What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets and Scrabble #3
Mystery at the Masquerade
Love is in the Salt Sea Air--and So is Murder!
Ellery Page, aspiring screenwriter, reigning Scrabble champion, and occasionally clueless owner of the village's only mystery bookstore, the Crow’s Nest, is both flattered and bemused when he’s invited to the annual Marauder’s Masquerade, the best and biggest social event of the season in the quaint seaside village of Pirate’s Cove, Rhode Island. The event is hosted by the wealthy Marguerite Bloodworth-Ainsley—a descendant of the famed pirate Tom Blood.
Ellery doesn’t even know Mrs. Bloodworth-Ainsley—nor, it turns out—does Mrs. Bloodworth-Ainsley know him. But Marguerite’s son, Julian wants to know Ellery. Julian, handsome, rich and engaging, is a huge mystery buff. In fact, he’s bought quite a few books at the Crow’s Nest bookstore, but never quite worked up the nerve to ask Ellery out.
As his relationship with Police Chief Carson seems to be dead in the water, Ellery is grateful for a little flattering attention from the village’s most eligible bachelor, but any hopes of romance hit the shoals when Julian is accused of murdering his mother’s unlikable second husband during the Masquerade's annual ghost hunt in the family’s spooky cemetery
Ellery Page, aspiring screenwriter, reigning Scrabble champion, and occasionally clueless owner of the village's only mystery bookstore, the Crow’s Nest, is both flattered and bemused when he’s invited to the annual Marauder’s Masquerade, the best and biggest social event of the season in the quaint seaside village of Pirate’s Cove, Rhode Island. The event is hosted by the wealthy Marguerite Bloodworth-Ainsley—a descendant of the famed pirate Tom Blood.
Ellery doesn’t even know Mrs. Bloodworth-Ainsley—nor, it turns out—does Mrs. Bloodworth-Ainsley know him. But Marguerite’s son, Julian wants to know Ellery. Julian, handsome, rich and engaging, is a huge mystery buff. In fact, he’s bought quite a few books at the Crow’s Nest bookstore, but never quite worked up the nerve to ask Ellery out.
As his relationship with Police Chief Carson seems to be dead in the water, Ellery is grateful for a little flattering attention from the village’s most eligible bachelor, but any hopes of romance hit the shoals when Julian is accused of murdering his mother’s unlikable second husband during the Masquerade's annual ghost hunt in the family’s spooky cemetery
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2021
83 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
224 books5,418 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
June 3, 2023
Another book in the series I thoroughly enjoyed. I love the characters, the setting and the mystery was really fun in this one. Maybe my favourite so far?
The audiobook was excellent, not that I expected anything less. And I loved the ending. 🥰
******
Re-read: 6/2023
The audiobook was excellent, not that I expected anything less. And I loved the ending. 🥰
******
Re-read: 6/2023
November 24, 2021
I want to move to Pirate's Cove to join the Monday Night Scrabblers, browse the Crow's Nest book store, visit Captain's Seat and have tea with Ellery. And not just because I fucking love his name Elle... Er... Rrry Tongue against teeth, rolling your Rs. He is an experience and so is saying his name. *shudders pleasantly*
We return to the Cove in this third (of possibly 8) installment whereby there's a new misadventure to be had. Police Chief Jack Carson (diet Jake) has a case. There's burglary afoot, a string of them that have been hitting the high end homes with security systems that rely on the decency of neighbors to dissuade any ill-gotten gaining.
As the police are dealing with the string of home break-ins, a murder occurs at the town's masquerade party. And once more, Ellery finds himself caught up in his side gig as an amateur sleuth.
We also get more details about why Jack is Jakeing the way he is. It's a sweet development between the two leads and part of what he says leaves my heart smiling.
But I digress, I can't wait for Ellery's next adventure. I most certainly can't wait to see if the residents of Pirate's Cove will finally figure out that his play Murder Mansion wasn't actually a comedy.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Extras:
Book 1 Review
Book 2 Review
We return to the Cove in this third (of possibly 8) installment whereby there's a new misadventure to be had. Police Chief Jack Carson (diet Jake) has a case. There's burglary afoot, a string of them that have been hitting the high end homes with security systems that rely on the decency of neighbors to dissuade any ill-gotten gaining.
As the police are dealing with the string of home break-ins, a murder occurs at the town's masquerade party. And once more, Ellery finds himself caught up in his side gig as an amateur sleuth.
We also get more details about why Jack is Jakeing the way he is. It's a sweet development between the two leads and part of what he says leaves my heart smiling.
“It’s like living with a bullet in your heart. You figure it will kill you eventually— hell, you rely on that— but until then you go through the motions of pretending you’re still alive. And that’s how it is and how you figure it will always be. But then one day you notice the sunrise is beautiful. And one day you enjoy your cup of coffee. And one day something makes you laugh. And finally one evening you look across the room and see a guy having dinner and think, I wonder what he’s like.”This book just hits you right in the feelings. And it's a cozy!? How dare it make me cry.
“The problem with that thinking is you’re choosing equilibrium over joy.”There was also a lot of fun to be had from Ellery's assistant and professional town gossip Nora. Ellery finally stands up to the small town human answer to the Daily Mail, Sue, in a scene that was well overdue. I'm just sad she didn't fall in a steaming heap of manure. For science, of course. Ellery's rambunctious puppy, Watson, is also cool I guess. I don't know all the hypupperactivity just made me hyperaware of just how much I prefer cats.
But I digress, I can't wait for Ellery's next adventure. I most certainly can't wait to see if the residents of Pirate's Cove will finally figure out that his play Murder Mansion wasn't actually a comedy.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Extras:
Book 1 Review
Book 2 Review
Read
March 26, 2021I love writing this world so much. I love the characters, both minor and major. I love the history of my made-up island. I love the village of Pirate's Cove right down to the smallest piece of weathered architecture. I love the fact that I'm starting Book 4 now. :-)
June 11, 2025
***4.5 - 5 Stars*** for both, audiobook and story
The best one yet!!!
The best one yet!!!
December 26, 2021
Secrets and Scrabble is a cozy mystery series. I don’t usually care much for cozies ...however I LOVE Josh Lanyon so I am willing to give anything she writes a try. I read the first book in this series Murder at Pirates Cove, several months ago and found even though there’s no hot romantic scenes...the possibility is there if the police chief ever finds the map with the door of that closet that he’s in, marked with a big red X. He is...I am happy to report...is making progress. What the series does have is a really good mystery in a quaint little ocean side town. It also contains plenty of humor as well as well written and likable characters. I was happy to catch up with the quirky characters and appreciated the evolution in Ellery. He was much less clumsy than before, and his romance with Jack is still slow burning...or perhaps simmering is a better word. In the first book in the series, he rescued Watson, who has turned out to be one of the loveliest dogs in the “cozy mystery universe” Things are going well in Pirates Cove in spite of the bodies that seem to come there to die and clog up Ellery’s life. I am so looking forward to visiting again with book #4. Just as a brief side note: If you are not a fan of m/m romances but you are a fan of mysteries...especially the cozy variety...I believe that you would really enjoy this series. The author has really tried hard to make this a series for everyone.
April 20, 2025
DNF @ 26% ...
I disliked Carson in Book #1 but thought it would be a case of grumpy on the outside (due to being the police chief and other personal stuff) but actually the sweet guy underneath that Ellery deserves. So I overlooked that issue in Book #1. I very much disliked Carson in Book #2 ... even more than in Book #1, no improvement at all in that regard. A quarter of the way into this one, I absolutely loathe Carson and I'm done. He's a horrible person and I've given him enough time to show me a different side ... not wasting any more time on this series. Extremely disappointed as I had high hopes going in. Loved everything else about the series ... Ellery, Nora and the other side characters, the setting ... but Carson is not just a grump with no personality, he's a complete asshole. 😒
I disliked Carson in Book #1 but thought it would be a case of grumpy on the outside (due to being the police chief and other personal stuff) but actually the sweet guy underneath that Ellery deserves. So I overlooked that issue in Book #1. I very much disliked Carson in Book #2 ... even more than in Book #1, no improvement at all in that regard. A quarter of the way into this one, I absolutely loathe Carson and I'm done. He's a horrible person and I've given him enough time to show me a different side ... not wasting any more time on this series. Extremely disappointed as I had high hopes going in. Loved everything else about the series ... Ellery, Nora and the other side characters, the setting ... but Carson is not just a grump with no personality, he's a complete asshole. 😒
March 4, 2025
Reread March 2025
My favorite in the series so far!
