Foxe Den

Skyler Foxe Mysteries #3.5

by Haley Walsh

FOXE DEN follows Skyler Foxe and his friends through the holidays, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, in this collection of short stories. Along the way, Skyler gets to inflict his mother on his boyfriend Keith, meets Keith’s parents, and just generally tries to navigate the treacherous waters of a brand new relationship. Unlike the novels, this novella hasn’t any mystery to solve. It’s the sort of stuff that happens between characters once the book cover is closed; a gift of “DVD extras.”

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Audiobook, Mystery, Contemporary, Holiday, LGBT

163 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2012

About the author

Haley Walsh tried acting, but decided the actor’s life was not for her. Instead, she became a successful graphic designer in Los Angeles, her hometown. After fifteen years of burning money in the ’80s and early ’90s, she retired from the graphics industry and turned her interests toward writing. She became a freelance newspaper reporter, wrote articles for quirky magazines, published award-winning short stories, and now writes an acclaimed gay mystery series, the Skyler Foxe Mysteries. She’s lived all her life in southern California, sampling wines and chomping chocolate. Yeah, it’s a living.

Reviews

[The Bursting Bookshelf of a Wallflower · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

Ah, meeting Skyler, Keith and his friends is always a great adventure. In this collection of three short stories, we get a glimpse at Skyler and Keith’s Thanksgiving, Turkey Extravaganza, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Just like in Out-Foxed, Skyler is struggling with the level of commitment his relationship with Keith is about to require. Meeting the family of the respective other, moving in and finding solutions for everyday problems! I really loved getting a deeper look into Skyler and Keith’s relationship. The mysteries of the books before have often left little room for relationship development, but this collection of short stories was perfect.

I’m definitely looking forward to Skyler’s next mystery!

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up

The four stories in this collection revolves around important holidays. It's complete fluff (no dead bodies!) and shows development on how Skyler handling (for the first time!!) being in a relationship and what entails ...

Thanksgiving
Two gays (Skyler and Keith), a jew (Sidney), and a Fillipino (Mike) walked into a bar ... uhm, Skyler's mother's house for Thanksgiving dinner. The vignette tackles the question about whether Skyler is brave enough to ask Keith to move in with him. I know some readers will probably get annoyed with Skyler's (seemingly) inability to commit, but I welcome it. I can understand the fear and the doubts and the worries. I enjoy Skyler getting all drama-queeny about love and commitment and whether it's all too fast for them. I am HIGHLY annoyed with how Sidney is pushing this issue. I'm team Skyler, people. I'm on his side. So I wish Skyler takes more time to think it through, just like his mother's advice.

Turkey Extravaganza
This shows how Skyler and Keith after he decides to move in. Skyler still hyperventilates when he learns about 'the trial period' and that Keith is not as tidy as he is. But the cooking together is fun. Also the activity that can be done together while waiting for the dishwasher to finish is, ehm, mind-blowing ^^

Christmas
My favorite among the four stories -- there's Skyler trying to find the perfect gift for Keith (and he gets a perfect one from Keith as well!!). Plus the big step of FINALLY giving Keith keys to his place. Even if there is also scene of Skyler getting almost a panic attack when his students giving a present that looks like a wedding picture Yep, step by step, Skyler!! Oh, I also love how Skyler makes his students go (and USE) the library. He's such a great teacher.

New Year's
Skyler is meeting Keith's family!! Keith has quite a number of family members (compared to Skyler, who only has his mom and his best friend Sidney). It's great to see how Skyler bonds with Keith's mom, after a slight rough patch when Keith's mom become protective of his son.

All in all, a wonderful holiday stories. Now, I'm more certain to wait (and read) Foxe Fire...

[BWT · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of short stories chronicling Thanksgiving, "TE" (Turkey Extravaganza) Day, Christmas, and New Year's with Skyler and boyfriend, Keith.

Skyler is delightful as he continuously freaks out about the progression of his relationship with Keith and gets advice along the way from Sidney, Jamie, and Philip. Keith spends time with Skyler's mom, and Skyler spends time with Keith's family.

All in all they're sweet little shorts that showcase the best of all the characters and Joel Leslie narrates each one well, bringing the humor, skittishness, passion and joy to the forefront. It's all about the emotions and relationships with none of those pesky mysteries to get in the way.



