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He's to Die For
Brooklyn 99
meets The Charm Offensive in this sparkling romantic murder it's murder cute in the first degree when a detective finds himself falling for the lead suspect in a career-making case.
At 29, Detective Rav Trivedi is the youngest member of the NYPD’s homicide squad, and his future looks bright. He may be a bit of an outsider in the department – an ivy-league educated gay Brit with a weakness for designer suits – but his meteoric rise and solve rate prove he belongs.
So when his CO assigns him lead on the high-profile murder of a record executive, Rav is ready for action. He won’t be distracted by TV crews, tabloids, or what’s trending on social media, nor by the ridiculously hot rock star with a clear motive and no alibi.
This is it, his shot, and he is not going to screw it up—certainly not by falling in love with his number one suspect…
At 29, Detective Rav Trivedi is the youngest member of the NYPD’s homicide squad, and his future looks bright. He may be a bit of an outsider in the department – an ivy-league educated gay Brit with a weakness for designer suits – but his meteoric rise and solve rate prove he belongs.
So when his CO assigns him lead on the high-profile murder of a record executive, Rav is ready for action. He won’t be distracted by TV crews, tabloids, or what’s trending on social media, nor by the ridiculously hot rock star with a clear motive and no alibi.
This is it, his shot, and he is not going to screw it up—certainly not by falling in love with his number one suspect…
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2025
87 people are currently reading
16432 people want to read
About the author
Erin Dunn
1 book56 followersERIN DUNN loves twisty mysteries and swoony rom-coms, so she decided to combine the two. A native of Calgary, Canada, Erin has lived in Brooklyn long enough to officially call herself a New Yorker, or so she is informed. When she's not writing, you can find her playing music, cooking, or sampling other people's cooking. Hit her up on Instagram @murdercuteHQ!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 430 reviews
May 14, 2025
I just unapologetically pushed that five-star button. This ‘The Charm Offensive but make it a mystery’ with fanfic writing like E.L. Massey’s and Taylor Fitzpatrick’s (without the hockey, though) just hit the right notes with me.
Sometimes, I know from the first page that I’ll like, correct, love a story, and He’s to Die For is one of those books. I hadn’t seen the book before; I just found it on NetGalley, read the blurb, and decided to request it. I’m so happy that I did because this is just the kind of story I fall head over heels with.
For those who don’t like thrillers or mysteries but do like romances, I believe this one's for you, too. He’s to Die For is just a warm bath, with some twists and turns that might give you a shiver once in a while, and a few rougher scenes, but overall, this story makes you glow on the inside and grow that smile on your face so many times. I call it fluff with heavier themes underneath. I rooted for Rav and Jack so much and fell in love with them both. Rav, the (half-Indian) Brit, so posh and driven and still so caring. And Jack, anxious, protective, sweet Jack, full of grief but also full of love.
He’s to Die For might end up being one of my favorite 2025 reads. Even though it’s only January. Even though it’s a bit insta love. And even though Rav is Indian without hardly any heritage mentioned (another thing in common with The Charm Offensive). I really want you all to read this one, everyone!
Thank you so, so much, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for this awesome ARC!
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Sometimes, I know from the first page that I’ll like, correct, love a story, and He’s to Die For is one of those books. I hadn’t seen the book before; I just found it on NetGalley, read the blurb, and decided to request it. I’m so happy that I did because this is just the kind of story I fall head over heels with.
For those who don’t like thrillers or mysteries but do like romances, I believe this one's for you, too. He’s to Die For is just a warm bath, with some twists and turns that might give you a shiver once in a while, and a few rougher scenes, but overall, this story makes you glow on the inside and grow that smile on your face so many times. I call it fluff with heavier themes underneath. I rooted for Rav and Jack so much and fell in love with them both. Rav, the (half-Indian) Brit, so posh and driven and still so caring. And Jack, anxious, protective, sweet Jack, full of grief but also full of love.
He’s to Die For might end up being one of my favorite 2025 reads. Even though it’s only January. Even though it’s a bit insta love. And even though Rav is Indian without hardly any heritage mentioned (another thing in common with The Charm Offensive). I really want you all to read this one, everyone!
Thank you so, so much, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for this awesome ARC!
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June 11, 2025
3.5 stars
This was a fun and light read. Rav's character was the best part for me. I loved how posh and witty he is. So unlike any detective I've come across in a book.
I was very invested in the story at first, but somewhere in the second half it started to drag for me a bit. Rav and Jack were cute together, but their romance felt surface level to me. The mystery part was interesting, though I wish that
Excellent narration by Sid Sagar. There are a lot of dialogues in the book and the way he effortlessly switches between accents (English, American and Indian) is amazing.
This was a fun and light read. Rav's character was the best part for me. I loved how posh and witty he is. So unlike any detective I've come across in a book.
I was very invested in the story at first, but somewhere in the second half it started to drag for me a bit. Rav and Jack were cute together, but their romance felt surface level to me. The mystery part was interesting, though I wish that
Excellent narration by Sid Sagar. There are a lot of dialogues in the book and the way he effortlessly switches between accents (English, American and Indian) is amazing.
June 21, 2025
Ooh, now this was fun! I hope it becomes a series. Cop falls for suspect. Add in some drama, limited sex scenes, and a strong supporting cast, it has a little bit of everything. Fast-moving, interesting mystery to solve, tho some of the character history was a little too blurry to really solve this as a reader. Definitely a new author to watch out for.
June 6, 2025
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year - and thank god it did not disappoint! 🙌
Picture this: Rav, a young, cool, posh-as-fuck NYPD detective with something to prove, gets handed a high-profile murder case. His prime suspect? None other than Jack - shy, anxious, heartbreakingly beautiful rockstar Jack. And yes, obviously, sparks fly, even though they definitely are not supposed to 😏
I absolutely loved Rav’s character and his POV. He’s calm, competent, stylish, and unruffled, but there’s this spark in him, and this care, that made him feel so real and compelling. And Jack? Oh, Jack. Characters with anxiety and panic attacks have such a special place in my heart and the way he’s written, and especially the way he’s cared for when things get hard, made me melt.
And the two of them together gave me SO MANY BUTTERFLIES 🦋; their attraction and pull was that convincing and the slow-burn build-up very swoon worthy.
I also really appreciated the way their intimacy was written - open door enough to feel honest, but never explicit. It was exactly the right tone for this story and felt like such a refreshing choice.
The supporting cast was another highlight. They brought so much warmth, personality, and depth to the story without ever distracting from the main plot.
Speaking of plot: the murder mystery element was just as gripping as the romance. Some twists I saw coming, some completely blindsided me (in the best way), and the balance between emotional beats and suspense was very well done in my humble opinion. This one will absolutely satisfy both murder mystery fans and/or romance lovers.
The writing style and third person, single POV reminded me of E.L. Massey at times, which is a very good thing in my book. While I personally wouldn’t have minded even more depth in the romance department, or Rav acting a bit more like the professional detective he’s supposed to be (lol), those are minor quibbles.
This was a total page-turner. Smart, swoony, emotionally satisfying. I could easily see this becoming a series, sooo… pretty please Ms. Dunn? 😍
Highly recommend!
4,5⭐️
Picture this: Rav, a young, cool, posh-as-fuck NYPD detective with something to prove, gets handed a high-profile murder case. His prime suspect? None other than Jack - shy, anxious, heartbreakingly beautiful rockstar Jack. And yes, obviously, sparks fly, even though they definitely are not supposed to 😏
I absolutely loved Rav’s character and his POV. He’s calm, competent, stylish, and unruffled, but there’s this spark in him, and this care, that made him feel so real and compelling. And Jack? Oh, Jack. Characters with anxiety and panic attacks have such a special place in my heart and the way he’s written, and especially the way he’s cared for when things get hard, made me melt.
And the two of them together gave me SO MANY BUTTERFLIES 🦋; their attraction and pull was that convincing and the slow-burn build-up very swoon worthy.
I also really appreciated the way their intimacy was written - open door enough to feel honest, but never explicit. It was exactly the right tone for this story and felt like such a refreshing choice.
The supporting cast was another highlight. They brought so much warmth, personality, and depth to the story without ever distracting from the main plot.
Speaking of plot: the murder mystery element was just as gripping as the romance. Some twists I saw coming, some completely blindsided me (in the best way), and the balance between emotional beats and suspense was very well done in my humble opinion. This one will absolutely satisfy both murder mystery fans and/or romance lovers.
The writing style and third person, single POV reminded me of E.L. Massey at times, which is a very good thing in my book. While I personally wouldn’t have minded even more depth in the romance department, or Rav acting a bit more like the professional detective he’s supposed to be (lol), those are minor quibbles.
This was a total page-turner. Smart, swoony, emotionally satisfying. I could easily see this becoming a series, sooo… pretty please Ms. Dunn? 😍
Highly recommend!
4,5⭐️
June 12, 2025
Came for the romance, stayed for the mystery.
This is one of the books I’m sad I didn’t like better. It’s about Rav, a policeman, and Jack, a rockstar.
Rav is one of a kind: his father is a Lord in the UK, his mother a model/socialite, but to his family’s dismay , he works as a cop in NYC. He’s very posh, wears designer suits and is ambitious. You can imagine that all these things put together doesn’t endear him to many of his colleagues.
And then there’s Jack, the singer of a rock band, who’s somehow entangled with the death of his old label boss. Handsome ofc, mysterious and shy underneath all the glitz.
The book starts strong, but once the romance between Rav and Jack started, I felt… meh. I loved Rav (we’re getting his POV after all, even though 3rd person pov + the use of present tense made it harder for me to connect). Jack was… idk. Elusive somehow. He starts off as being a sensitive artist with anxiety attacks, but then… I just think that he was very inconsistent. Not calling/texting Rav for days, only to invite him VIA HIS ASSISTANT to a date/booty call to his hotel room? Only to have him sneaked in via the service elevator, because there’s a paparazzo in the lobby? (And seriously - what high end hotel would allow that?). But then making out in plain sight on the balcony?
I’m sorry, but if a guy doesn’t call you, or at least text you, for DAYS, he’s just not that much into you 🤷♀️ no idea why Rav was so whipped at that point already (after having seen Jack only a handful of times) that he didn’t care. Rav is smart, handsome and confident. Jack wasn’t good enough for him. At one point, Rav is wondering how someone as handsome and perfect as Jack could want HIM of all men. No, Rav, it’s more like how someone as amazing as YOU would settle for someone like Jack, who blows you off after you dared to doubt him for approximately 0.2 seconds. Who lets his assistant call you. Who makes everything about himself, like “giving Rav another chance” is particularly generous. Also: going inkognito to a private airport close to Cannes to pick Rav up, only to drive him home in a silver vintage Aston Martin he bought on a whim, admiring the stars because there’s no light pollution along the coast around there??? Pleeeeaaaaase 🙄
Fuck Jack. Rav was too good for him.
On top of that, I struggled with the narration. Yes, Rav is from England, so the British accent makes sense. But why do so many people sound English, too? Yes, the narrator occasionally switched to other accents, but they rarely sounded American - and after all, 90% of the characters were from the US. And Aisha? Why did she sound like she grew up in India and not NYC?
Also, it was hard to distinguish his voices (even the male/female ones), and I struggled keeping up who’s the one talking.
On top of that - SO MANY CHARACTERS. So many names. The dead label boss, the band, the PA, the bodyguard(s), the police squad, FBI, hackers, reporters and fans. I felt the urge to draw a map 😅 Oh and all the song titles, album names, song lyrics.
On top of that, no idea why, it gave me 1D fanfic vibes, with Jack being Harry Styles 🤷♀️
Another pet peeve of mine: using too many pop cultural references. That’s a thing that CAN work - in my case, listening to Lana Del Rey’s “moody voice croon” is a turnoff. Sorry 😂 Or Timothy Chalamet. Robert Pattinson. Bono. It felt a bit much, ngl.
I loved the mystery though, even though my slight suspicion turned out to be true. Despite my many niggles, I’ll rate it with 3 stars - maybe if have rated it higher if I’d read it and if I wouldn’t have had my issues with the narration. I would have switched, but it’s not on KU, so I stayed with the audio.
This is one of the books I’m sad I didn’t like better. It’s about Rav, a policeman, and Jack, a rockstar.
Rav is one of a kind: his father is a Lord in the UK, his mother a model/socialite, but to his family’s dismay , he works as a cop in NYC. He’s very posh, wears designer suits and is ambitious. You can imagine that all these things put together doesn’t endear him to many of his colleagues.
And then there’s Jack, the singer of a rock band, who’s somehow entangled with the death of his old label boss. Handsome ofc, mysterious and shy underneath all the glitz.
The book starts strong, but once the romance between Rav and Jack started, I felt… meh. I loved Rav (we’re getting his POV after all, even though 3rd person pov + the use of present tense made it harder for me to connect). Jack was… idk. Elusive somehow. He starts off as being a sensitive artist with anxiety attacks, but then… I just think that he was very inconsistent. Not calling/texting Rav for days, only to invite him VIA HIS ASSISTANT to a date/booty call to his hotel room? Only to have him sneaked in via the service elevator, because there’s a paparazzo in the lobby? (And seriously - what high end hotel would allow that?). But then making out in plain sight on the balcony?
I’m sorry, but if a guy doesn’t call you, or at least text you, for DAYS, he’s just not that much into you 🤷♀️ no idea why Rav was so whipped at that point already (after having seen Jack only a handful of times) that he didn’t care. Rav is smart, handsome and confident. Jack wasn’t good enough for him. At one point, Rav is wondering how someone as handsome and perfect as Jack could want HIM of all men. No, Rav, it’s more like how someone as amazing as YOU would settle for someone like Jack, who blows you off after you dared to doubt him for approximately 0.2 seconds. Who lets his assistant call you. Who makes everything about himself, like “giving Rav another chance” is particularly generous. Also: going inkognito to a private airport close to Cannes to pick Rav up, only to drive him home in a silver vintage Aston Martin he bought on a whim, admiring the stars because there’s no light pollution along the coast around there??? Pleeeeaaaaase 🙄
Fuck Jack. Rav was too good for him.
On top of that, I struggled with the narration. Yes, Rav is from England, so the British accent makes sense. But why do so many people sound English, too? Yes, the narrator occasionally switched to other accents, but they rarely sounded American - and after all, 90% of the characters were from the US. And Aisha? Why did she sound like she grew up in India and not NYC?
Also, it was hard to distinguish his voices (even the male/female ones), and I struggled keeping up who’s the one talking.
On top of that - SO MANY CHARACTERS. So many names. The dead label boss, the band, the PA, the bodyguard(s), the police squad, FBI, hackers, reporters and fans. I felt the urge to draw a map 😅 Oh and all the song titles, album names, song lyrics.
On top of that, no idea why, it gave me 1D fanfic vibes, with Jack being Harry Styles 🤷♀️
Another pet peeve of mine: using too many pop cultural references. That’s a thing that CAN work - in my case, listening to Lana Del Rey’s “moody voice croon” is a turnoff. Sorry 😂 Or Timothy Chalamet. Robert Pattinson. Bono. It felt a bit much, ngl.
I loved the mystery though, even though my slight suspicion turned out to be true. Despite my many niggles, I’ll rate it with 3 stars - maybe if have rated it higher if I’d read it and if I wouldn’t have had my issues with the narration. I would have switched, but it’s not on KU, so I stayed with the audio.
June 5, 2025
You know when you find a book that is unlike anything else you've read? This is it. And this is quite hard to do when you've read 1k+ books.
This is a romance and a mystery/thriller mashed up together. One of the main characters is a singer in a rock band, and the other a detective of the NYPD. A murder happens and our rockstar is the main suspect.
It might not seem like a big deal or nothing new, but for some reason it felt like a breath of fresh air in the romance genre.
First, it has pretty much no spice, or I guess I should say there isn't any smut, but the tension is delicious, the chemistry jumps off the page. The cast of characters is so rich, and they are all so fleshed out you feel like you could walk by them on the streets.
The investigation aspect was also so well done, it kept me guessing to the very end, and I was very satisfied with how it all turned out.
Usually, I would feel like a second pov would elevate the book, but here it's the opposite, it's almost like having only one side was necessary.
Erin Dunn did a fantastic job with this book, I can only give it the highest praise.
This is a romance and a mystery/thriller mashed up together. One of the main characters is a singer in a rock band, and the other a detective of the NYPD. A murder happens and our rockstar is the main suspect.
It might not seem like a big deal or nothing new, but for some reason it felt like a breath of fresh air in the romance genre.
First, it has pretty much no spice, or I guess I should say there isn't any smut, but the tension is delicious, the chemistry jumps off the page. The cast of characters is so rich, and they are all so fleshed out you feel like you could walk by them on the streets.
The investigation aspect was also so well done, it kept me guessing to the very end, and I was very satisfied with how it all turned out.
Usually, I would feel like a second pov would elevate the book, but here it's the opposite, it's almost like having only one side was necessary.
Erin Dunn did a fantastic job with this book, I can only give it the highest praise.
May 30, 2025
Intriguing premise, sharp writing, interesting MCs, but I could not get into this book to save my life.
The narrative is third-person, singular POV, which I find limiting and dull, regardless of the genre (but especially so when it comes to romance).
Rav is a fun character. Unfortunately, his narration wasn't enough to carry the book for me. I wish Jack had been given a voice as well. As is, his personality was all tell, no show.
Never mind that the romance played second-fiddle to everything else. The relationship was behind the scenes, and Jack never crawled out of his self-imposed hidey-hole.
The mystery felt manufactured, and while I enjoyed the snarky humor and the banter between Rav and his NYPD partner, it didn't quite fit the plot.
There were also too many references to pop culture for my liking. I had vague One Direction fanfic vibes while reading He's to Die For. I haven't read a lot of fanfic though, so I may be wrong,
The narrative is third-person, singular POV, which I find limiting and dull, regardless of the genre (but especially so when it comes to romance).
Rav is a fun character. Unfortunately, his narration wasn't enough to carry the book for me. I wish Jack had been given a voice as well. As is, his personality was all tell, no show.
Never mind that the romance played second-fiddle to everything else. The relationship was behind the scenes, and Jack never crawled out of his self-imposed hidey-hole.
The mystery felt manufactured, and while I enjoyed the snarky humor and the banter between Rav and his NYPD partner, it didn't quite fit the plot.
There were also too many references to pop culture for my liking. I had vague One Direction fanfic vibes while reading He's to Die For. I haven't read a lot of fanfic though, so I may be wrong,
June 3, 2025
He's to Die For pulled me out of a reading slump with how funny, charming, and intriguing it is! An absolute delight of a book! ❤️
Listen, sometimes the chemistry is so amazing that what was supposed to be a police interview with a murder suspect turns into a murder-meet-cute 🤷♀️
It took maybe a handful of pages for me to fall in love with Ravi, the British-Indian, queer, NYC cop who's at the top of his game both job and style-wise. He's funny, charming, and ready to show he can be the lead on a big murder case, impress his bosses (and maybe even his parents), and he's not about to let anything get in his way.
Rav didn't account for Jack Vale though, the lead singer of a famous band who's nowhere near as arrogant and aloof as his status suggests he would be. Instead he's kind, anxious, and intriguing in a way Rav wasn't prepared for. Oh, and he's also the main suspect in a murder. Or two.
Rav and Jack make me want to scream into my pillow with how freaking cute and good they are together, I absolutely adore both characters and their romance 🥰🥰
Besides the fantastic romance aspect that made me positively giddy, He's to Die For also has a great murder mystery plot. Romance and plot are well-balanced and the book had me hooked really fast!
✨️Read He's to Die For for:
💙Stylish af British NYC cop/murder suspect rock star
🖤Crime mystery romance
💙Text flirting!
🖤Amazing chemistry!
💙Anxiety rep
🖤Single POV (3rd person)
Thanks to Minotaur Books and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. He's to Die For is out June 3
Listen, sometimes the chemistry is so amazing that what was supposed to be a police interview with a murder suspect turns into a murder-meet-cute 🤷♀️
It took maybe a handful of pages for me to fall in love with Ravi, the British-Indian, queer, NYC cop who's at the top of his game both job and style-wise. He's funny, charming, and ready to show he can be the lead on a big murder case, impress his bosses (and maybe even his parents), and he's not about to let anything get in his way.
Rav didn't account for Jack Vale though, the lead singer of a famous band who's nowhere near as arrogant and aloof as his status suggests he would be. Instead he's kind, anxious, and intriguing in a way Rav wasn't prepared for. Oh, and he's also the main suspect in a murder. Or two.
Rav and Jack make me want to scream into my pillow with how freaking cute and good they are together, I absolutely adore both characters and their romance 🥰🥰
Besides the fantastic romance aspect that made me positively giddy, He's to Die For also has a great murder mystery plot. Romance and plot are well-balanced and the book had me hooked really fast!
✨️Read He's to Die For for:
💙Stylish af British NYC cop/murder suspect rock star
🖤Crime mystery romance
💙Text flirting!
🖤Amazing chemistry!
💙Anxiety rep
🖤Single POV (3rd person)
Thanks to Minotaur Books and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. He's to Die For is out June 3
February 19, 2025
celebrity romance with a murder mystery? gimmie - rtc
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paused-will-finish-later
June 17, 2025MM Romance
Rock Star/Cop
Paused @ 52%
I loved the first part of this book but it’s lost steam as it’s progressed and I just cannot get back into it right now. I like the mystery aspect but I came for the romance and it’s just not working for me. I think this would have been better if it had been in both POVs but in just the one, it makes the rock star MC feel super one dimensional. That said I have it paused and not a true DNF because I want to check out the audiobook, I just don’t have time to do that before the feedback is due.
Thanks netgalley for the arc.
Rock Star/Cop
Paused @ 52%
I loved the first part of this book but it’s lost steam as it’s progressed and I just cannot get back into it right now. I like the mystery aspect but I came for the romance and it’s just not working for me. I think this would have been better if it had been in both POVs but in just the one, it makes the rock star MC feel super one dimensional. That said I have it paused and not a true DNF because I want to check out the audiobook, I just don’t have time to do that before the feedback is due.
Thanks netgalley for the arc.
May 26, 2025
This is an entertaining, well-written, romantic murder mystery novel. It has an intelligent, likable and engaging male protagonist, wit, a touch of humor, sizzling chemistry, a heartwarming romance, an intriguing mystery, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. The song lyrics were lovely, and added a nice touch. Many thanks to St. Martin's Press, Ms. Dunn, and NetGalley, who provided me with an advanced reader copy of this fantastic novel. This is my honest opinion.
October 10, 2024
This entire story scratched my brain just right, I don't know how else to explain it 🤷♀️💅 Rav and Jack supremacy ✨️
June 26, 2025
A- / 4.5 stars rounded up.
Erin Dunn’s He’s to Die For is one of those books I could tell I was going to love from the very first page. It’s a superb combination of mystery and romance in which the author – in her first published novel, no less - does a terrific job of balancing the various elements of the story so that neither the romance nor the murder mystery feels short-changed. The characters are engaging, the mystery is clever and the humor is on point; it’s the strangest mix of fluffy and gritty – and yet it works splendidly.
Detective Rav Trivedi is something of an anomaly within the NYPD. Not only is he, at twenty-nine, the youngest detective on the force, he’s the Oxford-educated son of an English life-peer (of Indian descent) and a supermodel, and was brought up in the UK. He’s openly gay, classy, posh and has a penchant for the finest designer suits and accessories, all things which put him out of step in his white, male-dominated workplace, but Rav is unapologetically who he is, and while there are certainly some… undercurrents to the snarky comments sometimes directed his way at work, for the most part he has a decent relationship with his colleagues, and his impressive solve-rate generally keeps anyone minded to grumble about his being a ‘diversity hire’ grumbling to themselves.
When his Captain offers him the chance to take the lead on a really high-profile case, Rav jumps at it – it’s the chance he’s waited for to prove, once and for all, that he really belongs there and has earned his place like everybody else. Music executive Richard Vanderford has been found dead, killed execution style by two shots, one to the head, one to the chest, and the man’s connection to one of the biggest rock bands on the planet means Rav and his partner, Will, are going to be under intense media pressure to find out who did it. It turns out that Vanderford wasn’t exactly Mr. Popular in the business or with music fans, and even less so with the members of the New Knickerbockers, who have been engaged in a legal dispute with him since he bought the master recordings of their first two albums when their original record company went under, and has been licensing their songs for use to whoever would pay for them, concerned only about making as much money as he can without considering the damage he’s going to their brand and reputation. Lead singer and songwriter Jack Vale is known to have had a massive row with Vanderford a couple of days earlier – a real barn-burner, apparently. Security called and everything – so it looks as though Rav and Will have their first suspect.
Rav isn’t into the music scene, so has no idea of just how big the New Knickerbockers are, or of the level of fame Jack Vale enjoys (or not – maybe that should be ‘endures’), but celebrities don’t faze him – he grew up in that world, after all. He quite expects Jack Vale to be one of that ilk; spoiled, arrogant and self-absorbed, so finding out he’s the exact opposite - quiet, thoughtful and unassuming - comes as something of a surprise. Jack is also jaw-droppingly gorgeous, possessed of a kind of effortless sexiness that, for some indefinable reason, Rav finds annoying. But then a look passes between them, a faint smile curves Jack’s lips… and Rav feels electicity crackle through him for just a second, before he remembers he has a job to do. And that getting a crush on the prime suspect in a murder investigation is a really bad idea.
Okay, so yes, it’s a familiar trope, but the author puts a wonderfully fresh, modern spin on it here. As the investigation progresses as it becomes apparent that Jack isn’t the only one with a grudge against Vanderford, and a link emerges between the murder and a recent incident at a New Knickerbocker’s concert in which a man with a gun – a known conspiracy theorist who has been stalking Jack for ages – tried to force his way backstage. The mystery becomes more complicated as the suspect pool widens, and whoever is responsible is revealed to be clever, cunning and absolutely determined to avoid discovery no matter the cost. Kudos to Ms. Dunn for not making it easy to guess the identity of the culprit – I didn’t figure it out until shortly before Rav does – and the twists, turns and red-herrings will keep readers on their toes at the same time as the tender, swoony romance between Rav and Jack will charm and delight them.
And the romance is lovely. I was pleased that nothing physical happens, other than some longing looks and flirty conversations, until Rav’s part in the investigation ends, but after that, they’re free to explore the attraction that’s been growing between them since their first meeting. The story is told entirely from Rav’s perspective, but the author does a good job of showing us that the attraction is mutual, and while the chemistry between the pair is evident from the start, the romance doesn’t smack of instalove. Jack’s in the middle of a tour, so he and Rav spend time getting to know each other through the light-hearted, flirty conversations and messages they exchange while he’s away. They’re both young – in their twenties (Jack is a few years younger than Rav) - but there’s a maturity to them because of who they are and what they do, and they’re easy to root for as a couple and to like individually. Jack is hugely talented, generous and protective of the people he cares about, but he’s prone to panic attacks and isstill struggling to process his grief over the death of his best friend and bandmate in an accident a few years earlier, and Rav, while an excellent detective and rising star, has had little time for anything else in his life, and his determination to get results hasn’t made him many friends in the department. He’s warm, funny and keenly intelligent; he’s a wonderfully engaging narrator and I liked him a lot.
There’s a strongly-written secondary cast here, including Rav’s down-to-earth partner, Will, and Jack’s no-nonsense bodyguard, Matteo, who all feel well fleshed-out, and I appreciated the frank acknowledgement that Jack’s megastar status doesn’t come without a lot of strings attached; the intrusion of social media, the abundance of gossip sites and the increasing use of deepfake images and videos are part of celebrity culture nowadays.
One thing I wasn’t the biggest fan of is the third person present tense narrative – I’d just finished reading a book also written in third person present tense that reminded me that I really dislike it – but the story and characters quickly won me over here so that in the end, I didn’t really notice it. The ending is perhaps a bit rushed and unrealistic, and some parts of the narrative feel a bit clunky, plus I’d have liked to have known a little more about Rav’s background and couldn’t help wondering how someone like him ended up in the NYPD. In the end, though, I enjoyed the story enough for those things not to have spoiled my enjoyment of it. He’s to Die For is a thoroughly entertaining début novel, and I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for whatever Erin Dunn comes up with next.
Erin Dunn’s He’s to Die For is one of those books I could tell I was going to love from the very first page. It’s a superb combination of mystery and romance in which the author – in her first published novel, no less - does a terrific job of balancing the various elements of the story so that neither the romance nor the murder mystery feels short-changed. The characters are engaging, the mystery is clever and the humor is on point; it’s the strangest mix of fluffy and gritty – and yet it works splendidly.
Detective Rav Trivedi is something of an anomaly within the NYPD. Not only is he, at twenty-nine, the youngest detective on the force, he’s the Oxford-educated son of an English life-peer (of Indian descent) and a supermodel, and was brought up in the UK. He’s openly gay, classy, posh and has a penchant for the finest designer suits and accessories, all things which put him out of step in his white, male-dominated workplace, but Rav is unapologetically who he is, and while there are certainly some… undercurrents to the snarky comments sometimes directed his way at work, for the most part he has a decent relationship with his colleagues, and his impressive solve-rate generally keeps anyone minded to grumble about his being a ‘diversity hire’ grumbling to themselves.
