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A Shot in the Dark #1
This Rough Magic
Genre: LGBT 1930's Suspense
Wealthy San Francisco playboy Brett Sheridan thinks he knows the score when he hires tough guy private eye Neil Patrick Rafferty to find a priceless stolen folio of Shakespeare's The Tempest. Brett's convinced his partner-in-crime sister is behind the theft -- a theft that's liable to bring more scandal to their eccentric family, and cost Brett his marriage to society heiress Juliet Lennox. What Brett doesn't count on is the instant and powerful attraction that flares between him and Rafferty.
Once before, Brett took a chance on loving a man, only to find himself betrayed and broken. This time around there's too much at risk. But as the Bard himself would say, Journey's end in lovers meeting.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices.
Wealthy San Francisco playboy Brett Sheridan thinks he knows the score when he hires tough guy private eye Neil Patrick Rafferty to find a priceless stolen folio of Shakespeare's The Tempest. Brett's convinced his partner-in-crime sister is behind the theft -- a theft that's liable to bring more scandal to their eccentric family, and cost Brett his marriage to society heiress Juliet Lennox. What Brett doesn't count on is the instant and powerful attraction that flares between him and Rafferty.
Once before, Brett took a chance on loving a man, only to find himself betrayed and broken. This time around there's too much at risk. But as the Bard himself would say, Journey's end in lovers meeting.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2011
35 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
223 books5,418 followersAuthor of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
December 2, 2014
3.5 stars. Review posted December 2, 2014
This Rough Magic is set in San Francisco during the Great Depression. Well-off and soon-to-be married Brett Sheridan is pretty much beside himself with worry and fear when a very valuable Shakespeare folio vanishes. He presumes that might be involved in the art heist and hires private eye Neil Rafferty. Brett, overeager and impatient in aforementioned matter, starts meddling in Rafferty's business and after a close call, together they embark upon a wild goose chase which will find its climax in a surprising revelation. Surprising and rather shocking for Brett, that is.
"You could be busier, though. Pat said you're choosy about the cases you take."
"I'm in a business where being choosy can keep you out of jail--not to mention alive."
Told in Lanyon's distinct voice, character driven and witty, I was bound to enjoy this quick read. Though I had a little bit of trouble to keep track of all the numerous secondary characters who, quite obviously, fed the pool of suspects. However, once Brett and Rafferty were heading off together to chase down the culprit and retrieve the folio, I felt much more at ease with both, the plot and the romance. Because, frankly, the romance (I really mean the romance not the sex) started to get off the ground only when Rafferty and Bret began 'working together'. So I'd say the first third of the plot was a little bit less interesting to me, but the story really took a leap ahead once the two main protagonists were 'rubbing shoulders' regularly. By the way, it didn't hurt at all that these two were rubbing other body parts together as well. Oh, I really, really enjoyed that!
Brett laughed. "Now you're showing off."
He was, of course. "Are you impressed?"
Brett looked up, and just for an instant, his face was soft and unguarded. "From the minute I saw you."
Brawny Rafferty revealed an odd but sweet tenderness during the steamy scenes. It was obvious that he was much more at ease with his sexuality and was able to tease the gay out of handsome and classy Brett. Yet Brett did everything to suppress his feelings, to ignore the reality. After all, he was supposed to marry his wealthy fiancée. Also, due to a painful experience he preferred to stick to women once and for all. Besides, living in the 20s didn't make it any easier either; out and proud was still a long way off. Though in the end, the rough magic came out on top and was reason for my warm feeling in my belly. Overall a very worthwhile and engaging read, with occasionally beautiful prose seeping through a few passages. The ending deserves the common Lanyon stamp of 'on the abrupter side but still satisfying'.
"I'm not like you." Not that he didn't share Neil's appetites, but he didn't have Neil's courage, Neil's ability to punch the world in the mouth and go his own way.
After having experienced so many disappointments lately, This Rough Magic came in quite handy and put an end to my (book) misery. Let's hope I won't land in yet another book funk anytime soon.
If you're a fan of Josh Lanyon and enjoy historical reads then give it a shot.
Recommended read.
This Rough Magic is set in San Francisco during the Great Depression. Well-off and soon-to-be married Brett Sheridan is pretty much beside himself with worry and fear when a very valuable Shakespeare folio vanishes. He presumes that might be involved in the art heist and hires private eye Neil Rafferty. Brett, overeager and impatient in aforementioned matter, starts meddling in Rafferty's business and after a close call, together they embark upon a wild goose chase which will find its climax in a surprising revelation. Surprising and rather shocking for Brett, that is.
"You could be busier, though. Pat said you're choosy about the cases you take."
"I'm in a business where being choosy can keep you out of jail--not to mention alive."
Told in Lanyon's distinct voice, character driven and witty, I was bound to enjoy this quick read. Though I had a little bit of trouble to keep track of all the numerous secondary characters who, quite obviously, fed the pool of suspects. However, once Brett and Rafferty were heading off together to chase down the culprit and retrieve the folio, I felt much more at ease with both, the plot and the romance. Because, frankly, the romance (I really mean the romance not the sex) started to get off the ground only when Rafferty and Bret began 'working together'. So I'd say the first third of the plot was a little bit less interesting to me, but the story really took a leap ahead once the two main protagonists were 'rubbing shoulders' regularly. By the way, it didn't hurt at all that these two were rubbing other body parts together as well. Oh, I really, really enjoyed that!
Brett laughed. "Now you're showing off."
He was, of course. "Are you impressed?"
Brett looked up, and just for an instant, his face was soft and unguarded. "From the minute I saw you."
Brawny Rafferty revealed an odd but sweet tenderness during the steamy scenes. It was obvious that he was much more at ease with his sexuality and was able to tease the gay out of handsome and classy Brett. Yet Brett did everything to suppress his feelings, to ignore the reality. After all, he was supposed to marry his wealthy fiancée. Also, due to a painful experience he preferred to stick to women once and for all. Besides, living in the 20s didn't make it any easier either; out and proud was still a long way off. Though in the end, the rough magic came out on top and was reason for my warm feeling in my belly. Overall a very worthwhile and engaging read, with occasionally beautiful prose seeping through a few passages. The ending deserves the common Lanyon stamp of 'on the abrupter side but still satisfying'.
"I'm not like you." Not that he didn't share Neil's appetites, but he didn't have Neil's courage, Neil's ability to punch the world in the mouth and go his own way.
After having experienced so many disappointments lately, This Rough Magic came in quite handy and put an end to my (book) misery. Let's hope I won't land in yet another book funk anytime soon.
If you're a fan of Josh Lanyon and enjoy historical reads then give it a shot.
Recommended read.
July 17, 2018
I read this book where I was making the transition from my old job to my new one. Well the physical move was simple. I was the equivalent of a white collar casual labourer at my old job and as such had no personal entanglements to my desk. There were no knickknacks and personalized calendars. I didn’t even so much as have a pen holder or a coaster.
But the mental transitiontook a toll is still taking a toll. I left my paying job for an even less paying job. I am currently working as a news desk editor and while I am a glorified lackey expected to churn out short newbytes as ordered, I am in my chosen field.
So I needed a proper distraction to capture my mind and wrap it up so fiercely that I couldn’t escape the book. A tome or novella so engaging it could displace reality. And who better to deliver that than master mystery weaver,Josh Lanyon.
When someone wakes you from a great book
This book was too fucking short. That’s the best complaint a maestro can receive. If Josh Lanyon could write a mystery the size of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, I would still complain it was too short. She crafts stories with such effortless mastering that it sweeps you away unwittingly.
I could only hope to be that appealing. I mean as much as I hope to win the SportPesa mega jackpot.
This Rough Magic wasn’t rough at all. It was smooth like the devil’s pick up lines.
The story is about Brett Sheridan who takes it upon himself to hire a private dick to investigate the theft of a priceless Shakespeare manuscript taken from his future father-in-law’s collection. He went to a PI, Rafferty, because he was worried his younger sister had taken it and so he wanted to cover it up should his suspicions be proven correct.
Of course, the moment Brett and Rafferty meet.
I could feel them all the way from the 1930s. And the schmex scenes.
I couldn’t for the life of me figure out who had stolen the manuscript. I am a Christie prophyte and she makes it hard to figure shit out but this one really had me stumped.
I was very glad for that.
Because for a very long moment, I could forget about all that was stressing me. And for an even longer moment, I could empathise with somebody else’s angst and know that at the end of their story they'll be happy.
But the mental transition
So I needed a proper distraction to capture my mind and wrap it up so fiercely that I couldn’t escape the book. A tome or novella so engaging it could displace reality. And who better to deliver that than master mystery weaver,Josh Lanyon.
When someone wakes you from a great book
This book was too fucking short. That’s the best complaint a maestro can receive. If Josh Lanyon could write a mystery the size of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, I would still complain it was too short. She crafts stories with such effortless mastering that it sweeps you away unwittingly.
I could only hope to be that appealing. I mean as much as I hope to win the SportPesa mega jackpot.
This Rough Magic wasn’t rough at all. It was smooth like the devil’s pick up lines.
The story is about Brett Sheridan who takes it upon himself to hire a private dick to investigate the theft of a priceless Shakespeare manuscript taken from his future father-in-law’s collection. He went to a PI, Rafferty, because he was worried his younger sister had taken it and so he wanted to cover it up should his suspicions be proven correct.
Of course, the moment Brett and Rafferty meet.
I could feel them all the way from the 1930s. And the schmex scenes.
I couldn’t for the life of me figure out who had stolen the manuscript. I am a Christie prophyte and she makes it hard to figure shit out but this one really had me stumped.
