Los Angeles, 1947. A city divided by race and class. The rich get richer while the poor are left to rot. Private detective San Amaro knows this all too well – his clients are usually on the wrong side of the law. But when he’s hired to investigate a teenage girl’s disappearance, things take an unexpected turn for the worse: one dead body leads to another until San finds himself in over his head . . . with enemies on every side. Working with his partner Tony – who has secrets of his own – San must navigate LA’s seedy underbelly and stumbling blocks at every turn if he wants to find justice for those who can’t fight for themselves..
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone who appreciates a well-written mystery with compelling and diverse characters. LGBTQ+ readers will appreciate the inclusion of queer characters, while fans of noir fiction will enjoy the gritty setting and complex plot.
Pros :
- The plot is intriguing and full of twists and turns
- The author does a great job at creating compelling characters
- The period setting is richly drawn
Cons :
- The book lacks a clear plot
- The dialog is unnatural and unrealistic
- The characters are boring and undeveloped
Learn more about the author
Kai Butler is a queer writer, artist and musician from the Midwest. Wormwood Summer is their first novel.
Reader Reviews
“Kai Butler has created a PI world that is gritty, real and dangerous. San Amaro is someone I would want on my side in a tight spot.”
“Kai Butler has written a fast-paced, gritty noir that had me on the edge of my seat. With its complex and compelling characters, Wormwood Summer is sure to become a classic in the genre.”
“A gritty noir mystery set in a fascinating historical context. Kai Butler shows us an LA that is both alluring and dangerous, full of complex characters with hidden agendas. I can’t wait to see what San Amaro gets himself into next!”
“This book is a page-turner! Kai Butler has created a fascinating and multi-layered world in which to set his story. I loved the characters – complex, flawed, and entirely believable. The plot was intricate and well paced, with plenty of surprises along the way.”