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Lovers and Other Strangers
Recovering from a near fatal accident, artist Finn Barret returns to Seal Island in Maine to rest and recuperate. But Seal Island is haunted with memories, some sweet, some sad; three years ago Finn found his lover in the arms of Fitch, Finn's twin brother. Since that day, Finn has seen neither Conlan nor Fitch. In fact, no one has seen Fitch. What happened to him? Did Fitch run away, as everyone believes? Or did he meet a more sinister fate? To put the past to rest - and see if there's any chance of a future with Con - Finn must discover the truth. But the deeper he digs, the more reason he has to fear Con is the only one who knows what truly happened to Fitch...(This 37K+ novella was original published as part of THE ART OF DYING.)
176 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
17 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
223 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 109 reviews
January 11, 2013
Even when something like this happened--you would think it would be raining stars--but the world never missed a beat. Ink blue waves washed gently, rhythmically against the pale sand, and the stars were still and bright and cold.
(Spoiler free)
Finn Barrett, an artist, comes back to his family home on Seal Island to recover after a horrible accident. He needed time to come to terms with how close he had been to dying, to losing everything. He needed time to regain his strength as well as his optimism. For the first time in weeks, Finn felt something come to life again. A flicker of interest, close to emotion. In the aftermath of his accident, he felt the desire to pick up a brush and try to capture what he saw. Finn knew that he had to stop dwelling on the might-have-beens because he would be all right again. Coming back to Seal Island was a good idea, even though he was afraid of seeing Con again. But when Martha tells him that Con has a new book coming out and he was staying in England for the purpose of doing research for the one he's writing now, Finn is very relieved that he wouldn't cross Con's path.
And when Finn is asking how his twin brother Fitch is doing, Martha is quite stunned because she thought that Fitch would have followed Finn back to New York after Finn left the island three years ago. It dawns on him that something might have happened to Fitch because nobody has seen him since his disappearance. Finn and Fitch did not part on good terms since Finn caught his brother and Con red-handed. Finn was deeply in love with Con and he never got over his betrayal. When Finn is starting his search for his twin, he has to face his painful past and his former lover who might even be involved in his twin's disappearance.
The lighthouse
Granted, Lovers and Other Strangers is pretty light on the romance/sex, but what sets this wonderful and rather short story apart is its stunning setting--a remote island--and the very charming atmosphere. Also, the story thrives through lovely details and very well-crafted characters. The author really brought the characters to life, he drew me into their story and let me feel their pain and emotion. In fact, the characters felt very real all the more as they are flawed--physically and emotionally. Although the story is not very long, it was a satisfying read and I never felt that something was missing. The author delivered a very compelling and interesting plot. Lovers and Other Strangers was my second Lanyon read, and I'm looking forward to plowing through his huge backlist.
Minor quibble
I understand how painful it was for Finn to get over his twin's betrayal. Yet I've had a hard time to believe that these two, who were always incredibly close, would not try and make contact after a while of blowing off steam. All the more, as Finn remembered:
All these months…years without word. That wasn't like Fitch. (…)
(Spoiler free)
Finn Barrett, an artist, comes back to his family home on Seal Island to recover after a horrible accident. He needed time to come to terms with how close he had been to dying, to losing everything. He needed time to regain his strength as well as his optimism. For the first time in weeks, Finn felt something come to life again. A flicker of interest, close to emotion. In the aftermath of his accident, he felt the desire to pick up a brush and try to capture what he saw. Finn knew that he had to stop dwelling on the might-have-beens because he would be all right again. Coming back to Seal Island was a good idea, even though he was afraid of seeing Con again. But when Martha tells him that Con has a new book coming out and he was staying in England for the purpose of doing research for the one he's writing now, Finn is very relieved that he wouldn't cross Con's path.
"I'll be long gone by then." His voice came out flat.
Martha still didn't look at him. "Well…that's all right so long as you don't take three years to visit again."
And when Finn is asking how his twin brother Fitch is doing, Martha is quite stunned because she thought that Fitch would have followed Finn back to New York after Finn left the island three years ago. It dawns on him that something might have happened to Fitch because nobody has seen him since his disappearance. Finn and Fitch did not part on good terms since Finn caught his brother and Con red-handed. Finn was deeply in love with Con and he never got over his betrayal. When Finn is starting his search for his twin, he has to face his painful past and his former lover who might even be involved in his twin's disappearance.
The lighthouse
"I realize after yesterday that you don't feel the same anymore--I guess I didn't really expect that although I'd hoped, obviously, that we might have another chance. That probably wasn't realistic on my part. Both of us have changed."
Granted, Lovers and Other Strangers is pretty light on the romance/sex, but what sets this wonderful and rather short story apart is its stunning setting--a remote island--and the very charming atmosphere. Also, the story thrives through lovely details and very well-crafted characters. The author really brought the characters to life, he drew me into their story and let me feel their pain and emotion. In fact, the characters felt very real all the more as they are flawed--physically and emotionally. Although the story is not very long, it was a satisfying read and I never felt that something was missing. The author delivered a very compelling and interesting plot. Lovers and Other Strangers was my second Lanyon read, and I'm looking forward to plowing through his huge backlist.
Con's mouth nuzzled its way up Finn's throat, and Finn opened his mouth, panting a little beneath that delicate, shuddery pleasure of grazing lips and tongue. When Con's mouth covered his, he moaned softly. Their tongues touched tentatively, withdrew.
Minor quibble
I understand how painful it was for Finn to get over his twin's betrayal. Yet I've had a hard time to believe that these two, who were always incredibly close, would not try and make contact after a while of blowing off steam. All the more, as Finn remembered:
All these months…years without word. That wasn't like Fitch. (…)
Finn opened his mouth, and Con kissed him--a baby's breath of a kiss, a dragonfly wing of a kiss. "Forgive me," he whispered.
November 25, 2025
It was astonishing, a challenging book with the setting of the cheating between twin brothers. The plot begins three years later, but it is still very fresh in Finn's mind.
Finn had always forgiven Fitch, because…he loved him. And he couldn’t do without him. Until he could.
Until Con.
Because there was no forgiving that. Con had been different.
Not that Con wasn’t every bit as much to blame.
But then Finn hadn’t forgiven Con either. Never would. 😥😭😩😪
Finn is injured thanks to an accident and already has enough problems, but then he encounters his ex-boyfriend and everything comes back up and has to be dealt with.
Added to this is the strange absence of his brother Fitch.
The mystery plot is great, it slowly becomes eerie and more and more questions arise, as do suspects.
It's a rather short book, but so rich in plot, characters, and atmosphere. I love it.
And as a bonus, there's a tiny little sex scene, really short but quite intense.
