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Evander Mills #2
The Bell in the Fog
The Bell in the Fog, a dazzling historical mystery by Lev AC Rosen, asks―once you have finally found a family, how far would you go to prove yourself to them?
San Francisco, 1952. Detective Evander “Andy” Mills has started a new life for himself as a private detective―but his business hasn’t exactly taken off. It turns out that word spreads fast when you have a bad reputation, and no one in the queer community trusts him enough to ask an ex-cop for help.
When James, an old flame from the war who had mysteriously disappeared, arrives in his offices above the Ruby, Andy wants to kick him out. But the job seems to be a simple case of blackmail, and Andy’s debts are piling up. He agrees to investigate, despite everything it stirs up.
The case will take him back to the shadowy, closeted world of the Navy, and then out into the gay bars of the city, where the past rises up to meet him, like the swell of the ocean under a warship. Missing people, violent strangers, and scandalous photos that could destroy lives are a whirlpool around him, and Andy better make sense of it all before someone pulls him under for good.
San Francisco, 1952. Detective Evander “Andy” Mills has started a new life for himself as a private detective―but his business hasn’t exactly taken off. It turns out that word spreads fast when you have a bad reputation, and no one in the queer community trusts him enough to ask an ex-cop for help.
When James, an old flame from the war who had mysteriously disappeared, arrives in his offices above the Ruby, Andy wants to kick him out. But the job seems to be a simple case of blackmail, and Andy’s debts are piling up. He agrees to investigate, despite everything it stirs up.
The case will take him back to the shadowy, closeted world of the Navy, and then out into the gay bars of the city, where the past rises up to meet him, like the swell of the ocean under a warship. Missing people, violent strangers, and scandalous photos that could destroy lives are a whirlpool around him, and Andy better make sense of it all before someone pulls him under for good.
261 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2023
About the author
Lev A.C. Rosen
14 books995 followersLEV AC ROSEN sometimes is sometimes known as L.C. ROSEN. He is the author of books for all ages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 488 reviews
May 31, 2023
The Bell in the Fog is even better than its prequel Lavender House and Lev A.C. Rosen’s best book so far! The Fifties, a disgraced detective, diverse characters; this series is so good! And The Bell in the Fog is also perfectly readable as a stand-alone.
Books with chilling atmospheres enlighten me. I love main characters who are guarded about what might happen. I love tension that’s palpable on every page, even though nothing is happening (yet). I love waiting for eerie moments to come.
The uneasiness in Lavender House was fantastic, and I adored it even more in The Bell in the Fog. That fog in the title perfectly describes this book. It’s like a seemingly hazy day with mist hanging above the water. A chilly day, and shivers might run down your spine. Then the sun pokes its rays through the clouds and slowly burns the fog away. Suddenly there’s so much warmth and beauty to find. Until the darkness and the chill get back, and the mist starts coming in again. It’s tangible in Andy’s love life, his feelings for both James, the man he once loved and who left him without notice, and Gene, the man who might be his future love. It’s noticeable in the mystery parts of the book and the clubs and the bars, with both the queer joy and the terrible raids. And it’s even visible in the setting, San Francisco, one of the foggiest cities on earth but also beautiful with breathtaking views until the mist sneakily creeps up again like a thief in the night.
I loved, loved, loved this book and can’t wait for part three!
Thank you, Libby, from Forge Books (Tor Publishing Group), for sending me the eARC of this book! This series is phenomenal!
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Books with chilling atmospheres enlighten me. I love main characters who are guarded about what might happen. I love tension that’s palpable on every page, even though nothing is happening (yet). I love waiting for eerie moments to come.
The uneasiness in Lavender House was fantastic, and I adored it even more in The Bell in the Fog. That fog in the title perfectly describes this book. It’s like a seemingly hazy day with mist hanging above the water. A chilly day, and shivers might run down your spine. Then the sun pokes its rays through the clouds and slowly burns the fog away. Suddenly there’s so much warmth and beauty to find. Until the darkness and the chill get back, and the mist starts coming in again. It’s tangible in Andy’s love life, his feelings for both James, the man he once loved and who left him without notice, and Gene, the man who might be his future love. It’s noticeable in the mystery parts of the book and the clubs and the bars, with both the queer joy and the terrible raids. And it’s even visible in the setting, San Francisco, one of the foggiest cities on earth but also beautiful with breathtaking views until the mist sneakily creeps up again like a thief in the night.
I loved, loved, loved this book and can’t wait for part three!
Thank you, Libby, from Forge Books (Tor Publishing Group), for sending me the eARC of this book! This series is phenomenal!
