Detective Rav Trivedi is the youngest member of the NYPD homicide squad, but he remains an outsider thanks to being an Ivy League-educated gay Brit with a weakness for designer suits and two famous parents. Getting assigned the high-profile murder of a record executive is his chance to prove that his position is deserved; all he has to do is resist all distractions and temptations, even when they come in the beautifully intriguing shape of his number one suspect.

The story is a great mix of romance and murder mystery, where things keep popping up and you never know what little piece of information might prove to be important later on. It's a solid and impactful case with a tragic backstory and consequences covered in sweet and romantic fluff that keeps it from getting dark—a very nice balance.

Rav is a very likable character, and the little bits we get to experience of Jack set up a character that feels like someone Rav would be willing to risk everything for. You want them to get together while enjoying the fact that Rav really has to work for it. And they're surrounded by people who are fully developed even when they don't get a lot of page space, so the stakes feel as real as can be.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the great read!

"He's to Die For" by Erin Dunn is a fun, cozy mystery.

Romance and murder is such a fun mix in this story; particularly since most books keep those separate. Having a detective (Rav) fall for one of his suspects (Jack) made this book so enjoyable. Throw in the fact that Jack is famous, and it hits that celebrity trope as well.

I found the characters and, by extension, the writing to be extremely witty. I have no doubt that Erin Dunn will be one to watch in the coming years.

Thank you to Minotaur Books for selecting me for this ARC.

The right book at the right time! Loved this story. It was such a lighthearted cute read. I really enjoyed the couple and the addition of a crime scene mystery was perfect for my summerween reading week.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from “He’s to Die For”, the debut novel from Erin Dunn. I saw a lot of marketing for the novel and while the Brooklyn 99 aspect of the synopsis intrigued me, I still went in with low expectations. And I was completely charmed and entertained!

Rav, a witty, charming, and posh half-Indian Brit, is desperate to prove himself as a homicide detective on the NYPD. When he’s placed in charge of a high profile case - a record producer’s murder - he’s completely focused on catching the killer. What he doesn’t bargain for is falling for the prime suspect in the case, Jack, the lead singer of a wildly popular band.

I loved so much about this book - especially Rav and Jack! They had such great chemistry and I loved watching them fall for each other! I also was surprised at how good the mystery aspect of the book was. The mystery kept me guessing until the end which was surprising for a book that I thought was primarily a romance. And I loved the mashup between genres - such a fun and well done book!

This is a four star read for me because the pacing did slow down a bit in the second half after Rav and Jack declared their feelings for each other. I had a harder time staying engaged and I felt my mind wandering a bit. I also struggled with the third person present tense writing style. I think the author was trying to convey immediacy but it often came off clunky and confusing especially when past events were being described. Finally, there was a large supporting cast - which I loved - but I did have trouble differentiating between some of the characters.

Otherwise, I loved “He’s to Die For” and I highly recommend checking it out. I can’t wait to check out Erin Dunn’s next work!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley to giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Let’s get started.
Our MMC is an annoyingly attractive detective with a beautiful accent who gets dunked on by his fellow cops for being, you guessed it, annoyingly attractive. The story starts off with a literal bang and dead body and our cop’s main suspect: a literal rock god lead singer. Is he too beautiful and soft to commit such a crime? You gotta dive in to find out.
Listen, this is Erin Dunn’s debut novel and while the writing was a bit uneven at times, I can definitely see this author finding her footing sooner and making a whole new genre of this kind of romance. I loved every gd second of the mystery and the romance between our two leads. Erin Dunn, my love, you are an auto-buy.
4/5 stars

He's to Die For was a slow 3-star read for me, but I still enjoyed it. I really liked the main character, Rav—he had class, he had style, and he just stood out. The book had a lot going on: crime, romance, LGBTQIA themes, and even music. It checked a lot of boxes, but the pacing felt slow and dragged a bit at times.

Rav is a detective working a case when he ends up falling for his main suspect—a famous musician. Their romance was sweet and had some steamy moments. It’s a slow burn with plenty of obstacles, but I did like where it ended up. The mystery part was just okay, but I found myself rooting more for the romance than the investigation. All in all, it was a solid read with a satisfying ending.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC :)

It is more important than ever to read, publish, recommend, and consume queer romance, and i'm definitely happy to recommend He's to Die For! This is an opposites attract romance which you know I just be gobbling tf up!!!! It was light and enjoyable and the banter between Rav and Jack had me smiling alone on my couch with my dog side-eyeing me. Can't wait to see what's next from this author!!

I did not love this mystery/romance but it was a light enjoyable read. I liked Rav although I found his character a bit farfetched (dad is a Lord , mom is a model and he is a NYPD cop?). There were many characters and it was a bit hard to keep track of everyone. The mystery was pretty intriguing although it wasn't the main focus of the story, I felt.
I would recommend this to readers who like a bit of romance in their mysteries and vice versa.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Such a fun read! Mystery & Romance wrapped up into one which really caught my eye for this book.