What had he been thinking? But at the time—or perhaps it was due to too much pain medication—he had yearned for home like the homesick college kid he had once been. And of course the doctors thought Seal Island was a terrific idea. The fresh salt air, the sunshine, the long, quiet nights—everyone cheerfully ignorant of how goddamned cold it was, and how…painful and tiring to face the memories you had been running from for so long. 🥺🥺
Finn kissed back, tentatively. How long had he waited for this? No, that was wrong. He hadn’t waited. Hadn’t anticipated or hoped. Hadn’t let himself think about it all—because he had believed there was no chance of it ever again. But he had not forgotten. Not forgotten Con’s taste or scent or feel. He’d forgotten nothing—and nothing had changed. 🫠🫠🫠
Finn had always forgiven Fitch, because…he loved him. And he couldn’t do without him. Until he could.
Until Con.
Because there was no forgiving that. Con had been different.
Not that Con wasn’t every bit as much to blame.
But then Finn hadn’t forgiven Con either. Never would. 😥😭😩😪
Finn is injured thanks to an accident and already has enough problems, but then he encounters his ex-boyfriend and everything comes back up and has to be dealt with.
Added to this is the strange absence of his brother Fitch.
The mystery plot is great, it slowly becomes eerie and more and more questions arise, as do suspects.
It's a rather short book, but so rich in plot, characters, and atmosphere. I love it.
And as a bonus, there's a tiny little sex scene, really short but quite intense.
What had he been thinking? But at the time—or perhaps it was due to too much pain medication—he had yearned for home like the homesick college kid he had once been. And of course the doctors thought Seal Island was a terrific idea. The fresh salt air, the sunshine, the long, quiet nights—everyone cheerfully ignorant of how goddamned cold it was, and how…painful and tiring to face the memories you had been running from for so long. 🥺🥺
Finn kissed back, tentatively. How long had he waited for this? No, that was wrong. He hadn’t waited. Hadn’t anticipated or hoped. Hadn’t let himself think about it all—because he had believed there was no chance of it ever again. But he had not forgotten. Not forgotten Con’s taste or scent or feel. He’d forgotten nothing—and nothing had changed. 🫠🫠🫠
June 29, 2023
I read this six years ago, back before I wrote reviews, but every once in a while it pops into my mind and makes me wonder how it can be considered a romance. A romance is defined by ending with an HEA or HFN. This ends with an OSYASFIYSWTGRARA — Oh Shit You Are So Fucked If You Stay With That Guy, Run Away Run Away.
One day I may write an actual review. For now, the short version is: Some betrayals are too immense for a relationship to survive. I love me a second-chance romance, but sometimes the only self-respecting thing for the injured party to do is walk away and chalk it up to a learning experience. Or, in this case, run.
Two stars instead of one, because given that it still has the power to disturb me even after six years, obviously it has something going for it.
One day I may write an actual review. For now, the short version is: Some betrayals are too immense for a relationship to survive. I love me a second-chance romance, but sometimes the only self-respecting thing for the injured party to do is walk away and chalk it up to a learning experience. Or, in this case, run.
Two stars instead of one, because given that it still has the power to disturb me even after six years, obviously it has something going for it.
January 9, 2025
Saying “I love you, Finn.” for the first time after being caught fucking Finn’s twin is crazyyyyyyyyyyyyyy work. Nastiest business of the decade.
'......the first place they had made love. Well, Finn had made love. For Con it had been fucking, but that was all right.'
The things this guy convinces himself are alright. Argh.
Also, “Did you kill him?” is an objectively funny(if brainless) thing to ask someone you suspect of murder, WHILE ALONE IN THEIR COTTAGE TWO MILES AWAY FROM ANY HELP.
Like what if he says yes? Then what?
The fact that Con had the audacity to say he'd been worried Finn had pitched himself off a cliff after finding him with Fitch💀
Goodness. How mighty highly he thought of himself. Worth dying over? A cheater? The jokes write themselves.
Thinking the guy he caught with his twin is being 'loving' just because he called him 'sugar'. Same guy that he lowkey not really but kinda suspects of having murdered said twin.
Finn🤦🏾♀️ I need you to obtain the ability to stand up. It's not looking good.
Got to a point where I was hoping Con would kill Finn at the lighthouse because death HAS to be better than where he ended up. Maybe he should have pitched himself off that cliff. At least then he'd not be alive to disgrace himself like this.
Guys. I thought I'd seen disgrace but this was a discovery. Whew!
Why does Finn think it's unforgivable to gently inquire if someone murdered your twin but it's not unforgivable for said ex boyfriend murder suspect to have fucked your twin?
Lol this man is not nearly petty enough for me.
'’Cause nothing put a damper on romance like suspicions of homicide.'
I fear that I must, ONCE AGAIN, bring up the twin fucking.
Identical twin, no less. Like you're not even getting to experience a wildly different person. Merely did it for the love of the game.
Deeply unserious award goes to Paul though. Because....
“All right. So if you were a body, where would you hide?”
Is the sort of funny thing you probably shouldn't ask someone who's trying to track down his dead twin.
"It’s not like there’s so much love in the world that people can afford to go turning it away.” is the sort of well-meaning yet terrible advice that people should probably keep to themselves so that we don't end up in situations like this(where MC forgives his twin-fucking ex—that he also suspects of murder)
I feel like there should probably be a bare minimum of things NOT to forgive and my first additions to this list would be:
1. Fucked your twin
2. Under suspicion of murdering your twin after fucking him.
I feel like if we all follow these two basic rules, we'd probably have healthier relationships.
THIS IS THE SORT OF SITUATION YOU SHOULDN'T FORGIVE EVEN IF YOU'RE THE LAST TWO PEOPLE ON EARTH.
'If he and Con were going to try and make a go of this — and if he was honest, he wanted to try at least — Finn was going to have to stop throwing the past in Con’s face.'
At the risk of repeating myself to the point of redundancy, if you fuck around with someone's twin, and they get back with you(dumb fuck that they are) the least you can put up with is them throwing it in your face every so often. Sorry, I don't make the rules.
I love you so much I fucked your twin and also pretty much left you alone for three years after that until you coincidentally came to the same place I was and suddenly I had to tell you......is the premise of a horrendous love story.
I want everyone arrested. I want my eyes bleached. I want Finn whipped. I want Con whipped. Everyone on the island. Lashes for everyone.
What a terrible day to have eyes.
'......the first place they had made love. Well, Finn had made love. For Con it had been fucking, but that was all right.'
The things this guy convinces himself are alright. Argh.
Also, “Did you kill him?” is an objectively funny(if brainless) thing to ask someone you suspect of murder, WHILE ALONE IN THEIR COTTAGE TWO MILES AWAY FROM ANY HELP.
Like what if he says yes? Then what?
The fact that Con had the audacity to say he'd been worried Finn had pitched himself off a cliff after finding him with Fitch💀
Goodness. How mighty highly he thought of himself. Worth dying over? A cheater? The jokes write themselves.
