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Boystown #10
Gifts Given
In the tenth installment of the award-winning Boystown Mysteries. it’s Christmas 1984, and Nick is busy juggling a couple of cases with his hectic personal life. Sugar Pilson has decided to marry and has asked him to check up on her fiancé. Meanwhile, he’s hired to investigate a shady financial planner at Peterson-Palmer. When the two cases begin to have too much in common, Nick searches for the link. Only to find out that he himself might be the link.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2017
About the author
Marshall Thornton
55 books600 followersThree-time Lambda Award-winning author, Marshall Thornton is best known for the Boystown and Pinx Video mystery series. Other novels include the erotic comedy The Perils of Praline, or the Amorous Adventures of a Southern Gentleman in Hollywood, Desert Run and Full Release. Marshall has an MFA in screenwriting from UCLA, where he received the Carl David Memorial Fellowship and was recognized in the Samuel Goldwyn Writing awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 26, 2021
Reread - May 2021.
Still one of my all time favorite series.
*********************************************
4.5 stars
Another solid one. I will just leave this here:
“Darling, you should know this already—there is no such thing as the perfect man. They’re all broken. The trick is finding one who’s broken in a way you like.”
“And you like the way he’s broken?”
“I do,” she said, then giggled. “I said that too soon. I’m not supposed to say it until later.”
We have come a long way. These characters have become family. When i am reading this books it's like coming home.
Life is pain. Life is danger. Life is love. There have been times when I have hidden from life. It didn’t work. Life found me. Love found me. Try as I might, I could not hide.
Still one of my all time favorite series.
*********************************************
4.5 stars
Another solid one. I will just leave this here:
“Darling, you should know this already—there is no such thing as the perfect man. They’re all broken. The trick is finding one who’s broken in a way you like.”
“And you like the way he’s broken?”
“I do,” she said, then giggled. “I said that too soon. I’m not supposed to say it until later.”
We have come a long way. These characters have become family. When i am reading this books it's like coming home.
Life is pain. Life is danger. Life is love. There have been times when I have hidden from life. It didn’t work. Life found me. Love found me. Try as I might, I could not hide.
December 4, 2017
I am going with 3 stars this time. It is a good read for followers of the series like me. Those who want to know what is happening to their book people. It did not give me more because I had the feeling whilst I was reading that this was a sort of filler read, we got some Nick, we got the family, super Mrs Harker, two cases and a lot of descriptions of Chicago's transport system and how things where in the 80's. I am not nostalgic for 1980 Chicago so this must have been a miss for me, especially since I've read about it several times in this series. Moreover this feeling was accentuated by the fact that I noted several errors, believe me usually I skip over these quite easily, this time round they stopped me, don't know why maybe I was just not into the book. I kept thinking that MT must not really have cared about how this book got out to leave such errors (in grammer but most of all in a plot point which was settled in the last book but which we rehashed again unsolved in this book).
Highlight of the book for me was Mrs Harker and her relationship with Nick. In this series were we get a lot of either 'good' guys or 'bad' guys, the grey area shown with Mrs Harker is a godsend.
Gladly read with R * A Reader Obsessed * - I'm glad I had company :D
Highlight of the book for me was Mrs Harker and her relationship with Nick. In this series were we get a lot of either 'good' guys or 'bad' guys, the grey area shown with Mrs Harker is a godsend.
Gladly read with R * A Reader Obsessed * - I'm glad I had company :D
March 13, 2018
30th Annual Lambda Literary Award Finalist
Gay Mystery:
It is the opening lines, and yes, this installment is inspired by love. Even if it is not THAT obvious at the beginning. Though it is difficult NOT to notice it later. LOVE is a central thread woven throughout the whole book.
Nick is in LOVE. Though I still haven't got warm with Joseph, it is fascinating to see how good the ex-priest adapted himself to his new live outside the church, to his new surroundings, to Nick's friends.
Nick, Joseph and Ross live in a tiny one-bedroom apartment (with a couch in a living room for Ross) with a great view on Lake Michigan. It is Christmas time, and Nick plans to invite Mrs. Harker to spend Christmas with them together that could become a very difficult task. She still doesn't know that Joseph is Nick's boyfriend.
