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Stranger on the Shore
Twenty years ago young Brian Arlington, heir to Arlington fortune, was kidnapped. Though the ransom was paid, the boy was never seen again and is presumed dead. Pierce Mather, the family lawyer, now administers and controls the Arlington billions. He's none too happy, and more than a little suspicious, when investigative journalist Griffin Hadley shows up to write about the decades-old mystery. Griff shrugs off the coldly handsome Pierce's objections, but it might not be so easy to shrug off the objections of someone willing to do anything to keep the past buried.
226 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2014
159 people are currently reading
1943 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
209 books5,416 followersAuthor of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 581 reviews
January 29, 2015
Impossible to define, Stranger on the Shore has an ethereal quality mirroring that of The Great Gatsby, which Lanyon acknowledges was an inspiration for this novel.
More mystery than romance, this book is seeped in lies, omissions, and illusions. At once a dark, sensual fairytale and a novel of suspense, the story takes us into a surreal world where nothing is as it seems.
When Griff, a young crime journalist, visits the great Arlington estate to write a book about the unsolved disappearance of 4-year-old Brian Arlington 20 years before, he isn't sure what he'll find. Griff soon realizes that everyone has a secret, even the aloof, prickly Pierce Mather, the family's lawyer and friend.
Griff has to wade through hostility and fear to find the truth, and what he finds will shake him to the core.
Brilliant and evocative, this book will hold you spellbound. Don't give up on the quiet beginning; savor it, because before you know it, you'll be breathlessly racing toward the climax.
Stranger on the Shore has it all: suspense, a 20-year-old mystery, family ties, murder, sex, memories, sunken gardens, faulty bridges, and, maybe, just maybe, redemption too.
More mystery than romance, this book is seeped in lies, omissions, and illusions. At once a dark, sensual fairytale and a novel of suspense, the story takes us into a surreal world where nothing is as it seems.
When Griff, a young crime journalist, visits the great Arlington estate to write a book about the unsolved disappearance of 4-year-old Brian Arlington 20 years before, he isn't sure what he'll find. Griff soon realizes that everyone has a secret, even the aloof, prickly Pierce Mather, the family's lawyer and friend.
Griff has to wade through hostility and fear to find the truth, and what he finds will shake him to the core.
Brilliant and evocative, this book will hold you spellbound. Don't give up on the quiet beginning; savor it, because before you know it, you'll be breathlessly racing toward the climax.
Stranger on the Shore has it all: suspense, a 20-year-old mystery, family ties, murder, sex, memories, sunken gardens, faulty bridges, and, maybe, just maybe, redemption too.
July 12, 2022
4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It's very atmospheric, it has a great setting, and the storyline is compelling.
I love characters like Griff and Pierce. I think this author writes them so well. The mystery was intriguing and made me fully invested in the story. I don't want to say more about it, because I wouldn't want to give even a hint of a spoiler.
My only complaint is that I think the resolution wasn't the strongest and the story ended too soon. I definitely wanted more. And I expected more talk. About things. 🙂
Despite the ending, I loved this story as a whole and it's one of my favourite reads by this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It's very atmospheric, it has a great setting, and the storyline is compelling.
I love characters like Griff and Pierce. I think this author writes them so well. The mystery was intriguing and made me fully invested in the story. I don't want to say more about it, because I wouldn't want to give even a hint of a spoiler.
My only complaint is that I think the resolution wasn't the strongest and the story ended too soon. I definitely wanted more. And I expected more talk. About things. 🙂
Despite the ending, I loved this story as a whole and it's one of my favourite reads by this author.
October 10, 2014
DNF @60 %. 2 stars. Review posted May 9, 2014
This gif will always remind me of Lenore. Thanks for lending it to me. :)
My update at 60 % sums up how I felt pretty accurately:
A total lack of chemistry between the MCs, no relationship development whatsoever, sex that did NOT sizzle, a mystery that didn't hold my interest (it was clear who Griff was very early on) and too much boredom led me to my conclusion to DNF Stranger on the Shore. It doesn't make sense to keep on wasting my time with something I don't enjoy. Sorry. This is my first book by Lanyon that I did not like at all.
**********************************
I'm on GR to share my love for romance books. Also, I'm not particularly into mysteries or thrillers except the stories provide a very fair amount of romance. And I mean romance not sex, although I do LOVE a titillating sex scene as much as anyone else.
This made me roll my eyes: O__O
How convenient…
And this...
That's pushing it a bit.
Overall a pretty huge disappointment. While the beginning was nice enough everything changed for the worse too soon and somewhere along the way my mind simply opted out because the story didn't engage me emotionally. Besides, I didn't care about the huge cast of secondary characters and the MCs didn't intrigue me either. I just didn't connect with them.
Movin' on...
This gif will always remind me of Lenore. Thanks for lending it to me. :)
My update at 60 % sums up how I felt pretty accurately:
A total lack of chemistry between the MCs, no relationship development whatsoever, sex that did NOT sizzle, a mystery that didn't hold my interest (it was clear who Griff was very early on) and too much boredom led me to my conclusion to DNF Stranger on the Shore. It doesn't make sense to keep on wasting my time with something I don't enjoy. Sorry. This is my first book by Lanyon that I did not like at all.
**********************************
I'm on GR to share my love for romance books. Also, I'm not particularly into mysteries or thrillers except the stories provide a very fair amount of romance. And I mean romance not sex, although I do LOVE a titillating sex scene as much as anyone else.
This made me roll my eyes: O__O
How convenient…
And this...
That's pushing it a bit.
Overall a pretty huge disappointment. While the beginning was nice enough everything changed for the worse too soon and somewhere along the way my mind simply opted out because the story didn't engage me emotionally. Besides, I didn't care about the huge cast of secondary characters and the MCs didn't intrigue me either. I just didn't connect with them.
Movin' on...
Read
August 5, 2014I have no idea what kind of rating to give this book. I might not rate it at all because I'm so severely biased that I can't think with a clear head.
Okay, honestly I hated this story. But not for anything that Lanyon did.
Background information: I have a 4 year old (almost 5) and a 2 year old. This book is about the kidnapping of a 4 year old child and the hunt for his perpetrator.
**Cue psychotic spiral of panic and irrational fear.**
No, I'm not a wealthy English-style baroness or someone in the spot light. Yes, I realize that kidnapping and crimes of that nature are extremely rare. But HOLY F*CK did this book make me break out in a cold sweat.
I stayed up half the night thinking, "If someone kidnapped my kids now, would they remember me? The smell of me, the sound of my voice? Would they know they were loved, that they were cherished?" This book had me crying and freaking out for no other reason than the HORRIBLE subject matter.
So yes, I'm completely biased when it comes to this book.
If I had to weed through my emotions and focus on the story, I'd probably say that I hated the romance as well. I didn't get the love between Griff and Pierce. Pierce was so damn shady and the jump from attraction to love was too far fetched.
Also, I'm not sure if this was supposed to be a mystery or not. I mean, the whole story (minus a few details) it pretty obvious from the get go.
Laynon's writing was predictably well done, well constructed and well edited, but this was certainly not the Lanyon for me.
I'd rather re-listen to my Adrien English audiobooks. At least I'll be safe from my own personal demons there.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Okay, honestly I hated this story. But not for anything that Lanyon did.
Background information: I have a 4 year old (almost 5) and a 2 year old. This book is about the kidnapping of a 4 year old child and the hunt for his perpetrator.
**Cue psychotic spiral of panic and irrational fear.**
No, I'm not a wealthy English-style baroness or someone in the spot light. Yes, I realize that kidnapping and crimes of that nature are extremely rare. But HOLY F*CK did this book make me break out in a cold sweat.
I stayed up half the night thinking, "If someone kidnapped my kids now, would they remember me? The smell of me, the sound of my voice? Would they know they were loved, that they were cherished?" This book had me crying and freaking out for no other reason than the HORRIBLE subject matter.