Recommended!

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still having a blast with this series. I love that Skyler is unapologetic about his sexual history and that, despite things moving pretty fast, there's no insta-love.

[Idamus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skip the sex and this would have been a 5 star

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read December 2018

[Viv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this one! I love Skyler and Keith together and their family/holiday time was so sweet. I know Skyler has his doubts, but Keith is perfect for him and I can't wait to see what happens next.

This review would not be complete without mentioning how awesome a job Joel Leslie does on the narration. All of his character voices are great and I absolutely love the audiobooks for this series.

[Anke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this a lot, at least as much as the mystery books! It was nice to see Skyler getting to grips with this whole boyfriend thing:) a live-in one on top of that. Well, perhaps a bit much time between the sheets, but otherwise it was a wonderful read.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice insight and family stuff about Skyler and Keith.

The only bad part is that now I'm waiting for Foxe Fire :(

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Audiobook*** TE (Thanksgiving Extravaganza!) Day with Skyler and friends, as well as Christmas with Skyler's mom and New Year's with Keith's family. Still loving this series!

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, this four stories deal with Skyler and Keith's relationship, and we see how it changes and evolves through different, important festivities.

In Thanksgiving, the issue to tackle is Skyler's doubts about inviting Keith to live with him. And boy! I totally get it! They barely know each other and Skyler is right on questioning this step. I think that Sydney tricking him to do it was a bad move from a friend.

Then, we have Turkey Extravaganza, when, again, Keith is in the wrong, at least on my book. He should have told Skyler that he saw hos moving together as a trial period.

We arrive to Christmas, and I really liked this one. Skyler decides that it's time to give Keith the keys of the house, and he does as a Christmas present. And I really liked that both of them get the other one a present that is all about the other, and that it's wasn't something that they like for themselves. Those were gift with meaning, well done, both of you! And good for Skyler, asking Keith stop thinking that he has to have a foot on the door all the time.

Finally, New Year, meeting the in-laws, which brings a lot of hyperventilating to Skyler, but ends with a nice bonding between him and Keith's mom.

All in all, still entertaining and still fun, although I didn't liked it as much as the previous ones.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this was a nice change of pace and something to get anyone into the holiday mood. There are no crimes to be solved, bad guys to be caught or Skyler sticking his nose into things where its not wanted. Instead we have the relationship drama Skyler Foxe style.

Well, it’s not really a drama but Skyler on this front likes to build mountains out of molehills. At least that is make take on it, talk about a drama queen – lol! Keith has decided to stay on at school and with Skyler after everything surrounding the school has now been cleared up. However, Keith is still staying officially with Mike, Sidney’s boyfriend. As with any relationship a point is reached where the one person is spending more time at the other’s than in their own place. This is the case with Keith, so the elephant in the room has to be breached. I loved how this all plays out set around thanksgiving. Skyler knows it makes sense for Keith to move in but he just can’t broach the subject. However, with Sidney’s not so subtle help and wanting to get Keith out of Mike’s flat then Skyler is backed into a corner where he least Keith move in.

Now this is a trial by any standards but for Skyler it’s a whole new adjustment having somebody live in his space. I laughed and I smiled at the antics as anyone who has a relationship and lives with someone knows that there will be a phase where you have to get used to each other. I had the giggles listening to Mr Super-Tidy and Spotless Skyler get used to Mr Leave-My-Clothes-Everywhere Keith. But you know it will work and it’s the next step that needs to be taken.

It’s also time to meet the families, Skyler’s mum likes Keith a lot although she is still getting used to the “gay” bit and Skyler goes to meet Keith’s family. Well, this was amusing and entertaining as Keith’s folks are about as different as Skyler’s family could be. Keith has a big family, where Skyler only has his mum. Tow world’s collide but it the best possible way.

I loved this short interlude between the mysteries. It was nice to see the Scooby gang, aka the SFC, getting ready for and celebrating Thanksgiving then moving on to Christmas and the New Year. Even though there are no mysteries to be solved it was again a pure delight to spend time with these vibrant characters who have now become like friends to me. No mysteries but never a dull where Skyler is concerned.

As for the narration? Well, Joel is still doing a great job and loving every minute of it.

