The Good Cop: A Dick Hardesty Mystery

Number five in the series sees Tom, an old friend from Dick's past, move to the city. Tom has got married to a lesbian friend of his. Grey's treatment of gays marrying to stay beneath the radar was excellently handled. We saw how Dick struggled to understand his friend's actions, knowing he'd not be able to do something similar. As always Grey weaves a most interesting tale, dropping clues along the way. Small incidents casually related become important factors later on. Many old favourites from earlier stories reappear. I was most gratified to see that Phil and Tim decided to settle down together and raise tropical fish. This is the best book of the series so far. The writing is smoother and tighter. The power struggle in the police department and Dick's attempt to keep the peace were excellently described. However, the most beguiling aspect of the novel was Hardesty's growing attraction to an innocent and totally sweet nineteen-year-old he meets in a hustler bar. Dick tries to tell himself that Jonathan is too young, but the man's genuineness and obvious goodness eat at his in-built need to protect and nurture. However, when Jonathan agrees to put his life on the line in order to help catch a killer, Dick is forced to raise the white flag in defeat. I can't wait to read the next story which will hopefully show the start of Dick and Jonathan's togetherness.

Not really a mystery, just a great story with wonderful characters and real life drama. I read it straight through after setting aside the vast and soporific Cinatis by Donaghe. The quality of the writing and story reminds me of the early Patrica Nell Warren and Ronald Donaghe novels.