My favorite in the series so far!
July 19, 2023
I ADORE this series!
That ENDING was EVERYTHING!! Yes!
To find out what it was, you must read the book, cause I’m not telling 😉
Another murder,
Another amateur sleuthing opportunity.
If you haven’t started this cozy mystery series, then you’re missing out. It’s the perfect rainy day, comfy series to cuddle up with. Mystery with a side of romance.
That ENDING was EVERYTHING!! Yes!
To find out what it was, you must read the book, cause I’m not telling 😉
Another murder,
Another amateur sleuthing opportunity.
If you haven’t started this cozy mystery series, then you’re missing out. It’s the perfect rainy day, comfy series to cuddle up with. Mystery with a side of romance.
April 4, 2021
This third installment in John Lanyon's new cozy mystery series was unexpectedly published in early 2021, ahead of schedule, and it is a welcome ray of sunshine (and murder).
Ellery and Jack, Buck Island's gorgeous police chief, are still friends .... just friends, no benefits. They share an easy casual friendship involving sanding, sawing and plenty of other home repairs at Ellery's decaying Dutch Renaissance style mansion, but anything beyond that involves the two men warily circling around any sort of actual involvement.
But an unexpected invitation to the annual Marauder's Masquerade at Bloodworth Manor puts Ellery in the middle of a murder in a mausoleum, with plenty of suspects and intrigue. Of course, Nora finds the murder a bit too convoluted.
I received an ARC from the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Ellery and Jack, Buck Island's gorgeous police chief, are still friends .... just friends, no benefits. They share an easy casual friendship involving sanding, sawing and plenty of other home repairs at Ellery's decaying Dutch Renaissance style mansion, but anything beyond that involves the two men warily circling around any sort of actual involvement.
But an unexpected invitation to the annual Marauder's Masquerade at Bloodworth Manor puts Ellery in the middle of a murder in a mausoleum, with plenty of suspects and intrigue. Of course, Nora finds the murder a bit too convoluted.
"A hard shove down the stairs, a balcony railing giving way," Nora was saying dreamily. "That's how you do it."Don't get me wrong - like Nora, I simply adore a good old-fashioned murder mystery, and while the mystery here is interesting, well-written and completely gripping, I think I actually squealed in delight at the very G-rated, yet nicely steamy debut of some perhaps more-than-friendly benefits between Ellery and Jack. 4 stars for "Mystery at the Masquerade."
"Sometimes you scare me," Ellery remarked.
I received an ARC from the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2024
Cosy mystery series wich I had to admit is slightly addictive. The ending got me so curious for the next that I'm starting to read it right away.
February 18, 2024
This was mostly a bust, sorry to all my friends who loved it. The mystery took a while to start. Once it did, it was good even though I wanted to see the Silver Sleuth investigating and couldn't really figure out why Ellery was not really part of the group. The mystery was my favorite part. The romance was a complete bust. Jack's push and pull was too much and Ellery being all in throughout despite that didn't really make sense to me. Yes it was explain but too little too late and also too convenient . I'll still continue with the series because I've bought them all and hope that now that the relationship is better defined it will be better on that front. Jack really has a lot to grovel for and frankly needs to be redeemed to me.
April 6, 2021
I’ve read every book in this series, absolutely loved every one of them and this one was no different. Each book is written so that you feel you’re right in there with all these peculiar and cranky residents of Pirate’s Cove .
Loved this captivating story .This time it’s Watson who mostly steals the show here and there’s never a dull moment between Ellery and Jake . I’m so relieved that they’re finally having a serious talk. Hopefully it won’t be going back-and-forth again because I truly love to see a little more romance in the future between these two.
The mystery had me guessing with every turn of the page . I thought I had it figured out but the twist at the end proved me wrong .Can’t wait to get into the next one .
Loved this captivating story .This time it’s Watson who mostly steals the show here and there’s never a dull moment between Ellery and Jake . I’m so relieved that they’re finally having a serious talk. Hopefully it won’t be going back-and-forth again because I truly love to see a little more romance in the future between these two.
The mystery had me guessing with every turn of the page . I thought I had it figured out but the twist at the end proved me wrong .Can’t wait to get into the next one .