So yes, I'm completely biased when it comes to this book.
If I had to weed through my emotions and focus on the story, I'd probably say that I hated the romance as well. I didn't get the love between Griff and Pierce. Pierce was so damn shady and the jump from attraction to love was too far fetched.
Also, I'm not sure if this was supposed to be a mystery or not. I mean, the whole story (minus a few details) it pretty obvious from the get go.
Laynon's writing was predictably well done, well constructed and well edited, but this was certainly not the Lanyon for me.
I'd rather re-listen to my Adrien English audiobooks. At least I'll be safe from my own personal demons there.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
September 14, 2025
Fewer babies have captured the American conciousness like Little Baby Lindy. Charles Lindbergh Jr was kidnapped from his crib in March 1932. The demanded ransom was paid later that April but Little Lindy's body was found in May that year. Soon after, the Lindberghs inspired iconic American literature like Philip Roth's The Plot Against America and Maurice Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are. I haven't read those. I don't know if I will. But another book that was inspired by the Lindbergh kidnapping, is this underrated mystery.
The story begins with Griff going to the Arlington Estate to interview the Arlington family over the disappearance of the first grandson, Brian Arlington, twenty years prior. This is unusual because the patriarch of the family, a shark version of David Attenborough's John Hammond, Jarrett Arlington, had crushed every opportunity for Brian's disappearance to be covered. And he used his family's cudgel, and attorney, Pierce. When people first see Griff, they can see the uncanny resemblance to Brian. It's a superficial resemblance. And could be the only reason a crime beat reporter without a single manuscript under his belt, gets the most coveted gig in America. ...and these days everyone was writing a book. Except me, Lord.
The Lost Child by John George Brown, 1881.
The family is generally against the book but for varied reasons. Jarrett wants renewed interest in the disappearance. Perhaps shaking the bush would reveal something new. However, even Griff knows he's no FBI investigator or a vice detective. This is one of the few Lanyon stories that don't have a main law enforcement character. It's also unique in that a disappearance is the core mystery rather than bodies hitting the floor. (PS. This is the only time I'll be against bodies hitting the floor). Jarrett, however, implicitly believes in Griff, almost unbelievably so. Griff resigns himself to the uncharacteristic support, Nothing easier than convincing someone who wanted to believe you.
The story unfurls seductively, drip-feeding lore about the family in a way that leaves you curious about what happens to them, unpleasant as they are. This book could be Lanyon's best character work to date. Griff is an interesting lead. He's a sarcastic, quickwitted, anxiety-ridden reporter who seems younger than his 27 years. He is also a budding Marxist disgusted, not just by the Arlington's wealth, but also how out of touch they are. And he's very rightfully judgemental, a spoiled, pampered woman who... probably believed tragedy was another woman wearing the same dress to a party.
At one point, the oldest daughter, Muriel, goes on a spiel about the "Food Movement", an out of touch speech about how food production needs to be less industrial. Muriel is an armchair activist who only talks to her peers about everything wrong with the resplendent food on her plate.
The other Arlingtons are Marcus, the younger son, and Michaela the youngest daughter. Michaela has a daughter, Chloe who is at turns creepy and a poster child for disordered eating. Between Marcus and Muriel was Matthew, Brian's father. Matthew was the golden child and Jarrett's clear favourite. He worked with Jarrett at the family company and was married to an artist, Gemma. They were happy to be Brian's parents and lived on the estate with Jarrett and the other siblings when they eventually came home to roost. When Brian disappeared, many mourned with Gemma who was an ardent journaller a la Virginia Woolf and even her real life inspiration, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Charles' Jr's mama. As part of his research, Griff devoured Gemma's journals, Goes on to explain why Jarrett was so willing to let Griff investigate the whole thing.
As Griff gets closer to Jarrett, and the potential truth, many object to his progress. One person’s news story was another’s intimate secret—sometimes worth a punch or two in the nose. Some with violence, others with legalese. His love interest, Pierce, is so antagonistic that it hurts to watch Griff pine over him. They'd take two steps forward and Pierce would yank himself back provinces over. For me, this story was a lot more than just a character study of wealthy family members reminiscent of Knives Out. It's also about memory. Trauma can split memories in a way that fractures the persona. Griff sympathises with little lost Brian because all that's left of him is his memory, his ghost. His memory elicits joy, sympathy, regret. Many of these family members wished they'd done things differently. For Griff, he was raised by a mother who struggled with her mental health. This is the reason for his anxiety attacks, But he still felt sick with the crushing weight of huge and formless worry.
The characters are also afraid to hope that Brian could still be alive and out there, hope only makes it harder in the end. Even more risky, it's about taking a chance on love. Pierce has trust issues while Griff has intimacy issues. They discuss it beautifully,
On re-read, there are a lot of details that I appreciated which I never did before. I don't know what I was smoking or if I was hopped up on the folly of youth. But there's a lot I failed to simply recognise, especially about the inherent classism bleeding through the pages. The book even subtly addresses how the disappearance of an heir is covered a lot more by media and law enforcement compared to the progeny of the poorer. This book remains a firm favourite.
**********************************************************
Previous review
The story begins with Griff going to the Arlington Estate to interview the Arlington family over the disappearance of the first grandson, Brian Arlington, twenty years prior. This is unusual because the patriarch of the family, a shark version of David Attenborough's John Hammond, Jarrett Arlington, had crushed every opportunity for Brian's disappearance to be covered. And he used his family's cudgel, and attorney, Pierce. When people first see Griff, they can see the uncanny resemblance to Brian. It's a superficial resemblance. And could be the only reason a crime beat reporter without a single manuscript under his belt, gets the most coveted gig in America. ...and these days everyone was writing a book. Except me, Lord.
The Lost Child by John George Brown, 1881.
The family is generally against the book but for varied reasons. Jarrett wants renewed interest in the disappearance. Perhaps shaking the bush would reveal something new. However, even Griff knows he's no FBI investigator or a vice detective. This is one of the few Lanyon stories that don't have a main law enforcement character. It's also unique in that a disappearance is the core mystery rather than bodies hitting the floor. (PS. This is the only time I'll be against bodies hitting the floor). Jarrett, however, implicitly believes in Griff, almost unbelievably so. Griff resigns himself to the uncharacteristic support, Nothing easier than convincing someone who wanted to believe you.
The story unfurls seductively, drip-feeding lore about the family in a way that leaves you curious about what happens to them, unpleasant as they are. This book could be Lanyon's best character work to date. Griff is an interesting lead. He's a sarcastic, quickwitted, anxiety-ridden reporter who seems younger than his 27 years. He is also a budding Marxist disgusted, not just by the Arlington's wealth, but also how out of touch they are. And he's very rightfully judgemental, a spoiled, pampered woman who... probably believed tragedy was another woman wearing the same dress to a party.
At one point, the oldest daughter, Muriel, goes on a spiel about the "Food Movement", an out of touch speech about how food production needs to be less industrial. Muriel is an armchair activist who only talks to her peers about everything wrong with the resplendent food on her plate.
“Are you interested in the food movement, Mr. Hadley?” Muriel asked, after explaining his dinner to him in detail. What the heck was the food movement? Griff said warily, “I’m interested in moving food from my plate to my mouth.”The gardener even laughs at the idea of Muriel helping preserve the extensive flower gardens on the estate.
The other Arlingtons are Marcus, the younger son, and Michaela the youngest daughter. Michaela has a daughter, Chloe who is at turns creepy and a poster child for disordered eating. Between Marcus and Muriel was Matthew, Brian's father. Matthew was the golden child and Jarrett's clear favourite. He worked with Jarrett at the family company and was married to an artist, Gemma. They were happy to be Brian's parents and lived on the estate with Jarrett and the other siblings when they eventually came home to roost. When Brian disappeared, many mourned with Gemma who was an ardent journaller a la Virginia Woolf and even her real life inspiration, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Charles' Jr's mama. As part of his research, Griff devoured Gemma's journals, Goes on to explain why Jarrett was so willing to let Griff investigate the whole thing.
