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Skyler Foxe Mysteries #6
Crazy Like a Foxe
High school English teacher Skyler Foxe swears he’s done being an amateur sleuth. Instead, he’d rather concentrate on his career as a teacher and on his hot boyfriend and head football coach Keith Fletcher, who is busy with football practice and an interesting new player that puts Keith in the spotlight for a change. But Skyler encounters a few homegrown surprises of his own, not the least of which is the unwelcome appearance of one of Keith’s old flames. What does HE want? And then Skyler is confronted with two shocking bits of news in his own backyard that makes him rethink his own future plans, whatever those are. But all that gets put aside when a murder occurs in plain sight at an outdoor concert. Skyler, his Scooby Gang, and even Keith join in to investigate a murder that’s far too close to home.
326 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2016
6 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Haley Walsh
22 books160 followersHaley Walsh tried acting, but decided the actor’s life was not for her. Instead, she became a successful graphic designer in Los Angeles, her hometown. After fifteen years of burning money in the ’80s and early ’90s, she retired from the graphics industry and turned her interests toward writing. She became a freelance newspaper reporter, wrote articles for quirky magazines, published award-winning short stories, and now writes an acclaimed gay mystery series, the Skyler Foxe Mysteries. She’s lived all her life in southern California, sampling wines and chomping chocolate. Yeah, it’s a living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 7, 2017
Look, I just love this series and these characters.
English teacher / amateur sleuth Skyler Foxe is back and this time he's better than ever! Walsh brings back the old formula of Skyler being the only POV as he investigates the murder of one of his mentors and deals with a smarmy ex of Keith's who is determined to stir up trouble.
I loved that Keith kept his promise (from Desert Foxe) to help Skyler the next time he decides to investigate something. And even though Skyler protests that this time he's really going to stay out of it, Keith knows better.
Of course, the SFC jumps on board with their Scooby gang activities and it's not long before they all find themselves in trouble and tracking down a murderer.
There's also a story arc that kept me biting my nails where Skyler knows Keith is keeping something important from him and it creates some strain on their relationship - but no worries! Our favorite couple works through everything and is stronger than ever for it.
This installment in the series is fun, humorous, sexy, and comes, once again, with one of the most likable TSTL characters in the genre. It also comes with a small cliffhanger, not about the mystery - that's closed and fully investigated, that's got me panting for the next book.
I can hardly wait!
Recommended!
Advanced Review Galley copy of Crazy Like A Foxe (Skyler Foxe Mysteries #6) provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
English teacher / amateur sleuth Skyler Foxe is back and this time he's better than ever! Walsh brings back the old formula of Skyler being the only POV as he investigates the murder of one of his mentors and deals with a smarmy ex of Keith's who is determined to stir up trouble.
“I wasn’t going to do anything.”
Keith crouched down to look at him. “You have that gleam in your eye. Let it go, Skyler.”
“I don’t have a gleam,” he muttered as Keith retreated to the bathroom to turn off the light.
“Yes, you do!”
“No I don’t!”
I loved that Keith kept his promise (from Desert Foxe) to help Skyler the next time he decides to investigate something. And even though Skyler protests that this time he's really going to stay out of it, Keith knows better.
“Get dressed. Wear something dark. I’m going with you.”
He blinked until the soaking washcloth dribbled cooling water down his leg, snapping him out of it. “Going with me…where?”
Keith had pulled underwear and socks from the dresser drawer and sat on the bed to sort them out. “To the museum. To investigate. I assume you plan on doing so, correct? I’m going with you.”
“Going with me…to investigate? Going with me? You’re…you’re not going to scold me and tell me to stay out of it?”
“Nope. This person was important to you. I get it. Hurry up.”
“Keith…?” He watched the man dress for a moment more before he couldn’t help it. He launched on top of him, knocking Keith backward to the bed. Skyler straddled him and kissed his cheeks, forehead, and finally his mouth where he spent the longest. “Keith.” Propping his hands and looking down at the man beneath him he shook his head. “I can’t believe…I don’t understand…but I love you so much, you know that?”
Of course, the SFC jumps on board with their Scooby gang activities and it's not long before they all find themselves in trouble and tracking down a murderer.
There's also a story arc that kept me biting my nails where Skyler knows Keith is keeping something important from him and it creates some strain on their relationship - but no worries! Our favorite couple works through everything and is stronger than ever for it.
This installment in the series is fun, humorous, sexy, and comes, once again, with one of the most likable TSTL characters in the genre. It also comes with a small cliffhanger, not about the mystery - that's closed and fully investigated, that's got me panting for the next book.
I can hardly wait!
Recommended!
Advanced Review Galley copy of Crazy Like A Foxe (Skyler Foxe Mysteries #6) provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
July 6, 2017
3.75 stars rounded up
Another FUN time with Foxe and his SFC posse
I think the mystery stays a bit in the background this time and that's fine with me. What I loved the most about this book was the growth that happened with Skyler, both in his personality, in his relationship as well as his professional teaching experience.
I LOVED how Skyler tackled the problem with Alex and Elei; I think he is a wonderful teacher. I also loved how Skyler dealt with his parents shacking up again, Sidney and Mike's , as well as Keith's possible .
Oh, I'm not saying that he acted maturely with ALL of those news -- I mean, him asking Jamie to hack Keith's phone was TROUBLE *laugh* -- but I thought it was a typical Skyler thing to do and he owns up to his mistake in the end.
IN FACT -- since I'm #TeamSkyler since the very beginning! -- I was more disappointed with Keith keeping things secret from Skyler, saying that he will deal with it himself, when Keith clearly knows how it feels to be in a position of having ex-es right in his face. Come on, Keith, you're the adult in this relationship. ACT like one!
