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Skyler Foxe Mysteries #4
Foxe Fire
Can out-and-proud high school teacher Skyler Foxe find the Redlands firebug before he falls prey to a killer?
High school English teacher Skyler Foxe is now out and proud, even though a few months ago he had no intention of being so. But since the cat is now out of the bag, he embraces it as well as his boyfriend, head football coach, Keith Fletcher. But who is that good-looking gay parent hanging around Keith, causing mischief at the school as well as in Skyler's private life? And then someone from Skyler's past returns, stirring up trouble. Add to that a firebug and suddenly everyone seems up to no good, especially when a smoldering corpse is found outside of the local gay bar. Skyler can't help himself and he gets up to his old sleuthing tricks once more.
High school English teacher Skyler Foxe is now out and proud, even though a few months ago he had no intention of being so. But since the cat is now out of the bag, he embraces it as well as his boyfriend, head football coach, Keith Fletcher. But who is that good-looking gay parent hanging around Keith, causing mischief at the school as well as in Skyler's private life? And then someone from Skyler's past returns, stirring up trouble. Add to that a firebug and suddenly everyone seems up to no good, especially when a smoldering corpse is found outside of the local gay bar. Skyler can't help himself and he gets up to his old sleuthing tricks once more.
280 pages, ebook
First published January 23, 2014
4 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Haley Walsh
22 books160 followersHaley 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 29, 2017
3.75 stars rounded up
Look at that, I returned to this series after 5 years!! And apparently, apart for a couple of things that frustrated me, I had fun reading this.
What I enjoyed
+ The new SFC member ... well hello, Dave, the firefighter *wave*
+ Skyler is awesome with his kids. He's always awesome with his kids, which is why I'm always teamSkyler
+ WE HAVE A CAT IN SIGHT! NAMED FISHBREATH!
+ The writing and the flow of this story; it's easy and entertaining...
What I didn't enjoy
+ That stubborn jerk named Keith. Seriously! I had problems with him in the previous book. I had problem with him now. Let's hope that Keith meant what he said when he apologized to Skyler this time *grumbles*
+ I didn't like the whole "everyone's gay" trope that seemed to come to the surface with the victim, the suspect, and of course the thorn that came between Skyler and Keith.
The mystery was all right... though I wasn't too invested with guessing the perpetrator.
Guess I need to catch up with book #5-#7 now.
Look at that, I returned to this series after 5 years!! And apparently, apart for a couple of things that frustrated me, I had fun reading this.
What I enjoyed
+ The new SFC member ... well hello, Dave, the firefighter *wave*
+ Skyler is awesome with his kids. He's always awesome with his kids, which is why I'm always teamSkyler
+ WE HAVE A CAT IN SIGHT! NAMED FISHBREATH!
+ The writing and the flow of this story; it's easy and entertaining...
What I didn't enjoy
+ That stubborn jerk named Keith. Seriously! I had problems with him in the previous book. I had problem with him now. Let's hope that Keith meant what he said when he apologized to Skyler this time *grumbles*
+ I didn't like the whole "everyone's gay" trope that seemed to come to the surface with the victim, the suspect, and of course the thorn that came between Skyler and Keith.
The mystery was all right... though I wasn't too invested with guessing the perpetrator.
Guess I need to catch up with book #5-#7 now.
September 10, 2017
4 stars for another great installment in the Skyler Foxe Mystery Series!
When a number of fires are observed in the area, Skyler is once again unable to tame his impulse to investigate. And I have to say, that the mystery in this one has been very interesting - in my eyes, it has been the best so far!
In addition to a good mystery, Foxe Fire is offering a new member to the SFC and I once again enjoyed the dynamics within the friends group a lot - all the secondary characters are worth reading about. Besides the ever-present group of friends, Skyler is suprised by the visit of his father in this installment and it was great to get to know more about this aspect in Skyler's life - it is making his reactions in the emotional department a lot more understandable.
And what about the relationship between Keith and Skyler? Well let's say, that it isn't easy in this one - the sudden aquisition of a new pet and Skyler's past are putting Keith on edge. A big misunderstanding is standing between Keith and Skyler and I really wanted them to get past it. I am looking forward to the further development of their relationship!
When a number of fires are observed in the area, Skyler is once again unable to tame his impulse to investigate. And I have to say, that the mystery in this one has been very interesting - in my eyes, it has been the best so far!
In addition to a good mystery, Foxe Fire is offering a new member to the SFC and I once again enjoyed the dynamics within the friends group a lot - all the secondary characters are worth reading about. Besides the ever-present group of friends, Skyler is suprised by the visit of his father in this installment and it was great to get to know more about this aspect in Skyler's life - it is making his reactions in the emotional department a lot more understandable.
And what about the relationship between Keith and Skyler? Well let's say, that it isn't easy in this one - the sudden aquisition of a new pet and Skyler's past are putting Keith on edge. A big misunderstanding is standing between Keith and Skyler and I really wanted them to get past it. I am looking forward to the further development of their relationship!
