Devil's Chew Toy

By: Rob Osler

Narrated by: Pete Cross

Seattle teacher and part-time blogger Hayden McCall wakes up sporting one hell of a shiner, with the police knocking at his door. It seems that his new crush, dancer Camilo Rodriguez, has gone missing, and they suspect foul play. What happened the night before? And where is Camilo?

Determined to find answers, pint-sized, good-hearted Hayden seeks out two of Camilo’s friends — Hollister and Burley — both lesbians and both fiercely devoted to their friend. From them, Hayden learns that Camilo is a “Dreamer” whose parents had been deported years earlier and whose sister is presumed to have returned to Venezuela with them.

Convinced that the cops won’t take a brown boy’s disappearance seriously, the girls join Hayden’s hunt for Camilo. The first clues turn up at Barkingham Palace, a pet store where Camilo had taken a part-time job. The store’s owner, Della Rupert, claims ignorance, but Hayden knows something is up.

And then there’s Camilo’s ex-boyfriend, Ryan, who’s suddenly grown inexplicably wealthy. When Hayden and Hollister follow Ryan to a secure airport warehouse, they make a shocking connection between him and Della — and uncover the twisted scheme that’s made both of them rich. The trail of clues leads them to the grounds of a magnificent estate on an island in Puget Sound, where they’ll finally learn the truth about Camilo’s disappearance — and the fate of his family.

©2022 Rob Osler (P)2022 Dreamscape Media, LLC

An Excellent Page Turner!

A fun, wild ride filled with characters that are so lively and wonderful you’ll be sad that you can’t count them amongst your friends. A must read, I’ll end at that for fear I’d give too much away!

I read the book and also listened to the audiobook. Each having their own charm! I have to say Peter across did not disappoint.

just ok

not terrible just not what I had expected. everything was simply ok. No sequel please

Great story, Smart Characters

I really wish there were more stories like this (cozy mysteries with LGBTQ+ protagonists) available to us. With this book, we get smart, interesting characters who critically think about their next steps and strategize their plans. The story was intricate enough to keep me engaged without being overly complex. I really loved the main characters, and the minor characters' personalities really added to the experience. Overall, great work from the narrator distinguishing voices and keeping me entertained. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series and hope there are more to come!