About L.A. Fields

Riot Son

^{Provocative, timely, and insightful}. I found myself riveted from the start, eager to see where the summer of 2020 would take Devon, Garrett, and the makeshift family of social warriors they form along the way. With Riot Son Fields has given us a masterfully written gem of a novel. —Eugene Cross, Fires of Our Choosing

Riot Son represents a departure for L.A. Fields: not just a novel, the author moves deftly between the story of unlikely lovers Devon and Garrett and a sort of guide to 2020, complete with masks, rioting, and handy primers on how fascism and trauma work. ^{Unapologetically political and provocative,}^{Riot Son}^{is both an unconventional love story and a gritty snapshot of America in one of its many times of crisis}. As always, Fields takes her characters seriously no matter who they are, and it is this depth and complexity that will keep readers turning the pages of Riot Son as quickly as any of her previous works. —Katharine Stevenson, PhD

Riot Son by L.A. Fields is ^{a tender and tumultuous May-September romance which ignites during a series of riots} in the summer of 2020. Protestors Devon and Garrett explore their sexualities, how much of themselves they’re willing to give to the cause, and who they want to become while ducking tear gas canisters in the sultry sun. —Erik Rebain, Arrested Adolescence

Set in a nameless American city against the wasteland of 2020, L.A. Fields’s newest novel Riot Son emerges an interplay between the instructional and the lyric, a feverish plunge into the limbo between love and politics. Through the ephemera of a single summer, Devon and Garrett fall in love as they try to survive a mist of tear gas, rubber bullets, and police violence, a risk that may shatter their hearts—and threaten their very lives. ^{Riot Son}^{encapsulates the warlike atmosphere of both the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, and the high anxiety, high stakes of fragile, young love}. The story, paced between a catalog of informational writings, succeeds as a literary and cultural critique. Fields’s gift of constructing likable, but deeply flawed characters gives Riot Son a true human element that is authentically reflective of humanity and its paternalistic impulses, its surrender to racism, homophobia, transphobia, and its ability to preserve while living in that pit of violence. Whether it’s love or resistance, in the world of Fields’s Riot Son, the only choice is to take the risk, to try and survive: “Yes, only tonight, do it or die without having done it at all.” —Jill Mceldowney, author of Otherlight

Riot Son is both encyclopediac and intimate, fictional and factual, ^{love story and riot story}. It is a sumptuous urgent read, and L.A. Fields is a master of her material, and better yet a master of what matters. —Keith Banner, author of The Smallest People Alive

Riot Son intricately weaves ^{a poignant love story} between Devon Amis, a journalist, and Garrett Robertson, a homeless genderqueer teen, set amidst the backdrop of Black Lives Matter protests and the COVID-19 pandemic, testing their relationship amid societal turmoil and violent clashes. —Darren

Set during 2020’s Black Lives Matter protests in a city which, though unnamed and unidentifiable, will nonetheless feel familiar to anyone who kept up with the events of that summer, the informative latest from Fields pairs Garrett, a genderqueer teenager recently emancipated from an evangelical cult, with 30-something Devon, a fiery journalist. Interspersed with factual sections on such topics as tear gas and PTSD, ^{Garrett and Devon enter a relationship that is equal parts sexual and paternalistic}. Due to Fields’s focus on setting and the delivery of political information and cultural critique, as documentation of a specific time in history, this succeeds. —Publishers Weekly

Homo Superiors

A modern retelling of the Loeb and Leopold murder, Homo Superiors by L.A. Fields is a character-focused story leading up to the murder they'll commit together. And it is SO good. (The book, not the murder.) I have no idea how this doesn't have more reviews. Highly recommend for anyone who likes These Violent Delights (gay) and Paul/Julian's dynamic, which was also inspired by Loeb/Leopold. This story is queer, but the dynamic is not overtly romantic (nor is it platonic — Ray and Noah have A Secret Third Thing). Ray and Noah desperately need each other, but that need is entirely selfish. ^{Their bond is what drives the story}— they're unlikeable in the worst ways and Fields does such an amazing job diving into their minds. The book is quite short (~200 pages) and cuts off right before the murder, which worked for me because it's so faithful to Loeb and Leopold that you know what's coming. But!!! There is a sequel in the works so now is literally the best time to have discovered this. —Cody

Noah and Ray, the two main characters in the twisted, intriguing novel, Homo Superiors, by L.A. Fields, aren't exactly scale model friends. In this clever, modern day retelling of Leopold and Loeb, Noah and Ray are polar opposites who are seemingly destined to make each other's acquaintance. Neither character is remotely likable and their story is deeply unsettling — and at its core, very sad, because these are two smart boys with immeasurable potential — yet Homo Superiors is ^{a compelling, powerful read. The fresh, witty albeit perverse dialogue between Noah and Ray keeps the pages turning}, and while it's easy to sense their story will undoubtedly end badly, you can't help but wonder what deplorable act they'll come up with next. —Chris

Fields’ novel offers a sympathetic look at a pair of murderers. The author recasts one of the most infamous cases of the 20th century and brings it into the modern era, replacing the deluded Chicago-based killers Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb of the 1920s with present-day alter egos Noah Kaplan and Ray Klein. As it stands, ^{Fields acquitted herself as a modern-day Clarence Darrow}, creating as compelling a brief for the defense as Noah Kaplan (or Nathan Leopold) could possibly hope to have. She writes so arrestingly of thwarted desire and social awkwardness that readers may briefly believe themselves to be inside Noah’s own skin. Overall, it’s a thoroughly unsettling book. A well-researched reimagining of what was once called “the crime of the century.” —Kirkus Reviews

In this clever, modern-day retelling of Leopold and Loeb, Noah and Ray are polar opposites who are seemingly destined to make each other's acquaintance. Their story is deeply unsettling — and at its core, very sad, because these are two smart boys with immeasurable potential — yet Homo Superiors is ^{a compelling, powerful read}. The fresh, witty albeit perverse dialogue between Noah and Ray keeps the pages turning. —Chris Verleger, Edge New York

Normally in literature, it’s quite a challenge to get a reader to support protagonists who commit crimes, especially as casually as these two do, but ^{Fields woos the reader into the characters’ court} quite successfully. —Sue Merrell, Windy City Reviews

I really enjoyed this book because so far it is the only Leopold and Loeb rebelling that focuses on the two main characters’ background, childhood, and relationship instead of rehashing the crime. I also really liked the way the author portrayed both of them and managed to make them both relatable. Their relationship was great and I loved every moment of interaction between them. The writing was great — ^{entertaining, descriptive, funny} — and you can tell that the author put a lot of time and research into this book. While I bought this as an e-book to begin with, I may possibly buy a physical copy as well just so I can keep it forever. —Kristen

L.A. Fields is an ^{engaging, literate, amusing, and even elegant}writer. I greatly enjoyed her prose, which pulled me along through “Homo Superiors” as it effortlessly probed deeply into the minds of the two teenaged protagonists, Noah Kaplan and Raymond Klein. The book is intelligent and well-crafted. —U.D.

A fresh take on an old crime. The premise is familiar: Two well-off young intellectuals are determined to prove their superiority over others; homoeroticism and murder ensue. I wasn’t interested in rehashing the courtroom drama again, and I was delighted to find that Fields wasn’t interested in writing about it. Like me, the author was more interested in the boys’ individual backstories, as well as their intense friendship. How did two promising, privileged young people get to that point? What was their upbringing like? What were the factors that created a perfect storm when these two met? The development of their relationship is believable. I appreciate that the relationship is not portrayed as one-sided, as it often is. The boys do use each other — Ray wants a criminal accomplice, while Noah wants to explore his sexuality — but their friendship is genuine. ^{You don’t have to be a true crime nerd like myself to enjoy this story}.This is not a book about Leopold and Loeb. The people and many of the events in Homo Superiors are based on real life, yes, but Ray and Noah are wholly original characters. Fields has done a remarkable job making the story her own. In fact, I liked Fields’ writing and characterization so much, I’ve already downloaded a copy of her short story collection, Countrycide. Well done. —Kelley Oram

