October 14, 2023
Step into the shadowy realm of gay mystery books, where secrets linger in the mist and the unknown looms in the darkness, where the thrill of the chase and the rush of the reveal keep you on the edge of your seat. These books are not just tales of crime and suspense, but also a reflection of the LGBTQ+ community and their ongoing struggles for acceptance and equality.
We have traversed the literary landscape, scouring for the most thrilling and suspenseful stories that showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the queer community. From fast-paced and gritty crime novels set in the heart of New York City to thought-provoking stories that delve into the complexities of love, friendship, and identity, these books offer something for every reader.
They are not just a form of entertainment but also a medium to understand and empathize with the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.
…We have curated a list of the top 10 gay mystery books that will capture your imagination and leave you guessing until the very end. Each one is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a shining beacon of hope in the face of adversity.
Aloha Candy Hearts by Anthony Bidulka
Aloha Candy Hearts opens with a brutal strangulation in an airport parking lot, an event that serves as the catalyst for a scavenger hunt through the rich and storied history of Saskatoon. The treasure map, consisting of a series of cryptic riddles, leads the reader on a journey through the city’s past, expertly researched and rendered with a sense of veracity that immerses the reader in the world of the story.
As the investigation unfolds, Bidulka deftly unravels a web of blackmail and murder, leaving the reader guessing until the very end. But it is the personal journey of the protagonist, Russell, that elevates Aloha Candy Hearts to a work of true literary merit. As a gay person, Russell is forced to confront his own desires and insecurities as he grapples with the possibility of loving two men simultaneously. The author does a great job of exploring the complexities of love and relationships within the LGBTQ+ community as it is not often that a mystery novel deals with such personal and emotional issues. Bidulka manages to do so in a way that adds to the overall story rather than detracting from it.
I also loved that Bidulka expertly incorporated metafictional elements, references to other mystery writers, and a playful tone that adds to the richness of the narrative. The emotional climax of the novel, set against the backdrop of a wedding, serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and joy that can be found in the face of adversity. In conclusion, Bidulka has crafted a novel that is at once a compelling mystery, a love story, and a meditation on the human condition.
See the full article and the other nine picks for Best Gay Mystery Books You Should Have Read Already By Now! at Queer in the World