Though Nick won't have enough free time to find Christmas gifts for his friends. At first his long-time friend Sugar asks him for a favor. She is also in LOVE and she wants Nick to make a standard background check on her lover. At the same time his old client Vincent Renaldi urgently needs his service as a PI for a very delicate case. And what a surprise - again this L word. Yes, people in love could do crazy things, sometimes illegal things, and criminal things if they have enough criminal energy. The job that seems very easy at the beginning turns out to be very dangerous at the end. At this place I shut my mouth. I am not going to give anything away.
The final lines frame the whole story in the Boystown number 10 PERFECTLY (and yes, Marshall Thornton is the best writer of ENDINGs):
***Copy provided kindly by the author in exchange for an honest review***
Gay Mystery:
Gifts Given, Marshall Thornton, Kenmore Books
Long Shadows, Kate Sherwood, Riptide Publishing
Love is Heartless, Kim Fielding, Dreamspinner Press
The Mystery of the Curiosities, C. S. Poe, DSP Publications
Night Drop, Marshall Thornton, Kenmore Books
Ring of Silence, Mark Zubro, MLR Press
Street People, Michael Nava, Korima Press
Tramps and Thieves, Rhys Ford, Dreamspinner Press
Given what I’ve seen, given what I’ve lived, it strikes me that love is a kind of madness. An insanity that poses as a necessity, tricking us into believing we need it as much as breath, as much as life itself. A sensible man would run from it, bar the doors, hide in a cupboard like a child, rifle through the kitchen drawers looking for a weapon to stave it off. A sensible man would have nothing to do with love. I am not a sensible man.
It is the opening lines, and yes, this installment is inspired by love. Even if it is not THAT obvious at the beginning. Though it is difficult NOT to notice it later. LOVE is a central thread woven throughout the whole book.
Nick is in LOVE. Though I still haven't got warm with Joseph, it is fascinating to see how good the ex-priest adapted himself to his new live outside the church, to his new surroundings, to Nick's friends.
Nick, Joseph and Ross live in a tiny one-bedroom apartment (with a couch in a living room for Ross) with a great view on Lake Michigan. It is Christmas time, and Nick plans to invite Mrs. Harker to spend Christmas with them together that could become a very difficult task. She still doesn't know that Joseph is Nick's boyfriend.
Though Nick won't have enough free time to find Christmas gifts for his friends. At first his long-time friend Sugar asks him for a favor. She is also in LOVE and she wants Nick to make a standard background check on her lover. At the same time his old client Vincent Renaldi urgently needs his service as a PI for a very delicate case. And what a surprise - again this L word. Yes, people in love could do crazy things, sometimes illegal things, and criminal things if they have enough criminal energy. The job that seems very easy at the beginning turns out to be very dangerous at the end. At this place I shut my mouth. I am not going to give anything away.
The final lines frame the whole story in the Boystown number 10 PERFECTLY (and yes, Marshall Thornton is the best writer of ENDINGs):
***Copy provided kindly by the author in exchange for an honest review***
July 25, 2023
4 Stars
I admit, this wasn’t the angstiest, nor the funniest, but I can’t give this less than 4 stars. I still enjoyed revisiting Nick because he’s a little more grounded, he’s a lot wiser, and he’s now I feel, finally able to appreciate what he has - friends, a partner, and a sense of family. It’s not perfect, but it’s perfect for him.
So, not much more needs to be said. If you’re a fan of this gritty series, this latest entry shouldn’t be missed. What’s appreciated is that with the final paragraphs in the book, Nick knows he’s been to hell and back to get to the point where he’s at, and despite his terribly painful journey and the many more challenges that are sure to come, like him, I wouldn’t have it go any differently.
Thank you Sofia for the BR!!
I admit, this wasn’t the angstiest, nor the funniest, but I can’t give this less than 4 stars. I still enjoyed revisiting Nick because he’s a little more grounded, he’s a lot wiser, and he’s now I feel, finally able to appreciate what he has - friends, a partner, and a sense of family. It’s not perfect, but it’s perfect for him.
