Devil’s Chew Toy

Gay Seattle school teacher and blogger Hayden McCall, the self-described “quiet and reserved” narrator of Osler’s appealing debut, is startled when, after spending a chaste night with super-hot (and nice) Camilo Rodriguez, he learns that his new acquaintance, whom he met at a dance club, has gone missing. Since Hayden’s afraid that the police won’t be very diligent in looking for a gay Venezuelan go-go boy, he begins a search on his own, encumbered with Camilo’s bull terrier, Commander. He soon turns up hints that Camilo may be in serious trouble. But he also finds allies as the investigation develops, including two lesbian friends of Camilo, Hollister and Burley, who inform him that Camilo is a Dreamer whose parents were deported years earlier. Along with Hollister’s sage uncle, these new friends help Hayden realize that he’s actually a more responsible, competent person than he imagined, able to confront villains such as a too-gorgeous-to-be-good bisexual dancer and an unnervingly eccentric pet-store owner. The characters’ convincing banter and generally believable actions lift this relaxed, comfortable yarn. Readers will hope Hayden and company will be back soon. (Feb.)