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Deputy Joe #3
Laying Ghosts
Joe and Kabe must lay the ghosts of the past and bring closure to a family scarred by loss to move forward in their life together.
Some families are haunted by tragedy. Some people are haunted by their pasts. Some men are haunted by who they are. Joe Peterson is haunted by all three.
His parents' return from their mission, combined with a family reunion, forces Joe's kin to deal with his new life: out of the Mormon Church, out of the closet, and living with his lover Kabe.
When a decades-old murder of a child lands on Joe's desk, digging into it dredges up long buried truths and festering secrets about folks Joe thought he knew -- including Kabe. Joe and Kabe must lay the ghosts of the past and bring closure to a family scarred by loss to move forward in their life together.
Some families are haunted by tragedy. Some people are haunted by their pasts. Some men are haunted by who they are. Joe Peterson is haunted by all three.
His parents' return from their mission, combined with a family reunion, forces Joe's kin to deal with his new life: out of the Mormon Church, out of the closet, and living with his lover Kabe.
When a decades-old murder of a child lands on Joe's desk, digging into it dredges up long buried truths and festering secrets about folks Joe thought he knew -- including Kabe. Joe and Kabe must lay the ghosts of the past and bring closure to a family scarred by loss to move forward in their life together.
375 pages, ebook
First published January 31, 2013
6 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
James Buchanan
136 books381 followersJames Buchanan, the author of over ten gay novels and single author anthologies, lives in a 100 year old Craftsman in California with SexyGuy, two demon spawn and a heard of adopted dogs, cats, rats and fish. Between managing a law practice with SG, raising kids and writing books, James volunteers with the Erotic Author's Association, Liminal Ink, the EPIC Awards Committee as well as coordinates the newsletter for the ManLoveRomance Author's co-op. James has spoken and read at conferences such as Saints & Sinners and the Popular Culture Association. In the midst of midlife crises, James bought and learned to ride a Harley - it went with the big, extended cab pickup. James has been a member of CorpGoth since 1993 and been know to wear leather frock coats to court.
If you don't find James at the computer working on the next book, you probably won't find the bike in the garage.
Visit James at http://www.james- buchanan. com for more information on recent and upcoming releases.
If you don't find James at the computer working on the next book, you probably won't find the bike in the garage.
Visit James at http://www.james- buchanan. com for more information on recent and upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 14, 2013
Deputy Joe is one of my favorite characters in M/M, a man with deep convictions of what is right, what is just and fair, a believing Mormon, and yet a man who is gay and a top and into BDSM in a way that he sometimes has trouble reconciling with the rest of his life. And yet Joe doesn't lie to himself (at least not for long), and when pushed to the wall he doesn't lie to others either.
His partner Kabe, for all that he's young, has a similar integrity - the strength to be himself and to know what he needs. He can support Joe when there's trouble, push him when unpalatable truths arise, and keeps Joe safe in exploring what BDSM means between the two of them.
A lot happens in this book, but mostly in terms of past secrets exposed, and present truths faced. There is very little actual action here, compared to the previous books. This one has a different feel - it's about internal reconciliation and family, and figuring out how your life works. I gained a lot of respect for Kabe in this book - for his strength, his self-awareness, and his commitment to Joe. I think at last I see them as true partners with equal weight in the relationship, and I like that. The plot was well done, and although the revelations came thick and fast it didn't feel like overkill, but like one of those clusterfuck times when every time you turn around someone else is in crisis. Those happen, and Joe will only make it through if he can keep his relationship with Kabe strong, and remember what really counts.
This book could round out the series, given where it leaves the two MC's and Joe's extended family. But I will happily read more about these guys, any time.
His partner Kabe, for all that he's young, has a similar integrity - the strength to be himself and to know what he needs. He can support Joe when there's trouble, push him when unpalatable truths arise, and keeps Joe safe in exploring what BDSM means between the two of them.
A lot happens in this book, but mostly in terms of past secrets exposed, and present truths faced. There is very little actual action here, compared to the previous books. This one has a different feel - it's about internal reconciliation and family, and figuring out how your life works. I gained a lot of respect for Kabe in this book - for his strength, his self-awareness, and his commitment to Joe. I think at last I see them as true partners with equal weight in the relationship, and I like that. The plot was well done, and although the revelations came thick and fast it didn't feel like overkill, but like one of those clusterfuck times when every time you turn around someone else is in crisis. Those happen, and Joe will only make it through if he can keep his relationship with Kabe strong, and remember what really counts.
This book could round out the series, given where it leaves the two MC's and Joe's extended family. But I will happily read more about these guys, any time.
February 3, 2013
4.5 stars. I love these characters and would have enjoyed this book even if it was just to join them in their everyday lives. The sense of place, the deep twang of Joe's voice and the way he and Kabe relate to each other are so inviting and familiar. But the author includes an intriguing cold case that involves Joe's family and an accident that makes him question his sexual relationship with Kabe that turn it into a top-notch story. There were a few typos unfortunately - I don't usually notice them so there must have been a few for me to pick it up. I wonder if Joe and Kabe's story will end there? It did seem to round out the whole series but I wouldn't mind visiting with them one more time. Here's hoping!
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June 18, 2020
3.5 stars!
I loved to spend more time with Joe and Kabe, and enjoyed their continued relationship progress in this instalment. The two men are now living together, but Joe is still very new to that status. It still amazes me how real the guys and their interactions feel.
Slightly less enjoyable was the murder mystery story, but only because it was too sad and blue for me. Technically nothing wrong with it, just tough to spend reading time with those emotions. That section could have benefitted from being shorter, as the middle of the book dragged a tiny bit.
But most of the other bits I liked, the chemistry and dynamic between the guys, the family slowly accepting them as a couple, how Joe's everyday life changes in increments as his relationship with Kabe evolves. Lovely to read, and I will certainly read the next book in the series soon.
