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Secrets and Scrabble #8
Corpse at Captain's Seat
Please note that this edition has never been published.
At long last, the renovations of stately Captain’s Seat are complete, and to celebrate, mystery bookseller and sometimes amateur sleuth Ellery Page decides to throw a house-warming party and invite all his New York theater friends to stay for the weekend. When a freak snowstorm leaves the house-party cut off from the village of Pirate’s Cove, there’s nothing to do but drink, reminisce, and play board games.
Or so Ellery thinks.
From Jack's perspective, the only thing more frightening than being forced to play endless hours of charades with Theatah People is the possibility of being trapped in a real-life game of Clue.
At long last, the renovations of stately Captain’s Seat are complete, and to celebrate, mystery bookseller and sometimes amateur sleuth Ellery Page decides to throw a house-warming party and invite all his New York theater friends to stay for the weekend. When a freak snowstorm leaves the house-party cut off from the village of Pirate’s Cove, there’s nothing to do but drink, reminisce, and play board games.
Or so Ellery thinks.
From Jack's perspective, the only thing more frightening than being forced to play endless hours of charades with Theatah People is the possibility of being trapped in a real-life game of Clue.
226 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2024
30 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
225 books5,420 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
August 14, 2024
They call me a little grown-up / See, I'm upset because I've always been stuck / But I don't know what it is I'm without / Guess I'm in love with always feeling down (This Head I Hold – Electric Guest).
Hm, I think I have time for a story. Once upon a time (like, two years ago maybe?), I would have easily and proudly claimed that the Secrets and Scrabble books are my favorite mystery series! Fun pirate themed town, gay main character, boring dipshit love-interest? Hey, two out of three isn't too bad! For real though, I was in awe of its impeccable writing that goes along nicely with the fun brain teaser-like mysteries, and if nothing else, they're simply made to binge read. I remember I got the first couple of the books in this series as a birthday present a while back and I was hooked from the first page. Seriously, I stayed up all night, eyes glued, reading page after page, and when I was finally able to come up for air, all I wanted to do was read anything and everything Josh Lanyon. And in a rare moment of follow-through, I did just that! I figured I’d start from the beginning with this charming little book called Somebody Killed His Editor. Hey, it’s a popular book with a punchy title and everyone seems to love it, so it should have been an easy win for me, right? Er, unfortunately it wasn't. I really did give it a try at first, I promise! I even liked it for a bit. Sure, the writing style seems a little dated, but that wasn't too much of a problem. I can hang! And I did, until I stumbled across this beautiful (sarcasm) sentences saying, “Her eyes bulged – which is really not that easy with Asian eyes.” Yes, this is a real sentence in a real book. For those unaware, that’s racist. Yeah well, you'd best believe my Asian eyes bulged at the random and casual display of racism in what I assumed would be a “cozy” mystery, and my Asian hands quickly closed the book out while my Asian ass decided I'd have to immediately return this shit to the library. Trust me, all this was pretty easy. You could probably imagine why I don’t have the same feel-good opinions about this author as I used to, and whenever I’m reading a Josh Lanyon book, I spend a sizable percentage of my energy dreading the moment when I might happen upon the next racist faux pau. It feels inevitable, really. And yes, I understand that this was written a long time ago, but the truth is… I really don’t give a shit. Never forgive and never forget is what I always say. Well, I apparently don’t hold a strong enough grudge because here I am, reading the series I used to love but now I just like. That's the thing though, it's really mostly a habit at this point and I can't deny that I’m really not reading each new installment with the same bright-eyed enthusiasm that the me of past did. And that kind of sucks, you know? I guess my “give-a-fucks” are still on vacation. Oh well, I’ll live. The only reason I’m bringing this up is because… one, I’m a hater… but also, I saw a review for one of these Secrets and Scrabble books where the reviewer predicted that characters from the Holmes & Moriarity series might show up sometime in the future to team up with Ellery and Jack or whatever and now I lie in wait for their appearance like an anticipatory jump-scare. Oh boy, everyone’s favorite racist is here to make a splash in Pirate’s Cove. Can't wait. Again, sarcasm.
I don’t know, love is not stronger than pride this time around and I can't help but get random flashes of intense negative feelings whenever I happen to find myself reading a Josh Lanyon book, and if I hold it in any longer, I will explode. I just have to get this stuff off my chest. Sometimes the authors that write fiction that's supposed to make you feel safe and included can easily do a full 180 and accomplish the exact opposite. Damn, maybe I do hold grudges. Anyway, I thought that this book, book eight (eight!), was definitely an improvement over the last couple. Yay for improvement. I mean, it does do the whole “Ellery doesn’t want to investigate anything for some reason"-thing and I’m sorry, but at this point in the series, I feel like he should definitely be way more interested in investigating all the weird shit going on. Part of what makes mysteries fun is the main character's innate curiosity, and if Ellery doesn't care, then why should we? This is his eighth (eight!) mystery solved, so it's totally okay to write him to be a bit more confident by now. Encouraged even. His constant hesitation is seriously just tiring at this point and I’m always wanting to reach into the pages and scream, “You best start believing in mysteries, Mr. Page. You're in one!” But other than that, this one took some serious leaps and bounds outside of what was beginning to feel like growing monotony. First of all, Jack and Ellery don’t have a fight in this, which was my biggest source of contention in previous novels; Ellery thinks something's up, Jack tells him he's an idiot, Ellery ends up being right. Rinse and repeat. so let’s all celebrate the fact that we don't have to go through all that bullshit again. Yay. Oh also, I’m that weirdo that loves bottle episodes, so I actually liked how most of the story takes place in Ellery’s house. The increasing tension within the household and the fact that all the characters are severely snowed in made for fun scenes where the characters slowly start to get on each other's nerves. Love that stuff. And it helps that the mystery's thick with a claustrophobic vibe that could easily help pass this book for a horror story. Cool! And as for the new cast of characters? I actually liked them. I think the author does a wonderful job of making them interesting suspects while also having them be familiar enough to where we understand why Ellery is so uncomfortable investigating their sordid past throughout the novel. The way they’re all friendly old chums yet all a little bit on edge because of the looming threat of The Hash-Slinging Slasher out there, while also having to deal with lingering resentment over their shared past trauma was a really interesting dynamic to explore. They all blended nicely into both Ellery’s current, humble, life as well as added texture to his past history. The story kind of reminded me of a mix between I Know What You Did Last Summer (maybe, I haven’t seen) and Bodies Bodies Bodies (maybe, I have seen but it's really only similar because they're stuck in a big house) in its 90’s throwback vibe. Which is fitting because Ellery himself is a throwback to the lead actors in those old slop horror movies. I guess these things always come back stronger than a 90’s trend, huh?
I've always enjoyed really how Ellery was this Final Destination type leading man that never made it because I think it's really funny, but it also shows that it's never too late to change your path in life. It's nice. Otherwise, it's nice to see more characters from that era of his life and it really shows how much of a miracle it was that he ended up as normal as he did. Also, as I've said before, I just love stories where a tight group quickly starts to turn on each other because not only is it always super entertaining, but it's also a little realistic. Maybe this is just me telling on myself, but my favorite part of the movie is always, without a doubt, whenever it looks like it's finger pointing time! "I saw him do this!" or "What was she doing over there!?" I'd be out here living like I was a character in The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street! Oh yeah, Jack's here too. Blah. But you know, I'll take blah because whenever he's anything else he's an unmovable hard ass. There was also a weird moment where he starts talking to Ellery about his friends like they're suspects in a murder mystery (before this book even has a murder to solve) and it's clearly making him uncomfortable, yet Jack still keeps interrogating him like he's on the stand? That's textbook weirdo behavior, my guy. That aside, yup yup yup, the characters were great, but as far as the actual mystery goes, I think this one wasn’t the best. For one, it isn’t even a murder mystery until 70% in (I checked), and I couldn’t help but want to scream at the book to hurry up. Like, quick! We’re running out of pages! Can somebody just die already!?! And then when someone does die, the book doesn’t even try to hide who did it!? The characters correctly guess right away and it’s not even a red herring! I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, but nope, it really was just the first person they all thought it was. Okay then? I guess it does make sense as to why they were able to sus them out, because the killer was a special kind of dumbass. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil it, but with how sloppily they went about doing the deed and how quickly they got caught, their plan would have been just as effective if they’d just stood over the dead body and did The Dougie in wait for the authorities to file in. Seriously, just save us the trouble. It was kind of funny because this is exactly how I imagine I would write a murder mystery; I’d get so caught up in character writing and world building that I’d never actually get to the killing part. I’d change the genre through sheer force of forgetfulness! I've been talking for a while, so I think it's probably time to wrap this up. So yeah... yeah so, despite everything I’ve been saying, the truth is that I’ll probably continue this series until there aren’t any more books to complain about. Sure, I'm more conflicted in my feelings towards the author in general, but I can't deny the fact that I still get that little spark of excitement whenever I see that a new installment of Secrets and Scrabble is out there in the world, and I do think that has to count for something. ...Right? Maybe eventually they'll simply become somebody that I used to know or whatever, but I think it's safe to say that that'll be in the far future. Nostalgia fuels me. And even if this head I hold is so tired, I’ll be seated for book nine.
“That’s settled. We’re all doomed.” Flip was joking, of course.
Chelsea drawled, “Not Ellery. He’s the Final Boy.”
Hm, I think I have time for a story. Once upon a time (like, two years ago maybe?), I would have easily and proudly claimed that the Secrets and Scrabble books are my favorite mystery series! Fun pirate themed town, gay main character, boring dipshit love-interest? Hey, two out of three isn't too bad! For real though, I was in awe of its impeccable writing that goes along nicely with the fun brain teaser-like mysteries, and if nothing else, they're simply made to binge read. I remember I got the first couple of the books in this series as a birthday present a while back and I was hooked from the first page. Seriously, I stayed up all night, eyes glued, reading page after page, and when I was finally able to come up for air, all I wanted to do was read anything and everything Josh Lanyon. And in a rare moment of follow-through, I did just that! I figured I’d start from the beginning with this charming little book called Somebody Killed His Editor. Hey, it’s a popular book with a punchy title and everyone seems to love it, so it should have been an easy win for me, right? Er, unfortunately it wasn't. I really did give it a try at first, I promise! I even liked it for a bit. Sure, the writing style seems a little dated, but that wasn't too much of a problem. I can hang! And I did, until I stumbled across this beautiful (sarcasm) sentences saying, “Her eyes bulged – which is really not that easy with Asian eyes.” Yes, this is a real sentence in a real book. For those unaware, that’s racist. Yeah well, you'd best believe my Asian eyes bulged at the random and casual display of racism in what I assumed would be a “cozy” mystery, and my Asian hands quickly closed the book out while my Asian ass decided I'd have to immediately return this shit to the library. Trust me, all this was pretty easy. You could probably imagine why I don’t have the same feel-good opinions about this author as I used to, and whenever I’m reading a Josh Lanyon book, I spend a sizable percentage of my energy dreading the moment when I might happen upon the next racist faux pau. It feels inevitable, really. And yes, I understand that this was written a long time ago, but the truth is… I really don’t give a shit. Never forgive and never forget is what I always say. Well, I apparently don’t hold a strong enough grudge because here I am, reading the series I used to love but now I just like. That's the thing though, it's really mostly a habit at this point and I can't deny that I’m really not reading each new installment with the same bright-eyed enthusiasm that the me of past did. And that kind of sucks, you know? I guess my “give-a-fucks” are still on vacation. Oh well, I’ll live. The only reason I’m bringing this up is because… one, I’m a hater… but also, I saw a review for one of these Secrets and Scrabble books where the reviewer predicted that characters from the Holmes & Moriarity series might show up sometime in the future to team up with Ellery and Jack or whatever and now I lie in wait for their appearance like an anticipatory jump-scare. Oh boy, everyone’s favorite racist is here to make a splash in Pirate’s Cove. Can't wait. Again, sarcasm.