When his Captain offers him the chance to take the lead on a really high-profile case, Rav jumps at it – it’s the chance he’s waited for to prove, once and for all, that he really belongs there and has earned his place like everybody else. Music executive Richard Vanderford has been found dead, killed execution style by two shots, one to the head, one to the chest, and the man’s connection to one of the biggest rock bands on the planet means Rav and his partner, Will, are going to be under intense media pressure to find out who did it. It turns out that Vanderford wasn’t exactly Mr. Popular in the business or with music fans, and even less so with the members of the New Knickerbockers, who have been engaged in a legal dispute with him since he bought the master recordings of their first two albums when their original record company went under, and has been licensing their songs for use to whoever would pay for them, concerned only about making as much money as he can without considering the damage he’s going to their brand and reputation. Lead singer and songwriter Jack Vale is known to have had a massive row with Vanderford a couple of days earlier – a real barn-burner, apparently. Security called and everything – so it looks as though Rav and Will have their first suspect.
Rav isn’t into the music scene, so has no idea of just how big the New Knickerbockers are, or of the level of fame Jack Vale enjoys (or not – maybe that should be ‘endures’), but celebrities don’t faze him – he grew up in that world, after all. He quite expects Jack Vale to be one of that ilk; spoiled, arrogant and self-absorbed, so finding out he’s the exact opposite - quiet, thoughtful and unassuming - comes as something of a surprise. Jack is also jaw-droppingly gorgeous, possessed of a kind of effortless sexiness that, for some indefinable reason, Rav finds annoying. But then a look passes between them, a faint smile curves Jack’s lips… and Rav feels electicity crackle through him for just a second, before he remembers he has a job to do. And that getting a crush on the prime suspect in a murder investigation is a really bad idea.
Okay, so yes, it’s a familiar trope, but the author puts a wonderfully fresh, modern spin on it here. As the investigation progresses as it becomes apparent that Jack isn’t the only one with a grudge against Vanderford, and a link emerges between the murder and a recent incident at a New Knickerbocker’s concert in which a man with a gun – a known conspiracy theorist who has been stalking Jack for ages – tried to force his way backstage. The mystery becomes more complicated as the suspect pool widens, and whoever is responsible is revealed to be clever, cunning and absolutely determined to avoid discovery no matter the cost. Kudos to Ms. Dunn for not making it easy to guess the identity of the culprit – I didn’t figure it out until shortly before Rav does – and the twists, turns and red-herrings will keep readers on their toes at the same time as the tender, swoony romance between Rav and Jack will charm and delight them.
And the romance is lovely. I was pleased that nothing physical happens, other than some longing looks and flirty conversations, until Rav’s part in the investigation ends, but after that, they’re free to explore the attraction that’s been growing between them since their first meeting. The story is told entirely from Rav’s perspective, but the author does a good job of showing us that the attraction is mutual, and while the chemistry between the pair is evident from the start, the romance doesn’t smack of instalove. Jack’s in the middle of a tour, so he and Rav spend time getting to know each other through the light-hearted, flirty conversations and messages they exchange while he’s away. They’re both young – in their twenties (Jack is a few years younger than Rav) - but there’s a maturity to them because of who they are and what they do, and they’re easy to root for as a couple and to like individually. Jack is hugely talented, generous and protective of the people he cares about, but he’s prone to panic attacks and isstill struggling to process his grief over the death of his best friend and bandmate in an accident a few years earlier, and Rav, while an excellent detective and rising star, has had little time for anything else in his life, and his determination to get results hasn’t made him many friends in the department. He’s warm, funny and keenly intelligent; he’s a wonderfully engaging narrator and I liked him a lot.
There’s a strongly-written secondary cast here, including Rav’s down-to-earth partner, Will, and Jack’s no-nonsense bodyguard, Matteo, who all feel well fleshed-out, and I appreciated the frank acknowledgement that Jack’s megastar status doesn’t come without a lot of strings attached; the intrusion of social media, the abundance of gossip sites and the increasing use of deepfake images and videos are part of celebrity culture nowadays.
One thing I wasn’t the biggest fan of is the third person present tense narrative – I’d just finished reading a book also written in third person present tense that reminded me that I really dislike it – but the story and characters quickly won me over here so that in the end, I didn’t really notice it. The ending is perhaps a bit rushed and unrealistic, and some parts of the narrative feel a bit clunky, plus I’d have liked to have known a little more about Rav’s background and couldn’t help wondering how someone like him ended up in the NYPD. In the end, though, I enjoyed the story enough for those things not to have spoiled my enjoyment of it. He’s to Die For is a thoroughly entertaining début novel, and I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for whatever Erin Dunn comes up with next.
May 8, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: June 5, 2025
Canadian author combines romance with a murder investigation in her debut novel, “”. When an NYPD detective falls in love with the main suspect of his murder case, there is bound to be trouble (and spicy, fiery sparks!)
Rav is the son of a Lord and a supermodel and, going against everything his parents wanted for him, he is now an NYPD police detective, trying to make his mark and help people in the process. When a high-powered record executive is found dead, Rav’s captain takes a chance and puts him in charge of the case and Rav is pulled into the world of glitz and glamour when his first suspects are members of an uber popular indie rock band. It isn’t until Rav meets the band’s gorgeous and talented frontman, Jack, that he realizes how difficult his investigation is going to be- not only does Rav have to stay out of the spotlight and solve the murder, he also has to pretend he isn’t head over heels in love with the main suspect.
“Die” is sharp and funny, a modern romance full of mystery and intrigue. Dunn delivers an atypical protagonist in suit-loving, homosexual, posh Brit, Rav, who is delightfully out of place in his white-male-dominated workplace. He makes no excuses and accepts who he is whole-heartedly, which serves to connect readers with him almost immediately.
There are multiple potential suspects in the investigation, due to the number of people involved in the inner workings of rock superstardom, but the twist at the end caught me by surprise. “Die” combines the high-powered world of the music industry with the gritty, taxing world of policing which isn’t supposed to work, but in this case, it really, really does.
Not only do readers want the killer to be caught, but they are also cheering for the relationship between cop and rockstar, and both plotlines are addicting and page-turning and I couldn’t wait to see how it played out. The dynamic between Rav and Jack was endearing and charming, and they provided all the swoon. Combined with the dangerous world of police investigation, and “Die” doesn’t slow down until the final pages.
Dunn is a new author and “Die” was a debut that will appeal to modern readers who are looking for a little murder with their romance.
Expected publication date: June 5, 2025
Canadian author combines romance with a murder investigation in her debut novel, “”. When an NYPD detective falls in love with the main suspect of his murder case, there is bound to be trouble (and spicy, fiery sparks!)
Rav is the son of a Lord and a supermodel and, going against everything his parents wanted for him, he is now an NYPD police detective, trying to make his mark and help people in the process. When a high-powered record executive is found dead, Rav’s captain takes a chance and puts him in charge of the case and Rav is pulled into the world of glitz and glamour when his first suspects are members of an uber popular indie rock band. It isn’t until Rav meets the band’s gorgeous and talented frontman, Jack, that he realizes how difficult his investigation is going to be- not only does Rav have to stay out of the spotlight and solve the murder, he also has to pretend he isn’t head over heels in love with the main suspect.
“Die” is sharp and funny, a modern romance full of mystery and intrigue. Dunn delivers an atypical protagonist in suit-loving, homosexual, posh Brit, Rav, who is delightfully out of place in his white-male-dominated workplace. He makes no excuses and accepts who he is whole-heartedly, which serves to connect readers with him almost immediately.
There are multiple potential suspects in the investigation, due to the number of people involved in the inner workings of rock superstardom, but the twist at the end caught me by surprise. “Die” combines the high-powered world of the music industry with the gritty, taxing world of policing which isn’t supposed to work, but in this case, it really, really does.
Not only do readers want the killer to be caught, but they are also cheering for the relationship between cop and rockstar, and both plotlines are addicting and page-turning and I couldn’t wait to see how it played out. The dynamic between Rav and Jack was endearing and charming, and they provided all the swoon. Combined with the dangerous world of police investigation, and “Die” doesn’t slow down until the final pages.
Dunn is a new author and “Die” was a debut that will appeal to modern readers who are looking for a little murder with their romance.
April 16, 2025
A perfect blend of humor, suspense, and romance. Rav was a great main character and I really enjoyed every side character as well.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
February 10, 2025
He's to Die For is a charming romantic suspense pairing a rockstar and a homicide detective that broke a few tropes I'm tired of in MM romance in a refreshing way.
First, Detective Rav Trivedi is a breath of fresh air among MM cop romances. Finally, an openly gay cop who's not also hyper-masculine. Rav's Indian-American by way of Britain, a trust fund baby born to a lord and a model, very demanding but distant parents. Posh and classy, he wears the finest designer suits and accessories, a fashion sense that will come in handy in his investigation in a clever complement. But his knowledge of pop culture isn't quite so avant-garde.
Then he meets the latest suspect in his new murder investigation, a rockstar with surprising humility who gets panic attacks. Trivedi's swept up in an embarassing and verging on creepy crush, and the feeling's requited. But it never felt instalove rushed or pockmarked by the usual juvenile misunderstandings; the tension between them was real and exciting. You could immediately tell how they felt about each other even in a single-person point of view, if only they'd figure it out.
The tension came mainly from the forbidden element of crushing on a suspect, not so much Jack Vale's celebrity life, though that factored in as well. What I loved about their romance was that it could have easily been purely physical, but they had emotionally intimate, flirty conversations that made each other feel safe and seen. That made me root for them to make it although I was annoyed at the situationship they found themselves stuck in for most of the book, but again understandable given the conflicts of interest.
The mystery, which took center stage, was twisty and kept me guessing. I also liked how this wasn't copganda and it showed Rav's struggles at being taken seriously as more than a "DEI hire" which the department clearly saw him as. I liked how he had the support of his stuffy partner and how his department ribbed him for the viral moments of his romance.
All in all this was a fun mystery and a swoonworthy romance that I felt emotionally connected to.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First, Detective Rav Trivedi is a breath of fresh air among MM cop romances. Finally, an openly gay cop who's not also hyper-masculine. Rav's Indian-American by way of Britain, a trust fund baby born to a lord and a model, very demanding but distant parents. Posh and classy, he wears the finest designer suits and accessories, a fashion sense that will come in handy in his investigation in a clever complement. But his knowledge of pop culture isn't quite so avant-garde.
Then he meets the latest suspect in his new murder investigation, a rockstar with surprising humility who gets panic attacks. Trivedi's swept up in an embarassing and verging on creepy crush, and the feeling's requited. But it never felt instalove rushed or pockmarked by the usual juvenile misunderstandings; the tension between them was real and exciting. You could immediately tell how they felt about each other even in a single-person point of view, if only they'd figure it out.
The tension came mainly from the forbidden element of crushing on a suspect, not so much Jack Vale's celebrity life, though that factored in as well. What I loved about their romance was that it could have easily been purely physical, but they had emotionally intimate, flirty conversations that made each other feel safe and seen. That made me root for them to make it although I was annoyed at the situationship they found themselves stuck in for most of the book, but again understandable given the conflicts of interest.
The mystery, which took center stage, was twisty and kept me guessing. I also liked how this wasn't copganda and it showed Rav's struggles at being taken seriously as more than a "DEI hire" which the department clearly saw him as. I liked how he had the support of his stuffy partner and how his department ribbed him for the viral moments of his romance.
All in all this was a fun mystery and a swoonworthy romance that I felt emotionally connected to.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
dnf
March 24, 2025DNF @ 34%
I was pretty certain after finishing one chapter that He’s To Die For wasn’t going to work for me, and I should have listened to my gut.
For me, there are a few issues that make it so I can’t push through the book, no do I care what happens:
1)The main characters: Rav is supposed to be this young and successful homicide detective who nobody respects for no good reason but I can tell you the reason: he’s insufferable. Also he’s not very professional for the fact he starts falling for a possible suspect in the murder and the narrative writes off his concern over that pretty quickly.
Jack, the rockstar possible murder love interest, reminds me of every guy in college who thought he was deep but really should just be in therapy. There isn’t much the reader gets about Jack beyond his anxiety and cluelessness about the world around him.
These two kissed at the 34% mark, I didn’t care, and that was the final nail in the coffin.
2) I honest to god cared more about the murder case than the romantic plot, but as that was secondary in this book (which is fine!),I couldn’t stick around to find out what happened.
3) The constant cultural references/details that are going to age this book faster than climate change will affect the planet. The brand name clothing Raf wears is constantly name-dropped (ew), the references back to Brooklyn 99 (saying a character is “The female Captain Holt” does not make your book like the show, in fact it alienates readers who haven’t seen it and it shows weak writing, actually), and other character descriptions like “an off-brand Tom Brady,” mentions of social media sites “He refused to call it X” - you get the picture.
I know this is a debut, and I do think the bones of a good story is there, but if the Romance isn’t going to carry the Romance Book, everything else in the pages need to be stronger - and it wasn’t.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
I was pretty certain after finishing one chapter that He’s To Die For wasn’t going to work for me, and I should have listened to my gut.
For me, there are a few issues that make it so I can’t push through the book, no do I care what happens:
1)The main characters: Rav is supposed to be this young and successful homicide detective who nobody respects for no good reason but I can tell you the reason: he’s insufferable. Also he’s not very professional for the fact he starts falling for a possible suspect in the murder and the narrative writes off his concern over that pretty quickly.
Jack, the rockstar possible murder love interest, reminds me of every guy in college who thought he was deep but really should just be in therapy. There isn’t much the reader gets about Jack beyond his anxiety and cluelessness about the world around him.
These two kissed at the 34% mark, I didn’t care, and that was the final nail in the coffin.
2) I honest to god cared more about the murder case than the romantic plot, but as that was secondary in this book (which is fine!),I couldn’t stick around to find out what happened.
3) The constant cultural references/details that are going to age this book faster than climate change will affect the planet. The brand name clothing Raf wears is constantly name-dropped (ew), the references back to Brooklyn 99 (saying a character is “The female Captain Holt” does not make your book like the show, in fact it alienates readers who haven’t seen it and it shows weak writing, actually), and other character descriptions like “an off-brand Tom Brady,” mentions of social media sites “He refused to call it X” - you get the picture.
I know this is a debut, and I do think the bones of a good story is there, but if the Romance isn’t going to carry the Romance Book, everything else in the pages need to be stronger - and it wasn’t.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
June 16, 2025
Erin Dunn's debut novel "He's to Die For" delivers exactly what its brilliant tagline promises: murder cute in the first degree. This captivating blend of romantic comedy and police procedural follows Detective Rav Trivedi, a sharp-dressed, Ivy League-educated gay British detective whose meteoric rise through the NYPD ranks makes him the youngest member of the homicide squad. When record executive Richard Vanderford turns up murdered, Rav finds himself assigned to the highest-profile case of his career—and inexorably drawn to his prime suspect, rock star Jack Vale of the band New Knickerbockers.
The premise crackles with tension from page one. Dunn masterfully establishes the central conflict: professional duty versus personal desire, ambition versus authentic connection. Rav's internal struggle feels genuinely earned rather than manufactured, particularly as Dunn peels back layers of his character to reveal someone who has sacrificed personal relationships for career advancement his entire life.
Character Development That Hits All the Right Notes
Rav Trivedi: More Than Just a Pretty Detective
Dunn crafts Rav as a complex protagonist who could easily have fallen into stereotype territory but instead emerges as refreshingly three-dimensional. His designer suits and cutting wit mask deeper insecurities about belonging—whether in the NYPD, where his background sets him apart, or in relationships, where his career has always taken precedence. The author's decision to make him British adds an interesting outsider perspective that enriches his character without feeling gimmicky.
Rav's evolution throughout the story feels organic. His growing willingness to risk everything for Jack represents genuine character growth, not just romantic plot convenience. The scenes where he questions his own instincts—particularly when evidence seems to point definitively at Jack—showcase internal conflict that many readers will recognize from their own lives.
Jack Vale: Vulnerability Behind the Spotlight
Jack Vale could have been another shallow celebrity love interest, but Dunn imbues him with authentic vulnerability and complexity. His anxiety issues, grief over his best friend Tommy's death, and the suffocating pressure of fame create a character who feels real rather than idealized. The author handles Jack's mental health struggles with sensitivity, showing how anxiety affects his daily life without making it his only defining characteristic.
The chemistry between Rav and Jack develops naturally through shared moments of genuine connection. Their rooftop conversation at the Palace Hotel, where Jack opens up about feeling like "a dog on ten leashes," demonstrates Dunn's skill at creating intimacy through dialogue that serves both character development and plot advancement.
A Mystery That Keeps You Guessing
Plot Construction and Pacing
The murder mystery element provides solid scaffolding for the romance without overwhelming it. Dunn weaves clues throughout the narrative with impressive skill, particularly the revelation about Ryan Nash and Tommy Esposito's death. The twist involving Erika Strauss feels both surprising and inevitable—a hallmark of effective mystery writing.
The pacing occasionally stumbles in the middle act, where the investigation sometimes feels secondary to relationship development. However, the final act's explosive revelation and confrontation sequence more than compensates for any earlier lag. The action sequence in France demonstrates Dunn's ability to write compelling suspense while maintaining character focus.
Red Herrings and Revelations
The deepfake video subplot adds contemporary relevance while serving the mystery's misdirection needs. The revelation that Erika orchestrated the false evidence campaign against Jack showcases how easily public opinion can be manipulated in the social media age. This feels particularly timely given current discussions about disinformation and celebrity culture.
The Joseph Miller subplot initially appears to be typical conspiracy theorist material, but Dunn's revelation that he was actually correct about Tommy's death adds layers to what could have been a simple throwaway plot device. This attention to detail elevates the mystery beyond simple whodunit territory.
Romance That Sizzles Without Sacrificing Substance
Emotional Authenticity
The romantic elements succeed because Dunn grounds them in genuine emotional connection rather than pure physical attraction. The scene where Rav realizes he's "enough" for Jack provides the emotional payoff that romance readers crave while feeling earned through character development rather than plot manipulation.
The author handles the power imbalance between detective and suspect with care, acknowledging the ethical complexities without letting them derail the romance. Rav's internal struggle over his professional obligations feels real and adds tension that pure enemies-to-lovers stories sometimes lack.
Supporting Cast Excellence
Will, Rav's partner, provides excellent grounding as the voice of professional reason. Lieutenant Howard emerges as a complex authority figure who balances departmental politics with genuine care for her detectives. Even secondary characters like Ana feel fully realized rather than purely functional.
The portrayal of the music industry through characters like Eloise, the perpetually nervous PA, adds authentic detail that enhances the story's believability. Dunn clearly researched both police procedures and celebrity culture thoroughly.
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Dunn's Voice and Technique
Dunn writes with a breezy confidence that makes the pages fly by. Her dialogue sparkles with wit while serving character development efficiently. The author's background clearly includes extensive research into both police procedure and music industry operations, lending authenticity to technical details without overwhelming general readers.
The British elements of Rav's background feel authentic rather than forced, particularly his internal observations about American policing culture. Dunn avoids the trap of making his foreignness a constant source of humor while still using it to provide fresh perspective on familiar settings.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The book's greatest strength lies in its character development and the genuine chemistry between its leads. Dunn creates believable people dealing with realistic conflicts, even within the heightened circumstances of murder investigation and celebrity culture.
Some plot conveniences feel slightly forced, particularly the timing of certain revelations. The social media subplot, while relevant, occasionally feels heavy-handed in its commentary on cancel culture and public shaming. Additionally, some supporting characters could use more development, particularly Ryan Nash, whose motivations sometimes feel unclear until the final revelation.
Themes and Social Commentary
Identity and Belonging
The novel explores themes of identity and belonging through multiple lenses. Rav's struggle to fit within NYPD culture while maintaining his authentic self resonates with anyone who has felt like an outsider in professional settings. Jack's battle against the constraints of fame and public image adds another layer to questions about authentic self-expression.
Modern Celebrity Culture
Dunn's commentary on celebrity culture feels sharp without being preachy. The portrayal of social media harassment, fan entitlement, and the isolation of fame rings true to contemporary experiences. The author avoids both idealizing and demonizing celebrity, instead presenting it as a complex system with genuine costs for those within it.
