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Murder Between the Pages
Felix Day, author of the Constantine Sphinx mysteries, and Leonard Fuller, author of the Inspector Fez mysteries, are bitter rivals and the best of enemies. Both happen to be present when a notorious author of roman à clef is shot by an invisible assailant during a signing at historic Marlborough Bookstore.
Even if they weren’t both suspects, it’s the perfect opportunity to match wits and sleuthing skills.
If only the murderer was equally amused.
Even if they weren’t both suspects, it’s the perfect opportunity to match wits and sleuthing skills.
If only the murderer was equally amused.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2016
41 people are currently reading
474 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 172 reviews
March 1, 2017
1948: Rivaling war veterans and mystery authors Felix Day and Leonard Fuller are attending a public reading when all of a sudden a shot is heard and the presenting author, Josiah Shelton, falls over dead.
Nobody liked Shelton who had made a habit of incorporating real life acquaintances into his books - changing the names, but making it painfully obvious who he was targeting.
So several people among the audience had a motive to see Shelton dead. But the appearance of too many murder weapons and too many suspects makes this case a difficult one for the local police.
Day and Fuller despise each other, but being thrown into a perfect lock-down mystery for real awakens the amateur sleuths in them, teaming up to solve the murder of Josiah Shelton, while discovering that maybe they don't hate each other as much as they initially thought.
I loved the characters!
Leonard with his piercing blue eyes and quick smile and Day who is described like this...
*drool* ;-)
I loved these guys and their hate to love journey. Every tiny detail about them, especially Felix fascinated me and their actions stayed perfectly true to the time period.
Their exchanges were simply awesome.
And just like with most Lanyon's, when these guys do take the step to become intimate, it was absolutely electrifying. Perfection!
My only problem was - sadly - the first half of the book. The actual mystery (who shot Shelton? The murderer must be one of us!) felt terribly boring to me.
Then there's a cop on scene who acts suspiciously at first and then turns into something of a 30 minute romantic interest for one of the MCs - just to
I mean, WTF?!
The first half didn't work for me. The second half was the usual awesomeness I've come to expect from the author.
So 4 stars to Felix Day and his clocks. May he never be alone again when midnight strikes in that adorable home of his, LOL.
Nobody liked Shelton who had made a habit of incorporating real life acquaintances into his books - changing the names, but making it painfully obvious who he was targeting.
So several people among the audience had a motive to see Shelton dead. But the appearance of too many murder weapons and too many suspects makes this case a difficult one for the local police.
Day and Fuller despise each other, but being thrown into a perfect lock-down mystery for real awakens the amateur sleuths in them, teaming up to solve the murder of Josiah Shelton, while discovering that maybe they don't hate each other as much as they initially thought.
I loved the characters!
Leonard with his piercing blue eyes and quick smile and Day who is described like this...
I’d never noticed how long his eyelashes were. They threw dark crescents on his sharp cheekbones. And there was something disarming about the way his too long hair curled behind his ears. His five o’clock shadow had turned into something like the start of a beard, and combined with his unruly hair and the dark overcoat he still wore, he looked a bit like a scholarly pirate.
*drool* ;-)
I loved these guys and their hate to love journey. Every tiny detail about them, especially Felix fascinated me and their actions stayed perfectly true to the time period.
Their exchanges were simply awesome.
“It sounds like one of your books.”
His face tightened. “Actually, secret rooms are more in your line.”
“Inspector Fez and the Mystery of Moonstone Manor,” I pointed out.
“Mr. Sphinx and the Ghost of Greywake Grange,” Fuller pointed right back.
“Inspector Fez and the Tunnel of Terror.” Fuller’s jaw grew pugnacious.
“Mr. Sphinx and the Spiral Staircase.”
And just like with most Lanyon's, when these guys do take the step to become intimate, it was absolutely electrifying. Perfection!
My only problem was - sadly - the first half of the book. The actual mystery (who shot Shelton? The murderer must be one of us!) felt terribly boring to me.
Then there's a cop on scene who acts suspiciously at first and then turns into something of a 30 minute romantic interest for one of the MCs - just to
I mean, WTF?!
The first half didn't work for me. The second half was the usual awesomeness I've come to expect from the author.
