What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets and Scrabble #5
Un corpo a Buccaneer's Bay: Misteri e Scrabble 5
I morti non raccontano storie
Il proprietario della libreria del mistero, Ellery Page, e il capo della polizia, Jack Carson, stanno facendo un'immersione alla ricerca del leggendario galeone pirata Blood Red Rose quando si imbattono in una tuta da palombaro vecchio stile, danneggiata dall'acqua e incrostata di cirripedi. Un ulteriore esame rivela che la tuta del ventesimo secolo contiene un corpo del ventunesimo secolo.
Chi è il misterioso sommozzatore? Nessuno sembra essere scomparso dalla pittoresca e accogliente cittadina di Pirate's Cove. La vittima si stava davvero immergendo alla ricerca dell'oro dei pirati? E se non è così, cosa ha fatto esattamente per guadagnarsi quel foro di proiettile nel cranio?
Il proprietario della libreria del mistero, Ellery Page, e il capo della polizia, Jack Carson, stanno facendo un'immersione alla ricerca del leggendario galeone pirata Blood Red Rose quando si imbattono in una tuta da palombaro vecchio stile, danneggiata dall'acqua e incrostata di cirripedi. Un ulteriore esame rivela che la tuta del ventesimo secolo contiene un corpo del ventunesimo secolo.
Chi è il misterioso sommozzatore? Nessuno sembra essere scomparso dalla pittoresca e accogliente cittadina di Pirate's Cove. La vittima si stava davvero immergendo alla ricerca dell'oro dei pirati? E se non è così, cosa ha fatto esattamente per guadagnarsi quel foro di proiettile nel cranio?
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2021
55 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
224 books5,418 followersAuthor of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
August 4, 2024
Another fun book in the series. I just love Ellery and Jack and Watson.
I really liked how the relationship between Ellery and Jack developed here. Jack was being Jack, but when they make up, it's so cute. I found the mystery part confusing a bit, but I liked how it wrapped up in the end.
Excellent audiobook, as always. Matt Haynes not only gives his voice to Watson, the dog, he also does birds. 😂
******
Re-read 8/2024
I really liked how the relationship between Ellery and Jack developed here. Jack was being Jack, but when they make up, it's so cute. I found the mystery part confusing a bit, but I liked how it wrapped up in the end.
Excellent audiobook, as always. Matt Haynes not only gives his voice to Watson, the dog, he also does birds. 😂
******
Re-read 8/2024
Read
December 21, 2021So happy to share the latest adventure with Ellery, Jack, and Watson. ;-) The entire kooky cast of Pirate's Cove will return in May 2022.
September 26, 2024
If any of you have been with me for the past few years, you will remember my rambling love for Ellery. Five books later, only one thing has changed: I love him more. We are back with the world's most reluctant sleuth and failed actor, Ellery.
The story begins when he and police chief of Pirate's Cove Jack Carson go diving. Jack is also Ellery's eh man friend? They are romantically involved but there are no labels. Yet. Thus far, I'm just glad that Jack cares about Ellery enough to give him orgasms. Implied. This is a cosy after all.
As Jack and Ellery are enjoying the sights, they spot a great white shark. It's always nice to be introduced to a new phobia.
He also needs to understand that he is just a beacon for the latest conspiracies of Pirate's Cove. He has also been getting letters from a stalker. This is an ongoing mystery, it's unsolved by the end of this book.
I once observed that this series serves as subliminal advertising for Lanyon's other books. The deep sea diving reminded me of Plenty of Fish and there's a mention of Kit from Somebody Killed His Editor (this is book 1 of the series). Be sure to read those if you haven't. Perhaps you need to read the latter to be aware of who Kit is should he ever make a cameo.
This book also serves us a lot more human drama. Nora isn't fond of the new attendant at the Crow's Nest. At one point she even believes Kingston to be behind some unsavoury events happening on Buck Island.
A wealthy madam with a temperament as pleasant as the Witch of the Waste's, finds herself at the Crow's Nest. Lanyon's utilisation of description couldn't help but make me chuckle,
While it may feel like there were too many moving parts in this tiny book, they're all interconnected. The characters have as much heart as ever and there was a lot more scrabble in this book. I do wish we'd gotten to spend more time with the Wallaces, if only to solidify our feelings for them. I was left adrift when the cases were solved and I hadn't put my finger on where they land. Were they good people? Bad people? Weird people? Crazy people? The only thing I had any reaction to was their attitude towards Odette. Perhaps if it was a full length mystery novel there'd have been space for this.
Jack and Ellery's relationship does hit new "troubled" waters. And they stand on opposite sides of Buck Island's latest mystery. Will love prevail? For once I didn't care. This isn't because I am a shell of a woman I once was and now have a charred broken ember for a heart, but because there's never a dull moment on Buck Island. The next book in the series just came out and if you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for? Jesus?
Many heartfelt thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for a review.
The story begins when he and police chief of Pirate's Cove Jack Carson go diving. Jack is also Ellery's eh man friend? They are romantically involved but there are no labels. Yet. Thus far, I'm just glad that Jack cares about Ellery enough to give him orgasms. Implied. This is a cosy after all.
