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Kill Your Darlings
At this mystery conference, murder is more than just another plot twist...
Nobody likes conferences, but they’re part of the job.
Millbrook House senior editor Keiran Chandler has spent years curating the best voices in crime lit, but when an unsolicited manuscript is handed to him at the Noir at the Shore mystery conference, truth collides with fiction. I Know What You Did is more than just another slush pile submission—it’s a direct threat.
U.N. Owen seems to know what really happened in Steeple Hill all those years ago. Who is Owen? How does he know these things? Clearly the mysterious author is after more than a book deal. But what?
With a potentially career-ending publishing merger on the horizon, the end of his affair with bestselling author and former homicide detective Finn Scott, and not so subtle threats from someone in his past, Keiran has a lot bigger problems than coming up with something witty to say on discussion panels.
Nobody likes conferences, but they’re part of the job.
Millbrook House senior editor Keiran Chandler has spent years curating the best voices in crime lit, but when an unsolicited manuscript is handed to him at the Noir at the Shore mystery conference, truth collides with fiction. I Know What You Did is more than just another slush pile submission—it’s a direct threat.
U.N. Owen seems to know what really happened in Steeple Hill all those years ago. Who is Owen? How does he know these things? Clearly the mysterious author is after more than a book deal. But what?
With a potentially career-ending publishing merger on the horizon, the end of his affair with bestselling author and former homicide detective Finn Scott, and not so subtle threats from someone in his past, Keiran has a lot bigger problems than coming up with something witty to say on discussion panels.
338 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2025
61 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
223 books5,419 followersAuthor of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 17, 2025
3.75 stars
I enjoy how Josh Lanyon writes second-chance romance and this one was not much different. The only thing I noticed is that Keiran felt different from her 'usual' main characters. He is the one more emotionally closed off and has commitment issues, while Finn has had feelings for him and wanted more for years. It’s usually the other way around, so this was interesting for a change.
The mystery kept me intrigued for most of the book, but the resolution felt underwhelming. I had a feeling that it wouldn’t be satisfying when I saw how many pages I had left, but I still found it very improbable and convenient. I have to say that what we learn about Kieran’s past made me feel uncomfortable, no matter how reasonable Finn tried to be about it.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about this story is reading about publishing and the relationship between authors and editors. Keiran’s opinions on the subject matter are especially interesting and relatable. I highlighted a lot.
Talking about publishing, Lila’s character annoyed me to no end and I was quite satisfied with how Kieran’s job situation was resolved. That’s the ending that I liked. I also loved seeing characters from her other books, especially Adrien and Jake.
I enjoy how Josh Lanyon writes second-chance romance and this one was not much different. The only thing I noticed is that Keiran felt different from her 'usual' main characters. He is the one more emotionally closed off and has commitment issues, while Finn has had feelings for him and wanted more for years. It’s usually the other way around, so this was interesting for a change.
The mystery kept me intrigued for most of the book, but the resolution felt underwhelming. I had a feeling that it wouldn’t be satisfying when I saw how many pages I had left, but I still found it very improbable and convenient. I have to say that what we learn about Kieran’s past made me feel uncomfortable, no matter how reasonable Finn tried to be about it.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about this story is reading about publishing and the relationship between authors and editors. Keiran’s opinions on the subject matter are especially interesting and relatable. I highlighted a lot.
Talking about publishing, Lila’s character annoyed me to no end and I was quite satisfied with how Kieran’s job situation was resolved. That’s the ending that I liked. I also loved seeing characters from her other books, especially Adrien and Jake.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
I'll be up front and say that this is not my fave JL book. That fact absolutely did not stop me binging it in as close to one sitting as I could physiologically handle, but I didn't think the plot or romance here is the strongest I've seen from her.
I found that the whole dynamic of Kieran and Finns relationship confused me cause how....as 40 year old men...do you carry on an undefined situationship for 8 years? Like...there's commitment issues and then theres whatever that is. They did have some enjoyable angst early on, but on the whole, they're a couple I will probably forget pretty quickly. It's hard to feel too much emotional investment in a couple when a majority of their journey together happens prior to the book.
Although some cameos from some of JLs other characters, this works perfectly fine as a stand alone.
The mystery was....fine.....again, nothing that will leave a lasting impression on me. I kind of found myself frustrated that when the publishing house merger was such a prominent part of the main storyline that it felt a bit like it was forgotten in the end and it didn't really feel like it was properly resolved.
I'll express a moment of disappointment though that JL has gone with an AI slop cover for this book. Firstly, cause being a creative and using AI is crazy work, but also because this cover doesn't look remotely like the 40 year old editor JL wrote Keiran to be? as a rule of thumb I try to avoid books with AI covers and I compromised my rule for this one cause I enjoy JLs writing. Lesson learned though, next time I'll just stick to my guns and not bother cause this probably wasn't a read worth breaking that rule.
I found that the whole dynamic of Kieran and Finns relationship confused me cause how....as 40 year old men...do you carry on an undefined situationship for 8 years? Like...there's commitment issues and then theres whatever that is. They did have some enjoyable angst early on, but on the whole, they're a couple I will probably forget pretty quickly. It's hard to feel too much emotional investment in a couple when a majority of their journey together happens prior to the book.
Although some cameos from some of JLs other characters, this works perfectly fine as a stand alone.
The mystery was....fine.....again, nothing that will leave a lasting impression on me. I kind of found myself frustrated that when the publishing house merger was such a prominent part of the main storyline that it felt a bit like it was forgotten in the end and it didn't really feel like it was properly resolved.
I'll express a moment of disappointment though that JL has gone with an AI slop cover for this book. Firstly, cause being a creative and using AI is crazy work, but also because this cover doesn't look remotely like the 40 year old editor JL wrote Keiran to be? as a rule of thumb I try to avoid books with AI covers and I compromised my rule for this one cause I enjoy JLs writing. Lesson learned though, next time I'll just stick to my guns and not bother cause this probably wasn't a read worth breaking that rule.
July 26, 2025
Even though Stranger on the Shore remains one of my favorite mysteries featuring queer characters, in general I'm not a Lanyon fan and haven't read a single book in the Adrien English or Holmes & Moriarity series.
I imagine if I had, I may have enjoyed Kill Your Darlings more. As it stands, the overwhelming number of secondary characters about did me in. This read like a Who's Who in Lanyon's World.
The book begins when Keiran and Finn have been casually dating for eight years, which whoa, that's a hell of a long time to have a fuck buddy without once having a conversation about where the relationship is going.
Finn decides he's had enough of Keiran holding back and starts giving him the cold shoulder. Not that I blame him, but a little communication goes a long way. In any case, the "breakup" doesn't last long. As soon as Keiran gets a migraine, Finn is there taking care of him.
I liked both MCs and wish Lanyon had explored their relationship more. What we got barely skimmed the surface.
For the most part, the mystery (past and present) kept my interest. There was enough tension to keep me reading, and the pacing was solid.
The writers' convention setting was a lot of fun. It reminded me of GRL back in the day when I used to attend. Panels, posturing, politics, packs of rabid fans.
Sadly, the ending didn't deliver. When all of Lanyon's previous characters crowded into Keiran's room like a bunch of sheep, I groaned. It was performative and served no purpose whatsoever.
Beyond that, nothing was actually resolved or maybe it was resolved too quickly? Not sure, but it was not satisfying.
I was surprised to find numerous typos. If I'm paying $7 for a book, it better be polished.
I'm also hugely disappointed, and frankly offended, by the hideous cover. Keiran is 40, yet the mannequin on the cover looks like a 25-year-old gigolo.
One of the characters in the story says something biting about writers using AI to generate content, but clearly Lanyon has no compunction about replacing human photographers, artists, and designers with cheap tech. Lanyon has a history of problematic behavior, but this takes the cake.
I imagine if I had, I may have enjoyed Kill Your Darlings more. As it stands, the overwhelming number of secondary characters about did me in. This read like a Who's Who in Lanyon's World.
The book begins when Keiran and Finn have been casually dating for eight years, which whoa, that's a hell of a long time to have a fuck buddy without once having a conversation about where the relationship is going.
Finn decides he's had enough of Keiran holding back and starts giving him the cold shoulder. Not that I blame him, but a little communication goes a long way. In any case, the "breakup" doesn't last long. As soon as Keiran gets a migraine, Finn is there taking care of him.
I liked both MCs and wish Lanyon had explored their relationship more. What we got barely skimmed the surface.
For the most part, the mystery (past and present) kept my interest. There was enough tension to keep me reading, and the pacing was solid.
The writers' convention setting was a lot of fun. It reminded me of GRL back in the day when I used to attend. Panels, posturing, politics, packs of rabid fans.
Sadly, the ending didn't deliver. When all of Lanyon's previous characters crowded into Keiran's room like a bunch of sheep, I groaned. It was performative and served no purpose whatsoever.
Beyond that, nothing was actually resolved or maybe it was resolved too quickly? Not sure, but it was not satisfying.
I was surprised to find numerous typos. If I'm paying $7 for a book, it better be polished.
I'm also hugely disappointed, and frankly offended, by the hideous cover. Keiran is 40, yet the mannequin on the cover looks like a 25-year-old gigolo.
One of the characters in the story says something biting about writers using AI to generate content, but clearly Lanyon has no compunction about replacing human photographers, artists, and designers with cheap tech. Lanyon has a history of problematic behavior, but this takes the cake.
June 27, 2025
4.5 stars! That was excellent! One of Lanyon’s best in a while. All because there was more romance in this one. And yummy angst. Loved it!
July 4, 2025
I enjoyed this and it’s probably because I’m so accustomed to Lanyon’s writing. This read as such a “Lanyon” story that it should’ve been predictable but it wasn’t. The romance, or what was supposed to be a romance, was definitely predictable. I don’t read these books for romance though, I just enjoy how Lanyon writes.
Kieran was a very blah character, there was nothing special about him. We aren’t given much to build upon with him except for the fact that he’s an editor, he’s supposedly really smart and well liked and he has a past. We’re given even less about Finn. In fact, Finn is just an ex-cop who is now a writer. And he lives Kieran but was done with him after eight years but didn’t communicate that to Kieran.
Aside from the lack of romance I was still interested in the mystery and I loved the setting being a book convention. This was a better story than what I’ve mostly read from Lanyon recently. This and her last book have been decent. I still need to read more of her backlist even though I’ve read a lot.
I have a soft spot for these types of mystery stories and this book was reminiscent of mysteries I grew up reading. That is why I enjoyed this. I hope we get more from Lanyon soon, especially the last book of the Art of Murder series. In the meantime I’m had happy with the last two books she’s given us.
Kieran was a very blah character, there was nothing special about him. We aren’t given much to build upon with him except for the fact that he’s an editor, he’s supposedly really smart and well liked and he has a past. We’re given even less about Finn. In fact, Finn is just an ex-cop who is now a writer. And he lives Kieran but was done with him after eight years but didn’t communicate that to Kieran.
Aside from the lack of romance I was still interested in the mystery and I loved the setting being a book convention. This was a better story than what I’ve mostly read from Lanyon recently. This and her last book have been decent. I still need to read more of her backlist even though I’ve read a lot.
I have a soft spot for these types of mystery stories and this book was reminiscent of mysteries I grew up reading. That is why I enjoyed this. I hope we get more from Lanyon soon, especially the last book of the Art of Murder series. In the meantime I’m had happy with the last two books she’s given us.
July 30, 2025
Overall book review: 4
Audio book: N/A
Book cover: Mmmmm
I’m a diehard Josh Lanyon fan.
There's just something about her books that makes
me feel a way I like feeling. I miss her characters,
so I re-read them. I miss the emotions I have
when I read the stories. It’s a thing.
I liked the idea around this very much.
I liked feeling the anxiety surrounding Kieran and
the buy out, also the relationship thing with Finn.
I really got into the mystery side. I’m not a mystery
reader per se, I like what JL gives me. Romance / mystery
without developing a stomach ulcer? If that makes sense?
It felt really real in the beginning. I loved it! The visit to his
home town, the little bits about his past.
The road in dark.. the ominous car following him..
Yes yes and YES!
But.. yes there is a but. How do I put this without
sounding terrible?
I personally felt as if there was so much invested,
The build up was great the platform laid, and then JL got bored
and decided she had enough it’s time to end this thing..
And don’t get me started on the idiot who “stalked” Keiran. I don’t
think I’ve read a villain in any of my JL favourites that’s ever been so
disappointing and plain dumb.
It’s like she just wasn’t in the mood to put sustenance into the ending?
Or this guys character for that matter.
It just didn’t feel like JL, it didn’t feel like HER.
I loved seeing some of the backlist characters feature in this.
Adrien and Jake, Kit and JX, Ving the merciless and a very
good example of me NOT loving everything JL – Kyle and Adam.
Meeting them here was fun, yes. Though at times it felt as if
she wasn’t being true to their characters? Going into the details
is moot, the people who read them will have an understanding
of my feelings regarding.
The whole, “If you killed someone you would have had
a good reason so we’ve got your back, bring the shovels and
balaclava’s” thing.. yeah, not so true to character for me. It made me
have an eyebrow lifting moment that lasted a good minute or five.
It kind of made me feel that they were a bunch of clowns?
These guys are some of my favourite people.. I don’t like that feeling.
Saying all of this. I did enjoy the story. It still had that
feel to it, that uniquely Josh Lanyon thing.
There were great big parts of this story I LOVED!
Bits that made me so excited!
I’m going to have to re-read it as I do all of her books
I liked.
I’m happy to have gotten my grabby hands on it
and happy that I got to read something new from her.
But Josh, and I love you so so much! You have to know
that by now! You can do better girl. You know it and I
know it. Every single JL fan out there knows it.
You owe it to yourself and to your characters, your “darlings”
to put more into this. You have the talent, you have the
ability. I hope you find your way again. I’ll be here to follow, always.
This one could have been SO GREAT, instead of just Good.
Audio book: N/A
Book cover: Mmmmm
I’m a diehard Josh Lanyon fan.
There's just something about her books that makes
me feel a way I like feeling. I miss her characters,
so I re-read them. I miss the emotions I have
when I read the stories. It’s a thing.
I liked the idea around this very much.
I liked feeling the anxiety surrounding Kieran and
the buy out, also the relationship thing with Finn.
I really got into the mystery side. I’m not a mystery
reader per se, I like what JL gives me. Romance / mystery
without developing a stomach ulcer? If that makes sense?
It felt really real in the beginning. I loved it! The visit to his
home town, the little bits about his past.
The road in dark.. the ominous car following him..
Yes yes and YES!
But.. yes there is a but. How do I put this without
sounding terrible?
I personally felt as if there was so much invested,
The build up was great the platform laid, and then JL got bored
and decided she had enough it’s time to end this thing..
And don’t get me started on the idiot who “stalked” Keiran. I don’t
think I’ve read a villain in any of my JL favourites that’s ever been so
disappointing and plain dumb.
It’s like she just wasn’t in the mood to put sustenance into the ending?
Or this guys character for that matter.
It just didn’t feel like JL, it didn’t feel like HER.
I loved seeing some of the backlist characters feature in this.
Adrien and Jake, Kit and JX, Ving the merciless and a very
good example of me NOT loving everything JL – Kyle and Adam.
Meeting them here was fun, yes. Though at times it felt as if
she wasn’t being true to their characters? Going into the details
is moot, the people who read them will have an understanding
of my feelings regarding.
The whole, “If you killed someone you would have had
a good reason so we’ve got your back, bring the shovels and
balaclava’s” thing.. yeah, not so true to character for me. It made me
have an eyebrow lifting moment that lasted a good minute or five.
It kind of made me feel that they were a bunch of clowns?
These guys are some of my favourite people.. I don’t like that feeling.
Saying all of this. I did enjoy the story. It still had that
feel to it, that uniquely Josh Lanyon thing.
There were great big parts of this story I LOVED!
Bits that made me so excited!
I’m going to have to re-read it as I do all of her books
I liked.
I’m happy to have gotten my grabby hands on it
and happy that I got to read something new from her.
But Josh, and I love you so so much! You have to know
that by now! You can do better girl. You know it and I
know it. Every single JL fan out there knows it.
You owe it to yourself and to your characters, your “darlings”
to put more into this. You have the talent, you have the
ability. I hope you find your way again. I’ll be here to follow, always.
This one could have been SO GREAT, instead of just Good.
June 30, 2025
Since I'd like to end my thoughts in positive voice, I would start with what felt underwhelming (or what I was quite dissappointed with) first.
First of all, I believe that Kill Your Darlings started as chapters release on JL's patreon, much like Ghosted that I read last year. And it felt like so; it felt clunky. The mystery (like Ghosted) seemed to get its resolution OFF PAGE (). For someone who like her murder mystery when she's in the mood, I was not amused.
Second, I usually adored JL's brand of second-chance relationship. In this one it felt silly. So Kieran and Finn had been going for eight years, but they never really talked for real, and the "break-up" was weak, and they got together again in matter of days anyway because well, Kieran's life was in danger. Yeah, no. That was more of a juvenile kind of second-chance rather than adults. I wasn't into Kieran and Finn that much because of this.