December 5, 2016
I admit it! I’m now a Skyler Foxe junkie, completely addicted to this series and its characters. I have now reached the point of no return. When I move on to the next book and hear Sklyer, Keith, Jamie, Sidney, Phillip and Rudolfo, it’s like coming home to old friends. A crazy bunch but friends with whom I now feel totally at home with.
In this next instalment all I can say is, “Drama, drama, drama!” By far one of the best books on the relationship front which got me angry with Keith this time. Geez, stubborn, jealous men and their lack or unwillingness to communicate and that doesn’t matter whether gay or straight. Men are not easy by no means. Skyler in my opinion can tend towards the drama queen scale a little, that's why I love him so much, but in this book his drama is justified. The honeymoon period with their relationship seems to be over and just to add the cherry on top of the cake his father turns up out of the blue after a complete absence from his life since Skyler was 13 years old.
So the test of any relationship is keeping the fire of romance burning when the nine-to-five trot sets in, when the coming home from work knackered and tired means that maybe the sex life suffers a little. When the bonking like bunnies phase has died down because you’re now living with each other and another routine, namely the Monday to Friday one takes over. As this is all new territory for Skyler then his insecurities start to get the better of him. I did have a smile on my face though thinking that this is what everyone experiences in life who are in a long term committed relationship. It did leave me rolling my eyes at Skyler too sometimes thinking he should stop being such a drama queen and he should realise what he has in Keith. Well, their relationship is put to the test by a new coach at the school who is gay and his advances towards Keith makes Skyler even the more insecure. Had to laugh though that when the attentions of the new coach turn to Skyler then due to one not so funny incident Keith gets an jealously attack and everything goes pear shaped for them from there on in. The lesson they both have to learn here is trust and to listen to each other. To know that others will always make advances and try to flirt with both but if you have trust and understanding in a relationship than neither one had nothing to fear. Keith has serious issues on the jealous front and behaves like a jolted lover, after seeing something he didn’t like with Sklyer and then completely goes in a sulk like a kid drawing all kinds of conclusions due to his lack of not being able to talk. Geez, I wanted bang both their heads together. But by the end of the book all’s well that ends well and I feel their relationship has now moved beyond the honeymoon phase and onto a new level, a lot of insecurities were cleared up and now they should technically know what they have with each other.
However, if coping with Keith’s little jealousy tantrums isn’t bad enough Sklyer’s dad is back in town. What do you do? Forgive and forget or send him packing and still ignore his existence? Not an easy question for anyone and I loved how all this played out. Skyler like most at the beginning is angry and indignant, I mean who wouldn’t be? But eventually Skyler comes round, listens to what his dad has to say and gives him a chance. He doesn’t make it easy for his dad, why should he? But after listening to his dad he realises that he is actually more like his dad than he wishes to admit. His dad is a bit of a philanderer to say the least and Skyler knows he was also a tart until he met Keith behaving very much like his dad. But a lot of his issues for having problems committing to a relationship actually comes from his dad leaving his mum when he was thirteen and having no contact since then. So what happens next? Mum knows his dad is back in town but why? Well, again all this sorts itself out and not in a way Skyler expected either. When Skyler and Keith invite his dad and mum to dinner one evening it had me laughing again with the dialogues. It was like the parents are now acting like the children and Skyler is the adult making sure that a truce is called. But that was exactly what was needed to clear the air after all these years. You see? Communication and talking once again being the key to most problems.
But it wouldn’t be a Skyler Foxe Mystery without a few dead bodies and a mystery to be solved. Once again Skyler must be the most unfortunate person on this planet to always end up somewhere where a dead body has been discovered under suspicious circumstances. It’s not long before Skyler starts getting that feeling that not all seems to be as it should and his curiosity once again leads him into danger and the SFC while trying to find out who has been setting fires around Redlands and why one fire when put out by the local fire brigade also turns up the body of a dead woman. I just love it when Skyler gets the SFC drawn into his antics as well and this time they now have a new member in the SFC, a fireman called Dave. When it becomes obvious that Dan is attracted to Jamie then the merry band now officially becomes a team of five. Enid Blyton eat your heart out, give me the SFC any day. As for Sidney? Love her! She sticks with Skyler through thick and thin like best friends should but he also drives her to distraction with his meddling too.
I just love how Haley Walsh balances out the murder/mystery plot with Skyler’s relationship and social dramas. A great mix that keeps the reader / listener thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. I’ve enjoyed every single book and can’t wait to go on to the next. I love the characters and how they’ve develop and at the end of every book I’m always left with a deep sense of satisfaction that I have once again been treated to another delightful adventure with Skyler and his gang. If you haven't started this series yet then I can only highly recommend you do.
NARRATION
Again nothing to add here except that Joel’s performances have been steady and consistent. His voice characterisations are excellent. His voice has now grown on me like being wrapped up in comfy blanket when I get to hear Skyler and his friends. Therefore I have now bumped the narration star rating up to a well deserved 5 stars.