You will think you know where this book is going but just when it looks like that idea you started with will pay off, the book takes ^{a wicked sharp right turn}. What I was most impressed with is the author's depiction of voice — I've heard these characters before in hotel elevators or at the next table over in a restaurant (and so have you). Chillingly plausible. Recommended. —J. Warren, author of Stealing Ganymede

What makes a murderer (or two)? Well written and character-driven. ^{It takes skill to make a reader fall in love with narcissists and sociopaths}, and Fields has that skill. I wish she could give the same treatment to every murderer that gets stuck in the pop culture psyche. —Layla

Combines ^{the emotional snap and burn of the best fanfiction} with the polished prose and nuance of a professional. If that's the kind of thing you like, you will like this kind of thing. —J. Campbell

There's a kind of storytelling wisdom in prolonging the question of whether history will repeat itself in this bit of fiction as long as possible — because ^{it's the story of the relationship}, so it's the old questions of 'will they or won't they?' Once the decision is made that part of the story, at least, is over. —Carrie Laben, author of A Hawk in the Woods

‍Homo Superiors is ^{a seduction into evil}. L.A. Fields’ prose burns like an underground fire. Relentless, and more dangerous than you realize until it’s too late. —Laird Barron, author of Man With No Name

‍Homo Superiors is a fascinating examination of the psychology of the criminal mind that achieves its effect by reimagining the notorious killers Leopold and Loeb as modern-day teens. Particularly impressive is how Fields evokes the mood and tone of early Brett Easton Ellis, giving us two highly intelligent boys whose lives have been made vapid by privilege. As one boy becomes addicted to criminal acts of ever-increasing magnitude, the other finds himself a willing pawn, drawn into the scheme out of a frustrated same-sex desire. Homo Superiors offers ^{complex insights into the darker aspects of a friendship} where no one is innocent. —Sean Eads, Shirley Jackson Award finalist for Lord Byron's Prophecy

L.A. Fields stuns with her latest novel, Homo Superiors, in which she modernizes America’s first 'Crime of the Century,' the infamous Leopold and Loeb case. Homo Superiors is ^{a gripping and shocking tale}, but a murderous obsession I enjoyed reading and I know others will as well. —Cina Pelayo, author of Loteria

The writing is so good, and I was happy with the route the author took to tell this story. ^{You can't help but be fascinated} by Noah and Ray even though you want to smack them hard at the same time. This story is character-driven, and I was glad that the author didn't force issues by trying to make them lovable anti-heroes. Overall, it was an enjoyable read. —Shile

Finalist for the 29th Annual Lambda Literary Award — brilliant. These two guys DID really exist. This fact made this novel even more fascinating, because you HAVE to be a VERY good writer to deliver such an ingenious character-driven plot. I found it brilliant when I finished it without having a clue, but now I think it was pretty spectacular. As I’ve already said, you have to be a REAL character junkie to understand and appreciate all fine nuances of the inner conflict of the characters here, to enjoy ^{this great psychological spectacle} and the writing style that exposes multiple layers of THESE characters as the story develops. I’d highly recommend this novel. The author put them in the present, and of course made her own interpretation of the story. This book deserves some awards, and I have no a tiny doubt it will get some. —LenaRibkaen

^{Chilling & disturbing} take on a real-life story, this is a different perspective. Psychological suspense (to a degree). The writing of the main characters is incredible, in my opinion a bit scary. —Laxmama

I don't know which is more ^terrifying; this book or the real events. —Kirmizi

The Annotated Joseph and His Friend

For anyone considering reading this book: the edition edited by L.A. Fields is basically a two for one. Between the chapters of Joseph there are short essays elaborating on gay culture of the time, the people who inspired the main characters in the novel and ^{lots of hidden goodies}. Well worth a read! —Erik R.

This is not just a book but the very definition of a tome — an urtext in the flesh, full of references, annotations and asides, but also rich with the feeling the original author intended. There’s a delicacy to Fields’ scholarship, a focus to her admiration. This beautiful big book is ^{a triumph and a necessity}.” —Keith Banner, author of Next to Nothing

A stellar edition for those interested in American literature. For anyone interested in American literature and/or the progression of LGBT identities in The United States The Annotated Joseph and His Friend is ^{a must have for your collection}. —Bunny Beau

Full of facts! For those of us who enjoy not only a work of literature but are curious about the story of its origin, from conception in the author's mind to release, this annotated edition of the first gay-themed novel in American literature is a must-buy. ^{L.A. Fields has done all the needed research} to bring contemporary readers into the life of Bayard Taylor, who was friends with Walt Whitman and many other notable figures of his day. —Danny K.