So the mystery and the romance was underwhelming.
Oh and TYPOS - like, there were switch back and forth from Millbrook House to Millhouse (Kieran's publishing house), punctuation marks missing, and my God why that AI cover?
Having SAID THAT, like I said, I wanted to end this note with positive thing. What I LOVED about this was a glimpse of what happened between authors and editors. That kind of relationship. I always feel interested with this dynamic. I mean, do authors REALLY going to follow their editors to the end of the line, including switch publishers if necessary? In this days and age of self-publishing or small/independent publishers, does that still work? It is an interesting thing to read - and I guess JL still believes that.
The other thing I loved? The appearance of JL's cameo characters - interestingly, many of them were authors themselves or ex-cop turned author/PI. I mean, Adrien English (the O.G.), Kit Holmes, J.X. Moriarity ... heck even Kyle Bari (whom I think was introduced only as JL's work using her own name when she re-released Murder in Pastel), they were ALL HERE! I loved that! JL's universe collided and it was delightful.
Though at another note, did those author characters ever mentioned Kieran as their editor? I forgot *laugh*
I wouldn't mind seeing all these characters cross-over again. Like Marvel 😆
First of all, I believe that Kill Your Darlings started as chapters release on JL's patreon, much like Ghosted that I read last year. And it felt like so; it felt clunky. The mystery (like Ghosted) seemed to get its resolution OFF PAGE (). For someone who like her murder mystery when she's in the mood, I was not amused.
Second, I usually adored JL's brand of second-chance relationship. In this one it felt silly. So Kieran and Finn had been going for eight years, but they never really talked for real, and the "break-up" was weak, and they got together again in matter of days anyway because well, Kieran's life was in danger. Yeah, no. That was more of a juvenile kind of second-chance rather than adults. I wasn't into Kieran and Finn that much because of this.
So the mystery and the romance was underwhelming.
Oh and TYPOS - like, there were switch back and forth from Millbrook House to Millhouse (Kieran's publishing house), punctuation marks missing, and my God why that AI cover?
Having SAID THAT, like I said, I wanted to end this note with positive thing. What I LOVED about this was a glimpse of what happened between authors and editors. That kind of relationship. I always feel interested with this dynamic. I mean, do authors REALLY going to follow their editors to the end of the line, including switch publishers if necessary? In this days and age of self-publishing or small/independent publishers, does that still work? It is an interesting thing to read - and I guess JL still believes that.
The other thing I loved? The appearance of JL's cameo characters - interestingly, many of them were authors themselves or ex-cop turned author/PI. I mean, Adrien English (the O.G.), Kit Holmes, J.X. Moriarity ... heck even Kyle Bari (whom I think was introduced only as JL's work using her own name when she re-released Murder in Pastel), they were ALL HERE! I loved that! JL's universe collided and it was delightful.
Though at another note, did those author characters ever mentioned Kieran as their editor? I forgot *laugh*
I wouldn't mind seeing all these characters cross-over again. Like Marvel 😆
August 16, 2025
Josh Lanyon frustrates me So. Much.
She crafts interesting plots. With glaring holes.
She writes stab-me-in-the-heart scenes between lovers, which are incandescently compelling. But all too often, the scenes are neither led up to nor followed through.
Book after book promises to deliver a real romance, where the characters meet, discover each other, drift off into an HEA. But every time it's as if Lanyon didn't want to put the work in to make it happen.
Take one of Lanyon's earliest works, Murder in Pastel, the protagonist of which (Kyle Bari) features in KYD. Kyle has been in love with Adam for years; Adam comes back into his life after 10 years with a new lover in tow to whom he is visibly devoted; the lover is murdered. Within days Adam is shacking up with Kyle. Adam says all the forever things to Kyle, but this is clearly not a romance one can take seriously. (Definitely don't read Lovers and Other Strangers unless you are in a position to take out your rage on an inanimate object.)
Here, Keiran and Finn have been lovers (on & off) for EIGHT years. Yet they've never had a conversation about what they are doing. The standout scene is Keiran being handed the mitten, the let down is Finn walking it back mere hours later. And the whole of the what-did-I-just read plot.
I've used a jigsaw analogy in other reviews, but it applies here too. Lanyon writes as if she were picking up pieces at random from different jigsaws and forcing them together. Interesting scenes, but they don't make a cohesive whole.
KYD is fractionally less annoying than some of her recent work, but if you want to find out why I still have trouble ditching her, have a look at The Mermaid Murders (ignore the rest of this disappointing series), or the well-constructed Stranger on the Shore.
No information provided on the cover image artist. The image does not appear to represent either of the MCs, both in their late 30s.
She crafts interesting plots. With glaring holes.
She writes stab-me-in-the-heart scenes between lovers, which are incandescently compelling. But all too often, the scenes are neither led up to nor followed through.
Book after book promises to deliver a real romance, where the characters meet, discover each other, drift off into an HEA. But every time it's as if Lanyon didn't want to put the work in to make it happen.
Take one of Lanyon's earliest works, Murder in Pastel, the protagonist of which (Kyle Bari) features in KYD. Kyle has been in love with Adam for years; Adam comes back into his life after 10 years with a new lover in tow to whom he is visibly devoted; the lover is murdered. Within days Adam is shacking up with Kyle. Adam says all the forever things to Kyle, but this is clearly not a romance one can take seriously. (Definitely don't read Lovers and Other Strangers unless you are in a position to take out your rage on an inanimate object.)
Here, Keiran and Finn have been lovers (on & off) for EIGHT years. Yet they've never had a conversation about what they are doing. The standout scene is Keiran being handed the mitten, the let down is Finn walking it back mere hours later. And the whole of the what-did-I-just read plot.
I've used a jigsaw analogy in other reviews, but it applies here too. Lanyon writes as if she were picking up pieces at random from different jigsaws and forcing them together. Interesting scenes, but they don't make a cohesive whole.
KYD is fractionally less annoying than some of her recent work, but if you want to find out why I still have trouble ditching her, have a look at The Mermaid Murders (ignore the rest of this disappointing series), or the well-constructed Stranger on the Shore.
No information provided on the cover image artist. The image does not appear to represent either of the MCs, both in their late 30s.
Want to read
June 16, 2025This book is about Adrien English's editor. And it's coming out on my birthday. Eep.
Read
November 7, 2025I am a bone fide Josh Lanyon fan, especially of this recent ?rejuvenated version. Her last couple have been excellent. As her books often do, this takes place in the world of authors, publishers, and editors, though anyone who has been to any sort of hotel conference will recognise the vibe. It stands alone although many of her previous author-cum-investigator incarnations make cameo appearances. As always, the MC's are nuanced and flawed. Her writing is, as always, flawless.
author-uses-ai-dnr
November 14, 2025I cannot get over how many people note that this cover is AI and then still go on to rate this highly. Apparently we're all okay with it if it's a favorite??
So, JL goes on my do-not-read list. I heard most of her merch is AI now too, and the protagonist in this very book complains about AI so there's hypocrisy on top of it. If you're deciding you'd rather use AI than pay a human artist, at least stand by your decision. For me, that's a no.
So, JL goes on my do-not-read list. I heard most of her merch is AI now too, and the protagonist in this very book complains about AI so there's hypocrisy on top of it. If you're deciding you'd rather use AI than pay a human artist, at least stand by your decision. For me, that's a no.
June 29, 2025
3.5 stars
Okay, so the romance isn’t really much of a romance and the mystery really isn’t much of a mystery. But did I still enjoy it? Yeah, it was fine. It doesn’t come close to capturing the magic of Adrien English but it’s better than most of the other stuff Lanyon has been churning out the last couple of years. I’m boosting from 3 stars to 3.5 stars simply for a bit of nostalgia points and for the cameo appearances that were quick but kind of sweet.
Okay, so the romance isn’t really much of a romance and the mystery really isn’t much of a mystery. But did I still enjoy it? Yeah, it was fine. It doesn’t come close to capturing the magic of Adrien English but it’s better than most of the other stuff Lanyon has been churning out the last couple of years. I’m boosting from 3 stars to 3.5 stars simply for a bit of nostalgia points and for the cameo appearances that were quick but kind of sweet.
July 6, 2025
4.5 stars. As with most of this author's work, once I started reading, I didn't want to read anything else until I was done. As is often the case lately, the kindle edition needed a typo-hunter particularly for the last half, but that barely slowed me down.
I enjoyed the MC and his love interest, and it was fun spending a bit of time with the writer-MCs of other books, too. The mystery was good, the settings were good, so if you enjoy Lanyon's work, you will probably enjoy this novel.
I enjoyed the MC and his love interest, and it was fun spending a bit of time with the writer-MCs of other books, too. The mystery was good, the settings were good, so if you enjoy Lanyon's work, you will probably enjoy this novel.
June 10, 2025
Josh does it again. I don't know how she keeps doing it, but once again, I was wrapped up from chapter one. The story was gripping, and it kept me going with twists and turns. I love Kieran so much, and he and Finn were a wonderful couple. This is one of my favorites of hers for sure.
November 9, 2025
This was good. I usually enjoy crossover characters, and this book had so very many of them.
December 3, 2025
Bello bello! Josh Lanyon in ottima forma.
Ho gradito molto il ribaltamento dei ruoli nella coppia questa volta, in quanto stavolta il punto di vista è del personaggio più chiuso e ombroso, che mostra meno i propri sentimenti. Di solito nei libri della Lanyon nello schema classico delle sue coppie (che comunque adoro!) è il contrario.
Ho apprezzato anche che il mistero fosse diverso dal solito e che non ci fosse il classico detective dilettante che si imbatte per caso in un cadavere.
Mi è piaciuto molto anche il fatto che qui siano presenti tante scene in cui i protagonisti sono insieme e parlano e lavorano al mistero effettivamente insieme, cosa non scontata.
Infine, ho gradito tanto il romanticismo, per fortuna stavolta è presente e mi ha soddisfatta, Keiran e Finn mi sono piaciuti molto insieme.
Consigliato!
Ho gradito molto il ribaltamento dei ruoli nella coppia questa volta, in quanto stavolta il punto di vista è del personaggio più chiuso e ombroso, che mostra meno i propri sentimenti. Di solito nei libri della Lanyon nello schema classico delle sue coppie (che comunque adoro!) è il contrario.
Ho apprezzato anche che il mistero fosse diverso dal solito e che non ci fosse il classico detective dilettante che si imbatte per caso in un cadavere.
Mi è piaciuto molto anche il fatto che qui siano presenti tante scene in cui i protagonisti sono insieme e parlano e lavorano al mistero effettivamente insieme, cosa non scontata.
Infine, ho gradito tanto il romanticismo, per fortuna stavolta è presente e mi ha soddisfatta, Keiran e Finn mi sono piaciuti molto insieme.
Consigliato!
June 30, 2025
Ok tier.
Keiran saying he's looking for original voice, not AI. I HAVE TO LAUGH, WHEN JOSH LANYON KEEP USING AI ART EVERYWHERE!!!
Anyway, apart from that it was... nice.
Tho 40 with an 8 year situationship is crazy. Also sometimes they didn't really act like middle-aged men but well. That's kinda is how Josh Lanyon's characters are.
Also maybe one of the few books of Josh Lanyon with as much representation (and I'm talking about the Mexican restaurant here, it's like black people don't exist, there was 1 (one) Asian character and mention of a Mexican restaurant. and don't get me started on the "ginger" who is prone to sunburn and has sensitive skin but appear to be tanned????)
Otherwise, plot was okay, relationship was... ok....
Anyway.... 3 stars is pushing it
Keiran saying he's looking for original voice, not AI. I HAVE TO LAUGH, WHEN JOSH LANYON KEEP USING AI ART EVERYWHERE!!!
Anyway, apart from that it was... nice.
Tho 40 with an 8 year situationship is crazy. Also sometimes they didn't really act like middle-aged men but well. That's kinda is how Josh Lanyon's characters are.
Also maybe one of the few books of Josh Lanyon with as much representation (and I'm talking about the Mexican restaurant here, it's like black people don't exist, there was 1 (one) Asian character and mention of a Mexican restaurant. and don't get me started on the "ginger" who is prone to sunburn and has sensitive skin but appear to be tanned????)
Otherwise, plot was okay, relationship was... ok....
Anyway.... 3 stars is pushing it
August 7, 2025
Twist and turns and romance ¡
Loved this story from page 1 to the end! It is full of engaging
narrative, compelling characters, and masterful storytelling.
Loved this story from page 1 to the end! It is full of engaging
narrative, compelling characters, and masterful storytelling.
July 1, 2025
Very Enjoyable💜
If Josh Lanyon releases a book I will read it. I have always found something compelling in her writing, it has an almost old fashioned feel to it, old school, and I devour it. I find her books immersive and get lost in her intriguing plots.
Her MCs are usually older men with interesting and complicated pasts and Kieran certainly has a past, a particularly dark one. He is a very successful editor with a stable of good crime writing authors who think very highly of him.
The book was set in the world of an editor/author conference in Monterey and my heart skipped a beat at the mention of Adrien English being in attendance and one of Kieran’s authors. Adrien will always be my favourite Josh Lanyon character and he and his gorgeous partner Jake will forever be one of my favourite book couples. We got to catch up with many of the authors previous characters and I always love a good crossover story.
This story is about Kieran and Finn, a very successful author and ex homicide cop who has Kieran as his editor. They have also been having a friends with benefits arrangement for years and this always suited Kieran as his past never allowed him to get too close to anyone but when Finn arrives at the conference and seems very friendly with a young outspoken author and tells Kieran that he thinks they should end their relationship as he has worked out that Kieran has some big secret in his past, Kieran is devastated, he cares for Finn more than he realised.
When Kieran is handed an unsolicited manuscript by a stranger, he realises his past has finally caught up with him as he appears in the one chapter document detailing things that no one should know. He is under so much stress that it brings on a particularly bad migraine and Finn comes to his rescue, cares for him and they open up about their feelings and Kieran’s past!
There is also a story running alongside Kieran’s past with lots of infighting and backstabbing as his publishing company has merged (been taken over) by another publishing house with a reputation many authors are not keen on and they appear to be sidelining Keiran and want his list of successful authors. This must be an editors worst nightmare! It also mentions the changing and difficult times for authors in this age of AI and business over love of good books.
Another enjoyable book from this author and one I strongly recommend.
If Josh Lanyon releases a book I will read it. I have always found something compelling in her writing, it has an almost old fashioned feel to it, old school, and I devour it. I find her books immersive and get lost in her intriguing plots.
Her MCs are usually older men with interesting and complicated pasts and Kieran certainly has a past, a particularly dark one. He is a very successful editor with a stable of good crime writing authors who think very highly of him.
The book was set in the world of an editor/author conference in Monterey and my heart skipped a beat at the mention of Adrien English being in attendance and one of Kieran’s authors. Adrien will always be my favourite Josh Lanyon character and he and his gorgeous partner Jake will forever be one of my favourite book couples. We got to catch up with many of the authors previous characters and I always love a good crossover story.
This story is about Kieran and Finn, a very successful author and ex homicide cop who has Kieran as his editor. They have also been having a friends with benefits arrangement for years and this always suited Kieran as his past never allowed him to get too close to anyone but when Finn arrives at the conference and seems very friendly with a young outspoken author and tells Kieran that he thinks they should end their relationship as he has worked out that Kieran has some big secret in his past, Kieran is devastated, he cares for Finn more than he realised.
When Kieran is handed an unsolicited manuscript by a stranger, he realises his past has finally caught up with him as he appears in the one chapter document detailing things that no one should know. He is under so much stress that it brings on a particularly bad migraine and Finn comes to his rescue, cares for him and they open up about their feelings and Kieran’s past!
There is also a story running alongside Kieran’s past with lots of infighting and backstabbing as his publishing company has merged (been taken over) by another publishing house with a reputation many authors are not keen on and they appear to be sidelining Keiran and want his list of successful authors. This must be an editors worst nightmare! It also mentions the changing and difficult times for authors in this age of AI and business over love of good books.
Another enjoyable book from this author and one I strongly recommend.
July 31, 2025
4,5 stars
October 14, 2025
I enjoyed this mystery and I was entertained throughout this story.
There is just something about how Josh Lanyon writes Ex cops and their love interests lol.
Poor Keiran, I was totally invested in his relationship and in the mystery surrounding him.
Finn was lovely once he realised he needed Keiran.
I absolutely loved getting a little peek at some old favourites too,
There is just something about how Josh Lanyon writes Ex cops and their love interests lol.
Poor Keiran, I was totally invested in his relationship and in the mystery surrounding him.
Finn was lovely once he realised he needed Keiran.
I absolutely loved getting a little peek at some old favourites too,
Read
August 24, 20251.5 Stars
July 25, 2025
Editor Kieran attends the Noir at the Shore book convention. There he is handed a manuscript which is remarkable faithful to an event that happened in his life over 20 years ago.
Along with this boyfriend Finn, they set out to try to make sense of what is happening. As the book nears its conclusion, there is a murder which a gang of Kieran's authors investigate.
