The Bell in the Fog by AC Rosen

Andy has gone from the Navy to being a cop and is currently known as the gay P.I. whose office is above a gay bar. It is the 50's and while it might be getting a bit easier in San Francisco being gay is still a secretive and somewhat dangerous way to live. When his old boyfriend shows up as a client Andy wants to toss him out but his heart of gold won't turn away anyone who needs help. James is being blackmailed and he needs Andy to find who it is or kiss his big Navy promotion goodbye. The case will reunite him with his two closest friends but will also churn the shark infested waters around his heart. Hopefully it will also gain him some new clients and trust in the community. Violent but heartfelt and soul tugging this story speaks to anyone who feels lonely in a crowd, hungers to be understood and left alone to be who they really are. This is book two in what is a new kind of crime noir with a Mickey Spillane style featuring what has been up till now an untold and hidden group of people and stories. Readers of Stephen Spotwood's SECRETS TYPED IN BLOOD will enjoy this immensely.  4 stars