I was very glad for that.
Because for a very long moment, I could forget about all that was stressing me. And for an even longer moment, I could empathise with somebody else’s angst and know that at the end of their story they'll be happy.
September 23, 2012
Oh, how I loved these men. Sheesh, the hurt and denial Brett is living with, and how Neil cares for him. Jesus, the tender chemistry between these two.
Goddamit, I know logically there is not a 5 star book between these covers, and I know Lanyon is treating my emotions like his own private painters' canvas, but I LOVE IT! The furtive glances, the kind touches, the blow jobs for nothing more than the enjoyment of another man's cock in their mouths . . .
I don't care one fig for the mystery or any element of the plot, I just want more Brett and Neil. More! Need it!
Goddamit, I know logically there is not a 5 star book between these covers, and I know Lanyon is treating my emotions like his own private painters' canvas, but I LOVE IT! The furtive glances, the kind touches, the blow jobs for nothing more than the enjoyment of another man's cock in their mouths . . .
I don't care one fig for the mystery or any element of the plot, I just want more Brett and Neil. More! Need it!
January 20, 2023
Pour yourself a whisky and dig in! Josh Lanyon knows what she's doing. The prose is tight, the sexual tension percolates, a great read. If Raymond Chandler and Dashiel Hammett had entered a civil union and had Patricia Highsmith deliver them a daughter through surrogacy, that bouncing baby girl would have grown up to be Josh Lanyon.
April 27, 2011
This book conveys perfectly the fascinating atmosphere of the 1930s and it really draws the reader into the period when the story takes place. This isn't done with lengthy descriptions, but with the depiction of a mood, with the observations of the characters, with hints that stir the imagination of the readers.
There are moments in the book that are not only cinematographic, they are almost pictorial. When Neil visits Brett's family, he observes all the family members, their occupation, their demenaour, as if they were a tableau vivant, a Hogarth's painting. In that moment I had the feeling I was there with Neil, that I had the privilege to enter the mind of the character and not only to read his impressions.
Neil Rafferty is the private investigator that Brett Sheridan, a playboy from a once wealthy family of San Francisco, hires to cover up a possible scandal. During his engagement party to an heiress, a precious Shakesperian folio - treasured property of his soon-to-be father-in-law, was stolen and Brett's sister may be involved, since she attended the party with a disreputable man, who becomes Brett's prime suspect.
Brett's family is almost destitute, living beyond its means, while Brett sells bits and pieces of their household to keep them afloat. The marriage to Juliet, the heiress, seems the only solutions to his problems, but marrying Juliet means to Brett that he has to sacrifice and quench his sexual inclination toward men. Brett is sensitive but determined, he's strong and afraid at the same time, he takes on his shoulders the responsibility of his family, but at the same time he is ready to deceive everyone to achieve his goals, his determination keeps him going but he's on the verge of a breakdown.
Neil is solid, a man who has decided how he wants to live, who has built his career with no compromise and who is at ease with his sexuality. His outer appearance - a scarred cheek, a tough attitude, a man with apparently little education - is belied by his behaviour toward Brett: Neil can give tenderness with a simplicity that comes from his heart and soul. Brett's discomfort seems to call to him and Neil offers his experience and his strength to the younger man, finding the right gestures and the right words to help Brett. I think it's a deep compassion for Brett's situation and a few times Neil can't help worrying and wondering how Brett will manage to pull it off.
Neil and Brett as a couple are amazing. They display a subtle nuance of emotions with few right words and their falling for each other in the span of a few but intense days is believable. The sex is not explicit but there is ardent passion, nights that the two protagonists steal from the life they are doomed to live for propriety's sake. Their love-making is both desperate and soothing.
This book impressed me more for the setting and the characters than for the mystery part, which is light and perfectly interwoven with the plot, as it brings the characters together and around. There are a few loose threads, since every member in Brett's family seems to be involved with shady people and not everything is explained at the end. I hope we'll be reading more of Neil and Brett in the future.
I realize I haven't spoken about the writing because it's so excellent that it disappears and you only think about it once you've found yourself at the end of the book and you become aware of the fact that you've devoured the book while floating in its bliss.
There are moments in the book that are not only cinematographic, they are almost pictorial. When Neil visits Brett's family, he observes all the family members, their occupation, their demenaour, as if they were a tableau vivant, a Hogarth's painting. In that moment I had the feeling I was there with Neil, that I had the privilege to enter the mind of the character and not only to read his impressions.
Neil Rafferty is the private investigator that Brett Sheridan, a playboy from a once wealthy family of San Francisco, hires to cover up a possible scandal. During his engagement party to an heiress, a precious Shakesperian folio - treasured property of his soon-to-be father-in-law, was stolen and Brett's sister may be involved, since she attended the party with a disreputable man, who becomes Brett's prime suspect.
Brett's family is almost destitute, living beyond its means, while Brett sells bits and pieces of their household to keep them afloat. The marriage to Juliet, the heiress, seems the only solutions to his problems, but marrying Juliet means to Brett that he has to sacrifice and quench his sexual inclination toward men. Brett is sensitive but determined, he's strong and afraid at the same time, he takes on his shoulders the responsibility of his family, but at the same time he is ready to deceive everyone to achieve his goals, his determination keeps him going but he's on the verge of a breakdown.
Neil is solid, a man who has decided how he wants to live, who has built his career with no compromise and who is at ease with his sexuality. His outer appearance - a scarred cheek, a tough attitude, a man with apparently little education - is belied by his behaviour toward Brett: Neil can give tenderness with a simplicity that comes from his heart and soul. Brett's discomfort seems to call to him and Neil offers his experience and his strength to the younger man, finding the right gestures and the right words to help Brett. I think it's a deep compassion for Brett's situation and a few times Neil can't help worrying and wondering how Brett will manage to pull it off.
Neil and Brett as a couple are amazing. They display a subtle nuance of emotions with few right words and their falling for each other in the span of a few but intense days is believable. The sex is not explicit but there is ardent passion, nights that the two protagonists steal from the life they are doomed to live for propriety's sake. Their love-making is both desperate and soothing.
This book impressed me more for the setting and the characters than for the mystery part, which is light and perfectly interwoven with the plot, as it brings the characters together and around. There are a few loose threads, since every member in Brett's family seems to be involved with shady people and not everything is explained at the end. I hope we'll be reading more of Neil and Brett in the future.
I realize I haven't spoken about the writing because it's so excellent that it disappears and you only think about it once you've found yourself at the end of the book and you become aware of the fact that you've devoured the book while floating in its bliss.
June 18, 2023
Re-read
I really hoped JL would have written full-fledged historicals. Because I wanted more of this...more of 1930s-US and more of Brett and Neil. Even at the cost of getting more of Brett’s nauseous family.
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3.5⭐
Another awesome book by Josh Lanyon. This time the setting of the mystery was Historical and was around the stolen folio of Shakespeare's 'Tempest'. . And, although we didn't get much of 1930s US, I liked the mention of cultural references. Both of the MCs were likeable and I like the relationship development between Brett and Neil. Plus, we do not have any ex-boyfriend drama in this one.
I really hoped JL would have written full-fledged historicals. Because I wanted more of this...more of 1930s-US and more of Brett and Neil. Even at the cost of getting more of Brett’s nauseous family.
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3.5⭐
Another awesome book by Josh Lanyon. This time the setting of the mystery was Historical and was around the stolen folio of Shakespeare's 'Tempest'. . And, although we didn't get much of 1930s US, I liked the mention of cultural references. Both of the MCs were likeable and I like the relationship development between Brett and Neil. Plus, we do not have any ex-boyfriend drama in this one.
November 30, 2016
“I’m in the lost-and-found business, mostly. And mostly what people lose are other people.”
“And do you always find them?”
“No. And sometimes when I find them, the people who hire me wish I hadn’t.”
That was a depressing notion.
Mr. Lennox has lost his folio, Brett Sheridan will be losing his freedom, and Neil Rafferty must be losing his mind—-because there is no sanity in falling for the high-flying Brett Sheridan, especially when Brett’s bachelor days are quickly coming to an end. But the crazy attraction doesn’t stop Rafferty from taking Brett’s case, even when their one suspect turns into everybody-and-their-grandma.
Throw in a Sheridan family intent on either living up the good ol’ days (on dwindling coffers) or consorting with minor criminals, and what had looked so cut-and-dry rapidly becomes a mess. With their three days rapidly coming to a close, can Brett and Rafferty deliver a miracle–-and the folio-–or will everyone’s plans come to a crashing end? And will Brett be all that disappointed if they do?
There are some stories in life I am always going to want to read, and Josh Lanyon’s mysteries are going to right there at the top. They are almost always well written, with great twists, and leave me guessing along the way. There is nothing more disappointing than figuring out who-done-it in the first few chapters of a book. Well, ok, I am sure that there are…
Anyways, I liked the mystery in this book. There were no end to the suspects, or their motives, and every time I was absolutely sure that I had it figured out, I turned the page and something new made me question it all over again. I do think the mystery did get a little left behind for some of the other subplots, though. I liked all the various plots, and they made for an interesting story, but I think when we finally got to the end, the answer was a little out of left field.
Not that I didn’t love the romance in this story. Brett and Rafferty were great characters, and there was enough angst for me to be unsure about how they would work, but it never got annoying. I think we got a little more time with them than we usually do in Lanyon’s mysteries, but it was all the better for it, because we really got to know them. Maybe it was just residual Amy Lane feels, from earlier in the day, but these two really got to me. Their choices, their love, their need to walk away from everything—-it all hit me right in the feels.
One of the thing I like about stories set in times where it was literally dangerous and/or criminal to come out as gay, is that you have to deal with the fine balancing act between honesty and safety. Brett could secure not only safety for himself, but for his family (financially) if he goes through with the marriage, but he knows he will be living a lie. Yet even if he was to choose Rafferty, there is always the danger that if the truth was known, it will hurt not only him, but the man he loves as well. Everything in life becomes a balancing act between various shades of gray lies. And he has to decide just who is important enough for the truth, even when the rest of the world can only see the lie. This book does a good job of showing the benefits and downfalls of both sides. You may want nothing more than for Brett to walk out of his house, and out of his responsibilities to his family, and into Rafferty’s arms, but you also see why it is not that simple.
I’ve been a Lanyon fan from the first book I ever read of his, but it is nice to see love reaffirmed every time I pick up one of his books. So many great mysteries, so many lovely romances, and yet each one feels unique and new. I am really glad I got a chance to read this one, and I am most definitely going to check out the sequel, because Brett and Rafferty are definitely some of my favorite Lanyon guys. I am always up for recommending Lanyon, and this book is no different.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
May 3, 2011
Another AMAZING book by Josh Lanyon! Only Josh can write a story about a stolen folio and actually make it interesting. It has everything. Its dark, its mysterious, its comedic, and its romantic! I can't wait for the sequel.
May 11, 2025
Another excellent mystery/romance in this historical from JL. Would love to see the movie. In black & white. The narrator was 👌
October 25, 2021
2.75 stars
This was a pretty lackluster story. The premise is good but the execution was a let down. It felt jumbled and stilted and never went anywhere. I didn’t feel any satisfaction from the mystery or the relationship.
It can be hard to find depth in a shorter story and that seems to be what happened for me here. I didn’t see a connection between Brett & Rafferty and I certainly didn’t believe that they could fall in love.
Everything seemed to have to be read between the lines and I just wanted it spelled out plainly. A couple revelations happened but we are told that the characters had already guessed these outcomes but we aren’t ever shown anything but the characters going on a wild goose chase that went nowhere.
I feel like more could come if these characters if given more time and a real mystery. I believe there is a second story so I think I will check that out in the future.
This was a pretty lackluster story. The premise is good but the execution was a let down. It felt jumbled and stilted and never went anywhere. I didn’t feel any satisfaction from the mystery or the relationship.
It can be hard to find depth in a shorter story and that seems to be what happened for me here. I didn’t see a connection between Brett & Rafferty and I certainly didn’t believe that they could fall in love.
Everything seemed to have to be read between the lines and I just wanted it spelled out plainly. A couple revelations happened but we are told that the characters had already guessed these outcomes but we aren’t ever shown anything but the characters going on a wild goose chase that went nowhere.
I feel like more could come if these characters if given more time and a real mystery. I believe there is a second story so I think I will check that out in the future.
April 28, 2011
It was always a dame, wasn’t it? In the dime novels, it was always a dame.
First line of the first chapter ... and I'm sold. This story (though the title has NOTHING to do with magic what-so-ever) has lovely sense of place, San Francisco in the 1930s when Neil Patrick Rafferty, a private detective, takes a case from Brett Sheridan, to find a missing folio (quarto?) of a Shakespeare's play, The Tempest, that belongs to Brett's fiancée's father. Brett suspects that his sister's boyfriend takes the book and he needs Rafferty's expertise to find it. Along the way, the two men feel attraction as they work in close proximity.
The story is written in alternative switch, from both Rafferty's and Brett's point of view, which makes it a "complete" story. I love both characters. Rafferty is more seasoned, he definitely knows who he is and what he wants. Brett is more troubled. He has problem in the past with a male lover. He also tries to deal with his family's financial doom. So he approaches the attraction to Rafferty in full caution. I like how the words "changed", when Brett first acknowledge the P.I., he thinks of him as Rafferty. But when furthermore, he thinks of him as Neil.
(BY the way, I DO NOT approve the blurb of this story that says that Brett is a playboy. He is ANYTHING BUT!! He has baggages and he might have more lovers than Rafferty, but he is nowhere near decription of playboy!) --> sorry, need to vent that out.
If you read Josh's other story, Snowball in Hell, it has that similar feel to it. I think the aura of that time as well as the characters are well-crafted. So, it's a satisfying read ... PLUS a roadtrip that takes both our MCs from San Francisco to Reno to Lake Tahoe (before going back to SF) is a bonus point for me. I crave story with roadtrip element in it, and this one surely has a nice roadtrip scene
First line of the first chapter ... and I'm sold. This story (though the title has NOTHING to do with magic what-so-ever) has lovely sense of place, San Francisco in the 1930s when Neil Patrick Rafferty, a private detective, takes a case from Brett Sheridan, to find a missing folio (quarto?) of a Shakespeare's play, The Tempest, that belongs to Brett's fiancée's father. Brett suspects that his sister's boyfriend takes the book and he needs Rafferty's expertise to find it. Along the way, the two men feel attraction as they work in close proximity.
