I have an 11 year old who is obsessed with Jake Peralta right now. Brooklyn 99 is the soundtrack of my life. So when I read the blurb for this romantic murder mystery, I had to dive in!

Rav is a posh NYC homicide detective whose only fault is inability to connect with everyone in the department when he catches the case of his career - investigating the murder of a record label executive. The only problem? He can’t stop thinking about the lead suspect, rock star Jack Vale.

Just the right mix of romance and crime solving with plenty of humor and spy style international adventure mixed in!

Things I loved:
I greatly appreciate a well-rounded cast of side characters- shoutout to Mo, Ana, Will and Aisha. I dearly hope this ends up being a series and we see more of them. Aisha in particular was incredibly fun.
Anxiety rep!
I didn’t figure out the murderer’s identify until the end of! So many authors feed you breadcrumbs along the way, but I loved the surprise reveal.
Rav and Jack’s romance was written SO well. The focus is definitely on their growing feelings and not on gratuitous spicy scenes. It’s so genuine. That doesn’t mean there’s no spice!

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Erin Dunn and St Martin’s Press for the ARC! All opinions are my own. And I’ll definitely be following the author for future works

A murder mystery with a dreamy romance? Yes, please.

Rav Trivedi, a young NYPD detective, has just been given a case that has the potential to take his career to the next level. But when the investigation of the murder of a record executive leads him to an enticing rockstar, Rav will have to fight to keep his focus on the case, lest he fall for the number one suspect.

This book was described as Brooklyn Nine-Nine meets The Charm Offensive, but since I'm not familiar with either, I wasn't sure what to expect. Thankfully, I found this book absolutely delightful! I am a thriller girlie through and through, so I appreciated the suspense that the murder mystery added to the story. Though those who are in this for the romance shouldn't worry, there aren't any gory or graphic scenes- just a few tense ones. I didn't start to suspect who was behind everything until pretty close to the end, which is always a plus in my book.

While I thought the romance was enjoyable and I felt that the characters had good chemistry, I'll admit that I wasn't entirely convinced of their ability to last. I couldn't help but feel like Jack wasn't all-in with the relationship, but I enjoyed it for what it was. I can't deny that the yearning and flirting were my favorite parts of this book.

I loved Rav's character and all his eccentricities and complexities. I don't know if the author has any plans to write more of Detective Trivedi, but I honestly hope that she does because I would love to read it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Minotaur Books, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you enjoy some detective murder mystery with your gay rockstar romance - this is a decent Pride Month read to pick up. It’s a 3.5-star, rounded up to 4, from me.

I found it did drag in parts, when it focused too much on trying to be the old detective novel (I read a lot of of romance, a lot of LGBTQ, and a lot of detective, mystery, thrillers), but didn’t mix everything, the two styles, well enough. I’ve read detective thrillers that were better romances… without intending to be. I didn’t feel or believe Rav and Jack’s chemistry. It didn’t come together organically like most every other romance, or even thriller, I’ve read.

I think this is Dunn’s debut? I don’t see other titles listed in this name. For a debut, it was fine - certainly nowhere to go but up! I would read it again, to watch for those clues, but definitely plenty of places it could have used improvement. I know there are going to be many fans, especially with the comparisons to the show/book that they’re using (not that I’m able to agree, since I never watched Brooklyn, but did love Charm - this is nothing like that, one of my top faves).

I received an early review copy from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (Minotaur Books), and this is my honest feedback.

When Rav lands a major case as a detective, he meets Jack, the leading singer of a popular band. Jack is currently in a battle with his past record label for the rights for his bands songs (seems pretty poetic this was mentioned so close to Taylor Swift’s win). However, Jack ends up the prime suspect in Rav’s case, when someone from the record label winds up deceased with unanswered questions. As time goes on, Rav and Jack develop a closer relationship, but that can’t act on anything in their current state. What happens if Rav loses jurisdiction? Throughout the story, the threats increase against Jack: are some of his fans a bit too close for comfort? Can he rely on his band? The case had multiple threads, but can they be tied together? Jack did get Rav one of the coolest gifts with the rock albums, but the sentimental find was the best. Despite being a mystery read, the book found a way to be lighthearted.

What a great way to start Pride Month! It took me a while to finish simply because of life. But I absolutely love Rav and Jack. An edgy rock star and a rebellious English cop? A murder mystery that keeps getting more complicated? 10/10. While the book has no spice, the plot more than makes up for it and Erin Dunn did a fantastic job of covering their tracks in the story.

A CHARMING book. Really fun read. I loved the character of Rav. The mystery is good (although perhaps just a tad drawn out) and the romance is sparkling. Rav and Jack together are a delight.