I don’t know, love is not stronger than pride this time around and I can't help but get random flashes of intense negative feelings whenever I happen to find myself reading a Josh Lanyon book, and if I hold it in any longer, I will explode. I just have to get this stuff off my chest. Sometimes the authors that write fiction that's supposed to make you feel safe and included can easily do a full 180 and accomplish the exact opposite. Damn, maybe I do hold grudges. Anyway, I thought that this book, book eight (eight!), was definitely an improvement over the last couple. Yay for improvement. I mean, it does do the whole “Ellery doesn’t want to investigate anything for some reason"-thing and I’m sorry, but at this point in the series, I feel like he should definitely be way more interested in investigating all the weird shit going on. Part of what makes mysteries fun is the main character's innate curiosity, and if Ellery doesn't care, then why should we? This is his eighth (eight!) mystery solved, so it's totally okay to write him to be a bit more confident by now. Encouraged even. His constant hesitation is seriously just tiring at this point and I’m always wanting to reach into the pages and scream, “You best start believing in mysteries, Mr. Page. You're in one!” But other than that, this one took some serious leaps and bounds outside of what was beginning to feel like growing monotony. First of all, Jack and Ellery don’t have a fight in this, which was my biggest source of contention in previous novels; Ellery thinks something's up, Jack tells him he's an idiot, Ellery ends up being right. Rinse and repeat. so let’s all celebrate the fact that we don't have to go through all that bullshit again. Yay. Oh also, I’m that weirdo that loves bottle episodes, so I actually liked how most of the story takes place in Ellery’s house. The increasing tension within the household and the fact that all the characters are severely snowed in made for fun scenes where the characters slowly start to get on each other's nerves. Love that stuff. And it helps that the mystery's thick with a claustrophobic vibe that could easily help pass this book for a horror story. Cool! And as for the new cast of characters? I actually liked them. I think the author does a wonderful job of making them interesting suspects while also having them be familiar enough to where we understand why Ellery is so uncomfortable investigating their sordid past throughout the novel. The way they’re all friendly old chums yet all a little bit on edge because of the looming threat of The Hash-Slinging Slasher out there, while also having to deal with lingering resentment over their shared past trauma was a really interesting dynamic to explore. They all blended nicely into both Ellery’s current, humble, life as well as added texture to his past history. The story kind of reminded me of a mix between I Know What You Did Last Summer (maybe, I haven’t seen) and Bodies Bodies Bodies (maybe, I have seen but it's really only similar because they're stuck in a big house) in its 90’s throwback vibe. Which is fitting because Ellery himself is a throwback to the lead actors in those old slop horror movies. I guess these things always come back stronger than a 90’s trend, huh?
I've always enjoyed really how Ellery was this Final Destination type leading man that never made it because I think it's really funny, but it also shows that it's never too late to change your path in life. It's nice. Otherwise, it's nice to see more characters from that era of his life and it really shows how much of a miracle it was that he ended up as normal as he did. Also, as I've said before, I just love stories where a tight group quickly starts to turn on each other because not only is it always super entertaining, but it's also a little realistic. Maybe this is just me telling on myself, but my favorite part of the movie is always, without a doubt, whenever it looks like it's finger pointing time! "I saw him do this!" or "What was she doing over there!?" I'd be out here living like I was a character in The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street! Oh yeah, Jack's here too. Blah. But you know, I'll take blah because whenever he's anything else he's an unmovable hard ass. There was also a weird moment where he starts talking to Ellery about his friends like they're suspects in a murder mystery (before this book even has a murder to solve) and it's clearly making him uncomfortable, yet Jack still keeps interrogating him like he's on the stand? That's textbook weirdo behavior, my guy. That aside, yup yup yup, the characters were great, but as far as the actual mystery goes, I think this one wasn’t the best. For one, it isn’t even a murder mystery until 70% in (I checked), and I couldn’t help but want to scream at the book to hurry up. Like, quick! We’re running out of pages! Can somebody just die already!?! And then when someone does die, the book doesn’t even try to hide who did it!? The characters correctly guess right away and it’s not even a red herring! I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, but nope, it really was just the first person they all thought it was. Okay then? I guess it does make sense as to why they were able to sus them out, because the killer was a special kind of dumbass. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil it, but with how sloppily they went about doing the deed and how quickly they got caught, their plan would have been just as effective if they’d just stood over the dead body and did The Dougie in wait for the authorities to file in. Seriously, just save us the trouble. It was kind of funny because this is exactly how I imagine I would write a murder mystery; I’d get so caught up in character writing and world building that I’d never actually get to the killing part. I’d change the genre through sheer force of forgetfulness! I've been talking for a while, so I think it's probably time to wrap this up. So yeah... yeah so, despite everything I’ve been saying, the truth is that I’ll probably continue this series until there aren’t any more books to complain about. Sure, I'm more conflicted in my feelings towards the author in general, but I can't deny the fact that I still get that little spark of excitement whenever I see that a new installment of Secrets and Scrabble is out there in the world, and I do think that has to count for something. ...Right? Maybe eventually they'll simply become somebody that I used to know or whatever, but I think it's safe to say that that'll be in the far future. Nostalgia fuels me. And even if this head I hold is so tired, I’ll be seated for book nine.
“That’s settled. We’re all doomed.” Flip was joking, of course.
Chelsea drawled, “Not Ellery. He’s the Final Boy.”
August 27, 2024
3.5 stars
I liked the mystery set up, it was interesting and a bit different from the usual, and I always love spending more time with Ellery, Jack and Watson.
However, this book ended up being my least favourite in the series so far. The mystery was quite predictable and weak, but what bothered me way more than that is how rushed it felt towards the end. There was no real development there and it felt like it just solved itself. I found it very underwhelming.
Personally, I feel that the mysteries in books 5-7 were not as good as in the first four books, but at least the relationship development between Ellery and Jack made up for it, as well as the presence of all the lovely side characters. This one was lacking on all fronts.
I liked the mystery set up, it was interesting and a bit different from the usual, and I always love spending more time with Ellery, Jack and Watson.
However, this book ended up being my least favourite in the series so far. The mystery was quite predictable and weak, but what bothered me way more than that is how rushed it felt towards the end. There was no real development there and it felt like it just solved itself. I found it very underwhelming.
Personally, I feel that the mysteries in books 5-7 were not as good as in the first four books, but at least the relationship development between Ellery and Jack made up for it, as well as the presence of all the lovely side characters. This one was lacking on all fronts.
July 6, 2024
3.75
I really enjoyed so much of this. The setup was great and seeing Ellery with his friends from college changed the overall storyline of all the previous books. That’s always smart in a series, we need a break sometimes from the eccentric and quirky residents and this was that break.
I wish the ending wasn’t bc so rushed. This mystery was so good and then everyone just knows who it is. That’s it. That was disappointing, especially when I thought this was shaping up to possibly be the best mystery of the series.
Lanyon has been doing this lately, it feels like she rushes at the end just to get the book out. I wish she would take longer to release the books and give a satisfying ending. I know she explains why she is behind on her releases, and I respect that. She is very up front but this and her last release both had rushed endings. I’m willing to wait to get a full story that doesn’t feel rushed.
I still love this series. Jack is better in this book with his feelings and him and Ellery are very sweet together. Watson is adorable.
