My Favorite Reads: Gay Detective Edition

In this edition of My Favorite Reads, I'm diving into a fascinating, and admittedly somewhat new-to-me, subgenre: Gay Detectives. I'm talking about murder mysteries where the sleuth, the one piecing together the clues and chasing down the killer, is gay.  While my exploration of this genre is still in its early stages, I'm eager to share some initial discoveries and hopefully inspire others to explore these intriguing stories. It's a field that's seen a surge in popularity in recent years, offering fresh perspectives and complex characters within the classic mystery framework.

The Scotty Bradley Mysteries, Greg Herren

The Scotty Bradley Mysteries, a series of gay mystery novels by Greg Herren, features Scotty Bradley, a former go-go dancer turned private investigator in New Orleans. These novels are celebrated for their sharp wit, vibrant characters, and evocative descriptions of the city. Adding a unique touch, Scotty occasionally consults Tarot cards to unravel complex mysteries and often offers prayers to the Goddess. 

As of this writing there are nine books in the series. They are:

1. Bourbon Street Blues (2003)
2. Jackson Square Jazz (2004)
3. Mardi Gras Mambo (2006)
4. Vieux Carre Voodoo (2010)
5. Who Dat Whodunnit (2011)
6. Baton Rouge Bingo (2013)
7. Garden District Gothic (2016)
8. Royal Street Réveillon (2019)

The Dave Brandstetter Books, Joseph Hansen

Joseph Hansen's twelve-book Dave Brandstetter mystery series features Dave Brandstetter, an insurance investigator and World War II veteran. A distinctive element of the series is Brandstetter's realistic aging throughout the novels, reflecting the passage of time and its impact on his physical and mental well-being

There are 12 books in this series. 

1. Fadeout (1970)
2. Death Claims (1973)
3. Troublemaker (1975)
4. The Man Everybody Was Afraid Of (1978)
5. Skinflick (1979)
6. Gravedigger (1982)
7. Nightwork (1984)
8. The Little Dog Laughed (1986)
9. Early Graves (1987)
10. Obedience (1988)
11. The Boy Who Was Buried This Morning (1990)
12. A Country of Old Men (1991) 

Mahu Investigations, Neil S. Plakcy

The Mahu Investigations book series by Neil S. Plakcy features Kimo Kanapa'aka, a gay homicide detective in Honolulu, Hawaii. The series follows Kimo as he navigates his personal life and career, investigating crimes ranging from murder to missing persons. The books are known for their fast-paced plots, complex characters, and realistic portrayal of gay life in Hawaii.

1. Mahu (2005)
2. Mahu Surfer (2007)
3. Mahu Fire (2008)
4. Mahu Vice (2009)
5. Mahu Men (2010)
6. Mahu Blood (2011)
7. Zero Break (2012)
8. Natural Predators (2013)
9. Accidental Contact (2014)
10. Children of Noah (2015)
11. Ghost Ship (2016)
12. Deadly Labors (2019)
13. Soldier Down (2020)
14. Unruly Son (2022)
15. The Virgin Homicides (2023)
16. Maui Strong (2023)

The Adrien English Mysteries,  Josh Lanyon

The Adrien English Mysteries by Josh Lanyon features Adrien English, a somewhat reclusive and often awkward bookstore owner in the small, quirky town of Serenity, California. Adrien finds himself repeatedly embroiled in mysteries, often involving murder, that disrupt his quiet life. Beyond the whodunnits, the series explores Adrien's personal growth, his struggles with social anxiety, and his developing romantic relationship with the local sheriff, Jake Riordan. The books are known for their witty dialogue, charming small-town atmosphere, and the slow-burn romance that unfolds throughout the series.

1. Fatal Shadows (2000)
2. A Dangerous Thing (2002)
3. The Hell You Say (2006)
4. Death of a Pirate King (2008)
5. The Dark Tide (2009)
6. So This is Christmas (2016) 

Carolina Dean 

Amateur-Gay-Sleuth

12th House Books