May 4, 2022
I love Pirate’s Cove! I want to live there. I want to join the scrabble and sleuthing clubs. I can’t act worth a darn but I’m sure I could find other ways to support the Scallawags. I’m loving all the characters and the back and forth between Ellery and Jack. Plots are fun, fast paced, and entertaining.
February 25, 2021
So Wonderful!
Review to come.
Review to come.
March 4, 2021
I think this series still hasn't yet its full potential.
On the mystery front, Ellery is a reluctant amateur sleuth. He doesn't really embraced sleuthing, and it's a bit of a downer for me when the character in a cozy mystery series is not that enthusiastic as the reader. Although he still gets "result". Then there's that "side-romance" between Ellery and Chief Jack Carson. I'm just going to say... Jack needs to make up his mind. Period.
Watson, Ellery's puppy, is the sunshine of the book. I love that puppy so much.
On the mystery front, Ellery is a reluctant amateur sleuth. He doesn't really embraced sleuthing, and it's a bit of a downer for me when the character in a cozy mystery series is not that enthusiastic as the reader. Although he still gets "result". Then there's that "side-romance" between Ellery and Chief Jack Carson. I'm just going to say... Jack needs to make up his mind. Period.
Watson, Ellery's puppy, is the sunshine of the book. I love that puppy so much.
February 22, 2021
Let me say this clearly. I LOVE Josh Lanyon I just love her. This is series is classic Lanyon and I couldn’t be happier. It’s true that is very similar to The Adrien English series , but hey I’m not complaining. Given that this is “cozy mystery “ it has no on page heat , which I do miss. I would love some hot scenes between Ellery and Jack, but other than that I loved everything about this books. I just want moooreeee!!
November 16, 2024
This was so cute!!!!! And it's all thanks to Watson. 😆 Fictional puppies are the best. This was a weird one though too. The cast of characters/suspects is different, and I have to say, I knew the burglaries were connected to the murder right away. Why else have that in the story?
I do recommend this. It's light and easy, except for that part with Ellery and Jack and the ice house. How rude!! I am so excited for the next book!
4 stars because I am mad at Jack and I have every right to be. 😛 The ending is certainly interesting. 😉💋
I do recommend this. It's light and easy, except for that part with Ellery and Jack and the ice house. How rude!! I am so excited for the next book!
4 stars because I am mad at Jack and I have every right to be. 😛 The ending is certainly interesting. 😉💋
March 5, 2021
Ahhhh my favorite of the series so far!! The ending was a sigh of relief and just an unburdening feeling of finally. And of course, we got lots of Watson being his cutie patootie self 🥺 Can’t wait for the next one!
August 7, 2021
4.5⭐️
Okay wow, I loved the other ones, but this one was amazing.
Okay wow, I loved the other ones, but this one was amazing.
July 9, 2024
I am having the BEST time in Pirate's Cove! I'm totally laughing at my original plan to read these over the Summer in between other reads. HA! I can't stop!
Josh said in one of her blog posts that before, um, I think book 7 was finished, this was her favorite and I can see why. Julian alone gave this book something extra even if he was a loon! I'm totally digging the progression of the romance in this series because it is not the focus, and while I don't want feelings hurt, I loved the attention Ellery got here! Well deserved and fun, fun, fun! Well, until again, MURDER! But yes, I liked how Julian moved the story forward and I loved his behavior in the end. He was a great character that well, I sure do hope gets the help he needs, ha!
This was great and I love how we are getting more and more of the secondary characters and I'm learning each of their quirks and personalities.
I'm just really having a blast reading these.
And yes, I'm on to the next!
Josh said in one of her blog posts that before, um, I think book 7 was finished, this was her favorite and I can see why. Julian alone gave this book something extra even if he was a loon! I'm totally digging the progression of the romance in this series because it is not the focus, and while I don't want feelings hurt, I loved the attention Ellery got here! Well deserved and fun, fun, fun! Well, until again, MURDER! But yes, I liked how Julian moved the story forward and I loved his behavior in the end. He was a great character that well, I sure do hope gets the help he needs, ha!
This was great and I love how we are getting more and more of the secondary characters and I'm learning each of their quirks and personalities.
I'm just really having a blast reading these.
And yes, I'm on to the next!