So 4 stars to Felix Day and his clocks. May he never be alone again when midnight strikes in that adorable home of his, LOL.
December 8, 2017
So, a competition between two amateur sleuths to solve a murder, who happen to be writers, who happen to hate each other, -and because this is a Lanyon book- who happen to end up kind of a couple. And cue the music...
When I saw that I would be getting both the POVs of Felix and Leonard...
But it's Josh Lanyon so
Essentially, a bunch of folks were gathered to listen to much hated writer, Josiah Shelton, wax on about theo-sth and Felix and Leonard were there to spar with each other over tea and nibbles. As Josiah is banging on about himself, he's shot in the chest. Boom! There is your locked room mystery. Which was very interesting. I didn't peg the bad guy until it was spelt out for me.
Unlike with other Lanyon books, there was a lot I hated about this one. First and foremost: DUAL POINT OF VIEW. Stop it. Just stahp with the dual POV. This book would have worked so much better if it would have been narrated via 3rd person. When the circumstances are explained from Leonard's POV then we get a bunch of his thoughts then sth happens then we get a "suspense" ending after his chapter, there's an annoying jump to the other one. This join the dots puzzle left me feeling hot and bothered. And not in the good way. It broke the usual flow and frankly, I found some of it unnecessary. Whoever made dual POV a thing, you and I need to have a sit-down.
This one was short. Too short. It felt rushed. Like Lanyon's agent forced her to finish it quickly to get it out to the masses. I don't know nor care what the circumstances were but this book felt like it needed more drama and action. More something.
Again with a romantic chemistry problem. These two may as well have been members of Mystery Inc for all the chemistry I got. I understand that hatred and passion are two sides of the same coin but I didn't get that from these two. It may have even worked better if they just got together to solve crimes- albeit reluctantly. Chemistry was there aplenty in The Parting Glass and A Limited Engagement and Somebody Killed His Editor... I could go on forever but Felix and Leonard didn't make my heart race or
That didn't happen.
That said, it had some very pleasant gems:
"What?"
"What do you mean what? What? What?"
"What... what?" He looked momentarily confused, but recovered. "You've thought of something."
"Yes, I try to make it a habit. A minimum of one thought per day. Preferably on an empty stomach to aid with dige-"
"What?"
"Your phonograph needle is stuck, Day."
All in all, not bad, but I expect fireworks from Lanyon. This was more of an ember. Or a blown out candle.
When I saw that I would be getting both the POVs of Felix and Leonard...
But it's Josh Lanyon so
Essentially, a bunch of folks were gathered to listen to much hated writer, Josiah Shelton, wax on about theo-sth and Felix and Leonard were there to spar with each other over tea and nibbles. As Josiah is banging on about himself, he's shot in the chest. Boom! There is your locked room mystery. Which was very interesting. I didn't peg the bad guy until it was spelt out for me.
Unlike with other Lanyon books, there was a lot I hated about this one. First and foremost: DUAL POINT OF VIEW. Stop it. Just stahp with the dual POV. This book would have worked so much better if it would have been narrated via 3rd person. When the circumstances are explained from Leonard's POV then we get a bunch of his thoughts then sth happens then we get a "suspense" ending after his chapter, there's an annoying jump to the other one. This join the dots puzzle left me feeling hot and bothered. And not in the good way. It broke the usual flow and frankly, I found some of it unnecessary. Whoever made dual POV a thing, you and I need to have a sit-down.
This one was short. Too short. It felt rushed. Like Lanyon's agent forced her to finish it quickly to get it out to the masses. I don't know nor care what the circumstances were but this book felt like it needed more drama and action. More something.
Again with a romantic chemistry problem. These two may as well have been members of Mystery Inc for all the chemistry I got. I understand that hatred and passion are two sides of the same coin but I didn't get that from these two. It may have even worked better if they just got together to solve crimes- albeit reluctantly. Chemistry was there aplenty in The Parting Glass and A Limited Engagement and Somebody Killed His Editor... I could go on forever but Felix and Leonard didn't make my heart race or
That didn't happen.
That said, it had some very pleasant gems:
"What?"
"What do you mean what? What? What?"
"What... what?" He looked momentarily confused, but recovered. "You've thought of something."
