I enjoyed this murder mystery, though it is not - or did not feel to me - as tightly plotted as is typical for the mystery genre. But it fit the main character, who is a war vet turned PI, a store owner struggling for money, a man living with PTSD and loss, but who cannot resist finding out whodunit. I will absolutely read book 2 when it comes out. The element of romance is no more or less important than the element of struggling to make a living. As the author stress, it is NOT a romance.

It is gay, but no content warning for that as it is not a plot point at all. It's just who they are. That right there is worth the fifth star on my rating.

CW, dead bodies of characters we meet in the story. It is a murder mystery. ( )

Enjoyed meeting Mitch and his sister Josie. Though a bit thin in places, the plot and pacing are good and the mystery full of twists and loopholes enough to keep you guessing.

A bit more show and less tell would help with Josie's development as a character (we're told she's fun loving and a great jokester, but never actually shown this side of her personality). Also, I'd like to see how Mr. Shreve further develops Mitch's skills as a PI and his relationship with Trent, who might become an asset in the future. ( )

Dnf

Dnf

A Body in a Bathhouse by Brad Shreve is like the grown-up, gay cousin to a cozy mystery. The premise of how Mitch investigates is similar to a cozy with him leaving his spyware business in the hands of others (his twin sister) to work while he’s off all over the city chasing clues and talking to suspects.
And there is the start of a relationship, although this one isn’t with the typical person in law enforcement or a lawyer.

But, and that really should be a but with a capital B, that is where the similarities end since there is swearing, an uptick in violence, sexual paraphernalia, and some graphic (and very hot) sex. Any of these things would make your classic cozy reader faint or leave a scathing review.

I liked it though… a lot! As much as I enjoy a good cozy, it was wonderful to have a mystery with more grit. There is a lot of depth to Mitch and the other characters, and I can’t wait to see more of them in future books. Mitch’s sister, Josie, is a wonderful counter-balance to him, and Mitch’s lover could be so good for him.

Shreve does a great job portraying a character with PTSD, and as far as the mystery goes, he had me guessing until the end. I was partially correct, but then he threw in a twist. And at one point I was certain it was a particular person, and was really glad when it turned out not to be.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Shreve and to see where Mitch’s life and business takes him. ( )