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Winter Kill
Clever and ambitious, Special Agent Adam Darling (yeah, he's heard all the jokes before) was on the fast track to promotion and success until his mishandling of a high profile operation left one person dead and Adam "On the Beach." Now he's got a new partner, a new case, and a new chance to resurrect his career, hunting a cruel and cunning serial killer in a remote mountain resort in Oregon. Deputy Sheriff Robert Haskell may seem laid-back, but he's a tough and efficient cop -- and he's none too thrilled to see feebs on his turf -- even when one of the agents is smart, handsome -- and probably gay. But a butchered body in a Native American museum is out of his small town department's league. For that matter, icy, uptight Adam Darling is out of Rob's league, but that doesn't mean Rob won't take his best shot.
220 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2015
102 people are currently reading
2302 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
223 books5,416 followersAuthor of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 532 reviews
June 4, 2015
3.5 stars. Review posted June 4, 2015
In a nutshell
After having messed up a high profile case, FBI agent Adam Darling has got a new partner and another chance to put his career back on the track of success, sprinkled with letters of commendation. When he arrives at Nearby, a small, remote resort in cold and wintry Southern Oregon to hunt down a serial killer, he finds more than dead bodies and bones. He also meets a man who, behind his goofy attitude, might prove to be a real, warm and steady home. But, how is this going to work out once the killer has been caught? Are both of them willing to make concessions?
Welcome to Nearby. Come for the serial killer and stay for the lousy Chicken Alfredo.
"I'll see you at five," Rob promised. "Don't be late."
"Er, you're picking me up. Remember?"
"True." Rob grinned. "It's a date, Darling."
As expected and hoped for, Lanyon's writing was once again very good. Also, he's such a skilled author that he brings the setting to life with ease and a great deal of charm. Whether it's a chilly rain, icy snowflakes, an eery silence or pitch-black darkness…he does it with a refined and engaging voice I will always crave to come back to. Lanyon's strong suit is the romance but, surprise, surprise, I'd say that the mystery in Winter Kill was of better quality than some he orchestrated in the past which leads me to my quibble. I felt a little bummed that the romance was lacking and, to top it off, the barely there smexy times left me underwhelmed too. After
His mouth curved beneath Rob's, his lips unexpectedly soft. He liked this approach, he liked being kissed. Rob kissed him again, still gentle, still courting. They breathed together in easy harmony. Rob could feel Adam's heart pounding against his own and Adam's eyelashes flickering against his eyes.
Granted, I don't necessarily need the sex in a romance story, but I sure as heck need and want a strong romance aspect in my…well, romance books otherwise you don't need to label them as such in the first place. Fact was, I really yearned for more alone time for Adam and Rob because how can you develop a 'nonexistent' relationship without putting a main couple in intimate situations? And by intimate I also mean dating and having enough personal conversations. On the one hand, it was a good thing that they were so busy solving the murders, but on the other hand, they didn't have time to focus on theirtentative "romance" attraction for each other.
The cast of suspects was on the generous and intriguing side and I enjoyed the investigative work and suspense, for sure, but I can't help and harp on about the same subject matter. The lack of adequate page time to develop the romance. Alrighty, point made, Baba. You can stop whining now.
She glowered at him. He met her look calmly.
"I suppose you think I won't know what you're going to get up to this evening?"
"Now you're making me blush," Rob said. "My mother used to knock first."
Bottom line, Winter Kill is a very solidly written and enjoyable mystery, sprinkled with a little bit of romance. I just wish it had been longer and there would have been a better balance between mystery and romance. Also, it seems to me that Lanyon kept all his options open with that ending. In my book, it looked a little bit like 'unfinished business' and I do hope that Adam and Rob will have another comeback. I'd be game, that's as sure as the amen in the church.
Recommended read.
As a side note
Even though Winter Kill isn't Lanyon's very best, compared to the rubbish that other wannabe authors are publishing on a daily basis, I'd say it was actually very good. It's a simple fact that Lanyon can write.
P.S. A thank-you goes to my friend Karéz for buddy reading Winter Kill with me! <3 xoxox
In a nutshell
After having messed up a high profile case, FBI agent Adam Darling has got a new partner and another chance to put his career back on the track of success, sprinkled with letters of commendation. When he arrives at Nearby, a small, remote resort in cold and wintry Southern Oregon to hunt down a serial killer, he finds more than dead bodies and bones. He also meets a man who, behind his goofy attitude, might prove to be a real, warm and steady home. But, how is this going to work out once the killer has been caught? Are both of them willing to make concessions?
Welcome to Nearby. Come for the serial killer and stay for the lousy Chicken Alfredo.
"I'll see you at five," Rob promised. "Don't be late."
"Er, you're picking me up. Remember?"
"True." Rob grinned. "It's a date, Darling."
As expected and hoped for, Lanyon's writing was once again very good. Also, he's such a skilled author that he brings the setting to life with ease and a great deal of charm. Whether it's a chilly rain, icy snowflakes, an eery silence or pitch-black darkness…he does it with a refined and engaging voice I will always crave to come back to. Lanyon's strong suit is the romance but, surprise, surprise, I'd say that the mystery in Winter Kill was of better quality than some he orchestrated in the past which leads me to my quibble. I felt a little bummed that the romance was lacking and, to top it off, the barely there smexy times left me underwhelmed too. After
His mouth curved beneath Rob's, his lips unexpectedly soft. He liked this approach, he liked being kissed. Rob kissed him again, still gentle, still courting. They breathed together in easy harmony. Rob could feel Adam's heart pounding against his own and Adam's eyelashes flickering against his eyes.
Granted, I don't necessarily need the sex in a romance story, but I sure as heck need and want a strong romance aspect in my…well, romance books otherwise you don't need to label them as such in the first place. Fact was, I really yearned for more alone time for Adam and Rob because how can you develop a 'nonexistent' relationship without putting a main couple in intimate situations? And by intimate I also mean dating and having enough personal conversations. On the one hand, it was a good thing that they were so busy solving the murders, but on the other hand, they didn't have time to focus on their
The cast of suspects was on the generous and intriguing side and I enjoyed the investigative work and suspense, for sure, but I can't help and harp on about the same subject matter. The lack of adequate page time to develop the romance. Alrighty, point made, Baba. You can stop whining now.
She glowered at him. He met her look calmly.
"I suppose you think I won't know what you're going to get up to this evening?"
"Now you're making me blush," Rob said. "My mother used to knock first."
Bottom line, Winter Kill is a very solidly written and enjoyable mystery, sprinkled with a little bit of romance. I just wish it had been longer and there would have been a better balance between mystery and romance. Also, it seems to me that Lanyon kept all his options open with that ending. In my book, it looked a little bit like 'unfinished business' and I do hope that Adam and Rob will have another comeback. I'd be game, that's as sure as the amen in the church.
