APRIL 2022 - AudioFile
A mystery that starts with an unlikely event and gathers steam as it adds more unlikely events shines with the well-modulated narration provided by Pete Cross. Hayden McCall has a great night with Camilo, a go-go dancer he went home with after an unfortunate “meet cute.” The next morning he discovers that Camilo has disappeared. Cross presents both the narrative and dialogue in smooth, even tones as Hayden sets out on a search for Camilo and meets an assortment of diverse characters. Speed and volume are Cross’s primary tools in presenting the increasingly outlandish characters and delivering a plot that combines humor with more serious themes. This story will appeal to fans of Carl Hiaasen. E.J.F. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
Praise for Devil's Chew Toy:
“[An] appealing debut . . . Readers will hope Hayden and company will be back soon.”
—Publishers Weekly
"A fresh new take on the gay mystery . . . A welcome new voice."
—Kirkus Reviews
“A light but engrossing mystery.”
—Popsugar
“A rollicking romp . . . Readers will be delighted.”
—Deadly Pleasures
“A skillfully crafted and impressively original suspense thriller.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Charming and diverse characters—both human and canine—fill the pages of Rob Osler's delightfully humorous cozy. What fun to spend time with endearing leading man Hayden and friends on a romp through Seattle.”
—Gigi Pandian, USA Today bestselling and Agatha and Anthony-award winning author of The Accidental Alchemist series
"Take a disarming protagonist, a delightful supporting cast, and a pacy romp of a plot, add boundless warmth, humor, baked goods, and puppy love and you've got Devil's Chew Toy. Rob Osler’s debut cozy—or “quozy”—brings a rainbow of characters into the cozy universe with a lot of snap and even more style. I loved it!”
—Catriona McPherson, multi-award-winning author of the Last Ditch Motel mysteries
“Cozy, queer, so much fun!”
—Raquel V. Reyes, award-winning author of the Caribbean Kitchen Mystery series
“An out and proud crime story loaded with charm, warmth and good humor, DEVIL’S CHEW TOY introduces an engaging new voice with a fresh perspective on the sorts of stories a 21st century mystery novel can tell.”
—Charles Ardai, award-winning author of Nice Guys
“This nail-biter of a book is gut-bustingly funny, endlessly entertaining, and a little bit scary. Hayden McCall – teacher by day, relationship blogger by night, crime-solver by circumstance is unlike any mystery protagonist you’ve ever met: pocket-sized, optimistic and even though Hayden hates being described that way adorable. This is one of those books that makes you wonder if the world isn’t just a little bit more edgy, fun, dangerous, eccentric and exciting than you thought.”
—Hart Hanson, author of The Driver, and creator and executive producer of Bones
“What a wonderful read! From the knockout opening, through every unexpected twist, to the perfectbut not too perfect—ending, Rob Osler takes us on a great ride. The engaging voice, vivid setting, and loveable and diverse cast, make for a marvelous new cozy series. I can’t wait for another adventure with Hayden and his rainbow of friends!”
—Nikki Knight, author of the Vermont Radio mysteries
“Rob Osler’s debut has everything cozy mystery readers will love, plus the inclusiveness of an LGBTQ main character who is charming and likable. The diverse gang of supporting characters adds comic relief to this fast-moving whodunnit.”
—Elizabeth Breck, author of the Madison Kelly mysteries
APRIL 2022 - AudioFile
A mystery that starts with an unlikely event and gathers steam as it adds more unlikely events shines with the well-modulated narration provided by Pete Cross. Hayden McCall has a great night with Camilo, a go-go dancer he went home with after an unfortunate “meet cute.” The next morning he discovers that Camilo has disappeared. Cross presents both the narrative and dialogue in smooth, even tones as Hayden sets out on a search for Camilo and meets an assortment of diverse characters. Speed and volume are Cross’s primary tools in presenting the increasingly outlandish characters and delivering a plot that combines humor with more serious themes. This story will appeal to fans of Carl Hiaasen. E.J.F. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine