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Secrets and Scrabble #4
Scandal at the Salty Dog
Who or what is haunting elderly recluse Juliet Blackwell, what does it have to do with mysterious goings-on at the Salty Dog Pub--and why is any of it mystery bookshop owner Ellery Page's problem? According to sometimes boyfriend Police Chief Jack Carson, it's not Ellery's problem, and Ellery should stop asking awkward questions--before it's too late. Less
Mystery Stalks the Cobbled Streets of Pirate's Cove
After elderly recluse Juliet Blackwell suffers a mysterious fall in her spooky old mansion, she insists the ghost of long-dead pirate Rufus Blackwell has come to avenge himself on the last member of his treacherous clan.
Bookshop owner and occasional amateur sleuth Ellery Page doesn’t believe in ghosts, but he knows fear when he sees it, and it’s clear to him his eccentric customer is genuinely terrified.
Who or what is haunting Miss Blackwell, what, if anything, does it have to do with mysterious goings-on at the Salty Dog pub—and why is any of it Ellery’s problem?
According to Police Chief Jack Carson, it’s not Ellery’s problem, and just maybe Ellery should stop asking awkward questions before it’s too late.
Mystery Stalks the Cobbled Streets of Pirate's Cove
After elderly recluse Juliet Blackwell suffers a mysterious fall in her spooky old mansion, she insists the ghost of long-dead pirate Rufus Blackwell has come to avenge himself on the last member of his treacherous clan.
Bookshop owner and occasional amateur sleuth Ellery Page doesn’t believe in ghosts, but he knows fear when he sees it, and it’s clear to him his eccentric customer is genuinely terrified.
Who or what is haunting Miss Blackwell, what, if anything, does it have to do with mysterious goings-on at the Salty Dog pub—and why is any of it Ellery’s problem?
According to Police Chief Jack Carson, it’s not Ellery’s problem, and just maybe Ellery should stop asking awkward questions before it’s too late.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2021
69 people are currently reading
483 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
June 13, 2023
I didn't find the mystery in this one as gripping as in the previous books, but it was fun.
Ellery is still wonderful and his relationship with Jack gets better with each book. And Watson is adorable. Looking forward to the next one.
******
Re-read 6/2023: I had so much fun with this, probably enjoyed it even more than the first time. The audiobooks are fantastic. Matt Haynes is Ellery. I can't even imagine experiencing this series without his voice. 😊
Ellery is still wonderful and his relationship with Jack gets better with each book. And Watson is adorable. Looking forward to the next one.
******
Re-read 6/2023: I had so much fun with this, probably enjoyed it even more than the first time. The audiobooks are fantastic. Matt Haynes is Ellery. I can't even imagine experiencing this series without his voice. 😊
Read
June 8, 2021Not every writer is going to agree with me, but I think writing cozies--particularly a long-running series, which I expect Secrets and Scrabble to be--is like baking pastry v. throwing a stew together. It requires delicacy, finesse, a light hand. You've got to find a way to make--not murder itself--but the investigation of murder, amusing. So humor has to be a huge part of that recipe. And humor is always tricky.
April 10, 2022
Amateur sleuthing turned out to be a hazardous hobby.
Once more, professional trouble magnet Ellery finds himself dragged into another mystery on the chaotic Pirate's Cove. And this time, he didn't go seeking trouble. Honest. His business neighbour, Libby, comes to him 100% certain that someone is sneaking into the Salty Dog (the titular bed and breakfast). It's tourist season in Pirate's Cove, so it could be anyone. But if it's a stranger wandering and pilfering through the kitchens of the Salty Dog, how are they evading the security cameras?
Further down the road, at the Blackwell Estate, the eccentric old lady Ms Juliet Blackwell suffers an injury, having fallen from her bed in a fright. Ellery, who had gone to deliver her order of books, finds her in a state of shock. Dazed and confused and insisting she'd seen the ghost of Rufus Blackwell.
Naturally, this makes Ellery, er... curious. He asks resident busybody and all-around encyclopedia, Nora,
"What do you know about the ghost of Rufus Blackwell?" Ellery asked Nora over coffee that morning.Well, if it's one of your best...
Nora's face lit up with enthusiasm, "It's one of our best ghost stories!"
However, there is a mystery afoot. An old lady falls mysteriously in her home and is claimed to be attacked for the ghost of her ancestor. A young lady insists that someone is stealing from their kitchens. Is the ghost of seafarer Rufus Blackwell back for revenge and feeling peckish as he seeks to wreak havoc in Pirate's Cove? No, it's not a ghost because this isn't a ghost story.
But as ever, the best thing about these stories isn't just the beguiling Ellery, his soft romance with police chief Jack... it's the colourful cast of characters in Ellery's periphery. His main shop assistant, Felix (Libby's on-again-off-again boyfriend) is leaving for college and Ellery needs to replace him. All kinds of interesting people show up to get interviewed, including an unfortunately named man Dick Dix.
Watson is adorable. Ellery is amazing. The mystery is dual, cozy and fun. I can't wait to devour the rest of the series.
Thanks to Negalley for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2025
Audiobook: ***4 Stars***
Story: ***4 - 4.5 Stars***
So. Much. Fun. ❤
Story: ***4 - 4.5 Stars***
So. Much. Fun. ❤
January 13, 2022
I love anything Josh Lanyon can put on paper or any other devise. This little series is different than her other books. I have read thus far 4 books in the series and the most “romance” that I have seen Ellery encounter from his hot police chief boyfriend, Jack Carson, is that they now share a kiss occasionally and Jack openly admits that he finds Ellery attractive. Jack is also spending more nights at Ellery's place than his own. There is always a really good mystery that Ellery’s small staff at his bookstore always talks him into “helping” Jack solve, and yes, it usually gets Ellery in trouble, or worse yet...makes him the prime suspect. I always want to tell him to shut the door and stay out of it, but does he listen to me? NO! I can say that in addition to the mystery...and bear in mind that this series is composed of books of the “Cozy mystery” genre and not Josh Lanyon’s usual hot guys...that watching Ellery and Jack attempt to develop some kind of relationship is a welcomed sight, both emotionally and comedically, and even sometimes a bit frustrating. Their chemistry may be on the light side on the page, but you just know the heat is in there somewhere waiting to come forth. Anyone that likes cozy mysteries will find these books an absolute delight while visiting the small Rhode Island town of Pirates Cove.
June 11, 2021
I could read these all day long and never get tired. The characters are fabulous, and thinking of them all living in this tight-knit community reminds me so much of the town in which I grew up. It's soothing, but in an odd way, since there's skeletons in every closet lol..
I usually go for high octane mysteries, and it is such a treat to slow down and just enjoy this series!
I usually go for high octane mysteries, and it is such a treat to slow down and just enjoy this series!
February 14, 2025
2025 review
It really can't have been four years since I read this, can it? I'm doing a series re-read so I can read the last/latest book in the series. Really love this!
2021 Review
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I just love this series! At the same time it's light and sweet, and nail bitingly anxious. So many times I worry for Ellery. How many times can he get knocked out, thrown across rooms, down stairs, and find himself in the same room as a killer?! :D
Once again I was mystified as to what was going on. There were so many random things that didn't seem to connect, and then they did. Well done JL!
This is not a standalone, and must be read in order. While the mystery is confined to this book, the character background and relationships start (of course, lol) with book 1.
I don't even know what to say because I'll give things away! Drat drat drat! I can say Ellery and Jack's relationship is doing very well, and I am squealingly happy about it. Ellery, Jack, and Watson, a cute family whom I just adore. Book puppies are the best, let me tell you.
So, somehow, once again, Ellery finds himself in the middle of a mystery, actually two mysteries. And Ellery being Ellery he can't say no to helping people, which has gotten him on the outs with Jack before, but in this book they're working on that. No matter how often Ellery says he isn't a detective, people push him to it anyway, despite the fact he ended up in the hospital last time! This is just the type of story Scandal at the Salty Dog is - a normal guy who wants to live his life but because of busybody friends, he can't. At least he found love along the way.
The mysteries were well done and I am so totally down for exploring those caves. Where do I sign up? I can't say much (again) about what happens because that will ruin things, but I can say Not all is as it seems. Poor Ellery, he needs to learn to be more skeptical of people.
JL is an amazing writer, and has once again crafted a great story. This isn't nearly as dark and dangerous as some of her other books, but by no means less is any way. If JL writes it, I will read it, plain and simple, no if ands or buts. I may not always like her work, but I don't care. She is the top of the top in writers and can do no wrong (even when I don't like the story). You write what comes to you and I can't fault that.
I highly recommend this and especially for those who don't like sex on page. I've gotten over that years ago and am now focused on the story and the relationships, not the sex. Not that I don't appreciate a little on page once in a while, but it's nice when it's not the plot, you know?
I give this 4.25 stars and am jumping at the bit for the next book. More please!
It really can't have been four years since I read this, can it? I'm doing a series re-read so I can read the last/latest book in the series. Really love this!
2021 Review
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I just love this series! At the same time it's light and sweet, and nail bitingly anxious. So many times I worry for Ellery. How many times can he get knocked out, thrown across rooms, down stairs, and find himself in the same room as a killer?! :D
Once again I was mystified as to what was going on. There were so many random things that didn't seem to connect, and then they did. Well done JL!
This is not a standalone, and must be read in order. While the mystery is confined to this book, the character background and relationships start (of course, lol) with book 1.
I don't even know what to say because I'll give things away! Drat drat drat! I can say Ellery and Jack's relationship is doing very well, and I am squealingly happy about it. Ellery, Jack, and Watson, a cute family whom I just adore. Book puppies are the best, let me tell you.
So, somehow, once again, Ellery finds himself in the middle of a mystery, actually two mysteries. And Ellery being Ellery he can't say no to helping people, which has gotten him on the outs with Jack before, but in this book they're working on that. No matter how often Ellery says he isn't a detective, people push him to it anyway, despite the fact he ended up in the hospital last time! This is just the type of story Scandal at the Salty Dog is - a normal guy who wants to live his life but because of busybody friends, he can't. At least he found love along the way.
The mysteries were well done and I am so totally down for exploring those caves. Where do I sign up? I can't say much (again) about what happens because that will ruin things, but I can say Not all is as it seems. Poor Ellery, he needs to learn to be more skeptical of people.
JL is an amazing writer, and has once again crafted a great story. This isn't nearly as dark and dangerous as some of her other books, but by no means less is any way. If JL writes it, I will read it, plain and simple, no if ands or buts. I may not always like her work, but I don't care. She is the top of the top in writers and can do no wrong (even when I don't like the story). You write what comes to you and I can't fault that.
I highly recommend this and especially for those who don't like sex on page. I've gotten over that years ago and am now focused on the story and the relationships, not the sex. Not that I don't appreciate a little on page once in a while, but it's nice when it's not the plot, you know?
I give this 4.25 stars and am jumping at the bit for the next book. More please!
June 14, 2021
As usual we’ll find Ellery Page and his adorable dog Watson right in the middle of trouble and chaos .
Ellery’s sleuthing is still fun to follow and his relationship with Jack has much improved .
This is another entertaining addition to this series and most definitely my favorite thus far .
Ellery’s sleuthing is still fun to follow and his relationship with Jack has much improved .
This is another entertaining addition to this series and most definitely my favorite thus far .
June 5, 2021
This series is such a delight and a way to escape the real world for awhile. I’ve always loved cozy mysteries and Lanyon has created this series to embody that genre. From the quaint, small island setting to the close knit, nosy and quirky town folks, this series has it all.
While this book wasn’t as exciting as the previous ones it was still a solid mystery that included a reclusive spinster in a large, old mansion and a shady intruder in not just the old house but also in the town pub. Ellery has gotten quite the reputation as an amateur sleuth and is caught up once again in another mystery.
Ellery and Jack are finally seeing each other and poor Jack has his hands full with a town of residents poking their noses into every investigation. He isn’t crazy about Ellery becoming involved in yet another mystery but he respects Ellery’s opinions and worries about his well being. They may not be there yet in terms of a fully committed relationship but they are well on their way.
I love reading about Ellery’s new island life. In the next few books I expect to see more ups and downs for him in both his personal and professional life. He is a great character and it’s always fun to follow him on his journeys!
While this book wasn’t as exciting as the previous ones it was still a solid mystery that included a reclusive spinster in a large, old mansion and a shady intruder in not just the old house but also in the town pub. Ellery has gotten quite the reputation as an amateur sleuth and is caught up once again in another mystery.
Ellery and Jack are finally seeing each other and poor Jack has his hands full with a town of residents poking their noses into every investigation. He isn’t crazy about Ellery becoming involved in yet another mystery but he respects Ellery’s opinions and worries about his well being. They may not be there yet in terms of a fully committed relationship but they are well on their way.
I love reading about Ellery’s new island life. In the next few books I expect to see more ups and downs for him in both his personal and professional life. He is a great character and it’s always fun to follow him on his journeys!
March 4, 2025
Reread March 2025
Review to come, but I really, really need Jack to start getting his stuff together..
Review to come, but I really, really need Jack to start getting his stuff together..
July 15, 2021
Another sweet, amusing story. There's not much more to say about it really. I like Ellery. I like Pirates' Cove. I like Jack. I like Watson the dog. Reading this series is like watching Murder She Wrote on a Sunday afternoon when I was a kid: predicable, safe, reassuring.
I'm not (that) ashamed of escaping real life occasionally, and these novels do it nicely for me.
I'm not (that) ashamed of escaping real life occasionally, and these novels do it nicely for me.
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.
October 30, 2022
I really love these books and this one (the same as the others) didn't disappoint.
This book found us scratching a little off the surface of this quaint sea side town and discovering not everyone is who who think they are....
This book found us scratching a little off the surface of this quaint sea side town and discovering not everyone is who who think they are....
April 10, 2025
“was just thinking about you,” Jack said by way of greeting. “Good things, I hope?” Ellery was smiling. Jack’s chuckle was a little wicked. He didn’t comment”
Once again we are back for cozy mystery on our island of pirates 🏴☠️. It’s always nice to see who is dying on this island, the murder rate truly skyrocketed after Ellery moved there. Him and Jack’s relationship really isn’t what keeps me coming back because if we are being honest, well at least me with myself, there really isn’t much to see. I’m not saying I need explicit sex, because I don’t, but just small pecks and kisses ain’t doing it for me. I’m here to see what these rather annoying crazy people on this island are getting into plus I love Watson. Anyways this was kinda different because there really wasn’t a murder mystery to solve per se plus Ellery basically cussed Sue out, well as much as no cursing nice people cozy mystery books will allow.
Once again we are back for cozy mystery on our island of pirates 🏴☠️. It’s always nice to see who is dying on this island, the murder rate truly skyrocketed after Ellery moved there. Him and Jack’s relationship really isn’t what keeps me coming back because if we are being honest, well at least me with myself, there really isn’t much to see. I’m not saying I need explicit sex, because I don’t, but just small pecks and kisses ain’t doing it for me. I’m here to see what these rather annoying crazy people on this island are getting into plus I love Watson. Anyways this was kinda different because there really wasn’t a murder mystery to solve per se plus Ellery basically cussed Sue out, well as much as no cursing nice people cozy mystery books will allow.
July 29, 2022
OH MY DEAR, DEAR JOSH LANYON. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN'T WRITE FOR ME?
How incredibly wonderful it was to be back in this world of secrets and scrabbles. I remember quite clearly my thoughts and feelings when I picked up book one Murderer at Pirates Cove. I remember thinking “Oh wow. What a mould breaking defining cosy mystery.”
And that still holds up to this day.
This is a series that not only follows a man, but a man that just so happens to be gay, which is an absolute rarity in the cosy mystery genre.
But to say that I continue on with this series purely and simply because of the mould breaking would be an absolute lie.
There is no way that that would have kept me going through to book #4.
Josh Lanyon has created a world that is just so welcoming, so inviting that I just wanna jump into it and live in pirates Cove!
I have grown to not only like, but actually love Ellery as a character. As our protagonist, he is literally our eyes into this world, and Josh Lanyon couldn't have picked a better protagonist. And yes, many will say that the trope of having the protagonist in a cosy mystery series fall in love with a detective is done and dusted to the point that it's a cliché, But something about Jack Carson works as the love interest in this series.
Not to mention Nora and the silver sleuthing Group.
If I had to nit pick, I would say that I honestly did not enjoy the reveal. I have to admit that it let me down more than the standard reveal let-down because of the fact that I incredibly enjoyed the mystery side until that point.
But on the whole, all I can say is Josh Lanyon, you've done it again!!!!
I cannot wait to get onto book #5 in this series. The only tough part here will be making sure I don't pick up the next book until next month!
Praise once again to Josh Lanyon, an incredible read.
4.5 Stars
Xoxo.
How incredibly wonderful it was to be back in this world of secrets and scrabbles. I remember quite clearly my thoughts and feelings when I picked up book one Murderer at Pirates Cove. I remember thinking “Oh wow. What a mould breaking defining cosy mystery.”
And that still holds up to this day.
This is a series that not only follows a man, but a man that just so happens to be gay, which is an absolute rarity in the cosy mystery genre.
But to say that I continue on with this series purely and simply because of the mould breaking would be an absolute lie.
There is no way that that would have kept me going through to book #4.
Josh Lanyon has created a world that is just so welcoming, so inviting that I just wanna jump into it and live in pirates Cove!
I have grown to not only like, but actually love Ellery as a character. As our protagonist, he is literally our eyes into this world, and Josh Lanyon couldn't have picked a better protagonist. And yes, many will say that the trope of having the protagonist in a cosy mystery series fall in love with a detective is done and dusted to the point that it's a cliché, But something about Jack Carson works as the love interest in this series.
Not to mention Nora and the silver sleuthing Group.
If I had to nit pick, I would say that I honestly did not enjoy the reveal. I have to admit that it let me down more than the standard reveal let-down because of the fact that I incredibly enjoyed the mystery side until that point.
But on the whole, all I can say is Josh Lanyon, you've done it again!!!!
I cannot wait to get onto book #5 in this series. The only tough part here will be making sure I don't pick up the next book until next month!
Praise once again to Josh Lanyon, an incredible read.
4.5 Stars
Xoxo.
June 5, 2021
Now that I’ve adjusted to the tamer vibe of a cozy mystery I’m enjoying these. The small Buck Island community with its ancestral pirates, historic homes, and colorful cast of residents is the perfect backdrop to mysterious goings-on. A fun installment.
August 2, 2021
Loved these, but....they are Adrien English in another form. Comfort read....a Gay Agatha Christie set.
May 15, 2022
With each new installment, I think to myself, “I could not love this series more.” I’m proven wrong each time. I could happily read about Ellery’s antics forever. I love the pace of his relationship with Jack. They’re both guarding their hearts so this pace feels very authentic. I also love how they use their words to communicate. So refreshing! Diving into book 5!
June 27, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up
I really love this series of cozy mysteries- they're perfect for some comfy reading time! They're fun, short, and Lanyon always delivers.
This one had a new crazy islander (which is saying a lot, given the competition) who swears up and down she's seen her pirate-ancestor's ghost. A sign which, legend has it, means she will be the next to die.
At the same time our amateur sleuth is asked to investigate the case of the mysterious disappearance of food from the Salty Dog's (the local pub) kitchen, which leads Ellery to discover some more of the island's secret tunnel system (a leftover from the pirate days).
The solution of the main mystery, as in the book before, came a bit too out of the blue for me (Ellery has another of his epiphanies and just announces the solution again), and I would like him to do a bit more actual sleuthing, clues that you as the reader can try and piece together yourself right along him, but oh well.