By the way, Skyler joins self-defense class (with Jamie!) is totally FUN to read. I want to see more of him practicing the moves *laugh*
I only have one book to read and I will caught up with this series -- after five years
Another FUN time with Foxe and his SFC posse
I think the mystery stays a bit in the background this time and that's fine with me. What I loved the most about this book was the growth that happened with Skyler, both in his personality, in his relationship as well as his professional teaching experience.
I LOVED how Skyler tackled the problem with Alex and Elei; I think he is a wonderful teacher. I also loved how Skyler dealt with his parents shacking up again, Sidney and Mike's , as well as Keith's possible .
Oh, I'm not saying that he acted maturely with ALL of those news -- I mean, him asking Jamie to hack Keith's phone was TROUBLE *laugh* -- but I thought it was a typical Skyler thing to do and he owns up to his mistake in the end.
IN FACT -- since I'm #TeamSkyler since the very beginning! -- I was more disappointed with Keith keeping things secret from Skyler, saying that he will deal with it himself, when Keith clearly knows how it feels to be in a position of having ex-es right in his face. Come on, Keith, you're the adult in this relationship. ACT like one!
By the way, Skyler joins self-defense class (with Jamie!) is totally FUN to read. I want to see more of him practicing the moves *laugh*
I only have one book to read and I will caught up with this series -- after five years
December 23, 2018
Re-read December 2018
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
July 26, 2016
Crazy like a Foxe
By Haley Walsh
Foxe Press, 2016
Cover by Jeri Westerson
ASIN: B01GBPOED6
270 pages
Four stars
I’ve decided that the Skyler Fox series is the “I Love Lucy” of gay genre literature. I always look forward to Skyler’s next adventure, and I always find myself rolling my eyes at his antics. Skyler is Lucille Ball to his partner Keith’s Desi Arnaz. Sometimes, he has lots of ‘splainin to do.
Now into his second year as a teacher, and a year into his relationship with his bio-teacher-football-coach Keith Fletcher, Skyler finds himself once again embroiled in a small-town murder mystery involving the local museum, where he’s apparently had a summer job since he was thirteen. In true sit-com fashion, I don’t remember the Lincoln Shrine Museum (an actual museum in Redlands, CA) ever mentioned before. But no matter: Skyler, aided and abetted by his friends (all former hook-ups), sets out to solve crimes while calling on the help of his childhood friend Sydney and her cop boyfriend Mike.
“Skyler, are you insane?” and “Skyler, sometimes you are too stupid to live,” are two of my favorite lines in the book, spoken in places where I was vibrating with frustration over Skyler’s idiotic lack of logic. Then I sat back and thought a bit, back to when I was twenty-six, and in my second year a museum curator (which I still am after 36 years). I’m the same age as Skyler’s parents, and I don’t see the world in the same way that I did back then. That doesn’t make Skylar any less of a nitwit, but it made me remember my own youthful intensity and idealism. Skyler is a boy scout—a very gay boy scout. He wants the world to be good, and he’ll do any stupid thing to help make that so.
There is more than just the central mystery in this book; because we also see how Skyler, the adorably slutty, closeted twink we met in the first book, has grown up. He has to deal with changing relationships around him as well as his own evolving romance with Keith. As an out faculty member with a rather major reputation in his community and his school, he now has to be a role model for the kids in his charge, particularly (but not solely) for the gay teens who look to him for guidance and inspiration. Skyler has to deal with his own mixed feelings over his father’s new presence in his life, and the fact that his friends are all growing too. There are surprising bits of wisdom and maturity that combine with the Hardy Boys silliness in this book and they leave us with the impression of a young man who is getting more complex every day.
And that’s the way to keep readers tuning in—um, buying books.
By Haley Walsh
Foxe Press, 2016
Cover by Jeri Westerson
ASIN: B01GBPOED6
270 pages
Four stars
I’ve decided that the Skyler Fox series is the “I Love Lucy” of gay genre literature. I always look forward to Skyler’s next adventure, and I always find myself rolling my eyes at his antics. Skyler is Lucille Ball to his partner Keith’s Desi Arnaz. Sometimes, he has lots of ‘splainin to do.
Now into his second year as a teacher, and a year into his relationship with his bio-teacher-football-coach Keith Fletcher, Skyler finds himself once again embroiled in a small-town murder mystery involving the local museum, where he’s apparently had a summer job since he was thirteen. In true sit-com fashion, I don’t remember the Lincoln Shrine Museum (an actual museum in Redlands, CA) ever mentioned before. But no matter: Skyler, aided and abetted by his friends (all former hook-ups), sets out to solve crimes while calling on the help of his childhood friend Sydney and her cop boyfriend Mike.
“Skyler, are you insane?” and “Skyler, sometimes you are too stupid to live,” are two of my favorite lines in the book, spoken in places where I was vibrating with frustration over Skyler’s idiotic lack of logic. Then I sat back and thought a bit, back to when I was twenty-six, and in my second year a museum curator (which I still am after 36 years). I’m the same age as Skyler’s parents, and I don’t see the world in the same way that I did back then. That doesn’t make Skylar any less of a nitwit, but it made me remember my own youthful intensity and idealism. Skyler is a boy scout—a very gay boy scout. He wants the world to be good, and he’ll do any stupid thing to help make that so.
There is more than just the central mystery in this book; because we also see how Skyler, the adorably slutty, closeted twink we met in the first book, has grown up. He has to deal with changing relationships around him as well as his own evolving romance with Keith. As an out faculty member with a rather major reputation in his community and his school, he now has to be a role model for the kids in his charge, particularly (but not solely) for the gay teens who look to him for guidance and inspiration. Skyler has to deal with his own mixed feelings over his father’s new presence in his life, and the fact that his friends are all growing too. There are surprising bits of wisdom and maturity that combine with the Hardy Boys silliness in this book and they leave us with the impression of a young man who is getting more complex every day.
