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East of Cricket Hill by Ron Fritsch

A tense, gripping, and unflinchingly honest portrayal of love and justice amidst systemic corruption…

In Fritsch’s gripping tale set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1960s, Colin Doyle, a gay man caught in the crossfire of familial corruption and societal prejudice, stands accused of murder following the death of his wealthy patron, Oliver Bradford. The scandal erupts when Bradford’s fortune is revealed to have been left to Colin, not his enraged nephew. Colin’s hasty decision to move in his new lover, Tyler Voight, only deepens the suspicion surrounding the case.

Drawing on his background as a lawyer and gay man, Fritsch infuses the courtroom scenes with genuine authenticity. The story is packed with tension and drama, with each scene raising the stakes. Dean’s seething homophobia and Minelli’s loyalty to the corrupt DA’s office create a dangerous mix of personal hatred and legal manipulation that threatens to derail the pursuit of truth. Marie and Sabrina, the relentless lesbian lawyers, fight against both courtroom obstacles and a deeply prejudiced society. Their passionate partnership enriches the narrative as they use their legal skills to challenge Minelli and uncover the corruption at the heart of the case. Judge Oakley’s role as the presiding judge adds further tension; her steadfast integrity offers both hope and anxiety for characters fearing that justice may be elusive in a rigged system. Set against the evocative and chilling backdrop of the 1960s, the novel underscores the era’s battleground of love and identity. Fritsch vividly portrays the struggles faced by homosexual couples, making their fight for acceptance a poignant theme. The narrative not only reveals the homophobia of the time but also exposes how personal vendettas and biases corrupt the judicial system, with Colin’s family manipulating legal proceedings for their gain. 

At its core, the story examines the struggle for justice in a system stacked against the marginalized, with the clash between corrupt legal forces and determined lawyers highlighting the fight against systemic injustice. The novel resonates with other LGBTQ+ literature depicting the 1960s, such as The City and the Pillar by Gore Vidal and Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown, which explore personal identity and societal prejudice. However, it distinguishes itself by focusing on the corrupt judicial system of the era. While many LGBTQ+ novels portraying the time center on personal and social struggles, this story incorporates a legal drama element, exposing the law’s role as a tool of oppression. An addictive legal drama that deftly explores identity, bigotry, and the quest for justice.


Buy now
Asymmetric Worlds
Pub date July 15, 2024
ISBN 979-8985072655
Price $9.99 (USD) Paperback, $2.99 Kindle edition

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