[Lady*M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through four short stories - Thanksgiving, Turkey Extravaganza, Christmas and New Year's - we see the development of Skyler and Keith's relationship and how Skyler is handling commitment, including moving in together, Keith's habits and meeting boyfriend's family.

Yes, I was annoyed at Sidney for always pushing Skyler, though the results were good. I liked the cooking scene a lot and the fact that Skyler's kids were included in the stories. It is always a pleasure to see Skyler as teacher. Seeing him bonding with Helen, Keith's mom, especially after a brief quarrel they had, and experiencing a large family was really nice.

It is clear why these stories didn't end up in the trilogy, but I really enjoyed these "DVD extras" a lot. A perfect holiday reading.

And...

After all, what could possibly go wrong now?

With these words ends Foxe Den and one has to think: "Oh, Skyler, the famous last words..." I can't wait to read Foxe Fire. ^^

[Ajax1978 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Without a mystery to solve, the plot of these short stories revolves around Skyler's navel-gazing about his relationship with Keith. I can understand some reluctance on his part, but reading about it over and over...and over, it really gets tiresome. And then, if Keith even hints that he's scared of Skyler's flakiness, Skyler gets offended and act like how dare Keith question him. What?! All Skyler does is act hot-and-cold and long suffering Keith takes it like a champ for some reason. Every character seemingly has an opinion on all this and offers their feelings to Skyler in long conversations that rehash his fluctuating feelings again and again. After three books and these short stories, I feel like I've been twelve rounds and my cutman threw in the towel. With the way this one ended, with the ominous "what could possibly go wrong now?" and the promise of a "good-looking gay parent hanging around Keith" I can only imagine there's lots more Skyler drama to come. I just don't have it in me to get back in the ring, though.

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a fun series of holiday shorts that start off immediately after book #3 with Thanksgiving and takes us through New Year's. Skyler and Keith's relationship is moving right along, and commitment-phobe Skyler is understandably freaking out about it. We get to meet Keith's family and see Skyler adapt to the new changes in his life while he contemplates sharing his life with someone else.

Oh, and Keith - Motown is one of the greatest music genres of all time. Get with the program, dude. You're walking a thin line. ;)

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very glad that the author wrote these Holiday shorties. I especially needed Thanksgiving since it was a bit part of book 3.

Now I need a break from Skyler but I will be back!

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skyler and Keith are settling into their burgeoning relationship. Keith is spending a lot of time at Skyler's apartment and it's good but still unsettling. Skyler has never done serious and with the holidays approaching that means time with his mother, who's still coming to grips with Skyler coming out. When Keith asks him to go with him to Seattle for New Years with his family it's getting serious. A whispered ‘I love you.” has Skyler a little unnerved as he's still sorting out his feelings and Keith is moving in. Rushed it may be, but it seems they have the makings of something good.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Skyler Foxe short stories cover the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year between books 3 & 4. More importantly, they cover some big milestones in Skyler & Keith’s relationship. I’ve enjoyed the fact that Skyler & Keith approach relationships quite differently, that they don’t always see eye to eye on things, and that they have to work at their relationship - it’s more realistic and when they do make progress, it’s all the sweeter. 🎧 Great narration by Joel Leslie!

[Tj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skyler's parents divorced, his father abandoned the family, and Skyler bares the scars. Still weighed down by doubts, he takes baby steps in opening his life and heart to Keith.

In this novella, they both face every new couple's worst nightmare - meeting the family. I am happy to report that both survived, and for once no one was trying to kill Skyler.

[Kristy Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I missed the mysteries. Novellas just aren't for me.

[Purra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this series - especially the audios (Joel Leslie is a brilliant narrator) - and this was a fun look into the progression of Keith and Skyler's relationship.

[ReadToFilth · Rating 3 out of 5]

After finishing this book I decided to take a small break from the series and read something different. That is not to say this was in any way disappointing or bad. I decided that reading 4 books through in this series I could set them down and pick up something different before coming back to them. (I'd love to hear from someone who just had to consume these stories back to back all the way through!)

Skyler continues his romantic journey in these and there is no mystery to be solved, so if you are only in the series for the mysteries you can safely skip this one.

Meeting families is a challenge, especially with a 10 year age gap. I'll be honest I was able to identify with a lot of that because A) this is the era I was the same age as Skyler and B) I've been in a relationship with the exact age gap for 15 years, so the nerves around meeting someone's folks when you are that much older than your partner is real and introducing them to your family is also stressful!

