Available Starting 4/17/26 on Amazon!
| Plot Summary: |
| When residents of a live-in drug rehabilitation facility called Lemon House start dying one by one, no one in the outside world seems to care. Two Lemon House patients, nicknamed Trip and Gobstopper, are the only ones who can see the truth: these are murders. Their quest to find the killer will push their budding relationship to the brink, cast suspicion on everyone locked in the house with them, and force them to question their most cherished beliefs. The Lemon House Murders is the rare murder mystery that will have you guessing at the culprit AND thinking deeply about theology, society’s relationship toward the downtrodden, and the importance of self-determination to a fulfilling life. MARK YOUR CALENDAR! RELEASE DAY IS 4/17/26! |
Early Reviews for The Lemon House Murders:
Tucker May has a way with words in a riveting mix of genres that readers will love. This story begins on an unsettling note and impressed me with the author’s use of imagery and detail. The Lemon House Murders is engrossing and thought-provoking. It examines relevant themes of family, responsibility, and purpose. It shines a bright light on drug abuse and on an even less considered notion: how addicts are treated in society, illustrated pointedly when the authorities refuse to take Trip and Gobstopper seriously about the murders. The Lemon House Murders is funny, then sad, pacy, yet introspective, and boasts a cast so vibrant they could leap off the pages. This is definitely one of the most memorable books I’ve read this year!
– Mimie Odigwe
If you’re into stories with lots of twists and red herrings, you won’t be disappointed. Tucker May is great at writing small but meaningful interactions that add depth to the characters and make you more immersed in the Lemon House and its colorful residents. Even the most mundane scenes always have a purpose: fleshing out a character, exploring Trip’s psyche, presenting a different life philosophy, etc. You’ll find quirky folks, bizarre scenarios, witty remarks, and sarcasm, but also drama, social commentary, and dilemmas. At its core, The Lemon House Murders is a humanizing journey through the world of marginalized men, asking deep questions about life and purpose along the way. All with a healthy serving of mystery on the side.
– Gabriel Santos
The Lemon House Murders is an interesting take on a murder mystery story. It’s also the second book I have read by Tucker May, and it is every bit as good as the first one. It’s a character-driven story, with real people facing real problems, and readers will love the two main characters, Trip and Gobstopper. It’s one of those stories that will lead you on a twisted journey, trying to guess the murderer but being thrown off-course at every turn. But it’s also about friendship and bonds, and it will make you stop and think about how people on a downward spiral in life are sometimes looked down on by society and how they are ignored and forgotten about. If you love a good murder mystery, I can highly recommend this book and this author—you won’t be disappointed.
– Anne-Marie Reynolds
The Lemon House Murders is one of the most thought-provoking murder mysteries I have read recently. I appreciated how Tucker May blended the entertainment of crime fiction with deep social context, exposing the hypocrisy of the clergy and politicians, the society’s shunning of and indifference to the homeless and drug addicts, and the stigma of bisexuality. I also liked how the story portrayed Francis and the residents of the Lemon House as humans with all their flaws, strengths, challenges, and dreams. But what resonated with me most was the powerful ending that opened the door for a sequel, and I would love to reunite with Francis in his next chapter in life. I highly recommend this immersive story to murder mystery fans who appreciate thought-provoking dilemmas.
– Olga Markova
The Lemon House Murders explores themes such as theology and atheism, and the harsh judgment cast on society’s fallen. Drug addicts are seen as the scourge of society, and we often forget that there are factors that brought them to that point. Tucker May homes in on the fact that judgment is not reserved for anyone but God, which I loved. I admired how Francis grew into himself; as a teen struggling with his sexuality and low self-esteem, life was not easy. I also enjoyed Francis’s dry wit; he was funny and brought relief to the dark subject matter. Braden Tarano is another character who left a big impression on me, and I found his motives interesting. The novel also tackles controversial topics such as abortion and homophobia head-on, emphasizing that the world lacks empathy and kindness. Unpredictable and inspiring, The Lemon House Murders will have you guessing until the very end.
– Danelle Petersen