January 13, 2026
Reread- Jan 2026
----------------------------‐---
I read the first 2 books last year and thought of re-reading them before continuing with the series. But, then I started and realized I remember everything about Pirate Cove. It's not unexpected because it's a perfect set-up for a cozy mystery. I think the series has given me a new appreciation for them because earlier I was never a fan of cozy or ameture sleuthing.
Of course, the credit goes to Ellery and his gang. Sometimes I do want to smash some sense into him but otherwise, he is delightful. The other members of the gang are equally entertaining and that includes dear Mr, Watson(the puppy).😄😄😄
So, without doubt, I love everything about this island though I wish I too had a great-great-great aunt Eudora, who has left a bookshop for me in a place like a pirate cove or some other cove.😛😛😛
On to the next book…..
----------------------------‐---
I read the first 2 books last year and thought of re-reading them before continuing with the series. But, then I started and realized I remember everything about Pirate Cove. It's not unexpected because it's a perfect set-up for a cozy mystery. I think the series has given me a new appreciation for them because earlier I was never a fan of cozy or ameture sleuthing.
Of course, the credit goes to Ellery and his gang. Sometimes I do want to smash some sense into him but otherwise, he is delightful. The other members of the gang are equally entertaining and that includes dear Mr, Watson(the puppy).😄😄😄
So, without doubt, I love everything about this island though I wish I too had a great-great-great aunt Eudora, who has left a bookshop for me in a place like a pirate cove or some other cove.😛😛😛
On to the next book…..
July 7, 2021
I've been giving Josh a lot of my money the past few days, lol. So worth it.
October 30, 2025
Apologies in advance:
I'm obviously on a review slump - this has
NOTHING to do with the books and everything to do
with ME.
So I'm changing this up a little and doing a generic review
on the whole series here.
Please forgive me dearest Josh.
But it's that or there will forever be 100 books on my
currently-reading list that I've actually finished moths
ago.
Overall Rating on this series: 4
Audiobooks: Matt Haynes 4 plus an extra star for Watson!
Book Covers: 4
I started reading this because I had a serious Josh Lanyon
craving and I've just finished re-reading everything I've
already read - again.
I found it light and entertaining and with all the little touches
this author brings to the floor.
Ellery Page and his escapades, Jack Carson and one of my
star side characters, little Watson, kept me well entertained.
I love the way Josh writes relationships. Heaven knows,
that's one of the reasons Adrien and Jake is one of my
all time favourite coupes. (There are more of them as we
all know - wink wink)
The mystery is a bonus. In fact I'm not a great mystery
fan, but I can't get enough of this authors particular
style.
This series is light and I really enjoyed the whole thing,
but, I enjoy the stories where there's MORE between the
MC's way better.
Maybe because it's a cosy mystery I felt the detail
between Ellery and Jack was not what I wanted entirely.
I will possibly add it as a re-read one day in the future but
Adrien, Jake, Christopher, JX, Elliot, Tucker, Jason and
heaven help me SAM KENNEDY.. are still ahead in the race.
It really was a fun read. I'm addicted to this author and
sometimes I wish a could clone her. For reasons that more
of her can write more fabulous stories quicker. But hey,
I'm happy with re-reads and patiently awaiting
anything new she gives us.
I'm obviously on a review slump - this has
NOTHING to do with the books and everything to do
with ME.
So I'm changing this up a little and doing a generic review
on the whole series here.
Please forgive me dearest Josh.
But it's that or there will forever be 100 books on my
currently-reading list that I've actually finished moths
ago.
Overall Rating on this series: 4
Audiobooks: Matt Haynes 4 plus an extra star for Watson!
Book Covers: 4
I started reading this because I had a serious Josh Lanyon
craving and I've just finished re-reading everything I've
already read - again.
I found it light and entertaining and with all the little touches
this author brings to the floor.
Ellery Page and his escapades, Jack Carson and one of my
star side characters, little Watson, kept me well entertained.
I love the way Josh writes relationships. Heaven knows,
that's one of the reasons Adrien and Jake is one of my
all time favourite coupes. (There are more of them as we
all know - wink wink)
The mystery is a bonus. In fact I'm not a great mystery
fan, but I can't get enough of this authors particular
style.
This series is light and I really enjoyed the whole thing,
but, I enjoy the stories where there's MORE between the
MC's way better.