Final Verdict: A Promising Debut with Series Potential
"He's to Die For" represents an impressive debut that successfully balances multiple genre demands without sacrificing character development or emotional authenticity. While some plot elements feel convenient and pacing occasionally falters, the strong character work and genuine chemistry between leads overcome these minor shortcomings.
Dunn demonstrates clear understanding of both romance and mystery genre expectations while bringing fresh perspective through contemporary settings and social commentary. The resolution satisfies both romantic and mystery plot threads while leaving room for potential future installments featuring these compelling characters.
The premise crackles with tension from page one. Dunn masterfully establishes the central conflict: professional duty versus personal desire, ambition versus authentic connection. Rav's internal struggle feels genuinely earned rather than manufactured, particularly as Dunn peels back layers of his character to reveal someone who has sacrificed personal relationships for career advancement his entire life.
Character Development That Hits All the Right Notes
Rav Trivedi: More Than Just a Pretty Detective
Dunn crafts Rav as a complex protagonist who could easily have fallen into stereotype territory but instead emerges as refreshingly three-dimensional. His designer suits and cutting wit mask deeper insecurities about belonging—whether in the NYPD, where his background sets him apart, or in relationships, where his career has always taken precedence. The author's decision to make him British adds an interesting outsider perspective that enriches his character without feeling gimmicky.
Rav's evolution throughout the story feels organic. His growing willingness to risk everything for Jack represents genuine character growth, not just romantic plot convenience. The scenes where he questions his own instincts—particularly when evidence seems to point definitively at Jack—showcase internal conflict that many readers will recognize from their own lives.
Jack Vale: Vulnerability Behind the Spotlight
Jack Vale could have been another shallow celebrity love interest, but Dunn imbues him with authentic vulnerability and complexity. His anxiety issues, grief over his best friend Tommy's death, and the suffocating pressure of fame create a character who feels real rather than idealized. The author handles Jack's mental health struggles with sensitivity, showing how anxiety affects his daily life without making it his only defining characteristic.
The chemistry between Rav and Jack develops naturally through shared moments of genuine connection. Their rooftop conversation at the Palace Hotel, where Jack opens up about feeling like "a dog on ten leashes," demonstrates Dunn's skill at creating intimacy through dialogue that serves both character development and plot advancement.
A Mystery That Keeps You Guessing
Plot Construction and Pacing
The murder mystery element provides solid scaffolding for the romance without overwhelming it. Dunn weaves clues throughout the narrative with impressive skill, particularly the revelation about Ryan Nash and Tommy Esposito's death. The twist involving Erika Strauss feels both surprising and inevitable—a hallmark of effective mystery writing.
The pacing occasionally stumbles in the middle act, where the investigation sometimes feels secondary to relationship development. However, the final act's explosive revelation and confrontation sequence more than compensates for any earlier lag. The action sequence in France demonstrates Dunn's ability to write compelling suspense while maintaining character focus.
Red Herrings and Revelations
The deepfake video subplot adds contemporary relevance while serving the mystery's misdirection needs. The revelation that Erika orchestrated the false evidence campaign against Jack showcases how easily public opinion can be manipulated in the social media age. This feels particularly timely given current discussions about disinformation and celebrity culture.
The Joseph Miller subplot initially appears to be typical conspiracy theorist material, but Dunn's revelation that he was actually correct about Tommy's death adds layers to what could have been a simple throwaway plot device. This attention to detail elevates the mystery beyond simple whodunit territory.
Romance That Sizzles Without Sacrificing Substance
Emotional Authenticity
The romantic elements succeed because Dunn grounds them in genuine emotional connection rather than pure physical attraction. The scene where Rav realizes he's "enough" for Jack provides the emotional payoff that romance readers crave while feeling earned through character development rather than plot manipulation.
The author handles the power imbalance between detective and suspect with care, acknowledging the ethical complexities without letting them derail the romance. Rav's internal struggle over his professional obligations feels real and adds tension that pure enemies-to-lovers stories sometimes lack.
Supporting Cast Excellence
Will, Rav's partner, provides excellent grounding as the voice of professional reason. Lieutenant Howard emerges as a complex authority figure who balances departmental politics with genuine care for her detectives. Even secondary characters like Ana feel fully realized rather than purely functional.
The portrayal of the music industry through characters like Eloise, the perpetually nervous PA, adds authentic detail that enhances the story's believability. Dunn clearly researched both police procedures and celebrity culture thoroughly.
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Dunn's Voice and Technique
Dunn writes with a breezy confidence that makes the pages fly by. Her dialogue sparkles with wit while serving character development efficiently. The author's background clearly includes extensive research into both police procedure and music industry operations, lending authenticity to technical details without overwhelming general readers.
The British elements of Rav's background feel authentic rather than forced, particularly his internal observations about American policing culture. Dunn avoids the trap of making his foreignness a constant source of humor while still using it to provide fresh perspective on familiar settings.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The book's greatest strength lies in its character development and the genuine chemistry between its leads. Dunn creates believable people dealing with realistic conflicts, even within the heightened circumstances of murder investigation and celebrity culture.
Some plot conveniences feel slightly forced, particularly the timing of certain revelations. The social media subplot, while relevant, occasionally feels heavy-handed in its commentary on cancel culture and public shaming. Additionally, some supporting characters could use more development, particularly Ryan Nash, whose motivations sometimes feel unclear until the final revelation.
Themes and Social Commentary
Identity and Belonging
The novel explores themes of identity and belonging through multiple lenses. Rav's struggle to fit within NYPD culture while maintaining his authentic self resonates with anyone who has felt like an outsider in professional settings. Jack's battle against the constraints of fame and public image adds another layer to questions about authentic self-expression.
Modern Celebrity Culture
Dunn's commentary on celebrity culture feels sharp without being preachy. The portrayal of social media harassment, fan entitlement, and the isolation of fame rings true to contemporary experiences. The author avoids both idealizing and demonizing celebrity, instead presenting it as a complex system with genuine costs for those within it.
Final Verdict: A Promising Debut with Series Potential
"He's to Die For" represents an impressive debut that successfully balances multiple genre demands without sacrificing character development or emotional authenticity. While some plot elements feel convenient and pacing occasionally falters, the strong character work and genuine chemistry between leads overcome these minor shortcomings.
Dunn demonstrates clear understanding of both romance and mystery genre expectations while bringing fresh perspective through contemporary settings and social commentary. The resolution satisfies both romantic and mystery plot threads while leaving room for potential future installments featuring these compelling characters.
June 29, 2025
meets Brooklyn 99 had me by the throat. Surely the book couldn't pull that off? Friends, IT DID. This is also perfect for fans of . And it had major Psych vibes. The chief is 100% Chief Vick, I won't be taking any comments at this time.
TW: Stalking (major theme); Murder (on-page); Panic attacks (on-page); Gun violence; Past death of a loved one (member of the band); Grief; Use of deepfakes; Kidnapping; References to suicide
CW: Harry Potter reference; Mention of vomiting; Homophobia mentioned
Rav was a trust fund kid raised by a lord in London, but he took his sexy accent and designer suits to New York to become a detective and create distance from his famous parents. He was quickly promoted to Homicides and we start the book as he's handed his first huge case. A big time executive of a record label was murdered, and days before his death he was seen arguing with the lead singer of the band over the ownership of their masters. So yes, I did pretend that the dead guy was Scott Borchetta. Fitting that I picked this up one week after Taylor Swift was able to buy back her masters (!).
No workplace forbidden romance has forbidden romanced like a detective falling for the lead suspect in his first big case (we are not including dark romance in this competition). I ate this book up like it was the leftover sauce on your plate after finishing your pasta and you have some of that crispy bread that mops up the extra flavor. I couldn't get enough!!
This is not a perfect book. Why the hell is there a Harry Potter reference in a 2025 release? Rav's Indian heritage is mentioned exactly one time and never brought up again. It also feels a tad preachy at times, particularly while justifying Rav's decision to become a cop. But the ratio of kicking feet and hair twirling to time spent reading and overall enjoyment meant this couldn't be anything less than 5/5. I make the rules.
I love a book about musicians and I love a book about grief and I love some well-written chemistry. He's to Die For is the trifecta. I can't wait to see what else this author does!
I will now be accepting as many mystery romance recs as possible. The only other one I've read was , which was also fantastic.
Rep: Half-Indian gay main character; queer love interest (sexuality is never labeled); Latina side character; many queer side characters and characters of color
TW: Stalking (major theme); Murder (on-page); Panic attacks (on-page); Gun violence; Past death of a loved one (member of the band); Grief; Use of deepfakes; Kidnapping; References to suicide
CW: Harry Potter reference; Mention of vomiting; Homophobia mentioned
Rav was a trust fund kid raised by a lord in London, but he took his sexy accent and designer suits to New York to become a detective and create distance from his famous parents. He was quickly promoted to Homicides and we start the book as he's handed his first huge case. A big time executive of a record label was murdered, and days before his death he was seen arguing with the lead singer of the band over the ownership of their masters. So yes, I did pretend that the dead guy was Scott Borchetta. Fitting that I picked this up one week after Taylor Swift was able to buy back her masters (!).
No workplace forbidden romance has forbidden romanced like a detective falling for the lead suspect in his first big case (we are not including dark romance in this competition). I ate this book up like it was the leftover sauce on your plate after finishing your pasta and you have some of that crispy bread that mops up the extra flavor. I couldn't get enough!!
This is not a perfect book. Why the hell is there a Harry Potter reference in a 2025 release? Rav's Indian heritage is mentioned exactly one time and never brought up again. It also feels a tad preachy at times, particularly while justifying Rav's decision to become a cop. But the ratio of kicking feet and hair twirling to time spent reading and overall enjoyment meant this couldn't be anything less than 5/5. I make the rules.
I love a book about musicians and I love a book about grief and I love some well-written chemistry. He's to Die For is the trifecta. I can't wait to see what else this author does!
I will now be accepting as many mystery romance recs as possible. The only other one I've read was , which was also fantastic.
Rep: Half-Indian gay main character; queer love interest (sexuality is never labeled); Latina side character; many queer side characters and characters of color
April 10, 2025
When I saw that this is a murder mystery where the love interest is a rockstar, but also the suspect? I just knew I’m going to love this and I was 100% right.
The style of writing was amazing, I just flew through the pages! Rav’s thoughts were hilarious and I loved that he was a little ✨extra✨ for a hardworking detective with a good head on his shoulder.
The mystery was really gripping, while the romance was super soft and sweet. Rav turning out to be such a simp made me smile like an idiot. I loved the open communication like actual adults!
The reveal had me on the edge of my seat and I really liked how it all turned out in the end.
The only thing I really didn’t like in this is how they drink alcohol every. single. day. There wasn’t a day that went without Rav drinking and I really didn’t appreciate that. It stuck out a lot and to me it felt really weird.
Other than that this is definitely a new favourite of mine and I can’t wait to read more books by this author!
Actual rating: 4,5
The style of writing was amazing, I just flew through the pages! Rav’s thoughts were hilarious and I loved that he was a little ✨extra✨ for a hardworking detective with a good head on his shoulder.
The mystery was really gripping, while the romance was super soft and sweet. Rav turning out to be such a simp made me smile like an idiot. I loved the open communication like actual adults!
The reveal had me on the edge of my seat and I really liked how it all turned out in the end.
The only thing I really didn’t like in this is how they drink alcohol every. single. day. There wasn’t a day that went without Rav drinking and I really didn’t appreciate that. It stuck out a lot and to me it felt really weird.
Other than that this is definitely a new favourite of mine and I can’t wait to read more books by this author!
Actual rating: 4,5
April 5, 2025
I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THIS BOOK
This might be in my top 3 of favourite books ever. The story is interesting and it keeps shocking you, the emotions that this book makes you feel. the comfort, happiness, sadness, grief that both of the characters feel is impressive. I cried for this book and i laughed. The characters were all very catchy and i am sad that i finished this book 😭 i loveddddd it so much.
Jack was definitely my favourite character and his way of being..i relate a lot to him. I’m glad I got the opportunity to read an arc
This might be in my top 3 of favourite books ever. The story is interesting and it keeps shocking you, the emotions that this book makes you feel. the comfort, happiness, sadness, grief that both of the characters feel is impressive. I cried for this book and i laughed. The characters were all very catchy and i am sad that i finished this book 😭 i loveddddd it so much.
Jack was definitely my favourite character and his way of being..i relate a lot to him. I’m glad I got the opportunity to read an arc
June 10, 2025
A very straightforward romance, which is what I needed.
There isn’t a lot of depth to this story. There seems to be an attempt at Mental Health or Anxiety being a “plus” element but it wasn’t significant enough to be the main theme of the store. So it really was a standard celeb/rockstar type romance. The mystery element did add a bit though which was a nice change of pace. Added needed tension.
I’ve been craving good gay romances as I feel like some of the art of them has faded. I miss the days of The Charm Offensive and Red, White, and Royal Blue. And although this one wasn’t up to the level of those, this one was perfectly sufficient for the niche.
There isn’t a lot of depth to this story. There seems to be an attempt at Mental Health or Anxiety being a “plus” element but it wasn’t significant enough to be the main theme of the store. So it really was a standard celeb/rockstar type romance. The mystery element did add a bit though which was a nice change of pace. Added needed tension.
I’ve been craving good gay romances as I feel like some of the art of them has faded. I miss the days of The Charm Offensive and Red, White, and Royal Blue. And although this one wasn’t up to the level of those, this one was perfectly sufficient for the niche.
June 8, 2025
2.25 stars
So, this story isn't horrible, but I do have one very big problem with this book, and it's the fact that the author, in 2025, uses a HP reference. And in a queer romance, no less. One of the side characters asks the MC about Hogwarts houses, and can't we just get past these references considering all the harm that the author has inflicted on the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans people? Once I read that, the rest of the story felt insincere. The reference wasn't necessary. Aside from that, the story started off strong but quickly lost steam by the halfway point. I did really enjoy the narrator, but unfortunately, they didn't do enough to save the last half of the story for me. This had potential, but it just didn't reach that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So, this story isn't horrible, but I do have one very big problem with this book, and it's the fact that the author, in 2025, uses a HP reference. And in a queer romance, no less. One of the side characters asks the MC about Hogwarts houses, and can't we just get past these references considering all the harm that the author has inflicted on the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans people? Once I read that, the rest of the story felt insincere. The reference wasn't necessary. Aside from that, the story started off strong but quickly lost steam by the halfway point. I did really enjoy the narrator, but unfortunately, they didn't do enough to save the last half of the story for me. This had potential, but it just didn't reach that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2025
This was SO MUCH FUN. I'm a sucker for a murder mystery, and being able to weave a romance into it can be very difficult. This was seamlessly done. Somehow keeping the romance in the forefront while investigating multiple murders? Very hard to make it make sense without the characters either feeling like they don't care about the murders, or having the romance feel undeveloped.
The humor in this is what really got me. There were times that I fully out-loud laughed and not in a cringe "oh this is so bad it is good" way. The humor that the characters had felt authentic with just a *sprinkle* of that rom com "no one could ever think of this on the spot" hilarity.
I have been struggling with a reading slump lately. One in that I want to read, but I don't want to actually read anything I am picking up. I can recognize the quality of a book, that it is something that I'd usually enjoy, but the desire to pick up the book is completely lacking. This book though - I devoured it in a day. I couldn't put it down. The desire to pick up this book specifically came back, which has been sorely lacking for me lately. While I am still in the slump, this started to turn the tide.
4.5 stars
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a digital advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The humor in this is what really got me. There were times that I fully out-loud laughed and not in a cringe "oh this is so bad it is good" way. The humor that the characters had felt authentic with just a *sprinkle* of that rom com "no one could ever think of this on the spot" hilarity.
I have been struggling with a reading slump lately. One in that I want to read, but I don't want to actually read anything I am picking up. I can recognize the quality of a book, that it is something that I'd usually enjoy, but the desire to pick up the book is completely lacking. This book though - I devoured it in a day. I couldn't put it down. The desire to pick up this book specifically came back, which has been sorely lacking for me lately. While I am still in the slump, this started to turn the tide.
4.5 stars
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a digital advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Detective Rav Trivedi, the youngest member of the NYPD’s homicide squad, is just 29. His career is on an upswing when he is assigned to lead the murder investigation of a record executive. This is a high-profile case that will garner extensive media attention. The stylish, gay British Harvard grad knows he needs to stay focused and prove to all the naysayers that he may be young, but he is a strong detective who can handle this case. Then he meets Jack Vale, the steamy lead singer of the New Knickerbockers and the number one suspect with plenty of motive and no alibi. Rav needs to focus, this could be his big break. This is no time to fall for a rockstar suspect.
Rav Trivedi is a fantastic, well-developed character, “Detective McDreamy”. I was immediately invested in the sharp-dressed gay man, who could speak three languages and swear fluidly in all of them, and who was determined to be the best at everything he did. Because he tends to leap before he thinks things through and has a lofty attitude, he is an outsider in the homicide squad. His latest performance evaluation stated, “Prone to obsessive behavior and occasionally smug attitude”. I was all in. I had to see not only how he handled this case, but also the direction he took his life while working that case.
Ms. Dunn has surrounded her protagonist with a compelling and diverse supporting cast. His partner, his lieutenant, a couple of bodyguards, and more, including someone he will be very happy to have in his corner, all bring strength and sometimes humor to the story. Who Rav’s parents are adds some additional drama and fun to the story, too.
The author has plotted out a mystery with quite a slate of suspects and twist after twist. The FBI had a similar case, and they soon assumed jurisdiction of Rav’s case. He doesn’t believe the angle they are taking, though; he believes they are all missing something important. I enjoyed following along with Rav while he navigated through the many clues and untangled the twists while examining the relationship that was building with the handsome lead singer of the Nicks.
For me, Ms. Dunn excelled by setting up many roadblocks in Rav and Jack’s romance rather than making it easy to just fall blissfully in love with all the hearts and flowers. Real relationships are hard in everyday life, but bringing together an NYPD detective with a true celebrity rock star who is a suspect in a murder is way beyond hard and could end Rav’s career.
I tried to hone in on the killer the whole way and kept changing my mind. When Rav put everything together, I was stunned by what was revealed, and that it happened at the absolute worst time. Wow, the takedown had me holding my breath and on the edge of my seat.
He’s to Die For is an entertaining rom-com-mystery that has something for everyone. It is hard to believe this is Erin Dunn’s debut novel. She is an author to watch. Maybe she will bring Detective Rav Trivedi back for round two.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Note: This book contains explicit language.
Detective Rav Trivedi, the youngest member of the NYPD’s homicide squad, is just 29. His career is on an upswing when he is assigned to lead the murder investigation of a record executive. This is a high-profile case that will garner extensive media attention. The stylish, gay British Harvard grad knows he needs to stay focused and prove to all the naysayers that he may be young, but he is a strong detective who can handle this case. Then he meets Jack Vale, the steamy lead singer of the New Knickerbockers and the number one suspect with plenty of motive and no alibi. Rav needs to focus, this could be his big break. This is no time to fall for a rockstar suspect.
Rav Trivedi is a fantastic, well-developed character, “Detective McDreamy”. I was immediately invested in the sharp-dressed gay man, who could speak three languages and swear fluidly in all of them, and who was determined to be the best at everything he did. Because he tends to leap before he thinks things through and has a lofty attitude, he is an outsider in the homicide squad. His latest performance evaluation stated, “Prone to obsessive behavior and occasionally smug attitude”. I was all in. I had to see not only how he handled this case, but also the direction he took his life while working that case.
Ms. Dunn has surrounded her protagonist with a compelling and diverse supporting cast. His partner, his lieutenant, a couple of bodyguards, and more, including someone he will be very happy to have in his corner, all bring strength and sometimes humor to the story. Who Rav’s parents are adds some additional drama and fun to the story, too.