I really enjoyed so much of this. The setup was great and seeing Ellery with his friends from college changed the overall storyline of all the previous books. That’s always smart in a series, we need a break sometimes from the eccentric and quirky residents and this was that break.
I wish the ending wasn’t bc so rushed. This mystery was so good and then everyone just knows who it is. That’s it. That was disappointing, especially when I thought this was shaping up to possibly be the best mystery of the series.
Lanyon has been doing this lately, it feels like she rushes at the end just to get the book out. I wish she would take longer to release the books and give a satisfying ending. I know she explains why she is behind on her releases, and I respect that. She is very up front but this and her last release both had rushed endings. I’m willing to wait to get a full story that doesn’t feel rushed.
I still love this series. Jack is better in this book with his feelings and him and Ellery are very sweet together. Watson is adorable.
January 19, 2025
5 Stars! Loved it!! This was simply perfect in every way. I loved the premise.. 7 friends stranded in a house due to a snow-storm.. with a crazy killer on the loose 😱😱 I was completely hooked from page 1. 🤩
Ellery, Jack and Watson are simply too adorable at this point. Watson is my favorite though ❤️
I cannot believe that this is the last book in the series.. I hope JL writes more.. 😍 and we readers get to see Ellery and Jack get married and have their HEA.
Ellery, Jack and Watson are simply too adorable at this point. Watson is my favorite though ❤️
I cannot believe that this is the last book in the series.. I hope JL writes more.. 😍 and we readers get to see Ellery and Jack get married and have their HEA.
April 3, 2025
2.25 stars?? I think this was my least favorite in the series so far 😞. Although it was good to be with Elliot again & the TINY bit of Jack, we got.
July 21, 2024
I was really happy to return to Pirate’s Cove and visit. This mystery setup was very different than the others, but a welcome change. There were multiple mysteries going on, and I loved the snowed-in-with-a-murderer element. Ellery made the right decision to stay on the island and build a life with Jack.
March 6, 2025
This might just have been my favorite in the series. Not because of the mystery (which really wasn't anything extraordinary). But the overall feeling from the reunion of the friend group to them being snowed in added a lot to the coziness. I just couldn't stop reading. Which explains why I'm writing this review at 3.20 am.
July 15, 2024
3.75 stars rounded up
Well, this was different...
The corpse didn't appear until 3/4 of the book and since everyone was at Captain's Seat, it was clear that one of the murderers was one of Ellery's friend. And it seemed that the person who died, was very clear from the start because it seemed that this person was the only one that didn't click. And everyone solved it like 3 chapters later...
BUT I enjoyed this one for the dynamic of Ellery and his theater friends. It was fun to read and they offered different vibe from the people that Ellery interacted at Pirate Cove.
Well, this was different...
The corpse didn't appear until 3/4 of the book and since everyone was at Captain's Seat, it was clear that one of the murderers was one of Ellery's friend. And it seemed that the person who died, was very clear from the start because it seemed that this person was the only one that didn't click. And everyone solved it like 3 chapters later...
BUT I enjoyed this one for the dynamic of Ellery and his theater friends. It was fun to read and they offered different vibe from the people that Ellery interacted at Pirate Cove.
December 16, 2024
4.5
What a delight! Another fabulous, iconic, funny as hell and highly enjoyable gem from Josh Lanyon.
I've been curious about Ellery's theatre friends for AGES, and I must say they did not disappoint: they were as wacky and mysterious (and murderous) as I expected.
I missed seeing Nora more here, alongside her sliver sleuth gang and Pirate's Cove's other quirky (and hilariously iconic) residents, plus I wanted a smidge more Jack and Ellery in general, but all in all, this installment was a delight. Gripping and entertaining, and Ellery's dry humour made the experience even more enjoyable (as usual). On the plus side, this book has a whole lot of Watson being a menace, so double points for that.
I'm not sure if Josh is planning anything else (I assume so, because we're still waiting for Ellery and Jack's wedding!), but the wonderful thing about this series is that each installment feels very complete and satisfying on its own.
I've missed Josh's writing though, so I definitely need to go and read more of her backlist now that this series will be on pause (for a while at least). Or maybe I need to re-read this, or better yet, since Adrien English is calling my name once again, so I DEFINITELY need to re-read those books.
What a delight! Another fabulous, iconic, funny as hell and highly enjoyable gem from Josh Lanyon.
I've been curious about Ellery's theatre friends for AGES, and I must say they did not disappoint: they were as wacky and mysterious (and murderous) as I expected.
I missed seeing Nora more here, alongside her sliver sleuth gang and Pirate's Cove's other quirky (and hilariously iconic) residents, plus I wanted a smidge more Jack and Ellery in general, but all in all, this installment was a delight. Gripping and entertaining, and Ellery's dry humour made the experience even more enjoyable (as usual). On the plus side, this book has a whole lot of Watson being a menace, so double points for that.
I'm not sure if Josh is planning anything else (I assume so, because we're still waiting for Ellery and Jack's wedding!), but the wonderful thing about this series is that each installment feels very complete and satisfying on its own.
I've missed Josh's writing though, so I definitely need to go and read more of her backlist now that this series will be on pause (for a while at least). Or maybe I need to re-read this, or better yet, since Adrien English is calling my name once again, so I DEFINITELY need to re-read those books.
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.
August 13, 2024
Entertaining characters, entertaining plot, genuinely creepy moments, sprinkles of humor. :) Could've used a better line edit in the last third, but oh well.
August 9, 2024
I should be rating this lower. This is a lazy book. It's mostly dialogue, Characterization is thin, continuity is shaky, the mystery is tossed off, there is no real investigating, the ending is slapdash, and I'm pretty sure this gets to 200 pages mostly through generous spacing. This book screams "contractually obligated". I love the main characters, I loved the early books in the series, and I love the author however I've noticed more than once that many of her series get haphazard in the later volumes. She plots them out well in advance, presales them, and then seems to lose interest in them well before she puts pen to paper.
It's disheartening.
This book is disheartening.
I mean, yes I'll read the next one if she ever writes it, but still.
It's disheartening.
This book is disheartening.
I mean, yes I'll read the next one if she ever writes it, but still.
May 23, 2025
"Jack’s mouth curved. “Maybe. Unfortunately, friendship doesn’t always turn to love.” “Not always,” Ellery smiled ruefully, recalling a rather painful period in their own friendship. Jack said softly, “But it’s sure nice when it does,” and leaned over to kiss Ellery."
I’ll be honest—this wasn’t my favorite. I found the mystery a little underwhelming. It just felt like a letdown. I kind of wish it wasn’t who they thought it was. The first person they accuse is such an obvious red herring, and then the second person is the one who did it, and it’s like… really? It all just went down pretty easily.
I get that it’s a cozy mystery, and it’s not supposed to be super exciting or hard to figure out—but I don’t know, this one just felt kind of flat to me.
That said, I did really enjoy the friendship connections in this. The way everyone interacted felt warm and grounded. I especially related to Ellery losing touch with old friends—because yeah, same. That hit a little harder than I expected.
Either way, I’m glad these books are easy to sit down with and knock out in a few hours. They’re the perfect little palate cleansers.
I’ll be honest—this wasn’t my favorite. I found the mystery a little underwhelming. It just felt like a letdown. I kind of wish it wasn’t who they thought it was. The first person they accuse is such an obvious red herring, and then the second person is the one who did it, and it’s like… really? It all just went down pretty easily.
I get that it’s a cozy mystery, and it’s not supposed to be super exciting or hard to figure out—but I don’t know, this one just felt kind of flat to me.
That said, I did really enjoy the friendship connections in this. The way everyone interacted felt warm and grounded. I especially related to Ellery losing touch with old friends—because yeah, same. That hit a little harder than I expected.
Either way, I’m glad these books are easy to sit down with and knock out in a few hours. They’re the perfect little palate cleansers.
September 8, 2024
Eighth in the Secrets and Scrabble cozy LGBTQ mystery series and revolving around Ellery Page, the owner of a mystery bookshop on an island off Rhode Island, which Ellery inherited nine months ago. The focus is on a reunion of friends.
My Take
Oh, this was a sad one, or would have been if Lanyon had done more of a show. As it was, it was ho-hum in the reveal. Although I do suspect it set a number of (characters’) minds at rest.
Part of the series arc setting is Captain’s Seat, the 18th century mansion that’s been in the family since it was built. I’m not sure, but I gotta wonder if that was the last time it was “updated”. Yep, Ellery has been slowly fixing the place up, as money permits.
They are an incestuous group with one or another having dated or married one or another. Some have been great friends but currently aren’t. Then there’s the tragedy from their past that they all try to ignore.
Being a group of friends who haven’t seen each other in a while, they reminisce and question Ellery’s choice to retire. It doesn’t help his friends’ perspective that Jack is so different from everyone Ellery has dated in the past.
That Chelsea is something else — and the negative character in Corpse at Captain's Seat. All her friends say she’s a great actress with little interest in “artifice” — until this reunion. Lord knows, Chelsea is one bitter woman.
The cozy comes in with both the snowstorm and the house party with everyone socializing, cooking together, eating together, and gamesplaying. It’s a perspective that comes via Ellery with Lanyon using third person protagonist point-of-view.
Ya gotta love Watson — or at least Lanyon’s interpretations of Watson’s actions, lol.
Lanyon pokes fun at horror movie tropes, including the group’s remembrance of a play they performed in college. One that will be eerily similar. There’re the hidden passageways, the disappearing photos, the hatchet, an escaped nutcase, being trapped in a scary house, and whispered fears.
Part of my problem with Corpse at Captain's Seat isn’t Lanyon’s range of characters, but with that surety they have that they know who the killer is. Kind of sudden, isn’t it? Where does Ellery get that sudden “insight” from? Then when they knock out the person they think it is? What is all this based on? And then when the character flat out confesses? What’s with that?
Don’t get me wrong. I did tense up with the restrictions Jack laid on Ellery. “Rules” that really can’t be kept. Especially with the eavesdropping going on, and I do enjoy the atmosphere of the series as a whole and the clearing up of that old mystery . . . and yet, this one misses.
The Story
To celebrate finishing the essential renovations of stately Captain’s Seat, Ellery Page decides to invite all his old colege theater friends to stay for the weekend and throw a house-warming party.
When a freak snowstorm leaves the house-party cut off from the village of Pirate’s Cove, there’s nothing to do but drink, reminisce, and play board games.
Only those reminiscences lead to more uneasy remembrances.
The Characters
Ellery Page had been an actor — especially popular in those four Halloween movies, but chose to retreat to Pirate's Cove when his great-aunt Eudora died and left him Captain’s Seat (built by Captain Horatio Page, a pirate hunter) and the Crow’s Nest, a bookshop that specializes in mysteries. Watson is his black spaniel-mix puppy found in Murder at Pirate's Cove , 1. Nora Sweeney is his assistant manager with a fascination for mysteries and an in-depth knowledge of the island. Kingston is another employee.
Jack Carson, the police chief of Pirate's Cove and former homicide detective in LA, is now Ellery’s fiancé. Detective George Lansing is part of the police force.
Ellery’s crew of friends from his Tisch college days include Belle (engaged to Viscount Hate), Oscar Murillo (an archivist at the UCLA Film and Television Archive), Phillip “Flip” Daly (the better actor), Theresa “Tosh” Chase-Ames (works special events for a theater group and has a cat, Waldo), Lenny “Goth Girl”, Chelsea, and Freddie Ames (landed a role as a detective in LAPD Blues). Noah Tandy had been one of them until his death.
Pirate's Cove is . . .
. . . on Buck Island, just off Rhode Island, and is a popular tourist spot. The first manor houses, the Pirate Eight, in Pirate's Cove were built by pirates. Tom Tulley owns the Salty Dog tavern. Tony Brambilla of Brambilla and Sons is a contractor. Ezra Christmas is a taxi driver. Dylan Carter is friend who runs the local theater group. Greta’s Gourmandery will be the caterer. Sue Lewis is the editor and owner of the Scuttlebutt Weekly — and not a friend. The Monday Night Scrabblers is one of the groups on the island to which Ellery belongs.
Cyrus, a former mayor ( Secret at Skull House , 2) is out on bail and planning to run for mayor again.
Dan Moran is a detective with the LAPD and consults for the TV show; he’s married to Sean Fairchild. Sid is Freddie’s agent.
Edwin Dolph is a patient who has escaped the Rhode Island State Psychiatric Hospital. Cyril Dolph, an ancestor, had been a suspect in a theft. Frank Weeden had been a homicidal maniac back in 1907. Colonel Giordano is with the Rhode Island State Police. The Dourdos Aquamarine is a lost treasure. Black Palace wants to do a Happy Halloween reboot with “Noah Street” in a cameo and Fallon Provost and Billie Watson the new stars.