The story is written in alternative switch, from both Rafferty's and Brett's point of view, which makes it a "complete" story. I love both characters. Rafferty is more seasoned, he definitely knows who he is and what he wants. Brett is more troubled. He has problem in the past with a male lover. He also tries to deal with his family's financial doom. So he approaches the attraction to Rafferty in full caution. I like how the words "changed", when Brett first acknowledge the P.I., he thinks of him as Rafferty. But when furthermore, he thinks of him as Neil.
(BY the way, I DO NOT approve the blurb of this story that says that Brett is a playboy. He is ANYTHING BUT!! He has baggages and he might have more lovers than Rafferty, but he is nowhere near decription of playboy!) --> sorry, need to vent that out.
If you read Josh's other story, Snowball in Hell, it has that similar feel to it. I think the aura of that time as well as the characters are well-crafted. So, it's a satisfying read ... PLUS a roadtrip that takes both our MCs from San Francisco to Reno to Lake Tahoe (before going back to SF) is a bonus point for me. I crave story with roadtrip element in it, and this one surely has a nice roadtrip scene
July 15, 2022
It’s a mystery filled with playful humor and respect for this often-misunderstood genre. The only problem I had with it is that it needed to be longer... not to go on past the end, but to contain more within the main part of the story in order to really do the characters and the setting justice. The main characters were perfect for the setting and for each other, but like the story, they all needed more scenes to make everything between them more believable. Their relationship can easily be summed up as “tough private eye meets broken playboy” .... and nature takes over from there. 1940s noir, a wacky family and a little romance. Sit back and enjoy
April 26, 2020
It's been way too long since I've read this type of Josh Lanyon story. Just clever and witty, with a teensy bit of romance. Very fun.
Jordan Murphy does a great job with the audio - I enjoyed his characters' voices and he definitely pulls off how droll Lanyon writes this one.
Jordan Murphy does a great job with the audio - I enjoyed his characters' voices and he definitely pulls off how droll Lanyon writes this one.
February 14, 2013
Josh Lanyon has given us yet another excellent mystery, this time set in the 1930's. His characters and dialogue are flawless--
May 3, 2011
I don't know what it is about Josh Lanyon's books that always make my chest hurt - sometimes in a good way, sometimes not in a good way - after I finish reading this book.
With This Rough Magic, my chest hurt again and it's not in a good way. I think it's partly the setting (1930s is so not the period for gay people to thrive) and it's partly the story (although it does have what I prefer to term "a hopeful ending"). But mostly, I think it's the way the two characters, Neil Rafferty and Brett Sheridan, interact with each other. I sense more desperation than these two characters than any other of Lanyon's characters that I've read in his other stories.
Rafferty is too mysterious for me to be able to like him. I sympathize more with Sherry, but he has too much baggage and exhausts me. Not to mention, he's so stubborn that I can't help but feel like slapping ( somewhat affectionately) him in the face a little. But put them together and they create this cloud of "wow, you're so heartbreakingly sweet together and I can't take this anymore". So, I really don't know what to make of them.
I can't really decide whether I like the story or not but as usual, Lanyon's writing is flawless. No matter what issue you have with his characters or his stories, you cannot deny that Lanyon is one of those writers whose writing quality shines through in every story he writes. Just for that, he deserves the highest praise (because, really, you don't find many authors who write flawlessly and consistently very often these days).
This book might not have engaged me as much his other books did, but it certainly left me reeling emotionally and wishing for a better future for the characters. Unfortunately, I don't think that better future exists for them. Pessimistic? Maybe, but this is what this books make me feel. I might be better off reading Lanyon's baby llama-inclusive story again.
With This Rough Magic, my chest hurt again and it's not in a good way. I think it's partly the setting (1930s is so not the period for gay people to thrive) and it's partly the story (although it does have what I prefer to term "a hopeful ending"). But mostly, I think it's the way the two characters, Neil Rafferty and Brett Sheridan, interact with each other. I sense more desperation than these two characters than any other of Lanyon's characters that I've read in his other stories.
Rafferty is too mysterious for me to be able to like him. I sympathize more with Sherry, but he has too much baggage and exhausts me. Not to mention, he's so stubborn that I can't help but feel like slapping ( somewhat affectionately) him in the face a little. But put them together and they create this cloud of "wow, you're so heartbreakingly sweet together and I can't take this anymore". So, I really don't know what to make of them.
I can't really decide whether I like the story or not but as usual, Lanyon's writing is flawless. No matter what issue you have with his characters or his stories, you cannot deny that Lanyon is one of those writers whose writing quality shines through in every story he writes. Just for that, he deserves the highest praise (because, really, you don't find many authors who write flawlessly and consistently very often these days).
