A review by laura_liisa
Goldenboy by Michael Nava

4.0

I had trouble deciding the rating for this book. During most of the first half of the book, I was ready to give it five stars. I liked Henry Rios, the writing was great and the actual mystery around the crime was good. The story was engaging and pleasantly fast-paced.

Spoiler

The flow of the story slowed down after Jim Pears tried to commit suicide about halfway through the book.

That's when I found myself slightly disappointed and by the end, I was veering towards 3 stars. I felt like the second half of the book was just slower with a rushed ending. It also got darker and more depressing. I think the overall tone of the book is intentional as it touched on homophobia, self-hatred and denial, AIDS, death, and sexual assault. I also think it tried to counter the dark parts of the book by giving Henry Rios a lover. It managed that somewhat as the two shared some wonderful scenes.
I was hoping for justice to be served and that there would be a more satisfying and happy ending, but I still enjoyed the book a lot and am interested in continuing with the series.