Early Graves

Hansen certainly manages to ring the changes in his Dave Brandstetter mysteries, and the ninth novel in the series, Early Graves is no exception. Dave returns home after a short absence to discover first hand and unpleasantly of the activities of a serial killer who is targeting young gay men afflicted with AIDS. Inevitably drawn into the investigation to find the killer, Dave not only has much more success than the police, he also uncovers more than even he expects, and finds himself the target of the killer. Drawing on all his resources we find a number of old friends from previous novels in the series making an appearance; we also find Dave just that little bit older and thinking of his retirement. Every bit as good as the best of the series, Early Graves is another tense and gripping tale, all the more enthralling for the most likeable of investigators Dave Brandstetter and his, for the moment at least, separated partner Cecil. The continuity throughout the various novels and the inevitable progress of time adds to the considerable to the charm of these stories

Sensitive and exciting story set in the late 80s within the context of a mystery. Brandstetter, a middle aged insurance investigator tracks down a serial killer in and around LA who's been killing gay men who have AIDS.