LA HEAT by P.A. Brown

Published by Bristlecone Pine Press, an imprint of Maine Desk, LLC
Date Published: April 2009
ASIN: B001CC8Q7Y
Genre: Novel, Mystery, Thriller, Gay
Ebook
Reviewed by Miss April


LA Heat by P.A. Brown is a murder mystery but it is also the story of two men who find each other unexpectedly. Neither is quite sure what to do with the other. Chris is out and proud. He has a love of fine clothes and nice things. He works for a computer company and makes very good money. His life is full of things but empty of a real relationship. Chris, at first even seems not want a relationship in his life. When his friend, Des tries to set him up, he is irritated by it. He is content to coast along playing games and living large. Until he meets David and tries to seduce him.

David is a Homicide Detective. He is struggling with a serial killer case along side his partner, Detective Martinez. Someone is brutally raping and killing young gay men in L.A. As they are drawn into the case, David must confront the bigotry in his own department as well as with his partner. All while hiding the fact that he is gay. Meeting Chris when Chris reports vandalism to his car is dangerous for David. Not only does he find Chris very attractive but Chris is somehow mixed up in his serial killer case. David doesn’t know if he is a victim or a suspect. Even with this turmoil, David still wants Chris.

This was a wonderful mystery. Misdirection and a great cast of secondary characters that will enthrall you. You will find yourself turning the pages, wondering what will happen next. The relationship between David and Chris grows subtly. No sudden lighting strikes or hit by a truck here. There isn’t any rush about it at all and that’s works very well in this story. By the end you can see how each of them has grown and changed for the better. While Chris is still somewhat narcissistic and David is controlling, together they balance out one another. It is this slow pace that makes it believable. Without that, the story would have been much less enjoyable.

If I had any complaint at all, (which honestly isn’t much) it would be that I would love to see more on the secondary characters, especially Chris’ good friend, Des. I really liked what little was in here about him and would love to see his story later. The way that Des tries to help both Chris and David was heartfelt and what happens to him because of it…well, you’ll have to read the book to find out. He was a great character and one who deserves his own story. Perhaps in another book? All and all it was a great read. Mystery, murder, and love…what more could I ask for?