As Jack and Ellery are enjoying the sights, they spot a great white shark. It's always nice to be introduced to a new phobia.
Until now, he hadn't realized he was afraid of sharks. Theater critics, spiders, financial ruin sure. But a Great White put the hairiest of spiders—and theater critics—into a whole diferrent perspective.In a bid to escape the shark's sights, they discover a vintage diving suit. And in it, is a body. This of course puts the entirety of Pirate's Cove on Ellery's tail. He has uncovered yet another body. Ellery tries to remind people that Jack was with him. But some people saw fit to remind him Jack has been diving for years but the first time he goes diving with his trouble magnet future spouse, he finds a body? Ellery needs to get real.
He also needs to understand that he is just a beacon for the latest conspiracies of Pirate's Cove. He has also been getting letters from a stalker. This is an ongoing mystery, it's unsolved by the end of this book.
I once observed that this series serves as subliminal advertising for Lanyon's other books. The deep sea diving reminded me of Plenty of Fish and there's a mention of Kit from Somebody Killed His Editor (this is book 1 of the series). Be sure to read those if you haven't. Perhaps you need to read the latter to be aware of who Kit is should he ever make a cameo.
This book also serves us a lot more human drama. Nora isn't fond of the new attendant at the Crow's Nest. At one point she even believes Kingston to be behind some unsavoury events happening on Buck Island.
"Could this person have been Kingston?"But aside from the animosity of Ellery's workers, there is yet another mystery.
Ellery did a double take. "Could it have been Kingston?
Nora nodded excitedly, "Is it possible?"
"No, it's not possible...That guy was three times the size of Kingston."
Nora looked disappointed, "That's a shame."
A wealthy madam with a temperament as pleasant as the Witch of the Waste's, finds herself at the Crow's Nest. Lanyon's utilisation of description couldn't help but make me chuckle,
A petite woman of perhaps forty cautiously entered the bookshop. She wore an expensive but not particularly flattering beige pantsuit. Her stiffly styled blonde hair was as shiny and untouchable as a doll's. Her eyes were also doll-like, being round and blue and rather blank..Odette Wallace is a widow of ten years and a bit of a uh socialite. She's also in a pickle. She's completely convinced that someone is trying to murder her and so hires Ellery to catch the killer. Her high-handedness irritated Ellery but he needed the cash. He needed to catch her would-be murderer and he needed her to stay alive, Ultimately, Ellery wanted Odette not to be murdered so he could in good conscience keep his fee.
"Good morning!" Ellery and Nora chorused.
The woman studied them, blinked under her false eyelashes, and said, "Mary Daheim."
Ellery resisted the temptation to reply, Merry Daheim to you too.
While it may feel like there were too many moving parts in this tiny book, they're all interconnected. The characters have as much heart as ever and there was a lot more scrabble in this book. I do wish we'd gotten to spend more time with the Wallaces, if only to solidify our feelings for them. I was left adrift when the cases were solved and I hadn't put my finger on where they land. Were they good people? Bad people? Weird people? Crazy people? The only thing I had any reaction to was their attitude towards Odette. Perhaps if it was a full length mystery novel there'd have been space for this.
Jack and Ellery's relationship does hit new "troubled" waters. And they stand on opposite sides of Buck Island's latest mystery. Will love prevail? For once I didn't care. This isn't because I am a shell of a woman I once was and now have a charred broken ember for a heart, but because there's never a dull moment on Buck Island. The next book in the series just came out and if you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for? Jesus?
Many heartfelt thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for a review.
June 27, 2025
***❤❤❤❤+*** for both, audiobook and story
December 19, 2021
Ooh, Kit Holmes might be coming to Pirate's Cove? We can definitely hope!
Ellery is facing a real puzzle this time. Tensions mount with Jack over Ellery's involvement, but Jack has his reasons and he's man enough to consider them. Josh Lanyon sure knows how to build captivating discord with the love interest, and I appreciate the way they face their stumbling blocks.
I'm loving the Secrets and Scrabble series. Ellery makes for an interesting leading man, and while the romance is important to him, the story's mostly about the life he's building in Pirate's Cove, and his growth as a character. Plus there's always a clever Lanyon whodunit, of course!
Ellery is facing a real puzzle this time. Tensions mount with Jack over Ellery's involvement, but Jack has his reasons and he's man enough to consider them. Josh Lanyon sure knows how to build captivating discord with the love interest, and I appreciate the way they face their stumbling blocks.
I'm loving the Secrets and Scrabble series. Ellery makes for an interesting leading man, and while the romance is important to him, the story's mostly about the life he's building in Pirate's Cove, and his growth as a character. Plus there's always a clever Lanyon whodunit, of course!
February 14, 2025
The obligatory "Jack vs. Ellery" fights are growing a bit tiresome and the mystery was solved off screen, but the characters are still charming and fun. Besides, where else am I going to find gay cozy mysteries? That's a serious question, please tell me!