And that’s the way to keep readers tuning in—um, buying books.
April 29, 2017
Want! Want! Want!
So, after finishing it: My memory isn't the best but I really think this is the best one of the series! I really liked it a lot, well balanced, still Skyler doing stuff that puts him at risk but this time it wasn't too over the top. I liked visiting all the characters and now I'm really looking forward to the next book.
Hurry on, Haley!!!
So, after finishing it: My memory isn't the best but I really think this is the best one of the series! I really liked it a lot, well balanced, still Skyler doing stuff that puts him at risk but this time it wasn't too over the top. I liked visiting all the characters and now I'm really looking forward to the next book.
Hurry on, Haley!!!
February 7, 2017
Haley Walsh + Joel Leslie = Audiobook Dream Team!!
It's no secret that I love this series. I fell in love with Skyler and the SFC during the first book and have been enjoying their Scooby Doo adventures ever since :)
This book begins with Skyler wrapping up his summer working at the Lincoln Shrine and beginning his second year of teaching. A murder and the disappearance of some museum exhibits provide the gang with plenty to investigate. Not to mention the reappearance of one of Keith's old boyfriends and the rekindling of Skylers' parents relationship.
The narration for this series is brilliant! The number of voices in this installment in particular boggles my mind. Skyler and friends, of course, but also all the docents at the museum, the board members, the students at James Polk High, Mr. Huxley, Mr. Sherman, Jerome, Ethan.... I don't know how he does it, but Joel manages to give each one their own voice.
He is without a doubt the most talented voice actor in the industry today. The interactions between Skyler and his BFF Sidney are my absolute favorites!
Definitely 5 stars from me!! I am anxiously looking forward to the next Skyler Foxe mystery :)
It's no secret that I love this series. I fell in love with Skyler and the SFC during the first book and have been enjoying their Scooby Doo adventures ever since :)
This book begins with Skyler wrapping up his summer working at the Lincoln Shrine and beginning his second year of teaching. A murder and the disappearance of some museum exhibits provide the gang with plenty to investigate. Not to mention the reappearance of one of Keith's old boyfriends and the rekindling of Skylers' parents relationship.
The narration for this series is brilliant! The number of voices in this installment in particular boggles my mind. Skyler and friends, of course, but also all the docents at the museum, the board members, the students at James Polk High, Mr. Huxley, Mr. Sherman, Jerome, Ethan.... I don't know how he does it, but Joel manages to give each one their own voice.
He is without a doubt the most talented voice actor in the industry today. The interactions between Skyler and his BFF Sidney are my absolute favorites!
Definitely 5 stars from me!! I am anxiously looking forward to the next Skyler Foxe mystery :)
August 25, 2018
3.5 stars
Maybe I wasn't quite in the right mood for this one after all, or maybe Skyler was being too OTT and TSTL for my tolerance levels. Skyler's always been reckless but this is the first time I remember fearing for the future since, as a teacher, he's responsible for molding young minds. He really should not be responsible for teenagers. :P
Summer's coming to a close and Skyler's summer job at the local museum is coming to its end as well. Everything's hunky dory until valuable items start going missing. A mysterious death soon follows, and Skyler's on the case (and frankly, I thought it took him too long to cotton on to what was going on, at least in one respect). There's also Keith's old boyfriend back in town, and the ex is up to no good. On top of all that, Skyler's still trying to wrap his head around his parents getting back together, and his various trust issues with his father.
Actually those same trust issues could explain a lot about Skyler's behavior in general - why he's such a control freak and needs to know everything NOW instead of when people are ready to tell him, and why he always assumes the worst case scenarios. That doesn't explain the various members of the SFC going along with his harebrained antics, especially when it involves But then they wouldn't be the SFC we know and love if they didn't 100% support Skyler. At least Phillip has some sense.
We don't spend as much time with the kids in this book as in previous ones, and there's a lot of focus on the football team when we do, due to Keith signing up a girl to play on the team, and not as a kicker. We also get to learn a bit more about Keith's background, which leads to some in depth discussions about where Skyler and Keith envision their relationship going.
Joel Leslie usually does a decent job on the various accents, but in this book we meet a female football player name Eleigh (sp?). The first time she spoke, based on the accent Leslie was using, I figured she'd be Australian. Nope. Turns out she's Samoan, and I don't think she grew up in Australia. That's just the complete wrong accent to use. I've lived around Samoans my whole life and never once heard any of them use any accent even close to Australian. Just...WTF was that? It was terrible and it grated more and more each time she spoke. Everyone else, he does well and Joel and Rodolfo have always been my standout favorite characters that he voices. They all continue to shine here.
This was still funny and fun, and hopefully some of the growth we see in Skyler in this book will stick.
Maybe I wasn't quite in the right mood for this one after all, or maybe Skyler was being too OTT and TSTL for my tolerance levels. Skyler's always been reckless but this is the first time I remember fearing for the future since, as a teacher, he's responsible for molding young minds. He really should not be responsible for teenagers. :P
Summer's coming to a close and Skyler's summer job at the local museum is coming to its end as well. Everything's hunky dory until valuable items start going missing. A mysterious death soon follows, and Skyler's on the case (and frankly, I thought it took him too long to cotton on to what was going on, at least in one respect). There's also Keith's old boyfriend back in town, and the ex is up to no good. On top of all that, Skyler's still trying to wrap his head around his parents getting back together, and his various trust issues with his father.