So, not much more needs to be said. If you’re a fan of this gritty series, this latest entry shouldn’t be missed. What’s appreciated is that with the final paragraphs in the book, Nick knows he’s been to hell and back to get to the point where he’s at, and despite his terribly painful journey and the many more challenges that are sure to come, like him, I wouldn’t have it go any differently.
Thank you Sofia for the BR!!
December 4, 2017
I've loved this series all the way through, as our Nick moves from a sex-chasing, cynical, loner PI to a man with relationships, losses, friends, and family. In this book we return to a smaller and more intimate mystery - and a focus on Nick's relationships with others, both his growing romance with Joseph, and particularly his prickly and fond relationship with Mrs. Harker.
Although I have not fallen for Joseph as I did for Harker, I like seeing Nick letting himself admit what he feels. I love seeing him make accommodations out of his caring for Joseph. Nick has changed and grown. AIDS is still a shadow over all their lives, and there is not yet a good test. The fear that he is carrying it from Harker affects his relationship with Joseph. But this is a warm story over all, and the fast-paced mystery carries the plot along. A series I'll continue to auto-buy on release.
Although I have not fallen for Joseph as I did for Harker, I like seeing Nick letting himself admit what he feels. I love seeing him make accommodations out of his caring for Joseph. Nick has changed and grown. AIDS is still a shadow over all their lives, and there is not yet a good test. The fear that he is carrying it from Harker affects his relationship with Joseph. But this is a warm story over all, and the fast-paced mystery carries the plot along. A series I'll continue to auto-buy on release.
December 6, 2017
3.5 Stars
Christmas in Chicago with Nick! I
Every time I hang out with Nick I want to give him 5 stars, but I just can’t this time out. I always like spending time in Nick’s head and life though. I mean here we are at book ten for goodness sakes. At this point, I feel like I know Nick, but at the same time feel like I still have so much to learn and see about him. It’s a perfect combination that keeps me and so many readers coming back for more. Here’s to ten more!!!
Gifts Given has a lot to love and a few things to “meh” at. I did not enjoy the mystery in this book. Or believe it really. I didn’t buy the...
But….I LOVE the little family these characters have created. Nick’s loyalty and stubbornness are just two of my favorite things to love about the man and he shows them off here beautifully. Mrs. Harker and Nick’s relationship steals the show though in my opinion. Every time they shared the page made me smile, giggle, and even tear up once or twice. Their connection is something special. They’re a family made up of loss, pain, understanding, big time stubbornness, and love. You can feel the love and respect between these two in every complaint and grumble. Haha….I love them! And then we have….
I know I’ve said this before, but I’m going to say it again…Nick gets under your skin. The way his past cases, mistakes, loves, and losses affect and change him and his life now never ceases to amaze and affect me. It all hit home for me when I actually saw Chicago in person. I finally made it there this past summer. First time in the city! And I have to say—Nick came to mind several times while I wandered around. Every time I heard the El rumble overhead or when I spotted the Library or the old Marshall Field’s store. Really! Mr. Thornton brings Chicago to life on the pages of this series. When I saw it in real life, it felt like I was almost re-visiting spots because I had already “seen” them with Nick. It was amazing!
Following along with Nick as he knocks on doors, chases people down, solves the crime, and learns more and more about love and sex and AIDS is one my favorite reading experiences. A powerful reading experience I highly recommend.
I know this wasn’t much of a review, but it is what it is. Just go. Go drop in for a visit. Meet Nick, his family, and the city of Chicago.
December 31, 2017
Wow, have I read 10 of these. Something happened while I was reading, but I am not sure what it was. I still haven’t quite connected with Joseph, but it’s clear that Nick is in love and that’s good enough for me. Mrs. Harker 😢, you have embraced your family in your own special way.
November 20, 2017
Another excellent Nick Nowak story. Great holiday read.
This is on kindle unlimited. However, I bought it since I own the whole series.
This is on kindle unlimited. However, I bought it since I own the whole series.
November 17, 2017
Oh Happy day for me to get to read this next book! And if you have been keeping up with this series, you are going to love it. And then beg for book 11. Like me! Very rarely do I find a series with this many books that I thoroughly love, but I found it in this one.