Maybe because it's a cosy mystery I felt the detail
between Ellery and Jack was not what I wanted entirely.
I will possibly add it as a re-read one day in the future but
Adrien, Jake, Christopher, JX, Elliot, Tucker, Jason and
heaven help me SAM KENNEDY.. are still ahead in the race.
It really was a fun read. I'm addicted to this author and
sometimes I wish a could clone her. For reasons that more
of her can write more fabulous stories quicker. But hey,
I'm happy with re-reads and patiently awaiting
anything new she gives us.
June 11, 2022
Honestly, I love these books and I think this is my favourite so far.
Emery stumbles into another murder mystery (is Pirate Cove twinned with Cabot Cove?) And this time it's whilst on a "date" at a masquerade ball.
I liked the pace and the plot of this story and I'm glad Jack has pulled his finger out and laid his feelings on the table AT LAST!
Definitely a fun read.
Emery stumbles into another murder mystery (is Pirate Cove twinned with Cabot Cove?) And this time it's whilst on a "date" at a masquerade ball.
I liked the pace and the plot of this story and I'm glad Jack has pulled his finger out and laid his feelings on the table AT LAST!
Definitely a fun read.
March 1, 2021
4.5 stars
Favourite book of the series :)
Favourite book of the series :)
March 6, 2021
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"Mystery at the Masquerade" is wonderful. I've loved each and every single one of the books in this gripping cozy mystery series, but I think this one was my favourite.
This time around Ellery, our favourite failed screenwriter and actor turned bookseller with a knack for solving murder mysteries (and for getting conked on the head), has to deal with a Masquerade, hidden tunnels and crypts, a tangle with Pirate's Cove oldest and most prestigious family, and Jack Carson, who can't make up his mind about whenever he and Ellery should remain just friends.
I loved every single bit of it. Ellery shines, as always: one of the things I love most about amateur sleuths stories (and Josh Lanyon's in particular) is the MC's tendecy to casually happen upon murder scenes and corpses without even trying and the results always leave me doubled over in laughter. Ellery is no different but he actually does try to be careful at times, so that was refreshing to see: one of the things I adore about him is his reluctancy to actually act like an amateur sleuth, even though fate (and half the village) are convinced he is. I also loved Jack quite a lot too. I won't spoil, but you'll see some new sides of him and get some insight into his heartbreaking past. He and Ellery have tons of chemistry, a delicious slowburn romance, and a lovely friendship: I cannot wait to see what will happen next. The other characters were equally lovable and wacky as usual, but Nora deserves a special mention: I love her, so damn much.
The murder mystery at the core of this book was gripping and twisty and very interesting and the atmosphere was even more pirate-y than the previous books. I loved it.
I'm so looking forward to reading the next installment.
"Mystery at the Masquerade" is wonderful. I've loved each and every single one of the books in this gripping cozy mystery series, but I think this one was my favourite.
This time around Ellery, our favourite failed screenwriter and actor turned bookseller with a knack for solving murder mysteries (and for getting conked on the head), has to deal with a Masquerade, hidden tunnels and crypts, a tangle with Pirate's Cove oldest and most prestigious family, and Jack Carson, who can't make up his mind about whenever he and Ellery should remain just friends.
I loved every single bit of it. Ellery shines, as always: one of the things I love most about amateur sleuths stories (and Josh Lanyon's in particular) is the MC's tendecy to casually happen upon murder scenes and corpses without even trying and the results always leave me doubled over in laughter. Ellery is no different but he actually does try to be careful at times, so that was refreshing to see: one of the things I adore about him is his reluctancy to actually act like an amateur sleuth, even though fate (and half the village) are convinced he is. I also loved Jack quite a lot too. I won't spoil, but you'll see some new sides of him and get some insight into his heartbreaking past. He and Ellery have tons of chemistry, a delicious slowburn romance, and a lovely friendship: I cannot wait to see what will happen next. The other characters were equally lovable and wacky as usual, but Nora deserves a special mention: I love her, so damn much.
The murder mystery at the core of this book was gripping and twisty and very interesting and the atmosphere was even more pirate-y than the previous books. I loved it.
I'm so looking forward to reading the next installment.
April 30, 2021
I love cosy mysteries and enjoyed the first of this series but don't see the appeal of this.
