but is nonetheless very enjoyable - and I've been savouring the writing rather than devouring it in one sitting!
In this volume, covering less than a fortnight, Nick and Carter are returning to San Francisco aboard their newly-bought vessel, the Jules Verne, soon to be renamed The Flirtatious Captain. Their slow trip is interrupted by an attempted theft aboard following which the vessel is impounded by the Coast Guard pending investigations into smuggling. While in Newport Nick is served with a subpoena to appear before Senator McCarthy in Washington... And a lot more happens.
This book has perhaps some darker moments than others in the series but is nonetheless very enjoyable - and I've been savouring the writing rather than devouring it in one sitting!
June 25, 2019
Oh my!
Nick and Carter are the best, what a dream team.
This was an excellent whodunnit. Lots of guesswork. Lots of surprises. New characters to meet. Lots of changes. And the ending! GAH!
What I love about this series so far is the romance. And I’m not talking sex, or even love. I’m talking the romantic feel , the vibe of the times, the talk, the way people were, everything is so descriptive and alive. It’s all so sweeping and all encompassing which makes me ‘feel’ like I was transported back to another time. And of course that’s what makes the relationship between Nick and Carter. That’s it. Everything comes together to make Nick and Carter. The ending of this book was a new beginning. I was kind of sad but then kind of mad but then hopeful and then mad again. Boy, the next book will be interesting with all that went down in this book, I mean the ending, still not over it. So far, this is a 5* series.
Nick and Carter are the best, what a dream team.
This was an excellent whodunnit. Lots of guesswork. Lots of surprises. New characters to meet. Lots of changes. And the ending! GAH!
What I love about this series so far is the romance. And I’m not talking sex, or even love. I’m talking the romantic feel , the vibe of the times, the talk, the way people were, everything is so descriptive and alive. It’s all so sweeping and all encompassing which makes me ‘feel’ like I was transported back to another time. And of course that’s what makes the relationship between Nick and Carter. That’s it. Everything comes together to make Nick and Carter. The ending of this book was a new beginning. I was kind of sad but then kind of mad but then hopeful and then mad again. Boy, the next book will be interesting with all that went down in this book, I mean the ending, still not over it. So far, this is a 5* series.
October 2, 2018
I'm not sure if I would rather be a gay man who steals Nick from Carter or a woman who becomes a part of his inner circle. Probably the inner circle for 2 reasons: 1. The love between Nick and Carter would be something to see and 2. The giant is a little scary.
I absolutely love this series. Even though, or maybe especially because, it's so 1950's. There are hot kisses that fade to black. There are BDSM scenes that fade to black. There are scorching looks and innuendo galore and intimate caresses that, you know it, fade to black. There are some f-bombs and slang but delivered with such class that they hardly seem like swearing, even when they are said in anger. Wellwishers wanted Nick to go to Washington and "Give 'em hell!" but Nick gives everyone hell. Well at least everyone that deserves it.
I absolutely love this series. Even though, or maybe especially because, it's so 1950's. There are hot kisses that fade to black. There are BDSM scenes that fade to black. There are scorching looks and innuendo galore and intimate caresses that, you know it, fade to black. There are some f-bombs and slang but delivered with such class that they hardly seem like swearing, even when they are said in anger. Wellwishers wanted Nick to go to Washington and "Give 'em hell!" but Nick gives everyone hell. Well at least everyone that deserves it.
December 24, 2018
Nick and Carter are the kind of characters you simply have to love. They are always helping those unjustly treated because their sexual orientation, and they are in love, and they present each other as husbands and... really! I love it.
This book follows immediately after The Amorous Attorney, and while investigating the murder of a Senator's son they find themselves immersed in the BDSM scene, and... well, you'll have to read/listen the book to know how they manage that :P
I love Marnie's mother, I love the whole cast of characters to be honest; I love the historical details, Senator McCarthy and a young Robert Kennedy; Bette Davies and Veronica Lake; I particularly love Nick's feud with Hearts and his papers.
So, yes, sue me! I am in love! I regret nothing :P
This book follows immediately after The Amorous Attorney, and while investigating the murder of a Senator's son they find themselves immersed in the BDSM scene, and... well, you'll have to read/listen the book to know how they manage that :P
I love Marnie's mother, I love the whole cast of characters to be honest; I love the historical details, Senator McCarthy and a young Robert Kennedy; Bette Davies and Veronica Lake; I particularly love Nick's feud with Hearts and his papers.
So, yes, sue me! I am in love! I regret nothing :P
August 10, 2021
Reading this as fantasy and Nick as a superhero helped me enjoy this series. I stopped saying that wouldn’t/couldn’t happen and just rolled with the story. Lol
Suspicion of disbelief works for most things but Nick picking up all these extra people is crazy. I don’t like the two new characters, Runson and Anderson. Runson seems batshit crazy. And I don’t know how a conversation fixed seventeen years of trauma for Carter regarding Anderson. Yikes.
Oh well, on to the next book.
Suspicion of disbelief works for most things but Nick picking up all these extra people is crazy. I don’t like the two new characters, Runson and Anderson. Runson seems batshit crazy. And I don’t know how a conversation fixed seventeen years of trauma for Carter regarding Anderson. Yikes.
Oh well, on to the next book.
August 15, 2023
This third Nick Williams mystery completes what is, in effect, a trilogy establishing the principal characters and their relationships. It is a satisfactory end to this first stage and sets the reader up for future stories.
2
The series seems to be a bit of wish fulfillment fantasy of a world where LGBTQ people can be powerful shapers of their own lives and that of the community in which they live. It makes for a very pleasant read.
2
The series seems to be a bit of wish fulfillment fantasy of a world where LGBTQ people can be powerful shapers of their own lives and that of the community in which they live. It makes for a very pleasant read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2019
I really get excited when a new book in this series drops on Audible. It's such fun to see where the guys adventures will take them next, although it's lucky Nick is loaded because they never get paid. The adventures are always a fun ride but it's the information about the times, people and places that really makes these books such a joy to listen to. That and I just love Carter.
August 7, 2022
I’m done with this series. So much of the of the books are about just spending money and hiring people. I don’t know how many times I can read the main character giving someone a job interview. Yes there are technically mysteries, people die certainly, but it’s hit or miss if they will be solved. Also this volume’s deep dive into bdsm and dom/sub relations was very cringe.
July 11, 2023
I liked this more than I should have. There wasn't as much investigation or mystery in this one as in the others. And I was sometimes confused by the writing because there were often so many characters.
I like seeing myself represented, even if the era is different, because the challenges seem to be creeping back into the 21st century.
The next two are in order.
I like seeing myself represented, even if the era is different, because the challenges seem to be creeping back into the 21st century.
The next two are in order.
September 3, 2018
Mr. Butterfield's third in the series and it keeps getting better and better. Kudos for the short inclusion of Robert Kennedy and his involvement with McCarthy. Sometimes people do change even if their before was not pretty.
February 6, 2020
Mystery, history and fun.
Set in the 1950's, this series gives us great mysteries to solve and a glimpse into our past. It is best to read from the beginning to keep up with who the characters are and why they do as they do.
Set in the 1950's, this series gives us great mysteries to solve and a glimpse into our past. It is best to read from the beginning to keep up with who the characters are and why they do as they do.
August 28, 2017
'We must remember our past so that we do not repeat it'
brilliant
August 17, 2018
I am loving this series. Well written with cool and hip characters.
October 12, 2018
So much happening almost hard to keep up with the who did what to who, but I managed :)
Recommended.
Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews