I really liked this sequel.  It’s a classic noir PI tale but it’s about queer people and queer found families in the 50s.  CW - on page violence, murder, blackmail, sex work

Andy is struggling to figure out where he fits outside of the navy and outside of the police.  He’s also struggling with making peace with his past in the police and the fact that he took part in being in an organization that destroys queer lives.  He’s not bringing in business as a PI because the queer community doesn’t trust a former cop, and he knows he’s costing The Ruby money.  

When an old flame shows up with a case of blackmail Andy knows that he needs to take the case, but with it comes a stirring of old feelings and discoveries of things in his past that might not be what they seem.

I enjoyed this story even more than the first book, which is rare, sequels are hard.  I highly recommend it!

Favorite Parts - Investigating with Lee, Andy talking with Gene at the bar, Gene ‘experimenting’ with new drinks and giving them to Andy.

Read This If You - Love queer historical mysteries, like Noir PI stories, want to see a queer story from the past that isn’t just straight up misery