All complaints from the first book are now moot. Save, perhaps, that more literary prose would really galaxy brain me after this. But that’s not what this is, so it would be an odd gripe.

Not having to introduce all the characters and their dynamics again really was the best foot forward for this series, apparently. The B plots in this are fan-tastic. They further characterize everyone while working into the A plot in a much better way. In fact, multiple people not dying hinge on a plot beat that would otherwise feel contrived, had the work of the B plots, including events in the first book, not come to pass. The fact that it’s regarding two men’s genuine, healthy friendship for one another ties a bow on this book.

The murder in this one also is just more interesting too, which helps a lot. But, honestly, the largest draw is the interactions between all the characters. They are so well realized they simply feel like they ‘are’.

Perhaps most surprising is the humour that worked, and helped win me over in the first book—which, If you know me, is a feat in of itself—is now actually pitch perfect. I laughed out loud a few times. I don’t remember the last time any book or show managed that. A scene in which some of the group confront a menacing mafia type and Joyce tries to raise money for a charity by selling them a friendship bracelet she made herself, as well as that ending and the person having to follow it up with threatening to kill them (somewhat flaccidly) if they were to cross him, absolutely slayed me. They’d begin, they said, with Ron, btw, which prompts Ron makes a ‘why’s it always me’ gesticulation. I suppose you have to just read it. By my god, I was cry laughing.

It’s amazing that in a murder mystery there’s so much space being made for an emphasis on healthy, non-toxic masculinity and mental health struggles and loneliness and genuinely loving interactions at every turn. All while bodies drop. Some of which beg larger questions. I am impressed and will look forward to the next book whole heartedly.

Also the narrator is quite good for the audiobook.