I enjoyed this story. Loved the cameos by some of Josh's best known sleuths and I wish there would be another in this series.
Along with this boyfriend Finn, they set out to try to make sense of what is happening. As the book nears its conclusion, there is a murder which a gang of Kieran's authors investigate.
I enjoyed this story. Loved the cameos by some of Josh's best known sleuths and I wish there would be another in this series.
July 12, 2025
My issue with reading a Josh Lanyon book is that I’ve read all of her books, so once I finish the new one, I have to wait for her to write the next one to read it! Often I re-read Josh Lanyon books because her sparse, intense style is fraught with between-the-lines simmering emotion that’s addictive to my brain. Even if I’m having a bad time, I’m having a great time, or at least often better than I do with other reads.
This isn’t my favorite of her books, but it was enjoyable in a unique way that reminded me of old days of being at writing conferences and the shmoozing, panels, behind the scenes scandals and gossip, in a nostalgic yet somehow good way. Who knew anti-social me could actually miss it?!
I did chuckle at the MC Keiran—a well-respected editor with a list full of bestselling and award-winning authors who works at a publishing house that’s just been bought by a bigger house—actually hand-editing a chapter of the unsolicited manuscript (that’s part of a key plot point); that gave the book a delightfully old-school, old-fashioned feel. There’s also not a single editor alive I’ve ever met who would edit an unsolicited manuscript before knowing they wanted to acquire it and actually doing so (or would even have time to!), so, as far as the plot point went, that didn’t make sense to me. But. It was sure fun to read about. (Kind of reminded me of Younger, where so much of the publishing stuff was laughably off but still oh, so enjoyable! Wink-nudge).
ANYWAY. This is another intriguing immersive mystery stemming from an event in Kieran’s past, but it opens with a subtly heartbreaking romantic complication. The man Kieran’s been...seeing...regularly/every few months for years, Finn (who is also one of Kieran’s bestselling crime authors and a former detective) shows up, and instead of agreeing to meet Kieran for dinner and more as expected and as Kieran's been looking forward to more than he possibly realized, Finn...has plans. And doesn’t seem at all eager to see Kieran 1-1 at all. (Which, honestly, once I got to know Finn, didn’t work, because hurting Kieran/ditching him without explanation/communicating was so out of character for him, it wound up being a baffling opening move. But, this version of the ms came straight off Patreon and might not have fully edited yet, so...there’s that.)
Kieran is confused, hurt...and takes a deep breath and calls on his pride, because he has no right to demand anything of Finn that Finn isn’t into (though Kieran? You DID deserve a freakin’ explanation!!! Hugs, man.). Finn waltzes off to dinner looking very friendly with another bestselling author whose work Kieran had once rejected and who has a chip on his shoulder about that, and Kieran is left to put on his professional mask and get down to business, entertaining his own authors and authors he hopes to work with, and trying hard not to show the confusion and pain.
Sob. It hurt in the best way.
This book also has a wonderful “one hero gets sick (bad migraine) and the other more than steps up and cares for him beautifully” element that I adored.
But there’s a mystery afoot, and the aforementioned unsolicited manuscript winds up in Kieran’s hands and leads down the rabbit hole to Kieran’s past and something no one should know anything about, and it’s all deliciously mysterious, dangerous, and oh, so complicated. And further complicated by the unspoken war going on due to the publishing house merger, with Kieran not knowing how that'll work out for his job/career, and an editor from the other, bigger house putting feelers out to some of his authors (such as Finn) to consider switching editors. An editor's worst nightmare!
Naturally Finn notices something’s amiss and comes racing to the rescue...and it’s when they really start talking that the romance becomes intense and heart-wrenching and hopeful. As usual, Josh doles out the connections bit by bit, keeping me strung tight and eager for the next little sign that these two are endgame. Which they are. Kieran’s caught up in a big ole mess that he couldn’t help but that could mean bad things for his future; Finn, with his police detective background and smarts, steps up quite unexpectedly (well, unexpected for Kieran, 'cause Finn's been a bit of a dick, though I of course knew he would), and decades old mysteries are solved. Eventually. After many confessions and revelations and murder attempts. Heh heh.
The cast of secondary characters includes a lot of main characters from Josh’s other bookish series, which was fantastic for me, who has read ALL those other series. We get Adrien and Jake, JX and Kit/Christopher, Kyle and Adam (I need to find their damn story, I want to re-read it and can’t remember the title or the collection it’s in...), Rachel Vin, Rudolph Dunst, and more...so many familiar faces, re-characterized and rendered beautifully, and having them all in one place in a way that made complete sense was utterly delightful. And having so many SCs’ editor be the point-of-view hero of this book was perfection. I was charmed.
The antagonists made sense too, and I loved the plot twist!
There were a few things Kieran said about editing that I wish I’d highlighted, because boy, did they resonate. I’ll have to re-read and pull those out.
Finn...was not characterized anywhere near enough; his actions Showed contradictions in his character, the first being the cool "I have plans" bullshit in the opening, the second being dancing around whether he’d continue to work with Kieran or switch to another editor. He seems like he’d be a loyal and honorable man, and ultimately, he is, but, those two things threw me and put him in a shitty light for a bit. He was confusing. He also has a son in college, Byron (why Byron...for the poet?!). Where, why, from who, was Finn married, is he gay, bi, where’s he even from? Also, how’d he and Kieran get together? I know they met bc Kieran bought Finn’s books and developed his career, but...come ON gimme more?! Geez. Sometimes Josh is TOO closed-mouthed. This book was definitely underdeveloped on the Finn front. Too bad. He seemed nice, but, still too much of an enigma by the end, much as I believed in their relationship. That stutter-start at the beginning with both not communicating with Kieran/rake-in-the-facing him with the “I’m busy” shit, and then the waffling over the editor question didn’t seem like him. Thankfully it really wasn’t, but, what was that about? I guess he needed a lot more reassurance that Kieran was actually into him? Well. Once they *coughcough* FINALLY TALKED, he got it in spades.
There's also the issue of why one of the people was killed, which was confusing and not cleared up for me. I couldn't remember how/why that person got sucked into the mess in the first place, or why he cared about going after Kieran. Hmm. Definitely need to re-read. I focused too much on romance and not much on plot threads. *sheepishgrin*
Anyway, HEA, editor-author relationship, murder mystery connected to one MC’s past, writers conference setting, many ex-cop mystery writers and other mystery writers abounding. Safe for me, although, there was a puzzling sex-safety-discussion issue, if you want to know: Highly recommended, though I hope Josh does more development before publishing wide.
**Author created a bonus scene extra for her supporters of these two set just after this book in the lovely HEA, which was mostly great, but, again called into question... Hrmph.
This isn’t my favorite of her books, but it was enjoyable in a unique way that reminded me of old days of being at writing conferences and the shmoozing, panels, behind the scenes scandals and gossip, in a nostalgic yet somehow good way. Who knew anti-social me could actually miss it?!
I did chuckle at the MC Keiran—a well-respected editor with a list full of bestselling and award-winning authors who works at a publishing house that’s just been bought by a bigger house—actually hand-editing a chapter of the unsolicited manuscript (that’s part of a key plot point); that gave the book a delightfully old-school, old-fashioned feel. There’s also not a single editor alive I’ve ever met who would edit an unsolicited manuscript before knowing they wanted to acquire it and actually doing so (or would even have time to!), so, as far as the plot point went, that didn’t make sense to me. But. It was sure fun to read about. (Kind of reminded me of Younger, where so much of the publishing stuff was laughably off but still oh, so enjoyable! Wink-nudge).
ANYWAY. This is another intriguing immersive mystery stemming from an event in Kieran’s past, but it opens with a subtly heartbreaking romantic complication. The man Kieran’s been...seeing...regularly/every few months for years, Finn (who is also one of Kieran’s bestselling crime authors and a former detective) shows up, and instead of agreeing to meet Kieran for dinner and more as expected and as Kieran's been looking forward to more than he possibly realized, Finn...has plans. And doesn’t seem at all eager to see Kieran 1-1 at all. (Which, honestly, once I got to know Finn, didn’t work, because hurting Kieran/ditching him without explanation/communicating was so out of character for him, it wound up being a baffling opening move. But, this version of the ms came straight off Patreon and might not have fully edited yet, so...there’s that.)
Kieran is confused, hurt...and takes a deep breath and calls on his pride, because he has no right to demand anything of Finn that Finn isn’t into (though Kieran? You DID deserve a freakin’ explanation!!! Hugs, man.). Finn waltzes off to dinner looking very friendly with another bestselling author whose work Kieran had once rejected and who has a chip on his shoulder about that, and Kieran is left to put on his professional mask and get down to business, entertaining his own authors and authors he hopes to work with, and trying hard not to show the confusion and pain.
Sob. It hurt in the best way.
This book also has a wonderful “one hero gets sick (bad migraine) and the other more than steps up and cares for him beautifully” element that I adored.
But there’s a mystery afoot, and the aforementioned unsolicited manuscript winds up in Kieran’s hands and leads down the rabbit hole to Kieran’s past and something no one should know anything about, and it’s all deliciously mysterious, dangerous, and oh, so complicated. And further complicated by the unspoken war going on due to the publishing house merger, with Kieran not knowing how that'll work out for his job/career, and an editor from the other, bigger house putting feelers out to some of his authors (such as Finn) to consider switching editors. An editor's worst nightmare!
Naturally Finn notices something’s amiss and comes racing to the rescue...and it’s when they really start talking that the romance becomes intense and heart-wrenching and hopeful. As usual, Josh doles out the connections bit by bit, keeping me strung tight and eager for the next little sign that these two are endgame. Which they are. Kieran’s caught up in a big ole mess that he couldn’t help but that could mean bad things for his future; Finn, with his police detective background and smarts, steps up quite unexpectedly (well, unexpected for Kieran, 'cause Finn's been a bit of a dick, though I of course knew he would), and decades old mysteries are solved. Eventually. After many confessions and revelations and murder attempts. Heh heh.
The cast of secondary characters includes a lot of main characters from Josh’s other bookish series, which was fantastic for me, who has read ALL those other series. We get Adrien and Jake, JX and Kit/Christopher, Kyle and Adam (I need to find their damn story, I want to re-read it and can’t remember the title or the collection it’s in...), Rachel Vin, Rudolph Dunst, and more...so many familiar faces, re-characterized and rendered beautifully, and having them all in one place in a way that made complete sense was utterly delightful. And having so many SCs’ editor be the point-of-view hero of this book was perfection. I was charmed.
The antagonists made sense too, and I loved the plot twist!
There were a few things Kieran said about editing that I wish I’d highlighted, because boy, did they resonate. I’ll have to re-read and pull those out.
Finn...was not characterized anywhere near enough; his actions Showed contradictions in his character, the first being the cool "I have plans" bullshit in the opening, the second being dancing around whether he’d continue to work with Kieran or switch to another editor. He seems like he’d be a loyal and honorable man, and ultimately, he is, but, those two things threw me and put him in a shitty light for a bit. He was confusing. He also has a son in college, Byron (why Byron...for the poet?!). Where, why, from who, was Finn married, is he gay, bi, where’s he even from? Also, how’d he and Kieran get together? I know they met bc Kieran bought Finn’s books and developed his career, but...come ON gimme more?! Geez. Sometimes Josh is TOO closed-mouthed. This book was definitely underdeveloped on the Finn front. Too bad. He seemed nice, but, still too much of an enigma by the end, much as I believed in their relationship. That stutter-start at the beginning with both not communicating with Kieran/rake-in-the-facing him with the “I’m busy” shit, and then the waffling over the editor question didn’t seem like him. Thankfully it really wasn’t, but, what was that about? I guess he needed a lot more reassurance that Kieran was actually into him? Well. Once they *coughcough* FINALLY TALKED, he got it in spades.
There's also the issue of why one of the people was killed, which was confusing and not cleared up for me. I couldn't remember how/why that person got sucked into the mess in the first place, or why he cared about going after Kieran. Hmm. Definitely need to re-read. I focused too much on romance and not much on plot threads. *sheepishgrin*
Anyway, HEA, editor-author relationship, murder mystery connected to one MC’s past, writers conference setting, many ex-cop mystery writers and other mystery writers abounding. Safe for me, although, there was a puzzling sex-safety-discussion issue, if you want to know: Highly recommended, though I hope Josh does more development before publishing wide.
**Author created a bonus scene extra for her supporters of these two set just after this book in the lovely HEA, which was mostly great, but, again called into question... Hrmph.
July 10, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
My biggest problem with this book is that it logically makes no sense. The plot of this story revolves around an unsolved murder that took place 20+ years ago but now someone has decided to seek “justice” for that murder and knows what happened.
Spoilers spoiler spoilers!
• what was the point of giving Keiran the manuscript? What sort of revenge was he after? Murdering Keiran? Ruining his career? What? What was he actually after?
• the journal was stolen a week before the murder so it clearly could not contain anything about the murder so how did Dom’s father, Judge Baldwin, come to the conclusion that it was these boys that killed his son? All that it would have revealed is that his son was in a homosexual relationship with Milo and that Milo was also in a relationship with Keiran.
• so after finding out his son was in a relationship with Milo and Milo’s brother just happens to work for him he…what? Goes and asks Geo “was your brother screwing my son? Did he murder him?” Why would Geo even talk to the judge about it? Wouldn’t he be smart enough to say “I don’t know anything about it” considering Milo told him what really happened? Did he tell the judge “yeah Milo killed Dom but Keiran cleaned it up and then Milo went missing so I think Keiran killed him” There wouldn’t have been some questions in there? Milo didn’t disappear right away after Dom disappeared and Keiran stuck it out until after he graduated so wouldn’t you question some things about the timeline and involvement?
• Dom’s body was never found so how did Colby (author of the manuscript) mange to set a murder scene where Dom got his head bashed in? They wouldn’t have a clue how he died so for Colby to coincidentally choose this kind of death is too on the nose. Too convenient for the plot.
• the sheriff at the end decides yeah well Dom was an a-hole and his dad let him get away with too much so we don’t care about his murder? He got what he deserved. Really?
• the whole Geo killing Colby (never really clear why he thought he needed to) and Milo (in his new identity as prolific writer T. McGregor) coming up with a horrendously sloppy story of being taken hostage by the killer (Geo) and then getting to run away again to Europe was a total head scratcher.
• who involved Colby? Why was Colby waiting to talk to McGregor (Milo)? Why would Colby think McGregor was involved with Keiran and the manuscript he wrote? Or did he even think they were connected at all? Did he see Geo talking to McGregor? Coming out of his room? Or was he really just waiting for McGregor to talk to him about books and instead ran into Keiran and we got that whole scene? If so, that was mighty convenient plot point too.
For me there are just too many things that don’t connect at all and make this story illogical. The characters alone, while ok, are not enough to drive this story without a solid plot. There is simply not enough cohesion.
My biggest problem with this book is that it logically makes no sense. The plot of this story revolves around an unsolved murder that took place 20+ years ago but now someone has decided to seek “justice” for that murder and knows what happened.
Spoilers spoiler spoilers!
• what was the point of giving Keiran the manuscript? What sort of revenge was he after? Murdering Keiran? Ruining his career? What? What was he actually after?
• the journal was stolen a week before the murder so it clearly could not contain anything about the murder so how did Dom’s father, Judge Baldwin, come to the conclusion that it was these boys that killed his son? All that it would have revealed is that his son was in a homosexual relationship with Milo and that Milo was also in a relationship with Keiran.
• so after finding out his son was in a relationship with Milo and Milo’s brother just happens to work for him he…what? Goes and asks Geo “was your brother screwing my son? Did he murder him?” Why would Geo even talk to the judge about it? Wouldn’t he be smart enough to say “I don’t know anything about it” considering Milo told him what really happened? Did he tell the judge “yeah Milo killed Dom but Keiran cleaned it up and then Milo went missing so I think Keiran killed him” There wouldn’t have been some questions in there? Milo didn’t disappear right away after Dom disappeared and Keiran stuck it out until after he graduated so wouldn’t you question some things about the timeline and involvement?
• Dom’s body was never found so how did Colby (author of the manuscript) mange to set a murder scene where Dom got his head bashed in? They wouldn’t have a clue how he died so for Colby to coincidentally choose this kind of death is too on the nose. Too convenient for the plot.
• the sheriff at the end decides yeah well Dom was an a-hole and his dad let him get away with too much so we don’t care about his murder? He got what he deserved. Really?
• the whole Geo killing Colby (never really clear why he thought he needed to) and Milo (in his new identity as prolific writer T. McGregor) coming up with a horrendously sloppy story of being taken hostage by the killer (Geo) and then getting to run away again to Europe was a total head scratcher.
• who involved Colby? Why was Colby waiting to talk to McGregor (Milo)? Why would Colby think McGregor was involved with Keiran and the manuscript he wrote? Or did he even think they were connected at all? Did he see Geo talking to McGregor? Coming out of his room? Or was he really just waiting for McGregor to talk to him about books and instead ran into Keiran and we got that whole scene? If so, that was mighty convenient plot point too.
For me there are just too many things that don’t connect at all and make this story illogical. The characters alone, while ok, are not enough to drive this story without a solid plot. There is simply not enough cohesion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2025
Ugh. Before we get into the review, trust me: I hate this AI slop of a cover as much as the next reasonable person. JL's use of AI in her recent covers, as well as pretty much anything she does on Patreon and the merch she sells, is, in my personal opinion, not only unethical but genuinely baffling in the sense that it doesn't even look good. I won't rant too much on it, though; at the end of the day, I am financially supporting this through her Patreon, so I guess it's my fault too.
Anyways, onto the actual story now. This is another one of Lanyon's Patreon books, which she published chapter by chapter, except this time, I made the decision to wait until she finished before picking it up. I felt like the serialized format significantly dampened my enjoyment of the last two Patreon books, where I felt stuck in the characters' fighting for weeks and months. I'm happy to say I made the right decision waiting: not only did I enjoy this significantly more, I also know for a fact I would've rated it way lower had I read it chapter by chapter.
I didn't have many expectations for this book, so I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it. As the years go by, I'm coming to the realization that, one of my favorite authors notwithstanding, JL's writing has become quite hit or miss with me. She enjoys writing second-chance romances where the characters spend a lot of time fighting and being at odds, and it leaves me feeling emotionally drained and, more often than not recently, without significant payoff for my suffering.
The first 50% of this book is more of that: we pick up the story right as Keiran and Flinn are "breaking up," and I buckled down for yet another occasion where I'd see the main character mourn a relationship I didn’t even get to enjoy the good parts of. However, and without spoilers, there is a pretty significant shift from Lanyon’s usual MO with her characters right at the midway point, and it made the second half of this book exactly what I want and love in a romantic suspense. I felt that we could finally see, and not just hear, how good Flinn and Keiran could be together.
If you enjoy Josh Lanyon’s books, especially her older series, you'll love seeing some familiar faces here — the publishing-verse, so to say. It was fun seeing the dynamics between them and getting somewhat updated on their happily-ever-afters too. I hope she considers writing a coda or two in this universe eventually, just so I can see what came to be of this couple as well.
Anyways, onto the actual story now. This is another one of Lanyon's Patreon books, which she published chapter by chapter, except this time, I made the decision to wait until she finished before picking it up. I felt like the serialized format significantly dampened my enjoyment of the last two Patreon books, where I felt stuck in the characters' fighting for weeks and months. I'm happy to say I made the right decision waiting: not only did I enjoy this significantly more, I also know for a fact I would've rated it way lower had I read it chapter by chapter.
I didn't have many expectations for this book, so I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it. As the years go by, I'm coming to the realization that, one of my favorite authors notwithstanding, JL's writing has become quite hit or miss with me. She enjoys writing second-chance romances where the characters spend a lot of time fighting and being at odds, and it leaves me feeling emotionally drained and, more often than not recently, without significant payoff for my suffering.
The first 50% of this book is more of that: we pick up the story right as Keiran and Flinn are "breaking up," and I buckled down for yet another occasion where I'd see the main character mourn a relationship I didn’t even get to enjoy the good parts of. However, and without spoilers, there is a pretty significant shift from Lanyon’s usual MO with her characters right at the midway point, and it made the second half of this book exactly what I want and love in a romantic suspense. I felt that we could finally see, and not just hear, how good Flinn and Keiran could be together.
If you enjoy Josh Lanyon’s books, especially her older series, you'll love seeing some familiar faces here — the publishing-verse, so to say. It was fun seeing the dynamics between them and getting somewhat updated on their happily-ever-afters too. I hope she considers writing a coda or two in this universe eventually, just so I can see what came to be of this couple as well.
August 8, 2025
A NOVEL IDEA FOR A M/M ROMANCE, MURDER MYSTERY YET DISJOINTED IN ITS TELLING
Lanyon is a much published author in this genre. In this book he writes about what he knows: the cut throat world of book publishing. The setting is a one-week writers conference in Monterey, California, attended by a who's who of editors, publishers, and their clientele; the men and woman who actually write the books! Reminded me of pro sports . Agents, coaches, and team owners, all conniving to land the very best players in order to defeat their competition, win championships, and foremost, make money!
The first half of the book focuses on the conference and its competing personalities. It's basically a lot of "talking heads" in meetings, bars, dinners in sidebar conversations. Our protagonist is a successful editor for a small publishing house which is being acquired by a much larger one. Think corporate takeover. We learn who the cast of characters are and all the intrigues between them. Our protagonist, turns out, has a highly successful, much sought after author in his stable who we learn is also his now and again romantic partner. Both men want something more with the other, but are unable to be honest about that. This leaves them in multiple confrontations with each other followed by temporary reconciliations and lots of apologies. I found this storyline to be a tired old trope and a little "eye rolling" to read. "He loves me, he loves me not."
Ever so slowly Lanyon introduces the mystery into the story. It's slow going at first although you are a bit intrigued by what is revealed. Eventually, in the latter half of the novel, the mystery picks up speed, more details are discovered, and there is more action rather than just conversation. As this mystery unravels, the characters, relationships, and politics between the conferees introduced in the first half of the book begins to fade and Lanyon focuses his story on the mystery of a long ago murder and our protagonist's involvement in it. It has the sense of the ending of one story and the beginning of another.
One thing I thought odd was toward the end of the novel, our editor's flock of authors, all of whom are gay (?) and attending the conference. They begin trying to figure out the murder whose details are spreading through the gossip that has leak implicating their friend and mentor. Here the style of Lanyon's writing turns exceedingly campy! The scenes are humorous to be sure, but the novel up until this point has taken itself seriously and these scenes seem somewhat misplaced within the context of the entire story.
I also found it ironic that Lanyon writes a scene where our editor is criticizing the books of one author at the conference who has the reputation for introducing from nowhere some reveal that is necessary to resolve the mystery then proceeds to do the very same thing in this story. While the premise of the book was clever, its elements seem disjointed and typical of similar stories in this genre.
Lanyon is a much published author in this genre. In this book he writes about what he knows: the cut throat world of book publishing. The setting is a one-week writers conference in Monterey, California, attended by a who's who of editors, publishers, and their clientele; the men and woman who actually write the books! Reminded me of pro sports . Agents, coaches, and team owners, all conniving to land the very best players in order to defeat their competition, win championships, and foremost, make money!
The first half of the book focuses on the conference and its competing personalities. It's basically a lot of "talking heads" in meetings, bars, dinners in sidebar conversations. Our protagonist is a successful editor for a small publishing house which is being acquired by a much larger one. Think corporate takeover. We learn who the cast of characters are and all the intrigues between them. Our protagonist, turns out, has a highly successful, much sought after author in his stable who we learn is also his now and again romantic partner. Both men want something more with the other, but are unable to be honest about that. This leaves them in multiple confrontations with each other followed by temporary reconciliations and lots of apologies. I found this storyline to be a tired old trope and a little "eye rolling" to read. "He loves me, he loves me not."
Ever so slowly Lanyon introduces the mystery into the story. It's slow going at first although you are a bit intrigued by what is revealed. Eventually, in the latter half of the novel, the mystery picks up speed, more details are discovered, and there is more action rather than just conversation. As this mystery unravels, the characters, relationships, and politics between the conferees introduced in the first half of the book begins to fade and Lanyon focuses his story on the mystery of a long ago murder and our protagonist's involvement in it. It has the sense of the ending of one story and the beginning of another.
One thing I thought odd was toward the end of the novel, our editor's flock of authors, all of whom are gay (?) and attending the conference. They begin trying to figure out the murder whose details are spreading through the gossip that has leak implicating their friend and mentor. Here the style of Lanyon's writing turns exceedingly campy! The scenes are humorous to be sure, but the novel up until this point has taken itself seriously and these scenes seem somewhat misplaced within the context of the entire story.
I also found it ironic that Lanyon writes a scene where our editor is criticizing the books of one author at the conference who has the reputation for introducing from nowhere some reveal that is necessary to resolve the mystery then proceeds to do the very same thing in this story. While the premise of the book was clever, its elements seem disjointed and typical of similar stories in this genre.
September 16, 2025
Fake, false, phony.
I hated many things about this book. The only reason for a 2nd star is that the background mystery isn't too bad. Also mildly interesting possibly insider view of mystery book publishing.
First thing I hate is this genre, about which I had no idea until I picked up this book randomly. I would call it Gay Romance Mystery. I'm gay myself, so I thought Maybe? But no. The protagonist (a gay man, no surprise) is treated literarily exactly the same as a straight woman would be in the regular kind of romance novel -- needy, insecure, so in love with her (I mean his) man but unsure about how the other guy feels about him, needing various forms of rescue, and finally falling into his arms at the end, happily ever after. Most of the characters are men, in fact only two women have speaking parts, one the protagonist's PA from work, and the other a mean work rival.
The protagonist is a senior editor at a boutique publisher which is just being gobbled up by a bigger publisher, which is of course only interested in squeezing every last dollar out of every poor overworked author. Cue tiny violins.
Second thing I hate is the gratuitously graphic sex scene near the end. Yes, lady author, we get that you know at least some of what two men do when they have sex. You don't need to spell it out in such detail, you voyeuristic sellout.
Third thing I hate is the deus ex machina solution to the protagonist's work problems, from an older gay man. Give me a break.
Fourth thing I hate is the sloppy ending, more or less out of nowhere.
Fifth thing I hate, maybe the most of all, is that when the protagonist is talking to "his" authors, he constantly talks about how they should write in authentic voices and not go for the easy choices. Those words are being written by an author who does nothing else but rely on "romance" stereotypes and tropes and just changes the gender of one of the leads. Fake, false, phony. That should be the headline of this review. And now it is. Just, ugh.
I hated many things about this book. The only reason for a 2nd star is that the background mystery isn't too bad. Also mildly interesting possibly insider view of mystery book publishing.
First thing I hate is this genre, about which I had no idea until I picked up this book randomly. I would call it Gay Romance Mystery. I'm gay myself, so I thought Maybe? But no. The protagonist (a gay man, no surprise) is treated literarily exactly the same as a straight woman would be in the regular kind of romance novel -- needy, insecure, so in love with her (I mean his) man but unsure about how the other guy feels about him, needing various forms of rescue, and finally falling into his arms at the end, happily ever after. Most of the characters are men, in fact only two women have speaking parts, one the protagonist's PA from work, and the other a mean work rival.
The protagonist is a senior editor at a boutique publisher which is just being gobbled up by a bigger publisher, which is of course only interested in squeezing every last dollar out of every poor overworked author. Cue tiny violins.
Second thing I hate is the gratuitously graphic sex scene near the end. Yes, lady author, we get that you know at least some of what two men do when they have sex. You don't need to spell it out in such detail, you voyeuristic sellout.
Third thing I hate is the deus ex machina solution to the protagonist's work problems, from an older gay man. Give me a break.
Fourth thing I hate is the sloppy ending, more or less out of nowhere.
Fifth thing I hate, maybe the most of all, is that when the protagonist is talking to "his" authors, he constantly talks about how they should write in authentic voices and not go for the easy choices. Those words are being written by an author who does nothing else but rely on "romance" stereotypes and tropes and just changes the gender of one of the leads. Fake, false, phony. That should be the headline of this review. And now it is. Just, ugh.
June 11, 2025
Five Stars!
Another Lanyon novella initially written for her Patrons and released in a serialized fashion, Kill Your Darlings is the result of years of perfecting the m/m contemporary romance murder mystery.
Keiran Chandler is a seasoned editor behind some of the most successful crime novels out there. One of his most famous authors, Finn Scott, is a lot more than just another client. In fact, Keiran is ready to take their casual relationship to the next step when absolutely everything goes wrong in the span of a few hours.
Well, I can't write blurbs but thankfully I don't have to, Josh's got that covered (I do love a well-written blurb!) Now, being something of a Lanyon expert at this point, I'll venture forth with what you will get from Kill Your Darlings.
- Delicious summer vibes as the story takes place in a luxury resort in Monterey with the mandatory road trip by the coast to solve a murder that happened twenty years ago.
- Dark backstory of MC and past trauma, but not super triggering.
- Clever murder mystery and blackmail plot taking place at a crime authors convention, lol.
- LOTS OF CAMEOS (honestly friend, you'll scream!) This is a crime convention with crime authors and crime enthusiasts and authors-turned-investigators-turned-authors *wink wink*
- Open door graphic sexy times hell yeah.
- You know that thing Lanyon does when she introduces the love interest but he's being a dick and also who the hell is that twink he's sitting with? Delicious, friends. Delicious.
- Mandatory HEA.
- Epilogue!
So, do yourself a favor and pick up this book as soon as it hits the shelves. An instant Josh Lanyon classic ffffor sure.
Another Lanyon novella initially written for her Patrons and released in a serialized fashion, Kill Your Darlings is the result of years of perfecting the m/m contemporary romance murder mystery.
Keiran Chandler is a seasoned editor behind some of the most successful crime novels out there. One of his most famous authors, Finn Scott, is a lot more than just another client. In fact, Keiran is ready to take their casual relationship to the next step when absolutely everything goes wrong in the span of a few hours.
Well, I can't write blurbs but thankfully I don't have to, Josh's got that covered (I do love a well-written blurb!) Now, being something of a Lanyon expert at this point, I'll venture forth with what you will get from Kill Your Darlings.
- Delicious summer vibes as the story takes place in a luxury resort in Monterey with the mandatory road trip by the coast to solve a murder that happened twenty years ago.
- Dark backstory of MC and past trauma, but not super triggering.
- Clever murder mystery and blackmail plot taking place at a crime authors convention, lol.
- LOTS OF CAMEOS (honestly friend, you'll scream!) This is a crime convention with crime authors and crime enthusiasts and authors-turned-investigators-turned-authors *wink wink*
- Open door graphic sexy times hell yeah.
- You know that thing Lanyon does when she introduces the love interest but he's being a dick and also who the hell is that twink he's sitting with? Delicious, friends. Delicious.
- Mandatory HEA.
- Epilogue!
So, do yourself a favor and pick up this book as soon as it hits the shelves. An instant Josh Lanyon classic ffffor sure.
September 21, 2025
Kill Your Darlings
By Josh Lanyon
Published by JustJoshin Publishing, 2025
Five stars
First off, as a longtime Josh Lanyon fan, I have to say what a pleasure it was to read her words and immerse myself in her characters again.
Second, this was very meta. Set in a mystery fiction writers’ conference in Monterey, California, the main characters are Keiran Chandler, an acclaimed editor with Millbrook House publishers; and Phineas Scott, his most important author, and, sometimes, lover. The meta part is that many of Josh Lanyon’s characters are also attending this conference, and aside from the plot itself, there is a running commentary on the state of fiction publishing in general and detective fiction in particular.
Despite the distractions of the various subordinate characters, I really admired the way Lanyon depicts the successful-but-lonely Keir Chandler, and his erstwhile friend-with-benefits Finn Scott. When a trauma from Keir’s distant past surfaces unexpectedly at the “Noir at the Shore” conference, his unraveling relationship with Finn moves front and center.
The double whammy of Keir’s longtime employer being sold out—and his own standing under the buyout being in question—combined with his failure with Finn; seems to offer nothing but a sad, failed future. Ironically, the added trouble from his past acts as an unanticipated catalyst.
As with Lanyon’s best stories, the muddled facts and confused emotions keep the reader on the edge of his seat. The fact that people from other books are hovering around observing and commenting on the whole narrative just adds to the enjoyable oddness of the whole thing. This is a master of detective fiction really having fun, and I found it every bit as much fun as the author must have.
By Josh Lanyon
Published by JustJoshin Publishing, 2025
Five stars
First off, as a longtime Josh Lanyon fan, I have to say what a pleasure it was to read her words and immerse myself in her characters again.
Second, this was very meta. Set in a mystery fiction writers’ conference in Monterey, California, the main characters are Keiran Chandler, an acclaimed editor with Millbrook House publishers; and Phineas Scott, his most important author, and, sometimes, lover. The meta part is that many of Josh Lanyon’s characters are also attending this conference, and aside from the plot itself, there is a running commentary on the state of fiction publishing in general and detective fiction in particular.
Despite the distractions of the various subordinate characters, I really admired the way Lanyon depicts the successful-but-lonely Keir Chandler, and his erstwhile friend-with-benefits Finn Scott. When a trauma from Keir’s distant past surfaces unexpectedly at the “Noir at the Shore” conference, his unraveling relationship with Finn moves front and center.
The double whammy of Keir’s longtime employer being sold out—and his own standing under the buyout being in question—combined with his failure with Finn; seems to offer nothing but a sad, failed future. Ironically, the added trouble from his past acts as an unanticipated catalyst.
As with Lanyon’s best stories, the muddled facts and confused emotions keep the reader on the edge of his seat. The fact that people from other books are hovering around observing and commenting on the whole narrative just adds to the enjoyable oddness of the whole thing. This is a master of detective fiction really having fun, and I found it every bit as much fun as the author must have.
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