Recommended read.
As a side note
Even though Winter Kill isn't Lanyon's very best, compared to the rubbish that other wannabe authors are publishing on a daily basis, I'd say it was actually very good. It's a simple fact that Lanyon can write.
P.S. A thank-you goes to my friend Karéz for buddy reading Winter Kill with me! <3 xoxox
January 20, 2023
Another excellent mystery from Josh Lanyon... right until the end. I'd still recommend this to everyone, but the ending is frustratingly abrupt.
P.S. 4 stars for Lanyon is 5 stars for anybody else. She's another victim of my rigged rating system along with Amy Lane. I expect more from them than I do other authors. It's not fair, but them's the rules.
P.S. 4 stars for Lanyon is 5 stars for anybody else. She's another victim of my rigged rating system along with Amy Lane. I expect more from them than I do other authors. It's not fair, but them's the rules.
February 21, 2022
3.5 stars
This was a fun read. The mystery was well thought out, though it felt like there was too much going on for one book. Or maybe it's just me, because my main focus was on Adam and Rob.
I really liked both of them. I liked their dynamics and their interactions. Rob was really funny at times, which I didn't expect. The ending was rushed a bit and I wasn't completely sold on their relationship, but I read their Christmas Coda after finishing this and I feel it made up for it.
The audiobook was excellent. I think this was my first time listening to Gomez Pugh and I loved his narration.
This was a fun read. The mystery was well thought out, though it felt like there was too much going on for one book. Or maybe it's just me, because my main focus was on Adam and Rob.
I really liked both of them. I liked their dynamics and their interactions. Rob was really funny at times, which I didn't expect. The ending was rushed a bit and I wasn't completely sold on their relationship, but I read their Christmas Coda after finishing this and I feel it made up for it.
The audiobook was excellent. I think this was my first time listening to Gomez Pugh and I loved his narration.
June 13, 2015
Written June 12, 2015
4.3 Stars - A great new JL crime. I'm just a big smile
Yay, yay yay!!! ~ One of my absolute favorite M/M crime authors Josh Lanyon published this new novel a week ago. I hoped for an audiobook as well in June but I couldn't find any information there is any yet or soon.
Rosa, Sofia and a bunch of girls started a buddyread) this Monday. I don't have time for buddyreads right now but I couldn't resist. I joined and read in my own slow snail speed one or two hours a day. ~ AND it was a goooood read. I liked.
*********************************************************
In a small Oregon town called 'Nearby'...
Special Agent Adam Darling from FBI LA seems to be a bit stiff and unposed smart man. He is hunting a legendary serial killer known as The Crow in a remote mountain resort in Oregon. Deputy Sheriff Robert Haskell is the local very charming, a bit laid-back, and goodlooking (one of four) cop.
These two enjoy a hot smexy night and doesn't think they ever will see each other again.
But after that first visit is Adam back in Nearby a few months later. A butchered body in a Native American museum is out of the small town department's league. That's just the start on a dangerous, adventurous and quite horrible time in these snowy winter woods.
While unpleasant murders keep happening and the public panic increases, are the growing attraction quivering hot between our two men.
*********************************************************
Happydancing moment...
Perfect for me. I liked the creepy case, I liked all "Nearby" characters and I LOVED this sweet love-story. I went a bit fast in the end and we didn't get all. Just to hope for another book with these characters in the future.
A 'rec' to admirers of well done mystery romances
Josh Lanyon does it with so much finesse. I would have preferred another 50 pages to give things here more space, but it's a little whining-triviality of all the good I got.
Winter Kill is much about solving a murder case with just a tiny (yummy) bit with a wonderful heartwarming romance added. Nevertheless, a romantic craving lady as I am, I really enjoyed this novel. ~ I felt for them all (dead as alive) and I thinkh this sweet ending fitted so well. It was kind of insta-love, and maybe unbelievable fast, but so touching ROMANTIC and filled with emotions. My heart ended "filled" too.
*********************************************************
I LIKE - Yes, yes, yes!!
4.3 Stars - A great new JL crime. I'm just a big smile
Yay, yay yay!!! ~ One of my absolute favorite M/M crime authors Josh Lanyon published this new novel a week ago. I hoped for an audiobook as well in June but I couldn't find any information there is any yet or soon.
Rosa, Sofia and a bunch of girls started a buddyread) this Monday. I don't have time for buddyreads right now but I couldn't resist. I joined and read in my own slow snail speed one or two hours a day. ~ AND it was a goooood read. I liked.
*********************************************************
In a small Oregon town called 'Nearby'...
Special Agent Adam Darling from FBI LA seems to be a bit stiff and unposed smart man. He is hunting a legendary serial killer known as The Crow in a remote mountain resort in Oregon. Deputy Sheriff Robert Haskell is the local very charming, a bit laid-back, and goodlooking (one of four) cop.
These two enjoy a hot smexy night and doesn't think they ever will see each other again.
‘... He was a handsome guy and he knew it. That was fine. Adam liked self-confidence and he liked self-assurance, being confident and assured himself. At least in most things.’
But after that first visit is Adam back in Nearby a few months later. A butchered body in a Native American museum is out of the small town department's league. That's just the start on a dangerous, adventurous and quite horrible time in these snowy winter woods.
While unpleasant murders keep happening and the public panic increases, are the growing attraction quivering hot between our two men.
‘Rob liked kissing—he had wanted to kiss Adam the first night, and had not missed the fact that Adam did not want to be kissed—this was even better than he had imagined. He used every bit of skill and delicacy he had, and he felt the moment Adam stopped thinking and simply surrendered.’
*********************************************************
Happydancing moment...
Perfect for me. I liked the creepy case, I liked all "Nearby" characters and I LOVED this sweet love-story. I went a bit fast in the end and we didn't get all. Just to hope for another book with these characters in the future.
A 'rec' to admirers of well done mystery romances
Josh Lanyon does it with so much finesse. I would have preferred another 50 pages to give things here more space, but it's a little whining-triviality of all the good I got.
‘His smile faded.
Okay, but you couldn’t just…follow your heart.
Could you?’
Winter Kill is much about solving a murder case with just a tiny (yummy) bit with a wonderful heartwarming romance added. Nevertheless, a romantic craving lady as I am, I really enjoyed this novel. ~ I felt for them all (dead as alive) and I thinkh this sweet ending fitted so well. It was kind of insta-love, and maybe unbelievable fast, but so touching ROMANTIC and filled with emotions. My heart ended "filled" too.
*********************************************************
I LIKE - Yes, yes, yes!!
June 5, 2015
This is one Lanyon book that I have waited for awhile. But the release date was pushed several times, so I tried to tone down my expectation.