Nick is back and it's Christmas time. He doesn't expect much work over the holidays, actually since he quit working with shady people, he didn't expect too much work period. Yet. But an old colleague from his past job, that fired him, has suddenly decided he needs Nick's help. He needs Nick to look into a financial planner that was hired for his company and the private investigator that was hired as well. There are some funny things going on and money is coming up missing. In another case, his friend Sugar has decided to marry. Again. And wants Nick to dig into her fiance's past. As Nick begins to dig into both cases, he finds out they are connected. In ways he doesn't like. And someone is trying to kill him yet again, but ends up harming his friends and family. Nick is now doubly determined to catch these guys and make sure they pay.
Nick’s life has taken such a turn. In a good and bad way. He has grown up so much and I just love this side of him. He has become so caring, not that he wasn't before, but he shows it more in little ways. With having had sex with his friend Ross, who has AIDS, he is so careful now with his boyfriend, Joseph. After a condom breaks, he refuses to even have sex with Joseph. Of course Joseph is having none of that! Nick makes sure he's happy, but is so careful now. And that's the kind of thing that Nick never used to care about. He has no desire to sleep with any other man and really wants to have that single commitment. His relationship with Harker's mom has changed, and he is such a softie with her now. He's firm with her but the tone has changed. He cares. He really has grown more protective of his friends and actually has a family now. And it's beautiful. So when his family gets hurt and threatened by some schmuck he's investigating, he pulls out all the stops. The cases he's working have come together and he is determined to put an end to all the fraud and bad things these punks are doing. Even at the risk of his own life. Again.
This book makes me want to cry in that there is another cliff hanger, lol! Marshall Thornton always leaves me wanting more with these books. I only hope I do his books justice. His writing is brilliant and always takes you on the ride of a lifetime. You can't put the book down and can't wait to pick the next one up. I hope you all are reading this series. It would be a loss to miss such great books. And I'm praying that there is a book 11 in the works and if so I can't wait to read it! Happy reading all!
Nick is back and it's Christmas time. He doesn't expect much work over the holidays, actually since he quit working with shady people, he didn't expect too much work period. Yet. But an old colleague from his past job, that fired him, has suddenly decided he needs Nick's help. He needs Nick to look into a financial planner that was hired for his company and the private investigator that was hired as well. There are some funny things going on and money is coming up missing. In another case, his friend Sugar has decided to marry. Again. And wants Nick to dig into her fiance's past. As Nick begins to dig into both cases, he finds out they are connected. In ways he doesn't like. And someone is trying to kill him yet again, but ends up harming his friends and family. Nick is now doubly determined to catch these guys and make sure they pay.
Nick’s life has taken such a turn. In a good and bad way. He has grown up so much and I just love this side of him. He has become so caring, not that he wasn't before, but he shows it more in little ways. With having had sex with his friend Ross, who has AIDS, he is so careful now with his boyfriend, Joseph. After a condom breaks, he refuses to even have sex with Joseph. Of course Joseph is having none of that! Nick makes sure he's happy, but is so careful now. And that's the kind of thing that Nick never used to care about. He has no desire to sleep with any other man and really wants to have that single commitment. His relationship with Harker's mom has changed, and he is such a softie with her now. He's firm with her but the tone has changed. He cares. He really has grown more protective of his friends and actually has a family now. And it's beautiful. So when his family gets hurt and threatened by some schmuck he's investigating, he pulls out all the stops. The cases he's working have come together and he is determined to put an end to all the fraud and bad things these punks are doing. Even at the risk of his own life. Again.
This book makes me want to cry in that there is another cliff hanger, lol! Marshall Thornton always leaves me wanting more with these books. I only hope I do his books justice. His writing is brilliant and always takes you on the ride of a lifetime. You can't put the book down and can't wait to pick the next one up. I hope you all are reading this series. It would be a loss to miss such great books. And I'm praying that there is a book 11 in the works and if so I can't wait to read it! Happy reading all!
November 21, 2017
** 4.5 Stars **
November 7, 2017
I read a beta copy of this book. It was nice to visit with familiar characters again but sometimes this series makes you sad. Lots of death and violence, but there are plenty of touching and moving scenes to balance out the bad.
The mysteries in the book kept me in suspense till the end.
Nick and pals are smarter and more dedicated than the establishment and are willing to do whatever it takes to bring justice to Chicago.
The mysteries in the book kept me in suspense till the end.
Nick and pals are smarter and more dedicated than the establishment and are willing to do whatever it takes to bring justice to Chicago.
October 6, 2023
[3.6] the progression of Nick’s relationship with Mrs. Harker has been such a bittersweet & highly affecting thing to witness 🥹
Life is pain. Life is danger. Life is love. There have been times when I have hidden from life. It didn’t work. Life found me. Love found me. Try as I might, I could not hide.
August 10, 2018
Wonderful series
I really enjoy this series, in fact, I wish this book was longer. As this series progressed, Nick matured and has turned out to be a pretty decent guy. The action and storyline is very good, but at times I wish that Nick would get a break. I look forward to the next book, I will be impatiently waiting.
I really enjoy this series, in fact, I wish this book was longer. As this series progressed, Nick matured and has turned out to be a pretty decent guy. The action and storyline is very good, but at times I wish that Nick would get a break. I look forward to the next book, I will be impatiently waiting.
August 14, 2018
Very good!! Very good mystery, plus lots of good character-related stuff.
MARSHALL THORNTON IS JUST TRYING TO KILL US, THOUGH, ISN'T HE. >:(
I hope these books go on forever.
MARSHALL THORNTON IS JUST TRYING TO KILL US, THOUGH, ISN'T HE. >:(
I hope these books go on forever.
August 28, 2020
Not the best Nick story Still not sure about Joseph
January 29, 2020
It's been a while since I read the 9th book of the series. And boy did I miss Nick's humor sense and how he always gets in trouble. This book has all ranges of emotions and it gets summed up in Nowack's self reflection in the end. I liked the pace of the story and the funny moments making this book a bittersweet experience.
____
Re-read rambling: having read the 9th book I wonder why does Nick never mentions
____
Re-read rambling: having read the 9th book I wonder why does Nick never mentions
January 18, 2018
Mr. Thornton is a master at writing, and I love Nick Nowak.
That said, I found this book slightly boring. The case was not interesting at all, and worst of all, the book lacked totally of sexyness.
I know that Nick is in love with Joseph, but what can I say? Their couple is boring. There, I said it.
I hope Mr. Thornton will throw something in the path of this boring couple, in the next books.
4 stars anyway, because of the writing, because of the hard boiled vibe that I love, because of that sweet melancholy that is always there when Bert is mentioned, and because of, you know, Nick.
That said, I found this book slightly boring. The case was not interesting at all, and worst of all, the book lacked totally of sexyness.
I know that Nick is in love with Joseph, but what can I say? Their couple is boring. There, I said it.
I hope Mr. Thornton will throw something in the path of this boring couple, in the next books.
4 stars anyway, because of the writing, because of the hard boiled vibe that I love, because of that sweet melancholy that is always there when Bert is mentioned, and because of, you know, Nick.
November 5, 2018
I always love visiting Nick.
This one is pretty tame compared to the others, but it's not one to skip.
Mrs. Harker alone was worth reading.
Nick has matured more and more in each book. Although I miss his horn dog ways, it's nice to see him have more meaningful relationships. Not just a love interest, but friends and family.
I don't think I could ever tire of Nick. Keep them coming.
This one is pretty tame compared to the others, but it's not one to skip.
Mrs. Harker alone was worth reading.
Nick has matured more and more in each book. Although I miss his horn dog ways, it's nice to see him have more meaningful relationships. Not just a love interest, but friends and family.
I don't think I could ever tire of Nick. Keep them coming.
January 24, 2021
Christmas should be a time for cheer and peace but not for Nick Nowak. This guy can't really catch a break. The cases seemed safe enough and I was not expecting the murderous rampage, ok not rampage but there are murders! Ok, one murder and many attempts of murder. And things with the people I wrongly deemed "safe" are not longer safe and I feel terrible. Every book I finish I count how many of my favorites are left and I dread the next one because no one is safe when Marshall Thornton is on the Keyboard. Gah!