I loved to spend more time with Joe and Kabe, and enjoyed their continued relationship progress in this instalment. The two men are now living together, but Joe is still very new to that status. It still amazes me how real the guys and their interactions feel.
Slightly less enjoyable was the murder mystery story, but only because it was too sad and blue for me. Technically nothing wrong with it, just tough to spend reading time with those emotions. That section could have benefitted from being shorter, as the middle of the book dragged a tiny bit.
But most of the other bits I liked, the chemistry and dynamic between the guys, the family slowly accepting them as a couple, how Joe's everyday life changes in increments as his relationship with Kabe evolves. Lovely to read, and I will certainly read the next book in the series soon.
August 11, 2016
5 star rating for the series as a whole.Acceptance and Love that’s what this book was about to me and the message was strong and powerful.
I loved this third dose of Joe and Kabe, love seeing them work out their relationship and just being there for each other. Throughout the series, Joe has noted the way Kabe is different, loving him as he is, not inspite of the differences but because of them, because he is Kabe.
The mystery in this one is one of the best in the series and woven as it was with Joe’s life, it gave us deeper understanding of him and his family.
This week I was discussing the fact that I use books (fiction) as a means of escape from real life and how I need that break from life to be able to continue. But hey, real life decided that that was not ok and in this book, it tapped me on the shoulder and said HOWDY. This book has pushed so many of my triggers that I feel like I am lighting up like a Christmas tree. Do I hate this book for doing this to me, for walking with me for a bit along my road. Hmm thinking about it, I would have to admit, that no, I do not hate it. I did consider stopping reading it at one point but I did not, I continued reading it. It is a testament to Buchanan’s sensitive writing and my love for Joe and Kabe that I finished the book. And I am so GLAD that I did.
Navajo Lake Dixie National Forest Utah
I read a few books with club BDSM which left me more perplexed than ever. Buchanan‘s treatment of this kink is so different from these, it has given me glimmerings of understanding. I still say it is definitely not my kink, even reading wise, but I fully accept and want Joe and Kabe to be as they are. That is totally OK by me and I am more than willing to read more about them.
Through this series I’ve become a fan of the author and I wish James Buchanan all the best things in this world and of course happy Joe and Kabe writing times.
BR with Otila (thanks for sharing this with me)
August 19, 2020
I love this series, but this one was hard to read for several reasons:
>The case has a serious ick factor.
>Joe's parents bring the pain in a couple of different ways.
>Joe spends a large chunk of time angsting over a scary and unintended consequence of his and Kabe's S&M play, and the fact that Kabe brushes it off as unimportant leaves him in his head, alone, in a bad place.
And since we spend a lot of time in Joe's head, this combines for an unpleasant stretch of reading. This was the only book in the series that I had to take breaks from reading just because I needed a breather from the tension.
Oh, and also, THE RANDOM COMMAS!!! I have no idea if the first two books were this bad and I somehow missed it, but from this point forward the proofing is a bit rough. It's mostly just that commas are dropped all willy-nilly into sentences, but there's a fair bit of typos as well.
And yet, after my lowest-rated book of the series, I mostly just want to talk about how much I love this character. The author has such a firm handle on who Joe is that Joe can be completely flailing about as he tries to figure this out for himself while still remaining so consistently Joe. His core self is just so solidly rooted, he really can't go off-track very far. I also love that this series that very frankly discusses the flaws of this church/religion and how it can and has been warped and corrupted, also shows the lovely flipside of someone who truly embodies the good intentions behind these same teachings.
>The case has a serious ick factor.
>Joe's parents bring the pain in a couple of different ways.
>Joe spends a large chunk of time angsting over a scary and unintended consequence of his and Kabe's S&M play, and the fact that Kabe brushes it off as unimportant leaves him in his head, alone, in a bad place.
And since we spend a lot of time in Joe's head, this combines for an unpleasant stretch of reading. This was the only book in the series that I had to take breaks from reading just because I needed a breather from the tension.
Oh, and also, THE RANDOM COMMAS!!! I have no idea if the first two books were this bad and I somehow missed it, but from this point forward the proofing is a bit rough. It's mostly just that commas are dropped all willy-nilly into sentences, but there's a fair bit of typos as well.
And yet, after my lowest-rated book of the series, I mostly just want to talk about how much I love this character. The author has such a firm handle on who Joe is that Joe can be completely flailing about as he tries to figure this out for himself while still remaining so consistently Joe. His core self is just so solidly rooted, he really can't go off-track very far. I also love that this series that very frankly discusses the flaws of this church/religion and how it can and has been warped and corrupted, also shows the lovely flipside of someone who truly embodies the good intentions behind these same teachings.
May 26, 2015
I think that Laying Ghosts is my favorite novel of this series yet. We learn a ton of background on both Joe and Kabe.
In this novel, Joe and Kabe are pretty solid. They're living together and playing hard, and though Joe ends up going further than his comfort level would normally allow, he and Kabe are able to work through Joe's discomfort. They really feel committed to each other and that is very important to me with a series that features the same couple in every book.
In Laying Ghosts, Joe's parents get home from Russia, and Joe is faced with telling them about his relationship with Kabe. As one can pretty well predict, they didn't take the news well, but they do come to some level of acceptance, even if they don't understand. Not all of Joe's family is so generous, however. His brother Jim is a douche-nozzle. Jim's wife, too.
At the same time, Joe finds an old case in the cold case files that has to do with the death of one of his sister's that happened when he was a baby. There are so many secrets in his family and in his town, it's a wonder anyone really knows what's going on. But Joe is who he is and he can't just let a mystery go unsolved.
And Kabe is petitioning to end his probation early. His relationship with Joe is still a risk to Joe's career, but neither of them are giving up. Kabe has come a long way in the past year and he's in a good and stable place. And considering some of the things we do learn about his past, I'd say that's a damn good thing. I could not imagine being happy living in Utah, but as things have settled down for both Kabe and Joe, I think they are both quite happy.