L.A. Fields brings her thorough understanding and extensive knowledge of gay history to the table in her annotations to Joseph and His Friend. The context her comments and quotations provide is crucial to any reader’s experience of the work, diving deep into Walt Whitman’s archives for material that sheds light on American history and the gay experience in this country in the nineteenth century. ^{The contribution to queer literature in this publication is indispensable}. —Katharine Stevenson, Isherwood Foundation Fellow

My Dear Watson

As much as a work of literary criticism as it is a novel, this book captivated me from beginning to end. If you like your Holmes sweet and domestic, give this one a miss, since Fields builds a compelling case for what a shitty, toxic boyfriend he can be. But if you’re willing to meet the book where its premise is, ^{there’s a lot to love here}. You might end up sniffling at the ending, like I did. —Zoe K.

^{Great twist} on a classic relationship. —Ariel L.

In L.A. Fields’ wonderfully imagined My Dear Watson, the relationship between Holmes and Watson is seen in detail by Watson’s second wife, and in a particular bit of genius, Fields chooses to have her review Watson’s affair with Holmes on a chronological basis according to case. ^{Extremely readable and undeniably creative}, My Dear Watson should be on your bookshelf if you have even a passing interest in Sherlock Holmes. And even if you don’t, this is a remarkable portrait of fame, its effects, and the power one man can hold over another. —Jerry L. Wheeler, Out In Print

Fields approaches the queering of these favorite characters from a different and creative angle by utilizing the second Mrs. Watson as narrator. Mrs. Watson's somewhat acerbic narrative voice rivals that of Holmes himself, as do her well-honed powers of observation and deduction. The story is divided into sections. In the present time Mrs. Watson and her household receive Holmes during his first visit to Watson's home. In other more abundant sections, Fields employs a rather interesting flashback format by having Mrs. Watson narrate the complete history of the men's relationship as it unfolds while they solve mysteries, until the timelines merge in the present. This presentation works rather splendidly as Fields concentrates mainly on the history of the relationship with spare entries dedicated to the present. Our narrator Mrs. Watson becomes as fascinating a character as Mr. Holmes. A contradiction, she's a woman to be reckoned with — astute and intuitive, possessive and giving, protective, strong and vulnerable — and I do believe that in the end, Mrs. Watson has the last word! To summarize, I enjoyed My Dear Watson, particularly ^{L.A. Fields' subtle execution and creative approach} to building a complex queer romantic relationship riddled with conflict, jealousy, resentment, love, tenderness, and understanding — one that involves two of my favorite fictional characters of all time. —Hilcia, Impressions of a Reader

There's a reason this was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award ... and it is because ^{the writing of this novel is exceptional}. Fields has done her research into not only the canon of Holmes literature but also the spirit of Holmes. People seeking a frothy reduction of the character should look elsewhere. The Holmes in this book is every bit as distant, as aloof, as moody, as manipulative as Doyle originally wrote. —Danny K.

A ^{thoroughly satisfying} look in between Conan Doyle's lines. Never before has the subtext between these two iconic characters been brought into such sharp focus. I only would have wanted to get more about the mysterious Mrs. Watson, whom literature quite forgot, if only because the glimpses we do get beg for a more complete picture. —Kori K.

I think the author is talented. ^{I like her style}. If she writes another book, I will happily buy it. —DL

I read this book because it explores something the fangirl in me is very interested in fantasizing about, which is the proposition that Holmes and Watson were more than just bachelor-friends who solved crimes together. They were also secret lovers. I also think ^{L.A. Fields did a fairly decent job of trying to write in a similar voice as Doyle}. The story more or less felt like it was being told from a turn of (the next to) last century. —Caroline

^{Nice read} and play on what might have been. —Jessie

Author L.A. Fields describes the book as “a queer Sherlock Holmes pastiche.” Fields underestimates the gravitas of her work. Pastiche implies something patched together, even frivolous. My Dear Watson is neither of those things. It is ^{a serious, fascinating book}. Instead, Fields has given what is almost a psychological analysis of a haunted and ultimately failed love affair between the emotionally crippled Holmes and a bisexual Watson. To make it more unnerving (and, yes, brilliant), the narrator throughout is Dr. Watson’s second wife, and she writes the story in her own words, fully aware of the nature of her husband’s longtime relationship with the famous detective. It made me ineffably sad, even as Fields moved me with her skill and her research. Equally powerful is her grasp of language that shifts from Victorian to late 1910s without distracting the reader or ruining the sense of reality that pervades her text and makes it feel, well, true. At the very end, an exquisite detail made me feel much better, even as it moved me to tears. It was Fields’ skill as a writer and the deep historical context of this beautifully written book that saved it in my eyes. Ms. Fields should be very proud. —Ulysses Dietz, museum curator

If you are a Sherlock or Watson fan this book will do it for you! Mrs. Watson is ^{clever and likable}. —Virginia U.

A clever, tender romance! Fields clearly expended great amounts of energy and research to put together this detailed narrative. You'll find a convincing presentation of the facts as well as interesting commentary on real historical events which affected their relationship. Her usage of poetic prose and innuendo seems very in keeping with the tone of the period. There are ^{delightful moments of tension and tenderness} that portray a very clear picture of their intimacy. For me, someone who enjoys romance, this feels like an element missing from the classic stories has been restored. —Lisa T.

The story hangs on the brilliant framework of a small dinner party given by the Watsons for Sherlock Holmes not too long after the end of World War I. The scenes that take place in 1919 are ^{arresting, extremely well-written}, and the very best parts of the book. I thought that the original part was absolutely brilliant. —AcerAcer‍

^{Well-written, even witty, and the book looks good}. The cover is beautiful and everything about the editing and the presentation lets you know, you are holding a quality product in your hand. The book is fun in so far as you never watch (or read) a Sherlock Holmes story in quite the same way again. The author has style and wit and would pick up another of her books. —Melanie S.

Mrs. Watson: Untold Stories

So glad we got more of Mrs. Watson, ^{I like this follow-up even better} than the My Dear Watson predecessor. —Ariel L.

Each of the eight stories contained here, told through diary entries covering 1921-1939, have biographical details about a notable queer person. We meet Mrs. Watson’s cousin, who is being adopted by her friend George (short for Georgina) to legalize their Boston marriage, in my favorite of the chapters. Others include a visit to London to stay at the Savoy, which spurs stories of Tchaikovsky. Walt Whitman’s relationship with his biographer Horace Traubel anchors a Christmas visit, while a Halloween party brings both a put-down for the local busybody and stories of Bram Stoker’s fascination with Whitman. I found this ^{a fascinating way to learn details about queer creators}, told in Holmes' distinctively waspish voice. —Johanna

The Disorder Series

This is a beautifully written novel, delivered with a psychological authority truly astonishing. At the same time it is a page-turner, which is quite an achievement, given the low-key nature of the material. The ways the individual stories intertwine and develop are ^{wonderfully wise and satisfying}. The sense of control that Fields shows throughout the gorgeous writing repeatedly made my jaw drop. —Samuel R. Delany

The first, and by far the best, of the author’s five-book series about the intertwined lives of five damaged late teens, who are thrown together in a church-sponsored program for unwanted kids. ^{The writing is first-rate and the characters beautifully fleshed out}. This is technically a YA book but that designation fails to do the book justice. Maladaptation is about teens but not just for teens to enjoy. —Skip S.

