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Henry Rios Series by Michael Nava |
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The Little Death
Goldenboy
How Town*
The Hidden Law
The Death of Friends
The Burning Plain
Rag and Bone
Rating: ****1/2
Reviewer: Meg
Note: These books should be read in order.
*Currently out of print according to Amazon
The two quotes above are from the first book, Little Death, and the last, Rag and Bone. To me the first quote is descriptive of lawyer Henry Rios' depth of feeling for all people he touches in his life. Henry is one of the most empathic characters in mystery fiction. He is completely unafraid to feel and as fearless when it comes to love. When Henry loves, it is always for keeps. He takes it seriously whether the person is friend, relative, or sexual partner. As he says to his future lover, John, in Rag and Bone, "A friend of mine once told me that my dick's connected to my heart." It's impossible for Henry to keep himself from commitment. Where other characters avoid it, Henry seeks it.
In some reviews of these books, reviewers have said that Henry is a loser because he allies himself to people who do not return his love for them. I think though that those critics will be happy with the last book, Rag and Bone, because it is about rewards. Henry has been through some rough times, first as a abused child, then losing a difficult lover to HIV/AIDS, bouts with alcoholism, depression, and an ever increasing number of disappointments as the books go on. Fans of angst will love these stories. Henry's desire to be a good person and to make a difference set him apart in his field from lawyers who see cases as steps to financial success. Henry truly desires to help people, regardless of their background. In the last book, there are rewards finally. The only problem is that we as readers pay a price in our wish to see some happiness for Henry. The rewards round out a seventeen year journey the author has made with his character and now it is over. Henry Rios will be greatly missed by mystery fans. He is a sexy, intelligent, and loving man, a strong survivor of most of the hurt life can offer; the kind of person we would all want to pattern ourselves after.
The strength of this series is Henry, the central character. The plots are likewise strong and unpredictable, often he comes to one conclusion only to come across new evidence that reverses the thread or sets him off in a completely new direction. It is difficult for me to guess the endings because of these switches and , when I think I have it figured out, another door opens and we are off again on a new trail. Ultimately though, the character of Henry is what brings us back again and again and makes us think about out own lives and how we have managed similar hazardous events. May we do as well.