This book might not have engaged me as much his other books did, but it certainly left me reeling emotionally and wishing for a better future for the characters. Unfortunately, I don't think that better future exists for them. Pessimistic? Maybe, but this is what this books make me feel. I might be better off reading Lanyon's baby llama-inclusive story again.
September 16, 2013
2.5 stars
This was a disappointing read. I was hoping for a gritty Noir feel, but even the setting here (1930s San Francisco, post-prohibition) was muddled and vague. The mystery (who stole Shakespeare's Folio during a party at the house of one of the city's nouveau riche) was silly, the ending (and resolution) coming out of nowhere; the red herrings would have made my head spin, expect I didn't care.
All this would have been almost forgivable had the romance angle been better played, but there was almost no romance to speak of. Brett and Neil don't even really talk until a third into the book; there were no passionate scenes and no tangible relationship development. Thumbs down overall.
This was a disappointing read. I was hoping for a gritty Noir feel, but even the setting here (1930s San Francisco, post-prohibition) was muddled and vague. The mystery (who stole Shakespeare's Folio during a party at the house of one of the city's nouveau riche) was silly, the ending (and resolution) coming out of nowhere; the red herrings would have made my head spin, expect I didn't care.
All this would have been almost forgivable had the romance angle been better played, but there was almost no romance to speak of. Brett and Neil don't even really talk until a third into the book; there were no passionate scenes and no tangible relationship development. Thumbs down overall.
July 16, 2021
This Rough Magic is entertaining and snarky little gem. Loved the setting , 1935 in San Francisco , CA. and the heroes Brett and Neil. The mystery was clever with enough red herrings to keep me guessing till the end. As for the romance , it fit the times and circumstances perfectly.
The audiobook was brilliantly narrated by Jordan Murphy.
5h 4m long.
This Rough Magic is one of the five novellas in Shadows Left Behind a Historical Mystery Box set, published in April 2021. Other novellas are Out of the Blue, The Dark Farewell, Slay Ride, and Murder Between the Pages.
Received an ARC through NetGalley and listening to it through Hoopla.
The audiobook was brilliantly narrated by Jordan Murphy.
5h 4m long.
This Rough Magic is one of the five novellas in Shadows Left Behind a Historical Mystery Box set, published in April 2021. Other novellas are Out of the Blue, The Dark Farewell, Slay Ride, and Murder Between the Pages.
Received an ARC through NetGalley and listening to it through Hoopla.
May 3, 2011
OMG it's like old hollywood come back to life in black and white. The gumshoe with a side kick! And just like an old black and white movie, you get sucked back in time, leaving reality behind. the MCs seemed to read each other like a book. the supporting characters (Brett's family) were oddities but so was juliette's family. Seems like they should have been tailor-made for each other. High stakes, drama, stolen manuscripts and highway hijinks combined for an eyebrow raising ending.
Thanks Josh for a wonderful tale of fedora-wearing flatfoots
Thanks Josh for a wonderful tale of fedora-wearing flatfoots
October 18, 2013
The time setting, the 30's, was another character in the story. It was so well crafted that the reader was drawn in seamlessly. There was no need to hit the reader over the head explaining the time period. It was done through the actions of the characters and their reactions to each other. I was reminded of wonderful classic mysteries of the 30's and 40's.
Neil Rafferty was written as a complete three dimensional character. He was tough and quietly analytical, yet so compassionate with Brett. Brett was so tormented. He felt a great responsibility for his irresponsibility family. He was torn between putting himself up as a sacrifice for the financial rescue of that family or to live his life as he was deep inside. Feeling his emotional inner battle was heart wrenching and tore my soul. Their journey was quick in time but not in emotion. It was real. They were so wonderful together.
I am an admitted fan of Josh Lanyon. He is an excellent writer. He should be considered a great writer not just a great M/M writer. His stories are always character driven with really great characters that stay with the reader. The emotion expressed in his stories is always deep and real. This was another wonderful example.
Neil Rafferty was written as a complete three dimensional character. He was tough and quietly analytical, yet so compassionate with Brett. Brett was so tormented. He felt a great responsibility for his irresponsibility family. He was torn between putting himself up as a sacrifice for the financial rescue of that family or to live his life as he was deep inside. Feeling his emotional inner battle was heart wrenching and tore my soul. Their journey was quick in time but not in emotion. It was real. They were so wonderful together.
I am an admitted fan of Josh Lanyon. He is an excellent writer. He should be considered a great writer not just a great M/M writer. His stories are always character driven with really great characters that stay with the reader. The emotion expressed in his stories is always deep and real. This was another wonderful example.
September 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! The mystery was interesting and there were definitely a lot of suspects with plenty of motive. I didn't figure it out until right before it was revealed to the reader. There were several other subplots throughout this book so a lot going on in a fairly short book but all the sub plot points were interesting.
I really liked both Brett and Rafferty and I honestly wasn't sure how they would work things out. I really felt for Brett - he was caught in a very difficult position. Living in a time when being with the person he loved was dangerous and might ultimately end up hurting both of them if they got caught. He also had a family that was counting on him to marry and basically continue to help support them since the family was broke. I think if there was a downfall in this book it was the depth of relationships between Brett and his family. We didn't get to see much of it and what we did wasn't very strong. I really felt for Brett and the his decision of whether to live up to the pressure/responsibility his family had on him or to walk away from that to be with Rafferty.
I really liked both Brett and Rafferty and I honestly wasn't sure how they would work things out. I really felt for Brett - he was caught in a very difficult position. Living in a time when being with the person he loved was dangerous and might ultimately end up hurting both of them if they got caught. He also had a family that was counting on him to marry and basically continue to help support them since the family was broke. I think if there was a downfall in this book it was the depth of relationships between Brett and his family. We didn't get to see much of it and what we did wasn't very strong. I really felt for Brett and the his decision of whether to live up to the pressure/responsibility his family had on him or to walk away from that to be with Rafferty.
June 8, 2023
Well, I skimmed. I couldn't be bothered with the 'mystery'. I had a hard time connecting because I missed in what time the story is set, so I was rolling my eyes a lot and did not get the gay characters were closeted. I could have learned a lot of new English words and phrases, but did not use the thesaurus.
December 22, 2017
4 Stars
Story had a very noir feel to it; wish the narration had a bit more flair, though.
Story had a very noir feel to it; wish the narration had a bit more flair, though.
August 6, 2016
When Brett Sheridan hires Neil Rafferty to solve the theft of his soon-to-be father-in-law's priceless Shakespeare folio, he only expects that Rafferty will handle the task quickly and with discretion. The latter is important since Brett worries that his sister might somehow be involved and the last thing his family needs is more scandal. But there's no way he can be prepared for everything that will happen in his life in the coming days - almost all thanks to Neil.
I actually enjoyed this one quite a bit. It's a very engaging read - I finished it in one sitting - and it's very easy to connect to the characters and the world they live in. The main characters are dynamic and the supporting characters provide some intrigue as well. This was the first Josh Lanyon story I've read, despite having several on my to-be-read list, but I definitely need to rectify that situation soon after reading this.
I actually enjoyed this one quite a bit. It's a very engaging read - I finished it in one sitting - and it's very easy to connect to the characters and the world they live in. The main characters are dynamic and the supporting characters provide some intrigue as well. This was the first Josh Lanyon story I've read, despite having several on my to-be-read list, but I definitely need to rectify that situation soon after reading this.
September 28, 2014
I absolutely loved this! I was hooked from the very start. Rafferty and Brett were quite likable and the romance was slow and sweet. I quite enjoyed the fact that the first half of the book read entirely like a detective story. I was very curious to find out who done it while also savouring the promise of the romance in store.
Audio Note: Jordan Murphy's narration was quite competent and enjoyable.
Audio Note: Jordan Murphy's narration was quite competent and enjoyable.
September 28, 2014
I absolutely loved this! I was hooked from the very start. Rafferty and Brett were quite likable and the romance was slow and sweet. I quite enjoyed the fact that the first half of the book read entirely like a detective story. I was very curious to find out who done it while also savouring the promise of the romance in store.
Audio Note: Jordan Murphy's narration was quite competent and enjoyable.
Audio Note: Jordan Murphy's narration was quite competent and enjoyable.
June 17, 2015
Ah, Josh Lanyon. His writing is a real magic. I don't know how he does it but all his characters are so lovable and Neil and Brett were no exception. I loved the atmosphere of the 1930s, I loved their little road trip to Reno, I loved Neil's quips. For me, Josh Lanyon's writing presents real quality and always makes me happy!
December 22, 2019
all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
It's one of those nice classic noir detectives filled with cigar smoke, and scent of martini, with sunny sounds of tennis being played outside permeating a scene or two. I like these, but rarely do I find good ones. And this one's an LGBT one too, adding a great bonus which makes me curious about the next one in the series.
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
It's one of those nice classic noir detectives filled with cigar smoke, and scent of martini, with sunny sounds of tennis being played outside permeating a scene or two. I like these, but rarely do I find good ones. And this one's an LGBT one too, adding a great bonus which makes me curious about the next one in the series.
July 23, 2021
I liked both of these MCs, which was a nice change for me from this author, since usually I can't stand at least one of her leading men. They're both in a rough spot, Brett trying to fix everything for his complete mess of a family, and Neil trying to both make a living and protect Brett. Although this had the typical slam ending/lack of dénouement at the last chapter, I was satisfied with where these two ended up. I'll probably eventually read their second story, but I don't feel a push to either read it right away or a desperate desire to take a break from these guys.
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