Thinking the guy he caught with his twin is being 'loving' just because he called him 'sugar'. Same guy that he lowkey not really but kinda suspects of having murdered said twin.
Finn🤦🏾♀️ I need you to obtain the ability to stand up. It's not looking good.
Got to a point where I was hoping Con would kill Finn at the lighthouse because death HAS to be better than where he ended up. Maybe he should have pitched himself off that cliff. At least then he'd not be alive to disgrace himself like this.
Guys. I thought I'd seen disgrace but this was a discovery. Whew!
Why does Finn think it's unforgivable to gently inquire if someone murdered your twin but it's not unforgivable for said ex boyfriend murder suspect to have fucked your twin?
Lol this man is not nearly petty enough for me.
'’Cause nothing put a damper on romance like suspicions of homicide.'
I fear that I must, ONCE AGAIN, bring up the twin fucking.
Identical twin, no less. Like you're not even getting to experience a wildly different person. Merely did it for the love of the game.
Deeply unserious award goes to Paul though. Because....
“All right. So if you were a body, where would you hide?”
Is the sort of funny thing you probably shouldn't ask someone who's trying to track down his dead twin.
"It’s not like there’s so much love in the world that people can afford to go turning it away.” is the sort of well-meaning yet terrible advice that people should probably keep to themselves so that we don't end up in situations like this(where MC forgives his twin-fucking ex—that he also suspects of murder)
I feel like there should probably be a bare minimum of things NOT to forgive and my first additions to this list would be:
1. Fucked your twin
2. Under suspicion of murdering your twin after fucking him.
I feel like if we all follow these two basic rules, we'd probably have healthier relationships.
THIS IS THE SORT OF SITUATION YOU SHOULDN'T FORGIVE EVEN IF YOU'RE THE LAST TWO PEOPLE ON EARTH.
'If he and Con were going to try and make a go of this — and if he was honest, he wanted to try at least — Finn was going to have to stop throwing the past in Con’s face.'
At the risk of repeating myself to the point of redundancy, if you fuck around with someone's twin, and they get back with you(dumb fuck that they are) the least you can put up with is them throwing it in your face every so often. Sorry, I don't make the rules.
I love you so much I fucked your twin and also pretty much left you alone for three years after that until you coincidentally came to the same place I was and suddenly I had to tell you......is the premise of a horrendous love story.
I want everyone arrested. I want my eyes bleached. I want Finn whipped. I want Con whipped. Everyone on the island. Lashes for everyone.
What a terrible day to have eyes.
September 11, 2024
2 What the Hell Was That stars.
This was...I don't know where to start, and I think I'm only giving it two stars because it's Josh and I can't bare to give her less - and it's nowhere near as bad as the other book I gave 1 star to. Although, now that I think of it, maybe that other book deserved 0 stars. Hm...
Anyway, nonsensical mystery of the disappearance of the twin that no one noticed was missing for three whole years! And not quite enough groveling on the part of the cheater. This was rushed, the various painting references/metaphors/etc were ham-fisted, and the resolution of the mystery was something straight out of Scooby Doo. No, seriously. It was even a dark and stormy night. Ridiculous.
Spoilery rant:
This was...I don't know where to start, and I think I'm only giving it two stars because it's Josh and I can't bare to give her less - and it's nowhere near as bad as the other book I gave 1 star to. Although, now that I think of it, maybe that other book deserved 0 stars. Hm...
Anyway, nonsensical mystery of the disappearance of the twin that no one noticed was missing for three whole years! And not quite enough groveling on the part of the cheater. This was rushed, the various painting references/metaphors/etc were ham-fisted, and the resolution of the mystery was something straight out of Scooby Doo. No, seriously. It was even a dark and stormy night. Ridiculous.
Spoilery rant:
February 27, 2013
YES! I’ve been waiting for this day! The day that I could say it: “I’ve found my favorite Lanyon!”
I am a Josh Lanyon fan. His books are entertaining. I dubbed him “3-star Lanyon”…I know what I’m gonna get…a short, easy, good read. But, I haven’t LOVED any of them…and the ones I felt were GREAT were all too short.
Yes, “Lovers and Other Strangers” would be EVEN BETTER with 50+ more pages. But, I just loved this book. Not TOO short that I’m left starving for more and written with what I love most about his books: great characters and an intriguing mystery-bent story! He kept me guessing till the very end. (though, the big reveal was a bit “WTF…really?”…)
I love Finn. I love (ok, no, I hate actually, but in that love-to-hate way) his history with Con. Fitch was an outstanding character even though he never had any true page time. The relationships between the characters were so good and as mentioned before, I loved the mystery. Yes, there were holes and so many details I wish had been included. But, Lanyon has conditioned me to want SO MUCH MORE at the end of his books that now that I’ve found one that I just want A LITTLE MORE (it’s all relative, right?), I feel a sense of satisfaction.
Good stuff. Highly recommended.
June 2, 2018
Second reading,
My original review stands. THIS IS FUCKING AWESOME.
First reading- review,
Ever picked up something to read and gone
The premise of this was quite fascinating, I tell you. Finn, an artist, returns home to Seal Island to "rest" after being involved in a near fatal crash. He hasn't been back in Seal Island since he walked in on his sorta-kinda-boyfriend/ love of his life Con doing the dirty with Finn's twin brother, Fitch. Seal Is. holds bad memories for him but at least Con is away on a book tour, right? And his brother isn't around. But oh, what's this? No one has seen Fitch in three years. I know! I know! He must have left because he broke Finn's trust. But what's this again? Nobody saw him leave...
To quote Blackadder, "I smell something fishy. And I am not talking about the contents of Baldrick's apple crumble."
And, Oh! Looks like Con hadn't left after all.
Eventually what we have is a mystery, embraced by a romance, wrapped in a suspense bow and dipped in mild chocolate. There wasn't that much smexy times to the scale of Blood Red Butterfly. But I am still
We go on a little mission to find out what happened to Fitch. But this one isn't solved through cunning detective work or a join the dots game. The resolution of this conflict hits us over the head when we least expect it. I fucking hate novellas for the rushed sequence of events but hey- it's Lanyon.
My original review stands. THIS IS FUCKING AWESOME.
First reading- review,
Ever picked up something to read and gone
The premise of this was quite fascinating, I tell you. Finn, an artist, returns home to Seal Island to "rest" after being involved in a near fatal crash. He hasn't been back in Seal Island since he walked in on his sorta-kinda-boyfriend/ love of his life Con doing the dirty with Finn's twin brother, Fitch. Seal Is. holds bad memories for him but at least Con is away on a book tour, right? And his brother isn't around. But oh, what's this? No one has seen Fitch in three years. I know! I know! He must have left because he broke Finn's trust. But what's this again? Nobody saw him leave...