He’s to Die For is the perfect mix of mystery and romance. Detective Rav Trivedi is smart, stylish, and totally captivating—and his chemistry with rock star Jack Vale? Off the charts. The murder mystery kept me guessing, and the romance felt real and emotional without ever getting cheesy. Erin Dunn nails the balance between twisty crime and slow-burn love. Funny, sexy, and surprisingly heartfelt—I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend if you love queer thrillers with a dash of glam!

Told in third person from Rav's PoV, this story of opposites attracting is the exact kind of cuteness booster-shot of a story I've been needing as my world darkens. You'll note the link above to my review of <i>The Charm Offensive</i>, which was a good story well-told, much the way this one is.

What makes it a half-star less of a good read than that one is really simple: Switching the PoV from the anxiety-suffering character to the neurotypical character lessens the impact of anxiety into the (ironically) anxiety-inducing "this is a burden" feeling that all anxiety-suffering people I've ever known dread.

I'll also mention the mystery plot was...underwhelming...though not in any way substandard. Given how much time it took up, it was as thorough as it could be in being a mystery; it's akin to a mystery short story, though, and those are never top of the heap for me. I'll also bring up the low-steam aspect of the romance, to be fully informative; it was fine for me because it was one strand of the story among several.

It sounds as though I didn't like the story, and I promise I did! I loved the way these two really different men learned to talk to, not at or past, each other. I liked the moments of sweet sharing, bringing each other into the other man's thought processes and history. I battened on the sense that they were building something for each other, out of themselves, as a loving demonstration of need. That it was done using both humor and flirtatious silliness was the way it made me invest in it not simply roll my eyes.

It's in that context that Rav and Jack connected most deeply...their struggles to be able/allowed to exercise their strengths to really satisfying degrees. Rav's very pretty, very posh, and very much expected to glide through his job while making the department look good. Doing actual detective work? Not really in the cards. Like Jack, he's supposed to do and keep doing what others want. Unlike Jack, Rav doesn't get panic attacks that are used against him.

All told a really enjoyable summer's afternoon of reading. I hope to see more from Author Dunn, and might even pick up a book two of these men if one appeared.

I enjoyed this book because it was different. I'm not sure I've ever read a main character (Rav) like this, which is a good thing. I wasn't a huge fan of the singer/band aspect because it's a little farfetched, but again, I liked the story of Rav.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

“𝐈𝐟 𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭. 𝐍𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭.”

He’s To Die For is a fun romantic mystery with two protagonists you will fall in love with!

Up-and-coming detective Rav is incredibly ambitious, so when he gets the chance to lead the investigation into a high-powered record label executive, he’s determined not to mess up. Enter New Knickerbockers lead singer, Jack, who just happens to be a possible suspect, and with whom Rav is determined to not fall in love. Sparks (and guns) fly in as Rav gets closer to the truth. Erin Dunn creates such a fun story, that has both a decently solid mystery and a swoon-worthy romance. Rav is posh and driven, while also caring deeply about the people who show up for him; Jack is sweet and protective. Dunn approaches his panic attacks with sensitivity, allowing Jack and Rav to connect on a deeper level. Dunn also creates some very memorable side characters in Rav’s partner, Will and Jack’s bodyguard, Mo. I liked how supportive they were of Rav and Jack, both as individuals and in their growing relationship. Things do move a bit quickly, especially with the optics of a detective and a potential suspect, but it is part of the charm. The relationship grows at a steady pace, and isn’t overly spicy; it is more of a “door ajar” romance with hints of what’s happening rather than full out description. The mystery also kept me interested, and led to a fun showdown conclusion.

He’s To Die For is a wonderful story about showing up for the people who need you. It would make a great movie, much like Red, White and Royal Blue. I’d go for a sequel too; who wouldn’t love more cases to solve with a detective and a rockstar?! Thank you to Minotaur and NetGalley for the ARC!

It's just Rav Trivedi's luck that when he finally meets a man he's drawn to, it is the leading suspect in a murder he is investigating. Did I mention that same man is a rock star? Rav knows that he should stay away and dedicate himself to solving the crime, but things get messy. Erin Dunn first published novel provides a twist on the normal romance with several traditional tropes. I look forward to what she publishes next!

