The Death of Friend

By Michael Nava

Book Overview

When Supreme Court judge Chris Chandler is found dead in his chambers, his old friend, Henry Rios, a gay Mexican American criminal defense lawyer, investigates and finds that the man had a secret life.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 039913977X
• ISBN13: 9780399139772
• Release Date: August 1996
• Publisher: Putnam Adult
• Length: 232 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Best in the series so far!

This book - without a doubt - has been the best of Nava's works that I have read. I actually wish I could go back and lower the score I gave a few of his other books, if only to make this one stand out. I was a little worried when I picked this up since I felt The Hidden Law, his previous Rios novel, was disjointed and his weakest work to date. But the four-year hiatus obviously paid off as not only was the mystery substantially better, but Rios' personal struggles were fleshed out with great detail and care. This was the first book of his I read to deal with the death of a loved one (I didn't read the first novel) and the relationships that get strained are captivating to follow. It also allows the mystery and Rios' personal life to join as one narrative, rather than two separate plots, as in the past. The story manages to keep your attention and throw surprises at you even up to the last page. Nava also manages to connect you to the protagonist by letting you see all of his internal struggles/demons, but doesn't allow them to become overbearing and have the adverse effect of making Henry seem miserable (a balance I thought was lacking in the previous book). If there is only one Michael Nava book you pick up, I would strongly recommend it be this one.

Not an expert

Too bad Michael Nava was never really appreciated. I won't assume why he remained in the shadows of mystery writers. All I can say is that when I read "all" his books, each was a "can't put down" one. I recommend you read them in the order of their original publications. You should follow the main character from start to finish. I hope Mr. Nava returns to writing soon.

Tremors through life and nature

Michael Nava seems to get better and better with each new book. The Death of Friends begins with an earthquake, a very LA way to start, and the novel is as much about the tremors running through Henry's life as it is about the mystery of who killed his law school friend, Judge Chris Chandler. Chandler, about to come out of the closet, leaves behind a grieving widow, an angry son and a scared lover. Henry pursues the truth while taking care of Josh, his former lover, now dying of AIDS. A strong, moving book, with an interesting mystery and a caring heart. Neil Plakcy, author of Mahu Surfer: A Hawaiian Mystery (An Alyson Mystery)

A murder mystery that made me cry.

This was a wonderful book, I could not put it down. Michael Nava is my new favorite author, I must have all of his novels. The flashback scenes where he relived his friendship with his murdered friend were especially touching.

Beautifully written, philosophical, and informative

Not only is this an excellent mystery, but it is written by someone who obviously loves the English language. The protagonist is both literate and philosophical. The book also provides a non-gay reader with some insight into contemporary and important questions facing our society.