First chapter in and I was pretty excited. As I went along, I thought this had a VERY GOOD built-up on the mystery front. What can I say, I can be really demanding on body counts when it comes to story about serial killers. Heck, I don't even mind a mystery book without romance. Good mystery can sometimes trump romance. Maybe it's a left-over from my childhood reading experience, when I only consumed Agatha Christie's novels.
So yes, this had a very good mystery set-up: a 20-year-old buried skeleton, butchered body in an American museum, another girl with throat slashed... not to mentioned a serial-killer case that hasn't been caught running on the background.
It was promising!!
Until that LOUSY ending. Don't get me wrong, our men got their 'unsub', but the wrapping of this mystery was really sucky for me as a reader. I'm going to rant, thus MAJOR spoilers ... Did Lanyon really want me to get a conclusion of my own, making up the plot as I went along??
I am SO NOT amused!!
If the mystery conclusion was 'sacrificed' for the sake of the romance, well, hell, it didn't really work out for me. The romance was lackluster at best -- maybe because I didn't feel the chemistry that well. Plus I couldn't warm up to Rob. I thought he was too laid-back and apathetic as a Deputy Sherrif. I mean, shouldn't he be more curious, more suspicious of things? THERE WERE MURDERS, MAN! I got irritated with Rob when he shot down possible reasons, just because... So yeah, I wasn't really sold on the romance, I was hoping for the mystery to save me.
And that Epilogue *face palm* It was like a rushed add-on because the story needed some sort of HFN. Really, I would be fine with a more tentative ending. If any of you read A.M. Riley's Son of a Gun (a GREAT story, by the way), it offered a hint of a promise that felt more realistic and natural to the relationship as a whole. The epilogue? Yeah, it could've just scraped off and made way for the mystery conclusion, in my humble opinion.
In the end, not exactly my favorite from Lanyon. Still gave it a 3-stars because the first 85% - 90% or so was good enough.
PS: I also notice a couple of errors, like missing word in a complete sentence, type of thing? Also a word "x miles", which I thought was weird. Maybe the X was supposed to be written as numbers??
First chapter in and I was pretty excited. As I went along, I thought this had a VERY GOOD built-up on the mystery front. What can I say, I can be really demanding on body counts when it comes to story about serial killers. Heck, I don't even mind a mystery book without romance. Good mystery can sometimes trump romance. Maybe it's a left-over from my childhood reading experience, when I only consumed Agatha Christie's novels.
So yes, this had a very good mystery set-up: a 20-year-old buried skeleton, butchered body in an American museum, another girl with throat slashed... not to mentioned a serial-killer case that hasn't been caught running on the background.
It was promising!!
Until that LOUSY ending. Don't get me wrong, our men got their 'unsub', but the wrapping of this mystery was really sucky for me as a reader. I'm going to rant, thus MAJOR spoilers ... Did Lanyon really want me to get a conclusion of my own, making up the plot as I went along??
I am SO NOT amused!!
If the mystery conclusion was 'sacrificed' for the sake of the romance, well, hell, it didn't really work out for me. The romance was lackluster at best -- maybe because I didn't feel the chemistry that well. Plus I couldn't warm up to Rob. I thought he was too laid-back and apathetic as a Deputy Sherrif. I mean, shouldn't he be more curious, more suspicious of things? THERE WERE MURDERS, MAN! I got irritated with Rob when he shot down possible reasons, just because... So yeah, I wasn't really sold on the romance, I was hoping for the mystery to save me.
And that Epilogue *face palm* It was like a rushed add-on because the story needed some sort of HFN. Really, I would be fine with a more tentative ending. If any of you read A.M. Riley's Son of a Gun (a GREAT story, by the way), it offered a hint of a promise that felt more realistic and natural to the relationship as a whole. The epilogue? Yeah, it could've just scraped off and made way for the mystery conclusion, in my humble opinion.
In the end, not exactly my favorite from Lanyon. Still gave it a 3-stars because the first 85% - 90% or so was good enough.
PS: I also notice a couple of errors, like missing word in a complete sentence, type of thing? Also a word "x miles", which I thought was weird. Maybe the X was supposed to be written as numbers??
November 15, 2025
You know those people who sign up for interesting challenges, and don't stop till they've completed them? The lads and lasses who only break out the celebratory champagne once their goal is done and signed off? Yeah... I'm not one of them. When it comes to maintaining my persistence, I'm much more likely to reach my goal with only a single sip of champagne left over.
Sometimes, this is the necessary approach to survive my self-inflicted flagellation sessions. Other times, the universe gets pissed and sends me a not-so-subtle message about endurance. As with this book, penned by one of my favorite authors.
Maybe it was something in the air, perhaps some left over confusion from my previous read, or lack of chemistry, suffice to say that we just didn't click. Not in a this-is-much-too-convoluted way, but rather in a more subtle manner. Kind of like watching someone constantly wobble while walking in heels.
So what went wrong, you may ask? Well, a lot of small, seemingly innocuous, things, which added up:
1) The connection between the introduction and the actual "meat" of the story .
In place of a simple "fade out", and later attempt at filling in the blanks, I would've chosen to summarize the lives of the two main characters during the three "missing" months.
2) The constantly changing perspective.
Far be it from me to ask Josh Lanyon to just keep to the tried and true first person narrative point of view, but this constant switching point of view didn't seem particularly well thought out. Though I'm not a big fan of it, I've seen it done reasonably well when the two characters receive ample "screen time", so to say. This was not the case here, which made me perceive the atmosphere of the story in an unnecessarily choppy manner.
3) The names, dear GOD those names!
An FBI agent called Darling, who is supposedly constantly poised for the next bad pun, whenever someone calls him by his last name.
The crime scene that takes place in the fictional town of NEARBY, Oregon.
...and for bonus points, let's just casually throw in an Eden, as the local mortuary director.
Score: 2.5/5 stars
I don't know how to rate this story. On the one hand, I've read much worse, even from this particular author. On the other, I was so looking forward to this special spark that most of Lanyon's books have. Lacking that, I felt rather cheated, and just unwilling to give it as much slack as I normally would have.
If you're new to the author, or even MM romance in general, this novel would not be a bad introduction to the genre. But just because you wouldn't be running away screaming, it doesn't mean it's a particularly good one either. So let's go with a rounded up 3-star rating... for now.
Sometimes, this is the necessary approach to survive my self-inflicted flagellation sessions. Other times, the universe gets pissed and sends me a not-so-subtle message about endurance. As with this book, penned by one of my favorite authors.
Maybe it was something in the air, perhaps some left over confusion from my previous read, or lack of chemistry, suffice to say that we just didn't click. Not in a this-is-much-too-convoluted way, but rather in a more subtle manner. Kind of like watching someone constantly wobble while walking in heels.