February 8, 2022
There wasn't as much mystery investigation going on in this one. The dead man seemed like more of space filler than the whole reason for the mystery. It was good to see that Ellery and Jack are getting closer, and Jack is starting to act like he might actually show some feelings for Ellery. They may actually have a relationship. We also got to meet Ellery's mother and his stepfather. This series is not supposed to have the big amount of romance as her other books...so Jack and Ellery are more like roommates than lovers... but it fits with the "cozy" theme that the author wanted for this series. The island citizens group that meets at the bookstore...the "Silver Sleuths" are becoming a bit irritating. No law enforcement in the country would allow this group to "investigate" or become involved in anything. I wish Josh would tone them down a bit or just eliminate them. Otherwise, it was worth the time that it took to read it , and I will anxiously await book #6. This really is a series that should be read in order, or you won't understand the changes in the characters attitudes.
February 12, 2023
Another wonderful visit to Pirate's Cove and a chance to catch up with Ellery, Jack and Watson.
A diving adventure brings about another mystery for our couple of mystery solvers, and it leads to unanswered questions, house break ins, and spoilt millionaires fearing for their lives.
Fun, sweet and cozy.
A diving adventure brings about another mystery for our couple of mystery solvers, and it leads to unanswered questions, house break ins, and spoilt millionaires fearing for their lives.
Fun, sweet and cozy.
December 23, 2021
3.5 stars
Ellery Page - the dead body magnet -- can't believe that he stumbles into another crime scene when doing diving with his boyfriend, Chief Police Officer Jack Carson, around Buccaneer's Bay. And while on land, he is hired (as an amateur sleuth) by Odette Wallace to find out who is trying to kill her.
I think this series still hasn't reached its full potential. I'm a little confused with the focus, is the 'dead body in the sea' the main case or is the one with Mrs. Wallace? (). Also, again, I felt that Ellery came to the conclusion a bit too fast.
Another thing that I also want to highlight is Ellery and Jack's relationship. They're arguing again here, about Jack's concerns of Ellery's sleuthing and Ellery worrying about trusting Jack completely. I mean, if it follows the guideline of cozy mystery series, Ellery and Jack should be exchanging rings already. It IS book 5!!
It's not bad, of course, but it's not exactly my favorite. I do love Ellery's parents though, I hope to see more of them in the next books.
Ellery Page - the dead body magnet -- can't believe that he stumbles into another crime scene when doing diving with his boyfriend, Chief Police Officer Jack Carson, around Buccaneer's Bay. And while on land, he is hired (as an amateur sleuth) by Odette Wallace to find out who is trying to kill her.
I think this series still hasn't reached its full potential. I'm a little confused with the focus, is the 'dead body in the sea' the main case or is the one with Mrs. Wallace? (). Also, again, I felt that Ellery came to the conclusion a bit too fast.
Another thing that I also want to highlight is Ellery and Jack's relationship. They're arguing again here, about Jack's concerns of Ellery's sleuthing and Ellery worrying about trusting Jack completely. I mean, if it follows the guideline of cozy mystery series, Ellery and Jack should be exchanging rings already. It IS book 5!!
It's not bad, of course, but it's not exactly my favorite. I do love Ellery's parents though, I hope to see more of them in the next books.
August 24, 2024
Wasn't a fan of this one. You have 3 mystery threads, and the link between them was nebulous to me to the end. The resolution was not that clear or that convincing. As for the relationship development, still not a fan. 5 books in and I still don't really see what Ellery and Jack see in each other so their "fight" didn't resonate. Ellery's investigating was, once again, not that effective. Only 2 books to go, I know there are more but I only bought two more and won't buy the others.
December 26, 2021
Well thank god Ellery wasn’t a suspect this time and his nemesis Sue wasn’t around printing libelous stories in the Scuttlebutt Weekly although I swear I think she’s the one leaving the hateful letters for him. Meeting Ellery’s mother and stepfather was interesting but I wish they had been involved in the story a little bit more. It felt like they were there just to comment on Ellery and Jack and Robert and then they were leaving. At the end of each book in the series Jack and Ellery seem to have resolved their issues but of course in the next book the same things happen, the same arguments are had, and the same issues are resolved apparently. It’s honestly tiresome. It appears there are at least two more books in the series so I expect the pattern to repeat. Also repeating is Ellery suddenly coming to the solution to the mystery and it being resolved off page. Why did I just invest a few hours reading 90% of the book waiting for the money shot, if you will, to get to the next chapter and read a quick synopsis of whodunit explained after the fact? It is not satisfying in the least. Also, why does Ellery have to keep referencing cozy mysteries while I’m reading a cozy mystery? I suppose it is meant to be clever but it���s just a little too on-the-nose for me. *sigh* And yet I keep purchasing these Josh Lanyon books. There really seems to be a template she uses. The gruff bisexual policeman with either a dead wife or an ex-wife. Dead child. The amateur sleuth with a connection to books and a Hollywood past. And the one step forward two steps back relationship progression over a series of books. Jake and Jack, Ellery and Adrien. Interchangeable. With a few changes to backgrounds, Jason and Sam.
And finally, if a book’s publication keeps getting pushed back I really don’t expect to find numerous typos. Is there an editor involved? Beta readers or whatever? I read pretty quickly and if mistakes jump out at me, how do they slip past all these other before publication? Honestly wondering.