To quote Blackadder, "I smell something fishy. And I am not talking about the contents of Baldrick's apple crumble."
And, Oh! Looks like Con hadn't left after all.
Eventually what we have is a mystery, embraced by a romance, wrapped in a suspense bow and dipped in mild chocolate. There wasn't that much smexy times to the scale of Blood Red Butterfly. But I am still
We go on a little mission to find out what happened to Fitch. But this one isn't solved through cunning detective work or a join the dots game. The resolution of this conflict hits us over the head when we least expect it. I fucking hate novellas for the rushed sequence of events but hey- it's Lanyon.
June 20, 2014
Another gorgeous writing with multifaceted characters in a Island full of atmospheric beauty, and almost magical feel, which the conclusion was surprising and I honestly enjoyed the element of surprise! I enjoyed the slow pace of the story,it fitted with the sense of loneliness given by the island. And the mystery was also slow because takes a little while for Finn to concern about Fitch fate, also loved that Josh Lanyon kept me guessing who the murderer was almost to the end!!
I've read Josh Lanyon´s books before that shook me up emotionally, because of their plots, but also because of the beauty found in his writing and this one do not miss that spot. An Author I really LOVE reading!
January 16, 2012
Ugh, it's so hard to rate this book. There was a lot I enjoyed about the story and one major thing that evoked a whole different reaction. But I'm still not sure if it's due to something Lanyon did intentionally or something he inadvertently overlooked.
Starting out with the good: Lanyon's main characters. They're layered, they're real, they're engaging. More often than not, they carry both physical and mental scars which makes that the books are not only about solving the mystery or finding love, but also about finding balance and making piece with oneself.
Next to that, there's the fact that most of Lanyon's main characters have certain passions that color their perception of the world. Whether it's mystery novels, poetry or painting, the characters have a way of seeing the world that makes them unique and makes the writing that much more beautiful.
And so Lovers and Other Strangers starts out in hues and shades, as tired, weary and numb Finn Barret returns to Seal Island to recuperate.
The first scenes are terrific. There's a particular awkwardness which permeates everything from descriptions to dialogues. Despite all of the chit chat of the people around Finn, there's a certain sense of silence and unease that grips you as a reader. Part of it is due to Finn's own fears as reservations, part of it is due to the Twilight Zone air of the island.
As the story progresses, the silence ebbs away but the weirdness stays as an essential part of the mystery plot.
As for that mystery plot: this one was very exciting and had me losing sleep in order to find out who did it. I loved how literally everyone was a suspect at a certain point. I had trouble connecting to Con, or enjoying Paul, or even trusting Finn because I kept seeing one or the other as a suspect. And I was kept guessing until the very end.
The setting, the characters, the mystery plot... it all made for a wonderful reading experience and very much worthy of a 5 star rating... had it not been for the following.
(I'm going to spoiler tag this as it's an essential part of the mystery and knowing the fact beforehand might ruin the experience, do beware.)
Still, an obviously emotion evoking and good read, but I feel like Lanyon overlooked something major.
3,5 stars.
Starting out with the good: Lanyon's main characters. They're layered, they're real, they're engaging. More often than not, they carry both physical and mental scars which makes that the books are not only about solving the mystery or finding love, but also about finding balance and making piece with oneself.
Next to that, there's the fact that most of Lanyon's main characters have certain passions that color their perception of the world. Whether it's mystery novels, poetry or painting, the characters have a way of seeing the world that makes them unique and makes the writing that much more beautiful.
And so Lovers and Other Strangers starts out in hues and shades, as tired, weary and numb Finn Barret returns to Seal Island to recuperate.
The first scenes are terrific. There's a particular awkwardness which permeates everything from descriptions to dialogues. Despite all of the chit chat of the people around Finn, there's a certain sense of silence and unease that grips you as a reader. Part of it is due to Finn's own fears as reservations, part of it is due to the Twilight Zone air of the island.
As the story progresses, the silence ebbs away but the weirdness stays as an essential part of the mystery plot.
As for that mystery plot: this one was very exciting and had me losing sleep in order to find out who did it. I loved how literally everyone was a suspect at a certain point. I had trouble connecting to Con, or enjoying Paul, or even trusting Finn because I kept seeing one or the other as a suspect. And I was kept guessing until the very end.
The setting, the characters, the mystery plot... it all made for a wonderful reading experience and very much worthy of a 5 star rating... had it not been for the following.
(I'm going to spoiler tag this as it's an essential part of the mystery and knowing the fact beforehand might ruin the experience, do beware.)
Still, an obviously emotion evoking and good read, but I feel like Lanyon overlooked something major.
3,5 stars.
August 20, 2023
***REREAD 8/18/23***
I've been in a sort of romance funk so I thought to myself that rereading/listening to a short classic would be just the thing and I couldn't have been more right. I won't add anything to my original review save to say that the fates had me read this story on 8/18 (completely arbitrarily) a date which has major significance in the story.
I paired the reading with the audio by Jason Clarke included in Male/Male Mystery and Suspense Box Set: 6 Novellas. Perfect. He can read me anything.
Also to say this is only my second read of this story would be an untruth.
***7/15 - 7/16***
Another perfect story from Josh Lanyon and narrated by Jason Clarke who is capital 'P' perfect for this mist shrouded & moody mystery. Think "Rebecca" off the coast of Maine.
I love how Josh is able to convey a whole family history and limn small town & big city characters in a few deft strokes: Martha & Hiram, the loving caretakers, Thomas, the absent minded uncle, Miss Minton, town eccentric, Paul, the flamboyant city boy with unexpected depths of feeling, and Finn & Fitch, The Barret Boys, so close that Finn confuses himself for Fitch in a photograph yet with such distinct personalities that outsiders can tell them apart just by looking at them. I won't say much else so as not to spoil the story but I'll say that despite his past hesitancy Con is the guy everyone needs loving them.
I've been in a sort of romance funk so I thought to myself that rereading/listening to a short classic would be just the thing and I couldn't have been more right. I won't add anything to my original review save to say that the fates had me read this story on 8/18 (completely arbitrarily) a date which has major significance in the story.
I paired the reading with the audio by Jason Clarke included in Male/Male Mystery and Suspense Box Set: 6 Novellas. Perfect. He can read me anything.
Also to say this is only my second read of this story would be an untruth.
***7/15 - 7/16***
Another perfect story from Josh Lanyon and narrated by Jason Clarke who is capital 'P' perfect for this mist shrouded & moody mystery. Think "Rebecca" off the coast of Maine.
I love how Josh is able to convey a whole family history and limn small town & big city characters in a few deft strokes: Martha & Hiram, the loving caretakers, Thomas, the absent minded uncle, Miss Minton, town eccentric, Paul, the flamboyant city boy with unexpected depths of feeling, and Finn & Fitch, The Barret Boys, so close that Finn confuses himself for Fitch in a photograph yet with such distinct personalities that outsiders can tell them apart just by looking at them. I won't say much else so as not to spoil the story but I'll say that despite his past hesitancy Con is the guy everyone needs loving them.
September 16, 2017
Aspiring young artist Finn Barret returns to his childhood home on Seal Island, Maine, intending to recover there after a terrible car accident that almost cost him his life.
Seal Island brings back a few memories for Finn, reminding him why he had packed his things and left in a hurry, three years before.
But most astonishing is the fact that neither Finn nor any of his family and friends on Seal Island know anything about the whereabouts of Finn's twin brother Fitch.
Inseparable as kids and teens, a tragic incident resulted in Finn running away from his twin, not intending to ever speak with Fitch again.
However, three years later, nobody has heard ANYTHING from Fitch. So the question remains: Has Fitch ever left the small island in the first place?
Finn's investigation reveals not only the complex social structure of the inhabitants of the isolated island, but also returns a former lover to Finn's life, who may or may not know more about Fitch than he lets on.
A beautiful Agatha Christie style mystery on an isolated island. The best kind of setting. I only wish we got to know Finn a bit more.
4 stars!
Seal Island brings back a few memories for Finn, reminding him why he had packed his things and left in a hurry, three years before.
But most astonishing is the fact that neither Finn nor any of his family and friends on Seal Island know anything about the whereabouts of Finn's twin brother Fitch.
Inseparable as kids and teens, a tragic incident resulted in Finn running away from his twin, not intending to ever speak with Fitch again.
However, three years later, nobody has heard ANYTHING from Fitch. So the question remains: Has Fitch ever left the small island in the first place?
Finn's investigation reveals not only the complex social structure of the inhabitants of the isolated island, but also returns a former lover to Finn's life, who may or may not know more about Fitch than he lets on.
A beautiful Agatha Christie style mystery on an isolated island. The best kind of setting. I only wish we got to know Finn a bit more.
4 stars!
April 19, 2014
I really like how well the author captures the feeling of an island off the mid-coast of Maine, and the references to the surrounding area show that if he doesn't know the area he certainly did his homework. The family reminds me of the Wyeth's, and from the references in the story it was clear that it was supposed to. The family dynamic is interesting, and I like the relationship with the island community as well. I like that the housekeeper didn't think of Finn quite like he thought she did.
The mystery was interesting, and I liked seeing how things played out in that respect. For me the romance was the weakest aspect of the story. I can't imagine why Finn would forgive Conn, and even if he did I can't imagine being able to build a solid relationship after what Conn did Added to that I didn't find his character to be particularly compelling or interesting. He's smart, and pretty, but also a bit arrogant, and careless.
I like the story, and, for me, losing the love story would only have made it stronger. I would have preferred knowing more about Finn's family, and his relationship with his brother.
The mystery was interesting, and I liked seeing how things played out in that respect. For me the romance was the weakest aspect of the story. I can't imagine why Finn would forgive Conn, and even if he did I can't imagine being able to build a solid relationship after what Conn did Added to that I didn't find his character to be particularly compelling or interesting. He's smart, and pretty, but also a bit arrogant, and careless.
I like the story, and, for me, losing the love story would only have made it stronger. I would have preferred knowing more about Finn's family, and his relationship with his brother.
May 7, 2013
Troubled twins. Devastating betrayal. Exposing truths.
A tragic car accident nearly takes Finn Barret’s life and forces him to face his past, a cruel past with wounds still fresh despite their 3 year age. He left Seal Island and sought refuge in New York City after his lover’s unfaithful and unforgiving moment of weakness. Finding the love of his life in the arms of his twin brother was more than he could bear, and he vowed to move on and forget the pain. Yet returning to the island raises feelings he was certain had died that fateful day.
Painting runs in Finn’s blood, he lives and breathes his art. Frightened he may never see the world the same, he is amazed the crisp salty air is healing more than his physical injuries. Running into Con, his ex is the last thing he wants, but Finn quickly discovers he may need answers only Con can provide.
The writing was gorgeous.
Finn was endearing in every way. My heart ached for him again and again.
Fitch was infuriating and disappointing, and his disappearance was so very confusing.
The family was flabbergasting; their lack of concern for Fitch’s evaporation was disheartening.
And Paul…Paul, Paul, Paul- well, I guess you always need a nutty one in the bunch!
The conclusion was startling; yep I was completely blind-sighted. Which honestly I enjoyed the element of surprise, it kept me on the edge of my seat. This may have been my first Lanyon, but it definitely won’t be my last!
*4 artistically-mysterious stars*
A tragic car accident nearly takes Finn Barret’s life and forces him to face his past, a cruel past with wounds still fresh despite their 3 year age. He left Seal Island and sought refuge in New York City after his lover’s unfaithful and unforgiving moment of weakness. Finding the love of his life in the arms of his twin brother was more than he could bear, and he vowed to move on and forget the pain. Yet returning to the island raises feelings he was certain had died that fateful day.
Painting runs in Finn’s blood, he lives and breathes his art. Frightened he may never see the world the same, he is amazed the crisp salty air is healing more than his physical injuries. Running into Con, his ex is the last thing he wants, but Finn quickly discovers he may need answers only Con can provide.
The writing was gorgeous.
Finn was endearing in every way. My heart ached for him again and again.
Fitch was infuriating and disappointing, and his disappearance was so very confusing.
The family was flabbergasting; their lack of concern for Fitch’s evaporation was disheartening.
And Paul…Paul, Paul, Paul- well, I guess you always need a nutty one in the bunch!
The conclusion was startling; yep I was completely blind-sighted. Which honestly I enjoyed the element of surprise, it kept me on the edge of my seat. This may have been my first Lanyon, but it definitely won’t be my last!
*4 artistically-mysterious stars*
November 6, 2014
Yeah, so I'm on a Lanyon binge. This one wasn't my favorite of even the ones i've read this week, but...even weaker Lanyon is better than most books that cross my path.
I was nervous about the twin thing, and a couple of times it verged into exasperating territory, but in the end, the most annoying bit was the names.
I was nervous about the twin thing, and a couple of times it verged into exasperating territory, but in the end, the most annoying bit was the names.
September 12, 2012
After three years in New York, Finn goes back to the island where he grew up to heal after a car accident. He meets Con, the lover who broke his heart, but where is Fitch, his twin, responsible for that heart breaking and his flight from home?
The story was great. Finn is an artist from an artistic family. He grew up sheltered on an island, where he also met and fall in love with an older and fascinating man. He has a sensitive soul, but he's also easily hurt. It's clear that he isn't over the end of his story with Con and both men need a sort of closure that Finn's hasty departure didn't allow. When Finn discovers that no one has seen his twin brother, Fitch, for three years, he begins to assume the worst. No one seems to have seen Fitch leave the island, no one seems to want to talk about him and investigate his disappearance.