Brandon, a horror writer, had been Ellery’s “superior” boyfriend in Secret at Skull House , 2, and Mystery at the Masquerade , 3. Todd had been Ellery’s snotty (second) boyfriend ( Murder at Pirate's Cove , 1) who had cheat on Ellery with Jerry, Ellery’s best friend.
The Cover and Title
The background for the cover is a gloomy snow-filled sky of grays and whites with a gloomy Captain's Seat rising up in the middle. At the top is the author's name in black with the title below in a black-outlined white, using a suitably gloomy font. At the bottom is an antiqued scroll with the series name on it in brown.
The title is literal, for there is a Corpse at Captain's Seat.
My Take
Oh, this was a sad one, or would have been if Lanyon had done more of a show. As it was, it was ho-hum in the reveal. Although I do suspect it set a number of (characters’) minds at rest.
Part of the series arc setting is Captain’s Seat, the 18th century mansion that’s been in the family since it was built. I’m not sure, but I gotta wonder if that was the last time it was “updated”. Yep, Ellery has been slowly fixing the place up, as money permits.
Central heating operates at the house’s will.Another arc has always been Ellery’s discomfort when he thinks of a friend who had died while the group was at college. A past event that incites Jack and Ellery into an argument over instinct — as well as that age-old idiom about what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Hey, it’s only fair.
They are an incestuous group with one or another having dated or married one or another. Some have been great friends but currently aren’t. Then there’s the tragedy from their past that they all try to ignore.
Being a group of friends who haven’t seen each other in a while, they reminisce and question Ellery’s choice to retire. It doesn’t help his friends’ perspective that Jack is so different from everyone Ellery has dated in the past.
That Chelsea is something else — and the negative character in Corpse at Captain's Seat. All her friends say she’s a great actress with little interest in “artifice” — until this reunion. Lord knows, Chelsea is one bitter woman.
The cozy comes in with both the snowstorm and the house party with everyone socializing, cooking together, eating together, and gamesplaying. It’s a perspective that comes via Ellery with Lanyon using third person protagonist point-of-view.
Ya gotta love Watson — or at least Lanyon’s interpretations of Watson’s actions, lol.
Yep, snark. Lots of snark, which I do so enjoy.”. . . flat on the cement as Watson worked frantically to deliver mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.”
”. . . knowing his life-saving work was not done, objected loudly.”
Lanyon pokes fun at horror movie tropes, including the group’s remembrance of a play they performed in college. One that will be eerily similar. There’re the hidden passageways, the disappearing photos, the hatchet, an escaped nutcase, being trapped in a scary house, and whispered fears.
Part of my problem with Corpse at Captain's Seat isn’t Lanyon’s range of characters, but with that surety they have that they know who the killer is. Kind of sudden, isn’t it? Where does Ellery get that sudden “insight” from? Then when they knock out the person they think it is? What is all this based on? And then when the character flat out confesses? What’s with that?
Don’t get me wrong. I did tense up with the restrictions Jack laid on Ellery. “Rules” that really can’t be kept. Especially with the eavesdropping going on, and I do enjoy the atmosphere of the series as a whole and the clearing up of that old mystery . . . and yet, this one misses.
The Story
To celebrate finishing the essential renovations of stately Captain’s Seat, Ellery Page decides to invite all his old colege theater friends to stay for the weekend and throw a house-warming party.
When a freak snowstorm leaves the house-party cut off from the village of Pirate’s Cove, there’s nothing to do but drink, reminisce, and play board games.
Only those reminiscences lead to more uneasy remembrances.
The Characters
Ellery Page had been an actor — especially popular in those four Halloween movies, but chose to retreat to Pirate's Cove when his great-aunt Eudora died and left him Captain’s Seat (built by Captain Horatio Page, a pirate hunter) and the Crow’s Nest, a bookshop that specializes in mysteries. Watson is his black spaniel-mix puppy found in Murder at Pirate's Cove , 1. Nora Sweeney is his assistant manager with a fascination for mysteries and an in-depth knowledge of the island. Kingston is another employee.
Jack Carson, the police chief of Pirate's Cove and former homicide detective in LA, is now Ellery’s fiancé. Detective George Lansing is part of the police force.
Ellery’s crew of friends from his Tisch college days include Belle (engaged to Viscount Hate), Oscar Murillo (an archivist at the UCLA Film and Television Archive), Phillip “Flip” Daly (the better actor), Theresa “Tosh” Chase-Ames (works special events for a theater group and has a cat, Waldo), Lenny “Goth Girl”, Chelsea, and Freddie Ames (landed a role as a detective in LAPD Blues). Noah Tandy had been one of them until his death.
Pirate's Cove is . . .
. . . on Buck Island, just off Rhode Island, and is a popular tourist spot. The first manor houses, the Pirate Eight, in Pirate's Cove were built by pirates. Tom Tulley owns the Salty Dog tavern. Tony Brambilla of Brambilla and Sons is a contractor. Ezra Christmas is a taxi driver. Dylan Carter is friend who runs the local theater group. Greta’s Gourmandery will be the caterer. Sue Lewis is the editor and owner of the Scuttlebutt Weekly — and not a friend. The Monday Night Scrabblers is one of the groups on the island to which Ellery belongs.
Cyrus, a former mayor ( Secret at Skull House , 2) is out on bail and planning to run for mayor again.
Dan Moran is a detective with the LAPD and consults for the TV show; he’s married to Sean Fairchild. Sid is Freddie’s agent.
Edwin Dolph is a patient who has escaped the Rhode Island State Psychiatric Hospital. Cyril Dolph, an ancestor, had been a suspect in a theft. Frank Weeden had been a homicidal maniac back in 1907. Colonel Giordano is with the Rhode Island State Police. The Dourdos Aquamarine is a lost treasure. Black Palace wants to do a Happy Halloween reboot with “Noah Street” in a cameo and Fallon Provost and Billie Watson the new stars.
Brandon, a horror writer, had been Ellery’s “superior” boyfriend in Secret at Skull House , 2, and Mystery at the Masquerade , 3. Todd had been Ellery’s snotty (second) boyfriend ( Murder at Pirate's Cove , 1) who had cheat on Ellery with Jerry, Ellery’s best friend.
The Cover and Title
The background for the cover is a gloomy snow-filled sky of grays and whites with a gloomy Captain's Seat rising up in the middle. At the top is the author's name in black with the title below in a black-outlined white, using a suitably gloomy font. At the bottom is an antiqued scroll with the series name on it in brown.
The title is literal, for there is a Corpse at Captain's Seat.
