About the author
Joseph Brennan is the author of Crab Bait: A Gay Mystery, published by Hard Crossing Press. Set amid Victorian London's underground gay scene, the novel follows an investigation into a series of murders that threatens to expose a hidden community, blending historical detail with the structure of a whodunit. Reviewers quoted in the book's own promotional copy, including Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, describe it as an atmospheric historical thriller. The novel has appeared in more than one edition from the same small press, suggesting a modest but steady readership. Brennan's book fits within a growing body of historical crime fiction that centers queer characters and communities usually left out of mainstream Victorian-set mysteries, using period research to give texture to both the crime plot and the social world it depicts. Readers of historical mysteries, particularly those seeking LGBTQ+ protagonists and settings, are the intended audience for Crab Bait.
📖 Where to start with Joseph Brennan
💬 What our editors say about Joseph Brennan's books
“While Brennan crafts a compelling tapestry of escalating scandal, this book demands patience from its audience. It may not suit readers who prefer fast-paced, action-driven thrillers over atmospheric character studies or those…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Crab Bait: A Gay Mystery
“Brennan crafts a vivid tableau of Victorian London’s secretive gay circles, blending mystery with poignant social commentary. The shifting perspectives effectively peel back layers of class disparity and forbidden desire,…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Crab Bait: A Gay Mystery