I rarely doubt everyone in a mystery as I did in this book, and it was a great achievement in such a short story, but Fitch's disappearance was like a black hole that sucked all my attention into it. I felt so sorry for him and I didn't buy for one second that he was such a bad guy. Being the least talented of the two twins, he probably amped up the charm, but felt hollow inside. The relationship between the two brothers, of which we only saw a few sketches in Finn's recollections, wasn't spelled out, it was only suggested and still it left me with a feeling of regret for what we weren't seeing. I think Lanyon built such a great character in absentia and it unbalanced the story, for me it took away the charm from the romantic part of it and it made me detach from the main character. It was a powerful effect, but I ended up resenting even Finn. I like to think that some of Finn's guesses especially about the reason why Fitch went to the top of the tower were the right ones. I don't remember when I got so invested in a character who might have been a real jerk. Read it for yourself!
The story was great. Finn is an artist from an artistic family. He grew up sheltered on an island, where he also met and fall in love with an older and fascinating man. He has a sensitive soul, but he's also easily hurt. It's clear that he isn't over the end of his story with Con and both men need a sort of closure that Finn's hasty departure didn't allow. When Finn discovers that no one has seen his twin brother, Fitch, for three years, he begins to assume the worst. No one seems to have seen Fitch leave the island, no one seems to want to talk about him and investigate his disappearance.
I rarely doubt everyone in a mystery as I did in this book, and it was a great achievement in such a short story, but Fitch's disappearance was like a black hole that sucked all my attention into it. I felt so sorry for him and I didn't buy for one second that he was such a bad guy. Being the least talented of the two twins, he probably amped up the charm, but felt hollow inside. The relationship between the two brothers, of which we only saw a few sketches in Finn's recollections, wasn't spelled out, it was only suggested and still it left me with a feeling of regret for what we weren't seeing. I think Lanyon built such a great character in absentia and it unbalanced the story, for me it took away the charm from the romantic part of it and it made me detach from the main character. It was a powerful effect, but I ended up resenting even Finn. I like to think that some of Finn's guesses especially about the reason why Fitch went to the top of the tower were the right ones. I don't remember when I got so invested in a character who might have been a real jerk. Read it for yourself!
November 8, 2018
I didn't love this one. I don't even think I liked it.
Of course, the writing was great, the imagery was beautifully done, and I could almost see this island.
But I had some big issues. I'm marking the whole review for spoilers, but again, fair warning: spoilers.
1. No one seemed to give a shit that Fitch hadn't been seen or heard from in three years. Why? I get that he was supposed to be the "bad" twin(and WHY was he the bad twin?), but still, no one even wanted to look into things? As ambivalent as the family seemed to be, I really expected one of them to have been responsible, probably would have like the story better if it HAD been one of them. At least then all the "don't stir things up now" might have made some kind of sense, if one of them had been responsible.
2. There were a LOT of characters for such a short novella. Friends and family and housekeepers and drivers and family friends and old boyfriends. It was just hard to keep them all straight.
3. Did I miss something about the time period this was set in? Like, there were phones, and cell phones, and a computer was mentioned at least once. Even back in 2011 when this was published, the first thing a person would do to try to find someone would be to hit the internet. Google their name, look at facebook or other social media, hell, even try to call the number Fitch had at the time! But nothing like that ever happened here, so did I miss that this was set before the internet became a thing?
4. I just didn't like anyone. Sure, Finn was ok, but the way his family acted about Fitch, and what Con did three years ago, was just unforgivable, IMO. Maybe, if given more time, lots of grovelling and wooing, but not in the time we got. So, the romance fell flat totally flat.
5. The killer. It was a barely mentioned character, that got just a few minutes of page time, but apparently she was important enough to kill a 23 year old, hide his body, AND pack up all his things to make it look like he just left town. It felt like almost an afterthought, and as I said earlier in this review, it would have made more sense if it had been almost anyone else.
I feel terrible writing this review, because this author has always been so solid for me, but this one was just all kind of a miss. The only reason it got 3 stars (and didn't get DNFed) was because of how beautiful the prose itself was.
Of course, the writing was great, the imagery was beautifully done, and I could almost see this island.
But I had some big issues. I'm marking the whole review for spoilers, but again, fair warning: spoilers.
1. No one seemed to give a shit that Fitch hadn't been seen or heard from in three years. Why? I get that he was supposed to be the "bad" twin(and WHY was he the bad twin?), but still, no one even wanted to look into things? As ambivalent as the family seemed to be, I really expected one of them to have been responsible, probably would have like the story better if it HAD been one of them. At least then all the "don't stir things up now" might have made some kind of sense, if one of them had been responsible.
2. There were a LOT of characters for such a short novella. Friends and family and housekeepers and drivers and family friends and old boyfriends. It was just hard to keep them all straight.
3. Did I miss something about the time period this was set in? Like, there were phones, and cell phones, and a computer was mentioned at least once. Even back in 2011 when this was published, the first thing a person would do to try to find someone would be to hit the internet. Google their name, look at facebook or other social media, hell, even try to call the number Fitch had at the time! But nothing like that ever happened here, so did I miss that this was set before the internet became a thing?
4. I just didn't like anyone. Sure, Finn was ok, but the way his family acted about Fitch, and what Con did three years ago, was just unforgivable, IMO. Maybe, if given more time, lots of grovelling and wooing, but not in the time we got. So, the romance fell flat totally flat.
5. The killer. It was a barely mentioned character, that got just a few minutes of page time, but apparently she was important enough to kill a 23 year old, hide his body, AND pack up all his things to make it look like he just left town. It felt like almost an afterthought, and as I said earlier in this review, it would have made more sense if it had been almost anyone else.
I feel terrible writing this review, because this author has always been so solid for me, but this one was just all kind of a miss. The only reason it got 3 stars (and didn't get DNFed) was because of how beautiful the prose itself was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2017
AudibleChemistry, scenery, atmosphere were good. The story remains thrilling until the very end.
My problem N° 1 :
It is good when I don't know WHO DID IT after the first 3 pages, and when I have to rack my brains up to the very end. But a certain amount of logic could be nice. To find out WHO DID IT here was a big disappointment for me. Like REALLY? THIS PERSON had so many criminal energy?! And can I please get an explanation, WHY? I had a feeling, I was taken for a ride on a mystery part.
My problem N° 2 :
Okay, I got it: Fitsch is a BAD twin. He hurt Finn and as it looks like, he even didn't care about. But..he is still your brother, your only close family, your TWIN, FGS. I just couldn't understand that coldness that came from Finn when he thought/talked about his missing brother. "Oh, nobody has seen him since three years, he is for sure dead. Most likely murdered. Will you pass me the dip, please?"
