It's 1943 and a dead body is found face-down in a tar pit in Los Angeles. Lieutenant Mathew Spain is at the crime scene when he meets reporter Nathan Doyle for the first time. Matt feels an instant attraction to the young man that he tries hard to ignore. When Nathan joins the growing suspect list he decides the only way to prove his innocence is to solve the crime himself. The two eventually find themselves working together, facing mortal danger and fighting their mutual feelings. Both their lives and their careers are on the line.

Many of Lanyon's books have common elements and reoccurring themes, and SNOWBALL IN HELL is no exception. The novella focuses on two of his staple characters and a prevalent story line, a writer and a cop brought together by a crime who find themselves fighting their attraction to each other. However, even though the setup is similar to many of his other stories, the plot is unique and engaging.

The main characters of the story are well developed and highly likable. Nathan is a young journalist who, although he needs protecting, has a stubborn streak and a dry wit. Matt is a cop who is protective of Nathan even as he fights his feelings. Lanyon does a good job of generating sympathy for them; they come across as real people that are at a difficult point in their lives because of circumstances beyond their control.

SNOWBALL IN HELL is a wonderful blend of mystery and romance. The relationship between the main characters grows at a slow, steady pace and is much more believable than the instant attraction and pursuit that is common in many romance novels. In a time where homosexuality is considered a crime, these two men have a lot to overcome to be together. Their relationship is intense and unbelievably sweet. Lanyon is a fantastic mystery writer, and this one is very solid. It accurately reflects the Noir mysteries of the time in its lean, direct writing style and dark realism, and the clues will keep you guessing right up until the end. This novella is a perfect example of why Lanyon's stories are so addictive.

Book Summary

Los Angeles, 1943

Reporter Nathan Doyle had his reasons to want Phil Arlen dead, but when he sees the man's body pulled from the La Brea tar pit, he knows he'll be the prime suspect. He also knows that his life won't stand up to intense police scrutiny, so he sets out to crack the case himself.

Lieutenant Matthew Spain's official inquiries soon lead him to believe that Nathan knows more than he's saying. But that's not the only reason Matt takes notice of the handsome journalist. Matt's been drawn to men before, but he must hide his true feelings—or risk his entire career.

As Nathan digs deeper, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay one step ahead of Matt Spain—and to deny his intense attraction to him. Nathan's secrets may not include murder, but has his hunt put him right in the path of the real killer?

Previously published, newly revised by author.

Read an Excerpt