When I heard there was going to be a sequel to Lavender House, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Plus I love that Rosen writes such complex, messy queer characters who aren’t necessarily good people, but their queerness isn’t why they’re not good people.
I really love Andy, his community, and the ways he’s growing since leaving the police force and finding a family that accepts him for who he is, no hiding needed. This story especially shows him making so many connections and finding what happiness means for him as an out queer man when being gay is criminal, but being in the closet and invisible isn’t really an option anymore. Lee, Elise, and Gene are all such great friends for Andy, and his varied interpersonal relationships are always such a good part of the story.
As to the mystery, I think it was well done. I did figure out one element fairly early on, but other elements were a shock! Seeing the pieces all come together and trying to figure out what justice can look like when the cops aren’t on your side was another great element to the story.
All around this was such an engrossing story, and I cannot wait to see what’s next for Andy now that the community is beginning to accept him and trust him. I love the blending of historical fiction with mystery and the way none of these characters are perfect people, but trying their best to thrive when being themselves can be so dangerous.
[The Bell in the Fog releases Oct 10, 2023]
link to review of The Lavender House, Book 1: https://everyday-offershub.com/2022/10/lavender-house-lb/%3C/p%3E