Carved in Bone

A Henry Rios Novel (The Henry Rios Mysteries, Book 2)

By: Michael Nava

Narrated by: Thom Rivera

Was Bill Ryan's death an accident? Henry Rios has his doubts.

The first new Henry Rios novel in 20 years from six-time Lambda Literary award winner Michael Nava is a brilliantly plotted mystery that weaves together the gripping story of two gay men against the backdrop of 1980s San Francisco as the tsunami of AIDS bears down upon the city.

Kirkus Review says: "Delivering an unusual subject and structure, this tale offers refreshing emotional depth and a gay narrative seldom seen in thrillers."

©2019 Michael Nava (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Extraordinary Storytelling

‘Carved in Bone’ far surpasses any sort of expectations I had for this second book of the Henry Rios series. Michael Nava uses an alternating dual narrative to tell a heartbreaking story of rejection, abandonment and loneliness against the harrowing backdrop of the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s.

The story involves two timelines. One following Bill Ryan’s life--from family rejection of his homosexuality to his coming-of-age in 1970’s San Francisco. The other detailing Henry’s struggle to rebuild his reputation as a lawyer after rehab for alcoholism. Henry takes a job investigating a life insurance claim and this is the place his story dove-tails with Bill’s.

I’m finding it difficult to write any opinions about this story that don’t also include spoilers. I’ll just say this: I love the way the story is constructed. Nava’s recounting of Bill’s story profoundly elevates the emotional impact of the ending. It’s sad, even bleak, but couldn’t have been told any other way.

Thom Rivera’s narration of the story is very good. His interpretation and delivery of Henry’s voice matches the tone set by Nava’s writing.

Highly recommended.

I love it!

Carved in Bone was told from two timelines, the now following Henry Rios in his present in the 80’s. It’s set a while after the first book, I’m not too sure about the timeline, but I think it’s been a few years since the events in Lay Your Sleeping Head. He’s now trying to start over and get his life back on track. He’s sober and has a sponsor, next up is a job. And a step in that direction is to get back to practice law again, which is why a friend offers him a trial position investigating insurance claims to make sure they aren’t fraudulent. His first case is investigating Bill Ryan’s life.

Bill Ryan’s story is the second timeline we are following. It starts out in the early 70’s when Bill was a teenager just realizing he was gay and being thrown out and ostracised for being gay. We follow him to San Francisco and how he creates a new life for himself there, with new friends and new loves. Then we reach the 80 where his life changes drastically and ultimately culminates in the reason why Henry is tasked to investigate his life, trying to get a feel for him and the people surrounding him.

I love the quiet pacing of this series so far. It’s almost soothing in a way. Well, if you ignore the tragic and horrible events taking place, because they will play with your emotions like nothing else. Not in a manipulating way or for the sake of it, just because there are so much to be felt and that life isn’t always fair or easy – especially during this time. The way of life back then felt slower, there was time to just stop and take a breath and just be for a moment. I’m not trying to say it was better, but it was different. Michael Nava has a very captivating way of writing. He paints pictures so clearly and makes you feel deeply.

Thom Rivera was a wonderful addition to this book. His performance made Henry, Bill, Nick, Adam and the rest of them come alive. He fit the story, the characters and the timeline. He took you back to the 80’s just as surely Nava did with his words. He made you feel everything the characters did, the good and the bad. It was wonderful to listen to his voice for the past hours, and I’m looking forward to listen to the rest of the series.

Both the book and the series are highly recommended to anyone looking for a well-written gay mystery.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review fo Love Bytes.

Wonderful and heartbreaking

I hated the first book. The depiction of some if the characters was terrible, I skipped many scenes and yet there was something that made me want to know what happens next for Henry so I kept on reading. The second book was simply amazing. Henry’s character is much more interesting and less formatted. Other figures are also rounded and interesting. The atmosphere of San Francisco in the 80s is thoughtfully presented. I wish there was a way to skip the first book but there really isn’t. But it is worth it

Amazing

Nava is an incredible author and Henry Rios is a spectacular and fascinating character. The way the mystery is weaved with scenes from the past interacting with Rios’ present had me hooked from the beginning.

Best LGBTQIA+ mysteries I’ve ever found

The talented Nava really outdoes himself in this one. His ability to address socio-political issues as he tells a fabulous story is that more sauce—not preachy or didactic—but a realistic exposition of life in America for anyone who isn’t straight, white, and rich,
I’ve been an English prof for over 20 years, and I appreciate this series for its beautiful writing, relatable characters, and social commentary. Henry Rios is now one of my favorite literary figures, and Nava one of my favorite authors.
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Marvelous

I just finished *Lay Your Sleeping Head* and *Carved in Bone,* the first two novels in Nava’s Henry Ríos Mystery Series. Wow. Just… wow.

This is true literature - complex and compelling stories woven with nuanced characters within a backdrop of historical queerness that reflects on timeless issues we face - isolation and loneliness, love and lust, aging, alcoholism, sex addiction, redemption and hope, self-discovery and second chances. I cannot say enough positive things about these books, and I am so thrilled there are more in the series.

MM books that address HIV and AIDS often get a little tired, as many of you mention - we want to move beyond it and not have that era define us as a people. But the way he utilizes the time and place of his stories to provide poignant commentary and reflection on fears, hopes, pain and joy that are universal to the human experience… it is marvelous. If you have ready *Sacrament* by Clive Barker, Nava weaves HIV and AIDS into his narrative in a similar way. It isn’t the central focus of the story, but a foil used for reflection and a moving mechanism at the same time.

I had sort of parsed my avid reading of MM mysteries and crime into a sort of trashy/guilty pleasure subset of reading hobby. Don’t get me wrong - I have loved CS Poe, Joseph Hansen, and Josh Landon. These books are super fun and something in them speaks to me. But Nava’s books have bridged the gap between what is fun to read and what is meaningful read.

Beautiful, heart wrenching

This story stirred so many emotions in me, and I adored the characters (particularly Waldo). Under a sensitive and caring eye, I think this would make a great television series or movie - simply so this story and it's backdrop could touch the hearts of an even wider audience.

Some of the most real gay characters I’ve ever encountered in literature

Also, a poignant reminder of those we lost during the AIDS crisis. Anyone wanting to understand a little about what it can be like to be gay should read this book.

Depressing

Just so sad and maudlin. Now I know I had to publish his own stories.