Actually those same trust issues could explain a lot about Skyler's behavior in general - why he's such a control freak and needs to know everything NOW instead of when people are ready to tell him, and why he always assumes the worst case scenarios. That doesn't explain the various members of the SFC going along with his harebrained antics, especially when it involves But then they wouldn't be the SFC we know and love if they didn't 100% support Skyler. At least Phillip has some sense.
We don't spend as much time with the kids in this book as in previous ones, and there's a lot of focus on the football team when we do, due to Keith signing up a girl to play on the team, and not as a kicker. We also get to learn a bit more about Keith's background, which leads to some in depth discussions about where Skyler and Keith envision their relationship going.
Joel Leslie usually does a decent job on the various accents, but in this book we meet a female football player name Eleigh (sp?). The first time she spoke, based on the accent Leslie was using, I figured she'd be Australian. Nope. Turns out she's Samoan, and I don't think she grew up in Australia. That's just the complete wrong accent to use. I've lived around Samoans my whole life and never once heard any of them use any accent even close to Australian. Just...WTF was that? It was terrible and it grated more and more each time she spoke. Everyone else, he does well and Joel and Rodolfo have always been my standout favorite characters that he voices. They all continue to shine here.
This was still funny and fun, and hopefully some of the growth we see in Skyler in this book will stick.
February 5, 2017
Another great installment from my favorite TSTL character, Skyler Foxe. The gang is all back and solving another mystery (or two!). I enjoyed this one a lot, but I was not that happy with the secrets of both Keith and Skyler. I hope they won't be making that mistake again. I was also disappointed that there weren't very many sexy times in this one.
I've actually never read these books only listened to the audiobooks because Joel Leslie is absolutely amazing as every single character. I don't need him to tell me who is talking, because I can tell. I love all of his voices and these audiobooks are some of my favorites. I can't wait for Stone Cold Foxe!
I've actually never read these books only listened to the audiobooks because Joel Leslie is absolutely amazing as every single character. I don't need him to tell me who is talking, because I can tell. I love all of his voices and these audiobooks are some of my favorites. I can't wait for Stone Cold Foxe!
February 14, 2018
4.5 stars
March 23, 2017
Definitely 4.5 stars for me. I've read Book 3 in the series and find the books to be a unique LGBT blend of a a cozy mystery with gay twist.
The mysterious murder appears off scene in this book. Skyler Foxe discovers a beloved friend dead. Soon the reader finds out that the friend may have been killed. Why? We don't know right away as the clues drop here and there.
Although "cozies" don't often have sexually explicit scenes or innuendoes, this is really the genre that Haley Walsh's Skyler Fox series can be considered: the characters are often humorous. Skyler is the amateur detective living in a small town, now settled down with a long-time partner. What happens outside the bedroom is pretty entertaining.
Kudos to the Audible version of this book where I felt the main character, Skyler Foxe, come alive.
The mysterious murder appears off scene in this book. Skyler Foxe discovers a beloved friend dead. Soon the reader finds out that the friend may have been killed. Why? We don't know right away as the clues drop here and there.
Although "cozies" don't often have sexually explicit scenes or innuendoes, this is really the genre that Haley Walsh's Skyler Fox series can be considered: the characters are often humorous. Skyler is the amateur detective living in a small town, now settled down with a long-time partner. What happens outside the bedroom is pretty entertaining.
Kudos to the Audible version of this book where I felt the main character, Skyler Foxe, come alive.
June 7, 2020
There’s triple trouble for Skyler Foxe: (1) someone has murdered the director of the museum he works in over the summer (who knew US teachers don’t get paid over the holidays!); (2) the school is divided over a female student wants to join the school football team; and (3) an old boyfriend of Keith’s is out for revenge. This wasn’t as fun as previous books. While gripping, the scenarios felt pretty serious so there wasn’t the same levity or sense of resolution. 🎧 Joel Leslie provides another excellent narration, even gamely tackling a Samoan accent.
December 23, 2017
Audio version. Loved it
January 10, 2018
4.5 stars
January 29, 2018
Not crazy about this book
January 31, 2018
Love this series!
March 16, 2018
3,5 stars
October 20, 2021
Another one that I really liked. I'm sad that this one was the last one I have as audiobook. I hope I'll get the next soon, as I really like these stories :D
January 13, 2022
always a fun read
Skyler knows how to keep us entertained. Perfect blend of mystery and drama. 4.0 for questions during sexy time bliss.
Skyler knows how to keep us entertained. Perfect blend of mystery and drama. 4.0 for questions during sexy time bliss.
June 16, 2022
3.5 stars
August 6, 2017
I admit it! I’m now a Skyler Foxe junkie, completely addicted to this series and its characters. I have now reached the point of no return. When I move on to the next book and hear Sklyer, Keith, Jamie, Sidney, Phillip and Rudolfo, it’s like coming home to old friends. A crazy bunch but friends with whom I now feel totally at home with.
In this next instalment all I can say is, “Drama, drama, drama!” By far one of the best books on the relationship front which got me angry with Keith this time. Geez, stubborn, jealous men and their lack or unwillingness to communicate and that doesn’t matter whether gay or straight. Men are not easy by no means. Skyler in my opinion can tend towards the drama queen scale a little, that's why I love him so much, but in this book his drama is justified. The honeymoon period with their relationship seems to be over and just to add the cherry on top of the cake his father turns up out of the blue after a complete absence from his life since Skyler was 13 years old.
So the test of any relationship is keeping the fire of romance burning when the nine-to-five trot sets in, when the coming home from work knackered and tired means that maybe the sex life suffers a little. When the bonking like bunnies phase has died down because you’re now living with each other and another routine, namely the Monday to Friday one takes over. As this is all new territory for Skyler then his insecurities start to get the better of him. I did have a smile on my face though thinking that this is what everyone experiences in life who are in a long term committed relationship. It did leave me rolling my eyes at Skyler too sometimes thinking he should stop being such a drama queen and he should realise what he has in Keith. Well, their relationship is put to the test by a new coach at the school who is gay and his advances towards Keith makes Skyler even the more insecure. Had to laugh though that when the attentions of the new coach turn to Skyler then due to one not so funny incident Keith gets an jealously attack and everything goes pear shaped for them from there on in. The lesson they both have to learn here is trust and to listen to each other. To know that others will always make advances and try to flirt with both but if you have trust and understanding in a relationship than neither one had nothing to fear. Keith has serious issues on the jealous front and behaves like a jolted lover, after seeing something he didn’t like with Sklyer and then completely goes in a sulk like a kid drawing all kinds of conclusions due to his lack of not being able to talk. Geez, I wanted bang both their heads together. But by the end of the book all’s well that ends well and I feel their relationship has now moved beyond the honeymoon phase and onto a new level, a lot of insecurities were cleared up and now they should technically know what they have with each other.
However, if coping with Keith’s little jealousy tantrums isn’t bad enough Sklyer’s dad is back in town. What do you do? Forgive and forget or send him packing and still ignore his existence? Not an easy question for anyone and I loved how all this played out. Skyler like most at the beginning is angry and indignant, I mean who wouldn’t be? But eventually Skyler comes round, listens to what his dad has to say and gives him a chance. He doesn’t make it easy for his dad, why should he? But after listening to his dad he realises that he is actually more like his dad than he wishes to admit. His dad is a bit of a philanderer to say the least and Skyler knows he was also a tart until he met Keith behaving very much like his dad. But a lot of his issues for having problems committing to a relationship actually comes from his dad leaving his mum when he was thirteen and having no contact since then. So what happens next? Mum knows his dad is back in town but why? Well, again all this sorts itself out and not in a way Skyler expected either. When Skyler and Keith invite his dad and mum to dinner one evening it had me laughing again with the dialogues. It was like the parents are now acting like the children and Skyler is the adult making sure that a truce is called. But that was exactly what was needed to clear the air after all these years. You see? Communication and talking once again being the key to most problems.
But it wouldn’t be a Skyler Foxe Mystery without a few dead bodies and a mystery to be solved. Once again Skyler must be the most unfortunate person on this planet to always end up somewhere where a dead body has been discovered under suspicious circumstances. It’s not long before Skyler starts getting that feeling that not all seems to be as it should and his curiosity once again leads him into danger and the SFC while trying to find out who has been setting fires around Redlands and why one fire when put out by the local fire brigade also turns up the body of a dead woman. I just love it when Skyler gets the SFC drawn into his antics as well and this time they now have a new member in the SFC, a fireman called Dave. When it becomes obvious that Dan is attracted to Jamie then the merry band now officially becomes a team of five. Enid Blyton eat your heart out, give me the SFC any day. As for Sidney? Love her! She sticks with Skyler through thick and thin like best friends should but he also drives her to distraction with his meddling too.
I just love how Haley Walsh balances out the murder/mystery plot with Skyler’s relationship and social dramas. A great mix that keeps the reader / listener thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. I’ve enjoyed every single book and can’t wait to go on to the next. I love the characters and how they’ve develop and at the end of every book I’m always left with a deep sense of satisfaction that I have once again been treated to another delightful adventure with Skyler and his gang. If you haven't started this series yet then I can only highly recommend you do.
NARRATION
Again nothing to add here except that Joel’s performances have been steady and consistent. His voice characterisations are excellent. His voice has now grown on me like being wrapped up in comfy blanket when I get to hear Skyler and his friends. Therefore I have now bumped the narration star rating up to a well deserved 5 stars.
In this next instalment all I can say is, “Drama, drama, drama!” By far one of the best books on the relationship front which got me angry with Keith this time. Geez, stubborn, jealous men and their lack or unwillingness to communicate and that doesn’t matter whether gay or straight. Men are not easy by no means. Skyler in my opinion can tend towards the drama queen scale a little, that's why I love him so much, but in this book his drama is justified. The honeymoon period with their relationship seems to be over and just to add the cherry on top of the cake his father turns up out of the blue after a complete absence from his life since Skyler was 13 years old.
So the test of any relationship is keeping the fire of romance burning when the nine-to-five trot sets in, when the coming home from work knackered and tired means that maybe the sex life suffers a little. When the bonking like bunnies phase has died down because you’re now living with each other and another routine, namely the Monday to Friday one takes over. As this is all new territory for Skyler then his insecurities start to get the better of him. I did have a smile on my face though thinking that this is what everyone experiences in life who are in a long term committed relationship. It did leave me rolling my eyes at Skyler too sometimes thinking he should stop being such a drama queen and he should realise what he has in Keith. Well, their relationship is put to the test by a new coach at the school who is gay and his advances towards Keith makes Skyler even the more insecure. Had to laugh though that when the attentions of the new coach turn to Skyler then due to one not so funny incident Keith gets an jealously attack and everything goes pear shaped for them from there on in. The lesson they both have to learn here is trust and to listen to each other. To know that others will always make advances and try to flirt with both but if you have trust and understanding in a relationship than neither one had nothing to fear. Keith has serious issues on the jealous front and behaves like a jolted lover, after seeing something he didn’t like with Sklyer and then completely goes in a sulk like a kid drawing all kinds of conclusions due to his lack of not being able to talk. Geez, I wanted bang both their heads together. But by the end of the book all’s well that ends well and I feel their relationship has now moved beyond the honeymoon phase and onto a new level, a lot of insecurities were cleared up and now they should technically know what they have with each other.