So what went wrong, you may ask? Well, a lot of small, seemingly innocuous, things, which added up:
1) The connection between the introduction and the actual "meat" of the story .
In place of a simple "fade out", and later attempt at filling in the blanks, I would've chosen to summarize the lives of the two main characters during the three "missing" months.
2) The constantly changing perspective.
Far be it from me to ask Josh Lanyon to just keep to the tried and true first person narrative point of view, but this constant switching point of view didn't seem particularly well thought out. Though I'm not a big fan of it, I've seen it done reasonably well when the two characters receive ample "screen time", so to say. This was not the case here, which made me perceive the atmosphere of the story in an unnecessarily choppy manner.
3) The names, dear GOD those names!
An FBI agent called Darling, who is supposedly constantly poised for the next bad pun, whenever someone calls him by his last name.
The crime scene that takes place in the fictional town of NEARBY, Oregon.
...and for bonus points, let's just casually throw in an Eden, as the local mortuary director.
Score: 2.5/5 stars
I don't know how to rate this story. On the one hand, I've read much worse, even from this particular author. On the other, I was so looking forward to this special spark that most of Lanyon's books have. Lacking that, I felt rather cheated, and just unwilling to give it as much slack as I normally would have.
If you're new to the author, or even MM romance in general, this novel would not be a bad introduction to the genre. But just because you wouldn't be running away screaming, it doesn't mean it's a particularly good one either. So let's go with a rounded up 3-star rating... for now.
May 31, 2015
2.5 stars rounded up for Lanyon.
spoilers, probably.
mystery: 5
conclusion to mysteries: 2 - really? wrapped up with "oh, and ps."
ending: 1
romance: 2
characters: 2 - I felt like the secondary characters were the stars of this show
epilogue: going to pretend I never read it
not the best lanyon i've ever read. a bit of sadness for a story i was looking so very forward to reading. i thought it was one of the most interesting mysteries i've read in a while, but the usual lanyon romance wasn't there for me, and the wrap-up was lacking.
would i rec to a lanyon lover? sure, because i'll rec all lanyons to the fanyons.
would i rec to a casual fanyon? nah.
spoilers, probably.
mystery: 5
conclusion to mysteries: 2 - really? wrapped up with "oh, and ps."
ending: 1
romance: 2
characters: 2 - I felt like the secondary characters were the stars of this show
epilogue: going to pretend I never read it
not the best lanyon i've ever read. a bit of sadness for a story i was looking so very forward to reading. i thought it was one of the most interesting mysteries i've read in a while, but the usual lanyon romance wasn't there for me, and the wrap-up was lacking.
would i rec to a lanyon lover? sure, because i'll rec all lanyons to the fanyons.
would i rec to a casual fanyon? nah.
June 11, 2015
Welp, I was all set to complain about this book, yet still give it 4 stars for enjoyability, when a friend pointed out that it was inspired by all the Nordic mysteries Lanyon's been reading lately. And I thought, "oooooooh, okay."
Now many of the things that seemed odd in Winter Kill make sense. Nordic mysteries, like the books of Henning Mankell, Jo Nesbo and Maj Sjowall, are filled with miserable people (usually men who survive on nothing but coffee, alcohol and their own manpain to see them through) solving miserable crimes with generally rather miserable, open-ended results. It's fantastic and I love it. (Okay, it's not all miserable--there's plenty of humor there too. And some romance--but that never goes well.)
I'm not sure if Lanyon was totally successful in trying to blend that type of book with his usual mystery/romance, but I really enjoyed reading the results. I finished the book a couple of days ago and I'm still thinking over the mystery--in that nice way that happens when you read a good book.
What can I say--it's Lanyon, it's a good time--
I'm still a little flummoxed over that epilogue though. What?! That was sudden.
Want to read
January 20, 2013If I ever saw a cover that screams "read it or you`ll regret it"....
June 10, 2015
This was…ok.
As much as I complain about Lanyon’s shorts not being long enough, I’m not entirely sure that his style works with longer books. At least maybe just not with this one.
I like Adam Darling, the FBI agent with a mistake in has past that breeds a bit of a chip of uncertainty on his shoulder.
I like Robert Haskell, the small town cop with a bleeding heart.
I just didn’t entirely connect with either of them…and in turn with them as a couple.
But this I could probably get past.
Throw in the mystery within a mystery within mystery, past, present, far, near, is-he-gay, is-he-not-gay, and the myriad of characters introduced briefly…I was kinda disinterested. To be honest, I didn’t really care about whodunnit. And whoalsodunnit. (apparently there *might* be more than one murderer here…)
The biggest thing I cared about was how Lanyon casually throw in “Tucker”, Adam’s ex boyfriend who he wasn’t sure he was over. And of COURSE I freaked OUT that it was most likely Tucker from Fair Game/Fair Play and I was so conflicted because I LOVE Elliot & Tucker…I don’t even want to believe there was anyone else for either of them. ha!
But I digress…
All in all, it was a decent read…not brutal or painful or anything. Just not entirely inspired and not my favorite Lanyon.
December 12, 2021
Almost good. I actually finished the book including epilogue then asked myself was the murder solved? Then an oh wait is it was that person, that wasn't another victim setup for the fall or something. It's strange, very much an unfinished feel as the politics and romance take over leaving the murders in the background. Big relationship and life leap that didn't fully convince me.
-- --
Hmm complicated mystery with lots going on, perhaps too much. Great potential but ultimately got wasted with the brush off conclusion. - Characters I didn't fully invest in but that had potential if only they weren't outshone by the side players. - Mediocre romance if you can call it that, and an ending out of nowhere.
Sounds pretty damning but I'm tired, I'll sleep then think on it and review properly. Right now I'm disappointed, so much wasted potential.
-- EDIT more thoughts below --
On thought I'm still disappointed with this and worse - can't escape the feel of being sneered at.
I understand the story has it's influences in True Crime and Nordic Mysteries - the first I avoid and the second I'm unfamilar with. My background reading is cosies and thrillers, I'm well aware that the world is never so neat and have no wish to understand real serial killers, I like escapism where things however harsh work out. Reality is abstract often harsh, fiction allows the ticking of little boxes with a smirk, the tieing up of clues into an elaborate bow. I am unashamed of my choices. It'll depend on your reading tastes how you react to this story.
Lanyon generally writes his mysteries with a gentle dig at cosies; the body that disappears or doesn't, the conclusion spelt out to the group. Here he's striving for realism, the ending without that bow! In the process he mocks popular shows saying 'reality isn't like that' by the end I felt that mockery had narrowed to me the reader, for wanting a more satisfying conclusion. I KNOW reality isn't like that.
There was great potential and the sense of research done, from a thriller pov some things weren't made the most of. Characters didn't seem fully developed to me and my impression of them wavered. Odd quirks that came from nowhere, behaviour that contradicted. Idea where there but not fleshed out. But there was enough for me to want to like them, to want to know the area and story.
I found the writing felt forced at times as if pushed past a block, which added to the impression of the ending as a rushed job. After leading us through the maze Lanyon pointed to some random person in the crowd shouted 'He did it. Because.' then cackled typing 'the end' It wasn't satisfying, neat or the result of any detecting. Also the romance went from lust and pleasant convenience to declarations and big life changing decisions. A reverse to that effort for realism, it was a leap made on shaky ground.
The book is an enjoyable read but the conclusion will not appeal to all. For me it left an unsettled taste and I was close to rating lower.
-- --
Hmm complicated mystery with lots going on, perhaps too much. Great potential but ultimately got wasted with the brush off conclusion. - Characters I didn't fully invest in but that had potential if only they weren't outshone by the side players. - Mediocre romance if you can call it that, and an ending out of nowhere.
Sounds pretty damning but I'm tired, I'll sleep then think on it and review properly. Right now I'm disappointed, so much wasted potential.
-- EDIT more thoughts below --
On thought I'm still disappointed with this and worse - can't escape the feel of being sneered at.
I understand the story has it's influences in True Crime and Nordic Mysteries - the first I avoid and the second I'm unfamilar with. My background reading is cosies and thrillers, I'm well aware that the world is never so neat and have no wish to understand real serial killers, I like escapism where things however harsh work out. Reality is abstract often harsh, fiction allows the ticking of little boxes with a smirk, the tieing up of clues into an elaborate bow. I am unashamed of my choices. It'll depend on your reading tastes how you react to this story.
Lanyon generally writes his mysteries with a gentle dig at cosies; the body that disappears or doesn't, the conclusion spelt out to the group. Here he's striving for realism, the ending without that bow! In the process he mocks popular shows saying 'reality isn't like that' by the end I felt that mockery had narrowed to me the reader, for wanting a more satisfying conclusion. I KNOW reality isn't like that.
There was great potential and the sense of research done, from a thriller pov some things weren't made the most of. Characters didn't seem fully developed to me and my impression of them wavered. Odd quirks that came from nowhere, behaviour that contradicted. Idea where there but not fleshed out. But there was enough for me to want to like them, to want to know the area and story.
I found the writing felt forced at times as if pushed past a block, which added to the impression of the ending as a rushed job. After leading us through the maze Lanyon pointed to some random person in the crowd shouted 'He did it. Because.' then cackled typing 'the end' It wasn't satisfying, neat or the result of any detecting. Also the romance went from lust and pleasant convenience to declarations and big life changing decisions. A reverse to that effort for realism, it was a leap made on shaky ground.
The book is an enjoyable read but the conclusion will not appeal to all. For me it left an unsettled taste and I was close to rating lower.
February 9, 2022
One of my first Josh Lanyon stories, and still one of my all time favorites. Top of my comfort re-listen pile!
This is one of my all-time favorite Josh Lanyon stories, plus I love Gomez Pugh, so it was double the pleasure to do the audio version of Winter Kill.
Besides how much I love Adam (and the fact that he's Tucker's ex) this really is a great mystery. So many great twists and turns, plus the ending!!! Love it. It's also really fun after The Mermaid Murders and The Monet Murders to get to see this side of Sam (and by that I mean not acting like a total dick).
That was so great :)
This is one of my all-time favorite Josh Lanyon stories, plus I love Gomez Pugh, so it was double the pleasure to do the audio version of Winter Kill.
Besides how much I love Adam (and the fact that he's Tucker's ex) this really is a great mystery. So many great twists and turns, plus the ending!!! Love it. It's also really fun after The Mermaid Murders and The Monet Murders to get to see this side of Sam (and by that I mean not acting like a total dick).
That was so great :)
March 24, 2016
The comfort of being in capable hands that surety is what Lanyon promises.
If there's one thing that I somehow always seem to underplay in my mind and be so pleasantly surprised is how well Lanyon crafts a story, peppering in details, adding layers so smoothly. That isn't to say that it was a perfect read, in fact, the start made me stumble. Not the prologue, it was great, but the first scene was had me tripping up. As soon as I got on board it was a swift race to the end.
Frankly, I was a bit surprised by the body count here. Impressively high, I approve. But it was the character reveals that kept me spinning as the tale unfolded. Suspicion being cast from one to the next, leaving just enough uncertainty that I couldn't rule them out. Underneath all that, a romance. Not first blush, but a tentative unfurling of two individuals who are mature and set in their lives, separate lives.
What I love about Adam and Rob is their simultaneous strength and vulnerability. Neither is a wallflower, but neither expects to find anything more. So when they meet it's like a silver quarter that's been lost in circulation, still valuable, but a little worn around the edges. They each immediately realize the difference.
So between the mystery, the deaths, the agencies' interplay and the romance, I was sold.
Overall, love blossoms in a bone orchard.
If there's one thing that I somehow always seem to underplay in my mind and be so pleasantly surprised is how well Lanyon crafts a story, peppering in details, adding layers so smoothly. That isn't to say that it was a perfect read, in fact, the start made me stumble. Not the prologue, it was great, but the first scene was had me tripping up. As soon as I got on board it was a swift race to the end.
Frankly, I was a bit surprised by the body count here. Impressively high, I approve. But it was the character reveals that kept me spinning as the tale unfolded. Suspicion being cast from one to the next, leaving just enough uncertainty that I couldn't rule them out. Underneath all that, a romance. Not first blush, but a tentative unfurling of two individuals who are mature and set in their lives, separate lives.
What I love about Adam and Rob is their simultaneous strength and vulnerability. Neither is a wallflower, but neither expects to find anything more. So when they meet it's like a silver quarter that's been lost in circulation, still valuable, but a little worn around the edges. They each immediately realize the difference.
So between the mystery, the deaths, the agencies' interplay and the romance, I was sold.
Overall, love blossoms in a bone orchard.
June 8, 2020
Really enjoyed this! The mystery was compelling, and the relationship build was satisfying. Although it ends with a tentative HFN, I'm confident in the MCs' willingness to make it work. Would love a second book showing a stronger bond with the characters.
Why do I have a thing for serial killer stories?
Why do I have a thing for serial killer stories?
July 8, 2017
This was a bit different from the "classic" Lanyon yarn - lighter in tone, with surprising dashes of humor that you don't typically get (well at least the ones I've read so far). Regardless, Lanyon's an author whose usual MO goes without too much complaint.
So I'm sure this review reads like all my others because you've got all the requisite JL ingredients.
-Law enforcement MC(s)
-Initial dead body that leads to more dead bodies
-Lust and attraction that just scratches the surface (dammit) with a smidge of smex and feels (more please!)
-Succinctness of plot
-Abrupt happy ending (grrrr)
It works for some reason. I liked it.
So I'm sure this review reads like all my others because you've got all the requisite JL ingredients.
-Law enforcement MC(s)
-Initial dead body that leads to more dead bodies
-Lust and attraction that just scratches the surface (dammit) with a smidge of smex and feels (more please!)
-Succinctness of plot
-Abrupt happy ending (grrrr)
It works for some reason. I liked it.
August 2, 2015
I think in my M/M books I need more substance and story than just sex and cock. Why? Not sure. I finished an M/M book yesterday and gave it 3.75 upped to 4 stars. Then I read this book and really, the writing calibre was way better here. Had to downgrade the book yesterday to a straight 3 stars.
The story was well paced, kept you guessing. I really felt I was there in the cold and damp of Oregon at times.
Adam and Rob seem like opposites ... then again, opposites attract.
I think this is the second book I have read by this author. I will be checking out some of his other books.
Clever and ambitious, Special Agent Adam Darling (yeah, he's heard all the jokes before) was on the fast track to promotion and success until his mishandling of a high profile operation left one person dead and Adam "On the Beach." Now he's got a new partner, a new case, and a new chance to resurrect his career, hunting a legendary serial killer known as The Crow in a remote mountain resort in Oregon.
The story was well paced, kept you guessing. I really felt I was there in the cold and damp of Oregon at times.
Adam and Rob seem like opposites ... then again, opposites attract.
I think this is the second book I have read by this author. I will be checking out some of his other books.
June 11, 2015
Lots of bones.
I found it for several reasons a different Lanyon than usual or it might be the case that I have not read a Lanyon in a while.
In a way this reminded me of the 'unsweetly' tied crime stories, where not everything is cut and dried. I'm totally okay with this type of crime stories as long as they are well written of course but then this is a Lanyon after all.
BR 8th June - thank you all my partners in crime :)
June 2, 2015
Not Lanyon's best work, but still pretty good.
Possible spoilers below.
The mystery/suspense, as always, was very good. The plot kept me guessing, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. When I was reading 'Winter Kill' late last night, I had to put it down at one point to go make sure that I'd locked the doors. I think if a murder mystery makes me question whether I'm safe in my own home, it's doing its job right. So, all the stars for the plot.
However, the romance was less impressive. It seemed to be tacked on as an afterthought. Which isn't a bad thing, but I'm used to Lanyon being able to write both mystery and romance with equal skill. Also, I don't think I really got a good understanding of who Adam and Rob were. There was just a very generic outlining of the two main characters. And that epilogue was very underwhelming.
Overall, I enjoyed 'Winter Kill', though more so for the plot than for the romance. I'd recommend this book for murder mystery readers who don't mind their MM romance being in the background.
Possible spoilers below.
The mystery/suspense, as always, was very good. The plot kept me guessing, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. When I was reading 'Winter Kill' late last night, I had to put it down at one point to go make sure that I'd locked the doors. I think if a murder mystery makes me question whether I'm safe in my own home, it's doing its job right. So, all the stars for the plot.
However, the romance was less impressive. It seemed to be tacked on as an afterthought. Which isn't a bad thing, but I'm used to Lanyon being able to write both mystery and romance with equal skill. Also, I don't think I really got a good understanding of who Adam and Rob were. There was just a very generic outlining of the two main characters. And that epilogue was very underwhelming.
Overall, I enjoyed 'Winter Kill', though more so for the plot than for the romance. I'd recommend this book for murder mystery readers who don't mind their MM romance being in the background.
June 2, 2015
3.5 Stars!
One never can be disappointed with Lanyon's mystery books.
Winter Kill, was loaded with mystery/ crime right until the very end, I really quite enjoyed the story, it was like solving a puzzle. But, it was lacking a bit (a lot) of romance. now, yes, to some it might not be a big of an issue. but to me it really was. i wanted more romance, to the point i started to get greedy!
When it comes to books; i really love when there's a balance - it just makes the story so much enjoyable. and this book was lacking balance. and, the ending was not a "real ending" .. because you'll feel that their relationship (Rob and Adam's) just started - so i do hope there will be a sequel to their story.
All in all, a very good mystery book - i would recommend it but keep in mind it delivers a little bit of romance.
Thank you for reading this book with me Baba. and I'm glad we are on the same page :) xo <3
One never can be disappointed with Lanyon's mystery books.
Winter Kill, was loaded with mystery/ crime right until the very end, I really quite enjoyed the story, it was like solving a puzzle. But, it was lacking a bit (a lot) of romance. now, yes, to some it might not be a big of an issue. but to me it really was. i wanted more romance, to the point i started to get greedy!
When it comes to books; i really love when there's a balance - it just makes the story so much enjoyable. and this book was lacking balance. and, the ending was not a "real ending" .. because you'll feel that their relationship (Rob and Adam's) just started - so i do hope there will be a sequel to their story.
All in all, a very good mystery book - i would recommend it but keep in mind it delivers a little bit of romance.
Thank you for reading this book with me Baba. and I'm glad we are on the same page :) xo <3
June 15, 2018
Overall book rating: 4.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
Well. I’m in love. And frankly I don’t know what to do about it.
I may or may not have promised myself that this will be the last Lanyon for a book or three, but I guess we’ll see how that holds up.
I like Adam Darling. I like him so much! Why are we only getting ONE book about him and Robbed by Rob??
I’m starting a petition. I’ll be painting banners if you’re looking for me okay?
Adam! Rob!! Come Back!
Ps. Of course a little piece of BAU Chief Sam Kennedy was also nice. Dammit... this should have been a series!
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
Well. I’m in love. And frankly I don’t know what to do about it.
I may or may not have promised myself that this will be the last Lanyon for a book or three, but I guess we’ll see how that holds up.
I like Adam Darling. I like him so much! Why are we only getting ONE book about him and Robbed by Rob??
I’m starting a petition. I’ll be painting banners if you’re looking for me okay?
Adam! Rob!! Come Back!
Ps. Of course a little piece of BAU Chief Sam Kennedy was also nice. Dammit... this should have been a series!
June 1, 2015
Man, I fucking love serial killer books.
For real. But, I don't know if this was supposed to be a serial killer book, a mystery or a romance. I am thinking it was all three but my brain could only focus on one.
Serial killers, bring em'. I totally digged the mystery but not so much the romance. Yes, this is Lanyon. Yes, I get it...But, I don't know. Fangirl that I am has lots of thoughts. I think I should sleep on it. I'm gonna give it a tentative rating for now.
BR with Mish!
For real. But, I don't know if this was supposed to be a serial killer book, a mystery or a romance. I am thinking it was all three but my brain could only focus on one.
Serial killers, bring em'. I totally digged the mystery but not so much the romance. Yes, this is Lanyon. Yes, I get it...But, I don't know. Fangirl that I am has lots of thoughts. I think I should sleep on it. I'm gonna give it a tentative rating for now.
BR with Mish!
April 1, 2018
*3.5*
Would have definitely rounded up if the conclusion had been more solid. But good stuff.
Would have definitely rounded up if the conclusion had been more solid. But good stuff.
January 18, 2016
I can't believe this is Lanyon book.
I am a huge fan of Josh- fan in a "I don't think I ever gave his book anything less than 4*" way, so this caught me by surprise.
One thing I like about Lanyon books is how she always finds that perfect balance between mystery and romance subplot- romance and mystery just blend perfectly to tell a story.
Here, it was like romance and mystery got in each other's way.
Mystery has very good premise and pretty damn nifty idea for resolution, but delivery was clunky. The more we were getting close to culmination the more rushed and lazy it felt.
As for romance...this has to be one of most awkward, and frankly, lamest romance plot Lanyon has ever written. First, they hook up because they are the only gay guys around. I was never convinced when that attraction grew into something more. Never...they just, kinda realized they have feelings for each other. Hence, epilogue was completely lost on me. I never bought it. It actually got me thinking that romance, maybe even a premise, reminded me a bit of A Casual Weekend Thing an it was handled better in that book.
Then...the writing. This doesn't read like Lanyon book. It reads like any other, generic, already-seen-so-many-times book.
I present you the worst sentence in it:
"Rob would have been willing to bet money that there was not a gay bone—or boner—in Buck’s body."
My brain cannot fathom that this sentence is a product of Lanyon's brain.
This is such a bummer for me, 'cause Lanyon is my favorite... :(
I am in serious mm funk for months and Winter Kill was the one I counted on to get me out of it.
Let's hope next one will be much better.
I'm ready for Fair Chance.
October 1, 2021
Book - Winter Kill
Standalone
Rating- 4 Stars
SubGenre- Police procedural
(Small-town setting without the shenanigans, Cold case, Manhunt, Serial Killer)
Adam Darling(yeah!! Darling😂😂) is a special agent with the FBI. Just when his career was going on an upward spiral, he made a huge mistake in a kidnapping case and got demoted to field officer. On one such field trip while tracking a serial killer he met Deputy sheriff Robert.
Characterisation
Once again we get a classic combo of detectives. Adam Darling is stoic, methodical and follows the rulebooks. Robbie on the other hand is easygoing and laid back. So, a city guy meets a lover of wilderness.
Mystery
The mystery is fast-paced and revolves around a cold case and serial killer manhunt. The setting is of a small town but we don't get many of the locals other than the usual suspects. We also have the right amount of action with the serial killer hunt.
Romance
Thank God!! Unlike some of my last books by JL, we have a romance plot here and not to forget some hot, sexy scenes.🤩🤩 The relationship started as insta lust/one-time casual thing because FBI guys don't know how else to meet their love interests.
The only issue I have with this book is the confusion with timelines. The author forgets to mention the passing of time and not to forget the abrupt ending.
Standalone
Rating- 4 Stars
SubGenre- Police procedural
(Small-town setting without the shenanigans, Cold case, Manhunt, Serial Killer)
Adam Darling(yeah!! Darling😂😂) is a special agent with the FBI. Just when his career was going on an upward spiral, he made a huge mistake in a kidnapping case and got demoted to field officer. On one such field trip while tracking a serial killer he met Deputy sheriff Robert.
Characterisation
Once again we get a classic combo of detectives. Adam Darling is stoic, methodical and follows the rulebooks. Robbie on the other hand is easygoing and laid back. So, a city guy meets a lover of wilderness.
Mystery
The mystery is fast-paced and revolves around a cold case and serial killer manhunt. The setting is of a small town but we don't get many of the locals other than the usual suspects. We also have the right amount of action with the serial killer hunt.
Romance
Thank God!! Unlike some of my last books by JL, we have a romance plot here and not to forget some hot, sexy scenes.🤩🤩 The relationship started as insta lust/one-time casual thing because FBI guys don't know how else to meet their love interests.
The only issue I have with this book is the confusion with timelines. The author forgets to mention the passing of time and not to forget the abrupt ending.
February 15, 2021
2021
Yep, this is still a good installment. I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story and wish there was more background for Adam. And since I am wishing, I wish there was a sequel for them. 😊
2018
Oh, yeah. This was exactly what I needed after The Monet Murders. There isn't much of Sam Kennedy in this book, but that's 100% A' okay! Rob and Adam were just scrumptious in this story.
I don't even know what to say.
Once again I had my suspicions about "the bad guy" but I was wrong. This was certainly a tense story with action after action, and I love when that happens! I read this book in 1 day and that is rare for me.
The love scenes, those were precious. I read in someone else's review that this book is funnier than others in this "series," and I have to agree. Rob is kind of a goofball, but he is one heck of a cop and he can be all business when it matters. But I will never forget the moment towards the end of the book where Rob has just run back into the den after getting "supplies" (*wink, wink*) and scares the crap out of Adam when Rob lets out a yell (forget what he says) and flies thru the air to jump on Adam. And Adam kicks him!!! LOL :D This was so funny, and there is a comment in the book along the lines of "the night might have had a different ending if Adam's foot had connected lower." That's not exactly what was said, but it's the gist. ;)
I just loved these guys and can't wait for the chance to see more of them. The ending is good, and we know where it's going but I want to see those moments on page. When you read this you will know what I am talking about. And for those who have read it, aren't you just dying for a book 2? What is next for these great guys?!?!?!
4.5 stars!
Yep, this is still a good installment. I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story and wish there was more background for Adam. And since I am wishing, I wish there was a sequel for them. 😊
2018
Oh, yeah. This was exactly what I needed after The Monet Murders. There isn't much of Sam Kennedy in this book, but that's 100% A' okay! Rob and Adam were just scrumptious in this story.
I don't even know what to say.
Once again I had my suspicions about "the bad guy" but I was wrong. This was certainly a tense story with action after action, and I love when that happens! I read this book in 1 day and that is rare for me.
The love scenes, those were precious. I read in someone else's review that this book is funnier than others in this "series," and I have to agree. Rob is kind of a goofball, but he is one heck of a cop and he can be all business when it matters. But I will never forget the moment towards the end of the book where Rob has just run back into the den after getting "supplies" (*wink, wink*) and scares the crap out of Adam when Rob lets out a yell (forget what he says) and flies thru the air to jump on Adam. And Adam kicks him!!! LOL :D This was so funny, and there is a comment in the book along the lines of "the night might have had a different ending if Adam's foot had connected lower." That's not exactly what was said, but it's the gist. ;)
I just loved these guys and can't wait for the chance to see more of them. The ending is good, and we know where it's going but I want to see those moments on page. When you read this you will know what I am talking about. And for those who have read it, aren't you just dying for a book 2? What is next for these great guys?!?!?!
4.5 stars!
dnf
May 25, 2025DNF @20%
Should've read this earlier only 😭😭 Not sure whether I should be happy or sad but my book taste has definitely evolved :)
***
Attempting to read the oldest books in my tbr 🫡 Let's see what 2022 Keya's taste was (I don't trust her).
Should've read this earlier only 😭😭 Not sure whether I should be happy or sad but my book taste has definitely evolved :)
***
Attempting to read the oldest books in my tbr 🫡 Let's see what 2022 Keya's taste was (I don't trust her).
June 11, 2015
This was an interesting mix.
It often felt like it wasn't taking itself too seriously, the story, and I so enjoyed that. It was most evident in Rob's character, but also in humor exhibited in general throughout.
When it came to the mystery(s), they were rather strongly built, with unique detail that kept me guessing without it wandering into frustration-landia.
Neither Adam nor Rob are on their first trip around the block of life and that also made things more interesting, and funny, and believable. When you've already experienced the consequences of certain choices, already survived and come out the other side of loss, it sometimes makes one more likely to recognize an opportunity. It sometimes makes one more likely to be open to changing course. It sometimes makes one more receptive to jumping off the emotional cliff if you think someone is waiting at the bottom to catch you. Or, even more, someone is there to jump with you, trusting you've both lived enough to fly (and try) and not crash.
There were some spots that felt rushed. Seemingly important details were included, only to then be explained or involved in a resolution that took scant sentences to bring to closure. Hmmmmmmmmmmm...
For me, this was true for the mystery(s), but not the case for the fledgling romance.
This was a middle of the road Lanyon for me, which I think was another factor in my enjoyment. A good mystery, if with some overly neatly tied bows in the end, with a plethora of side characters, and two rather unspectacular guys possibly working towards something rather spectacular.
The epilogue: *thumbs up* for the romance part (I'm curious) and I gotta say *thumbs down* for the mystery part. Again, not in its construction but the speedy gonzalez way in which it was all explained. Blink and you might miss it.
Ooooh but before the epilogue? Wow, an exciting final act. Definite thumbs up for that. I was riveted. Adrenalized. (Is that even a word?) Lanyon can pen some action scenes.
Finally, to bring it all back around, the humor shouldn't be underestimated or underappreciated. It's subtle but unmistakable, poking fun at itself while still feeling somewhat real. Definitely a small town feel to the setting and characters that rings true.
It often felt like it wasn't taking itself too seriously, the story, and I so enjoyed that. It was most evident in Rob's character, but also in humor exhibited in general throughout.
When it came to the mystery(s), they were rather strongly built, with unique detail that kept me guessing without it wandering into frustration-landia.
Neither Adam nor Rob are on their first trip around the block of life and that also made things more interesting, and funny, and believable. When you've already experienced the consequences of certain choices, already survived and come out the other side of loss, it sometimes makes one more likely to recognize an opportunity. It sometimes makes one more likely to be open to changing course. It sometimes makes one more receptive to jumping off the emotional cliff if you think someone is waiting at the bottom to catch you. Or, even more, someone is there to jump with you, trusting you've both lived enough to fly (and try) and not crash.
There were some spots that felt rushed. Seemingly important details were included, only to then be explained or involved in a resolution that took scant sentences to bring to closure. Hmmmmmmmmmmm...
For me, this was true for the mystery(s), but not the case for the fledgling romance.
This was a middle of the road Lanyon for me, which I think was another factor in my enjoyment. A good mystery, if with some overly neatly tied bows in the end, with a plethora of side characters, and two rather unspectacular guys possibly working towards something rather spectacular.
The epilogue: *thumbs up* for the romance part (I'm curious) and I gotta say *thumbs down* for the mystery part. Again, not in its construction but the speedy gonzalez way in which it was all explained. Blink and you might miss it.
Ooooh but before the epilogue? Wow, an exciting final act. Definite thumbs up for that. I was riveted. Adrenalized. (Is that even a word?) Lanyon can pen some action scenes.
Finally, to bring it all back around, the humor shouldn't be underestimated or underappreciated. It's subtle but unmistakable, poking fun at itself while still feeling somewhat real. Definitely a small town feel to the setting and characters that rings true.
March 30, 2018
**3.5 stars**
Rounded up because I enjoyed it a lot and couldn’t put it down. But gosh, how frustrated I became when reaching the end.
What surprised me, in a good way, when I started : dual POV, less inner thoughts than usual and more focused on the other MC, a MC that has a humorous side.
Now, I like suspense, I like romance and when the two are mixed, the better for me. I’m used to Josh Lanyon’s favorism of suspense over romance, so I always keep that in mind. But here, as the story was going "stronger" on the romance than usual, I was expecting to be like that until the end. Alas for me, around 2/3 of the book, it shifted back to the investigation and the development of the relationship between Adam and Rob was wrapped up very fast and ended as a HFN.
Still an entertaining read, with a good writing and endearing law enforcement MCs. I would have loved to get a few more chapters with an HEA, though : I'm that greedy !
**Note for Melissa : thank you very much for this gift, Melissa. You were right : it’s the perfect read to wait for the last part of the “Art of Murder” series. <3**
Rounded up because I enjoyed it a lot and couldn’t put it down. But gosh, how frustrated I became when reaching the end.
What surprised me, in a good way, when I started : dual POV, less inner thoughts than usual and more focused on the other MC, a MC that has a humorous side.
Now, I like suspense, I like romance and when the two are mixed, the better for me. I’m used to Josh Lanyon’s favorism of suspense over romance, so I always keep that in mind. But here, as the story was going "stronger" on the romance than usual, I was expecting to be like that until the end. Alas for me, around 2/3 of the book, it shifted back to the investigation and the development of the relationship between Adam and Rob was wrapped up very fast and ended as a HFN.
Still an entertaining read, with a good writing and endearing law enforcement MCs. I would have loved to get a few more chapters with an HEA, though : I'm that greedy !
**Note for Melissa : thank you very much for this gift, Melissa. You were right : it’s the perfect read to wait for the last part of the “Art of Murder” series. <3**
February 10, 2016
Not much to say about Winter Kill except that I liked it. I mean, there is nothing especially extraordinary here but you still get a mystery (if you are a fan you won't be disappointed) and a bit of romance (in case you expect more than a bit, you will be disappointed).
I didn't mind the insta-thing Adam and Rob had because that kind of attraction exists.
I didn't mind the insta-thing Adam and Rob had because that kind of attraction exists.
June 22, 2015
Enjoyed reading the newest John Lanyon novel. No one writes crime mystery M/M romances like the creator of Adrien English.
Recommended. :)
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