I absolutely loved Cole and Dearie!! They are queer best friends living in a small town that they can’t wait to get out of. When someone in their high school Queer Club starts spreading rumors about them, Dearie feels compelled to investigate. To his horror, a killer who once terrorized San Diego now stalks the halls. Mr. Sandman had a signature move- giving his victims a note that read “your lonely nights are over” before he came for them. The mysterious killer targets lonely people and people who are single. As Cole and Dearie race to unmask the killer, they will be forced to test the bonds of their friendship as they fight to survive. 

Cole is a strong, loyal friend who doesn’t have time for the “Flops” in the local Queer Club. Despite this, when he realizes that the club is being targeted, he works with Dearie to try and save them all. Cole truly has the biggest heart and I loved how he was always there for Dearie. Dearie was so cute!! I appreciated how he had to reckon with the trauma from a previous relationship and use the clues to figure out who the real Mr. Sandman is. Sass creates a tense and fraught atmosphere as the group realizes that Mr. Sandman must be someone who knows them well. 

Adam Sass’ writing is so twisty and compelling. I feel like I can usually call the twists, but this one had me guessing until the end!! I had plenty of suspicions, but the ultimate ending was very satisfying. I loved how realistic, yet lovable the characters felt. There is a strong ensemble cast that helps Dearie and Cole in their investigation. Cole and Dearie’s dialogue is witty, deliciously sarcastic, and heartfelt. Your Lonely Nights Are Over is the perfect queer thriller. I also listened to the audiobook and thought the narrators were excellent. I’m excited to see what Adam Sass writes next!