I also loved seeing Ellery and Jack together now that they have finally decided what they want from each other. They still have a long way to go, but their blossoming relationship is one of my favorite things about these books, and I can't wait to see where they go from here!
All in all, another stellar addition to a fun series I hope will continue for a good long time!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I really love this series of cozy mysteries- they're perfect for some comfy reading time! They're fun, short, and Lanyon always delivers.
This one had a new crazy islander (which is saying a lot, given the competition) who swears up and down she's seen her pirate-ancestor's ghost. A sign which, legend has it, means she will be the next to die.
At the same time our amateur sleuth is asked to investigate the case of the mysterious disappearance of food from the Salty Dog's (the local pub) kitchen, which leads Ellery to discover some more of the island's secret tunnel system (a leftover from the pirate days).
The solution of the main mystery, as in the book before, came a bit too out of the blue for me (Ellery has another of his epiphanies and just announces the solution again), and I would like him to do a bit more actual sleuthing, clues that you as the reader can try and piece together yourself right along him, but oh well.
I also loved seeing Ellery and Jack together now that they have finally decided what they want from each other. They still have a long way to go, but their blossoming relationship is one of my favorite things about these books, and I can't wait to see where they go from here!
All in all, another stellar addition to a fun series I hope will continue for a good long time!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
December 16, 2023
2.95〜3.15 stars. Better than the last one, but it is still probably not as good as the first one imo. All of the side characters are really starting to piss me off, especially Nora and that sleuthing club. Also Ellery is starting to get on my nerves. I will give it some points for developing the relationship a little
July 5, 2021
Lanyon's Secrets and Scrabble series continues to be utterly charming, fortified with murder, mystery .... and pirates. It's pretty much the ideal trifecta, in my opinion.
This book gives us a little bit of this, a dab of that, and it feels like catching up on old friends. There's the very attractive Dr. Mane at the Med Center, Nora and the Silver Sleuths are afoot, Ellery is reluctantly looking for a new employee at the Crow's Nest and then there's Jack ...
Yes, Ellery is once again reluctantly involved in solving mysteries, and while I didn't personally find this murder mystery gripping, I'm looking forward to getting to know Ellery's new employee, wonder what Nora will next find to investigate, hope Dr. Mane doesn't get in the way of Jack and Ellery's budding relationship, and can't wait for their next adventure. 4 stars.
I received an ARC from the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
This book gives us a little bit of this, a dab of that, and it feels like catching up on old friends. There's the very attractive Dr. Mane at the Med Center, Nora and the Silver Sleuths are afoot, Ellery is reluctantly looking for a new employee at the Crow's Nest and then there's Jack ...
The thought of Jack made Ellery smile, but the thing between them still felt so new, so fragile, he didn't want to ... handle it too much. Didn't want to overthink it. but so far so good. In fact, so much better than he had even hoped.And it turns out Buck Island has another secret - pirate tunnels! - and these tunnels, a holdover from pirate days and a handy place for stowing illegal loot, play a part in the mystery of how food is disappearing from the Salty Dog kitchen. In addition, elderly recluse Juliet Blackwell claims to see the ghost of legendary pirate Rufus Blackwell, and Ellery wonders if the "ghost" is using the pirate tunnels.
Yes, Ellery is once again reluctantly involved in solving mysteries, and while I didn't personally find this murder mystery gripping, I'm looking forward to getting to know Ellery's new employee, wonder what Nora will next find to investigate, hope Dr. Mane doesn't get in the way of Jack and Ellery's budding relationship, and can't wait for their next adventure. 4 stars.
I received an ARC from the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
July 14, 2021
I love, love, love how this small island with its inhabitants is becoming so familiar and comforting to a reader. And I'm glad to hear that Josh plans to continue with the series into the unknown future. Cosy mysteries like these are especially something I enjoy reading right now.
