ARC Review: He's to Die For by Erin Dunn

He's to Die For
Author: Erin Dunn
Publication: Minotaur Books (June 3, 2025)

Description: Brooklyn 99 meets The Charm Offensive in this sparkling romantic murder mystery: 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…

My Thoughts: This romance/murder mystery really worked for me. Detective Rav Trivedi is a 29-year-old gay cop and the youngest member of the NYPD's homicide squad. He's ivy league educated and has a penchant for designer suits. He's also ambitious and brilliant. 

When he meets rock star Jack Vale he is instantly smitten. Unfortunately, Jack is the main suspect in the murder of Richard Vanderford. Vanderford is a music executive who bought the company producing Jack's music and contrary to usual practice isn't willing to sell the rights to the songs back to the group.

As Rav gets involved in the complicated life of rock stars including stalkers and all sorts of publicity, he also has to deal with the FBI taking over the case. He begins investigating on his own because things aren't adding up for him. 

The romance goes through ups and downs as the two try to juggle two very different lives and schedules. I really thought the two of them worked as a couple. Both men were well-rounded people with sympathetic backstories. The mystery was engaging too. It was filled with twists and turns. 

The writing was also excellent. I was pulled right into the story and couldn't put it down until I reached the end. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.