"Yes, I try to make it a habit. A minimum of one thought per day. Preferably on an empty stomach to aid with dige-"
"What?"
"Your phonograph needle is stuck, Day."
All in all, not bad, but I expect fireworks from Lanyon. This was more of an ember. Or a blown out candle.
May 6, 2023
Felix Day and Leonard Fuller, are two army veterans now working as murder mystery authors. Even though their professional needs often throw them together at various events, they can't help but constantly needle one another.
Much to everyone's surprise, at the latest book reading, they see the author get shot. Due to the general mayhem, no one is sure who it was that actually fired the gun, so the two authors decide to investigate the matter by themselves, much to the annoyance of the police. After all who better to solve a crime than a fictional detective?
Despite my general avoidance of gay romances set in the past (the 50s in this case), I was hard-pressed to pass on a new story by Josh Lanyon: nostalgia on the one hand and naive hope on the other, had me discard my regular reticence. After all, just because a happy ending does not involve a legal wedding it doesn't mean it can't happen.
...and sure enough, this was not one of those heart-wrenching romances that would've had me bawling my eyes out. Unfortunately, it wasn't a particularly heart-warming one either. Inexplicably, it somehow fell closer to a YA bickering fest similar to Kaichou wa Maid-sama: with Felix channeling Misaki in his tendency to pick a fight with everyone, and Leo channeling Usui with his deadpan sarcasm. Rather clichéd on its own, but also hell of a weird behaviour for two men supposedly in their 30s.
Score: 2/5 stars
I guess this was meant to be short and sweet, but instead it was just short, superficial, aggravating... and occasionally funny.
=============
ARC provided by JustJoshin Publishing Inc. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Much to everyone's surprise, at the latest book reading, they see the author get shot. Due to the general mayhem, no one is sure who it was that actually fired the gun, so the two authors decide to investigate the matter by themselves, much to the annoyance of the police. After all who better to solve a crime than a fictional detective?
Despite my general avoidance of gay romances set in the past (the 50s in this case), I was hard-pressed to pass on a new story by Josh Lanyon: nostalgia on the one hand and naive hope on the other, had me discard my regular reticence. After all, just because a happy ending does not involve a legal wedding it doesn't mean it can't happen.
...and sure enough, this was not one of those heart-wrenching romances that would've had me bawling my eyes out. Unfortunately, it wasn't a particularly heart-warming one either. Inexplicably, it somehow fell closer to a YA bickering fest similar to Kaichou wa Maid-sama: with Felix channeling Misaki in his tendency to pick a fight with everyone, and Leo channeling Usui with his deadpan sarcasm. Rather clichéd on its own, but also hell of a weird behaviour for two men supposedly in their 30s.
Score: 2/5 stars
I guess this was meant to be short and sweet, but instead it was just short, superficial, aggravating... and occasionally funny.
The dame glared at him. "I know what I saw," she said in the huffy voice of someone who isn't at all certain what she saw but has gone too far to back down.
Not that there isn't always a light in his eyes, but his was less of the usual manic blaze and more like a sparkle.
=============
ARC provided by JustJoshin Publishing Inc. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review.
November 3, 2016
2.5 stars
Sigh. I couldn't even raised enough enthusiasm to place this on my 3-stars category. Considering I just had streaks of enjoyable stories (four in a row!) that I loved, this was a bummer :(
And I love Josh Lanyon!! It never feels right giving her stories below 3-stars!
However, this one felt dry and lackluster. The first chapter actually reminded me so much of the Holmes & Moriarity book, my initial thought was, "wait, can an author copies her own previously released work?" In addition Felix and Leonard's voice of narration were SO similar, I couldn't separate the two. When I put down the novella for a while and then picked up again, I couldn't remember who was whom!
For me, it lacked the 'punch-to-my-gut-wreck-my-heart' emotion that I usually assign to Lanyon's stories. Heck, it didn't even have Lanyon's brand of humor that usually helps when the story isn't passionate enough. The chemistry between the two main characters was missing; up to the point where I thought the fact that Felix and Leonard ended up sleeping together later in the book as preposterous.
And last, I didn't really care enough for the mystery -- the first victim was a stranger to me as a reader (so he was murdered, big deal!) and the second one -- well, okay, I felt bad enough for the second victim but not enough to root for finding his murderer.
