Relief Valve (The Plumber's Mate #2) by J.L. Merrow was a very fun read for me. I want to thank Netgally Riptide Publishing for my advanced copy of Relief Valve. When I picked it up I didn’t realize it was the second book in a series but it flows so nicely that I didn’t feel bothered by not reading the first one, but I do have plans to go back and read the first one. I love Tom's narrative voice. He's funny and sometimes snarky but in a good-hearted way. He's not pretentious, and he has a fair bit of tolerance for the quirks of others, even as he complains cheerfully about them. Phil is so cheeky that this was a joy to read. I loved all the British terms in the story and loved the mystery that was wrapped up so nicely. All and all I am glad I picked this up and will be continuing the series.
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Loved it

Amusing, goofy, mysterious, and the end made me grin. Very good 2nd in a series (a tricky achievement, that balance between known & new to retain readers). ( )

Better than the first book, Relief Valve moves at a quick, highly enjoyable pace and moves Tom and Phill forward in their relationship, while setting up a mystery for Tom to ponder in the next book. I look forward to seeing what happens next. ( )

It wouldn't be accurate to say that things have been smooth sailing for Tom Paretski and Phil Morrison since they reconnected and became romantically involved. They both agreed to put the past behind them, recognizing they've both changed. But there's still something tentative about the relationship. And that's even without family opinions being considered.

Tom's older sister, Cherry, gets back in touch with him to let him know two things. One, their former neighbor, a woman he knew affectionately as "Auntie Lol" has died and he's named in the will. Two, she's met a man that she would like him to meet. Of course neither of these are as simple as they seem.

First, Auntie Lol's will is incomplete. The second piece of it is hidden in her old home, and she asked that Tom use his "gift" for finding hidden things to fetch it. And this is something her ex-husband and current resident of the home isn't very keen on.

Second, Cherry's new man, Gregory, has asked her to marry him. It seems a bit sudden considering they haven't been together long. And it gets even more complicated when Cherry is poisoned at her own engagement party.

Suspects quickly emerge, from Gregory himself to members of a writing circle of which Cherry had previously been a member. With Tom's gift and his boyfriends private investigation skills, they are hot on the trail. But can they find who wants Cherry dead before they strike again?

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I absolutely love how fun and cheeky this books are without losing any of their seriousness or legitimacy. I enjoy a good whodunnit, and the added humor that the author provides here is honestly icing on the cake for me. The twists and the reveals are always dramatic (while not being over-the-top) and Tom is just one of those characters you have to love. ( )

I loved this story! It was funny and it kept me reading. Tom is hilarious and the twist at the end is going to keep things interesting in the next book. ( )