July 1, 2024
Hooray, a new Ellery and Jack book
September 2, 2024
3.5 stars
I liked the claustrophobic feeling of this story, having all the characters snowed-in at Ellery's place truly changed how the story developed regarding the previous ones.
And I enjoyed spending time with Ellery's old friends, it was a nice, organic way to give more flesh to his past. But the dynamic between all of them is... strange. Some of them have been married to each other; some others were best friends and now, aren't. There is a certain strain that keeps getting stronger as they are forced together for longer than expected.
And despite everything, there are moments of sheer joy in which they cook together, drink, reminisce and play silly games. Watson, of course, plays his part to make everything better :P
There are a lot of horror movies' tongue-on-cheek prompts: secret passages, disappearing objects, an old theatrical play from college with too many similarities to what's going on, an escaped inmate from an asylum, for god's sake, there is a vanishing HACHETTE! *dies laughing*
All of this takes 2/3 of the book and I must say I was having fun. Then, of course, there is a crime and I thought: here we go! And suddenly, everybody knew who the killer was, they plotted against him and that was it, it was over.
The ending felt... rushed. And it's a shame, because I enjoyed quite a lot the rest of the story, but oh, well, I guess you can't have everything all the time :P
I liked the claustrophobic feeling of this story, having all the characters snowed-in at Ellery's place truly changed how the story developed regarding the previous ones.
And I enjoyed spending time with Ellery's old friends, it was a nice, organic way to give more flesh to his past. But the dynamic between all of them is... strange. Some of them have been married to each other; some others were best friends and now, aren't. There is a certain strain that keeps getting stronger as they are forced together for longer than expected.
And despite everything, there are moments of sheer joy in which they cook together, drink, reminisce and play silly games. Watson, of course, plays his part to make everything better :P
There are a lot of horror movies' tongue-on-cheek prompts: secret passages, disappearing objects, an old theatrical play from college with too many similarities to what's going on, an escaped inmate from an asylum, for god's sake, there is a vanishing HACHETTE! *dies laughing*
All of this takes 2/3 of the book and I must say I was having fun. Then, of course, there is a crime and I thought: here we go! And suddenly, everybody knew who the killer was, they plotted against him and that was it, it was over.
The ending felt... rushed. And it's a shame, because I enjoyed quite a lot the rest of the story, but oh, well, I guess you can't have everything all the time :P
September 26, 2024
Josh Lanyon's Corpse at Captain's Seat is just a perfect cozy mystery! I adore Ellery Page, and it's marvelous to get a glimpse into his life before moving to Pirates Cove.
College friends arrive for a houseparty, and (of course) a murder ensues! I enjoyed Ellery's friends, and Jack makes some well timed entrances as well.
I hope Lanyon continues to write this series forever!
College friends arrive for a houseparty, and (of course) a murder ensues! I enjoyed Ellery's friends, and Jack makes some well timed entrances as well.
I hope Lanyon continues to write this series forever!
February 19, 2025
4 stelle per la storia, sempre molto carina, non posso lamentarmi.
Ma la traduzione è qualcosa di terribile.
Secoli in numeri romani scritti sbagliati, nessuna differenza tra gradi Celsius e fahrenheit, più i soliti errori di verbi Senza senso.
Una serie molto carina, che è finita in mano ad una traduttrice che se ne sbatte altamente le ovaie!
Ma la traduzione è qualcosa di terribile.
Secoli in numeri romani scritti sbagliati, nessuna differenza tra gradi Celsius e fahrenheit, più i soliti errori di verbi Senza senso.
Una serie molto carina, che è finita in mano ad una traduttrice che se ne sbatte altamente le ovaie!
July 7, 2024
I love this series, and I like the development of Jack and Ellery to a happy couple in this story, but this story had one of the most rushed endings I have ever encountered.
A brilliant premise, a snow storm a weekend of old friends in a country house and theres a murder but then it's solved in about 30 pages (and by guess work - right guess work I add) it felt a bit flat!
I'm not saying it's a bad book, but like the last couple, a little rushed...
Watson, though, is an excellent dog character as always.
A brilliant premise, a snow storm a weekend of old friends in a country house and theres a murder but then it's solved in about 30 pages (and by guess work - right guess work I add) it felt a bit flat!
I'm not saying it's a bad book, but like the last couple, a little rushed...
Watson, though, is an excellent dog character as always.
December 23, 2025
WATSON!!!!!!!!!!! 🐶🐶🐶 Book puppies are the BEST puppies. 💜
I can't recall if I've listened to a book in this series before. I was able to borrow the audio from the library, which I did because it's the end of the year and I am scrambling to meet my reading goal, and listening is faster than reading.
The audio was good and fun. Well narrated. As for the story, I didn't pay attention to the blurb. I love this series and there was never a chance I was going to skip this one, so I'll admit to being somewhat in the dark when this started. I thought FOR SURE the story was going to go a certain way and POW, it veers off course in another, unexpected, direction. Honestly, I would have preferred the other way. The true way it worked out....
All in all, still a great addition to the series. 4.5 stars for the story and narration. The only thing that would have made the audio more perfect was if real puppy barks had been added instead of the narrator barking. 😄 Still cute!!
I can't recall if I've listened to a book in this series before. I was able to borrow the audio from the library, which I did because it's the end of the year and I am scrambling to meet my reading goal, and listening is faster than reading.
The audio was good and fun. Well narrated. As for the story, I didn't pay attention to the blurb. I love this series and there was never a chance I was going to skip this one, so I'll admit to being somewhat in the dark when this started. I thought FOR SURE the story was going to go a certain way and POW, it veers off course in another, unexpected, direction. Honestly, I would have preferred the other way. The true way it worked out....
All in all, still a great addition to the series. 4.5 stars for the story and narration. The only thing that would have made the audio more perfect was if real puppy barks had been added instead of the narrator barking. 😄 Still cute!!
August 4, 2024
I totally missed this one being released, probably because I had given up hope of it ever being released.
Ellery is having a housewarming and has invited his college friends. There is of course a murder and also an escaped mental health patient which the gang get dragged into.
I love Watson. The author has given him such a human personality.
Ellery is having a housewarming and has invited his college friends. There is of course a murder and also an escaped mental health patient which the gang get dragged into.
I love Watson. The author has given him such a human personality.
June 6, 2025
3 stars.
My least favorite book in the series.
Watson got more attention from the author than Jack or even the mystery itself. The crime solved itself in the rushed last 20% of the book.
My least favorite book in the series.
Watson got more attention from the author than Jack or even the mystery itself. The crime solved itself in the rushed last 20% of the book.
July 28, 2024
Such a wonderful story. I love Josh Lanyon.
I love Josh Lanyon’s writing and this was top notch. Poor Ellery caught in the middle of another murder but this time he knows all the suspects intimately and it hurts him to think one of them did it. Jack as always is his rock but he has to get Ellery to think the unthinkable, that one of them did it and because they are snowed in, Ellery must interview everyone and yet protect his friends from the real murderer.
I love Josh Lanyon’s writing and this was top notch. Poor Ellery caught in the middle of another murder but this time he knows all the suspects intimately and it hurts him to think one of them did it. Jack as always is his rock but he has to get Ellery to think the unthinkable, that one of them did it and because they are snowed in, Ellery must interview everyone and yet protect his friends from the real murderer.
December 13, 2025
5+ star series. Audiobook. Excellent cozy mystery series. Excellent narration by Matt Haynes, absolutely delightful performance with inflection portraying a wide range of emotions. Need to be read in order.
Wonderful cast of small-town busy-bodies with a love of gossip and murder mystery books. Low key hijinks, shenanigans and grudges adds a layer of fun and lightheartedness to the series.
The romance is a slow burn. Fade to black, but perfectly adds a tiny bit of relationship angst and drama to increase interest. Cozy mysteries are defined by the balance of town, mystery, side characters and love interest. This series finds that perfect balance d is n absolute pleasure to read. Amateur sleuthing and the somewhat understanding, eventually tolerant significant other. Well done all around.
Amateur sleuthing, cozy mystery, m/m, HEA, slow burn, small town, bookshop owner, sheriff, murder mystery.
Wonderful cast of small-town busy-bodies with a love of gossip and murder mystery books. Low key hijinks, shenanigans and grudges adds a layer of fun and lightheartedness to the series.
The romance is a slow burn. Fade to black, but perfectly adds a tiny bit of relationship angst and drama to increase interest. Cozy mysteries are defined by the balance of town, mystery, side characters and love interest. This series finds that perfect balance d is n absolute pleasure to read. Amateur sleuthing and the somewhat understanding, eventually tolerant significant other. Well done all around.
Amateur sleuthing, cozy mystery, m/m, HEA, slow burn, small town, bookshop owner, sheriff, murder mystery.
June 5, 2025
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
Nove mesi dopo l’arrivo sull’isola in cui ha ereditato una libreria e un’antica villa di famiglia decisamente in rovina, Ellery ha finalmente sistemato il grosso dei lavori di ristrutturazione ed è pronto per una festa di inaugurazione per la Capitana, l’antica magione della famiglia Page che l’eclettica prozia Eudora gli ha lasciato.
I suoi buoni propositi prevedono di invitare gli amici del paesello e gli amici di lunga data che avevano studiato recitazione con lui a New York. La rimpatriata serve anche a riunirli dopo tanto tempo, dato che ognuno dei suoi vecchi coinquilini ha preso strade diverse e svolte di carriera inaspettate.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Nove mesi dopo l’arrivo sull’isola in cui ha ereditato una libreria e un’antica villa di famiglia decisamente in rovina, Ellery ha finalmente sistemato il grosso dei lavori di ristrutturazione ed è pronto per una festa di inaugurazione per la Capitana, l’antica magione della famiglia Page che l’eclettica prozia Eudora gli ha lasciato.
I suoi buoni propositi prevedono di invitare gli amici del paesello e gli amici di lunga data che avevano studiato recitazione con lui a New York. La rimpatriata serve anche a riunirli dopo tanto tempo, dato che ognuno dei suoi vecchi coinquilini ha preso strade diverse e svolte di carriera inaspettate.
Continua sul nostro blog!
July 10, 2024
B+
I really enjoyed this installmen. It has a quasi "English Country House" mystery feel, where guests are stranded in a large rambling house. While the scenes with Jack are great, this book focuses on Ellery and a group of longtime friends who have come for a weekend to reconnect and attend a housewarming party at the Captain's Seat. A snow storm, tensions between the friends, and an escaped convict disrupt plans, though.
The author states on her blog that we could possibly get a 9th book in the series, but there is no firm commitment or timeline. I hope we do!
I really enjoyed this installmen. It has a quasi "English Country House" mystery feel, where guests are stranded in a large rambling house. While the scenes with Jack are great, this book focuses on Ellery and a group of longtime friends who have come for a weekend to reconnect and attend a housewarming party at the Captain's Seat. A snow storm, tensions between the friends, and an escaped convict disrupt plans, though.
The author states on her blog that we could possibly get a 9th book in the series, but there is no firm commitment or timeline. I hope we do!
June 23, 2025
This series is THE cozy read for me. Lanyon balances personal development and mystery quite well across various series.
In this book, Ellery’s college friends visit his renovated….pirate mansion? There’s a snowstorm, friendship drama, secret passages, and a number of axe-wielding murderers. I had a lot of fun with an interesting take on college friendships, the show business and how it all develops over time (I do hope we see more of these characters - not to mention Ellery, Jack, Watson and co!)
In this book, Ellery’s college friends visit his renovated….pirate mansion? There’s a snowstorm, friendship drama, secret passages, and a number of axe-wielding murderers. I had a lot of fun with an interesting take on college friendships, the show business and how it all develops over time (I do hope we see more of these characters - not to mention Ellery, Jack, Watson and co!)
September 2, 2025
Another fantastic entry. I only have to say, if this truly is the last book in the series, it left quite a lot to desire. But as a stand-alone it’s wonderful. I do wish we’d gotten more suspense leading up to the killer’s reveal.
November 24, 2024
4.5⭐
This is a fine conclusion (it is, right?) for this series. It's lovely to see the romantic relationship roll along without drama, and we get back to Ellery's roots here with tons of nudges towards mystery and horror cliches, with the cast usually well aware of them.
The story introduces several new characters that mostly manage to hold their own against the Pirate's Cove eccentrics, who have been the heart of the series. These are short, entertaining stories that are probably enjoyed better 2-3 at a time.
This is a fine conclusion (it is, right?) for this series. It's lovely to see the romantic relationship roll along without drama, and we get back to Ellery's roots here with tons of nudges towards mystery and horror cliches, with the cast usually well aware of them.
The story introduces several new characters that mostly manage to hold their own against the Pirate's Cove eccentrics, who have been the heart of the series. These are short, entertaining stories that are probably enjoyed better 2-3 at a time.
January 4, 2025
What can I say... I love these guys!!! 🥰
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