Larkin is called into strange murder when a mummified body is found in the walls of a Broadway souvenir shop with a sordid past. The case is further complicated when that night he also receives a VHS from his mysterious sender. Larkin and Ira dig deep into NYC's gritty past and the history of death and mourning rituals again as they work to solve the complex decades old crime. 

Larkin is such an interesting character. He's smart enough to know he's struggling with his addiction and associations from his HSAM, but it doesn't make it any easier to work through. No level of self-awareness and higher level thinking helps, but he also knows he can depend on Doyle when things get hard. He actively works to be a better partner for Doyle, admits his mistakes, but always makes sure Ira knows how much he cares for him. Larkin knows he's a work in progress but takes on the challenge to be what they both deserve. Doyle is literally the most perfect man. I say this every review, but he's so patient and understanding. He takes being an empathetic, caring partner to the next level. We did get a little more information about cryptic past, but I really want to hear it from him rather than Larkin using his super brain to figure it out. They have some really endearing moments and fit together perfectly as partners. 

While I I do enjoy these books, this one just felt like more of the same without any real development. Larkin and Doyle are moving forward with their relationship and they have really sweet moments, but I'm still feeling a bit of a disconnect. There's not one big thing making me feel big emotions. The case was also more on the okay side. It was interesting but I did guess two of the big twists and that rarely happens for me, so it kind of took the wind out of the mystery sails. Larkin's existentialism talk also tends to go over my head at times, which is more of a me issue I will admit. 

One thing I'm really liking about this series is the NYC history. It's so grungy and dirty, a type of history they almost try to gloss over nowadays because it was decades ago but helped build the city into what it is today. While I have no desire to live in New York, reading about the different people and eras the city has gone through is so intriguing. 

I'm hoping in the next book we get more information about this mysterious sender! I feel like Larkin isn't looking into it enough almost, which fair because he's solving murders, but I'm super curious about it. I do love Larkin and Doyle as characters and the mysteries never fail to have many twists and turns. It'll be exciting to see what they get up to next. 

Read if you like:

• hurt/comfort

• romantic suspense

• opposites attract  

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