If you enjoy reading books by Michael Nava then you might also like the following authors:
Joseph Hansen is best known for his series of crime novels featuring Dave Brandstetter, one of the first openly gay detectives in fiction.
His book, “Fadeout,” introduces Dave, an insurance investigator looking into the death of a small-town radio host whose car went off the road. It seems like an accident at first, but as Dave digs deeper, secrets about the victim’s life come to light.
The story weaves personal struggles and suspense together without ever feeling forced, making the mystery feel grounded and real. Hansen’s style focuses on character and atmosphere, which draws you into the world he creates.
Greg Herren writes sharp, engaging mysteries with strong characters and plenty of suspense. In his novel “Bury Me in Shadows,” a young medical student named Jake heads to his family’s old plantation house in rural Alabama after a breakdown at school.
He uncovers disturbing secrets about his ancestors and the land itself. The story weaves history with personal struggles, offering plenty of twists as Jake tries to piece everything together.
Fans of Michael Nava’s thought-provoking mysteries might enjoy Herren’s ability to blend personal identity with intricate plots.
John Morgan Wilson is an author known for his gritty and atmospheric crime stories. His debut novel, “Simple Justice,” introduces Benjamin Justice, a disillusioned journalist living in West Hollywood.
In the story, Justice is drawn into a murder case connected to the LGBTQ+ community. As the layers of the case unfold, his own troubled past resurfaces.
Wilson’s writing doesn’t shy away from tough social issues, offering a story with rich characters and an unforgettable setting that feels very real. Fans of Michael Nava will likely enjoy Wilson’s approach to weaving personal struggles into a tense mystery.
Marshall Thornton is known for his engaging mysteries and LGBTQ+ stories. One of his standout books is “Boystown: Three Nick Nowak Mysteries.”
It follows Nick Nowak, a Chicago private investigator in the early 1980s, navigating gritty cases while dealing with personal challenges. The book paints a vivid picture of the time, as Nick takes on dangerous assignments that test his skills and resolve.
Fans of Michael Nava’s Henry Rios series will likely appreciate the mix of crime, emotion, and complex characters.
Stefanie Matteson is a mystery writer known for creating strong, memorable characters and atmospheric stories. One of her books, “Murder at the Spa,” features Charlotte Graham, a retired actress turned amateur sleuth.
In this story, Charlotte attends a luxurious health spa only to find herself investigating the suspicious death of a guest. The book combines a glamorous setting with a sharp and clever protagonist who unravels secrets hidden behind the spa’s posh façade.
William J. Mann is an author known for creating stories with strong characters and deep emotion. His book, “The Men from the Boys,” follows Jeff O’Brien as he navigates friendships, love, and loss in the gay community.
The story captures the complexities of relationships, showing how past connections influence present choices. Fans of Michael Nava might appreciate the way Mann explores personal struggles with honesty and heart.
Neil S. Plakcy is an author known for writing mystery novels with strong characters and engaging plots. One of his books, “Mahu,” introduces Kimo Kanapa‘aka, a gay police detective in Honolulu. The story begins with Kimo being outed while investigating a murder case.
As he faces backlash from his colleagues and family, he uncovers a deeper conspiracy that ties into the crime. The mix of personal struggles and a fast-paced investigation makes for an interesting read.
Fans of Michael Nava’s Henry Rios series might enjoy the way Plakcy weaves identity and detective work together.
Brad Shreve writes mystery novels that focus on LGBTQ+ characters, blending strong storytelling with interesting characters. His book “A Body in a Bathhouse” introduces Mitch O’Reilly, a private investigator in Los Angeles who takes on a routine insurance fraud case.
Things take a dark turn when a murder happens, throwing Mitch into a dangerous investigation while he tries to keep his personal life from falling apart. Fans of Michael Nava’s Henry Rios series might enjoy the balance of crime and character that Brad Shreve brings to his work.
Lev Raphael is an author known for his mysteries and stories exploring identity and family. His book “The Edith Wharton Murders” is part of the Nick Hoffman series.
It follows Nick, a professor at a Michigan university, who stumbles into a murder investigation when a colleague is killed. The story dives into academic politics and personal secrets as Nick deals with the chaos around him.
The mix of humor and tension adds depth to the unfolding mystery. Fans of Michael Nava might enjoy Raphael’s approach to personal struggles and sharp storytelling.
Reese Hogan writes stories that blend science fiction and emotion, often exploring survival and identity.
In their novel “Shrouded Loyalties,” set in a war-torn world, soldiers use portals to move between dimensions while dealing with betrayal and loyalties that aren’t as clear as they seem.
The story follows submarine officer Mila Blackwood, who discovers her brother’s secrets and faces truths about the war that could shatter everything she knows. Hogan’s characters feel real, navigating personal struggles amidst larger conflicts.
Readers who enjoy Michael Nava’s focus on personal and intricate dynamics in broader narratives may find this book worth checking out.
James Lear writes mystery novels that mix crime, humor, and steamy romance. One of his books, “The Back Passage,” is set in England in the 1920s and follows Edward “Mitch” Mitchell, a young man who gets caught up in solving a murder at a country estate.
Mitch, clever and a bit irreverent, uncovers secrets while navigating his own forbidden desires. The story combines a classic whodunit atmosphere with intimate moments and bold characters. The setting and tone feel like a cheeky twist on traditional detective fiction.
Andrew Holleran is a writer known for exploring themes of identity and longing in LGBTQ+ literature. His novel “Dancer from the Dance” paints a vivid portrait of gay life in 1970s New York City.
The book follows Malone, a man searching for connection and meaning, as he navigates the vibrant, hedonistic club scene and the friendships that come with it.
The story is set against a backdrop of nightlife, glamour, and quiet sadness, offering a glimpse into a world filled with both beauty and heartbreak.
Chris Holcombe writes stories that focus on deep character connections and personal struggles. Fans of Michael Nava might enjoy Holcombe’s book, “Rescue Six”.
The story follows a dedicated paramedic named Ben, who juggles the challenges of his high-stress job while helping his best friend, Mateo, navigate a dangerous secret. Their bond grows as they face difficult choices, creating moments that are heartfelt and intense.
The story mixes personal growth and loyalty to create something memorable.
Felice Picano is an author known for stories that explore deep emotions and relationships. His book “Like People in History” follows two cousins, Roger and Alistair, across decades as their lives intersect with key moments in gay history.
Through their connection, the story touches on love, loss, and identity, offering a heartfelt journey through the changing worlds they navigate. Fans of Michael Nava may appreciate Picano’s focus on personal struggles set against larger social backdrops.