As Griff gets closer to Jarrett, and the potential truth, many object to his progress. One person’s news story was another’s intimate secret—sometimes worth a punch or two in the nose. Some with violence, others with legalese. His love interest, Pierce, is so antagonistic that it hurts to watch Griff pine over him. They'd take two steps forward and Pierce would yank himself back provinces over. For me, this story was a lot more than just a character study of wealthy family members reminiscent of Knives Out. It's also about memory. Trauma can split memories in a way that fractures the persona. Griff sympathises with little lost Brian because all that's left of him is his memory, his ghost. His memory elicits joy, sympathy, regret. Many of these family members wished they'd done things differently. For Griff, he was raised by a mother who struggled with her mental health. This is the reason for his anxiety attacks, But he still felt sick with the crushing weight of huge and formless worry.
The characters are also afraid to hope that Brian could still be alive and out there, hope only makes it harder in the end. Even more risky, it's about taking a chance on love. Pierce has trust issues while Griff has intimacy issues. They discuss it beautifully,
“‘Intimacy issues’ is code for ‘I haven’t met the right person.’” “And what is ‘trust issues’ code for?” Pierce held his gaze. “I’m afraid to believe I’ve met the right person.”Griff doesn't even think they have a shot. He's a regular underpaid reporter. Pierce was a wealthy lawyer. He believes they don't have anything in common, except perhaps an affinity for Jarrett. But he's told, “It doesn’t take a lot of things, it takes key things. Quality not quantity.”
On re-read, there are a lot of details that I appreciated which I never did before. I don't know what I was smoking or if I was hopped up on the folly of youth. But there's a lot I failed to simply recognise, especially about the inherent classism bleeding through the pages. The book even subtly addresses how the disappearance of an heir is covered a lot more by media and law enforcement compared to the progeny of the poorer. This book remains a firm favourite.
**********************************************************
Previous review
June 16, 2016
Written January 24, 2015
4 Stars - A solid "whodunit" with a romantic touch
Perhaps was Stranger on the Shore a bit too easily-solved old mystery, not entirely unpredictable (as my reading buddy Bev soon felt), but I still enjoyed the way to this intricate whodunit novels (pretty happy) ending and resolution.
Interesting characters, intriguing plot, a nice easy read
In other words another well written crime story with some yummy gay-men love to like. Josh Lanyon is by now a huge favorite of mine.
***********************************************
This book starts when the investigative journalist Griff Hadley arrive to the Arlington family's Long Island estate (mansion?).
Twenty years ago was four years old Brian Arlington kidnapped from his bed in the midst of a big garden party. The little boy was never seen again. A former employee (the driver) was imprisoned for kidnapping and extortion but the case was never fully resolved.
Griff has a long time been interested in that old, and in many ways still unsolved, crime case and when the Arlingtons’ old patriarch Jarrett Arlington invites him to stay at their estate to research his true crime book, Griff can’t say no.
Nearly anyone ot the Arlingtons' or of the house staff, is that very happy about Griff’s presence. That's includes Pierce Mather, the stunning handsome family friend and second generation lawyer. A man who is more than a little wary of Griff’s motives. A frank and direct man who seems impossible to avoid.
Griff has a lot to prove and mysterious things starts to happen.
Would anyone in the family even physical harm Griff? Are his questions so unpleasant and dangerous?
***********************************************
I like this "new" style from Mr. Lanyon
I must admit that I liked more than I thought before, to read about this beautiful environment (imagine, the here often mentioned book, The Great Gatsby), the dream of these grand houses, green huge gardens, fancy rich people and this old-fashioned crime-style with a house full of people who may be suspected. ...Like an old-time exciting drawing room murder with dear old Ms. Marple.
The romance part is sweet but maybe a bit "added".
I actually had a hard time believing it to begin with. But after a while was this romance also really believable and charming. Who doesn't want a man like this good-looking, wealthy, successful and very sexy Long Island lawyer.
Our MC Griff, who tells it all, was actually "sweet as pie" and he felt as all these JL character you can't but like. Simply great.
I felt it ended to fast and wish we could get more of these men and a sequel to know where their story will go from now. Well, I just need to go out there and digging for more great JL books to read.
***********************************************
I LIKE - yes, as always when a JL book
****
A half year delayed buddyread with my dear BR-friend Bev.
4 Stars - A solid "whodunit" with a romantic touch
Perhaps was Stranger on the Shore a bit too easily-solved old mystery, not entirely unpredictable (as my reading buddy Bev soon felt), but I still enjoyed the way to this intricate whodunit novels (pretty happy) ending and resolution.
Interesting characters, intriguing plot, a nice easy read
In other words another well written crime story with some yummy gay-men love to like. Josh Lanyon is by now a huge favorite of mine.
***********************************************
This book starts when the investigative journalist Griff Hadley arrive to the Arlington family's Long Island estate (mansion?).
Twenty years ago was four years old Brian Arlington kidnapped from his bed in the midst of a big garden party. The little boy was never seen again. A former employee (the driver) was imprisoned for kidnapping and extortion but the case was never fully resolved.
Griff has a long time been interested in that old, and in many ways still unsolved, crime case and when the Arlingtons’ old patriarch Jarrett Arlington invites him to stay at their estate to research his true crime book, Griff can’t say no.
‘...at the white Italianate façade of the villa, graceful columns, punctiliously flat roofs, balconies with black wrought- iron railings, and all the while his heart was beating too fast in that mix of anticipation and anxiety.’
Nearly anyone ot the Arlingtons' or of the house staff, is that very happy about Griff’s presence. That's includes Pierce Mather, the stunning handsome family friend and second generation lawyer. A man who is more than a little wary of Griff’s motives. A frank and direct man who seems impossible to avoid.
Griff has a lot to prove and mysterious things starts to happen.
Would anyone in the family even physical harm Griff? Are his questions so unpleasant and dangerous?
***********************************************
I like this "new" style from Mr. Lanyon
I must admit that I liked more than I thought before, to read about this beautiful environment (imagine, the here often mentioned book, The Great Gatsby), the dream of these grand houses, green huge gardens, fancy rich people and this old-fashioned crime-style with a house full of people who may be suspected. ...Like an old-time exciting drawing room murder with dear old Ms. Marple.
“They were playing ‘Stranger on the Shore’ that night. I remember they played it over and over.”
The romance part is sweet but maybe a bit "added".
I actually had a hard time believing it to begin with. But after a while was this romance also really believable and charming. Who doesn't want a man like this good-looking, wealthy, successful and very sexy Long Island lawyer.
‘He didn’t imagine handsome, sophisticated Pierce would resort to fisticuffs or shove him off the bridge, but there was no denying that tension and hostility ringed Pierce like a force field. At least he thought that peculiar energy, awareness was tension and hostility. Tension and hostility were part of it. Griff brushed by Pierce, uncomfortably aware of that spicy, sexy aftershave and Pierce’s hard, unfriendly gaze.’
Our MC Griff, who tells it all, was actually "sweet as pie" and he felt as all these JL character you can't but like. Simply great.
I felt it ended to fast and wish we could get more of these men and a sequel to know where their story will go from now. Well, I just need to go out there and digging for more great JL books to read.
***********************************************
I LIKE - yes, as always when a JL book
****
A half year delayed buddyread with my dear BR-friend Bev.
September 5, 2015
If you want to be VERY original and...unpredictable..., you can say- I HATE THIS BOOK.
I am not going to be very original...or...unpredictable. I am easy.
I.LOVE.THIS.BOOK.
Josh Lanyon did it in the most ingenious way: He added to his prose, that I admire in any case, the magic of F.Scott Fitzgerald.
I.WAS.SOLD.
I don't want to talk a lot, except:
It was one of the best mystery a là Josh Lanyon. It was one of my favourite book of Josh Lanyon. He is like a good wine - he's getting better and better as time goes by.Of course: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
If you can appreciate a good plot, a thrilling mystery, a wonderful romance and a brilliant writing.
December 25, 2016
Spoiler free.
There are at least a dozen reviews out there that convey my exact thoughts and feelings on this story, so I'll keep it short and sweet.
Griffin felt very human. He was shy in some cases, outspoken in others, snarky sometimes, uninhibited in others.
Pierce. Lord help us all against the Pierce Mather's in our lives. Even typing his name is making me fall a little harder.
The mystery wasn't much of a mystery to me, but I'm not sure it was supposed to be. Perhaps a little more focused on self-discovery.
I loved the minor characters. All of them.
The writing is beautiful, as always. If anything, it's better.
This book reminds me Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, one of my all-time favorite books. Right down to the immaculate house, the quirky staff, and the red rhododendron bushes.
Home run, Josh Lanyon, not that I expected any less.
There are at least a dozen reviews out there that convey my exact thoughts and feelings on this story, so I'll keep it short and sweet.
Griffin felt very human. He was shy in some cases, outspoken in others, snarky sometimes, uninhibited in others.
Pierce. Lord help us all against the Pierce Mather's in our lives. Even typing his name is making me fall a little harder.
The mystery wasn't much of a mystery to me, but I'm not sure it was supposed to be. Perhaps a little more focused on self-discovery.
I loved the minor characters. All of them.
The writing is beautiful, as always. If anything, it's better.
This book reminds me Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, one of my all-time favorite books. Right down to the immaculate house, the quirky staff, and the red rhododendron bushes.
Home run, Josh Lanyon, not that I expected any less.
September 22, 2015
4.5 stars
YESSSSSS! This book was SO GOOD!
There’s so much to like in Lanyon books. And in some, there’s a lot to love too. This one WORKED for me.
I’ve been in a bit of a Lanyon kick…4 books in a row…and they were all over the spectrum. So to end it with this one, one that could possibly be one of my favorites, was a treat.
I love how this entire mystery was set up. Griff is a reporter who is writing a book on an unsolved mystery, the disappearance of a 4-year old boy 20 years ago. He’s granted full access to the eccentric, and rich, family of the missing person.
Pierce is the family attorney and long time family friend, looking out for their best interests. He’s suspicious of Griff in the beginning, tests his boundaries, and eventually they find the attraction between them.
Let me talk about the romance element first: I loved Griff and Pierce. Griff was an aw-shucks good guy. Pierce, a slightly cold, untrusting, and HANDSOME counterpart. There wasn’t a whole lot to go on in the beginning and the romance didn’t get started until closer to the end of the book. But, yummmmy…I liked them together. When the story takes a not-so-surprising turn, I came to like them even more…a soul-mates angle that worked for me.
Now the mystery…well, well, well…had me stumped. There were a number of times that I had suspicians and all of those times, I was wrong. When the whodunnit was finally revealed, I was riveted and gasped and savored every page of the tada moment(s).
The riches, the house/mansion, the family, the pretense…it all made me feel sometimes like I was in historical England, and othertimes that I was in old’timey America. The fact that it’s actual a contemporary setting should have had me confused, but I enjoyed the kind of ‘fairy tale’ of it all.
Really, really loved this one. Going to listen to the audiobook right away. Already missing Griff and Pierce (would love more of them!)
September 7, 2015
I dunno, people, I dunno.
I could easily give this book 4 stars. I like the characters, the romance and parts of the mystery. Also, never doubt it--Lanyon knows how to tell a compelling tale. I pretty much read this book straight through, except for sleepy times, snacks and shower breaks (so annoying). It's enjoyable. Memorable even.
But I just can't get over the solution to the mystery of what happened to little Brian Arlington 20 years ago. It was completely obvious from about a third of the way through the book (probably even earlier, but I was in denial that it was that easy). So obvious I'm 98% sure Lanyon made it that way on purpose. So obvious I felt impatient with the rest of the book. I kept thinking that I would've enjoyed it more if the story had been told from Pierce's POV instead of Griff's, but no. Because even if it hadn't been obvious, the solution to that part of the mystery is still kinda ridiculous. Felt way too soap opera to me.
So, I dunno. Despite my disappointment, it's still a good read. I think if you like the Lanyon formula (which I do 96% of the time), you'll find something (or several somethings) to like in this book.
May 7, 2014
Okay all you Josh Lanyon fans out there time to get your Squee on because this was soooo good! And if you've never wandered into Josh's world before then get ready to Squee just for the hell of discovering it, because generally once you've been 'Josh'ed' you never look back....
If anyone can pull off m/m mystery with class, panache and style its Mr Lanyon. Every time I read one of his stories, especially the ones in this vein, I come away feeling like I've just read something timeless. Of all the authors I've read in the genre, his books are high amongst the ones I'd love to see transferred onto the big screen. Reading one of his mystery novels always transports me back to being curled up on the settee on a weekend, watching the old 30's/40's black and white films with my mum. Films like 'Rebecca' or 'The Little Foxes'. Golden oldies packed full of tense drama, mystery and dark family secrets.And that's exactly the feeling I got reading 'Stranger On The Shore'. Although this is set in present day, it still maintains that feeling of a vintage whodunit but never in a boring or stuffy way.
The Long Island Arlington's come from old money and are an extremely rich, but dysfunctional society family dealing with a tragedy, that under the facade of a normal family life, has really kept them emotionally detached from one and other since it occurred two decades ago. Like all these families, there's a cast of slightly eccentric unconventional characters including the elderly patriarch (Jarrett), the inconsequential alcoholic middle son (Marcus), the dour spinster older daughter (Muriel), the 'wild child' middle daughter (Michaela) and her biker, third husband, ex con (Ring Shelton) and the bratty, sharp tongued twenty something granddaughter (Chloe). . All vivid characters whose parts in the story not only give it a big dollop of intrigue but also add to its charm, alongside the detailed descriptions of the house and its surroundings, the taut atmosphere and the evocative characterisations of all the people involved.
Invited by Jarrett Arlington, the head of the Arlington Empire, Griffin Neptune Hadley is a young investigative journalist who comes to investigate the kidnapping of four year old Brian Arlington twenty years before, in hopes of writing a true crime style book...needless to say his arrival sets the cat amongst the pigeons, stirring up old memories and causing cracks within the family circle to open up more. The actual kidnap happened the night of a Midsummer Nights themed fancy dress party so the house was full of suspects, including all the staff and of course the family, making it look like a possible inside job but even though a ransom was paid Brian was never returned and his body never found. So the question is, is he dead or did he survive? Jarrett holds on to the hope that it's the latter, the rest of the family are convinced otherwise. Then ten years after the incident Matthew, Jarret's eldest son and heir and his wife Gemma, (Brian's parents) are killed in an accident. Hoping to get to the bottom of the mystery, Griff is confronted by a cast of characters, including Wilma Truscott, a surly 'Mrs Danvers' type housekeeper and Odell Johnson, the family chauffeur who was convicted of the kidnapping and is serving time in Sing Sing. All seem to have snippets of information about that night—but not all are willing to talk. As he starts to piece it all together, Griff comes to realise that perhaps the original investigation wasn't quite as thorough as it should have been, endorsing his thoughts that perhaps things are being covered up.