My problem N° 3 :
Jason Clarke. He has a very monotone narrating style. Not my favorite narrator in this collection.
Read as a part of Male/Male Mystery and Suspense Box Set: 6 Novellas.
March 25, 2014
3 short stars
So I'm having a hard time rating this one.
I liked it, kinda, I don't know.
I feel like Finch got the shit end of the stick. Seriously.
I mean technically he had Con 1st right? And I get he was a prick. But he was someone's son, and brother and nephew.
And come on, to get killed for trying to piss off your brother, and, I dont know, it was just too much for me. But I guess murder is too much.
Also, I didnt feel the greatest connection btwn Finn and Con. I felt Finn, yes I did.
But then again I have to wonder, did I?
You find out your brother is murdered and 2 days later you are at a cozy B&B....
I dont know
that is all
Mare~Slitsread
So I'm having a hard time rating this one.
I liked it, kinda, I don't know.
I feel like Finch got the shit end of the stick. Seriously.
I mean technically he had Con 1st right? And I get he was a prick. But he was someone's son, and brother and nephew.
And come on, to get killed for trying to piss off your brother, and, I dont know, it was just too much for me. But I guess murder is too much.
Also, I didnt feel the greatest connection btwn Finn and Con. I felt Finn, yes I did.
But then again I have to wonder, did I?
You find out your brother is murdered and 2 days later you are at a cozy B&B....
I dont know
that is all
Mare~Slitsread
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2025
Lots of emotion, some of Lanyon's best writing in the first few pages, and a sos-so mystery. Not sure why this doesn't get a better rating from me - maybe because it would have been better as a two-parter, so that the Finn / Con dynamic would be stronger, and we'd get a better sense of what Fitc...
August 17, 2015
MORE. I always want more from Josh Lanyon. one book from this man is not enough for me, I want a series every damn time.
What that? Demanding readers are demanding...
I know, but self control is not a strong point. I fall for characters and just want MORE!
What that? Demanding readers are demanding...
I know, but self control is not a strong point. I fall for characters and just want MORE!
March 27, 2017
Sorry, Lanyon, but you took this one too far. You can't come back from that kind of cheating. The HEA is completely unbelievable for me.
May 15, 2017
Seal Island feels like a mystical place and I loved the slow pace of this story as a mystery slowly unfolds and lovers reconnect. The mystery is solved at the last minute and felt a bit too rushed. Otherwise, 3.5 stars!
July 6, 2018
Gosh, it's been a long time since I read Josh Lanyon and this book has been wallowing on my "own not read" shelf for three years. Why? I could kick myself, because now that I read it I realize I deprved my self of a great deal of pleasure for too long.
Josh Lanyon's mysteries are modern day Agatha Christie to me--always intriguing, always enjoyable, and always very difficult to solve. This was no exception
Finn returns home after three years to find that his twin, Fitch, disappeared the day before Finn left--the day Finn caught Fitch with Finn's lover having sex in the lighthouse. No one missed him. Why? Well, it turns out that Fitch rubbed people the wrong way and he marched to his own drummer so when he left, no one was worried. He'd be back. It isn't until Finn shows up and starts to question the events surrounding that horrible day that he realizes his twin may be gone for good.
A wonderful story, this one had an MC that I loved to hate or hated to love or both. Con was the man Finn caught with Fitch and it's Con who Finn leans on now to help him solve the mystery. It's a story of redemption and forgiveness as well as a nail-biting mystery adventure. Plus, it has a HEA. Win-win. Highly recommended.
Josh Lanyon's mysteries are modern day Agatha Christie to me--always intriguing, always enjoyable, and always very difficult to solve. This was no exception
Finn returns home after three years to find that his twin, Fitch, disappeared the day before Finn left--the day Finn caught Fitch with Finn's lover having sex in the lighthouse. No one missed him. Why? Well, it turns out that Fitch rubbed people the wrong way and he marched to his own drummer so when he left, no one was worried. He'd be back. It isn't until Finn shows up and starts to question the events surrounding that horrible day that he realizes his twin may be gone for good.
A wonderful story, this one had an MC that I loved to hate or hated to love or both. Con was the man Finn caught with Fitch and it's Con who Finn leans on now to help him solve the mystery. It's a story of redemption and forgiveness as well as a nail-biting mystery adventure. Plus, it has a HEA. Win-win. Highly recommended.
May 29, 2016
Novella de misterio muy bien llevada, descripciones evocadoras y pausadas que ayudan a meterte en la historia, me ha gustado bastante que aunque el relato lo mueve un gemelo en realidad es el ausente quien es el centro de todo y me ha recordado un montón a esas novelitas de Victoria Holt que leía cuando era pequeña!
March 5, 2017
This story was more angsty than I expect from this author but it was very well done. The most interesting part was getting to know Fitch through all the other character's eyes. I always say Josh Lanyon does this better than anyone else and here is another prime example.
November 27, 2011
This story read almost like an Impressionist painting to me: vivid and sensuous descriptions of nature and the human landscape in this remote corner of Maine taking an eerie and hazy quality, infusing the writing style with an atmospheric beauty, a poetic and almost magical feel that’s perfectly fitting to the main character’s journey into his own past and his quest into the mystery of his twin brother’s disappearance. A mystery which is introduced relatively late into the story but is no less important to solve: in fact, the mere detachment shown by some of the island residents from Finn’s genuine worry that his brother may have met an untimely death seems to strengthen his resolve to find the truth and get justice despite everything.
I loved the slower, more 'sedate' pace of the tale. It fitted with the overall sense of isolation and loneliness provided by the island setting. And the fact that the mystery was also built slowly, but still at a reasonable pace considering it naturally takes a little while for Finn to start worrying about his brother’s fate.
And I loved the fact that Josh kept me guessing as to who the murderer was.
I found myself very much invested in Finn’s quest and at the same time drawn by his fascinating and unique way of evoking the landscape and his mood as if he were about to paint them on canvas, made even more poignant and moving by the perception in the reader that the physical and psychological trauma following his car accident months before may have impaired his sense of sight and possibly made him even more sensitive and perceptive about his surroundings. This in turn provides a unique insight into his psyche and into the way he perceives the other characters and tries to make sense of what goes on around him.
I loved the slower, more 'sedate' pace of the tale. It fitted with the overall sense of isolation and loneliness provided by the island setting. And the fact that the mystery was also built slowly, but still at a reasonable pace considering it naturally takes a little while for Finn to start worrying about his brother’s fate.
And I loved the fact that Josh kept me guessing as to who the murderer was.
I found myself very much invested in Finn’s quest and at the same time drawn by his fascinating and unique way of evoking the landscape and his mood as if he were about to paint them on canvas, made even more poignant and moving by the perception in the reader that the physical and psychological trauma following his car accident months before may have impaired his sense of sight and possibly made him even more sensitive and perceptive about his surroundings. This in turn provides a unique insight into his psyche and into the way he perceives the other characters and tries to make sense of what goes on around him.