"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…"

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

DNF at 8%. Unfortunately this was not doing it for me. I am a fan of shows like Criminal Minds and Law and Order, but instead of being dynamic and engaging like those shows, this was reading as a script of an episode without any of the emotion. There was a lot of telling instead of showing about the MMC/narrator and yet I still feel like I know nothing besides the fact that he’s British and wears nice suits.

I was looking forward to this being a fun little romance/mystery book but it’s just not it. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC.

After a studio executive is unalived, Rav, a detective investigating the case, begins to fall for one of the potential suspects, a rock musician, Jack Vale.

I was worried that their relationship would feel forced, mainly because I didn’t think they would be able to spend much time together due to being a cop and potential suspect. However, it wasn't like that at all. There was a good balance between the relationship part and the crime part, which made it feel more natural. I will say that I did care more about the relationship though.

This is a fun and quick read! I really liked the supporting cast and felt like the mystery part was done well. Jack’s character suffers from anxiety and I feel like that was depicted accurately.

I DNF'd this at 20%. Brooklyn 99 is one of my comfort shows, so I was eager to check this out, but the comparison ended up being a let down. The banter between Rav and his partner wasn't bad, but it also wasn't laugh-out-loud funny like I anticipated. The real deal breaker though was the Truth Social reference. It was a very bold move to bring Trump into this with the current political climate in the US revolving around him, and it popped my escapism bubble. It feels highly inappropriate to include a casual reference to the man behind the $125million cut to LGBTW health funding in a M/M romance. Understandably, this book was likely written before he began devastating America with his executive orders, but I think there was enough clear chaos surrounding him over the last 4 years to know that casually referencing him via his social media platform was a CHOICE.

It’s a murder-cute when a detective finds himself falling for the lead suspect in a career making case.

i feel like i keep saying this but i ATE THIS UP. this was my first five star read in a bit and it didn’t disappoint. perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced & witty reads who enjoy a little romance with their mysteries

my rating: 5⭐️

read if you like:
- queer romance
- murder mystery
- witty banter

some fave quotes:

🌀It’s not on you. I just forget what it’s like to feel safe sometimes. It’s okay, though, because you’re reminding me.

🌀He puts a hand on Rav’s chest. “This is home.”

thank you so much to @minotaur_books for allowing me to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own!

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur for the free digital ARC. This was a good combination of Romance + police procedural. I loved the characters, even if some of them were more caricature than well-developed individuals. The romance between Rav and Jack was believable, even if a little too insta-lovey for my taste. I was rooting for them the whole time.

I did not go into this book expecting to love it as much as I did. The mystery is well-written, the characters are diverse, and the romance between Rav and Jack is good but not perfect, as no relationship is perfect. 

This book had the right blend of romance, mystery, and humor to keep me enthralled. It was hard to put it down. The mystery is what hooked me the most. I kept thinking it was different characters and did not guess the mastermind until all was revealed. 

I adored Rav's character. Who would expect a Brit to be an NYPD detective and one with a sense of style? He turned heads and earned the nickname Detective McDreamy.

I appreciated that Rav and Jack's romance was not easy. There are barriers to their relationship, primarily Jack's celebrity status. However, they make it work, but not without a few rough patches. 

This book was the right one for me at this time, and we give it 5 paws up.

Detective Rav Trivedi is assigned to investigate the murder of an influential music mogul the investigation leads Rav to suspect number one: Jack Vale - lead singer of The New Knickerbockers - who had a known disagreement with the victim. Immediately intrigued by Jack, Rav has to keep his attraction sidelined if he wants to prove Jack's innocence.

For being just shy of" closed door", and as nondescript as possible when it comes to the intimacy, this book was super spicy. That early tension between Rav and Jack is quite delicious.

I was immediately interested to read this because of its comparison to Brooklyn Nine-Nine as I've recently started watching the show.

I appreciate that Erin Dunn made a proper mystery out of the story and didn't sideline it in order to only highlight the romance. I was kept guessing until the reveal at the end, although I had my certain roundabout suspicions.

I do appreciate that Erin Dunn shows the conflict of interest between Rav's feelings for Jack and Jack also being a potential murder suspect. I don't want to say too much in order to avoid spoilers but I felt like it was handled in a very convenient way order to keep up with the romantic aspect of the story. I do wish it was a bit more high stakes though.

There were moments where there was too much back and forth which, unfortunately, made it feel like it dragged a bit in places. There would seemingly be some break in the case, but then something would change - rinse and repeat. There were moments where the connects between Rav's case and another case were too tenuous but through the repetition Erin Dunn eventually made it work.