I'm enjoying this series quite a lot, which considering the religious aspect, kind of surprises me a bit. But hey, I'll take it.
In this novel, Joe and Kabe are pretty solid. They're living together and playing hard, and though Joe ends up going further than his comfort level would normally allow, he and Kabe are able to work through Joe's discomfort. They really feel committed to each other and that is very important to me with a series that features the same couple in every book.
In Laying Ghosts, Joe's parents get home from Russia, and Joe is faced with telling them about his relationship with Kabe. As one can pretty well predict, they didn't take the news well, but they do come to some level of acceptance, even if they don't understand. Not all of Joe's family is so generous, however. His brother Jim is a douche-nozzle. Jim's wife, too.
At the same time, Joe finds an old case in the cold case files that has to do with the death of one of his sister's that happened when he was a baby. There are so many secrets in his family and in his town, it's a wonder anyone really knows what's going on. But Joe is who he is and he can't just let a mystery go unsolved.
And Kabe is petitioning to end his probation early. His relationship with Joe is still a risk to Joe's career, but neither of them are giving up. Kabe has come a long way in the past year and he's in a good and stable place. And considering some of the things we do learn about his past, I'd say that's a damn good thing. I could not imagine being happy living in Utah, but as things have settled down for both Kabe and Joe, I think they are both quite happy.
I'm enjoying this series quite a lot, which considering the religious aspect, kind of surprises me a bit. But hey, I'll take it.
August 20, 2015
I just love Joe and Kabe! I was also very surprised by how much I loved Joe's family. I was expecting his coming out to be a big huge thing, and in a way it was, but in the end, his family loved him anyway, and I just love it when that happens.
July 23, 2018
3.5 stars
I struggled a little with this one and I’m not sure if it was the book or my mood.
I liked how Joe and Kabe handled their relationship issues this time around but I still feel detached when it comes to the BDSM aspect and at this point I don’t have much hope that’ll change in the following books.
Once again, the mystery wasn’t the strong point but it still held my interest, despite a couple of too convenient coincidences.
I really liked the part about . It was hopeful without becoming unrealistic.
This book will also be remembered for the most disgusting “salad” recipe I’ve ever heard of: shredded carrots embedded in layers of lime and orange Jell-o with a pretzel crusted bottom. Still trying to understand why they’d even call it a salad.
I struggled a little with this one and I’m not sure if it was the book or my mood.
I liked how Joe and Kabe handled their relationship issues this time around but I still feel detached when it comes to the BDSM aspect and at this point I don’t have much hope that’ll change in the following books.
Once again, the mystery wasn’t the strong point but it still held my interest, despite a couple of too convenient coincidences.
I really liked the part about . It was hopeful without becoming unrealistic.
This book will also be remembered for the most disgusting “salad” recipe I’ve ever heard of: shredded carrots embedded in layers of lime and orange Jell-o with a pretzel crusted bottom. Still trying to understand why they’d even call it a salad.
October 17, 2014
This is the third book in the Deputy Joe series and my favorite by far. I’ve said it before and I'll say it again, I love Joe and I love being in Joe’s head. Joe is just so lovable, dependable and honorable. Being in his head really lets the reader see the depth of his character and his passion.
Joe is a devout Mormon deputy sheriff in a small mostly Mormon town in Utah. He has been excommunicated from his church, shunned by some of his community and demoted in his job, all for having a relationship with Kabe. Joe has dealt with all of it because Kabe is made for him but now he has to tell his parents, who are coming back to town after a 2 year mission, about all of it and he’s having a difficult time with it. They obviously don’t take it well. The interaction between Joe and his family and especially his parents is part of what made this book so wonderful. Their different reactions to Joe being gay were very real. I found the scenes between Joe and his parents especially touching. While dealing with his family he is also trying to solve a decades old murder of a little girl. The case is very personal for Joe and he will uncover secrets that he may not be prepared to deal with.
The best part of this book, and this series, is the relationship between Kabe and Joe. Their love, their want and need for each other is beautiful to watch. I was desperate to have him... I tasted his mouth, forced my tongue between his lips. Figured heaven felt something close to this and if it didn’t, I weren’t sure I ever wanted to go. In this book, they have to deal with some things in Kabe’s past and in doing so, finally discuss their D/s relationship. This is something they had never done before and I was glad to see them define it and set boundaries. Their relationship has grown and strengthened throughout this series and I want more because I’m greedy.
He looked up and flashed me one of those soul shattering smiles of his. Life might not be perfect, but it was right fine. I had my family and I had him.
Mostly, I had him. And that meant all the world to me.
Br with Sofia-Thanks for taking this journey with me.
Joe is a devout Mormon deputy sheriff in a small mostly Mormon town in Utah. He has been excommunicated from his church, shunned by some of his community and demoted in his job, all for having a relationship with Kabe. Joe has dealt with all of it because Kabe is made for him but now he has to tell his parents, who are coming back to town after a 2 year mission, about all of it and he’s having a difficult time with it. They obviously don’t take it well. The interaction between Joe and his family and especially his parents is part of what made this book so wonderful. Their different reactions to Joe being gay were very real. I found the scenes between Joe and his parents especially touching. While dealing with his family he is also trying to solve a decades old murder of a little girl. The case is very personal for Joe and he will uncover secrets that he may not be prepared to deal with.
The best part of this book, and this series, is the relationship between Kabe and Joe. Their love, their want and need for each other is beautiful to watch. I was desperate to have him... I tasted his mouth, forced my tongue between his lips. Figured heaven felt something close to this and if it didn’t, I weren’t sure I ever wanted to go. In this book, they have to deal with some things in Kabe’s past and in doing so, finally discuss their D/s relationship. This is something they had never done before and I was glad to see them define it and set boundaries. Their relationship has grown and strengthened throughout this series and I want more because I’m greedy.
He looked up and flashed me one of those soul shattering smiles of his. Life might not be perfect, but it was right fine. I had my family and I had him.
Mostly, I had him. And that meant all the world to me.
Br with Sofia-Thanks for taking this journey with me.
Read
January 23, 2015DNF at 64%.
I'm terribly sad, unhappy and upset. I can cry.
Because I love Joe and Kabe.
But I had a
*terrible,
*huge,
*awful,
*unforeseen
problem with this book.
I DIDN'T LIKE IT.
And I WANTED SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
BADLY to like it.
NO.
FUCKING.
CHANCE.
Repetitions.
Repetitions
Repetitions.
Sorry. A mystery was RIDICULOUSLY UNREAL.
The rest was.....
Repetitive.
Repetitive.
Repetitive.
I WAS A BIG FAN of the series at the beginning.
BUT.
It took me almost 1 month to read it up to 60% and I don't want to know more.
Sometimes it is very wise to stop in time.
October 29, 2013
My favorite of the series so far. Joe and Kabe are solidly together when this one starts. Joe is still on desk duty logging in cold cases, although he is mostly recovered from his accident. Kabe is fully moved in and moving forward with his EMT/fire training while trying to get early release from his probation.
A lot happens in the book. Again, Joe and Kabe balance each other out so well. The BDSM relationship has gotten quite intense and more hard core. After a particular incident though, Joe starts wonder if it has gone too far. More of Kabe's background is revealed and we get to meet Joe's entire family as his parents return from their mission. The mystery in this book is also personal, as Joe looks into the 30 year old drowning death of his sister.
I was glad to finally have more insight into Kabe. His character really came into his own in this story and solidified his place as an equal partner to Joe.
My only real complaint about this one is poor editing. There were a lot of glaring grammatical errors/typos.
A lot happens in the book. Again, Joe and Kabe balance each other out so well. The BDSM relationship has gotten quite intense and more hard core. After a particular incident though, Joe starts wonder if it has gone too far. More of Kabe's background is revealed and we get to meet Joe's entire family as his parents return from their mission. The mystery in this book is also personal, as Joe looks into the 30 year old drowning death of his sister.
I was glad to finally have more insight into Kabe. His character really came into his own in this story and solidified his place as an equal partner to Joe.
My only real complaint about this one is poor editing. There were a lot of glaring grammatical errors/typos.
August 9, 2019
Great
4 ⭐️
I enjoyed this instalment. Joe and Kabe have settled into their relationship and the issues came from outside sources.
This one really focuses on family and we get to see Joes family and the dynamics there. I liked Joes family. There are different personalities and not everyone is accepting but to me that worked. I was disappointed with Joe’s mum early on but she really redeemed herself during the book and the talk between Joe and his dad at the end helped me understand where his dad was coming from too.
The case Joe was working on was also family related as it concerned his sister Rosie. I enjoyed watching Joe work the case and dealing with the things that popped up in the investigation
4 ⭐️
I enjoyed this instalment. Joe and Kabe have settled into their relationship and the issues came from outside sources.
This one really focuses on family and we get to see Joes family and the dynamics there. I liked Joes family. There are different personalities and not everyone is accepting but to me that worked. I was disappointed with Joe’s mum early on but she really redeemed herself during the book and the talk between Joe and his dad at the end helped me understand where his dad was coming from too.
The case Joe was working on was also family related as it concerned his sister Rosie. I enjoyed watching Joe work the case and dealing with the things that popped up in the investigation
February 6, 2013
Deputy Joe is one of my favorite m/m characters, so I was delighted for an opportunity to spend more time with him (thanks, MandyM!). I loved this book, but it was my least favorite of the three. Granted, that's a bit like saying the nougat is my least favorite chocolate in the box.
But unlike the first two books, this one didn't grab me immediately and make itself impossible to put down. I think that was, in part, because the editing was terrible. Joe speaks in dialect, which takes a little getting used to, but very quickly became invisible to me in the first two books; it was just part of Joe. But because there were so many extra words, misspelled words, and typos littering this book, I never quite got into the groove of Joe's voice because I kept getting distracted: is this Joe or an error? What about this one? Did he mean to say that, or was that another error?
I think this may be the worst-edited book I've seen published by MLR. I've read worse from other publishers, so I guess this isn't that bad in the overall scheme of things. But it is disappointing when I expect better from them, and especially when it's a favorite author and eagerly-awaited book.
It was an interesting plot, and wonderful to see more of the developing relationship between Joe and Kabe, as well as see Joe learning how to live "out" among family and friends. But somehow, this story lacked the sense of urgency the first two had, though it did eventually reach a point where I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
I loved it, and I would love to read more Deputy Joe books, but overall I felt a little disappointed because - unlike the second book - this one didn't quite live up to the high expectations I had for it. If there is another - and I really hope there will be - I hope it gets the editing it deserves. The shoddy editing almost made this excellent book a travesty. Mind you, the story felt complete enough as is. The only reason I want another is because I love Deputy Joe and want to spend more time in his head!
But unlike the first two books, this one didn't grab me immediately and make itself impossible to put down. I think that was, in part, because the editing was terrible. Joe speaks in dialect, which takes a little getting used to, but very quickly became invisible to me in the first two books; it was just part of Joe. But because there were so many extra words, misspelled words, and typos littering this book, I never quite got into the groove of Joe's voice because I kept getting distracted: is this Joe or an error? What about this one? Did he mean to say that, or was that another error?
I think this may be the worst-edited book I've seen published by MLR. I've read worse from other publishers, so I guess this isn't that bad in the overall scheme of things. But it is disappointing when I expect better from them, and especially when it's a favorite author and eagerly-awaited book.