July 1, 2023
Another great addition
So much character development in these books, especially Nick’s relationship with Mrs. Harker. It’s bittersweet because they bond over their strong love for Bert after his death. The Ponzi scheme in this book is a bit too much for my aging brain. I still enjoy the book immensely because of my love for the characters and I care about them. I know they are fictional characters but it just tells you the author’s work is sublime. I’m praying for Ross and Mrs. Harker’s health and Nick celebrating Christmas with his found family is lovely.
So much character development in these books, especially Nick’s relationship with Mrs. Harker. It’s bittersweet because they bond over their strong love for Bert after his death. The Ponzi scheme in this book is a bit too much for my aging brain. I still enjoy the book immensely because of my love for the characters and I care about them. I know they are fictional characters but it just tells you the author’s work is sublime. I’m praying for Ross and Mrs. Harker’s health and Nick celebrating Christmas with his found family is lovely.
July 25, 2024
The two mysteries in this book were pretty good, and I always enjoy when Nick has to do a lot of legwork and creative problem solving to figure things out.
Nick’s evolving relationship with Mrs. Harker is one of my favorite parts of the second half of the series. I’m glad Thornton has given it space to evolve slowly and didn’t give either Nick or Mrs. Harker a quick change of heart about the other.
Nick’s evolving relationship with Mrs. Harker is one of my favorite parts of the second half of the series. I’m glad Thornton has given it space to evolve slowly and didn’t give either Nick or Mrs. Harker a quick change of heart about the other.
February 2, 2018
I really feel the 80ies when I read this series...
Great crime plot - something I truly appreciate about this.
A lot of m/m books focus on gay relationships, but this feels like a well-written crime novel with a PI who just happens to be gay.
It has a lot of atmosphere and the side characters are giving it color and depth.
I very much enjoyed it!
Great crime plot - something I truly appreciate about this.
A lot of m/m books focus on gay relationships, but this feels like a well-written crime novel with a PI who just happens to be gay.
It has a lot of atmosphere and the side characters are giving it color and depth.
I very much enjoyed it!
March 12, 2018
This is another great story of Nick's life. How much he has been through and how far he has coped along the way. All the characters only add substance to this book and emotional involvement especially Mrs Harker. I have loved the Boystown series from the first book to this one and looking forward to reading the next one.
March 30, 2018
Best part for me is the continued growth of the main character. I've read all the books and it's amazing to watch the gradual change in his character. Also, the effect of AIDS; there's a horrifying reality to this series.
May 21, 2018
Wonderful. Most of Mr. Thornton's books are a slam dunk with me. So good. I really enjoyed getting back with Nick and Joseph and all their friends (gotta love Sugar). Can't wait for the next installment.
August 14, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-eoI on 8/15
Rating: 5.75 out of 5
for all our reviews, visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-eoI on 8/15
Rating: 5.75 out of 5
for all our reviews, visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
January 3, 2019
#SpoilerWarrior
I’m starting to stress out about what Joseph does on Friday nights. Also, I can’t believe that Mrs. Harker is going to die. It’s just crap. These books are so heavy and sometimes I’m not sure that I can keep reading them.
I’m starting to stress out about what Joseph does on Friday nights. Also, I can’t believe that Mrs. Harker is going to die. It’s just crap. These books are so heavy and sometimes I’m not sure that I can keep reading them.
December 10, 2020
Vintage Marshal Thornton!
Plot, characters you care about, and Chicago almost coming alive! Well written prose that’s colorful but never gets in the way. Dialogue that’s almost witty. What more could a mystery reader want.
Plot, characters you care about, and Chicago almost coming alive! Well written prose that’s colorful but never gets in the way. Dialogue that’s almost witty. What more could a mystery reader want.
November 20, 2023
There are so many twists and turns. Poor Nick - he always ends up in some sort of hot water no matter what he does. And his love (shhh) for Mrs Harker is shaken when her health takes a serious dive. Loving this series, loving the characters more and more
November 23, 2017
Great Period Series
BOYSTOWN continues to be a great period detective series describing the life of gay men in the 80's. Good storytelling.
BOYSTOWN continues to be a great period detective series describing the life of gay men in the 80's. Good storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews