Bath Haus

At the start of this clever crime novel from Vernon (When You Find Me), 26-year-old recovering addict Oliver Park visits Haus, a Washington, D.C., bathhouse for anonymous gay sex, where he meets Kristian, who nearly strangles him to death. Terrified to tell his older partner, well-to-do surgeon Nathan Klein, that he’s been unfaithful, Oliver claims he was mugged while out for a run to explain his bruises. Then Oliver spots Kristian among the crew sent to do some repairs at the house he shares with Nathan, and starts receiving anonymous threatening text messages. Oliver tells a police officer, Det.-Sgt. Rachel Henning, about the attack, but she later gives him an ultimatum: either he tells Nathan the truth within three days or she will. When Rachel discovers Kristian’s body and the text messages continue, Oliver realizes someone else was behind what happened at Haus. Cunning lies and premeditated schemes, from gaslighting to murder, lead to the unraveling of Oliver and Nathan’s increasingly shaky relationship. Vernon keeps the suspense high as the plot twists and turns to the satisfying resolution. This is a no-brainer for Patricia Highsmith fans. Agent: Chris Bucci, CookeMcDermid. (June)