I had no idea who this author was before I pick up this book off the sale rack. Although this book was ok, I do not think I will read another of his works. I am not a big fan of this type of neither mystery nor reading books with a focus of social issue ground breaking.

This is the 3rd Nava book that I've so far read (Goldenboy and How Town being the others). I have to say that, over time, Nava's writing has improved considerably, as has control of his storylines. I now consider Nava to be one of the better mystery writers of our times. Needless to say, I highly recommend Burning Plain, especially if this is your first book by Nava or you are looking for an engaging mystery to read. Strong characters, complex plotlines, many memorable episodes, and on-going doses of humor and gay camp without being offensive or over the top. Interesting glimpses into Latino and gay culture. Not everything turns out positive in the end, but chalk it up to the gritty reality of life in Los Angeles (where the story is set). I read this over a 24-hour period--it was impossible to put down!

Needless to say this book was exemplary. I've read all of Michael's books and seen Michael develop as a writer and Henry Rios develop as a detective of sorts. There were several nights while I was reading this book where I didn't get to sleep until 1:30 A.M., eventhough I had to get up at 6:30A.M. "Burning Plain" was SO well written and gripping that I literally had to FORCE myself to put it away and get to sleep. There are few books, even from the so-called "bestselling writers," that write with such style and finesse. Every little detail is important and Michael fits them all together like a well constructed puzzle. I had my suspicions about the perpetrator but it really got me! There are many mystery writers and some famous ones that are highly overrated. Michael Nava is highly UNDERRATED and is not getting the following he deserves. If you want an excellent mystery, buy "The Burning Plain." You'll hunger for more of Michael Nava when you're done!

I think that this book is a must for anyone writing a paper on Homosexuality, Homophobia, or Gay Rights. The authors do an excellent job at debuking many stereotypes found it America. They are obviously extremely emotionally involved in the struggle for gay rights and they display their emotion excessively in this book. Maybe even to a point of indulgence, but it still is greatly helpful, so 4 Stars.

This is one of the most thought-provoking books on any "morality" subject that I have ever read. The authors are very clear in explaining the difference between 'special' vs. 'equal' rights. It is unfortunate that the audience for this book will be almost exclusively gay. It is one that EVERYONE should read.

If you buy it, pass it on to a friend. If you have straight friends, buy them a copy, ask them to read it, and tell you what they think. After all, it's not that expensive, and maybe they'll even understand you better!

I am so happy to have found this book. The authors have done an outstanding job of presenting and explaining the issues of Gay rights versus special rights. This book does a great service to people who are interested in understanding why the U.S government and Fundamentalist right are so opposed to extending civil liberties to all citizens. Very concise and thought provoking. I loved it! Thanks to the authors for finally explaining the real issues behind gay equality.

Perhaps Nava's greatest accomplishment in this novel is that he makes his main character, attorney Henry Rios, compelling and so utterly human. We read as Henry endures personal and professional troubles and you actually root for him. The fact that he is gay is irrelevant; Henry could be anybody. Being gay is a part of him, but it doesn't define him, and maybe that's the best lesson anyone will take away from this novel.

The book does read as if it's a first novel. Though Nava delivers an excellent characterization of Henry, other characters are not so similarly defined. Bad guys abound in this work, and at times can be confusing. Further, it's hard to believe that Henry would risk his professional career and personal sanity because a friend of his, albeit a new lover, was murdered. Henry seems to have fallen in love very quickly with Hugh Paris, the object of his affection and the murder than beings to flesh out the plot. As thoughtful and steadfast as Henry is, this seems out of character. Maybe that's the point. Love makes you question everything.

The Little Death, originally published in 1986, was the first of seven Henry Rios mysteries. The final episode, published in 2001, is entitled Rag and Bone. This series has earned Michael Nava four Lambda Literary Awards, and comparisons to some of the great writers, such as Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. Nava says he began writing The Little Death while working at the Palo Alto, California jail when he was studying for his bar exams.

Henry Rios probably earns less than one-half of what he could earn in private industry as a public defender. He is gay, is an excellent lawyer, and is used to dealing with minor offenses until Hugh Paris is picked up as an alleged drunk. The police find two PCP cigarettes on Hugh, and he resists arrest. Henry was sent down from felony trials to arraignments, which means his boss thought he was burned out and needed a rest after his last murder trial. But Henry's life is about to change drastically once again when a nocturnal visit from Hugh Paris exposes Henry to love; loss; and deception:

"The elegant body was as white as marble. I could see a dark blue vein running up the length of his arm, and a jagged red mark just beneath his armpit where the needle went in. There were bruises on his chest. His head rested on a kind of pillow. Death had robbed his face of its seductive animation but I recognized him."

The Little Death is an exquisitely written dark little mystery that will pull at the reader's heartstrings. Henry Rios is smart, determined, and instantly grows on the reader as the kind of hero who is in keeping with today's world. Michael Nava keeps his story subtle and intelligent, and it is a joy to read. He is indeed within the ranks of the characters and plot geniuses who wrote in the first half of the twentieth century. He obviously deserves to be recognized as the great writer he is.

Henry Rios is someone the reader wants to know a lot more about. Michael Nava's craftsmanship is an English major's delight. Justice would be served if Mr. Nava's name appeared on the best seller's list. He has much to teach.

Shelley J. Glodowski, Reviewer

Michael Nava became one of my favorite authors with this book. He tells a tight twisted mystery that leaves one guessing "whodunnit?" until the very end. Besides being a prolific mystery writer, Nava infuses his stories with a real world mentality that is absent from many other authors (but hey I love escapism as much as the next person!). The reader wanting to grow with Henry Rios (Nava's main character) needs to start here and read the other books in this series. You will come to love Henry for his battles, both personal and public, and become emotionally attached to the character when he sometimes loses. A dynamic book taht makes all of us ask the question "Why?" of the world around us.

murder case in l.a.'s gay community.author shows the tragedy of a.i.d.s without being morbid. smooth style,sensitive tone and steady pacing.

Michael Nava is a super writer. This is the second one of his series I have read, and it is a great mystery as well as filled with real life emotion. A can't put it down kind of story. Plus some really great courtroom scenes. John Grisham, eat your heart out. This guy can write better than you.

Wow! I became Henry Rios as I read this story and was touched by his humanity and sensibility. Michael Nava just gets better with each of his books. This one shines a light on what it means to live your entire life in the closet and the impact on yourself, your family, your friends when you decide to step into the light. Yet it is done in the context of a compelling mystery peopled by real characters with real emotions. Nava manages to make nothing look contrived. At the end of his story you know these people and what makes them tick. And most importantly you want to know more about the fine human being that Henry Rios is.

This novel also rips your heart out whether or not you have known anyone who has died of AIDS. The caregiver's travail is not minimized but not exaggerated either. Through Nava's skillful storytelling you know just what it is like to stand by helplessly and watch someone you love fade out of your life. You know what it is like to get up the next days and weeks and go on with your own life.

This novel is much more than a simple mystery, although it is an excellent mystery novel. It is an insightful look at what it means to be gay in today's world, both upbeat and downbeat. This is a book to give to friends and to reread.

Just finished How Town. I enjoyed it and recommend it. The only criticism of the book is that I never felt satisfied about two things: 1) Why on earth did he take this case? At every turn the defendant, defendants wife, sister, police, DA,etc were on his back. Nava should have better articulated what was motivating Rios to take this case because I never got why he felt obliged to. Giving Rios a stronger motivation would have at least left me feeling content with the characterization. 2)I think Nava could have challenged the 'pedophilia is a harmless sexual orientation' rationalization shown by the defendant a little more than he did. In particular, with his dramatic ending there was a golden opportunity for a showdown with Mr. Windsor saying - look at what pedophilia has done to all these lives. It ain't pretty.

Actually, I agree with the reader from Los Angeles, except that we're supposed to be reviewing HOW TOWN, not THE HIDDEN LAW. It says something from Nava's power as a storyteller that he evokes such passion (positive or negative) from readers. Of course I could probably provoke a similar outburst by playing the same single jarring note on a piano for 30 minutes.

HOW TOWN is the third Rios mystery and the second chapter in the saga of Henry and Josh, one of gay mysterydom's most memorable couples (for whatever reason). Here Henry returns to his hometown of Los Robles to defend a pedophile (and former acquaintance)of murdering a possible blackmailer/porn peddler/baby broker. It's not a case Rio wants to take, but he feels obliged to anyway.

Nava's an impressive stylist, not a mystery writer, no argument there. He adroitly uses Henry's troubled relationship with Josh to flesh out these bare bones plots--and what he used after he killed off Josh, I've no idea because I quit reading at HIDDEN LAW. Nava's strengths are his insider's knowledge of the injustice system, his mucho multi-dysfunctional Hispanic hero (Loo-ooser!), and his unerring detail for scene and setting. His flaws we hold to be self-evident.

Michael Nava is simply the best mystery writer I've ever read. His characters arise above stock characters to become people we care about, and his stories reach an emotional depth that many writers who consider them "serious" writers should envy. All the elements for failure are in this novel: incest, child pornography, child molestation, AIDS, national origin discrimination, the stigma of being gay, bigotted police officers. And yet from these diverse topics that would become cliches for a lesser talent, Mr. Nava produces a fine, believable story that rings true both psychogically and from a legal standpoint.

As always, Mr. Nava doesn't waste words. A detective who drinks too much is described as "Gimlet-eyed." Enough said. And Mr. Nava's observations are too true: in the words of our old friend, Henry Rios, the gay Hispanic lawyer in this series of mysteries: "Society is a conspiracy and everyone who's different is its target."

I read that this writer has written his last Henry Rios novel. Let's hope he is working on more good fiction.

I read How Town first and then decided to give other books in this series a try. Loved it. Read it on a 5 hour train ride and couldn't put it down. I just bought the first book in the series and am planning on reading it next.

very intriguing - good gay stuff - weird issues about top/bottom - good portrayal of lawyers job and LA politics, very good look at chicano politics in the nineties

Can this really be it? Has Michael Nava really brought to an end the Henry Rios mystery series? Has he broken my heart the way Armistead Maupin did when he quit writing THE TALES OF THE CITY(although at least he is still writing other novels). According the the book jacket this will be the last and it does not say he will continue writing fiction(or non-fiction or anything at all). These mysteries have been a great comfort to me over the years and RAG AND BONE, though disappointing compared to the other entries(or is it just because I know it's the last?) is no exception. The character is like a comfortable easy chair and even though he is older and a little weary I would follow him anywhere. The plot concerns the defense of his estranged niece who is accused of shooting her abusive husband and Rios' bonding with his 10 year old nephew. There is also a tentative romance with a middle aged construction foreman that is realistic and believable. Rios is also recovering from a heart attack which adds the element of his mortality to this finale that has not really been present in the other novels. All-in-all a fittingly melancholy end to a series that I think peaked with THE DEATH OF FRIENDS. Still, I wish there were other Rios novels to look forward to.

Michael Nava may not be a great mystery writer, so what. What is more important is that he is, simply, a great writer. The truth is that I knew "who done it" about a third of the way through, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that I got to spend time with Henry again. I love this character. From "The Little Death" through "The Death of Friends," we've seen Henry weather it all. Indeed, we've weathered it with him. I love that the author has brought John into Henry's life. Their love affair was much more compelling than the mystery surrounding it. Michael Nava is a very emotional writer. His novels touch on all sorts of issues confronting gay people. I hope that straight people are reading his books, there is so much to be learned from them. I understand that this is the last Henry Rios mystery, I only hope that this is not the last Michael Nava novel, that would be a crime.

"Rag and Bone" brings to an end this popular series of seven mysteries by San Francisco lawyer/writer Michael Nava. Five of the preceding books have won Lambda awards for best gay mystery of the year. Nava's final Henry Rios novel is a likely contender for this year's best mystery. Fans will look forward to new works by Nava, co-author of "Created Equal: Why Gay Rights Matter in America." Admirers of his fiction hope his decision to end the Henry Rios series will free him from the constraints he might have felt in genre writing and will inspire him to deliver the big novel of psychological realism that we believe him fully capable of writing.

In "Rag and Bone" we see Henry at his most reflective. A heart attack during court in the first chapter makes him face his own mortality, and the continuing grief over the AIDS death of Josh, his young lover introduced in the series' second novel, "Golden Boy," causes Henry-always a sensitive character-to turn more philosophical. But the turning inward does not mean withdrawal.

In this novel Henry discovers whole new dimensions of family as he draws closer to an estranged sister whose long-lost daughter and grandson are caught in a gang homicide case. Henry must defend his niece, whom he dislikes and who is the confessed killer. In his late forties, Henry must not only heal a diseased heart, he must also mend a broken one that never healed from his father's abuse. When he becomes responsible for his ten year old nephew, the image of himself at ten, Henry's independence yields to surrogate fatherhood.

Family takes on additional dimensions as Henry finds himself falling in love with John, a washed up minor leaguer now a contractor in Rios' neighborhood. From their first meeting when John helps Henry home from an overly-ambitious walk, the men are attracted to each other. Both are Mexican American; both are in their forties; both love baseball; and, most importantly, both are disarmingly honest about themselves. John, a divorced bisexual, misses his own children and is only too eager to help "father" young Angel. But John has asked Deanna to marry him, and it is unclear just where the new romance with Henry is going.

Most of the novel concerns the murder case, but the crime, family, and love are intricately entwined. Typical to the genre, things work out as they should, and Henry's career takes a leap: the governor will name him to a judgeship. Enjoy this novel for its surprise twists and turns of plot and its sleuth-like intelligence at mystery solving. But most of all, enjoy it for the character of its characters-the hard decisions, the earnest decency of wounded men and women willing to risk themselves again for youth, for family, for love, for right and justice.

I enjoy Michael Nava's books for the characterization and style of writing, not for the accuracies of reality. The romance is mostly believable, but a few spots have me going "What!?" Luckily the plot is quite different from the first in the series, "The Little Death," and the conclusion is more believable as well. However, a few details of detective work are somewhat lacking. For instance when tailing someone, the detective does not want to be in a car labeled PRIVT I. Overlooking these silly mistakes, Nava's excellent writing ability and knack for adorable romance makes this still an enjoyable read.

When Nava's hero, attorney Henry Rios, is called upon by a friend to defend a young man accused of murder, even the reader is surprised by the ensuing unfolding drama. All the evidence supports the young man's guilt; supposedly, the youth was driven to the act by a blackmailing colleague who threatened to expose the youth's homosexuality. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Seemingly inocuous characters soon reveal their predatory and sinister natures. Good. This compiles a logical and completely plausible pool of possible suspects.

On the plus side, Henry falls in love (in REAL love) with a young man named Josh, who simply accepts Henry for being Henry, and goes to bat for him in every situation. Isn't that we all want? Regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or orientation, it's a sweet love story played out in real time, and is not overtly sexual or pejorative. It's just a part of their lives.
First-rate storytelling, good dialogue, and an actual interest in determining who committed the crime makes this novel a worthy and compelling read.

This was one GREAT book! The gist of the book involves Gay attorney Henry Rios, who is the hero of Nava's previous book, 'The Little Death'. He ventures from the Bay Area to Los Angeles to solve a series of grisly murders in this fast-paced novel that is as troubling as it is entertaining.

When a gay teenager (Jim Pears) is arrested for the murder of a co-worker (Brian Fox), who threatened to expose his homosexuality, Rios is called to L.A. by Larry Ross, a close friend and fellow lawyer who is dying of AIDS; too ill to rise to the boy's defense himself, Ross asks Rios to ``balance the accounts'' by preserving the accused murderer's life in exchange for Ross's own. Both, he explains, are afflicted by the same disease the bigotry that `shows itself in letting people die of AIDS, making it so difficult for them to come out that it's easier to murder.'

The Author takes us through a several month period of Rios attempting to solve the murder of Brian Fox, he shows us that no one is immune from tragedy, love, and finding that balance in our lives.

I was very impressed with this book. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, easy and enjoyable read that involved murder, consequences, and love.

Not the greatest or most suprising mystery novel ever written but a good follow up to the first novel. Potrays the gay community in a much more favorable light than the media usually conveys to the general public. As a college teacher I introduced it to my English Literature class and was pleasantly surprised. It opened up a discussion on homosexuality for these students, I believe, that they had never dwelled on before.