And finally, if a book’s publication keeps getting pushed back I really don’t expect to find numerous typos. Is there an editor involved? Beta readers or whatever? I read pretty quickly and if mistakes jump out at me, how do they slip past all these other before publication? Honestly wondering.
November 19, 2024
2024 review
I read this out of order because I was on travel and thought I had book 4 downloaded, but I didn't, but I did have this book so I just went with it. A fun addition to the series.
2021 review
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fun easy read, without much tension or fear of actual harm to the MCs. Ellery once again finds himself in the middle of a mystery, murder a high probability. On top of that, he is hired by someone completely unrelated to that case to solve possible attempted murder incidences to which annoy Jack. And if course the added bonus of an old...flame...of Jack's being in town. Not much came from that angle, which was a little dissapointing. I wanted to know more about Jack and Rowdy's past, but no dramallama so, whew there!
Overall this was fun and a good way to pass the time. The ending was kind of anticlimactic because there was no big confrontation, no kidnapping of Ellery or attempts on his life. They solve the mysteries and everything is done clean. I miss the days when Ellery got conked on the head, haha.
Lackluster ending aside I do recommend this for those who of course are fans of JL, and for those who want a straight forward story with a few laughs, a sweet romance without the on page sexcapades, and finally meeting Ellery's parents!
3 stars and bonus for bringing in Holmes as an off page cameo with hints of an on page appearance.
I read this out of order because I was on travel and thought I had book 4 downloaded, but I didn't, but I did have this book so I just went with it. A fun addition to the series.
2021 review
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fun easy read, without much tension or fear of actual harm to the MCs. Ellery once again finds himself in the middle of a mystery, murder a high probability. On top of that, he is hired by someone completely unrelated to that case to solve possible attempted murder incidences to which annoy Jack. And if course the added bonus of an old...flame...of Jack's being in town. Not much came from that angle, which was a little dissapointing. I wanted to know more about Jack and Rowdy's past, but no dramallama so, whew there!
Overall this was fun and a good way to pass the time. The ending was kind of anticlimactic because there was no big confrontation, no kidnapping of Ellery or attempts on his life. They solve the mysteries and everything is done clean. I miss the days when Ellery got conked on the head, haha.
Lackluster ending aside I do recommend this for those who of course are fans of JL, and for those who want a straight forward story with a few laughs, a sweet romance without the on page sexcapades, and finally meeting Ellery's parents!
3 stars and bonus for bringing in Holmes as an off page cameo with hints of an on page appearance.
January 12, 2022
I love this series so much! I envy the people who haven't started it yet; They get to binge read five books. While I have to not-so-patiently wait for book six.
Body at Buccaneer's Bay by Josh Lanyon is another perfect entry to this cosy mystery series. We get an ineresting mystery. Ellery and Jack's relationship developes further, with Jack meeting the parents. Even though the mystery is the main focus, both mystery and romance is well developed and really enjoyable!
__
Ellery "the dead body magnet" page, discovers a vintage diving suit while diving with his boyfriend, Police Chief Jack Carson. The suit would be a great treasure find, if not for the dead body occupying it...
While Jack begins the official police investigation, Ellery is approached Odette Wallace. She wants to hire Ellery, to put his amateur sleuthing experience to work, and find out who's trying to murder her.
Ellery doesn't want to actively put himself in dangers path, despite what jack says, but he really could use the funds to purchase a security system for his bookshop and home.
Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Body at Buccaneer's Bay by Josh Lanyon is another perfect entry to this cosy mystery series. We get an ineresting mystery. Ellery and Jack's relationship developes further, with Jack meeting the parents. Even though the mystery is the main focus, both mystery and romance is well developed and really enjoyable!
__
Ellery "the dead body magnet" page, discovers a vintage diving suit while diving with his boyfriend, Police Chief Jack Carson. The suit would be a great treasure find, if not for the dead body occupying it...
While Jack begins the official police investigation, Ellery is approached Odette Wallace. She wants to hire Ellery, to put his amateur sleuthing experience to work, and find out who's trying to murder her.
Ellery doesn't want to actively put himself in dangers path, despite what jack says, but he really could use the funds to purchase a security system for his bookshop and home.
Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2025
Reread March 2025 - I enjoyed it a lot more the second time round.
I'm getting a little bit bored by this series by now. It pretty much follow the same line in all the books a mystery where everything is solved off page, a love story that takes one step forward and two steps back but always ending in a happy for now. I'm invested now so I'll probably finish this series (if the author manages to finish their books on time).
I'm getting a little bit bored by this series by now. It pretty much follow the same line in all the books a mystery where everything is solved off page, a love story that takes one step forward and two steps back but always ending in a happy for now. I'm invested now so I'll probably finish this series (if the author manages to finish their books on time).
May 23, 2025
“This one’s a keeper,” Talia had whispered, her eyes very bright.”
Another short and sweet cozy mystery where nothing really happens—but you like the slowness and the unseriousness of it all because it’s just so fun. These are the perfect palate cleansers after reading the Hazard and Somerset series, that’s for sure.