April 14, 2012
This is one of the most difficult stories I've ever had the pleasure of reading!! Difficult in the sense that it took every bit of my willpower NOT to rush to the end to see IF Fitch was indeed murdered; and if he was, by whom and why! I kept suspecting that Thomas knew where Fitch was and was keeping it a secret because Fitch didn't want to be found. I kept anticipating Fitch to show up to cause more drama between Paul, Con and Finn. But when the suitcases were found, my heart fell. Even though Fitch was a cruel bastard, I didn't want him to be killed ONLY because I knew how much it would hurt Finn. Finn never saw the cruel side of Fitch. Had no idea how jealous Fitch was of Finn.
Finn's family was so frustrating in that they really didn't care if Fitch was missing/murdered. They were more afraid of a scandal that the authorities and the village would find out about their gay love spat! I was just as flabbergasted as Finn was at their indifference.
Over all, This story was beautifully crafted and painstakingly told in order to keep the reader guessing until the very end. I thought for sure the murderer was Paul but what a surprise when it turned out to be __________!!!
Finn's family was so frustrating in that they really didn't care if Fitch was missing/murdered. They were more afraid of a scandal that the authorities and the village would find out about their gay love spat! I was just as flabbergasted as Finn was at their indifference.
Over all, This story was beautifully crafted and painstakingly told in order to keep the reader guessing until the very end. I thought for sure the murderer was Paul but what a surprise when it turned out to be __________!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2017
This is an intensely satisfying little book. There is a mystery involved, and it's a decent whodunit, but for me what sets Lovers and Other Strangers apart is it's finely crafted atmosphere. Unexpected details that set a scene - physically and emotionally - with remarkable clarity and brevity. Rich, multifaceted characters aren't just delivered to the reader, but are revealed in that painfully reluctant way real people do. Perhaps even better, it's written economically: what's there is necessary, and what's not necessary isn't there.
March 14, 2014
I had a lot of fun with this book. It held several of my favourite story components:
1. A good mystery - in true Lanyon fashion, not too transparent to make it boring, nor too outrageous to make a mockery out of the whole thing. To be fair, though, the mystery was actually secondary to the real focus of the story: Finn and Con's past, present, and future, and Finn and Fitch's relationship.
2. A harried artist as a protagonist. He could have been older (that's how I like 'em), but other than that he was pretty damn perfect. Harried artists are among my favourite species of main characters. They suffer so beautifully.
3. Generally interesting characters. I didn't get to know Con too well, unfortunately, which is maybe the one major drawback in this story. But what I did see of Finn and Con at that time (not the three years earlier versions) I liked. Finn didn't give in without making Con work for it, but Con didn't give up easily. That's nice.
Fitch was maybe the most fascinating character in this story, even if he didn't get any actual on-page time. He was clearly ambivalent, seemed to have two faces, and at the end I'm still not sure whether to believe Finn's idea of him (whom he was obviously closest to) or that of the many other people who put their two cents in.
I've read Lanyons before that packed me by the neck and shook me up emotionally, because of their plots, their characters, but also because of the beauty found in their prose. This wasn't one of those, but it was still a great book, one I'll remember, and one I might want to reread at least partially at some point.
1. A good mystery - in true Lanyon fashion, not too transparent to make it boring, nor too outrageous to make a mockery out of the whole thing. To be fair, though, the mystery was actually secondary to the real focus of the story: Finn and Con's past, present, and future, and Finn and Fitch's relationship.
2. A harried artist as a protagonist. He could have been older (that's how I like 'em), but other than that he was pretty damn perfect. Harried artists are among my favourite species of main characters. They suffer so beautifully.
3. Generally interesting characters. I didn't get to know Con too well, unfortunately, which is maybe the one major drawback in this story. But what I did see of Finn and Con at that time (not the three years earlier versions) I liked. Finn didn't give in without making Con work for it, but Con didn't give up easily. That's nice.
Fitch was maybe the most fascinating character in this story, even if he didn't get any actual on-page time. He was clearly ambivalent, seemed to have two faces, and at the end I'm still not sure whether to believe Finn's idea of him (whom he was obviously closest to) or that of the many other people who put their two cents in.
I've read Lanyons before that packed me by the neck and shook me up emotionally, because of their plots, their characters, but also because of the beauty found in their prose. This wasn't one of those, but it was still a great book, one I'll remember, and one I might want to reread at least partially at some point.
March 1, 2019
*2011 review*
Weak points:
1.) The behavior/attitude of Finn's family toward his missing twin occasionally strained my suspension of disbelief power to its limit.
2.) The ending. The solution completely lacked the inevitable feel one hopes for. It wouldn't surprise me to find that Lanyon got to the last chapter and just rolled the dice to decide which character would be the villain. Additionally the solution really didn't seem to live up to the atmosphere Lanyon sustained throughout most of the book.
That said, I liked it quite a bit. The atmosphere, as I mentioned, is quite good, and though I guess one wouldn't technically call Finn an unreliable narrator since the story is told in a close third, rather than first person, Lanyon does an excellent job of suggesting Finn's own memories and perceptions might not be entirely trustworthy without putting him into conflict with the reader. I think Lanyon very effectively shifts suspicion around over the course of the story. I don't typically attempt to "beat the detective" but my own suspicions were bouncing around right up to the end. Around the 55-60% mark I was rolling my eyes thinking don't but in hindsight I'm not entirely sure I would not have preferred that solution. Sex was minimal. Mystery aspect was more prominent than the potential relationship aspects. 3.5-4 stars.
Weak points:
1.) The behavior/attitude of Finn's family toward his missing twin occasionally strained my suspension of disbelief power to its limit.
2.) The ending. The solution completely lacked the inevitable feel one hopes for. It wouldn't surprise me to find that Lanyon got to the last chapter and just rolled the dice to decide which character would be the villain. Additionally the solution really didn't seem to live up to the atmosphere Lanyon sustained throughout most of the book.
That said, I liked it quite a bit. The atmosphere, as I mentioned, is quite good, and though I guess one wouldn't technically call Finn an unreliable narrator since the story is told in a close third, rather than first person, Lanyon does an excellent job of suggesting Finn's own memories and perceptions might not be entirely trustworthy without putting him into conflict with the reader. I think Lanyon very effectively shifts suspicion around over the course of the story. I don't typically attempt to "beat the detective" but my own suspicions were bouncing around right up to the end. Around the 55-60% mark I was rolling my eyes thinking don't but in hindsight I'm not entirely sure I would not have preferred that solution. Sex was minimal. Mystery aspect was more prominent than the potential relationship aspects. 3.5-4 stars.
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