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April 30, 2023
A great continuation of the Andy Mills series, with more of Andy’s own personal story to explore. This story is slower paced than Lavender House and I didn’t love the quick wrap up at the end, but I loved the historical research that the author included with this story. I hope we see more of Andy’s personal life as this series goes on!
July 14, 2023
San Francisco, 1952: Navy veteran Andy is a private detective and former cop. The queer community doesn't really trust him because of this--they knew police were extorting protection money from gay bar owners to keep from being raided, and beating up people they suspected of being gay. Andy is hired to find some incriminating blackmail photos, and the pictures are not the only secrets he uncovers. This historical mystery reminded me of a noir film--the author recreates the threatening and exciting atmosphere of the time. Fights, murders and lies are juxtaposed with love and kindness in this excellent historical mystery. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
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October 20, 20234.5 stars rounded up
I am really loving this series! If you want noir detective vibes with a gay lead you should really check out these mysteries. The Bell in the Fog is book 2, following gay PI and former cop Andy Mills on a new case involving blackmail. Set in 1952 San Francisco, Andy is still coming to terms with his complicity in police harm to his own community and trying to make amends. Now someone from his past has hired him to find out who is behind blackmail photos that would threaten the military career of the client if his queerness were to be outed. But things are much messier than they first seem...
This is a great mystery with characters I love offering a look at the complexities of what it meant to be a queer person during this time. Definitely recommend! The audio narration is excellent as well and gives that gravelly detective voice you want for the time period. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
I am really loving this series! If you want noir detective vibes with a gay lead you should really check out these mysteries. The Bell in the Fog is book 2, following gay PI and former cop Andy Mills on a new case involving blackmail. Set in 1952 San Francisco, Andy is still coming to terms with his complicity in police harm to his own community and trying to make amends. Now someone from his past has hired him to find out who is behind blackmail photos that would threaten the military career of the client if his queerness were to be outed. But things are much messier than they first seem...
This is a great mystery with characters I love offering a look at the complexities of what it meant to be a queer person during this time. Definitely recommend! The audio narration is excellent as well and gives that gravelly detective voice you want for the time period. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
November 23, 2023
I enjoyed Lavender House, the first Andy Mills book, 3.75 stars' worth; this time I think LACR has hit his stride, because apart from a few patches of clunky dialogue I have almost no notes.
As the ad copy says, Andy's set up as a private detective now, but because he used to be a cop (and not only a cop, but a cop who did jack to protect other queer people), he's not trusted, so he's not getting much business. He lives above his friend Elsie's bar, the Ruby, and he's costing it business too, so she's not making enough to pay the bribes that prevent raids, and all in all it's a mess.
Plot and vibes here. The plot is Andy solving a blackmail case and a couple of murders, as well as learning some things about his own history that he might have preferred to remain in ignorance of. (Or not, because who becomes a detective if they're not of a mind to know, however unpleasant the knowing.) The vibes are Andy doing his best to make amends and earn his place in the community he properly belongs to (spoiler: he does a fine job) while wrestling with what the most just possible outcome is in a case where real justice is unavailable to either the victims of crime, or its perpetrators, or those who are both.
I worked out the identity of one guilty party sooner than I think I was supposed to -- sooner than Andy did, anyway! -- and I'm not entirely sure that Lee's investigative method would yield results as efficiently as it does, so I'm calling this 4.5 stars and happily rounding up.
ETA: Here's an irony for you: There's a one-star review of this book complaining that you keep hearing about how Andy and the other characters are queer. (Mind you, the reviewer is fine with gay characters in novels! But why do they have to rub his nose in it, amirite?) I live in a pretty queer-friendly bubble but every so often a straight person just smacks you in the face with their privilege. Happy fuckingThanksgiving Genocide Celebration Day, by the way.
As the ad copy says, Andy's set up as a private detective now, but because he used to be a cop (and not only a cop, but a cop who did jack to protect other queer people), he's not trusted, so he's not getting much business. He lives above his friend Elsie's bar, the Ruby, and he's costing it business too, so she's not making enough to pay the bribes that prevent raids, and all in all it's a mess.
Plot and vibes here. The plot is Andy solving a blackmail case and a couple of murders, as well as learning some things about his own history that he might have preferred to remain in ignorance of. (Or not, because who becomes a detective if they're not of a mind to know, however unpleasant the knowing.) The vibes are Andy doing his best to make amends and earn his place in the community he properly belongs to (spoiler: he does a fine job) while wrestling with what the most just possible outcome is in a case where real justice is unavailable to either the victims of crime, or its perpetrators, or those who are both.
I worked out the identity of one guilty party sooner than I think I was supposed to -- sooner than Andy did, anyway! -- and I'm not entirely sure that Lee's investigative method would yield results as efficiently as it does, so I'm calling this 4.5 stars and happily rounding up.
ETA: Here's an irony for you: There's a one-star review of this book complaining that you keep hearing about how Andy and the other characters are queer. (Mind you, the reviewer is fine with gay characters in novels! But why do they have to rub his nose in it, amirite?) I live in a pretty queer-friendly bubble but every so often a straight person just smacks you in the face with their privilege. Happy fucking
June 9, 2024
Hmmm...
I continue to like Andy. He's navigating his new life with stoic determination and stepping up with the gay community to provide them with the protection and help they won't get from the cops. The cops are probably the biggest thugs in this, the way they harass the gay bars and clubs and take bribe money from the owners to leave them alone for a few weeks - or days. It's a terrible time period to be LGBT. Being gay wasn't illegal, but committing gay acts were, and your life could be ruined if you were outed. Unfortunately, that means that vigilante "justice" is often the only way to get anything done. And it's that vigilantism that doesn't really sit well with me, even though I recognize they often had no other recourse.
Andy does get a potential boyfriend, so that's sweet. Though this is far from a romance, so I don't know where that's going to go. I didn't exactly get any of the feels for the pairing, but I'm happy if they're happy.
The mystery brings in a former flame of Andy's, someone he knew in the navy during WWII. He also runs into an old friend from that time as well. The mystery was done somewhat better - it wasn't as unnecessarily hectic at the resolution, but I did get annoyed with Andy But I did like that there was another whodunit that wasn't as obvious as well. I had my suspicions that the
Still, while the mystery and plot was better laid out than in the first book, I'm a bit concerned that Andy got beat up again. And that he knows yet more If he keeps this up, everyone he knows is going to be If this is going to be a repeating motif in this series, it's going to grow old very fast. It may have done so already.
Vikas Adam narrates this as well and does a wonderful job yet again. He did mix up the voices once or twice, but that's it.
I continue to like Andy. He's navigating his new life with stoic determination and stepping up with the gay community to provide them with the protection and help they won't get from the cops. The cops are probably the biggest thugs in this, the way they harass the gay bars and clubs and take bribe money from the owners to leave them alone for a few weeks - or days. It's a terrible time period to be LGBT. Being gay wasn't illegal, but committing gay acts were, and your life could be ruined if you were outed. Unfortunately, that means that vigilante "justice" is often the only way to get anything done. And it's that vigilantism that doesn't really sit well with me, even though I recognize they often had no other recourse.
Andy does get a potential boyfriend, so that's sweet. Though this is far from a romance, so I don't know where that's going to go. I didn't exactly get any of the feels for the pairing, but I'm happy if they're happy.
The mystery brings in a former flame of Andy's, someone he knew in the navy during WWII. He also runs into an old friend from that time as well. The mystery was done somewhat better - it wasn't as unnecessarily hectic at the resolution, but I did get annoyed with Andy But I did like that there was another whodunit that wasn't as obvious as well. I had my suspicions that the
Still, while the mystery and plot was better laid out than in the first book, I'm a bit concerned that Andy got beat up again. And that he knows yet more If he keeps this up, everyone he knows is going to be If this is going to be a repeating motif in this series, it's going to grow old very fast. It may have done so already.
Vikas Adam narrates this as well and does a wonderful job yet again. He did mix up the voices once or twice, but that's it.
October 14, 2023
It should be illegal for the sequel to one of my all-time favorite mysteries to be even better. And YET.
November 15, 2023
4.5 stars. Set in foggy 1950's San Francisco and written with a gritty, atmosphere-shaping prose that befits the story's noir-esque setting, The Bell in the Fog sees private investigator Evander Mills make a triumphant literary return—this time to solve a new case brought to him by an old flame.
November 16, 2023
I loved Lavender House so I knew I wanted to read this one and it was a great continuation. I loved that we get to see some more of Andy’s history and motivation to becoming a cop and then a detective, but I felt overall this story moved a little slower. I love the historical research that went into this even if my heart hurts after reading it. While there may still be way too much hate for queer people today to read how utterly mainstream accepted it was for them to be assaulted and arrested is awful, but I do appreciate that we are not pretending it away from our history. I also appreciated that racism was called out and represented as appropriate for the times. Andy is tired of investigating if his clients’ partners are cheating but he has to make money. So when an old friend and more shows up with a real case he is understandably a little excited even if he also is flooded with a confusing array of emotions. His old friend, James, is being blackmailed and he agrees to figure out by who. This case is full of some twists and a lot more of Andy’s history than he was expecting. This is a great series and I really hope it continues.
July 5, 2024
This was a good follow up to Lavender House. There’s a lot going on as Andy attempts to resolve some past relationship issues, find the person menacing and threatening the queer community and solve a murder but I never felt overwhelmed or lost in the subplots as can sometimes happen. I listened on audio and recommend it if you’re an audio fan. The narrator does a fantastic job.
November 1, 2023
personally, i love my nothing more than background noise audiobooks
read as part of 202-Queer 🌈✨
read as part of 202-Queer 🌈✨
October 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this sequel to Lavender House. It seems that the characters in this one will likely play a bigger role moving forward and I liked getting to know them better. They are certainly an interesting bunch.
I thought this one grabbed my attention quickly and I was flying through it and loving it, but it seemed to get hung up a bit in the middle. Our MC, Andy, was struggling with some things from his past and I found some of his thoughts repetitive and frustrating. I hope the series leaves a certain someone in his past in the next installment.
I was also frustrated because I figured out a couple of things long before Andy did and for a clever detective, he certainly let things cloud his judgement.
However, with that said, I really liked the overall story and the direction the series seems to be taking. I look forward to meeting up with Andy and a few of the other characters again. 3.5★
I thought this one grabbed my attention quickly and I was flying through it and loving it, but it seemed to get hung up a bit in the middle. Our MC, Andy, was struggling with some things from his past and I found some of his thoughts repetitive and frustrating. I hope the series leaves a certain someone in his past in the next installment.
I was also frustrated because I figured out a couple of things long before Andy did and for a clever detective, he certainly let things cloud his judgement.
However, with that said, I really liked the overall story and the direction the series seems to be taking. I look forward to meeting up with Andy and a few of the other characters again. 3.5★
May 7, 2024
You don’t need to read Lavender House to enjoy gay detective Evander “Andy” Mills latest caper. Lev AC Rosen’s newest novel, The Bell in the Fog, can stand on its’ own. The past can come back to haunt you! Andy revisits his Navy past with pals, James and Helen. Andy’s queer community includes his new “Girl Friday” Lee, who’s a she with lipstick on and a he when wearing a suit, hopeful boyfriend and bartender Gene and boss Elsie, owner of The Ruby. A simple blackmail case turns deadly for Andy, who must solve this new mystery before The Ruby goes up in smoke. Thanks to Lev AC Rosen, Forge Books/Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 25, 2023
‘The Bell in the Fog’ by Lev AC Rosen is an excellent procedural mystery.
I’ve copied the book blurb:
”The Bell in the Fog , a dazzling historical mystery by Lev AC Rosen, asks—once you have finally found a family, how far would you go to prove yourself to them?
San Francisco, 1952. Detective Evander “Andy” Mills has started a new life for himself as a private detective—but his business hasn’t exactly taken off. It turns out that word spreads fast when you have a bad reputation, and no one in the queer community trusts him enough to ask an ex-cop for help.
When James, an old flame from the war who had mysteriously disappeared, arrives in his offices above the Ruby, Andy wants to kick him out. But the job seems to be a simple case of blackmail, and Andy’s debts are piling up. He agrees to investigate, despite everything it stirs up.
The case will take him back to the shadowy, closeted world of the Navy, and then out into the gay bars of the city, where the past rises up to meet him, like the swell of the ocean under a warship. Missing people, violent strangers, and scandalous photos that could destroy lives are a whirlpool around him, and Andy better make sense of it all before someone pulls him under for good.”
The blurb is accurate.
Readers definitely need to read the series in order because Andy’s life story is continued from book to book. ‘The Bell in the Fog’ is book two in this series. Andy’s difficulties as a gay man begin from being outed in the novel Lavender House. His personal problems in the first book continue into ‘The Bell in the Fog’. Andy’s life as a police officer was turned upside down as a result of being arrested in a gay club. In trying to survive the devastation caused by his sexuality becoming public knowledge, Andy is struggling with his shame along with the constant threat of beatings from gay bashers. However, he is slowly making a new life for himself with the help of new friends. The mystery is a good read in itself but at the same time the story gives readers much insight into what it was like being gay in a homophobic America of the 1950’s.
I’ve copied the book blurb:
”The Bell in the Fog , a dazzling historical mystery by Lev AC Rosen, asks—once you have finally found a family, how far would you go to prove yourself to them?
San Francisco, 1952. Detective Evander “Andy” Mills has started a new life for himself as a private detective—but his business hasn’t exactly taken off. It turns out that word spreads fast when you have a bad reputation, and no one in the queer community trusts him enough to ask an ex-cop for help.
When James, an old flame from the war who had mysteriously disappeared, arrives in his offices above the Ruby, Andy wants to kick him out. But the job seems to be a simple case of blackmail, and Andy’s debts are piling up. He agrees to investigate, despite everything it stirs up.
The case will take him back to the shadowy, closeted world of the Navy, and then out into the gay bars of the city, where the past rises up to meet him, like the swell of the ocean under a warship. Missing people, violent strangers, and scandalous photos that could destroy lives are a whirlpool around him, and Andy better make sense of it all before someone pulls him under for good.”
The blurb is accurate.
Readers definitely need to read the series in order because Andy’s life story is continued from book to book. ‘The Bell in the Fog’ is book two in this series. Andy’s difficulties as a gay man begin from being outed in the novel Lavender House. His personal problems in the first book continue into ‘The Bell in the Fog’. Andy’s life as a police officer was turned upside down as a result of being arrested in a gay club. In trying to survive the devastation caused by his sexuality becoming public knowledge, Andy is struggling with his shame along with the constant threat of beatings from gay bashers. However, he is slowly making a new life for himself with the help of new friends. The mystery is a good read in itself but at the same time the story gives readers much insight into what it was like being gay in a homophobic America of the 1950’s.
Read
December 21, 2023Not naturalistic enough and not stylized enough, so it just ends up declarative and vaguely try-hard.
You know, if this were just historical fiction I think I would be more easygoing about the writing quality but with detective novels I guess I have much higher standards. There are so many generic variations on this theme out there that if I’m going to read another one I want the author to DO something with it - impress me! I don’t think this author is going to get there without some aggressive editing, and based on book 1 and what I’ve read of 2, that’s just not going to happen with this series… 3% in (!) and I’m already skimming. So DNF.
You know, if this were just historical fiction I think I would be more easygoing about the writing quality but with detective novels I guess I have much higher standards. There are so many generic variations on this theme out there that if I’m going to read another one I want the author to DO something with it - impress me! I don’t think this author is going to get there without some aggressive editing, and based on book 1 and what I’ve read of 2, that’s just not going to happen with this series… 3% in (!) and I’m already skimming. So DNF.
May 31, 2024
It has a nice story, nice characters, and a nice plot. of course, there are more new characters, and they are also developed well.
Good romance too! (if you couldn't tell there were more gay romances)
5/5
Good romance too! (if you couldn't tell there were more gay romances)
5/5
October 11, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
The Bell in the Fog is the second book in the Evander Mills series from author Lev AC Rosen. It picks up not too long after the events of Lavender House; Andy has set up his PI business in the same building as the Ruby, the nightclub owned by his friend, Elsie. Andy serves as our narrator throughout the book and I personally loved how his PI skills helped him analyze new facts and information about the cases he’s working. As a reader, it was gratifying to learn some tidbit, then watch Andy draw the same conclusions as me.
Unlike book one, The Bell in the Fog also treats readers to a more defined romance for Andy.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
The Bell in the Fog is the second book in the Evander Mills series from author Lev AC Rosen. It picks up not too long after the events of Lavender House; Andy has set up his PI business in the same building as the Ruby, the nightclub owned by his friend, Elsie. Andy serves as our narrator throughout the book and I personally loved how his PI skills helped him analyze new facts and information about the cases he’s working. As a reader, it was gratifying to learn some tidbit, then watch Andy draw the same conclusions as me.
Unlike book one, The Bell in the Fog also treats readers to a more defined romance for Andy.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
October 16, 2023
“ I received a review copy from Bookish First/Forge Books and I voluntarily provided an honest review. This does not affect the opinion of the book or the content of the review.”
After reading and enjoying The Lavender House, I couldn’t wait to catch up with Andy. I really enjoyed getting more of a backstory when it came to Andy and especially his past ties in the Navy as well. The mystery aspect of the story definitely took me my surprise with twists and turns! I legit gasped at one point while reading. Also the person who I thought was behind it all was actually innocent and that was very refreshing. As always I love the theme of found family, community and a sense of belonging. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
After reading and enjoying The Lavender House, I couldn’t wait to catch up with Andy. I really enjoyed getting more of a backstory when it came to Andy and especially his past ties in the Navy as well. The mystery aspect of the story definitely took me my surprise with twists and turns! I legit gasped at one point while reading. Also the person who I thought was behind it all was actually innocent and that was very refreshing. As always I love the theme of found family, community and a sense of belonging. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
February 10, 2024
What a great historical mystery! And an amazing audiobook performance by Vikas Adam, who does unique voices for each character. I love how Rosen doesn't shy away from the complexities of being queer in 1950s San Francisco and the tough sometimes unethical choices people made for self-preservation. A meandering surprising plot with lots of local colour in the setting. I also love how Andy frequently uses the library in his detective work!
November 29, 2023
I love how immersed in the time and place (San Francisco, 1952) this series makes me feel. So much character development in this, the second book in the series. The mystery, the growth of the main character, the evolving relationships with the supporting characters and the romance—it’s all top notch. I can’t wait for the next book. (Hopefully there IS a next book!)
June 19, 2024
So good but so sad.
September 29, 2023
Lev AC Rosen has done it again! The Bell in the Fog is a fantastically written book with delicious twists and turns and nuance thick enough to chew on. The noir atmosphere of the writing completely pulled me in and I tore through the book. The historical context of the setting was clearly well researched, and enthralling to read about. It was a really interesting way to look at the time period and the nuances within it, and I felt like I walked away with a better understanding of the Lavender Scare and gay bar culture of the 1950s. The Bell in The Fog asks an interesting question of "How far would you go to protect yourself?" and "How did some queer people making themselves safe put other queer people in danger?" Utterly delicious, this book gave me much to chew on! Great for mystery fans, those intrigued by queer history, and anyone who loves a morally gray character.
^^^ that's my more "official" review but I do have more to say, as per usual. This book was just so, so, so well written. I feel like something I see a lot of within queer spaces is wanting more stories with morally gray queer characters, queer storylines where the characters aren't in a morality play about "here's how to be a good gay." And I would definitely say this book is for anyone who is searching for a story like that. Set in 1952 San Fransisco and dealing with the Lavender Scare, this is a very nuanced story of how the queer folk of the time period dealt with it--both in the ways that they protected each other and the way of selling others out to protect themself. A few of the characters serve in the Navy, and of course, our main character is an ex-cop, and the book never shies away from the fact that these institutions are harmful to so many people, while also exploring how gay men in the navy found solace in each other, seemingly safe at sea. However, the book also really explores the idea that attempting to assimilate into the institutions of the military and the police weren't enough to save the gay men who served those institutions, and the harshness of anti-gay laws. It's a deliciously nuanced look into the past and deeply anti-police and military, so it gave me a lot to chew on when reflecting on queer history. The throughline through the book was very much "how did queer people facing the lavender scare and anti-queer laws find ways to protect themselves in ways that harmed other queer people and the community as a whole? How far would someone go?" and it had all the little wheels in my head turning and reflecting on queer history. I literally checked out books from the library about the lavender scare and a history of gay bars because I was so intrigued by the topic. If anyone has ever watched Black Sails, then this is definitely a book you'd like to chew on.
This book is also incredibly well researched and a love letter look into the gay bar culture of the 1950s. It s a part of queer history I haven't known a lot about, obviously havent been taught in schools, but from reading The Last Night at the Telegraph Club, Moby Dyke, Even Though I Knew the End, and the Lavender House, it's been something that I've been intersted in exploring more, and I loved the insights that this book provided. From the drag performances, to the folks switching partners for police raids, all of it was so interesting to be immersed in without detracting from the story--it ADDED to the story. My coworker asked me to describe this book in three words and I said "Queer Historical Context" because this book does such a good job of having a story and characters that are driven by the historical context while ALSO filling you in on the historical context without being too text-book like.
This is a long review, but i sent probably fifteen ten-minute long voice notes to my friends as i was reading it, just chewing on the naunce of the historical context and the complexities of the characters and the intrigue of the mystery. Lev AC Rosen does a really excellent job of crafting a well researched mystery, and I would read ten more books in this series of Rosen diving into the darker and complex parts of queer history while still being a love letter to the queer community, found family, and queer joy of the time period.
^^^ that's my more "official" review but I do have more to say, as per usual. This book was just so, so, so well written. I feel like something I see a lot of within queer spaces is wanting more stories with morally gray queer characters, queer storylines where the characters aren't in a morality play about "here's how to be a good gay." And I would definitely say this book is for anyone who is searching for a story like that. Set in 1952 San Fransisco and dealing with the Lavender Scare, this is a very nuanced story of how the queer folk of the time period dealt with it--both in the ways that they protected each other and the way of selling others out to protect themself. A few of the characters serve in the Navy, and of course, our main character is an ex-cop, and the book never shies away from the fact that these institutions are harmful to so many people, while also exploring how gay men in the navy found solace in each other, seemingly safe at sea. However, the book also really explores the idea that attempting to assimilate into the institutions of the military and the police weren't enough to save the gay men who served those institutions, and the harshness of anti-gay laws. It's a deliciously nuanced look into the past and deeply anti-police and military, so it gave me a lot to chew on when reflecting on queer history. The throughline through the book was very much "how did queer people facing the lavender scare and anti-queer laws find ways to protect themselves in ways that harmed other queer people and the community as a whole? How far would someone go?" and it had all the little wheels in my head turning and reflecting on queer history. I literally checked out books from the library about the lavender scare and a history of gay bars because I was so intrigued by the topic. If anyone has ever watched Black Sails, then this is definitely a book you'd like to chew on.
This book is also incredibly well researched and a love letter look into the gay bar culture of the 1950s. It s a part of queer history I haven't known a lot about, obviously havent been taught in schools, but from reading The Last Night at the Telegraph Club, Moby Dyke, Even Though I Knew the End, and the Lavender House, it's been something that I've been intersted in exploring more, and I loved the insights that this book provided. From the drag performances, to the folks switching partners for police raids, all of it was so interesting to be immersed in without detracting from the story--it ADDED to the story. My coworker asked me to describe this book in three words and I said "Queer Historical Context" because this book does such a good job of having a story and characters that are driven by the historical context while ALSO filling you in on the historical context without being too text-book like.
This is a long review, but i sent probably fifteen ten-minute long voice notes to my friends as i was reading it, just chewing on the naunce of the historical context and the complexities of the characters and the intrigue of the mystery. Lev AC Rosen does a really excellent job of crafting a well researched mystery, and I would read ten more books in this series of Rosen diving into the darker and complex parts of queer history while still being a love letter to the queer community, found family, and queer joy of the time period.
September 13, 2023
I enjoyed Lavender House, the first Andy Mills mystery, but was still holding out a bit wanting to see where the story would go next (assuming there was a next). The Bell in the Fog more than met my hopes.
This series is very noir. It really couldn't be anything else, set as it is the the post-WWII red scare/lavender menace panics. A book set during this time with primarily queer characters that ignored the threats and abuses would be unacceptably light, a willful covering of the eyes. But those times also saw an emerging queer community that was increasingly asserting its right to exist and refusing to settle for pariah status, and Lev A.C. Rosen shows us both sides of the coin.
Andy Mills, the P.I. in these books, is gay and was a sonar operator during WWII. When he left the Navy at the war's end, he joined the San Francisco Police Force—thinking the best place to hide himself would be the spot no one would ever expect him. When he was brutally ejected from the force, he began his P.I. work, setting up shop in an office/apartment above one of the city's gay bars. He's not warmly embraced by the community, though he does have friends. With regular raids of gay gathering spots and police brutality, any former cop is going to be looked upon askance.
The plotting in The Bell in the Fog is tight, with enough information doled out to make the question of whodunnit at the fore, but not obvious. Andy's surprised when a former lover with whom he sailed in the navy (the promotional materials aptly describe him as "an old flame from the war who had mysteriously disappeared") shows up seeking help to identify a blackmailer and to get back photos being used to blackmail him. This ex didn't leave the military, climbed through the ranks, and is now being considered for a promotion that would be scuttled if word got out about his identity.
In this volume, Rosen displays a particular skill for providing endings that turn out not to be endings, but rather transitions into deeper layers of threat. I don't want to say more than that because of spoilers, but, if you like books that pull the rug out from under you a few times over the course of the action, you'll be delighted by this title.
You don't need to have read Lavender House in order to enjoy The Bell in the Fog. Rosen deftly provides contextual information where it's needed without being at all heavy-handed. In fact, I would suggest starting with this volume as its definitely the stronger of the two.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
This series is very noir. It really couldn't be anything else, set as it is the the post-WWII red scare/lavender menace panics. A book set during this time with primarily queer characters that ignored the threats and abuses would be unacceptably light, a willful covering of the eyes. But those times also saw an emerging queer community that was increasingly asserting its right to exist and refusing to settle for pariah status, and Lev A.C. Rosen shows us both sides of the coin.
Andy Mills, the P.I. in these books, is gay and was a sonar operator during WWII. When he left the Navy at the war's end, he joined the San Francisco Police Force—thinking the best place to hide himself would be the spot no one would ever expect him. When he was brutally ejected from the force, he began his P.I. work, setting up shop in an office/apartment above one of the city's gay bars. He's not warmly embraced by the community, though he does have friends. With regular raids of gay gathering spots and police brutality, any former cop is going to be looked upon askance.
The plotting in The Bell in the Fog is tight, with enough information doled out to make the question of whodunnit at the fore, but not obvious. Andy's surprised when a former lover with whom he sailed in the navy (the promotional materials aptly describe him as "an old flame from the war who had mysteriously disappeared") shows up seeking help to identify a blackmailer and to get back photos being used to blackmail him. This ex didn't leave the military, climbed through the ranks, and is now being considered for a promotion that would be scuttled if word got out about his identity.
In this volume, Rosen displays a particular skill for providing endings that turn out not to be endings, but rather transitions into deeper layers of threat. I don't want to say more than that because of spoilers, but, if you like books that pull the rug out from under you a few times over the course of the action, you'll be delighted by this title.
You don't need to have read Lavender House in order to enjoy The Bell in the Fog. Rosen deftly provides contextual information where it's needed without being at all heavy-handed. In fact, I would suggest starting with this volume as its definitely the stronger of the two.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
May 16, 2024
A very nice and fun follow up to Lavender House. We are still folowing Andy who is now a PI, of sorts, who lives above a queer bar in San Francisco in 1953. I really liked the atmosphere, the harassement and abuse LGBTQ+ people were subjected to at the time was very well portrayed and difficult to read about at times. But we also saw the ways they banded together to support each other and/or fight it. It was grear to see. It was interesting to see how one (in this case Andy) can become integrated into this community, how he finds a space for himself and how this sense of belonging works (for himself to feel that he deserves to belong but also for others to accept him).
What I liked a bit less was the mystery, it was interesting and rather well done but I'm not sure I liked the way it was resolved or the fact that Andy seemed dumber in this one. It was partially explained but he missed some rather obvious clues which kind of bothered me. Alse, he is looking for a sense of identity wich makes sense but his back and forth between 2 love interests felt a bit shallow.
I'm looking forward to book 3 and would highly recommend both books!
What I liked a bit less was the mystery, it was interesting and rather well done but I'm not sure I liked the way it was resolved or the fact that Andy seemed dumber in this one. It was partially explained but he missed some rather obvious clues which kind of bothered me. Alse, he is looking for a sense of identity wich makes sense but his back and forth between 2 love interests felt a bit shallow.
I'm looking forward to book 3 and would highly recommend both books!
October 23, 2023
I really liked Rosen's first book, Lavender House. The second Andy Mills Mystery, The Bell in the Fog is outstanding. We learn Andy's complicated back story and watch him try to figure out if he's got enough self-esteem to feel worthy of a new life. His WWII Navy past comes to light. Old friends and an ex-lover resurface. His connection to The Ruby deepens, and he's got a new case that pays well but leaves too much unfinished when he solves it. He also feels the spark of a possible romance with Gene, if Andy can just get out of his own way. So well written, I flew through the pages. I definitely see this being a series. This might be the best new mystery I've read this year. If you liked or loved Lavender House, give yourself a treat and move The Bell in the Fog up to your number one to-read slot. Can also be read as a stand-alone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2024
I liked Lev AC Rosen's Lavender House, the first book that follows our main character Andy Mills, but you don't need to read it to read this one. Whereas that book gave us Andy's origin story and sets the scene, this second one -- The Bell in the Fog -- is where we find Andy settling in, believable and exciting in this historical mystery.
Exiled from the police force for being gay, Andy now runs his own private investigation service aimed at queer clients in 1950s-McCarthy-Era, above a queer night club and fully immersed in the San Francisco night scene. I found the actual mystery of the story to be interesting (blackmail, lost and found love, secrets, a mix of hard-boiled and quirky characters), though meandering; at times noir, procedural, and historical fiction with hints of romance. But it is the queer spaces that Rosen portrays here that really sing and give the reader a glimpse into the past where being gay was a crime, though life could still be magical and joyful, even when it is alarming with its casual display of homophobic and transphobic state-sponsored violence. Here's hoping for more books set in this world.
Exiled from the police force for being gay, Andy now runs his own private investigation service aimed at queer clients in 1950s-McCarthy-Era, above a queer night club and fully immersed in the San Francisco night scene. I found the actual mystery of the story to be interesting (blackmail, lost and found love, secrets, a mix of hard-boiled and quirky characters), though meandering; at times noir, procedural, and historical fiction with hints of romance. But it is the queer spaces that Rosen portrays here that really sing and give the reader a glimpse into the past where being gay was a crime, though life could still be magical and joyful, even when it is alarming with its casual display of homophobic and transphobic state-sponsored violence. Here's hoping for more books set in this world.
October 25, 2023
4.5 stars--very good.
I enjoyed the first book quite a lot, and I enjoyed this one just as much, for somewhat different reasons. I like that. I hope there's a #3.
I enjoyed the first book quite a lot, and I enjoyed this one just as much, for somewhat different reasons. I like that. I hope there's a #3.
December 30, 2023
4.5 stars
February 5, 2024
It gets better, Andy.
Build yourself the life you want,
with those who're worth it.
Build yourself the life you want,
with those who're worth it.
March 28, 2024
I really like the audio of this series. Enjoyed this and looking forward to the next one when it comes out!
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