In this next instalment all I can say is, “Drama, drama, drama!” By far one of the best books on the relationship front which got me angry with Keith this time. Geez, stubborn, jealous men and their lack or unwillingness to communicate and that doesn’t matter whether gay or straight. Men are not easy by no means. Skyler in my opinion can tend towards the drama queen scale a little, that's why I love him so much, but in this book his drama is justified. The honeymoon period with their relationship seems to be over and just to add the cherry on top of the cake his father turns up out of the blue after a complete absence from his life since Skyler was 13 years old.
So the test of any relationship is keeping the fire of romance burning when the nine-to-five trot sets in, when the coming home from work knackered and tired means that maybe the sex life suffers a little. When the bonking like bunnies phase has died down because you’re now living with each other and another routine, namely the Monday to Friday one takes over. As this is all new territory for Skyler then his insecurities start to get the better of him. I did have a smile on my face though thinking that this is what everyone experiences in life who are in a long term committed relationship. It did leave me rolling my eyes at Skyler too sometimes thinking he should stop being such a drama queen and he should realise what he has in Keith. Well, their relationship is put to the test by a new coach at the school who is gay and his advances towards Keith makes Skyler even the more insecure. Had to laugh though that when the attentions of the new coach turn to Skyler then due to one not so funny incident Keith gets an jealously attack and everything goes pear shaped for them from there on in. The lesson they both have to learn here is trust and to listen to each other. To know that others will always make advances and try to flirt with both but if you have trust and understanding in a relationship than neither one had nothing to fear. Keith has serious issues on the jealous front and behaves like a jolted lover, after seeing something he didn’t like with Sklyer and then completely goes in a sulk like a kid drawing all kinds of conclusions due to his lack of not being able to talk. Geez, I wanted bang both their heads together. But by the end of the book all’s well that ends well and I feel their relationship has now moved beyond the honeymoon phase and onto a new level, a lot of insecurities were cleared up and now they should technically know what they have with each other.
However, if coping with Keith’s little jealousy tantrums isn’t bad enough Sklyer’s dad is back in town. What do you do? Forgive and forget or send him packing and still ignore his existence? Not an easy question for anyone and I loved how all this played out. Skyler like most at the beginning is angry and indignant, I mean who wouldn’t be? But eventually Skyler comes round, listens to what his dad has to say and gives him a chance. He doesn’t make it easy for his dad, why should he? But after listening to his dad he realises that he is actually more like his dad than he wishes to admit. His dad is a bit of a philanderer to say the least and Skyler knows he was also a tart until he met Keith behaving very much like his dad. But a lot of his issues for having problems committing to a relationship actually comes from his dad leaving his mum when he was thirteen and having no contact since then. So what happens next? Mum knows his dad is back in town but why? Well, again all this sorts itself out and not in a way Skyler expected either. When Skyler and Keith invite his dad and mum to dinner one evening it had me laughing again with the dialogues. It was like the parents are now acting like the children and Skyler is the adult making sure that a truce is called. But that was exactly what was needed to clear the air after all these years. You see? Communication and talking once again being the key to most problems.
But it wouldn’t be a Skyler Foxe Mystery without a few dead bodies and a mystery to be solved. Once again Skyler must be the most unfortunate person on this planet to always end up somewhere where a dead body has been discovered under suspicious circumstances. It’s not long before Skyler starts getting that feeling that not all seems to be as it should and his curiosity once again leads him into danger and the SFC while trying to find out who has been setting fires around Redlands and why one fire when put out by the local fire brigade also turns up the body of a dead woman. I just love it when Skyler gets the SFC drawn into his antics as well and this time they now have a new member in the SFC, a fireman called Dave. When it becomes obvious that Dan is attracted to Jamie then the merry band now officially becomes a team of five. Enid Blyton eat your heart out, give me the SFC any day. As for Sidney? Love her! She sticks with Skyler through thick and thin like best friends should but he also drives her to distraction with his meddling too.
I just love how Haley Walsh balances out the murder/mystery plot with Skyler’s relationship and social dramas. A great mix that keeps the reader / listener thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. I’ve enjoyed every single book and can’t wait to go on to the next. I love the characters and how they’ve develop and at the end of every book I’m always left with a deep sense of satisfaction that I have once again been treated to another delightful adventure with Skyler and his gang. If you haven't started this series yet then I can only highly recommend you do.
NARRATION
Again nothing to add here except that Joel’s performances have been steady and consistent. His voice characterisations are excellent. His voice has now grown on me like being wrapped up in comfy blanket when I get to hear Skyler and his friends. Therefore I have now bumped the narration star rating up to a well deserved 5 stars.
March 1, 2016
My favorite TSTL English teacher / amateur sleuth Skyler Foxe is back! This series is just plain fun to listen to. Part of that is due to the wonderful performance of narrator Joel Leslie, but mostly it's due to Haley Walsh dependably writing interesting characters and plots.
Foxe Fire has multiple plots happening, including a firebug in Redlands and a couple of murders, both of which Sklyer Foxe insinuates himself into the middle of once again. I swear, if this character wasn't so damn likable, I'd wish he was real just so I could strangle him to death. The situations he gets himself into. Seriously TSTL. But Walsh makes it fun to read/listen to Skyler's latest shenanigans, and, of course, Skyler's friends from the SFC ("Skyler Fuck Club") are around to wade into the deep end with him. There is such a great ensemble cast to these stories.
My only negative was the miscommunication between Skyler and boyfriend Keith that drove me a little insane and took a while to clear up. Otherwise, this was just good fun.
As for the narration, one of the things about Joel Leslie that consistently fascinates and amazes me is just how many distinct character voices he does, and does well. I love how immersive his narration is, drawing me into each story and keeping my interest until "the end". He's reliably entertaining to listen to and I always enjoy his performance.
Bottom line: Fun, silly, humorous, sexy, and sometimes over the top, this mystery series keeps getting better with one of the most endearing TSTL characters who manages to keep growing on me.
Audio copy of Foxe Fire (Skyler Foxe Mysteries #4) provided by Author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
February 14, 2014
It was nice to see Skyler and Keith again. I always found them likable guys and I fell in love with their relationship as well as as them as individual characters.
It was a bit of a relief when I started this book because I knew there wouldn't be a cliffhanger and stuff. Still, that doesn't mean the book ran smoothly and it was sad to see the thing with Zach spiral out of control. I really thought it would be the other way around... but it wasn't, and it kind of threw me and it also made me sad. Still, I guess it could have been worse. But it was a little niggle I had with the book.
Other than the above, I loved it! It was nice to see the family element in it. And the not so surprising thing with Skylar's dad and mom. And then the new member of the SFC. I am starting to wonder if that club will get much bigger. And then I wonder how Keith will handle that.Hopefully better than he handled the whole Zach thing.
So overall, this was another great book in the series! I am having such a great time reading these books and I hope the next book comes out soon.
It was a bit of a relief when I started this book because I knew there wouldn't be a cliffhanger and stuff. Still, that doesn't mean the book ran smoothly and it was sad to see the thing with Zach spiral out of control. I really thought it would be the other way around... but it wasn't, and it kind of threw me and it also made me sad. Still, I guess it could have been worse. But it was a little niggle I had with the book.
Other than the above, I loved it! It was nice to see the family element in it. And the not so surprising thing with Skylar's dad and mom. And then the new member of the SFC. I am starting to wonder if that club will get much bigger. And then I wonder how Keith will handle that.
So overall, this was another great book in the series! I am having such a great time reading these books and I hope the next book comes out soon.
February 7, 2014
Great read, loved it - although a few things got on my nerves. Sydney pushing regarding things that were not hers to push, I really didn't like it and Skyler should have just said 'no'. Keith being stubborn again, and as it felt for quite some time, was another sore point for me. I hope in the next story that will be a non issue. I also found it rather farfetched that all these kids with gay parents appeared out of nowhere.
Nevertheless - Skyler is such a nice, cute and funny guy, his posse of friends is too funny, even Keith had his moments although not that many in this book:) The end was satisfying and I even liked the epilogue.
Well, the whole thing kept me entertained and I couldn't stop reading and now I'm waiting for the next book. Hopefully not too long!
Nevertheless - Skyler is such a nice, cute and funny guy, his posse of friends is too funny, even Keith had his moments although not that many in this book:) The end was satisfying and I even liked the epilogue.
Well, the whole thing kept me entertained and I couldn't stop reading and now I'm waiting for the next book. Hopefully not too long!
July 18, 2020
I think I liked this one best so far...even if Skyler's sleuthing is kinda ridiculous. I mean, how does one find themselves in these kind of predicaments? Luck? (And would that be Good or Bad?)
Anyway, loved the relationship development (and the TALKING! - so refreshing!) and everything that is the SFC. Seriously, these guys could (and should) have their own spin-off novellas. (That's a hint HW, just in case you're wondering!) Of course there's the obligatory hate-motivated crime, which is getting a little old, but this particular installment was published in 2014; had I read/listened to it then I might not have been so burned out.
Also, would love to have Keith's POV sometimes, but just as Jory is the focus of Mary's MoT books, Skyler is the protagonist and he's quite lovable...if frustrating at times. And finally we get to the ILUs!
Anyway, loved the relationship development (and the TALKING! - so refreshing!) and everything that is the SFC. Seriously, these guys could (and should) have their own spin-off novellas. (That's a hint HW, just in case you're wondering!) Of course there's the obligatory hate-motivated crime, which is getting a little old, but this particular installment was published in 2014; had I read/listened to it then I might not have been so burned out.
Also, would love to have Keith's POV sometimes, but just as Jory is the focus of Mary's MoT books, Skyler is the protagonist and he's quite lovable...if frustrating at times. And finally we get to the ILUs!
June 2, 2016
3.5 stars due to the fact this has my most hated trope in it... the Big Misunderstanding Caused by a Lack of Communication. JL don't play like that. TALK YOUR SHIT OUT!