October 6, 2022
I would love to see more field trips from Silver Sleuths....🤩🤩🤩
August 17, 2024
I quite liked the mystery in this one and the fact that Jack supported, kind of, Ellery's sleuthing. They collaborated a bit, which was nice. The relationship and character development were still lacking to me. Jack still doesn't really have a personality, so it's hard to see what Ellery sees in him and vice versa. Some subplots were kind of pointless: tue thing with the Dr and the hiring of a part-time worker. It may become more relevant later, but in this one, I'm not sure why it was included. I'll continue with the series but I'm not in a rush to do so
September 17, 2021
Love this author, but this is beginning to read 'mailed in'. Little, if any, sexual tension, and the last part of the book was riddled with typos and errors. It's more a cozy/lazy mystery than a romance and I am not sure I'll keep going with the series though I've liked the two main leads.
September 29, 2023
I feel like this enjoyable series is really starting to hit its stride with book 4. The balance between the mysteries, the world building and the relationship between Jack and Ellery is just about perfect at this point. The secondary characters are coming into their own as well. There were some nice humorous moments thanks to them in this book. Over all, I’m really having a good time with these cozy mysteries. Each book is like a gay Murder She Wrote She Wrote episode.
June 12, 2021
** 3.5 Stars**
June 2, 2021
Another quick, fun read with Ellery and Co. - in which Ellery and Jack are navigating the early stages of a new relationship while trying to find out who is breaking into the Salty Dog at night and raiding the fridge. At the same time, Ellery is trying to find some new staff for the bookshop (the applications and interviewees provide plenty of humour) and one of the island's oldest residents - from one of the longest-established families - is injured in what seems to have been a home invasion ... could the incidents possibly be related?
These are easy, uncomplicated (mostly) reads and I'm mostly here for the characters, who are an motley, entertaining bunch. I have to say that the Silver Sleuthers really got on my nerves towards the end - what they did was pretty dumb and I don't blame Jack one bit for being seriously pissed off at them.
I'll be back for the next instalement though :)
These are easy, uncomplicated (mostly) reads and I'm mostly here for the characters, who are an motley, entertaining bunch. I have to say that the Silver Sleuthers really got on my nerves towards the end - what they did was pretty dumb and I don't blame Jack one bit for being seriously pissed off at them.
I'll be back for the next instalement though :)
January 5, 2022
Ellery , Jack , Watson , Nora and all the colorful -at times murderous- yet, always entertaining residents of Pirate Cove are back in all their cosy mystery, shenanigans glory ; and I couldn't be more happy.
Scandal at the Salty Dog is book four in the über fun and enjoyable Secret and Scrabble series and thus far one of my favorite..... Well, all are my favorites as these all are very well written , plotted and paced books.
When I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Scandal at the Salty Dog through NetGalley and began reading it , I soon realized I couldn't continue until I read the other three previous books. I was so charmed within the first two chapters ; I wanted to know everything that came before.
Therefore, I promptly rushed to Audible and bough/listened/reviewed/loved them all. Talk about addiction. Looking forward listening SATSD in audiobook too. I highly recommend this and all other books in the series.
I just reviewed Scandal at the Salty Dog: An M/M Cozy Mystery by Josh Lanyon. #ScandalattheSaltyDogAnMMCozyMystery #NetGalley
Merged review:
UPDATE - Audio reviewed on July 31 , 2021 / re-listened January 5, 2022
Matt Hayes narration was excellent.
ORIGINAL -Ebook reviewed on July 4, 2021
Jack, Ellery and all the wacky Pirate Cove's residents are back again! Yaay!
Ellery , Jack , Watson , Nora and all the colorful -at times murderous- yet, always entertaining residents of Pirate Cove are back in all their cosy mystery, shenanigans glory ; and I couldn't be more happy.
Scandal at the Salty Dog is book four in the über fun and enjoyable Secret and Scrabble series and thus far one of my favorite..... Well, all are my favorites as these all are very well written , plotted and paced stories.
When I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Scandal at the Salty Dog through NetGalley and began reading it , I soon realized I couldn't continue until I read the other three previous books. As, was so charmed within the first two chapters ; I wanted to know everything that came before.
Therefore, I promptly rushed to Audible and bough/listened/reviewed/loved them all. Talk about addiction. Looking forward listening SATSD in audiobook too. I highly recommend this and all other books in the series.
