Dead in L.A. by Lou Harper
★★★★☆
I enjoy Lou Harper's writing style in general, and this was an interesting deviation from the M/M norm in that it was written in first-person POV. I know a lot of readers don't like that, but I've never had a problem with it, especially when the protagonist's voice is clear and well defined, as Jon's is here.
And speaking of Jon, I wasn't sure I liked him to begin with, but as the story progressed and I learned more about him and why he was as determined to be self-contained as he was, I began to understand and empathize. By the end of the book, I found myself really liking him, and appreciating the journey that he'd taken and the changes he'd undergone as a result of his developing friendship and then relationship with Leander.
Leander was a great character, as well, though we don't get as in-depth a look at him as we do at Jon because of the POV. I especially liked that Leander isn't a total pushover; he's a nice guy, and he cuts Jon some slack, but he makes his own decisions and even expresses frustration, anger, and bitterness over what he perceives as Jon's initial "two beer queer" behavior.
The mystery aspect of the book was well done, though I didn't feel like it was really the point. I don't mean that in a negative or critical way, mind you. It felt like the backdrop in a play: when executed with artistry, it adds immeasurably to the production — in fact, the show wouldn't be the same without it — but the audience's focus will always be more on the actors in front of it.
The second book is already on my Kindle, and I'm looking forward to starting it later today.
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