Pierce Mathers is a long standing family friend...a suspicious lawyer who Griff is drawn to against his will, there's no love lost between them as the story begins but over time they become closer and hints of attraction are present, but because of the circumstances there's a certain amount of distrust between them, so it's not easy to take that attraction they obviously feel for each other any further. Suspicious accidents and anonymous phone calls make Griff wary of all them, including Pierce! Then when Leiland Alvin turns up, claiming to be Brian it throws another spanner in the works and Griff is asked not to write the book, a notion that doesn't sit well with him, so they settle into an uneasy truce and join forces to see if they can unmask Leiland for the imposter they're both certain he is. At this point it looks like they're close to getting questions answered but oh no! ...there are more shocks on the horizon!
For the rest of the review Follow Link ~ http://bit.ly/1hxNuhk
July 5, 2020
Griffin Hadley hopes to get his big writing break, by chronicling a 20-year-old kidnapping cold case. Although the Airlington family patriarch is more than happy to finally have the story out in the open, the rest of the family along with their lawyer, Pierce Matthews, are less than excited about the prospect.
Still, Griffin forges ahead. His mother had always taught him self sufficiency so our crafty hero is definitely not susceptible to bribery. Unexpected kindness from a handsome lawyer on the other hand, is extremely difficult to say no to...
The mystery of Brian Airlington's disappearance definitely made for a promising start, especially with Griffin's naive (secret) hope of solving it during an extremely busy week of research. Oh and the many suspicious family members with their numerous secrets didn't hurt either. What can I say? I'm a sucker for the classic Agatha Christie-style mystery setup.
As much fun as unraveling the mystery seemed, I have come to expect some serious romantic sparks in all of Josh Lanyon's novels. Unfortunately, the chemistry didn't quite do it for me. I mean: Griffin and Pierce's flirting was certainly enjoyable to witness, but Pierce's high handedness was also incredibly aggravating. Props to Griffin for not letting himself be walked all over, life-and-death scenarios notwithstanding.
Score: 2.7/5 stars
The grand reveal had been foreshadowed right from the first pages, which took away quite a bit of the surprise. And that definitely soured my overall experience.
I much prefer the utterly shocking, yet quite logical reveals, that Hercule Poirot is fond of presenting in front of a large audience.
Still, Griffin forges ahead. His mother had always taught him self sufficiency so our crafty hero is definitely not susceptible to bribery. Unexpected kindness from a handsome lawyer on the other hand, is extremely difficult to say no to...
The mystery of Brian Airlington's disappearance definitely made for a promising start, especially with Griffin's naive (secret) hope of solving it during an extremely busy week of research. Oh and the many suspicious family members with their numerous secrets didn't hurt either. What can I say? I'm a sucker for the classic Agatha Christie-style mystery setup.
As much fun as unraveling the mystery seemed, I have come to expect some serious romantic sparks in all of Josh Lanyon's novels. Unfortunately, the chemistry didn't quite do it for me. I mean: Griffin and Pierce's flirting was certainly enjoyable to witness, but Pierce's high handedness was also incredibly aggravating. Props to Griffin for not letting himself be walked all over, life-and-death scenarios notwithstanding.
Score: 2.7/5 stars
The grand reveal had been foreshadowed right from the first pages, which took away quite a bit of the surprise. And that definitely soured my overall experience.
I much prefer the utterly shocking, yet quite logical reveals, that Hercule Poirot is fond of presenting in front of a large audience.
August 3, 2016
Oh, Josh Lanyon, how I miss thee.
Sure, in 2013, Lanyon released a few shorts and a novella (Kick Start from the Dangerous Ground Series, which I didn’t like) but it has been awhile since Lanyon released a full-length novel. So I was excited when I saw this being listed for publication.
Did I love it? I most certainly did!
What made this a winner for me was the “Josh Lanyon” formula. When Griff first came to the estate, Pierce (the family lawyer) didn’t exactly welcome him with open arms; Pierce kept questioning Griff’s motives and he acted briskly around Griff. Sound familiar? If you read so many of Josh Lanyon’s most notable contemporary romance stories, I am sure it does.
However, it was this familiarity that was comfortable for me as a reader. So yes, the relationship took a little while to build – ALTHOUGH, timeline wise, it actually happened within a week. But it was everything that happened within that week that made it like it wasn’t instant love.
The mystery itself had a ‘noir’ feel to it. Maybe it was the fact that Griff came to this huge estate, and he seemed to do more on the research side by asking questions and reading a journal – instead of using the Internet *lol* — which made it felt rather ‘old and classic’. I must admit though, I felt quite a jolt of shock when I realized that the kidnapping happened in the early 1990s – somehow I couldn’t imagine the 1990s being TWENTY years ago. It didn’t feel that long for me. Man, I felt old!!
Lanyon offered few clues and red herrings along the way, but I could figure out where the author wanted to go with the answer to the mystery of the missing Brian. So while the twist was good, it didn’t completely surprise me. Still, it was an interesting case and resolution. I wholeheartedly enjoyed it.
I did wish that there were more times committed to Griff and Pierce in regard to the romance build-up. Since the story was narrated from Griff’s perspective, it was easier for me to see the gradual change of feeling. However, I missed Pierce’s version of the story and his change of heart until that final scene. The ending was also more HFN rather than HEA – although being familiar with Josh Lanyon’s stories, it didn’t really bother me much.
All in all, the classic formula worked and I was happy.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Sure, in 2013, Lanyon released a few shorts and a novella (Kick Start from the Dangerous Ground Series, which I didn’t like) but it has been awhile since Lanyon released a full-length novel. So I was excited when I saw this being listed for publication.
Did I love it? I most certainly did!
What made this a winner for me was the “Josh Lanyon” formula. When Griff first came to the estate, Pierce (the family lawyer) didn’t exactly welcome him with open arms; Pierce kept questioning Griff’s motives and he acted briskly around Griff. Sound familiar? If you read so many of Josh Lanyon’s most notable contemporary romance stories, I am sure it does.
However, it was this familiarity that was comfortable for me as a reader. So yes, the relationship took a little while to build – ALTHOUGH, timeline wise, it actually happened within a week. But it was everything that happened within that week that made it like it wasn’t instant love.
The mystery itself had a ‘noir’ feel to it. Maybe it was the fact that Griff came to this huge estate, and he seemed to do more on the research side by asking questions and reading a journal – instead of using the Internet *lol* — which made it felt rather ‘old and classic’. I must admit though, I felt quite a jolt of shock when I realized that the kidnapping happened in the early 1990s – somehow I couldn’t imagine the 1990s being TWENTY years ago. It didn’t feel that long for me. Man, I felt old!!
Lanyon offered few clues and red herrings along the way, but I could figure out where the author wanted to go with the answer to the mystery of the missing Brian. So while the twist was good, it didn’t completely surprise me. Still, it was an interesting case and resolution. I wholeheartedly enjoyed it.
I did wish that there were more times committed to Griff and Pierce in regard to the romance build-up. Since the story was narrated from Griff’s perspective, it was easier for me to see the gradual change of feeling. However, I missed Pierce’s version of the story and his change of heart until that final scene. The ending was also more HFN rather than HEA – although being familiar with Josh Lanyon’s stories, it didn’t really bother me much.
All in all, the classic formula worked and I was happy.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
October 18, 2022
So freaking good!!!!
This had a bit of a slow build-up, but boy did it ever take off!
What you get:
Decades old disappearance
An investigation
A hardy journalist
A sexy lawyer
A dysfunctional, rich family
A turn or two in the sheets
Lots of suspects
I didn’t slice the case & what a joy that was!
My rec? If you love whodunnits, then this is your jam!
This had a bit of a slow build-up, but boy did it ever take off!
What you get:
Decades old disappearance
An investigation
A hardy journalist
A sexy lawyer
A dysfunctional, rich family
A turn or two in the sheets
Lots of suspects
I didn’t slice the case & what a joy that was!
My rec? If you love whodunnits, then this is your jam!
June 10, 2023
I know I said I threw the towel with this author but I picked it up again lol because this was strongly recommended to me and I’m a very curious person .