Overall, this was a forgettable, a let down read *sad face*
Sigh. I couldn't even raised enough enthusiasm to place this on my 3-stars category. Considering I just had streaks of enjoyable stories (four in a row!) that I loved, this was a bummer :(
And I love Josh Lanyon!! It never feels right giving her stories below 3-stars!
However, this one felt dry and lackluster. The first chapter actually reminded me so much of the Holmes & Moriarity book, my initial thought was, "wait, can an author copies her own previously released work?" In addition Felix and Leonard's voice of narration were SO similar, I couldn't separate the two. When I put down the novella for a while and then picked up again, I couldn't remember who was whom!
For me, it lacked the 'punch-to-my-gut-wreck-my-heart' emotion that I usually assign to Lanyon's stories. Heck, it didn't even have Lanyon's brand of humor that usually helps when the story isn't passionate enough. The chemistry between the two main characters was missing; up to the point where I thought the fact that Felix and Leonard ended up sleeping together later in the book as preposterous.
And last, I didn't really care enough for the mystery -- the first victim was a stranger to me as a reader (so he was murdered, big deal!) and the second one -- well, okay, I felt bad enough for the second victim but not enough to root for finding his murderer.
Overall, this was a forgettable, a let down read *sad face*
December 16, 2016
This went down a treat. I really enjoyed it. JL at her best, with her own brand of nuanced writing. I ended up surprised that this was just the story of a couple of days, she built up the story really well. I think this was my first dual pov by JL and i must say that I loved that, I think she is giving us what we've longed for.
Not for fans of lots of romantic emphasis but for those who like a crime story well told, plus nuanced relationships and room for a reader's own imagination.
And yes I would definitely go with Felix and Leonard if they decide to travel, here is to hopin......
Christmas Coda 45
February 9, 2025
Story: 4.5 stars
Audio: 3 stars
I like Kale Williams narration normally and have enjoyed a couple of books of JLs that he has narrated, but this was very confusing since the voices he did for Felix and Leonard were the same, or sounded the same to me. With so many other characters too; it got quite confusing for me as to understand who’s POV I was listening to. But other than that, the story was classic Josh Lanyon, intriguing mysterious, and kept me hooked till the very end.
Audio: 3 stars
I like Kale Williams narration normally and have enjoyed a couple of books of JLs that he has narrated, but this was very confusing since the voices he did for Felix and Leonard were the same, or sounded the same to me. With so many other characters too; it got quite confusing for me as to understand who’s POV I was listening to. But other than that, the story was classic Josh Lanyon, intriguing mysterious, and kept me hooked till the very end.
December 28, 2016
Not my favorite Lanyon, by any means.
But, I could have 100 books on my kindle and still choose to read a not-my-favorite-Lanyon book, so I ain't complaining about it.
October 31, 2016
Here's the deal.
I was ridiculously excited about this book as I've developed a bit of an unhealthy obsession with Lanyon and her murder mystery writer protagonist (two is even better...) solving a real life crime. No matter how many times Lanyon has used this idea in her books, I'll gladly, and greedily, gobble it up.
The issue with this story is that it feels very short, rushed, underdeveloped, as if a deadline is looming, quality characters and plot be damned.
Would you believe I couldn't really tell the two MC's apart for over a quarter of the book? The slow burn between them is more of a fizzle. There's just not enough to go on to form any kind of attachment to either one.
The mystery element was good, but again, too rushed and it didn't provide the jolt of excitement as all is revealed.
Where are the tasty red herring?
Where are the Agatha C. type twists in the plot?
You and I both know Lanyon can provide that and I wonder why this fell so short of her usual standards.
I'll probably check out the next book when it's published (that is the nature of addiction...) but I really need this series to stop fiddling about and pull it's socks up! Next time around I really need something meaty, thought-through and engaging to make me care.
July 1, 2025
3.5 stars
This is a story that I have tried to read before but hadn’t gotten past the first chapter. I don’t know why it didn’t hold my attention then. It’s a simple mystery whodunnit in true Lanyon fashion.
The mystery itself was a bit lagging, almost the entirety of the story takes place in a bookstore with a cast of characters led by Leonard Fuller and Felix Day, two writers of mystery series with a rivalry.
I found there to be quite a few characters that I got confused as to who they were, specifically other writers only mentioned sporadically or friends or co-workers of the bookstore owner. I’m not even sure now who a few characters were but they didn’t factor too much into the story so I didn’t focus on that.
I figured that there was some type of attraction between Fuller and Day but it is more on the back burner and it’s almost glanced over when it does happen. I would have enjoyed reading more into that than the mystery.
This was good for a novella, if not great. I still find myself enjoying Lanyon’s mysteries even if I don’t always love them.
This is a story that I have tried to read before but hadn’t gotten past the first chapter. I don’t know why it didn’t hold my attention then. It’s a simple mystery whodunnit in true Lanyon fashion.
The mystery itself was a bit lagging, almost the entirety of the story takes place in a bookstore with a cast of characters led by Leonard Fuller and Felix Day, two writers of mystery series with a rivalry.
I found there to be quite a few characters that I got confused as to who they were, specifically other writers only mentioned sporadically or friends or co-workers of the bookstore owner. I’m not even sure now who a few characters were but they didn’t factor too much into the story so I didn’t focus on that.
I figured that there was some type of attraction between Fuller and Day but it is more on the back burner and it’s almost glanced over when it does happen. I would have enjoyed reading more into that than the mystery.
This was good for a novella, if not great. I still find myself enjoying Lanyon’s mysteries even if I don’t always love them.
November 8, 2016
3.5 stars. Maybe 3.75 stars.
I liked it!
Spoilers below. Danger, danger!
I actually wish this wasn't a romance at all. I wish Felix and Leonard just kept bitching at each other the whole story. It was very comical, their dislike of one another.
And maybe that whole Harp "thing" didn't happen the way it did, and Felix and Harp could've had a tryst. And then Felix and Leonard could continue with their snarky-snark and all would be hilarious.
I liked this. I really did. If not for the romance, then definitely for Felix.
I liked it!
Spoilers below. Danger, danger!
I actually wish this wasn't a romance at all. I wish Felix and Leonard just kept bitching at each other the whole story. It was very comical, their dislike of one another.
And maybe that whole Harp "thing" didn't happen the way it did, and Felix and Harp could've had a tryst. And then Felix and Leonard could continue with their snarky-snark and all would be hilarious.
I liked this. I really did. If not for the romance, then definitely for Felix.
November 3, 2016
Another classic Lanyon style, although this one take a bit to get into as well as getting my bearing straight.
Since I became aware of this book only through the Goodread page, I was confuse within the first few pages of reading, as something felt off about it. Then it was clear that this was not set in present day but in the past. It took me a bit to adjust how I conjured the mental image of this book in my head.
The pacing wasn't exactly slow but it wasn't bombastic either. The early portion of the book was more like, the quote Ms. Lanyon herself, academic puzzle mystery. Then it went back to melancholy when Afterward things seems to hurtling toward the finish with neck breaking pace.
Despite the blurb, It felt like a missed opportunity.
The way the book was written make the setting sounds believable. From the way the characters talked, the description, the various details. One detail got me curious so I did a quick search on Warner Oland and I found an interesting blog post about Oland's ancestry. https://go-to-hellman.blogspot.com/20...
The whole book covered only about At time it felt like we got dropped in the middle of the story with maybe a few chapters before the opening of the book. Felix and Leonard had been sort of mortal enemy long before the book started, each had their own colourful pasts of their own. Despite all that... However, I will concede that
The book felt like there should be more... But that's the power of Ms. Lanyon's style, to pull you in, hook, line and sinker, as well as half the fishing rod.
I am not a fan of books that span a short amount of time. This one was moving at a rather brisk paced, despite how it took me a while to finish the book itself. I kinda like it but it didn't quite hooked me in the same way Adrien English series was. If you like Ms. Lanyon work, this one is classic Lanyon style. There weren't enough pages here for the MCs, especially Felix, to bare all of who he was, just a glimpse really. So I am curious as to how will Ms. Lanyon do with this couple next.
Since I became aware of this book only through the Goodread page, I was confuse within the first few pages of reading, as something felt off about it. Then it was clear that this was not set in present day but in the past. It took me a bit to adjust how I conjured the mental image of this book in my head.