It was an interesting plot, and wonderful to see more of the developing relationship between Joe and Kabe, as well as see Joe learning how to live "out" among family and friends. But somehow, this story lacked the sense of urgency the first two had, though it did eventually reach a point where I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
I loved it, and I would love to read more Deputy Joe books, but overall I felt a little disappointed because - unlike the second book - this one didn't quite live up to the high expectations I had for it. If there is another - and I really hope there will be - I hope it gets the editing it deserves. The shoddy editing almost made this excellent book a travesty. Mind you, the story felt complete enough as is. The only reason I want another is because I love Deputy Joe and want to spend more time in his head!
March 1, 2013
Can anyone confirm that IRL there are places where grated carrot in jello counts as a salad?
August 13, 2013
I had this book since it was released but only now that I gave a chance to read it. I don't know why -- maybe because it is the latest Deputy Joe and #4 is still in the making? 
I love this series -- I think the relationship is solid. They balance each other and Joe truly accepts that Kabe makes him happy. The D/s goes further than the first two books, there's a breath play here as well. I don't completely understand D/s lifestyle, and I think Joe gets worried rings true. I like that Joe and Kabe finally talks about it.
I admit, AGAIN, I have a difficult time to go into Joe's head due to his, uhm, dialect ... it is deliberately written that way, and it was not easy for an ESL like me to comprehend. At the same time, after awhile, I just accept it as being part of Joe and it doesn't bother me too much.
I find the dynamic of Joe's family as VERY interesting. While his parents don't easily accept Joe being gay and they still think it's a sin, they don't immediately throw him out and dismiss him as their son. They still talk to Joe about it and they still think of him as family member. I find that as good and realistic. I'm a bit sad with Joe's mom having signs of Alzheimer ... although that scene where she calls Kabe as "Babe" is kinda fun :).
The mystery is good -- though it being a cold case makes it less intense compared to if it being current mystery. But I'm glad that Joe finds closure about what really happens and I think it's good for the family.
All in all, a great sequel to the series and I will definitely be there for the next adventure of Joe and his Kabe.
I love this series -- I think the relationship is solid. They balance each other and Joe truly accepts that Kabe makes him happy. The D/s goes further than the first two books, there's a breath play here as well. I don't completely understand D/s lifestyle, and I think Joe gets worried rings true. I like that Joe and Kabe finally talks about it.
I admit, AGAIN, I have a difficult time to go into Joe's head due to his, uhm, dialect ... it is deliberately written that way, and it was not easy for an ESL like me to comprehend. At the same time, after awhile, I just accept it as being part of Joe and it doesn't bother me too much.
I find the dynamic of Joe's family as VERY interesting. While his parents don't easily accept Joe being gay and they still think it's a sin, they don't immediately throw him out and dismiss him as their son. They still talk to Joe about it and they still think of him as family member. I find that as good and realistic. I'm a bit sad with Joe's mom having signs of Alzheimer ... although that scene where she calls Kabe as "Babe" is kinda fun :).
The mystery is good -- though it being a cold case makes it less intense compared to if it being current mystery. But I'm glad that Joe finds closure about what really happens and I think it's good for the family.
All in all, a great sequel to the series and I will definitely be there for the next adventure of Joe and his Kabe.
July 30, 2014
Like this series? Love this series?
Click here for a sneak peek of Requiem in Leather: Deputy Joe Book 4.
Thanks for finding it, Otila!
February 18, 2013
When we last meet Joe in Spin Out, he’s restricted to desk duty in the aftermath of the professional troubles his relationship with an ex-con cast him into and because he’s still recovering from a car accident. Instead of solving crimes, his job is now entering cold cases into a database, and this is how he comes across the decades-old unsolved death of a little girl. A case that Joe quickly takes personal for a variety of reasons, and he starts to investigate it. Even though he suspects he might find out more than he ever wanted to know…
However, Joe’s family issues almost threaten to overwhelm his professional ones, his family’s tendency to keep things under wrap only adding to the problem. Half-revealed family secrets of the past combine with present tragedy to a heavy burden not only for Joe, but also for his siblings. Add to that the upcoming family reunion in honor of the return of Joe’s parents from their mission, where Joe’s new life–expelled from his church, in an openly gay relationship with a former criminal–will be scrutinized, judged and gossiped about by all of his large extended family, and Joe’s cross is almost heavier than he can bear. Thankfully he has Kabe by his side to help him deal with his relatives’ reactions and with sorrow old and new.
Meanwhile, Kabe has found a job with a forest fire fighter unit, a duty that keeps him and Joe apart for lengthy periods of time. All the more passionate are they when they are together, exploring what Joe’s only just starting to recognize is an informal D/s relationship. One night Joe gets carried away into doing something that actually might harm Kabe, scaring himself half to death. In addition to that, Joe learns something from Kabe’s past that makes him question the very nature of their relationship. However, true to form, once again it doesn’t occur to Joe to TALK to Kabe about his misgivings, he merely goes into avoid-and-protect-mode–until Kabe corners him. But instead of tearing them apart, working through the resulting conflict together makes them come out on the other side stronger than they ever were, as individuals and as a couple. It raised them to a new level of intimacy, and not only in regard to the sex.
From all three Deputy Joe books I liked this one best so far. There’s a wonderful balance of mystery and romance in this book; the case of the dead child is as integral to Joe’s character growth as the romantic relationship is. Speaking of which, Kabe also matures visibly over the course of this story ( though he thankfully keeps some of his daredevil traits–I’d have missed them!) Joe and Kabe make so much sense as a couple, they complement each other so well. To their relationship, D/s isn’t “only” a kink they share, it’s natural, integral, their respective roles deeply ingrained into their personalities, even though they are equals in everyday life. Actually, they can be equal partners for a big part thanks to the outlet they have in their erotic communion. I found this part incredibly well done, and at the same time, very educative on what D/s is supposed to be about.