This is a fun but not necessary for story continuity read.

[Will Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Skyler Foxe and Keith Fletcher. I am also very appreciative that I was offered the opportunity to do a review on this book.

There is no mystery here. At least not a murder. What is a mystery, though, is why Skyler has a hard time committing to Keith Fletcher. His first real 'boyfriend' after years of one-night stands.

Keith is very nearly perfect. He's sweet, attentive, and an amazing lover. Sure he's got his issues (he's kind of a slob) but the good outweighs the bad! So why is Skyler having so many problems?

Is it the fact that Keith whispered, "I love you" before falling asleep at the end of book 3 and Skyler is a little freaked out? Is it the fact that the man is going to move in with him? Or maybe the fact he's about to meet Keith's family?

So there's your mystery. How can someone not love Skyler Foxe?

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars--The first 3 Skyler Foxe books made one story—it was just a three part serial. This book, # 3.5, is said to be a book of short stories. I found it, however, to read like a single story. It’s just under 100 pages and starts just before Thanksgiving (mere minutes after book 3 ended) and goes through New Years.

I like Skyler. I like Keith, and I really like Sidney and the SFC guys, but by the end of this book, I was so tired of Skyler’s relationship insecurities/phobia. I mean over 700 pages (between the 4 reads), and he’s still stuck in the panicky, “I can’t do this, can I?” mode. Puhlease!

Still, I must admit, if the promised book 4 actually makes it into print, I will be there—hoping for a HEA for Skyler and Keith.

[Riva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book review:

This was a great addition to the story and apparently a set up for the next book. I loved that the author explored Skyler's "issues" a little more. Skyler and Keith have moved in together and, as is his way, Skyler is freaking out. This takes us through Thanksgiving with Skyler's mom, TE day with his friends, Christmas with mom and friends, and New Year's with Keith's family. Throughout each occasion Skyler has to determine whether he will let his fears ruin what could be the best thing in his life. It was refreshing to see Skyler and Keith without death and chaos following them. Joel Leslie does a masterful job with this series and he continues to deliver in this installment.

[Brandilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is basically a collection of well developed venettes. It grows Skylar and Keith's relationship by watching them take on the holidays. We watch them at Thanksgiving with his mom, Sydney, and Mike. We join them for TE day - Skylar's big Thanksgiving todo for his friends. See them celebrate their first Christmas together. Finally, we watch as Skylar meets the "in-laws" over the New Years holiday. There really isn't a lot of plot other than watching the relationship and listening to Skylar waffle over his feelings of being trapped. He knows he feels something for Keith, but he has abandonment issues and relationship fears that he must work through.

[Tj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bunch of smaller stories put together by the author to go between books. If you aren't reading the series they aren't much. I think they are well written shorts. Skyler and Keith are well portrayed you can actually see a lot of the characters for shorts.

I will admit Skyler isn't shown in good light in these shorts. He is constantly doubting his relationship but getting angry about others doubting it. Keith is Keith. He is almost portrayed as "Saintly" in these stories.

In the end it is a fun little read for the series.

[Neet]

These are a series of novellas that follow Sky and Keith thru the holidays. We follow Keith and Skye taking the big step of living together. Skye is the constant perfectionist and loves his orderly life, he wonders if he's really ready for Keith who is in. A short word a slob. I love how we witness watching both men compromising and also finding time for hot sex. I love this book, it's a nice fun read and anytime with Skye, Keith and his friends is a pleasure.

[*Bohemian* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wthout the mystery element this was different. No interruptions for the relationship stuff. It was a wonderful collection of holiday vinegettes. I'm a huge fan of Skyler Fox by now. He's absolutely one of the funniest and cutest characters I've ever read. i can so understand why Keith is so smitten with him.

Meeting the in-laws was a blast! It brought depth to Keith's character too, till now he's been a bit mysterious.

[Christina Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

***audiobook review***

i listened to this book over the thanksgiving holiday - it was absolutely perfect for that. this might be my favorite story of the series so far! i love how far keith and skyler have come...and cannot wait for more from them! i think i had a smile on my face through the whole story!

joel leslie's performance was absolutely perfect as always. i cannot even imagine anyone else performing this series - he just nails it!