I do wish we had gotten more time with RavV and his co-workers. Honestly, Rav made this book. I Loved the way Rav is presented from his penchant for nice clothes and accessories to hating beer but loving wine and whiskey. We've seen the celebrity Rockstar but not often the intelligent dandy cop.

All this to say, you never know how things are going to go when you pick up a book by a new author. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I'll be on the lookout for more from Erin Dunn in the future.

Thrilling mysteries and romcoms are my favorite genres, and this book is the PERFECT mash of both! Rav and Jack had this instant connection I swooned over but the murder case between them kept me on my toes! I was anxious and excited and ate this book up so fast it could give someone whiplash. Erin Dunn knows how to write sexy rockstars and swoony detectives like no other!!

Although the initial hook, which draws you into the story, is quickly resolved as it needs to be to keep the main character on the right side of the law and likable, the plot remains sufficiently interesting. The mystery is exciting enough, and there are enough twists and turns to maintain the reader's interest. However, it is the romance that really stands out in this story, and while the sexual descriptions get graphic at times, the murder and other mystery-related ones don't.

Ray and Jack are both extremely likable characters. They are sweet and caring, and together they are adorable. You can't help rooting for them to get their happily ever after. If you enjoy murder mysteries with a generous helping of romance, you should like this book.

DNF at 41%. Unfortunately, this book wasn't working for me. I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style and I really didn't like or understand some of the pop culture references. I have never seen Brooklyn 99 and it felt like I should have done so to be able to understand what they dynamics were supposed to be like between the coworkers. All I know of the show is from viral clips online. It also felt bogged down in the police procedures in the part that I read, but not really in any exciting way for the reader. I was hoping for more investigating the life the of the dead guy. It might happen later, but I find I don't really care all that much. I also felt like the relationship started very suddenly and we only got a couple on page conversations between the two of them with much of their relationship being hand waived as 'oh they talked about everything for hours' which was just a little bit frustrating for me. I don't know all that much about either of them. There wasn't a clear focus on either the relationship or the murder investigation, weirdly it somehow felt like both of these main plot points were taking a backseat, but who is driving the car? Either way, this book sadly just wasn't working for me so I decided not to finish it.

He's to Die For by Erin Dunn fun, sexy mix of mystery and romance with well-written characters and a story that had me turning the pages.

What a fun book! It hits a bunch of tropes, from English gentry to New Yorkers to rock stars, and it has a genuine heart. The characters are real and the romance is sexy and believable. Highly recommended! #HesToDieFor

A wonderful romance wit a mystery twist in this wonderful story.The author has a engaging style of writing that kept me turning the pages.Looking forward to more by this author.#NetGalley #st.martins

4.5 stars!

Detective Rav Trivedi is the youngest member on the NYPD’s homicide unit, but he feels like a bit of an outsider within the department as an Ivy-league graduate and gay British man with a superior fashion sense. His commanding officer assigns him the lead on a high-profile murder and Rav is eager to prove he will succeed in closing the case, with hopes of the rest of the team accepting him.

The tagline for this book references it being a cross between Brooklyn 99 and The Charm Offensive, and usually I am very wary of this type of comparison, but I feel like it hit the mark here 🎯.

HE’S TO DIE FOR is told in Rav’s POV. Rav is a fashionable homicide detective who graduated from an Ivy-league university and who is quickly rising up the ranks. His solve rate on crimes is stellar, and he’s been handed a high-profile case to take the lead on and is hoping it will up his credibility amongst his peers in the homicide unit. I really loved Rav’s POV, he’s smart, hard-working, detail-oriented, and has great wit with an excellent sense of humour. I find that homicide detectives are often described as being rough around the edges, but Rav doesn’t fit into that description, he’s kind and compassionate, even with those who are prime suspects in his cases. He’s a true gentleman, honestly. His fashion sense is impeccable, and you’ll find him wearing big name labels more often than not. This aspect reminded me of Lucifer from the TV show Lucifer.

The novel is set in NYC which is truly one of the best settings. I loved the premise of the novel, quickly getting immersed into the murder mystery. I was intrigued as to how the investigation would play out and was able to figure out what happened just pages before it was revealed. Very cleverly done with a steady pace.

The romance is M/M and was such a treat to experience through Rav’s eyes. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, there’s just the right amount of pining, and some great fade-to-black spicy scenes. There’s some ups and downs, like with any relationship, but I loved how they navigated these. Both characters were kind and supportive of one another. I liked the nod to grief, anxiety, panic attacks, and mental health – this was done with good care. Do check the trigger warnings if these are topics that are sensitive to you.

As a debut, this is excellent, and I’ll be looking forward to whatever this author chooses to write next!

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Minotaur Books, for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.