Jack and Ellery are something else. Their relationship is kind of awkward and endearing. I feel like there’s so much potential for some really good drama between them, but since this is a cozy mystery, everything gets worked out quickly—which is too bad. Still, I enjoy this series for what it is.
Another short and sweet cozy mystery where nothing really happens—but you like the slowness and the unseriousness of it all because it’s just so fun. These are the perfect palate cleansers after reading the Hazard and Somerset series, that’s for sure.
Jack and Ellery are something else. Their relationship is kind of awkward and endearing. I feel like there’s so much potential for some really good drama between them, but since this is a cozy mystery, everything gets worked out quickly—which is too bad. Still, I enjoy this series for what it is.
March 31, 2025
Not my favorite, but not my least favorite either. It did feel like there was less Jack and Ellery though. Ellery did agitate me a little bit but that's pretty much par for the course. 😅
I hope the next book (and it's audiobook) will be out soon😮💨
I hope the next book (and it's audiobook) will be out soon😮💨
February 20, 2022
While diving an old shipwreck, Ellery and Jack find a dead body - hardly a surprise anymore due to Ellery's proclivity for murder and mayhem on Buck Island - however, this one is in an old-fashioned diving suit and there are no outstanding missing person reports. And all this in the midst of Buck Island's annual Race Week.
And yet all this faded into the background for me personally as I was enthralled by Jack finally meeting Ellery's parents, a resolution of sorts in the feud between Nora and Kingston Peabody at the Crow's Nest bookstore, Jack meeting one of his exes, Watson's continuing doggy antics, and most importantly the comfortable domesticity between Jack and Ellery:
"Hey, I've been thinking about what you were saying last night," Ellery leaned against the counter, watching Jack pour coffee into two mugs.Jack threw him a quick look."Er, not that," Ellery said hastily, "Although, yes, that. For sure."Jack bit back a smile. Then his brows rose and he held up Ellery's I woke up like this Disney Princess mug.
And not to mention, the news that Christopher Holmes (from Lanyon's excellent Holmes & Moriarity series) will be coming to the Crow's Nest for a book tour. Or as Nora and Ellery discuss (excerpts from their conversation):
"Christopher Holmes.""Never heard of him.""He wants to come here? Won't any other bookstores let him sign?"Nora didn't bother denying it was an odd choice."He must be crazy.""Probably.""Well, I mean, if he wants to come, okay," Ellery said reluctantly.Nora murmured, "I'll let them know how thrilled we are."
In the midst of all this, I must admit the murder mystery plot had a lot of competition! This is such an enjoyable series that I anxiously await the next two books (slated for publication in 2022) in the series. Keep 'em coming!
I received an ARC from the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2022
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well, this was fabulous. I don't know how Josh Lanyon does it, but every single one of the books in this series is fantastic: witty and compelling, heart-warming and addicting, with a well-structured mystery and a dash of romance, both of which will keep you on your toes. She's a truly marvelous storyteller and I've loved every book I have read of hers: "Body at Buccaneer's Bay" is no exception. I'm still not sure which one of the five books in this fantastic series I loved more, so I'll definitely have to do a re-read to refresh my memory: I loved this one to pieces.
Ellery and Jack are finally settling into the steadily-and-happily-together stage of their relationship when yet another mystery comes along to ruin their amateur-sleuthing-free peace: they (accidentally, of course) find a body in a diving suit and well, Ellery tries really hard to resist sleuthing, but all of Pirate's Cove's inhabitants (minus Jack), but especially Nora and her Silver Sleuths, conspire to get him involved. PLUS, there are other mysterious incidents happening all around him, so Ellery doesn't stand a chance: sleuthing and some major relationship drama ensues. It was an addicting story, one I managed to devour in two sittings and that left me craving more.
Ellery was, as usual and by far, my absolute favourite: he's a terrific protagonist, witty and sarcastic, but also low-key and genuinely very very nice. I loved seeing him a bit more of his internal struggles, his insecurity and self-doubts, and I loved seeing more of his past, since his parents are on the island for a visit. Jack, on the other hand, even though he's finally gotten over his doubts about being in a relationship with Ellery, acted a bit like a big jerk a times: he's stubborn and candid and sometimes, that leads to him being harsh, even when Ellery does not deserve it. His behavior was all in good faith though: he's worried. And seeing his protective streak (and even some hints at his jealous one! Josh Lanyon, if you're reading this review, PRETTY PLEASE, more of that) left me swooning all other the place. I wanted to kick him, but I still adored him.
Their relationship is beyond cute and even though there's (*wishful sighing*) virtually no heat whatsoever other than a few kisses and hugs and innuendo, their chemistry is still very palpable.
Pirate's Cove, and its quirky and gossipy people, was, as usual, a joy to behold: I spent the whole time giggling at the antics of its inhabitants, the ceaseless gossiping, the bloody and frankly absurd history of the island and its obsession with pirates (and murders). A special mention to Nora, because she's a riot: I absolutely love her.
I can't wait to read the next book. If I could speed up time to when it's finally published and in my greedy hands, I would. I'm excited for what's to come (especially since there are a couple open ends that are very intriguing, and possibly worrying *evil cackle*) and I can firmly state I'd never grow tired of Pirate's Cove and Ellery Page's adventures.