However, if coping with Keith’s little jealousy tantrums isn’t bad enough Sklyer’s dad is back in town. What do you do? Forgive and forget or send him packing and still ignore his existence? Not an easy question for anyone and I loved how all this played out. Skyler like most at the beginning is angry and indignant, I mean who wouldn’t be? But eventually Skyler comes round, listens to what his dad has to say and gives him a chance. He doesn’t make it easy for his dad, why should he? But after listening to his dad he realises that he is actually more like his dad than he wishes to admit. His dad is a bit of a philanderer to say the least and Skyler knows he was also a tart until he met Keith behaving very much like his dad. But a lot of his issues for having problems committing to a relationship actually comes from his dad leaving his mum when he was thirteen and having no contact since then. So what happens next? Mum knows his dad is back in town but why? Well, again all this sorts itself out and not in a way Skyler expected either. When Skyler and Keith invite his dad and mum to dinner one evening it had me laughing again with the dialogues. It was like the parents are now acting like the children and Skyler is the adult making sure that a truce is called. But that was exactly what was needed to clear the air after all these years. You see? Communication and talking once again being the key to most problems.
But it wouldn’t be a Skyler Foxe Mystery without a few dead bodies and a mystery to be solved. Once again Skyler must be the most unfortunate person on this planet to always end up somewhere where a dead body has been discovered under suspicious circumstances. It’s not long before Skyler starts getting that feeling that not all seems to be as it should and his curiosity once again leads him into danger and the SFC while trying to find out who has been setting fires around Redlands and why one fire when put out by the local fire brigade also turns up the body of a dead woman. I just love it when Skyler gets the SFC drawn into his antics as well and this time they now have a new member in the SFC, a fireman called Dave. When it becomes obvious that Dan is attracted to Jamie then the merry band now officially becomes a team of five. Enid Blyton eat your heart out, give me the SFC any day. As for Sidney? Love her! She sticks with Skyler through thick and thin like best friends should but he also drives her to distraction with his meddling too.
I just love how Haley Walsh balances out the murder/mystery plot with Skyler’s relationship and social dramas. A great mix that keeps the reader / listener thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. I’ve enjoyed every single book and can’t wait to go on to the next. I love the characters and how they’ve develop and at the end of every book I’m always left with a deep sense of satisfaction that I have once again been treated to another delightful adventure with Skyler and his gang. If you haven't started this series yet then I can only highly recommend you do.
NARRATION
Again nothing to add here except that Joel’s performances have been steady and consistent. His voice characterisations are excellent. His voice has now grown on me like being wrapped up in comfy blanket when I get to hear Skyler and his friends. Therefore I have now bumped the narration star rating up to a well deserved 5 stars.
July 28, 2016
From the cover: High school English teacher Skyler Foxe swears he’s done being an amateur sleuth. Instead, he’d rather concentrate on his career as a teacher and on his hot boyfriend and head football coach Keith Fletcher, who is busy with football practice and an interesting new player that puts Keith in the spotlight for a change. But Skyler encounters a few homegrown surprises of his own, not the least of which is the unwelcome appearance of one of Keith’s old flames. What does HE want? And then Skyler is confronted with two shocking bits of news in his own backyard that makes him rethink his own future plans, whatever those are. But all that gets put aside when a murder occurs in plain sight at an outdoor concert. Skyler, his Scooby Gang, and even Keith join in to investigate a murder that’s far too close to home.
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
This is the first book in the series that I have read. I did place it in mystery because there is a murder to be solved, BUT there is also romance and humor. There are many small plots going on in the story-yes the murder, but then the romance/relationship between Skylar and Keith, Skylar being a teacher in a small town and not a role-model, etc. The murder seems secondary to the book, but Skylar is so amusing almost like the ‘dumb blond jokes’. I did give a sigh several times, but overall the character is wonderful. I do feel that the characters were not well developed in this book. Since it’s not the first in the series the other regular characters were probably introduced in previous books, so it make reading a little difficult to understand in places. Overall I thought this was a good book and would read others in this series.
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
This is the first book in the series that I have read. I did place it in mystery because there is a murder to be solved, BUT there is also romance and humor. There are many small plots going on in the story-yes the murder, but then the romance/relationship between Skylar and Keith, Skylar being a teacher in a small town and not a role-model, etc. The murder seems secondary to the book, but Skylar is so amusing almost like the ‘dumb blond jokes’. I did give a sigh several times, but overall the character is wonderful. I do feel that the characters were not well developed in this book. Since it’s not the first in the series the other regular characters were probably introduced in previous books, so it make reading a little difficult to understand in places. Overall I thought this was a good book and would read others in this series.
June 30, 2016
This is a fun, if slightly chaotic story that weaves multiple subplots and relationships around a gentle, small-town, Midsomer Murders style mystery. This is the first book I’ve read in the series and I would advise other readers to start at the beginning. While I enjoyed the central mystery, this definitely isn’t a stand alone story.
There are times in this story that Skylar feels very young and I’m not sure I loved the ditzy blond moments. I couldn’t always reconcile the new adult feel to his character with his teaching job, his job at the museum or his relationship with a considerably older man.
I enjoyed Skylar and Keith as a couple, but starting so far into the series, there was a complicated backstory to the romance that was referenced but never fully explained. Skylar’s slightly irrational insecurities grated at times and I felt some of the conflict in Skylar and Keith’s relationship was a forced attempt to add drama to a long-term relationship.
I struggled to piece together all the supporting characters and their individual backstories which I assume were explored in earlier books.
I did very much enjoy the slightly sinister small-town murder-mystery but I felt the mystery was often lost amidst the sub-plots.
I’m guessing I would have enjoyed this series more had I started at the beginning, but I wasn’t drawn in enough by this story to go back to the beginning. Anyone considering the series should give it a fair chance by starting at book 1.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
There are times in this story that Skylar feels very young and I’m not sure I loved the ditzy blond moments. I couldn’t always reconcile the new adult feel to his character with his teaching job, his job at the museum or his relationship with a considerably older man.
I enjoyed Skylar and Keith as a couple, but starting so far into the series, there was a complicated backstory to the romance that was referenced but never fully explained. Skylar’s slightly irrational insecurities grated at times and I felt some of the conflict in Skylar and Keith’s relationship was a forced attempt to add drama to a long-term relationship.
I struggled to piece together all the supporting characters and their individual backstories which I assume were explored in earlier books.
I did very much enjoy the slightly sinister small-town murder-mystery but I felt the mystery was often lost amidst the sub-plots.
I’m guessing I would have enjoyed this series more had I started at the beginning, but I wasn’t drawn in enough by this story to go back to the beginning. Anyone considering the series should give it a fair chance by starting at book 1.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
June 15, 2016
Crazy Like A Foxe (Skyler Foxe Mysteries #6) by Haley Walsh
4.5 stars
M/M Mystery
Triggers: Murder, criminal activity
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This is the second book that I've read in this series. I think this is a great story. I liked that there were multiple stories going on and how Walsh was able to pull them all together in order to have a great, completed ending.
Keith is a great guy - I liked him from the start. I didn't, however, like how he was supposed to be teaching the students about integrity and life when he was keeping something so huge from Skyler. Despite that, and even though I didn't agree with how he went about figuring things out, I liked how in the end, he was able to see both sides of the argument and discuss it with Skyler.
Then you have Skyler. I must admit that he is not my favorite. I felt that he was spoiled and entitled the entire story. It seemed that he said jump and his friends all asked how high. He seemed whiny and ungrateful and even a little naive.
Overall, though, I liked how this story played out. There was great mystery (despite it being somewhat predictable) and then there was a great resolution.
4.5 stars
M/M Mystery
Triggers: Murder, criminal activity
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This is the second book that I've read in this series. I think this is a great story. I liked that there were multiple stories going on and how Walsh was able to pull them all together in order to have a great, completed ending.
Keith is a great guy - I liked him from the start. I didn't, however, like how he was supposed to be teaching the students about integrity and life when he was keeping something so huge from Skyler. Despite that, and even though I didn't agree with how he went about figuring things out, I liked how in the end, he was able to see both sides of the argument and discuss it with Skyler.
Then you have Skyler. I must admit that he is not my favorite. I felt that he was spoiled and entitled the entire story. It seemed that he said jump and his friends all asked how high. He seemed whiny and ungrateful and even a little naive.
Overall, though, I liked how this story played out. There was great mystery (despite it being somewhat predictable) and then there was a great resolution.
June 30, 2016
Believe it or not but this is the first book that I have read in this series and I have to say I now know that I have been missing out and will have to go back and read the other books in this series. I feel as if I do not go back and read the other books then I will be sorely missing out.
What I lived about this book is even though there is a murder that is being solved, it is not about being serious. Skyler in my opinion finds himself in so much trouble that it is not even funny. He is a magnet for it in my opinion. I think that Keith is what grounds Skyler and if not for him, I would really hate to se all the trouble Sklyer would be able to get himself into.
As far as a couple I think they make a really good one. Keith is more on their serious side and I think that Skyler brings out his playful side while Keith does the opposite and makes Skyler stop and think.
This book was so good for many different reason. There is the playfulness to it, but there is also the serious side to it too. It is the perfect mix of both.
I will definitely be reading more by Haley Walsh very soon and I will definitely be looking out for he next book in the series.
Was given this book for free from inked rainbow reads for an honest review
What I lived about this book is even though there is a murder that is being solved, it is not about being serious. Skyler in my opinion finds himself in so much trouble that it is not even funny. He is a magnet for it in my opinion. I think that Keith is what grounds Skyler and if not for him, I would really hate to se all the trouble Sklyer would be able to get himself into.
As far as a couple I think they make a really good one. Keith is more on their serious side and I think that Skyler brings out his playful side while Keith does the opposite and makes Skyler stop and think.
This book was so good for many different reason. There is the playfulness to it, but there is also the serious side to it too. It is the perfect mix of both.
I will definitely be reading more by Haley Walsh very soon and I will definitely be looking out for he next book in the series.
Was given this book for free from inked rainbow reads for an honest review
November 15, 2016
All's Well That Ends Well
I really didn't think I had it in me to read another Skylar Foxe mystery, unless, of course, his boyfriend Keith played a prominent role. I got my wish as Keith is all over the place in this one on three fronts--no spoilers. But, wow, is his life complicated in this one, but he rises to the occasion in two of the situations while completely mishandling the third. I forgive him.
Skyler, on the other hand, I can't quite forgive for his continued snarky way of thinking that Keith will leave him some day. Nor can I comprehend how a man as smart as he is can be so insidiously stupid when pursuing leads in a case he has no business meddling in. Well, that's not correct. Skyler has every reason to meddle in this mystery, it's just that it becomes quite apparent to the reader early on who the culprit is likely to be.
But I digress. Skyler's crowd is still with him to support his criminology tendencies--and his students are beautifully developed and turn into real people.
The author's note at the end lets us know that we have come to the end of the line here, and the book itself ends with an extraordinary coda that is possibly expected--but not in the way it lands on the page, or in your heart.
I really didn't think I had it in me to read another Skylar Foxe mystery, unless, of course, his boyfriend Keith played a prominent role. I got my wish as Keith is all over the place in this one on three fronts--no spoilers. But, wow, is his life complicated in this one, but he rises to the occasion in two of the situations while completely mishandling the third. I forgive him.
Skyler, on the other hand, I can't quite forgive for his continued snarky way of thinking that Keith will leave him some day. Nor can I comprehend how a man as smart as he is can be so insidiously stupid when pursuing leads in a case he has no business meddling in. Well, that's not correct. Skyler has every reason to meddle in this mystery, it's just that it becomes quite apparent to the reader early on who the culprit is likely to be.
But I digress. Skyler's crowd is still with him to support his criminology tendencies--and his students are beautifully developed and turn into real people.
The author's note at the end lets us know that we have come to the end of the line here, and the book itself ends with an extraordinary coda that is possibly expected--but not in the way it lands on the page, or in your heart.
February 3, 2017
***Audiobook Review***
I don’t know what else I can say about Joel Leslie that I haven’t already said. He’s the perfect vocal performer for this series. He makes the stories and characters come to life. I’m fascinated that he can perform other books with vastly different characters and come back to this series with each new book and perform them perfectly every time. As I stated in my last review…he IS the characters in this series.
Oh, Ms. Walsh do I have a bone to pick with you! HOW could you do that to us???? In case you haven’t heard, she’s left us with a bit of a cliffhanger ending with Skyler and Keith. And I need Stone Cold Foxe RIGHT NOW!
We actually get quite a few surprises in this book! Sidney lays a whooper on us. We get a glimpse into Keith’s past which he’s not particularly proud of but he continues to melt our hearts when he’s with Sky-boy. Skyler shows us some vulnerabilities we didn’t know existed, as well as a maturity level that is surprising when dealing with his kids and his part time summer job. Philip and Rodolfo share some big news as well. I guess Jamie and Dave need to catch up on surprising us.
As always, I loved this book and the vocal performance and CAN NOT wait for the next one!
I don’t know what else I can say about Joel Leslie that I haven’t already said. He’s the perfect vocal performer for this series. He makes the stories and characters come to life. I’m fascinated that he can perform other books with vastly different characters and come back to this series with each new book and perform them perfectly every time. As I stated in my last review…he IS the characters in this series.
Oh, Ms. Walsh do I have a bone to pick with you! HOW could you do that to us???? In case you haven’t heard, she’s left us with a bit of a cliffhanger ending with Skyler and Keith. And I need Stone Cold Foxe RIGHT NOW!
We actually get quite a few surprises in this book! Sidney lays a whooper on us. We get a glimpse into Keith’s past which he’s not particularly proud of but he continues to melt our hearts when he’s with Sky-boy. Skyler shows us some vulnerabilities we didn’t know existed, as well as a maturity level that is surprising when dealing with his kids and his part time summer job. Philip and Rodolfo share some big news as well. I guess Jamie and Dave need to catch up on surprising us.
As always, I loved this book and the vocal performance and CAN NOT wait for the next one!
February 13, 2017
LOL, I think Skyler gets more and more stupid, how did he survive to adulthood?
February 11, 2017
Audiobook Review:
Another great installment in the Skylar Foxe series. In this installment Skylar gets a taste of his own medicine when an ex from Keith's past shows up and the green eyed monster makes an appearance. In addition, once again Skylar is involved in a murder, but this time it is someone he really cares about. Of course he is not going to let that pass him by, even though he sort of tries. The Scooby Gang tries to help, but ultimately Skylar figures it out. If you are a fan of the series, you'll just continue to smile and shake your head at Skylar's TSTL moments. But this is a series you have to read in order IMHO. That way you get to fall in love with Skylar and Keith and appreciate how far they have come in their relationship. Joel Leslie does his regular magnificent job with all the voices. He really brings this story to life.
Another great installment in the Skylar Foxe series. In this installment Skylar gets a taste of his own medicine when an ex from Keith's past shows up and the green eyed monster makes an appearance. In addition, once again Skylar is involved in a murder, but this time it is someone he really cares about. Of course he is not going to let that pass him by, even though he sort of tries. The Scooby Gang tries to help, but ultimately Skylar figures it out. If you are a fan of the series, you'll just continue to smile and shake your head at Skylar's TSTL moments. But this is a series you have to read in order IMHO. That way you get to fall in love with Skylar and Keith and appreciate how far they have come in their relationship. Joel Leslie does his regular magnificent job with all the voices. He really brings this story to life.
July 16, 2016
This is the first Haley Walsh book I’ve read and yes, I started mid series. Now. I really do think you need to read these in order because of character building. They are awesome characters and I feel if you start from the beginning you’ll get more out of it.
That said, this was a great book. It’s a murder mystery which I love! This is a mystery that is light on the heart. There’s comedy, love, and of course the whodunit!
Keith and Skylar are Yin and Yang! Even though they are also like night and day they are perfectly paired. Keith is more serious where Skylar is more spontaneous and maybe a bit unaware lol. They balance each other. Push each other. They make perfect sense!
Crazy Like A Foxe is so much fun. I really loved Haley’s writing and creativity. I was entertained throughout and it was such a smooth read. Fast paced and exciting!
That said, this was a great book. It’s a murder mystery which I love! This is a mystery that is light on the heart. There’s comedy, love, and of course the whodunit!
Keith and Skylar are Yin and Yang! Even though they are also like night and day they are perfectly paired. Keith is more serious where Skylar is more spontaneous and maybe a bit unaware lol. They balance each other. Push each other. They make perfect sense!
Crazy Like A Foxe is so much fun. I really loved Haley’s writing and creativity. I was entertained throughout and it was such a smooth read. Fast paced and exciting!
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