Without this it would have been 4.5 stars. The rest of this book was fab!
December 16, 2018
Re-read December 2018
January 14, 2018
I really enjoyed going back to this series. There's something comforting and fun about it.
As always, Skyler finds himself smack dab in the middle of trouble when a firebug keeps starting fires wherever he goes. And to make matters worse he stumbles across a dead body after a night out with his friends. In typical Skylar fashion, he needs to investigate matters, and as always things might not go exactly as planned….
Are these books credible? No, not in the least. Does that matter? Not at all, I enjoy them all the same, they are true comfort reads and perfect to cuddle up with on a cold winter day.
As always, Skyler finds himself smack dab in the middle of trouble when a firebug keeps starting fires wherever he goes. And to make matters worse he stumbles across a dead body after a night out with his friends. In typical Skylar fashion, he needs to investigate matters, and as always things might not go exactly as planned….
Are these books credible? No, not in the least. Does that matter? Not at all, I enjoy them all the same, they are true comfort reads and perfect to cuddle up with on a cold winter day.
February 6, 2018
Love this series! Keith and Skyler are adorable and Sidney & the SFC are the bomb!!
June 13, 2016
I liked this book way more than I thought I would. Here you've got a gay man repeatedly thrust into investigating murder and intrigue all the while navigating his own turbulent life. I was a big fan of the Holmes and Moriarity series so this one was along the same vein.
Skyler is a recently outed high school English teacher who for some reason keeps getting in the middle of and involved in the investigations of murder much to the chagrin of his hunky boyfriend Keith who besides coaching at the same high school is also an FBI agent on the side. In this installment, Skyler is faced with multiple counts of arson along with murder. At the same time, he has to deal with the return of his estranged father who left when he was a teenager, and drama with his boyfriend Keith.
I really like Skyler and Keith (to some extent) and I can't wait to get the next book.
Skyler is a recently outed high school English teacher who for some reason keeps getting in the middle of and involved in the investigations of murder much to the chagrin of his hunky boyfriend Keith who besides coaching at the same high school is also an FBI agent on the side. In this installment, Skyler is faced with multiple counts of arson along with murder. At the same time, he has to deal with the return of his estranged father who left when he was a teenager, and drama with his boyfriend Keith.
I really like Skyler and Keith (to some extent) and I can't wait to get the next book.
January 30, 2014
Another amazing chapter in the Skyler Foxe Mysteries! This is one of my favorites series and this installment keeps up the high level. Haley Walsh keeps the story fast-paced and exciting with the mystery but also nicely handles the maturing relationship between Skyler and Keith. The SFC is present as always to keep me laughing and I hope to see continued development of their story lines as well.
January 31, 2014
The not-talking-about-the-big-misunderstanding is getting tiredsome, but overall I liked this
January 15, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Before the review, let me just say that I have never read any of the Skyler Foxe Mysteries. Imagine my surprise when I found myself taking this chance to read the fourth and loving it.
I found myself totally enjoying this read. Not once did I get lost in the characters involved, in the story and time line and in the plot. I got myself dragged into the posse that was the SFC and got so miffed with Keith. I really wanted to ask Skyler why he was still with that one. I never knew who these people were and I still got sucked in deep.
Reading a book from the fourth installment and not having a background on any of the three previous ones was a dangerous move on my part. My excuse was that I was so enchanted with the blurb I just wanted to take the chance. I thought if I got lost along the way, I could just go back to the other three. Well, my fears were unfounded. Written the way this one is, any reader coming in to the series at this point will never get lost, whether it concerns the other characters or the plot itself.
In Foxe Fire, Skyler Foxe gets into some pretty big trouble on the personal side of things as well as on the mysterious side.
Lets start with the mystery. Somehow, this guy is like a mystery magnet, finding himself dragged into arsons, stalkings and murders. These events are supposedly unrelated and yet they seemed to be and yet not - it was confusing but so much fun. I loved the way the whole thing meshed together and I loved getting involved with the investigation a la Skyler+SFC Posse. When the mystery is finally solved, I was just glad Skyler and his gang survived that experience.
Now for the romantic side? Keith reminded me so much of someone I personally disliked and I nearly lost it when he started showing the same traits. This almost ruined the book for me, but I calmed down eventually when Keith redeemed himself. I was pacified. Somewhat. I wanted him to prove himself and I am glad to say that he did. I hope he does not pull this stunt in the next installment. He'd better not! The anger Skyler showed Keith at this behavior was just hinted at but it did show us readers that this man will survive and continue to survive with or without Keith. Well, it would be sad if it were without Keith, but he will. Good for Keith he saw the error of his ways and will behave from now on. I think Keith will lose out more should he let go of Skyler. He would be stupid to.
I wonder what happens in the next book?
Overall, I loved Foxe Fire. Now I know, I will have to hunt down the previous installments and get the real stories behind this one.
