The Popsicle Tree (Dick Hardesty Mysteries)

#9 in the Dick Hardesty gay mystery series. Dick and Jonathan are left with Jonathan's nephew to raise when the boy's parents are killed in an accident. This is happening when a woman with a small son living in their building is also killed and Dick goes after the perp, especially after someone cuts his brakes lines. It is a time of conflict between awakening parental instincts and Dick's investigative talents.