And I’m glad, because I loved this one. Well, the romance is nothing to write home about - I didn’t have high expectations anyway- but it was a bit better than a lot of her other books. I liked the mystery, I liked the atmosphere and the setting and I loved Griff. He was sweet, sarcastic and smart. Pierce was ok too though a bit bland. A very enjoyable read if you like mystery romances and especially this author’s.
And I’m glad, because I loved this one. Well, the romance is nothing to write home about - I didn’t have high expectations anyway- but it was a bit better than a lot of her other books. I liked the mystery, I liked the atmosphere and the setting and I loved Griff. He was sweet, sarcastic and smart. Pierce was ok too though a bit bland. A very enjoyable read if you like mystery romances and especially this author’s.
September 17, 2015
My favorite Josh Lanyon story. Loved it!!
December 15, 2015
I've enjoyed all books I've read by Josh Lanyon so far, but this one really did it for me. I am now a fan of Mr Lanyon's. Officially!
This is a wonderful mystery in the style of old English mystery authors like Agatha Christie. I absolutely adored it. Like with all mystery novels, any kind of spoilers should be avoided, because in the end, it is a beautifully done whodunnit story that captivated me up to the very end (I was still sweating at 99%, I swear ;-)
And it takes place in a beautiful Long Island mansion. Can there be a better location for an atmospheric piece like this?
But still, a few words on the plot and the - great- characters:
Griffin Hadley, aspiring journalist from Wisconsin, is hoping to have his big breakthrough publishing a book about a mysterious crime case that happened 20 years ago and was top news at the time:
4 year old Brian Arlington, youngest child of the Arlington family, a super-rich dynasty of industrial tycoons, is kidnapped during a huge party at the family estate in Long Island. A ransom note appears on the next day requesting money in return for the child. The family pays the ransom and the police even manage to catch the main suspect and secure the money - but the child remains lost.
Unwilling to believe that his beloved grandson is dead, the family patriarch, Jarrett Arlington never gives up hope that Brian will one day find the way home (that is, if he's not dead and buried somewhere...)
An interesting case for crime journalist Griff and a perfect opportunity to write his first book. He is actually the first journalist that Jarrett Arlington himself gives permission to interview the family and staff of the estate to find a new angle on the story for his book.
Little does Griff know that Jarrett is the only one welcoming him. The rest of the family dislikes his presence or openly despises him for digging up old dirt that should not be brought up again after all the suffering in the past.
Especially family lawyer Pierce Mathers is a tough nut to crack. He is willing to sue Griff's ass in order to prevent the book from being published.
Pierce is the 34 year old son of Jarrett's best friend and has taken over his father's position as family lawyer and legal adviser to the Arlingtons. He is Griff's main contact during his stay - and even though Pierce is an arrogant asshole who owns 14 (!) suits and lives in a ridiculously large house with a football field sized bedroom and does everything in his power to put obstacles in Griff's path, he's also a smokin' hot guy who Griff feels an uncomfortable attraction to.
Despite all these hardships, Griff is trying to find out what happened 20 years ago - and discovers a mystery that is so much bigger than the bestselling book he had in mind ;-)
I am so in love with this story. Finally a couple who isn't all 'Love you!' 'Love you too!' after getting to know each other.
Pierce and Griff are anything but an ideal romance couple. And understandably so.
The BIG mystery was - as many readers have stated in their reviews - not too hard to figure out, but the story actually revolves around what happened back then to shuffle the cards the way they were being dealt 20 years later. Who was involved? What were the motives? And most importantly: Who is who?
I can totally recommend this book. The characters are great and believable, the plot is perfectly well constructed deep down to the tiniest detail. This is even more impressing considering the last part of the book was insanely complex with many different plot strings that all resolved satisfyingly. Takes a real master writer to pull that off.
So 5 stars for Tiny Teddy and a bottle of orange/sandalwood scented lube (love ya, Pierce), LOL
This is a wonderful mystery in the style of old English mystery authors like Agatha Christie. I absolutely adored it. Like with all mystery novels, any kind of spoilers should be avoided, because in the end, it is a beautifully done whodunnit story that captivated me up to the very end (I was still sweating at 99%, I swear ;-)
And it takes place in a beautiful Long Island mansion. Can there be a better location for an atmospheric piece like this?
But still, a few words on the plot and the - great- characters:
Griffin Hadley, aspiring journalist from Wisconsin, is hoping to have his big breakthrough publishing a book about a mysterious crime case that happened 20 years ago and was top news at the time:
4 year old Brian Arlington, youngest child of the Arlington family, a super-rich dynasty of industrial tycoons, is kidnapped during a huge party at the family estate in Long Island. A ransom note appears on the next day requesting money in return for the child. The family pays the ransom and the police even manage to catch the main suspect and secure the money - but the child remains lost.
Unwilling to believe that his beloved grandson is dead, the family patriarch, Jarrett Arlington never gives up hope that Brian will one day find the way home (that is, if he's not dead and buried somewhere...)
An interesting case for crime journalist Griff and a perfect opportunity to write his first book. He is actually the first journalist that Jarrett Arlington himself gives permission to interview the family and staff of the estate to find a new angle on the story for his book.
Little does Griff know that Jarrett is the only one welcoming him. The rest of the family dislikes his presence or openly despises him for digging up old dirt that should not be brought up again after all the suffering in the past.
Especially family lawyer Pierce Mathers is a tough nut to crack. He is willing to sue Griff's ass in order to prevent the book from being published.
Pierce is the 34 year old son of Jarrett's best friend and has taken over his father's position as family lawyer and legal adviser to the Arlingtons. He is Griff's main contact during his stay - and even though Pierce is an arrogant asshole who owns 14 (!) suits and lives in a ridiculously large house with a football field sized bedroom and does everything in his power to put obstacles in Griff's path, he's also a smokin' hot guy who Griff feels an uncomfortable attraction to.
Despite all these hardships, Griff is trying to find out what happened 20 years ago - and discovers a mystery that is so much bigger than the bestselling book he had in mind ;-)
I am so in love with this story. Finally a couple who isn't all 'Love you!' 'Love you too!' after getting to know each other.
Pierce and Griff are anything but an ideal romance couple. And understandably so.
The BIG mystery was - as many readers have stated in their reviews - not too hard to figure out, but the story actually revolves around what happened back then to shuffle the cards the way they were being dealt 20 years later. Who was involved? What were the motives? And most importantly: Who is who?
I can totally recommend this book. The characters are great and believable, the plot is perfectly well constructed deep down to the tiniest detail. This is even more impressing considering the last part of the book was insanely complex with many different plot strings that all resolved satisfyingly. Takes a real master writer to pull that off.
So 5 stars for Tiny Teddy and a bottle of orange/sandalwood scented lube (love ya, Pierce), LOL
May 6, 2014
Josh Lanyon is the reason I got up and started reading at 3 o'clock this morning.
The plot was a mystery with a sweet romance stirred in--and as such, it was one of the better mysteries I've read. The foreshadowing in this one was super heavy, so the mystery was a little on the transparent side, but the romance was a lovely, sensual, beautiful story. I loved Griff and Pierce together.
Now, let's talk about the writing. The writing in this story evokes a sort of dreamy fairytale--very much an homage to Fitzgerald, and it's just charming and evocative and perfect.
Snowball in Hell is still my favorite Lanyon, but damn, this book gave it a run for its money.
The plot was a mystery with a sweet romance stirred in--and as such, it was one of the better mysteries I've read. The foreshadowing in this one was super heavy, so the mystery was a little on the transparent side, but the romance was a lovely, sensual, beautiful story. I loved Griff and Pierce together.
Now, let's talk about the writing. The writing in this story evokes a sort of dreamy fairytale--very much an homage to Fitzgerald, and it's just charming and evocative and perfect.
Snowball in Hell is still my favorite Lanyon, but damn, this book gave it a run for its money.
May 10, 2014
Predictable but I really enjoyed this one. My first book by Lanyon and sure as hell not the last one!
August 31, 2014
This book was a challenge for me to finish. I got stuck at 25ish% and every time I saw the cover on my kindle a sense of dread filled me. Truth be told, if I hadn't gotten it off NG I would've DNF'd it long ago.
This is my first experience with Josh Lanyon and I will read something else by this author. Trust me no one is more disappointed to be disappointed in this novel than I.
Very early on I got a distinctly The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo vibe that I was never able to shake. I could perhaps dismiss this as coincidence were it some obscure book, but it's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Everyone's read that thing and if you haven't then you've AT LEAST seen some version of the movie. Stranger on the Shore doesn't deviate all that much from Girl aside from being set on Long Island with an abundance of The Great Gatsby references. So that knocked out the unknown aspect that makes reading a mystery so exciting for me. No, it's not plagiarism just imitation which is the sincerest form of flattery but not very innovative or exciting for that matter.
I *think* Stranger on the Shore is primarily classified as a mystery but there is a romance of sorts between Griff and Pierce that's about as interesting as dry toast. No heat. No zip. No zing. I'm assuming it was supposed to be enemies to lovers? Maybe? When I reached the end I was still thinking they were frenemies at best. Put it this way, I'm thinking they'll bang each other for a few months then figure out that they kinda hate each other and that'll be that.
What I did quite enjoy was Lanyon's writing style. It's lush, descriptive and rich with vivid imagery. It can be a bit flowery and heavy on describing rooms and meals more than is strictly necessary, but I can forgive that when sentences are put together this well. So not a total loss.
I can maybe get up to 2.5 Stars since it did pick up a bit toward the end but the dread and the dull leave me closer to 2 Stars. Probably. Well, today at least.
June 19, 2015
4.4 stars
Mr Lanyon is a creator of scenarios I can totally inhabit. Once again his quiet writing has done its magic with me, taken me inside this world with Griff and live awhile from there and I loved it.
I had an inkling of what was going to go down in this novel very early on, in fact I think this was Lanyon's intention. What I had a doubt about was its satisfactory come about. I’m sorry I doubted you Mr Lanyon, you more than ably concluded this story. In fact you had me hooked and I put aside everything just to read and see what happens. You wove the tale masterfully and left me with a smile on my face and a quietness in my heart.
I’ve included a link to Stranger on the Shore – Acker Bilk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jzx66... – music creates pathways to our soul where none existed.
update 15.11.14
Just heard the news of Acker Bilk's death and remembered this and played the song again.
Christmas coda 30
Mr Lanyon is a creator of scenarios I can totally inhabit. Once again his quiet writing has done its magic with me, taken me inside this world with Griff and live awhile from there and I loved it.
I had an inkling of what was going to go down in this novel very early on, in fact I think this was Lanyon's intention. What I had a doubt about was its satisfactory come about. I’m sorry I doubted you Mr Lanyon, you more than ably concluded this story. In fact you had me hooked and I put aside everything just to read and see what happens. You wove the tale masterfully and left me with a smile on my face and a quietness in my heart.
I’ve included a link to Stranger on the Shore – Acker Bilk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jzx66... – music creates pathways to our soul where none existed.
update 15.11.14
Just heard the news of Acker Bilk's death and remembered this and played the song again.
Christmas coda 30
September 2, 2015
So... I love Josh Lanyon. I think he is probably the best writer of gay "noir" out there. That being said, this book fell a little flat for me. The central mystery was only a mystery if you've never read Josh Lanyon before. The main character's disability was also an expected variation of a trope that is peculiar to Lanyon.
All in all it's a good book and definitely worth 4 stars, probably five if you've never read a Lanyon book before. I recommend it to people who want a change from standard m/m fare.
All in all it's a good book and definitely worth 4 stars, probably five if you've never read a Lanyon book before. I recommend it to people who want a change from standard m/m fare.
December 8, 2018
***4.5 Stars***
I'll make it short...
Romance = rather the diet version, but still grabbing
Mystery = of the threw-me-one-red-herring-after-the-other solid kind
Atmosphere = strangely compelling
Jeremy York was a new to me narrator, but he did an amazing job to facilitate everything above.
I'll make it short...
Romance = rather the diet version, but still grabbing
Mystery = of the threw-me-one-red-herring-after-the-other solid kind
Atmosphere = strangely compelling
Jeremy York was a new to me narrator, but he did an amazing job to facilitate everything above.
January 9, 2015
Fucking Brilliant.
This book is one of my favorite Lanyon stand alone mysteries thus far. I have the biggest grin on my face right now as I write this and my children are telling me how weird I am because I am smiling after reading a book.
This story was amazing. As a hopeless romantic, I come for the romance but with Lanyon, the freaking mysteries suck me in and I want it all. I go full on Veruca Salt and must have it now! Ugh.
Griff, from your taste in books (let's not get on MY love for Gatsby) and your taste in cars, I fell for you hard right away. I just adored the holy fuck out of you and couldn't wait to meet Pierce.
Pierce!!!! *swoon* Gruff and formidable with that layer of sophistication you my man, were heaven sent. As a woman who has not eaten meat in 18 years, I would love to watch you eat a French Dip sandwich. Preferably in a pair of those black silk briefs in bed... wait? What was that again? Sorry, Pierce is my kind of asshole who really isn't one. Gah! Lanyon writes the best jerks ever!
So the mystery; I had a theory early on and I was right about it. But even though I had the theory and was right, I had no idea AT ALL how it would all end, the way it all would go down and who really did it. That is what I love about Lanyon - having an author who makes you work for everything in the book is fucking brilliant. I know this every time I start a book from Lanyon; it always takes me a bit to get into the flow of the story and then there will be this one moment where running up that hill to reach it is beyond worth it and all I can do is throw my hands up in surrender of the rush and feel the ride.
Griff and Pierce are so good together. I adored them so much and though I knew what would happen, that last bit in the rain had me turning into the biggest puddle of goo. If you know me, goo is good. It's so good.
Stranger on the Shore lent itself well to Gatsby with it's ethereal and fairy tale like quality. The attention to detail is something I love about Fitzgerald's writing, the descriptions of each party Gastby held, from the harlequin designs and the colors of fruit etc are what always stand out for me. Are what I remember foremost and it's those details lead you through and blend you into the story. Lanyon, does a stellar job of blending you into this as well.
Once again. I love Lanyon and I love Natasha for knowing me so well that she rec'd yet another amazing book to me.
This book is one of my favorite Lanyon stand alone mysteries thus far. I have the biggest grin on my face right now as I write this and my children are telling me how weird I am because I am smiling after reading a book.
This story was amazing. As a hopeless romantic, I come for the romance but with Lanyon, the freaking mysteries suck me in and I want it all. I go full on Veruca Salt and must have it now! Ugh.
Griff, from your taste in books (let's not get on MY love for Gatsby) and your taste in cars, I fell for you hard right away. I just adored the holy fuck out of you and couldn't wait to meet Pierce.
Pierce!!!! *swoon* Gruff and formidable with that layer of sophistication you my man, were heaven sent. As a woman who has not eaten meat in 18 years, I would love to watch you eat a French Dip sandwich. Preferably in a pair of those black silk briefs in bed... wait? What was that again? Sorry, Pierce is my kind of asshole who really isn't one. Gah! Lanyon writes the best jerks ever!
So the mystery; I had a theory early on and I was right about it. But even though I had the theory and was right, I had no idea AT ALL how it would all end, the way it all would go down and who really did it. That is what I love about Lanyon - having an author who makes you work for everything in the book is fucking brilliant. I know this every time I start a book from Lanyon; it always takes me a bit to get into the flow of the story and then there will be this one moment where running up that hill to reach it is beyond worth it and all I can do is throw my hands up in surrender of the rush and feel the ride.
Griff and Pierce are so good together. I adored them so much and though I knew what would happen, that last bit in the rain had me turning into the biggest puddle of goo. If you know me, goo is good. It's so good.
Stranger on the Shore lent itself well to Gatsby with it's ethereal and fairy tale like quality. The attention to detail is something I love about Fitzgerald's writing, the descriptions of each party Gastby held, from the harlequin designs and the colors of fruit etc are what always stand out for me. Are what I remember foremost and it's those details lead you through and blend you into the story. Lanyon, does a stellar job of blending you into this as well.
Once again. I love Lanyon and I love Natasha for knowing me so well that she rec'd yet another amazing book to me.
April 5, 2025
4.5 stars. Low on the romance, especially the resolution for the romance. But the story was compelling, and I couldn't put it down.
May 6, 2014
And that is how you write a mystery. So f’n good and as always, Josh Lanyon just leaves me wanting more.
It is not a secret that Josh Lanyon has easily become one of my most favorite authors. So, new book? Release day? Yeah, I had to read this right away. And read it I did. I stayed up way past my bedtime and never wanted to put it down. I got to about 70% or so last night when I forced myself to go to sleep, I woke up this morning and started thinking about it as soon as my eyes were open, and even though I just finished a couple hours ago and I am still thinking about it. That my friends, as far as I am concerned makes for a good book. This may be one of my favorites by this author. The web that Josh was able to weave with this mystery was brilliant. A wealthy family full of secrets, an old family estate, a twenty year old kidnapping case that was never solved and murder, well yeah, brilliant. There were so many suspects, so many secrets and so many lies. There was so very much at stake and everyone involved looked guilty of something at one time or another. I had so many moments where I thought I knew for sure and then something new would happen, another lie exposed and well, I would have never, ever figured this mystery out. Please do not click on this until you have read the book. It is a mystery after all.
Griff and Pierce…I will throw a wow out there because it felt wow to me. Josh writes these characters, one that you immediately fall in love with and one that you don’t just dislike, in my case, I usually hate the majority of the time. This book was no different. I knew from the gate that I would love Griff. He was quick witted and just really, likeable. Pierce, Pierce, Pierce…you on the other hand were the complete opposite side of the coin. I didn't love you in the beginning or even the middle. It of course did happen eventually but boy, it was not an easy road. I loved it very much but as always I just want more. Read.
It is not a secret that Josh Lanyon has easily become one of my most favorite authors. So, new book? Release day? Yeah, I had to read this right away. And read it I did. I stayed up way past my bedtime and never wanted to put it down. I got to about 70% or so last night when I forced myself to go to sleep, I woke up this morning and started thinking about it as soon as my eyes were open, and even though I just finished a couple hours ago and I am still thinking about it. That my friends, as far as I am concerned makes for a good book. This may be one of my favorites by this author. The web that Josh was able to weave with this mystery was brilliant. A wealthy family full of secrets, an old family estate, a twenty year old kidnapping case that was never solved and murder, well yeah, brilliant. There were so many suspects, so many secrets and so many lies. There was so very much at stake and everyone involved looked guilty of something at one time or another. I had so many moments where I thought I knew for sure and then something new would happen, another lie exposed and well, I would have never, ever figured this mystery out. Please do not click on this until you have read the book. It is a mystery after all.
Griff and Pierce…I will throw a wow out there because it felt wow to me. Josh writes these characters, one that you immediately fall in love with and one that you don’t just dislike, in my case, I usually hate the majority of the time. This book was no different. I knew from the gate that I would love Griff. He was quick witted and just really, likeable. Pierce, Pierce, Pierce…you on the other hand were the complete opposite side of the coin. I didn't love you in the beginning or even the middle. It of course did happen eventually but boy, it was not an easy road. I loved it very much but as always I just want more. Read.
October 9, 2015
Sarcasm, humor, chills, romance, and suspects galore!
Stranger on the Shore is a cold kidnapping case mystery. Four year old Brian Arlington was taken from his bed in the middle of the night 20 years ago. Never to be seen again. But this mystery is back in action with new questions, danger, and guilt. This is Josh Lanyon at his best!
Throw an investigative reporter, a handsome, “highhanded” attorney, and a family consumed with questions together in a big, eerie mansion and grounds—well…you get one fantastic, twisty, follow-the clues-if-you-can mystery on your hands with a dash of romance! This became one of my favorite Lanyon mysteries. It pulled me right in with characters and chills and beautiful writing. Words and descriptions that brought pain to the surface and a house to life room by room.
”The room turned golden in the late afternoon light. Retreating sunlight embroidered the outline of shelves and furniture in gleams and glints, stitched its way up the winding staircase, flashing off bronze leaves and varnished wood, and traced the gilt and leather and silk spines of old books.”
For me, the mystery was the star of the show, but the slow simmering chemistry between Griff and Pierce was fun to watch too. They had a sweet, snarky vulnerability to their relationship.
And this family. Every single member of the Arlington family was a bit odd, sad or broken. Guilt, imagination, and stress ate at this family. I’m not going to say much more because this mystery deserves to be experienced, sniffed out, and solved by the reader. But I have to admire the way Lanyon displayed grief and unresolved questions on the page. Over time, regret and not knowing can cause so many wounds. Wounds to the heart and soul that never heal. Everyone needs and deserves peace. Will the truth finally be revealed? Will we find out what happened to Brian?
Tune in and find out.
Recommended read.
May 7, 2014
Reading a Josh Lanyon novel is like coming home. This author is my comfort read and this new release did not disappoint. Yeah, ok, I guessed the outcome within the first couple of chapters, but I usually did the same with those novels by Agatha Christie so I wasn't unduly worried.
A great read, a great murder/mystery and great characters. Not too much sexual activity and what there is, is manageable (for me), meaning it's not pornographic.
Loved it. 5 definite stars.
A great read, a great murder/mystery and great characters. Not too much sexual activity and what there is, is manageable (for me), meaning it's not pornographic.
Loved it. 5 definite stars.
January 4, 2020
This was great! I loved this classic mystery, and the way it reminded me of the televised British crime/mystery I see on TV. A mansion, a wealthy family with weird interactions, murder, threats and revelations. This is more a mystery, than a romance, although the romance was stronger than I anticipated. I loved the two main characters frenemy thing going on. The story (mystery) went this way and that, and with new turns every few pages. I had a pretty good idea of the solution, but Lanyon still had me guessing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this! I listened to the audio. Jeremey York was the narrator, he did a great job. He had a slight British accent that I really liked.
I've listened to several Josh Lanyon successively over the last few weeks (All's Fair series, Adrien English series, Holms and Moriarty series, Winter Kill, The Murmaid Murders), and this book was the best so far, at least for the (for me) classical mystery feel!
Highly recommended for mystery lovers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this! I listened to the audio. Jeremey York was the narrator, he did a great job. He had a slight British accent that I really liked.
I've listened to several Josh Lanyon successively over the last few weeks (All's Fair series, Adrien English series, Holms and Moriarty series, Winter Kill, The Murmaid Murders), and this book was the best so far, at least for the (for me) classical mystery feel!
Highly recommended for mystery lovers.
May 12, 2014
Josh Lanyon is an amazing writer! I not only love his style, as I love the plot that he creates. This book is no exception. Scenery, mystery, characters... everything is great and enthralling. However, and as it happens in some of his books, there is one thing missing and that I love in the books that I read: passion! Griff and Pierce don't have passion for each other... that flame that I love to see between MC's is not here. There is no possessiveness or "hunger"... They like each other.
The book is focused on the mystery, which was not difficult to figure it out, and the family drama. The romance is secondary in this story.
The book is focused on the mystery, which was not difficult to figure it out, and the family drama. The romance is secondary in this story.
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