What makes all three books in the series really outstanding for me is Joe’s narrative voice. Right from the beginning, it captivated me with its wry, factual tone, following through on that not only in the dialogue, but also in the narrative. As a non-native speaker and as someone who has never been to Utah I wouldn’t venture to judge the authenticity of Joe’s manner of speaking, but to me, his voice sounded genuine and realistic. I felt as if I was listening to him tell the story rather than reading it, and this made for a very intense reading experience.
My only complaint with this book was that it went on and on about Joe’s family tragedy, which had some parts of the story dragging a bit. I get that this was in the forefront of Joe’s mind, and since he’s the first person POV narrator, he’d think himself into circles sometimes, and it fit his personality, but still… those issues were few and far between though.
There’s another matter here, which is editing. Recently, the books I read tended to be largely free of typos or glaring grammar errors, but in this book, there were too many of either to be overlooked, which was really too bad.
To sum it up, I can only warmly recommend this newest addition to the Deputy Joe series, as well as the series as a whole. A winsome narrator, a wonderful romance (not to forget the seriously hot explicit scenes!), a vivid and scenic setting, realistic conflict, well-wrought secondary characters, and on top of all this, a suspenseful mystery in every book make this series a must-read.
review originally written for www.reviewsbyjessewave.com
However, Joe’s family issues almost threaten to overwhelm his professional ones, his family’s tendency to keep things under wrap only adding to the problem. Half-revealed family secrets of the past combine with present tragedy to a heavy burden not only for Joe, but also for his siblings. Add to that the upcoming family reunion in honor of the return of Joe’s parents from their mission, where Joe’s new life–expelled from his church, in an openly gay relationship with a former criminal–will be scrutinized, judged and gossiped about by all of his large extended family, and Joe’s cross is almost heavier than he can bear. Thankfully he has Kabe by his side to help him deal with his relatives’ reactions and with sorrow old and new.
Meanwhile, Kabe has found a job with a forest fire fighter unit, a duty that keeps him and Joe apart for lengthy periods of time. All the more passionate are they when they are together, exploring what Joe’s only just starting to recognize is an informal D/s relationship. One night Joe gets carried away into doing something that actually might harm Kabe, scaring himself half to death. In addition to that, Joe learns something from Kabe’s past that makes him question the very nature of their relationship. However, true to form, once again it doesn’t occur to Joe to TALK to Kabe about his misgivings, he merely goes into avoid-and-protect-mode–until Kabe corners him. But instead of tearing them apart, working through the resulting conflict together makes them come out on the other side stronger than they ever were, as individuals and as a couple. It raised them to a new level of intimacy, and not only in regard to the sex.
From all three Deputy Joe books I liked this one best so far. There’s a wonderful balance of mystery and romance in this book; the case of the dead child is as integral to Joe’s character growth as the romantic relationship is. Speaking of which, Kabe also matures visibly over the course of this story ( though he thankfully keeps some of his daredevil traits–I’d have missed them!) Joe and Kabe make so much sense as a couple, they complement each other so well. To their relationship, D/s isn’t “only” a kink they share, it’s natural, integral, their respective roles deeply ingrained into their personalities, even though they are equals in everyday life. Actually, they can be equal partners for a big part thanks to the outlet they have in their erotic communion. I found this part incredibly well done, and at the same time, very educative on what D/s is supposed to be about.
What makes all three books in the series really outstanding for me is Joe’s narrative voice. Right from the beginning, it captivated me with its wry, factual tone, following through on that not only in the dialogue, but also in the narrative. As a non-native speaker and as someone who has never been to Utah I wouldn’t venture to judge the authenticity of Joe’s manner of speaking, but to me, his voice sounded genuine and realistic. I felt as if I was listening to him tell the story rather than reading it, and this made for a very intense reading experience.
My only complaint with this book was that it went on and on about Joe’s family tragedy, which had some parts of the story dragging a bit. I get that this was in the forefront of Joe’s mind, and since he’s the first person POV narrator, he’d think himself into circles sometimes, and it fit his personality, but still… those issues were few and far between though.
There’s another matter here, which is editing. Recently, the books I read tended to be largely free of typos or glaring grammar errors, but in this book, there were too many of either to be overlooked, which was really too bad.
To sum it up, I can only warmly recommend this newest addition to the Deputy Joe series, as well as the series as a whole. A winsome narrator, a wonderful romance (not to forget the seriously hot explicit scenes!), a vivid and scenic setting, realistic conflict, well-wrought secondary characters, and on top of all this, a suspenseful mystery in every book make this series a must-read.
review originally written for www.reviewsbyjessewave.com
September 10, 2016
At this point, I feel like I’ve gotten to know Joe pretty well and I like him a lot, am happy to be visiting with him again. He’s still recovering from the drama in book two, still working to sort his career out. Even though it’s been a while, it’s easy to fall back into Joe’s world.
Whoo-baby, the family drama rears it’s sometimes ugly head as Joe’s parents return from their mission in China and his five (six??) siblings descend en masse. How to come out, where to come out, when to come out. It is tricky stuff, there in the heart of the Mormon.
Joe is a good guy, a straight shooter (so to speak) who just wants to do his job and get some peace with a capital P. So he can boink his beautiful boy, Kabe. But Kabe has been harboring secrets of his own about his past that threaten their bliss. The sex is still just as hot off the page, yeah, but there is an edge to it now. And then… along comes a pretty good mystery to add to all the fracas. While Joe is on a sort of job probation, the dreaded desk work, he is set to filing and clearing up old unsolved cases. One such 'cold case' has huge implications for Joe’s family. It only adds to his strained relations with parents and siblings… it opens up a lot of old hurts as well.
This is, again, from Joe’s POV and there is a lot of rumination going on. We are privy to his every colorful inner musing. Things like:
“As he talked I felt my muscles wind up around my bones until they thrummed so tight I thought they may snap me clean in half.”
And:
“...this drilled that cold snake of fear so deep in my soul I didn’t think I’d ever get the taint of it out.”
Or:
“Winter hit inside my chest and blew frost into my brain… That frozen feeling exploded out of my chest and swept through my veins.”
Ha! I love it. Cool and collected on the outside, serious feeeelzz on the inside. The author has built a character that can carry this off.
Quibbles… there is much repeated and extraneous information sprinkled between dialogue and musings that drags things out and the pacing falters at times, especially towards the end. The author has to trust that we know Joe well enough not to have to be told every last thing in his head. Also, Kabe… he is a confusing mixture of wide-eyed, young brat who likes to throw ‘dude’ around a lot, and older-than-his age wisdom-giver. Sexually, he’s on fire and reckless, a challenge for Joe who’s only kink know-how is what he can cull from the ’net. Delicious for us but Joe has a lot of catching up to do. I like Kabe, think he’s good for Joe, but don’t feel that cozy with him.
For me, this is all about Joe… returning to this sharp, closed-down guy who is finally coming into his own: recognizing his leadership ability, making peace with his sexual orientation and fighting for his love. He can quietly open up a whole can of whoop-ass on a case, proving himself once again. The murder mystery is woven in well with all the family drama and gives insight to it. Well done.
May 17, 2014
Sweet Jesus. What a deceptively low-key but surprisingly stimulating series.
For someone that despises 1st person POV and characters of a hickdom persuasion and prose..Buchanan sure surprised me when Deputy Joe won my vote..as by far one of the most memorable male characters ever encountered
And let me just say I'll never look at those sweet bike-riding mormon boys the same. My imagination eagerly awaits their next doorbell ringing.
The unorganized spontaneous power exchange and man-loving action was hand's down the best thing about this story & series.
But unfortunately..I suppose all good things must come to an end and all that shit..because this third book was a little off the mark with that once fantastic element. Books 1-2 had this unspoken almost-telepathic connection between Joe and Kabe with no discussion or words necessary. It was just there on a visceral-kind of level. But that same sort of primal connection seemed to be missing in this one.
I suppose the crime aspect in all of the books was the least entertaining thing and ended up being like trivial commercial filler (for me). Luckily it was momentary..and I just knew the sooner I'd get through that interruption..the sooner I'd get back to the regularly scheduled man-humping program.
And besides my carnal-dominated thoughts..as a bonus this had harmonious character chemistry, familial devotion, spiritual faith, unity, honor, blah.blah.blah, etc.
All in all just a very sexy and memorable story.
For someone that despises 1st person POV and characters of a hickdom persuasion and prose..Buchanan sure surprised me when Deputy Joe won my vote..as by far one of the most memorable male characters ever encountered
And let me just say I'll never look at those sweet bike-riding mormon boys the same. My imagination eagerly awaits their next doorbell ringing.
The unorganized spontaneous power exchange and man-loving action was hand's down the best thing about this story & series.
But unfortunately..I suppose all good things must come to an end and all that shit..because this third book was a little off the mark with that once fantastic element. Books 1-2 had this unspoken almost-telepathic connection between Joe and Kabe with no discussion or words necessary. It was just there on a visceral-kind of level. But that same sort of primal connection seemed to be missing in this one.
I suppose the crime aspect in all of the books was the least entertaining thing and ended up being like trivial commercial filler (for me). Luckily it was momentary..and I just knew the sooner I'd get through that interruption..the sooner I'd get back to the regularly scheduled man-humping program.
And besides my carnal-dominated thoughts..as a bonus this had harmonious character chemistry, familial devotion, spiritual faith, unity, honor, blah.blah.blah, etc.
All in all just a very sexy and memorable story.
Want to read
January 10, 2013Oh yes. Another Deputy Joe. Bring on some more of that regional dialect!
March 22, 2017
4.3 Stars
Much less dramatic but still very mystery-centric, this time involving a cold case murder of Joe's own sister. I loved, once again, the methodical, step-by-step investigation plus the refreshing lack of weird red-herrings...and while not necessarily an exciting climax, the case has a very satisfying conclusion.
And I just have to say, I am NOT a religious person but I have a great deal of respect for those that are and don't preach hate or shove their ideology down anyone's throats because I'd like to think that love and acceptance really is at the core of many faithful. So, I really admire how JB writes Joe's dedication to his faith - even if that faith has abandoned HIM - because it's completely believable and very commendable since it's got to be easier to have a character just give up/turn their backs on religion when that religion doesn't accept who they are than it is to have that character tough it out and stick with what he feels in his heart.
Much less dramatic but still very mystery-centric, this time involving a cold case murder of Joe's own sister. I loved, once again, the methodical, step-by-step investigation plus the refreshing lack of weird red-herrings...and while not necessarily an exciting climax, the case has a very satisfying conclusion.
And I just have to say, I am NOT a religious person but I have a great deal of respect for those that are and don't preach hate or shove their ideology down anyone's throats because I'd like to think that love and acceptance really is at the core of many faithful. So, I really admire how JB writes Joe's dedication to his faith - even if that faith has abandoned HIM - because it's completely believable and very commendable since it's got to be easier to have a character just give up/turn their backs on religion when that religion doesn't accept who they are than it is to have that character tough it out and stick with what he feels in his heart.
January 12, 2014
So, Book three in the series and the best story to date. I love these two protagonists, especially Deputy Joe, the ostracised Mormon, gay Deputy Sheriff.
All three novels are written from Joe's perspective, and we feel his hurt, his elation, his compassion, his angst and his protectiveness for Kabe, his quarter, Asian-Indian lover.
This is a murder mystery with an M/M theme, a story of a family's ghosts and Deputy Joe's search for the truth behind his 12 year old sister's murder when he was still a baby.
I admit to being thrown by the technical jargon concerning rock climbing in Book 1, but that didn't detract from the story what-so-ever, although in Books 2 and 3, these technicalities are forgotten (well apart from the knots and ropes in the BDSM passages, which although not a fan, I actually quite enjoyed reading in these novels. Tastefully handled/written).
Loved it, and although I considered it to be expensive in regards to digital-downloads, well worth the money.
A definite 5 star read.
All three novels are written from Joe's perspective, and we feel his hurt, his elation, his compassion, his angst and his protectiveness for Kabe, his quarter, Asian-Indian lover.
This is a murder mystery with an M/M theme, a story of a family's ghosts and Deputy Joe's search for the truth behind his 12 year old sister's murder when he was still a baby.
I admit to being thrown by the technical jargon concerning rock climbing in Book 1, but that didn't detract from the story what-so-ever, although in Books 2 and 3, these technicalities are forgotten (well apart from the knots and ropes in the BDSM passages, which although not a fan, I actually quite enjoyed reading in these novels. Tastefully handled/written).
Loved it, and although I considered it to be expensive in regards to digital-downloads, well worth the money.
A definite 5 star read.
October 5, 2017
4.0 Stars
The final (?) installment in the Deputy Joe series was ... heavy. As always, I loved Joe and Kabe. But reading about the decades-old murder mystery of a young child was hard, to say the least. As was learning about Joe's mama having . Laying old ghosts to rest proved to be quite a challenge to my fast-becoming-a-fave couple but, happily, not an insurmountable one.
Bottom line: I still <3 Deputy Joe.
The final (?) installment in the Deputy Joe series was ... heavy. As always, I loved Joe and Kabe. But reading about the decades-old murder mystery of a young child was hard, to say the least. As was learning about Joe's mama having . Laying old ghosts to rest proved to be quite a challenge to my fast-becoming-a-fave couple but, happily, not an insurmountable one.
Bottom line: I still <3 Deputy Joe.
not-good-enough-2-finish
February 24, 2013I really wanted to like this book. I have liked the other two books in the series but this one has me uninterested and bored. I like Joe and Kabe but, this time, the two of them did not keep my engaged enough to read through the mystery, family issues or them together as a couple. Unfortunately, this is a dnf.
February 8, 2013
4.5 stars
February 23, 2013
Strong ending to a really good trilogy. I'd love to read more about Joe & Kabe.
September 3, 2014
4.5 stars.
I lurve Deputy Joe.
I lurve Kabe.
Don't know if this is the last book in the series, but I will gladly read more about these characters.
I lurve Deputy Joe.
I lurve Kabe.
Don't know if this is the last book in the series, but I will gladly read more about these characters.
November 7, 2017
The third book in the Deputy Joe series, Laying Ghosts deals with family and how Joe's family react to the news that not only is he gay and in a relationship but also that he is investigating the thirty year old cold case of his sister's death.
I'm enjoying the themes of each book: book 1 was about resolving Joe's conflict with his church, book 2 his work and now book 3 being family. It's actually really clever of the author to do it this way as it loans itself into the continuity of the series and weaves a deeper relationship between the reader and the books.
I really look forward to book 4!
I'm enjoying the themes of each book: book 1 was about resolving Joe's conflict with his church, book 2 his work and now book 3 being family. It's actually really clever of the author to do it this way as it loans itself into the continuity of the series and weaves a deeper relationship between the reader and the books.
I really look forward to book 4!
April 26, 2013
Another really great entry into the series. Buchanan consistently delivers and never loses sight of who her characters are, while still expanding on Joe & Kabe's world and history. Laying Ghosts gets deeper into Joe's family, both when his parents return from a(n LDS) mission in Russia and Joe stumbles into a cold case involving the death of his sister, over 30 years prior.
One thing I really love about the books is Buchanan's deep and exquisite sense of place. While I don't feel like Buchanan pulls her punches about how parochial and bigoted the area can be, she still writes with an obvious deep love and understanding and balances those negatives with the corresponding positives. This is especially obvious when it comes to Joe's family, who have to grapple with their love for Joe versus the dictates of their faith. Some of them are better at it than others, but never in ways that feel like a caricature or unreal.
My ongoing complaint about the series has been that we never find out as much about Kabe as we do about Joe. On the one hand, we actually do finally get some significant information on Kabe's past, which is awesome, but on the other hand, they feel like tantalizing tidbits that get lost in the other events of the story (mainly Joe's). I do hope that Buchanan plans to continue with the series (which seems like a good bet, given some developments toward the end of the book) and she'll continue to let us discover more about Kabe.
One thing I really love about the books is Buchanan's deep and exquisite sense of place. While I don't feel like Buchanan pulls her punches about how parochial and bigoted the area can be, she still writes with an obvious deep love and understanding and balances those negatives with the corresponding positives. This is especially obvious when it comes to Joe's family, who have to grapple with their love for Joe versus the dictates of their faith. Some of them are better at it than others, but never in ways that feel like a caricature or unreal.
My ongoing complaint about the series has been that we never find out as much about Kabe as we do about Joe. On the one hand, we actually do finally get some significant information on Kabe's past, which is awesome, but on the other hand, they feel like tantalizing tidbits that get lost in the other events of the story (mainly Joe's). I do hope that Buchanan plans to continue with the series (which seems like a good bet, given some developments toward the end of the book) and she'll continue to let us discover more about Kabe.
September 18, 2014
Beautiful ending to a great series. The story was nice and tight and read smoothly. The sex was smokin and it was sometimes how far Joe got from vanilla. The mystery in this segment knocked right on the Peterson's front door. I was touched by the way Joe and his father came to terms over their differences. All of the characters were well fleshed out and most had some redeeming qualities. This is one of those series that gave a lot and I really never wanted to see end. Highly recommended.
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