I have to laud author Haley Walsh. Not once did I get lost on the back stories. I jumped in and just enjoyed the whole thing and was not left wanting. This is rare, and quite an ability as an author.
**Review based on an eARC sent by author.
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Before the review, let me just say that I have never read any of the Skyler Foxe Mysteries. Imagine my surprise when I found myself taking this chance to read the fourth and loving it.
I found myself totally enjoying this read. Not once did I get lost in the characters involved, in the story and time line and in the plot. I got myself dragged into the posse that was the SFC and got so miffed with Keith. I really wanted to ask Skyler why he was still with that one. I never knew who these people were and I still got sucked in deep.
Reading a book from the fourth installment and not having a background on any of the three previous ones was a dangerous move on my part. My excuse was that I was so enchanted with the blurb I just wanted to take the chance. I thought if I got lost along the way, I could just go back to the other three. Well, my fears were unfounded. Written the way this one is, any reader coming in to the series at this point will never get lost, whether it concerns the other characters or the plot itself.
In Foxe Fire, Skyler Foxe gets into some pretty big trouble on the personal side of things as well as on the mysterious side.
Lets start with the mystery. Somehow, this guy is like a mystery magnet, finding himself dragged into arsons, stalkings and murders. These events are supposedly unrelated and yet they seemed to be and yet not - it was confusing but so much fun. I loved the way the whole thing meshed together and I loved getting involved with the investigation a la Skyler+SFC Posse. When the mystery is finally solved, I was just glad Skyler and his gang survived that experience.
Now for the romantic side? Keith reminded me so much of someone I personally disliked and I nearly lost it when he started showing the same traits. This almost ruined the book for me, but I calmed down eventually when Keith redeemed himself. I was pacified. Somewhat. I wanted him to prove himself and I am glad to say that he did. I hope he does not pull this stunt in the next installment. He'd better not! The anger Skyler showed Keith at this behavior was just hinted at but it did show us readers that this man will survive and continue to survive with or without Keith. Well, it would be sad if it were without Keith, but he will. Good for Keith he saw the error of his ways and will behave from now on. I think Keith will lose out more should he let go of Skyler. He would be stupid to.
I wonder what happens in the next book?
Overall, I loved Foxe Fire. Now I know, I will have to hunt down the previous installments and get the real stories behind this one.
I have to laud author Haley Walsh. Not once did I get lost on the back stories. I jumped in and just enjoyed the whole thing and was not left wanting. This is rare, and quite an ability as an author.
**Review based on an eARC sent by author.
February 7, 2014
A review for Hearts on Fire Reviews
3.5 Stars
Fire Foxe is book four of a series. It’s about Skyler Foxe a high school teacher that frequently finds himself in the middle of drama of one kind or another. He seems to attract it like a magnet, fortunately or unfortunately, he has a knack at figuring out the ‘who done it’ but that it puts him danger.
My rating reflects the fact that in my opinion this is not a standalone story. I find when the same character is the focus of each book, like this one is, you tend to miss out on history that my not necessarily be vital to the story but it’s certainly important to understanding the MC’s personal life. In this one there were a few things that I felt I’d missed, like what was the story around his meeting Keith, his live-in boyfriend? And what’s going on with his group of friends, all of whom Skyler has slept with? There were little hints and I did get the jist of what happened in previous books but there were more than a few times I felt like I walked into the middle of a conversation and had to fill in the blanks to catch up to whatever was happening.
I also had one niggle about Skyler, the issue was his maturity. I was confused about his age and I don’t mean the number, sometimes he was a grownup and other times I thought he came across as someone very young, more like a teenager than a young man in his early 20’s.
That aside I liked Skyler and the story, his relationship with Keith isn’t a huge romance but an easy going coupling, I’m assuming that’s because their story is in one of the previous books. The secondary characters were fun and there were a few I would like to have gotten to know better. The mystery wasn’t anything new but it worked, it was neither over the top nor boring and moved along at a good pace.
I wish I had read the previous books before I read this one. I will go back and start from the beginning, this one interested me enough to do that but if you haven’t read the previous 3 books I’d recommend that you do before tackling Fire Foxe. If you have been following this series I’m sure you’ll find it a good addition to the ongoing story of Skyler Foxe.
3.5 Stars
Fire Foxe is book four of a series. It’s about Skyler Foxe a high school teacher that frequently finds himself in the middle of drama of one kind or another. He seems to attract it like a magnet, fortunately or unfortunately, he has a knack at figuring out the ‘who done it’ but that it puts him danger.
My rating reflects the fact that in my opinion this is not a standalone story. I find when the same character is the focus of each book, like this one is, you tend to miss out on history that my not necessarily be vital to the story but it’s certainly important to understanding the MC’s personal life. In this one there were a few things that I felt I’d missed, like what was the story around his meeting Keith, his live-in boyfriend? And what’s going on with his group of friends, all of whom Skyler has slept with? There were little hints and I did get the jist of what happened in previous books but there were more than a few times I felt like I walked into the middle of a conversation and had to fill in the blanks to catch up to whatever was happening.
I also had one niggle about Skyler, the issue was his maturity. I was confused about his age and I don’t mean the number, sometimes he was a grownup and other times I thought he came across as someone very young, more like a teenager than a young man in his early 20’s.
That aside I liked Skyler and the story, his relationship with Keith isn’t a huge romance but an easy going coupling, I’m assuming that’s because their story is in one of the previous books. The secondary characters were fun and there were a few I would like to have gotten to know better. The mystery wasn’t anything new but it worked, it was neither over the top nor boring and moved along at a good pace.
I wish I had read the previous books before I read this one. I will go back and start from the beginning, this one interested me enough to do that but if you haven’t read the previous 3 books I’d recommend that you do before tackling Fire Foxe. If you have been following this series I’m sure you’ll find it a good addition to the ongoing story of Skyler Foxe.
August 27, 2018
3.5 stars
This one was still fun but not quite up to snuff with the first three as far as the mystery was concerned. I guess I got spoiled with the first three having their own individual mysteries as well as one long over-arching mystery. This was more like Veronica Mars Season 3, where the execs thought having smaller mysteries would be better for keeping an audience, but it really made you wonder why anyone would go to that school. Sort of like I wonder why anyone would be friends with Skyler, because he's seriously TSTL sometimes.
And yet, we get a new inductee into the SFC, and he's just as crazy as the rest of them. :D Jamie gets a boyfriend, and Philip and Rodolfo continue to be perfect opposites for each other. It was fun meeting Fishbreath and there's a surprise development in Skyler's family life when his estranged father shows up. There's also some drama with Keith that made me want to smack him upside the head, and I think he needed to grovel a little more than he did. Some of the plots with the students and mystery were a little too similar, and even though it was lampshaded it felt rather convenient to me, sort of like those 7th Heaven episodes where everyone's getting the same moral lesson at the same time.
The narrator has improved a lot from those first two shaky performances. He changed some of the voices here, though that could be due to the gap in recording.
Looking forward to the next one!
This one was still fun but not quite up to snuff with the first three as far as the mystery was concerned. I guess I got spoiled with the first three having their own individual mysteries as well as one long over-arching mystery. This was more like Veronica Mars Season 3, where the execs thought having smaller mysteries would be better for keeping an audience, but it really made you wonder why anyone would go to that school. Sort of like I wonder why anyone would be friends with Skyler, because he's seriously TSTL sometimes.
And yet, we get a new inductee into the SFC, and he's just as crazy as the rest of them. :D Jamie gets a boyfriend, and Philip and Rodolfo continue to be perfect opposites for each other. It was fun meeting Fishbreath and there's a surprise development in Skyler's family life when his estranged father shows up. There's also some drama with Keith that made me want to smack him upside the head, and I think he needed to grovel a little more than he did. Some of the plots with the students and mystery were a little too similar, and even though it was lampshaded it felt rather convenient to me, sort of like those 7th Heaven episodes where everyone's getting the same moral lesson at the same time.
The narrator has improved a lot from those first two shaky performances. He changed some of the voices here, though that could be due to the gap in recording.
Looking forward to the next one!
April 14, 2014
3.5 Stars
This story stands alone from the first three Skylar Foxe stories but you do need to read them first to get a grip on the characters. Yet again in this one Skylar is heading away from his classroom to bumble around in a criminal investigation, with the SFC along for the ride. Sidney, his best friend and detective doesn't feature as heavily in this one - which I think is a pity - and there is a little more focus on his relationship with Keith, including the whole not discussing things and stomping off in a strop like a teenager. Over all it's another fun light read but nothing particularly special
This story stands alone from the first three Skylar Foxe stories but you do need to read them first to get a grip on the characters. Yet again in this one Skylar is heading away from his classroom to bumble around in a criminal investigation, with the SFC along for the ride. Sidney, his best friend and detective doesn't feature as heavily in this one - which I think is a pity - and there is a little more focus on his relationship with Keith, including the whole not discussing things and stomping off in a strop like a teenager. Over all it's another fun light read but nothing particularly special
February 8, 2017
Wow! Best one yet. If you haven't tried out the Skyler Foxe Mysteries yet, go find Foxe Tail and you'll soon be drawn into Skyler's world and surrounded by his wonderful friends. Looking forward to the next book Desert Foxe. Skyler, Keith and the gang in Palm Springs? What could possibly go wrong? LOL!
February 21, 2014
5 stars
I love this book :)
I love Skyler & Keith.
More, please !!!
I love this book :)
I love Skyler & Keith.
More, please !!!
June 18, 2015
Another brilliant book in what has become my favorite running mystery series. Must read for any Skyler Foxe fans ;)
July 25, 2016
***Audiobook***Narrated by Joel Leslie***Another 5-star installment of Skyler and friends. I am so in love with this audiobook series. Highly recommend!!
December 20, 2018
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Skyler and Keith and the SFC are back in a brand new adventure! Skyler does stupid things for (mostly) good intentions! Skyler gets warned by his friends to not do stupid things but does them anyway! Skyler almost gets seriously harmed ignoring the advice of all and sundry! And his friends, in spite of warning Skyler that what he is doing is dangerous, and that he shouldn't be doing it, do it themselves!
So, just another average adventure in Skyler's universe. In spite of Skyler's TSTL tendencies, I still like him and his friends. Maybe I just like banging my head on the wall in frustration at the total lack of common sense? *shrugs*
There is a firebug in the community, and Skyler thinks he knows who it is. There is also a firefighter being stalked, and dead bodies. And Skyler's long lost father turns up, with mixed feelings on Skyler's part. Another member gets added to the SFC, and Skyler and Keith inherit a cat, when Keith is a dog person.
Two things I did actually have an issue with were as follows: the fact that Skyler was told by his friends to talk to Keith, and he didn't, and that Keith was the one who seemed to be making all the compromises in their relationship. Skyler was actually pretty whiny about it, and thought that he had given up things, when everything was really all going the way he was comfortable with, without much, if any, consideration for Keith.
Review: Skyler and Keith and the SFC are back in a brand new adventure! Skyler does stupid things for (mostly) good intentions! Skyler gets warned by his friends to not do stupid things but does them anyway! Skyler almost gets seriously harmed ignoring the advice of all and sundry! And his friends, in spite of warning Skyler that what he is doing is dangerous, and that he shouldn't be doing it, do it themselves!
So, just another average adventure in Skyler's universe. In spite of Skyler's TSTL tendencies, I still like him and his friends. Maybe I just like banging my head on the wall in frustration at the total lack of common sense? *shrugs*
There is a firebug in the community, and Skyler thinks he knows who it is. There is also a firefighter being stalked, and dead bodies. And Skyler's long lost father turns up, with mixed feelings on Skyler's part. Another member gets added to the SFC, and Skyler and Keith inherit a cat, when Keith is a dog person.
Two things I did actually have an issue with were as follows: the fact that Skyler was told by his friends to talk to Keith, and he didn't, and that Keith was the one who seemed to be making all the compromises in their relationship. Skyler was actually pretty whiny about it, and thought that he had given up things, when everything was really all going the way he was comfortable with, without much, if any, consideration for Keith.
May 9, 2020
It’s another dry summer in California and Skyler Foxe gets to know some hot firemen when brush fires break out across town. There’s always a lot going on in these books and this story is no exception: Skyler has to deal with arson, family feuds, murder, and the usual unsettled teens as he juggles teaching, sleuthing, and his relationship. I love the characters in this series and I particularly like the ensemble approach where Skyler’s friends step in help him solve the mysteries. 🎧 Joel Leslie always narrates well but to have a consistent and clearly different voice for each of the ensemble characters is utterly impressive. I know exactly which character is speaking without needing to be told.
February 13, 2024
Skyler really needs to take a step back before he jumps into a situation that could get him into trouble. Attempting to put out a brush fire single handed before calling for backup starts this tale and lands him in the hospital. Keith is understandably concerned with his actions. Keith also has some real issues with jealousy over Skyler's ex's. Skyler can't seem to help himself from trying to help his students and soon finds himself wound up in some real drama. When his absent father turns up his personal life becomes even more complicated and his own trust issues about his emotions become a stumbling block. Sorting things out takes time and effort from all concerned. Will he be able to express how he really feels, will Keith learn to trust him?
December 14, 2016
Another great installment of the Skyler Foxe Mysteries! Skyler remains TSTL and his friends just go along for the ride. Too bad Keith was such a jerk in this one. The mystery in this one was good, but I did have a little bit of trouble keeping track of what was going on. Joel Leslie's narration continues to entertain and is one of the main reasons I am enjoying these books so much (I adore his Jamie and Rodolfo!).
June 30, 2017
It's been 3 years since I last read about Skyler, Keith and the SFC. At that time I liked the first 3 I read, but had enough.
Absence was a good thing. I liked this a lot. Skyler is still TSTL, but that's his character. Keith grew on me here. Still a bit of a jerk, but improving.
Absence was a good thing. I liked this a lot. Skyler is still TSTL, but that's his character. Keith grew on me here. Still a bit of a jerk, but improving.
January 2, 2024
Par for the course for this series. This book has everything you'd expect - returning characters, some new additions, and hijinks. These are fun, low investment, books with simple wrap ups and a lot of queer history.
August 19, 2018
Liked it!
Totally recommend this book to those who liked previous ones! This story is really important for Keith and Skyler's realationship in my opinion
Totally recommend this book to those who liked previous ones! This story is really important for Keith and Skyler's realationship in my opinion
December 10, 2021
You’re not a P.I.!
Always a fun time when Skyler Foxe is on the case (unofficial, of course). The SFC adds a member. Kids in trouble and more dead people. 3.75 for Cats.
Always a fun time when Skyler Foxe is on the case (unofficial, of course). The SFC adds a member. Kids in trouble and more dead people. 3.75 for Cats.
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