Rating: 
Summary: A Grand Finale & Wonderful Ending!
Review: I have to admit this is only the second Henry Rios mystery I have read. I read the first one many years ago, collected all the others, but have failed to get to them. Shame on me! After reading this wonderful ending to the Henry Rios series, I know now that I will definitely read all his other books ASAP. This was a wonderful story with real characters, and it was a real page turner. These characters are real people, who make up a true & caring family, and it doesn't matter whether they happen to be gay or straight. This book had true passion, something for everyone and plenty of love in many different guises.While Rios is recuperating from a heart attack, he learns that his sister had an illegitimate daughter many years ago, who now has a son of her own and she has come to find her mother for help so she can escape from an abusive husband. Her husband is found shot dead and now it's Rios turn to fight for Vicky's innocence. In the meantime his sister, Elena; Vicky's son, Angelito, and Rios new found love John, slowly become a very close and unexpected family. Proving Vicky's innocence,however, takes on a much darker, and unexpected turn, and causes Rios to even alter some events of his own life. Right up to almost the last chapter you're left wondering how everything will turn out. Michael Nava has ended the Henry Rios novels with another great mystery. It's with sorrow that he has decided to end the series, but it's with a great appreciation that I myself say Thank You to this fine and talented writer. Bravo!!!
Rating:
Summary: I Demand More!
Review: I pray that this is truly not the end of the Henry Rios series. If, sadly, this indeed the case, Nava offers his hero and his readers a credible ending to a phenomenal series. After gay attorney Henry Rios suffers a heart attack, he is paid a visit by his estranged sister, Elena. As the two recall their violent childhoods, they slowly being to rebuild the relationship that ended when they were still children. After revealing painfuls secrets to each other, Henry is shocked when his sister reveals that she had a child while she was in college and gave her up for adoption. Desperate and ashamed, Elena prays her daughter will attempt to contact her. Well, of course she does, and does she bring a lot of baggage with her. Vicky, Elena's daughter and Henry's niece, is fleeing an abusive marriage, a "colorful" criminal history, and is hauling her son, Angel, in tow. Secretive, homophobic, and pious, Vicky is basically obnoxious, but evokes sympathy for her plight. Angel is another matter. Highly intelligent and wise beyond his years, Angel is an old soul who knows more and is capable of more than anyone thinks. When Vicky stands accused of murdering her husband, Elena begs Henry for help and agrees, but only for the sake of Angel. Encouraged by new love John DeLeon, Henry goes to bat for Angel, and eventually, for Vicky too. Except Vicky can't seem to get her story straight, and doesn't demonstrate the typical behavioral pattern of battered women. Embittered, but desperate, Vicky accepts her uncle's help, and relinquishes temporary guardianship of Angel to him. The more Henry learns about Vicky, the less he likes her, and the fiercer his attachment to Angel becomes. Clues along the way give the reader a glimpse of what Vicky's hiding, but the finale is less than typical; that is, IT'S GOOD!. Things are resolved, neatly and equitably, allowing the reader to part with Henry with a few tears and best wishes for the future.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Ending to A Great Series
Review: I think Michael Nava's Henry Rios books constitute by far the finest gay mystery series extant. I held on to this book for two years before reading it simply because I didn't want the series to end. I began reading with trepidation and sadness but Nava has done a masterful job of wrapping things up by giving Henry so many new beginnings. It's not much of a mystery -- you'll figure it out before Henry does -- but it is well written and believable. As a lawyer who has never done a criminal proceeding, I've appreciated Nava's insights into the law. And he approaches all aspects of his characters in the same methodical way. Thanks Michael for all the joy you've given to so many. Henry Rios is gone and I can accept that but I hope that you will reconsider your decision to not write another mystery.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Ending to A Great Series
Review: I think Michael Nava's Henry Rios books constitute by far the finest gay mystery series extant. I held on to this book for two years before reading it simply because I didn't want the series to end. I began reading with trepidation and sadness but Nava has done a masterful job of wrapping things up by giving Henry so many new beginnings. It's not much of a mystery -- you'll figure it out before Henry does -- but it is well written and believable. As a lawyer who has never done a criminal proceeding, I've appreciated Nava's insights into the law. And he approaches all aspects of his characters in the same methodical way. Thanks Michael for all the joy you've given to so many. Henry Rios is gone and I can accept that but I hope that you will reconsider your decision to not write another mystery.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Book - where my dictionary! <G>
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed Rag and Bone. The plot was well developed and the characters are quite realistic. I could easily relate to the abuse story line, having lived that myself as a child. As a gay father, I can relate VERY well to John and to Henry as they learned more about what being a parent is all about. I did find quite a few words that sent me scurrying for my dictionary - a bit frustrating but liveable. I did have to get some help with the spanish words, very few were written so the reader could figure the meaning of the word based on context. Overall, a great book, and now I need to go find the rest of the Rios series. I'm hooked! Have read Goldenboy also.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book - where my dictionary! <G>
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed Rag and Bone. The plot was well developed and the characters are quite realistic. I could easily relate to the abuse story line, having lived that myself as a child. As a gay father, I can relate VERY well to John and to Henry as they learned more about what being a parent is all about. I did find quite a few words that sent me scurrying for my dictionary - a bit frustrating but liveable. I did have to get some help with the spanish words, very few were written so the reader could figure the meaning of the word based on context. Overall, a great book, and now I need to go find the rest of the Rios series. I'm hooked! Have read Goldenboy also.
Rating:
Summary: Goodbye Rico, we're gonna miss you.
Review: Michael Nava may not be a great mystery writer, so what. What is more important is that he is, simply, a great writer. The truth is that I knew "who done it" about a third of the way through, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that I got to spend time with Henry again. I love this character. From "The Little Death" through "The Death of Friends," we've seen Henry weather it all. Indeed, we've weathered it with him. I love that the author has brought John into Henry's life. Their love affair was much more compelling than the mystery surrounding it. Michael Nava is a very emotional writer. His novels touch on all sorts of issues confronting gay people. I hope that straight people are reading his books, there is so much to be learned from them. I understand that this is the last Henry Rios mystery, I only hope that this is not the last Michael Nava novel, that would be a crime.
Rating:
Summary: Goodbye Rico, we're gonna miss you.
Review: Michael Nava may not be a great mystery writer, so what. What is more important is that he is, simply, a great writer. The truth is that I knew "who done it" about a third of the way through, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that I got to spend time with Henry again. I love this character. From "The Little Death" through "The Death of Friends," we've seen Henry weather it all. Indeed, we've weathered it with him. I love that the author has brought John into Henry's life. Their love affair was much more compelling than the mystery surrounding it. Michael Nava is a very emotional writer. His novels touch on all sorts of issues confronting gay people. I hope that straight people are reading his books, there is so much to be learned from them. I understand that this is the last Henry Rios mystery, I only hope that this is not the last Michael Nava novel, that would be a crime.
Rating:
Summary: Goodbye Rico, we're gonna miss you.
Review: Michael Nava may not be a great mystery writer, so what. What is more important is that he is, simply, a great writer. The truth is that I knew "who done it" about a third of the way through, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that I got to spend time with Henry again. I love this character. From "The Little Death" through "The Death of Friends," we've seen Henry weather it all. Indeed, we've weathered it with him. I love that the author has brought John into Henry's life. Their love affair was much more compelling than the mystery surrounding it. Michael Nava is a very emotional writer. His novels touch on all sorts of issues confronting gay people. I hope that straight people are reading his books, there is so much to be learned from them. I understand that this is the last Henry Rios mystery, I only hope that this is not the last Michael Nava novel, that would be a crime.
Rating:
Summary: Transcending the Genre
Review: Mr. Nava has given us reason for joy and sorrow. I read his first published novel "The Little Death" in 1986 when it was first published. I was already a fan of the genre. The complex characters and plot twists of that amazing first work made it my favorite mystery and remains so to this day. Now Mr. Nava brings us joy with the final book of the series. His insights into the pain and difficulties of everyday life remain lucid and clear; his characters clothe themselves in their human frailties and strengths, remaining true to themselves and to each other as the story unfolds. And sorrow, for we will not spend time with Henry (Enrico) Rios again. I do not know what Mr. Nava plans for the future. I can only hope that the end of his career as a mystery writer does not also mean an end to his larger career as a writer. In any case, I pray that his own life is filled with the joy his writing has brought to his readers. Thank-you Michael. God speed.
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