Review – Devil’s Chew Toy by Rob Osler @RobOsler @Bookgal #cozy #mystery #LGBTQ

StoreyBook Reviews 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Seattle teacher and part-time blogger Hayden McCall wakes sporting one hell of a shiner, with the police knocking at his door. It seems that his new crush, dancer Camilo Rodriguez, has gone missing, and they suspect foul play. What happened the night before? And where is Camilo?

Determined to find answers, pint-sized, good-hearted Hayden seeks out two of Camilo’s friends—Hollister and Burley—both lesbians and both fiercely devoted to their friend. From them, Hayden learns that Camilo is a “Dreamer” whose parents had been deported years earlier and whose sister, Daniela, is presumed to have returned to Venezuela with them. Convinced that the cops won’t take a brown boy’s disappearance seriously, the girls join Hayden’s hunt for Camilo.

The first clues turn up at Barkingham Palace, a pet store where Camilo had taken a part-time job. The store’s owner, Della Rupert, claims ignorance, but Hayden knows something is up. And then there’s Camilo’s ex-boyfriend, Ryan, who’s suddenly grown inexplicably wealthy. When Hayden and Hollister follow Ryan to a secure airport warehouse, they make a shocking connection between him and Della—and uncover the twisted scheme that’s made both of them rich.

The trail of clues leads them to the grounds of a magnificent estate on an island in Puget Sound, where they’ll finally learn the truth about Camilo’s disappearance—and the fate of his family.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Review

 

This mystery was different from many of the others that I have read but in a good way. All of the characters are pretty unique, and I chuckled at the descriptions of everyone. I pictured Brendan Scannell from Bonding on Netflix as Hayden. I am probably not too far off the mark with that comparison.

The story starts with Hayden being kicked in the face accidentally when trying to tip a Go-Go dancer at the club. Camillo decides to take him home with him, but I’m not sure if that is because he is interested in him or if he feels bad for giving him a shiner. When Hayden awakes the following day, Camillo is gone, and he decides that the police don’t seem to care and will find Camillo. He ropes in two women, Hollister and Burley, to help uncover the truth. It is quite a twisty tale, and some parts don’t seem possible and weren’t really explained (I can’t give away too much because those details are what the mystery hinges upon).

I liked the fast pace, and of course, there is a dog in the story, Commander. Hayden becomes attached to him while they search for Camillo. I can only imagine how hard that will be to give him up.

One of the minor characters is Jerry. He is Hayden’s aunt’s neighbor and has to be around 90, based on a few comments. I think he could be a major player going forward in future books. He seemed wise and had sage advice for Hayden.

Now Hayden’s neighbor, Sarah? She must not have enough to do because she wanted Hayden out of there for a lease infraction. I do believe that the landlord was wise to her ways, and I think she had a soft spot for Hayden.

There are plenty of clues to uncover the “bad guys,” but not so many that you might figure out the “who” before the end.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to future installments in this series.

We give the book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Prior to Devil’s Chew Toy, Rob Osler’s short story, Analogue, which was published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, won the Mystery Writers of America Robert L Fish Award as part of the 2022 Annual Edgar Awards. Rob lives in California with his long-time partner and a tall gray cat.

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

Recommended Posts

4 paws animals Book Release mystery Review

Review & New Release – Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch

  Synopsis Pony has been passed from owner to owner over the course of his life—he’s put out to pasture when the children outgrow pony-riding, bought and sold like an object. The years have left him jaded, and, fed up with the way he’s been treated, Pony decides to bust out of the barn. He […]

StoreyBook Reviews 
Music nonfiction Spotlight

Spotlight – The Music of The Hudson Valley by Mercedes Barreto

  Synopsis “What does the music of The Hudson Valley mean to you? Enjoy ‘Volume I’ of this written music collection, featuring bands, musicians, and more from the Hudson Valley in upstate N.Y. This photo book features several musicians from The Hudson Valley and their photos, which represent them and their artistic backgrounds as Hudson […]

StoreyBook Reviews 
Book Release excerpt Historical romance Trailer

New Release & Excerpt – Thistle in the Mistletoe by Margaret Izard

  Synopsis A kiss under the Mistletoe brings good fortune, but can a Christmas wedding stop a deadly feud? The soft beauty beside him at the altar would make the perfect bride. Roderick MacDougall would do anything to stop the feud without more bloodshed. Too bad the gorgeous woman is the daughter of his greatest […]

StoreyBook Reviews 

1 Comment

  1. Kris Bock

    I enjoyed this one too!

Comments are closed.