The mystery was uninteresting, there was no detecting other than wow a spoon is found which solved it all, um I was too busy not caring what type of spoon it was for it have pertinence. Obviously other readers are secretly spoon collectors so jumped to solving everything, there's no term for spoon-collectors btb, for that I did google!
There were echos of other Lanyons to parts of this, at least for me. Certainly made me think of Nancy Drew and co wandering the grounds at night, a disappointing Scooby gang without the gang maybe; I hoped for Pirate ghost.
Characters were uninteresting and somewhat cartoonish meaning I didn't care about their issues. The back up characters, well I've slept since I read the first two books so they blurred and I couldn't tell them apart.
Romance... Meh. Carson's backstory grief felt very heavy for the tone of the book. It made everything else seem worse.
Others seem to have enjoyed it but I left it wondering what was the point and won't be continuing.
Separate to the book-
Have to say the author's note really rubs me the wrong way; The Rules of a cosy. Like I said, I enjoy them, I like mysteries, I'm happy with sex-free books, often skip those scenes. The difference is in most cosy stories I don't notice the lack, this has more a 'look at me writing a book without sex' vibe, instead of what suits the story and characters the decision is based on The Rule. A slam of the door, because that's The Rule.
And no Covid....it's a fictional verse, a by the rules cosy mystery, murder that brings no tears, elaborate fictional characters - er ok thanks, but don't see why covid would be included.
And yeah, I'm in a grumpy contrary mood, moving on.
The mystery was uninteresting, there was no detecting other than wow a spoon is found which solved it all, um I was too busy not caring what type of spoon it was for it have pertinence. Obviously other readers are secretly spoon collectors so jumped to solving everything, there's no term for spoon-collectors btb, for that I did google!
There were echos of other Lanyons to parts of this, at least for me. Certainly made me think of Nancy Drew and co wandering the grounds at night, a disappointing Scooby gang without the gang maybe; I hoped for Pirate ghost.
Characters were uninteresting and somewhat cartoonish meaning I didn't care about their issues. The back up characters, well I've slept since I read the first two books so they blurred and I couldn't tell them apart.
Romance... Meh. Carson's backstory grief felt very heavy for the tone of the book. It made everything else seem worse.
Others seem to have enjoyed it but I left it wondering what was the point and won't be continuing.
Separate to the book-
Have to say the author's note really rubs me the wrong way; The Rules of a cosy. Like I said, I enjoy them, I like mysteries, I'm happy with sex-free books, often skip those scenes. The difference is in most cosy stories I don't notice the lack, this has more a 'look at me writing a book without sex' vibe, instead of what suits the story and characters the decision is based on The Rule. A slam of the door, because that's The Rule.
And no Covid....it's a fictional verse, a by the rules cosy mystery, murder that brings no tears, elaborate fictional characters - er ok thanks, but don't see why covid would be included.
And yeah, I'm in a grumpy contrary mood, moving on.
March 10, 2021
Mystery at the Masquerade is another perfect addition to the Secrets and Scrabble by Josh Lanyon.
Another murder strikes the island village of Pirate’s Cove, and for once Ellery Page is not the prime suspect!
Don't worry because Ellery quickly gets roped in to investigating the murder.
I just love this world. Getting to visit Pirate's Cove and its residents again, has been a highlight of my reading this year.
Another murder strikes the island village of Pirate’s Cove, and for once Ellery Page is not the prime suspect!
Don't worry because Ellery quickly gets roped in to investigating the murder.
I just love this world. Getting to visit Pirate's Cove and its residents again, has been a highlight of my reading this year.
March 22, 2021
What a shocker - Ellery is not the main suspect in this latest offering of Lanyon's cozy series. For a small town, there sure is a lot of folk whom Ellery has not yet met and who keep bringing 'high drama and death' into his life. Compared to the earlier two books, this latest murder was a little less 'sensational' and the whole 'come-hither-go-away' dynamic with Police Chief Jack is still ongoing - sigh. 3.5 stars.
August 20, 2022
Still interested in all those little cozy mysteries (although for such a small island there sure is an alarming number of murders going on) and Jack/Ellery relationship... but I think I need a break from them, my attention was fading quite a bit while reading.
Watson the puppy is my absolute favorite, no doubt about it 😍
Watson the puppy is my absolute favorite, no doubt about it 😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews