The Death of a Constant Lover: A Nick Hoffman Mystery

If you can't go home again, you can always return for a visit or two. Self-described recovering academic Lev Raphael left university teaching for a full-time writing career. In between producing more literary works -- a novel, a collection of short stories and an analysis of Edith Wharton's fiction -- he's also written three witty mysteries skewing the academic world he left. His comic alter ego, Nick Hoffman, came to the State University of Michigan to teach classes in the English, American Studies and Rhetoric Department and to be with Stefan, his partner. He also wants to make tenure. But his sharp tongue, lack of allies and preference for teaching over research hurts his chances enough if it weren't for all the bodies he keeps discovering. By the time Raphael's third book opens, Hoffman's career is foundering and sinking fast. His involvement as amateur detective has brought unfavorable publicity to the university, and his chances darken further by simply being within eyeshot of a murder -- this time of a young man killed during a melee between a campus preacher and a group of students. "The Death of a Constant Lover" -- the title is a reference to 19th-century English novelist Benjamin Constant --is more a novel of university life and politics than a murder mystery. The investigation moves in fits and starts as Hoffman finds himself also dealing with other problems: death threats are being sent to his office mate, a woman hired to fulfill SUM's diversity quota, and the effect on his relationship with Stefan when he is dropped by his publisher. Raphael's third book is slightly darker than his first two. Hoffman's joie de vive is dampened by the violence around him, making "Death of a Constant Lover" not so much a darker book -- we're not talking about James Ellroy here -- but simply not as bright and vivacious than the first two books. That's not a criticism so much as an observation that Raphael has put his finger on a key problem with the detecting genre. Death is serious business, and cracking jokes like Noel Coward around the body doesn't ring true. And yet, some sense of humor is needed to keep one from turning Gothic. Homicide detectives and crime reporters tend to develop a callous form that can be shocking to those who The tradeoff here is that Raphael has a sure grasp of his leading characters, and "Constant Lover" is a deeper and more thoughtful mystery that approaches the depth of P.D. James or Martha Grimes.

Lev Raphael is our star reporter from the brutal battlefield of academia, and readers couldn't have a wittier, more seasoned correspondent. If you've ever spent time at a university, you'll howl at his portrayals of petty bureaucrats, self-important scholars, groveling grad students, and snarky professors. Thank goodness Professor Nick Hoffman has his rock-steady friend and lover Stefan to lean on, because it's a jungle out there at the State University of Michigan. If you're looking for a dumbed-down mystery you'd better take a pass, because Raphael assumes intelligence on the part of his readers. That's a treat in itself, but the real payoff with Raphael's work can be found in the deeper themes beneath the laughs: The magic of beauty; the power of love and acceptance; the redeeming nature of faith. LOVER is a wonderful read.

Lev Raphael has somehow managed to top his first two mysteries with this wonderful sequel. His characters are fresh and alive, the writing is witty and intelligent, and the plot is anything but predictable. Raphael is one of the few authors who can leave me laughing out loud on a crowded metro. I am not a mystery fan by nature, but have read all three of his mysteries, and will continue to do so. If you are looking for an entertaining novel that is both shrewd and playful, and that assumes intelligence on your part, this is it.

Lev Raphael is a gifted, but seemingly underrated, writer. His current Nick Hoffman mystery is, to me, the best of the series so far. I am a teacher and I love how he captures the world of the "faculty lounge" where other teachers disdain those who truly love their work and enjoy reaching their students. If students evaluate us well, then we must be doing something wrong! The mystery, the death of a student followed by the death of a grad student, is fun to follow. The pieces fall into place as they should. It keeps the reader guessing, but it is not so far-fetched as to be wholly unbelieveable. Stefan and Nick's relationship is the sanest one in the novel--I love that! They interact just as any couple would; their lives--other than getting caught up in mysterious deaths!--are like those of any couple. Their support for one another is beautiful. Nick and Stefan find their only peace, seemingly, in Shabbat. How fitting. Many of us can relate, I am certain. This is a great book that deserves a bigger audience. I intend to pass it on to others.

Lev Raphael does academia better than anyone. This book takes a clever and delightful series up a notch. The story grabs the reader's attention immediately, then twists and turns as clues and characters are introduced in a very engaging manner. Throughout the solution of the crime, we are entertained by Raphael's sharp wit and humor (look for Minnie, and the Michigan "trend" of older women in relationships...), his skillful use of literary references, and the wonderful growth in the relationship between Nick and Stefan. Mystery fans will love all the allusions to writers and trends within the genre. This is an absolutely delicious read!