HE'S TO DIE FOR is the cutest rom-com meets Law & Order/Brooklyn 99 that I didn't know I needed. I am usually not a romance reader in the slightest but this book has everything. Murder mystery, action, computer sleuthing, and spice spice spice. The characters were great and likeable. I liked how they came from totally different backgrounds and places. The side characters were great, too, but I wish Mags had a lot more appearances and, speaking of which, I thought my brain glitched because I couldn't make sense of how Mags knew Rav?? A few of the side characters just felt randomly introduced but I still loved them. The deep conversations through out also added an element of humanity and vulnerability. It could at times be a little lengthy and drawn out but it did add to the characters overall. This book reminds me of the LOST & LASSOED series in terms of the vulnerability of the characters, the spice, and the romance. When Jack gave Rav his grandfather's medal I LOST MY SH*T!!!! I thought that was so sweet and so heartfelt. And, last but not least, the plot: the whodunnit reveal was really good. I love a murder mystery and this one did not disappoint at all.

This is not my normal genre but I’ve made myself branch out this year to try different books and tropes. It was a cute read and I enjoyed it

Thank you, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange of an honest review.

Rav Trivedi is the youngest member if NYPD's homicide squad and even though he feels a bit like an outsider, he's smart and his solve rate prove it belongs. So when his CO assigns him lead on a high profile murder of an executive media, Ray is ready to do anything to solve this case, ignoring TV crews, tabloids and what's trending on social media. He won't be distracted. He won't absolutely fall for the prime suspect...a hot rock star with clear motive and no alibi. No, he will not fall for him...

He's to die for by Erin Dunn is literally to die for. It's funny, brilliant and so sexy and set in a murder investigation while the main character is involved in a making career case and the prime suspect is too hot to suspect. I mean, how can't I not fall in love with this book?
It's sweet and sexy and Ray is an awesome main character and I love his relationship with Jack. Opposite attracts and I love them so much, your honor! I'm found guilty of loving this book so much and I want to recommend it to everyone!

An intriguing murder mystery with a hefty side of romance.

I loved this book from the moment I started reading (I mean - a New York cab with a cotton candy air freshener? What's not to love). The murder mystery was well crafted. It wound through so many twists and turns, followed so many possible suspects, it kept me guessing until the final shocking twist.

What really made this story, though, were the characters. Rav is determined, tenacious and sarcastic as all get out. He's got a life plan and being the youngest detective on the NYPD homicide squad is one of the stepping stones on the list. But don't let his youth fool you. He's also thorough, observant, noticing things others have missed. Then there's also the fact that he's a Brit - with that dry British wit. Put it together and it makes him the brunt of plenty of hazing from the old guard.

Jack is pretty much Rav's complete opposite. He's type B, to Rav's type A personality. Quiet, introspective, sensitive, Rav was immediately taken with him, despite the fact that when they met, Jack was suspected of murder. I was drawn to both these characters. They were well developed with complicated backgrounds that gave me as a reader a stronger understanding of their personalities and behaviors Their relationship grew naturally and never felt forced. As they formed a friendship, and eventually more, Rav's protective side kicked in. While Rav's good sense may have deserted him, his determination to solve the crime certainly escalated.

A large cast of secondary characters, most of whom were just as well conceived as the main characters, only served to enhance, not bog down, the story. Glimpses into each of their backgrounds provided insight into their personalities, I felt like I was able to get to know them just as well as I came to know Rav and Jack.

The writing here was perfect. The dialogue flowed well, the conversations felt natural. And Rav's sarcastic nature, always present at the right times, played well against his episodes of empathy, sensitivity and sincerity. I laughed, I cried and I gasped in surprise. The minute I finished the story, I wanted to read it again. And the best part, there were strings left hanging that has me hoping this is not the last time we'll see Rav and Jack. Here's hoping.

"Brooklyn 99 meets The Charm Offensive in this sparkling romantic murder mystery: it's murder cute in the first degree when a detective finds himself falling for the lead suspect in a career-making case. At 29, Detective Rav Trivedi is the youngest member of the NYPD’s homicide squad, and his future looks bright. He may be a bit of an outsider in the department—an ivy-league educated gay Brit with a weakness for designer suits—but his meteoric rise and solve rate prove he belongs. So when his CO assigns him lead on the high-profile murder of a record executive, Rav is ready for action. He won’t be distracted by TV crews, tabloids, or what’s trending on social media, nor by the ridiculously hot rock star with a clear motive and no alibi. This is it, his shot, and he is not going to screw it up—certainly not by falling in love with his number one suspect…"


M/M stories are hit and miss with me, but I loved how the author weaved all of the story together. It was a great read and you wouldn't regret it if you give it a chance. Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my review.

This is my first book by Erin Dunn. And it did not disappoint. It was a 5 star read and was so good.

I have never read The Charm Offensive, but I will be adding it to my TBR. For me, this was Brooklyn Nine-Nine meets Red, White, and Royal Blue. It was Fan-Freaking-Tastic!!! I loved Rav and Jack; they are in my top 20 fave book couples. Then add the supporting characters, and there isn't a bad one among them. If the romance is not enough for you, just read it for the mystery. This is a 10 out of 10 for me.


Thank you to NetGalley, The Publishers, and Erin Dunn for an advance copy in return for an Honest Review.