I just reviewed Scandal at the Salty Dog: An M/M Cozy Mystery by Josh Lanyon. #ScandalattheSaltyDogAnMMCozyMystery #NetGalley
Scandal at the Salty Dog is book four in the über fun and enjoyable Secret and Scrabble series and thus far one of my favorite..... Well, all are my favorites as these all are very well written , plotted and paced books.
When I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Scandal at the Salty Dog through NetGalley and began reading it , I soon realized I couldn't continue until I read the other three previous books. I was so charmed within the first two chapters ; I wanted to know everything that came before.
Therefore, I promptly rushed to Audible and bough/listened/reviewed/loved them all. Talk about addiction. Looking forward listening SATSD in audiobook too. I highly recommend this and all other books in the series.
I just reviewed Scandal at the Salty Dog: An M/M Cozy Mystery by Josh Lanyon. #ScandalattheSaltyDogAnMMCozyMystery #NetGalley
Merged review:
UPDATE - Audio reviewed on July 31 , 2021 / re-listened January 5, 2022
Matt Hayes narration was excellent.
ORIGINAL -Ebook reviewed on July 4, 2021
Jack, Ellery and all the wacky Pirate Cove's residents are back again! Yaay!
Ellery , Jack , Watson , Nora and all the colorful -at times murderous- yet, always entertaining residents of Pirate Cove are back in all their cosy mystery, shenanigans glory ; and I couldn't be more happy.
Scandal at the Salty Dog is book four in the über fun and enjoyable Secret and Scrabble series and thus far one of my favorite..... Well, all are my favorites as these all are very well written , plotted and paced stories.
When I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Scandal at the Salty Dog through NetGalley and began reading it , I soon realized I couldn't continue until I read the other three previous books. As, was so charmed within the first two chapters ; I wanted to know everything that came before.
Therefore, I promptly rushed to Audible and bough/listened/reviewed/loved them all. Talk about addiction. Looking forward listening SATSD in audiobook too. I highly recommend this and all other books in the series.
I just reviewed Scandal at the Salty Dog: An M/M Cozy Mystery by Josh Lanyon. #ScandalattheSaltyDogAnMMCozyMystery #NetGalley
March 25, 2025
9 JULY 2024 REVIEW
I've been relistening to the S&S series from the top, determined, this time, to listen carefully and register the good points. Why? Because I love Lanyon's romantic mysteries and there's no one else that writes them. Lots of cozy mysteries, for sure, but no MM ones like Lanyons. Romantic Suspense is not quite the same!
This 3rd time I am liking the series much more, I'm happy to say. And yes, I did learn why Jack was so ambivalent about his feelings for Ellery. I think I missed his explanation because, previously, I wasn't very invested in the story whereas this time I am. I like Ellery, I like Jack and I like the small town family that the author has given his protag.
I am currently at Book 5, Body at Buccaneer's Bay, and will review that when I'm done.
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17 Feb 2024: Relistened to this in the hope of liking it but nah, my review remains the same as before;
January 2024:
I found this such a chore to get through despite Matt Haynes excellent narration and couldn't be bothered to finish it. I'm very disappointed with this series so far.
I've been relistening to the S&S series from the top, determined, this time, to listen carefully and register the good points. Why? Because I love Lanyon's romantic mysteries and there's no one else that writes them. Lots of cozy mysteries, for sure, but no MM ones like Lanyons. Romantic Suspense is not quite the same!
This 3rd time I am liking the series much more, I'm happy to say. And yes, I did learn why Jack was so ambivalent about his feelings for Ellery. I think I missed his explanation because, previously, I wasn't very invested in the story whereas this time I am. I like Ellery, I like Jack and I like the small town family that the author has given his protag.
I am currently at Book 5, Body at Buccaneer's Bay, and will review that when I'm done.
--------------------------------------------
17 Feb 2024: Relistened to this in the hope of liking it but nah, my review remains the same as before;
January 2024:
I found this such a chore to get through despite Matt Haynes excellent narration and couldn't be bothered to finish it. I'm very disappointed with this series so far.
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