[Boystown 03] • Boystown 3

A former police officer turned private investigator, Nick Nowak is haunted by his abrupt departure from the department, as well as, the traumatic end of his relationship with librarian Daniel Laverty. In these three stories set in Chicago during the early eighties, Nick locates a missing young man for a mysterious client, solves a case of arson at a popular nightspot, and goes undercover to prove a dramatic suicide was actually murder.

When he isn't detecting, and sometimes when he is, Nick moves through a series of casual relationships. But his long suppressed romantic side surfaces when he meets Detective Bert Harker. Will he give love another chance? Or, will he continue to bury himself in the arms of strangers?

Finalist for Lambda Literary Award - Gay Mystery 2012

ReviewMarshall Thornton's Boystown is an extremely satisfying read: it's gritty with a strong lead and a lot of subtle character development accompanied by great sex scenes.  -- 4 Divas, Kris at Dark Divas

"A pretty terrific set of mystery stories. Those of you who like their detectives hard-boiled, cynical and downbeat will love Nick Nowak." -- 4 1/2 Stars, Jenre at Three Dollar Bill Reviews

"Thornton's writing is very tight indeed, spare and economical, and beautifully edited... He's clearly an author of skill and strong dedication to research. This is a collection of stories which offers a good deal to enjoy." -- Ann Somerville, Outlaw Reviews

"I adored the voice in Boystown. It's 1st person--some people are born to write it, Marshall Thornton being one of them, in my opinion--and carries you along through Nick's world and current case. There are three cases in this book, all wonderful, all equally interesting, and I couldn't put the damn book down." Miz Love Reviews Top Pick

"I sincerely hope the author will revisit Nick Nowak in future books. I'll be sure to buy them on the strength of these three stories." 4 1/2 stars, British Bulldog, Rainbow Review

"Boystown: Three Nick Nowak Mysteries by Marshall Thornton is the first book in this well-written and gritty detective series that is reminiscent of hardboiled crime fiction. The book is a compilation of three novella-length mysteries all set in Chicago, circa 1980-1981. The mysteries are engaging, and the writing features a captivating main character and sets an excellent overall mood for the stories." Indie Reviews