Review: Ice Cream on the Side by Wren Boudreau

I picked up this novella a while ago from Loose Id because Wren has been a lurker/commenter on this blog for a while now and I was curious as to how that online presence would match with her writing.  This is also the reason that it's sat on my TBR pile for a few weeks because I was worried that I wouldn't like it!  Fortunately for me (and her), I did like it:  It wasn't perfect, but it is still a darned good read.

Ice Cream on the Side begins with architect, Dylan, meeting teacher and artist, Michael, during a meeting to discuss a new arts block at the school where Michael teaches and it isn't long before the pair act on their mutual attraction.  However, the road to love isn't smooth for these guys, especially when Dylan has to deal with the appearence of an ex-lover as well as the discovery of a dead body who turns out to be another of Dylan's ex-lovers.

Ironically, the thing I liked most about this book is also one of its weaknesses.  The book has a light breezy tone to the writing, and the third person narrator, Dylan, has a wonderfully self-depreciating, dry, witty voice.  This narration worked extremely well for the first part of the book as we see Dylan and Michael meet and fumble their way to a tentative relationship.  Dylan's wry obversations on his sex-life (or lack thereof), coupled with his lust for Michael and bewilderment when things don't go to plan had me laughing at his expense a number of times.  Once the two men begin this journey towards love, the novella moves into darker territory as the first body is discovered and Dylan is involved in some distressing scenes with ex-lover Ian.  It was at this point that I began to find the tone a little jarring with the content.  Dylan is connected to the first murdered man, and the witty asides that had seemed so engaging in the first half of the book made Dylan seem a little cold-hearted and unfeeling when placed alongside murder.  As the bodies pile up, I began to lose a little sympathy for Dylan and his sarcastic comments.

One unusual aspect of this book is that it is set in the art world.  Dylan has close links to the art scene and both Michael and Ian, are artists. I liked that Ian and Michael showed opposing elements in the artistic temperament.  Ian is conflicted, tormented and self-destructive; whereas Michael is optimistic, positive with a flair for the dramatic. The way that Michael throws his all into everything, both in his art and his relationships was endearing and I found that I liked him a great deal.

The mystery element of the book worked quite well for me, even if it was a touch melodramatic on occasions.  There were plenty of false leads and red herrings and I didn't guess the murderer.  In fact I was completely convinced that it was going to be a certain character and it turned out to be someone else entirely.  This made it a good read, as I like mysteries where I'm completely fooled.

Overall, I really enjoyed Ice Cream on the Side.  Even my feeling about Dylan's seemingly callous tone towards the end wasn't enough to detract from my enjoyment.  As a first published piece, this was very impressive and I shall certainly be reading future books by this author.  I would recommend the book, with a grade of 'Very Good' for those who are looking for a quick, clever read which doesn't take itself too seriously but which also contains interesting and likable characters.

Buy this book HERE.