The pacing wasn't exactly slow but it wasn't bombastic either. The early portion of the book was more like, the quote Ms. Lanyon herself, academic puzzle mystery. Then it went back to melancholy when Afterward things seems to hurtling toward the finish with neck breaking pace.
Despite the blurb, It felt like a missed opportunity.
The way the book was written make the setting sounds believable. From the way the characters talked, the description, the various details. One detail got me curious so I did a quick search on Warner Oland and I found an interesting blog post about Oland's ancestry. https://go-to-hellman.blogspot.com/20...
The whole book covered only about At time it felt like we got dropped in the middle of the story with maybe a few chapters before the opening of the book. Felix and Leonard had been sort of mortal enemy long before the book started, each had their own colourful pasts of their own. Despite all that... However, I will concede that
The book felt like there should be more... But that's the power of Ms. Lanyon's style, to pull you in, hook, line and sinker, as well as half the fishing rod.
I am not a fan of books that span a short amount of time. This one was moving at a rather brisk paced, despite how it took me a while to finish the book itself. I kinda like it but it didn't quite hooked me in the same way Adrien English series was. If you like Ms. Lanyon work, this one is classic Lanyon style. There weren't enough pages here for the MCs, especially Felix, to bare all of who he was, just a glimpse really. So I am curious as to how will Ms. Lanyon do with this couple next.
December 1, 2016
More mystery than romance but still enjoyable.
March 21, 2022
As usual, romance is underdeveloped but I love the mystery and the amateur sluthering.
April 27, 2020
Not the best book I've read by JL, but once the story took off (over 50% mark) I kind of got in to it. The pace was kind of slow, the alternating POVs a little off putting, and all the talking/inner dialogue made the story drag. The guilty party was very interesting though; I had no idea who did it, or how. Thought that was very inventive of JL.
Still a huge fan of JL and I do recommend this for fans of film noir type mysteries; the romance is subtle.
Still a huge fan of JL and I do recommend this for fans of film noir type mysteries; the romance is subtle.
April 3, 2017
Great story! I loved the mystery and Felix and Len! It would be cool if this story was the beginning of a series.
February 4, 2017
Ok but no better than ok, perhaps my expectations for a Lanyon-Mystery were too high. Wondered while reading if this was intended as an 'in the style of' book, which was answered in the authors note at the end. It most certainly was.
Dual pov despite the short length, and I had the hardest time discerning which was which, several times I stumbled over what a character knew and had to skip back to the chapter title to check; but then had a struggle to remember which name belonged to which character - not an auspicious start!
The mystery didn't wow me, some guy nobody liked died and a bunch of indistinguishable people -one in a fancy hat, another in a veil- stood around until it was solved. I didn't care and the characters were such a blur there was no trying to solve it yourself.
Perhaps if it had been a single pov there'd have been a sense of connection, but found this instantly forgettable which is a shame because I love cosy-mysteries, generally enjoy Lanyon, so was excited to read this. There was a faint air of Holmes and Moriarty but none of the appeal. Disappointing. It's likely my affection for the genre that stops this being a 1*
Dual pov despite the short length, and I had the hardest time discerning which was which, several times I stumbled over what a character knew and had to skip back to the chapter title to check; but then had a struggle to remember which name belonged to which character - not an auspicious start!
The mystery didn't wow me, some guy nobody liked died and a bunch of indistinguishable people -one in a fancy hat, another in a veil- stood around until it was solved. I didn't care and the characters were such a blur there was no trying to solve it yourself.
Perhaps if it had been a single pov there'd have been a sense of connection, but found this instantly forgettable which is a shame because I love cosy-mysteries, generally enjoy Lanyon, so was excited to read this. There was a faint air of Holmes and Moriarty but none of the appeal. Disappointing. It's likely my affection for the genre that stops this being a 1*
October 29, 2016
3.5 stars
I'm not really sure what to think about this one. I really liked the mystery part of it, which is something this author always does well. The romance fell kind of flat for me and there was absolutely no hint of attraction for the first half of the book. I consider myself a fairly intelligent individual, but sometimes the references to books, movies and historical figures make me feel like the village idiot. And of course the ending was classic Lanyon-abrupt with no epilogue.
I'm not really sure what to think about this one. I really liked the mystery part of it, which is something this author always does well. The romance fell kind of flat for me and there was absolutely no hint of attraction for the first half of the book. I consider myself a fairly intelligent individual, but sometimes the references to books, movies and historical figures make me feel like the village idiot. And of course the ending was classic Lanyon-abrupt with no epilogue.
October 31, 2016
This story involves two competing mystery writers, who become involved in the murder of a fellow writer at a book signing.
It has all the elements of a classic mystery in the tradition of the likes of Charlie Chan or Ellery Queen. It's a tight well woven story. What a fun why to start the fall.
It has all the elements of a classic mystery in the tradition of the likes of Charlie Chan or Ellery Queen. It's a tight well woven story. What a fun why to start the fall.
November 11, 2016
Painfully dry
Lanyon is one of my favorite authors, but this was a chore to finish. With the exception of the last quarter of the book, it was a dry trek with far too much inconsequential detail for such a short story and not enough character development of the protagonists. A fair-to-middlin' effort.
Lanyon is one of my favorite authors, but this was a chore to finish. With the exception of the last quarter of the book, it was a dry trek with far too much inconsequential detail for such a short story and not enough character development of the protagonists. A fair-to-middlin' effort.
April 6, 2023
Interesting mystery set in the 40s, but the romance was underwhelming and the ending abrupt. I didn't feel much chemistry between the main characters, and I though the inclusion of the other flirtation was weird and honestly way stronger than the main pairing.
November 21, 2016
I HATE to say anything bad about a book written by Josh Lanyon, and moreso because I fell like I brought this on myself by wishing he'd write a book with both characters' perspectives, but I could NOT for the life of me keep the two MCs straight.
Their dialogue was slightly different, but their inner monologues sounded exactly the same, and then there was the whole name-confusion which happens in period pieces sometimes (Mr. who now is John?), and then I think some of the information that one MC had was at one point held by the other MC, who either forgot it or I was super confused at one point (except I don't know which...who knew it was a .38 gun? who told Harp? who didn't realize there was a second gun? Was it Felix? what was the other guy's name?). I spent far too much of the book backtracking to try and figure out who was who and who was talking and if the confusion was on me or on the writing.
If I ignore that, it was a good book, the plot was solid, the red herrings were of expected varieties, I couldn't tell who'ddunnit until the reveal (although considering I couldn't tell any of the characters apart, maybe that's not impressive this time?).
Basically it was both a typical Josh Lanyon book and a terrible, terrible lemon of a read. But not the fanfic-definition where "lemon" means "sex scene interrupted," rather the car definition where it means "unexpectedly really terrible and liable to kill you."
Their dialogue was slightly different, but their inner monologues sounded exactly the same, and then there was the whole name-confusion which happens in period pieces sometimes (Mr. who now is John?), and then I think some of the information that one MC had was at one point held by the other MC, who either forgot it or I was super confused at one point (except I don't know which...who knew it was a .38 gun? who told Harp? who didn't realize there was a second gun? Was it Felix? what was the other guy's name?). I spent far too much of the book backtracking to try and figure out who was who and who was talking and if the confusion was on me or on the writing.
If I ignore that, it was a good book, the plot was solid, the red herrings were of expected varieties, I couldn't tell who'ddunnit until the reveal (although considering I couldn't tell any of the characters apart, maybe that's not impressive this time?).
Basically it was both a typical Josh Lanyon book and a terrible, terrible lemon of a read. But not the fanfic-definition where "lemon" means "sex scene interrupted," rather the car definition where it means "unexpectedly really terrible and liable to kill you."
September 6, 2021
Entertaining "locked room" mystery, set in 1948 or so, with two crime writers who hate each other with a passion, and in the process of solving a crime find themselves begrudgingly falling in love.
Reread in 2021: Really enjoyed the way the mystery unfolds this time around and the way Lanyon slowly reels us in with Felix and Leonard's reluctant romance. 4 stars.
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Reread in 2021: Really enjoyed the way the mystery unfolds this time around and the way Lanyon slowly reels us in with Felix and Leonard's reluctant romance. 4 stars.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
March 9, 2020
Audio Review 09Mar2020: 4 Stars
I mentioned below that I thought maybe I didn't enjoy this one as much because I'd been listening to so many of JL's stories...and given how much more I liked it this time around with Kale Williams' narrating, I guess I was right!
Original Review 02May2017: 3.3 Stars
(Trust me, no one is more shocked than I am at how low I rated this.)
Okay, so I am a HUGE Josh Lanyon fangirl; unfortunately, with this designation comes pretty high expectations because I'm so freaking used to the work being smart, witty, sly, sexy and interesting.
I found none of those things in this book.
Yes, it is meticulously researched and I kind of liked the characters...but they weren't as indistinguishable as individuals the way the MCs are in other JL novels. (The shorter length might have something to do with that because all that appears established is that one is jaded & cautious - due to WWII OSS participation - and the other is more open, trusting & friendly. I can't even tell you which was which though without going back to check and that should tell you something.)
But the mystery is kind of...meh. And the perp is kind of...meh. And the romance is kind of...slightly less meh, but still. Maybe I am too dependent on the narrator giving life to everything and this one I actually read? *shrug* I dunno.
Argh, if I end up on Crime HQ for the UTC MM-onopoly bonus again I think I'm going to listen to Dark Horse, White Knight. *crosses fingers*
I mentioned below that I thought maybe I didn't enjoy this one as much because I'd been listening to so many of JL's stories...and given how much more I liked it this time around with Kale Williams' narrating, I guess I was right!
Original Review 02May2017: 3.3 Stars
(Trust me, no one is more shocked than I am at how low I rated this.)
Okay, so I am a HUGE Josh Lanyon fangirl; unfortunately, with this designation comes pretty high expectations because I'm so freaking used to the work being smart, witty, sly, sexy and interesting.
I found none of those things in this book.
Yes, it is meticulously researched and I kind of liked the characters...but they weren't as indistinguishable as individuals the way the MCs are in other JL novels. (The shorter length might have something to do with that because all that appears established is that one is jaded & cautious - due to WWII OSS participation - and the other is more open, trusting & friendly. I can't even tell you which was which though without going back to check and that should tell you something.)
But the mystery is kind of...meh. And the perp is kind of...meh. And the romance is kind of...slightly less meh, but still. Maybe I am too dependent on the narrator giving life to everything and this one I actually read? *shrug* I dunno.
Argh, if I end up on Crime HQ for the UTC MM-onopoly bonus again I think I'm going to listen to Dark Horse, White Knight. *crosses fingers*
January 17, 2017
Excellent. Lanyon's prose is always beautifully written and I loved the characters, atmosphere and historical details. The mystery was well done, but I would have liked a little more romance.
October 30, 2016
This hit me in just the right way at just the right time. I loved the old-timey atmosphere created by all the little historical details and the locked-room mystery taking place in a book store with several mystery writers in attendance. How perfect! The banter between Felix and Leonard was fun and revealed an attraction way before they realized it themselves. There's also a sadness about these men left adrift after fighting in WWII, so it was lovely to see them begin to find a way out of their loneliness.
November 16, 2016
A must read.
Josh, teamed up with editor Keren Reed, makes this is a must read!
Felix was a spectacular character who took charge of this quirky and fun story!
Josh, teamed up with editor Keren Reed, makes this is a must read!
Felix was a spectacular character who took charge of this quirky and fun story!
November 20, 2018
I'm a big Josh Lanyon fan, but this one isn't among her best, in my opinion. It's a clever locked-room mystery, but the mystery really takes over from the relationship between the two sleuths, which is sketchy at best. I often lost track of whose POV I was in. But there is, as always, an undercurrent of real tenderness that redeems the book.
July 21, 2021
Another entertaining story by Josh Lanyon.
May 20, 2017
I loved it! Two writers who are enemies to each other are involved in the murder of a third one in his own book presentation. The relationship between the two MC is in crescento and was lovely to kow about them both and how well they fit together even thei differences!
March 14, 2017
3,5
I couldn't give it 3 stars. Sometimes I give 3 stars to some utter shit and this book isn't like that. It was just..short. A little messy maybe? Yay for HEA in 1948 though.
I couldn't give it 3 stars. Sometimes I give 3 stars to some utter shit and this book isn't like that. It was just..short. A little messy maybe? Yay for HEA in 1948 though.
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