Well, this was fabulous. I don't know how Josh Lanyon does it, but every single one of the books in this series is fantastic: witty and compelling, heart-warming and addicting, with a well-structured mystery and a dash of romance, both of which will keep you on your toes. She's a truly marvelous storyteller and I've loved every book I have read of hers: "Body at Buccaneer's Bay" is no exception. I'm still not sure which one of the five books in this fantastic series I loved more, so I'll definitely have to do a re-read to refresh my memory: I loved this one to pieces.
Ellery and Jack are finally settling into the steadily-and-happily-together stage of their relationship when yet another mystery comes along to ruin their amateur-sleuthing-free peace: they (accidentally, of course) find a body in a diving suit and well, Ellery tries really hard to resist sleuthing, but all of Pirate's Cove's inhabitants (minus Jack), but especially Nora and her Silver Sleuths, conspire to get him involved. PLUS, there are other mysterious incidents happening all around him, so Ellery doesn't stand a chance: sleuthing and some major relationship drama ensues. It was an addicting story, one I managed to devour in two sittings and that left me craving more.
Ellery was, as usual and by far, my absolute favourite: he's a terrific protagonist, witty and sarcastic, but also low-key and genuinely very very nice. I loved seeing him a bit more of his internal struggles, his insecurity and self-doubts, and I loved seeing more of his past, since his parents are on the island for a visit. Jack, on the other hand, even though he's finally gotten over his doubts about being in a relationship with Ellery, acted a bit like a big jerk a times: he's stubborn and candid and sometimes, that leads to him being harsh, even when Ellery does not deserve it. His behavior was all in good faith though: he's worried. And seeing his protective streak (and even some hints at his jealous one! Josh Lanyon, if you're reading this review, PRETTY PLEASE, more of that) left me swooning all other the place. I wanted to kick him, but I still adored him.
Their relationship is beyond cute and even though there's (*wishful sighing*) virtually no heat whatsoever other than a few kisses and hugs and innuendo, their chemistry is still very palpable.
Pirate's Cove, and its quirky and gossipy people, was, as usual, a joy to behold: I spent the whole time giggling at the antics of its inhabitants, the ceaseless gossiping, the bloody and frankly absurd history of the island and its obsession with pirates (and murders). A special mention to Nora, because she's a riot: I absolutely love her.
I can't wait to read the next book. If I could speed up time to when it's finally published and in my greedy hands, I would. I'm excited for what's to come (especially since there are a couple open ends that are very intriguing, and possibly worrying *evil cackle*) and I can firmly state I'd never grow tired of Pirate's Cove and Ellery Page's adventures.
October 6, 2022
4.5 🌟 The best in the series. I would have loved it better if the ending was more eventful but as JL says in the author's note, "It's cozy and I don't make the rule". So, I had to be satisfied with the clean ending.
I was also not surprised that JL has written Watson's character based on her pet because at this point he feels like a fully-drawn side character.😊😊 I am definitely gonna miss him after the next book.
I was also not surprised that JL has written Watson's character based on her pet because at this point he feels like a fully-drawn side character.😊😊 I am definitely gonna miss him after the next book.
July 23, 2024
I read this several weeks ago and don’t remember what happened. Hmmm.
October 30, 2025
Apologies in advance:
I'm obviously on a review slump - this has
NOTHING to do with the books and everything to do
with ME.
So I'm changing this up a little and doing a generic review
on the whole series here.
Please forgive me dearest Josh.
But it's that or there will forever be 100 books on my
currently-reading list that I've actually finished moths
ago.
Overall Rating on this series: 4
Audiobooks: Matt Haynes 4 plus an extra star for Watson!
Book Covers: 4
I started reading this because I had a serious Josh Lanyon
craving and I've just finished re-reading everything I've
already read - again.
I found it light and entertaining and with all the little touches
this author brings to the floor.
Ellery Page and his escapades, Jack Carson and one of my
star side characters, little Watson, kept me well entertained.
I love the way Josh writes relationships. Heaven knows,
that's one of the reasons Adrien and Jake is one of my
all time favourite coupes. (There are more of them as we
all know - wink wink)
The mystery is a bonus. In fact I'm not a great mystery
fan, but I can't get enough of this authors particular
style.
This series is light and I really enjoyed the whole thing,
but, I enjoy the stories where there's MORE between the
MC's way better.
Maybe because it's a cosy mystery I felt the detail
between Ellery and Jack was not what I wanted entirely.
I will possibly add it as a re-read one day in the future but
Adrien, Jake, Christopher, JX, Elliot, Tucker, Jason and
heaven help me SAM KENNEDY.. are still ahead in the race.
It really was a fun read. I'm addicted to this author and
sometimes I wish a could clone her. For reasons that more
of her can write more fabulous stories quicker. But hey,
I'm happy with re-reads and patiently awaiting
anything new she gives us.
I'm obviously on a review slump - this has
NOTHING to do with the books and everything to do
with ME.
So I'm changing this up a little and doing a generic review
on the whole series here.
Please forgive me dearest Josh.
But it's that or there will forever be 100 books on my
currently-reading list that I've actually finished moths
ago.
Overall Rating on this series: 4
Audiobooks: Matt Haynes 4 plus an extra star for Watson!
Book Covers: 4
I started reading this because I had a serious Josh Lanyon
craving and I've just finished re-reading everything I've
already read - again.
I found it light and entertaining and with all the little touches
this author brings to the floor.
Ellery Page and his escapades, Jack Carson and one of my
star side characters, little Watson, kept me well entertained.
I love the way Josh writes relationships. Heaven knows,
that's one of the reasons Adrien and Jake is one of my
all time favourite coupes. (There are more of them as we
all know - wink wink)
The mystery is a bonus. In fact I'm not a great mystery
fan, but I can't get enough of this authors particular
style.
This series is light and I really enjoyed the whole thing,
but, I enjoy the stories where there's MORE between the
MC's way better.
Maybe because it's a cosy mystery I felt the detail
between Ellery and Jack was not what I wanted entirely.
I will possibly add it as a re-read one day in the future but
Adrien, Jake, Christopher, JX, Elliot, Tucker, Jason and
heaven help me SAM KENNEDY.. are still ahead in the race.
It really was a fun read. I'm addicted to this author and
sometimes I wish a could clone her. For reasons that more
of her can write more fabulous stories quicker. But hey,
I'm happy with re-reads and patiently awaiting
anything new she gives us.
December 19, 2021
It was nice to revisit these people. I had to go back to #4 to refresh my memory as to who some of the people were but that's ok. The ending..... I just re-read the last 3 chapters to see if I missed something previously but I hadn't.
A few - very few - typos.
A few - very few - typos.
February 21, 2022
Ebook and Audiobook review
Matt Haynes narration was engaging, upbeat and fun .
Body at Buccaneers's Bay is a wonderful addition to a series that with each new book gets better and better.
Matt Haynes narration was engaging, upbeat and fun .
Body at Buccaneers's Bay is a wonderful addition to a series that with each new book gets better and better.
January 4, 2022
4.5 stars
Woo!! Hoo!! First read of 2022! And it was a great one!!!! I adore this series and this was another fabulous installment! The town of Pirate’s Cove is adorable and even though it’s crawling with suspicious characters, busy bodies and murder I would love to live there!! I think I’d become great friends with Ellery and I would love to work at the bookstore!
This mystery was interesting with the corpse in the old diving suit and the rich stepmom hiring Ellery to find out who is trying to kill her plus her being accused of killing her husband ten years prior. I figured out who was the murderer early on but there was a twist too. Plus we see Jack actually solve this one before Ellery which is a good thing because Ellery can’t keep one upping Jack like that! Plus there was tension between Ellery and Jack but instead of the usual jerk behavior of the “J” guys In Lanyon’s books (Jake, John, Jack) this is figured out between the men and they become closer.
We get to meet Ellery’s parents and of course we get a ton of cuddly Watson! I love the cozy mystery aspect but I’d love a sex scene bonus somewhere because I think there’s so much chemistry between Ellery and Jack and I’d love to witness it!
I love the flow of these books and I read them very quickly. They are just so enjoyable for this mystery lover and I am very excited for the next ones in the series!
Woo!! Hoo!! First read of 2022! And it was a great one!!!! I adore this series and this was another fabulous installment! The town of Pirate’s Cove is adorable and even though it’s crawling with suspicious characters, busy bodies and murder I would love to live there!! I think I’d become great friends with Ellery and I would love to work at the bookstore!
This mystery was interesting with the corpse in the old diving suit and the rich stepmom hiring Ellery to find out who is trying to kill her plus her being accused of killing her husband ten years prior. I figured out who was the murderer early on but there was a twist too. Plus we see Jack actually solve this one before Ellery which is a good thing because Ellery can’t keep one upping Jack like that! Plus there was tension between Ellery and Jack but instead of the usual jerk behavior of the “J” guys In Lanyon’s books (Jake, John, Jack) this is figured out between the men and they become closer.
We get to meet Ellery’s parents and of course we get a ton of cuddly Watson! I love the cozy mystery aspect but I’d love a sex scene bonus somewhere because I think there’s so much chemistry between Ellery and Jack and I’d love to witness it!
I love the flow of these books and I read them very quickly. They are just so enjoyable for this mystery lover and I am very excited for the next ones in the series!
May 31, 2024
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
Un noto proverbio recita: “Squadra che vince non si cambia” e anche Josh Lanyon ripropone una routine ormai consolidata di eventi per questo quinto volume della serie.
La trama riparte a ridosso del precedente volume. Siamo alla fine di agosto, sei mesi dopo il trasferimento e l’insediamento del protagonista nella sua nuova vita.
Ellery e Jack stanno approfondendo il loro legame a piccoli passi continui, addirittura con immersioni avventurose per esplorare i fondali attorno all’isola in cui vivono, fino a imbattersi in una scoperta che finirà sulla bocca di tutti: hanno accidentalmente risolto un antico mistero, oppure c’è un nuovo enigma da risolvere?
Continua sul nostro blog!
Un noto proverbio recita: “Squadra che vince non si cambia” e anche Josh Lanyon ripropone una routine ormai consolidata di eventi per questo quinto volume della serie.
La trama riparte a ridosso del precedente volume. Siamo alla fine di agosto, sei mesi dopo il trasferimento e l’insediamento del protagonista nella sua nuova vita.
Ellery e Jack stanno approfondendo il loro legame a piccoli passi continui, addirittura con immersioni avventurose per esplorare i fondali attorno all’isola in cui vivono, fino a imbattersi in una scoperta che finirà sulla bocca di tutti: hanno accidentalmente risolto un antico mistero, oppure c’è un nuovo enigma da risolvere?
Continua sul nostro blog!
December 30, 2021
Release date is pushed back… AGAIN. I’m slowly rotting away waiting for this to be released 💀
October 29, 2023
Re-read October 2023
January 23, 2022
3.5 stars
I still immensely enjoy this series for the sheer escapist fun it offers. And I do adore Watson. And the gang of islanders (go team Silver Sleuths!). And meeting the parents was great. And I do feel like the relationship is making significant progress.
But the inevitable fights between Ellery and Jack are becoming a bit repetitive for me. It's always the same fight which they resolve in the end only to rear its ugly head again in the next book. I always think they're making such great progress, but then they end up fighting over the same thing yet again, which makes me doubt their relationship a bit.
I also find the mysteries less and less enjoyable. Yes, I know, cosy mystery and all. Where mysteries are supposed to be solved off-page. But this time, I found it unsatisfying to have invested in all that delicious family feud drama only to have the solution presented on one page.
All in all, I enjoyed this latest addition to the series. I love spending time on that island where the dreaded C-word does not exist, and all is bright and happy. I love the books for that. I just wish the boys would finally make up their minds about whether they actually want to be together or not...
*I received an advanced copy from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I still immensely enjoy this series for the sheer escapist fun it offers. And I do adore Watson. And the gang of islanders (go team Silver Sleuths!). And meeting the parents was great. And I do feel like the relationship is making significant progress.
But the inevitable fights between Ellery and Jack are becoming a bit repetitive for me. It's always the same fight which they resolve in the end only to rear its ugly head again in the next book. I always think they're making such great progress, but then they end up fighting over the same thing yet again, which makes me doubt their relationship a bit.
I also find the mysteries less and less enjoyable. Yes, I know, cosy mystery and all. Where mysteries are supposed to be solved off-page. But this time, I found it unsatisfying to have invested in all that delicious family feud drama only to have the solution presented on one page.
All in all, I enjoyed this latest addition to the series. I love spending time on that island where the dreaded C-word does not exist, and all is bright and happy. I love the books for that. I just wish the boys would finally make up their minds about whether they actually want to be together or not...
*I received an advanced copy from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
January 1, 2022
[ I received a digital copy from Netgalley for an honest review]
"Only you could go scuba diving and stumble across a sixty-five-year-old cold case."
Body at Buccaneer's Bay is a great addition to the Secrets and Scrabble series by Josh Lay non. It was exactly what I expect from of a book in this cozy mystery series.
This one finds our bookstore owner Ellery bumping into yet another body while diving with his boyfriend police chief Jack and finding himself reluctantly agreeing to be hired on as an amateur sleuth once again. The mystery body and his new side job cross paths and sends his relationship with Jack swaying and his own safety at risk again.
Body at Buccaneer's Bay has the expected dead body and amateur sleuthing but also deep sea diving, break-ins, meet the parents, threatening notes, a bit of jealousy, and another step in the slowly progressing relationship of Ellery and Jack. Can't wait for the next one!
"Only you could go scuba diving and stumble across a sixty-five-year-old cold case."
Body at Buccaneer's Bay is a great addition to the Secrets and Scrabble series by Josh Lay non. It was exactly what I expect from of a book in this cozy mystery series.
This one finds our bookstore owner Ellery bumping into yet another body while diving with his boyfriend police chief Jack and finding himself reluctantly agreeing to be hired on as an amateur sleuth once again. The mystery body and his new side job cross paths and sends his relationship with Jack swaying and his own safety at risk again.
Body at Buccaneer's Bay has the expected dead body and amateur sleuthing but also deep sea diving, break-ins, meet the parents, threatening notes, a bit of jealousy, and another step in the slowly progressing relationship of Ellery and Jack. Can't wait for the next one!
January 2, 2022
3.5⭐️
Okay, while I adore the characters and the relationship between Ellery and Jack, this is supposed to be a mystery... and that part was confusing as hell. I’m not sure I understand the resolution of the case, or what actually happened. There might be plot-holes or maybe I’m just dumb, idk.
But I actually really like all the characters. These series have been my cozy refuge when I’m having bad days. I love Ellery and I love Jack and Watson and every single character here.
Okay, while I adore the characters and the relationship between Ellery and Jack, this is supposed to be a mystery... and that part was confusing as hell. I’m not sure I understand the resolution of the case, or what actually happened. There might be plot-holes or maybe I’m just dumb, idk.
But I actually really like all the characters. These series have been my cozy refuge when I’m having bad days. I love Ellery and I love Jack and Watson and every single character here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews