Three-time finalist for the Lambda Award for Gay Mystery, the Boystown Mystery series follows the cases of former-police officer turned private investigator Nick Nowak. Set in Chicago during the early 1980s, Nowak is haunted by his abrupt departure from the CPD and the end of his relationship with librarian Daniel Laverty. He moves through a series of casual relationships until he meets homicide detective Bert Harker with whom he begins a tentative relationship.

“A pretty terrific set of mystery stories. Those of you who like their detectives hard-boiled, cynical and downbeat will love Nick Nowak.” — 4 1/2 Stars, Jenre at Three Dollar Bill Reviews

“Thornton’s writing is very tight indeed, spare and economical, and beautifully edited… He’s clearly an author of skill and strong dedication to research. This is a collection of stories which offers a good deal to enjoy.” — Ann Somerville, Outlaw Reviews

“I adored the voice in Boystown. It’s 1st person–some people are born to write it, Marshall Thornton being one of them, in my opinion–and carries you along through Nick’s world and current case. There are three cases in this book, all wonderful, all equally interesting, and I couldn’t put the damn book down.” Miz Love Reviews Top Pick 

“Boystown: Three Nick Nowak Mysteries by Marshall Thornton is the first book in this well-written and gritty detective series that is reminiscent of hardboiled crime fiction. The book is a compilation of three novella-length mysteries all set in Chicago, circa 1980-1981. The mysteries are engaging, and the writing features a captivating main character and sets an excellent overall mood for the stories.” Indie Reviews “The pre-AIDS haze of casual sex evoked by the books is destined to come to an end, as the reader knows, and Thornton — knowing that we know it — integrates the start of the AIDS crisis into his stories as smoothly as the hot scenes of sex between Nowak and his hookups. This is compelling stuff on two levels, both as detective stories and as dramatic literature.” Kilian Melloy – Edge Magazine Available in paperback, ebook and audiobook.