The author has plotted out a mystery with quite a slate of suspects and twist after twist. The FBI had a similar case, and they soon assumed jurisdiction of Rav’s case. He doesn’t believe the angle they are taking, though; he believes they are all missing something important. I enjoyed following along with Rav while he navigated through the many clues and untangled the twists while examining the relationship that was building with the handsome lead singer of the Nicks.
For me, Ms. Dunn excelled by setting up many roadblocks in Rav and Jack’s romance rather than making it easy to just fall blissfully in love with all the hearts and flowers. Real relationships are hard in everyday life, but bringing together an NYPD detective with a true celebrity rock star who is a suspect in a murder is way beyond hard and could end Rav’s career.
I tried to hone in on the killer the whole way and kept changing my mind. When Rav put everything together, I was stunned by what was revealed, and that it happened at the absolute worst time. Wow, the takedown had me holding my breath and on the edge of my seat.
He’s to Die For is an entertaining rom-com-mystery that has something for everyone. It is hard to believe this is Erin Dunn’s debut novel. She is an author to watch. Maybe she will bring Detective Rav Trivedi back for round two.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Note: This book contains explicit language.
February 23, 2025
I REALLY wanted to like this book, but in the end, I think it misses the mark.
I was excited to read based off of the comparison to Brooklyn 99 in the description. I expected laugh out loud funny and clever writing that I wanted to binge, but I had a very hard time getting through the book.
I felt like all of the characters were caricatures and unfortunately unoriginal. Rav was the smart cop with an insufferable personality that doesn’t work well with others but somehow people still like him, Jack was the rockstar with fragile mental health that needs a love interest to feel whole, so on and so forth.
Reading this book did give me some nostalgia, because I felt like I was back on fanfic.net or ao3 reading the latest One Direction fanfic. It reads exactly like a typical fan fiction so if that’s your niche, I’d totally recommend reading this.
Many tough topics are approached but not fleshed out. There was opportunity to dive deeper into anxiety, guilt over a friends suicide, feeling shamed for the life choices you’ve made by your parents, and more. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making these scenes fall flat.
I love a good mystery and adore a good romance, but the plot lines got in the way of each other.
I did enjoy the character Mo and there were a couple of times that I was chucking to myself while reading. I think that love stories outside of the typical white girl and white guy together are very important, so Rav and Jack deserve their time in the spotlight. While this book wasn’t written for me and what I look for in a story, I’m sure there are many that will love it.
I was excited to read based off of the comparison to Brooklyn 99 in the description. I expected laugh out loud funny and clever writing that I wanted to binge, but I had a very hard time getting through the book.
I felt like all of the characters were caricatures and unfortunately unoriginal. Rav was the smart cop with an insufferable personality that doesn’t work well with others but somehow people still like him, Jack was the rockstar with fragile mental health that needs a love interest to feel whole, so on and so forth.
Reading this book did give me some nostalgia, because I felt like I was back on fanfic.net or ao3 reading the latest One Direction fanfic. It reads exactly like a typical fan fiction so if that’s your niche, I’d totally recommend reading this.
Many tough topics are approached but not fleshed out. There was opportunity to dive deeper into anxiety, guilt over a friends suicide, feeling shamed for the life choices you’ve made by your parents, and more. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making these scenes fall flat.
I love a good mystery and adore a good romance, but the plot lines got in the way of each other.
I did enjoy the character Mo and there were a couple of times that I was chucking to myself while reading. I think that love stories outside of the typical white girl and white guy together are very important, so Rav and Jack deserve their time in the spotlight. While this book wasn’t written for me and what I look for in a story, I’m sure there are many that will love it.
June 5, 2025
Was totally drawn to this book by the premise alone. Romance and murder? Sign me up.
Loved our MMCs Rav and Jack and the idea of a detective (Rav) falling for one of his suspects (Jack). Especially when the suspect is famous. But, I think this was a case of it's me and not you.
I would call He's to Die For more of a cozy mystery. And the few cozy mysteries I've read have never really appealed to me. They are all enjoyable, but also forgettable. I liked the whole cast of characters and thought the writing flowed well. It was smart, witty and funny, but I really wished we had more romance along with the murder mystery. I think that would've pushed the story more in the direction that would've kept my attention and committed. As I listened to the audio, I really liked Sid Sagar and the fact that he could do so many accents and do them well. It was all about Rav for me.
I think Erin Dunn is an author to look out for and I appreciated the fact that we got some MM romance with the murder mystery (that honestly felt a little ho hum). I just think a better balance of the two would've brought more oomph to the overall story.
Loved our MMCs Rav and Jack and the idea of a detective (Rav) falling for one of his suspects (Jack). Especially when the suspect is famous. But, I think this was a case of it's me and not you.
I would call He's to Die For more of a cozy mystery. And the few cozy mysteries I've read have never really appealed to me. They are all enjoyable, but also forgettable. I liked the whole cast of characters and thought the writing flowed well. It was smart, witty and funny, but I really wished we had more romance along with the murder mystery. I think that would've pushed the story more in the direction that would've kept my attention and committed. As I listened to the audio, I really liked Sid Sagar and the fact that he could do so many accents and do them well. It was all about Rav for me.
I think Erin Dunn is an author to look out for and I appreciated the fact that we got some MM romance with the murder mystery (that honestly felt a little ho hum). I just think a better balance of the two would've brought more oomph to the overall story.
May 31, 2025
This was a quick, fun queer romcom debut. There is a good balance of romance and mystery. I loved the banter between the characters. The investigation into the murder was interesting and kept me guessing. This just the bill for a fun (and funny), entertaining, comforting read. I always love a book set in NYC, so that was a definite plus too. I'll be looking forward to future books by this author.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
June 22, 2025
The writing quality of this is fine but I think I’m at the point in my life where I’m too ACAB to enjoy a cop mystery especially one that’s a romance. What really irked me was the inane bad apples conversation. Frankly I would have preferred if the author just hadn’t addressed the issue. By calling attention to the moral nightmare that cops are you then turn your novel in to cop apologia. I also could not stand the stupid Harry Potter references. It’s 2025 you should not be referencing those racist, fatphobic, antisemitic books written by a virulent transphobe especially in a queer romance. It’s tacky and in combination with the cop love tells me all I need to know about your political beliefs.
Finally not related to my moral objections, the romance was so lukewarm it felt like nothing. You can’t comp your book to the Charm Offensive and then have absolutely no tension. If you’re going to comp your book to an existing novel at least make them similar PLEASE.
Finally not related to my moral objections, the romance was so lukewarm it felt like nothing. You can’t comp your book to the Charm Offensive and then have absolutely no tension. If you’re going to comp your book to an existing novel at least make them similar PLEASE.
June 7, 2025
Happy Pride Month! While I try to read books that feature diverse stories year-round, having dedicated celebratory months is a great reminder to keep making space for them. I’ve always been a sucker for a good mystery, devouring crime novels as quickly as I can, so when I saw that Erin Dunn had written a murder mystery and a gay romance, it felt like the perfect match. I dove in eagerly, and He's To Die For turned out to be, well… to die for.
Detective Rav Trivedi is a hotshot, and he knows it. At 29, he’s the youngest homicide detective in the NYPD, with a solve rate that even seasoned vets envy. He stands out in more ways than one. He’s a gay Brit with an Ivy League education and an impeccable sense of fashion. But his instincts are razor-sharp, and he has the track record to prove it. So when a high-profile record executive turns up dead, Rav is the obvious choice for the case.
He approaches the investigation with the confidence and precision it demands. The media is watching, the tabloids are circling, and social media is already buzzing. Rav stays focused until he meets Jack, the smoldering, emotionally tortured rock star with a potential connection to the crime. Is Jack a suspect? Absolutely. Is he also the kind of swoon-worthy distraction Rav doesn’t need but can’t resist? Also yes. And just like that, things start to get very complicated.
He's To Die For is a delightful genre mash-up that delivers something for everyone. There's a compelling murder mystery to satisfy crime lovers, and a slow-burn romance full of chemistry and charm for fans of love stories. Dunn strikes a smart balance between stakes and levity, infusing the novel with plenty of heart and humor. It’s the kind of feel-good, fast-paced story that’s incredibly hard to put down.
No, the mystery isn’t the most shocking I’ve ever read, but that’s not the point. This is warm, escapist fun that just happens to center on a queer love story, and that representation makes it all the more enjoyable. A little murder, a little romance, a lot of charm—He's To Die For is a stylish, satisfying read that's a perfect pick for Pride.
Detective Rav Trivedi is a hotshot, and he knows it. At 29, he’s the youngest homicide detective in the NYPD, with a solve rate that even seasoned vets envy. He stands out in more ways than one. He’s a gay Brit with an Ivy League education and an impeccable sense of fashion. But his instincts are razor-sharp, and he has the track record to prove it. So when a high-profile record executive turns up dead, Rav is the obvious choice for the case.
He approaches the investigation with the confidence and precision it demands. The media is watching, the tabloids are circling, and social media is already buzzing. Rav stays focused until he meets Jack, the smoldering, emotionally tortured rock star with a potential connection to the crime. Is Jack a suspect? Absolutely. Is he also the kind of swoon-worthy distraction Rav doesn’t need but can’t resist? Also yes. And just like that, things start to get very complicated.
He's To Die For is a delightful genre mash-up that delivers something for everyone. There's a compelling murder mystery to satisfy crime lovers, and a slow-burn romance full of chemistry and charm for fans of love stories. Dunn strikes a smart balance between stakes and levity, infusing the novel with plenty of heart and humor. It’s the kind of feel-good, fast-paced story that’s incredibly hard to put down.
No, the mystery isn’t the most shocking I’ve ever read, but that’s not the point. This is warm, escapist fun that just happens to center on a queer love story, and that representation makes it all the more enjoyable. A little murder, a little romance, a lot of charm—He's To Die For is a stylish, satisfying read that's a perfect pick for Pride.
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