Closet (Todd Mills Mysteries) [Paperback]

The story is engaing, quickly paced and full of suspence as well as the intcracies of coming out in very public and private ways. I'll always remember the secret meeting that opens the novel as one of the most suspensful things I've read (probaly due to it's gay context and my state of mind at the time). Zimmerman keeps the mystery itslef engaging and quite difficult to solve. Although I was focused on other aspects of the story :) I was kept gussing who the murderer could be until the very end.

If you're a fan of the series, you have to read this to see how it all started and if not, well this is a perfect time to get hooked. I give it 4 four stars because my state of mind when first reading it has clouded my critical eye a bit. But no matter, you are in store for a treat, in so many respects.

Todd, a star reporter at the local T.V. station, is unexpectedly outed when his lover of 4 years is killed. (Within the first 20 pages!) Todd's life crumbles around him and we get to help him pick up the pieces.

There is no room for fluffy character study in this tight narrative style. We only grow to love Todd and begin to care for the yummy detective Rawlins who is assigned to his case. The lack of character development could be offputting to some, but I can see the need for keeping the story focused.

After the funeral of Todd's lover the story picks up speed and drives for the finish. Our hero unmasks the killer in a terrific blazing finale. (Literally!)

This is definately a MUST READ!

Todd Mills is at the pinnacle of his career; he is in negotiations for a major promotion at Channel 7 News. The only problem is the stress in his relationship with his 4-year lover, Michael. You see, Todd is not "out," and has always done his best to keep his professional and private lives as separate as he can. Michael, however, gave him an ultimatum: me or the closet. After a lively fight, and a short time to think about his priorities, Todd decides to choose Michael. But he's too late . . . Michael has been killed. Todd is implicated in the murder, outed to the world, and forced to deal with many thoughts and feelings he's never had before.

In my opinion, Zimmerman's keeping the killer's identity hidden until the last few pages is wonderful. Even though I know that all the leads, twists and hints in the novel are meant to mislead me, I always fall for them, and am quite suprised at the end. The key to these books is to suspect everyone and no one. <grin>

Just as interesting is the struggle Todd faces with being blasted out of the closet all at once. Years of fearing that people will shun and hate him for who he is, the impact on his career, and not fitting into the gay community come to the surface. Not all the questions and issues are answered, but I believe Zimmerman was true to the struggle being faced, and how people learn to lean on their friends and family to help them through it.

This is a wonderful book from a wonderful series. Read them one and all.