New series spin-off from Nicky James, introducing a new investigative duo. A great story and a brilliant narration.
From the Skeletons in the Closet blurb:
The too-hot-for-his-own-good records clerk was so far outside Diem’s league that he became tongue-tied in his presence. Six months ago, after an embarrassingly unimpressive exchange in the bedroom that accentuated Diem’s flaws, he swore never to go near the sultry man again.
When a new case lands on Diem’s desk, one involving a dead, allegedly unfaithful husband, Diem exhausts every means of investigation until he has no choice but to seek out the man he swore never to see again.
Tallus has skills Diem doesn’t. In addition to being confident and sociable, Tallus can act and help him get answers.
But inviting Tallus into his case means relinquishing control, and Diem hates not being in control. Not only is the Toronto Police Department’s records clerk fanatical about investigative work, but he also has a thing for making Diem uncomfortable and pushing his boundaries.
When the case takes a dark and dangerous turn, the two spend far too many long nights trying to puzzle things out. Tallus’s flirty, suggestive behavior is going to get them in trouble, and the last thing Diem wants is to end up in bed with him again. It was a disaster the first time, and Diem doesn’t want to revisit the shame.
Will Diem be able to resist Tallus’s charm?
Can the two work together to solve the unusual case without crossing lines?
Diem isn’t so sure. He doesn’t want a partner. He doesn’t need a lover.
But with Tallus Domingo, he somehow ends up with both.
Lesetiger's revew:
Nicky James and Nick J. Russo are a brilliant combination and this book proves it again.
Nicky James is a very good writer. I love her wonderful writing style and the characters she develops in depth. The story is written in the first-person perspective, alternating between Diem and Tallus, which allows you to get to know them both well.
On the outside, Diem seems aloof, grumpy and cold, but the more you learn about Diem's life and his past, the better you understand him and why he acts the way he does. I really liked Diem and every now and then you hear about heartbreaking moments in flashbacks.
Tallus is exactly the opposite. He's likeable, open and talkative and he knows how to deal with Diem's silence.
Diem has turned his back on the police and works as a private detective. On his new case, he asks Tallus for help and the two make an unusual combination that works surprisingly well. The energy and rapport between the two is very different to that of Aslan and Quaid, but no less interesting.
The case they are both working on requires patience at first, as there is a lot of observation involved. But it quickly becomes interesting with surprising twists that are not predictable. The combination of tangled suspense and a sexy romance with lots of emotion captivated me from start to finish. I couldn't put the audiobook down.
I love running into protagonists from previous series, which is why I was happy to see Alsan and Quaid again.
While Diem and Tallus make progress in the investigation, the steps they take in their relationship are very small by comparison, but each step forward feels like a small victory.
Nick J. Russo did a brilliant job as always. He nailed Diem with deep tones perfectly, as well as Tallus, who always seems cheerful and fun.
Nick J. Russo also portrayed the emotions very well and brought the story to life.
Skeletons in the Closet is currently available as an audiobook, e-book and paperback, and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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