The Disaster Gay Detective Agency: A Novel by Lev AC Rosen

Rosen (Mirage City) pivots from his historical Evander Mills series to a contemporary story of gay community in this breezy, ensemble-oriented standalone. Four college friends—hotel clerk Brandon, his drag performer roommate Ian, couch-surfing dog walker Ollie, and overworked junior lawyer Nicole—stay connected through weekly brunches, occasional game nights, and their group chat. Brandon is harboring a crush on Jon, a hotel guest who disappeared after he and Brandon hooked up, leaving his phone behind. Brandon’s efforts to trace Jon lead him and Ollie to witness a fatal shooting and its cleanup. Afterwards, the four friends become amateur sleuths to help Brandon figure out who, exactly, Jon is. Rosen brings heaps of playful energy to his leads’ dynamics, and although his decision to retell a pivotal game night from each character’s POV bogs things down in the middle, the ensemble storytelling is otherwise a treat. Thriller fans might find the plotting somewhat obvious, but readers seeking relatable queer characters first and mystery second will love Rosen’s cast of bumbling young adults trying their best to support one another. It’s a charmer. Agent: Joey Tutela, David Black Agency. (June)