L.A. Fields is at the top of her game. She has a great gift for creating believable, compelling characters, and they’re a diverse lot! Her keen eye for singular detail draws the reader deeply into her world, and her ^{beautiful-yet-realistic portrayal of neglected and abused teens} sets her apart from other authors. —Bill Konigsberg, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of Out of the Pocket

^{This story touched my soul}, and it is without any hesitation that I offer my full and most wholehearted recommendation. My only regret is that I am merely empowered to award it only five stars. —Rainbow Reviews

A wonderful, ^{deeply moving} novel for any age. —Out In Print

The voice and chaos of Marley Kurtz’s life swept me along; I could not resist turning pages and seeing what delicious craziness happened next to this kid. ^{L.A. Fields is the suffragette mouthpiece of gay boys suffering}. —Steve Berman, author of Vintage, A Ghost Story

Not an easy book to read, because it deals with serious subjects like isolation, homophobia, self-harm, desperation. The author does a great job in showing how difficult life can be for young kids who are failed by the adults who should love them and take care of them. In spite of that, there is also ^{a sense of hope} that comes out from the story, especially for Marley and Jesse. —Manuela

The strength of this book is the author's ability to make you understand all the characters, how they think, why they act as they do. ^{It's a truly engaging study in character}. —Anna

I found the story ^{disturbing yet interesting} in its own way. It's this little town with what I would refer to as this little cult that uses their own means to try and 'correct' teenagers who do not meet their parents expectations. The story consists of different children and different reasons for them being in this town and tossed out like they were leeches, freaks, diabolical and condemnable in the eyes of God. I’d like to know where these teens are now and what might have became of them. —Betryal

Countrycide

In L.A. Fields' Countrycide, what to the rest of America are warning sounds of fear and consternation — pederastic clergymen; disaffected high schoolers with gun collections; hitchhiking horndogs hunting for adventure — become full-bodied characters, tabloid buzzwords no more, but real. They populate a world with the shifting horizons of a vision; it's a dreamscape reminiscent of the early work of George Saunders or the late work of James Purdy. ^{We consult L.A. Fields as we might a breviary, a dispensary, a mirror}, one in which one's freak side can take the lineaments of a stranger or a lover. —Kevin Killian, author of Bedrooms Have Windows

A great collection. Countrycide is ^{a well-written and disturbingly beautiful book}. The stories take the reader into dark passageways of love, lust, and desire. They push many boundaries, but never quite cross the line. You will shudder, cringe, gasp, and even laugh. It will keep the reader turning the pages into the early morning hours. —W. Holden

This collection of stories was an interesting read and not at all what I expected. Many of the tales are connected through a myriad of characters. ^{Fields’ ability to write these little vignettes with the same men and women popping up here and there and allowing personal growth is incredible}. This was a very well-written collection of connected short stories. —Prism Book Alliance

Don’t worry if you aren’t familiar with the label—drink deep and enjoy how ^{Fields blends the frantic passions of adolescent love with the cruelty of real life}. Savor her words, the hints of Cormier and Doller. Serve warm. — Steve Berman, Andre Norton Award finalist and author of Fit for Consumption

Definitely worth reading. I have to admit when I started the book I was disturbed by the subject matter of the first two stories, but as I kept reading things started moving along and just when I thought I knew what was going on, ^{I kept being surprised}. And that is wonderful, that's the kind of thing I hope for whenever I discover a new book. I highly recommend this book, I enjoyed it very much. —Matt

"A major new voice in American fiction. Told in lush, lyrical prose, these stories speak to the heart, the head, and the groin. ^{L.A. Fields knows every nook and cranny of the landscape of desire}." —Samuel Park, best-selling author of This Burns My Heart

A wicked and sharp collection of gay-themed short fiction by author L.A. Fields. These are neither simple nor for simpletons. ^{Fields takes great delight in being provocative} and the reward is being shown relationships that are dark yet thoroughly engaging. —Danny K.

L.A. Fields' Countrycide is a ^{startlingly beautiful and unsettling} magical mystery tour of some of the alleys and bypasses first claimed by Jean Genet. Her characters are lean and mean, but also somehow startled by their own powers. Fields pushes boundaries effortlessly and artfully, and also locates a sort of crazy whimsy in ferocity and malice. —Keith Banner, author of The Life I Lead

Gay A Day

So fascinating and readable. You can put something like this in the kitchen and read a mini bio while you wait for water to boil or the microwave to ding. Super fun! ^{Great way to access a lot of history in short bites}. —Ariel L.