What do you think?
Rate this book
The Adrien English Mysteries #2
A Dangerous Thing
A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing
Bookseller Adrien English arrives at Pine Shadow Ranch to find a corpse in his driveway. By the time the local sheriffs arrive, the body has disappeared.
What happened to the dead man? Who are the mysterious strangers excavating on Adrien's remote property? And will he ever sort out his problems with LAPD Homicide Detective Jake Riordan?
Bookseller Adrien English arrives at Pine Shadow Ranch to find a corpse in his driveway. By the time the local sheriffs arrive, the body has disappeared.
What happened to the dead man? Who are the mysterious strangers excavating on Adrien's remote property? And will he ever sort out his problems with LAPD Homicide Detective Jake Riordan?
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
114 people are currently reading
1427 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
223 books5,416 followersAuthor of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 710 reviews
November 10, 2024
I have to say that I enjoyed this much more than book 1. I loved that Adrien and Jake spent so much time together. That part of the story was wonderful. The mystery plot was good but, to be honest, that's not where my focus was.
The audiobook is fantastic.
*********
Re-read 7/2021: Really enjoyed it all over again.
Re-read 2/2023
The audiobook is fantastic.
*********
Re-read 7/2021: Really enjoyed it all over again.
Re-read 2/2023
March 11, 2023
GAAAAHH 😍😍 Reread - March 2023
“I like kissing you.”
*****************************************
Reread/listen - July 2021
Audiobook - 5 +++++++ Stars. That "Baby" gets me everytime.
Chris Patton deserves a medal.
“Baby, that little sound you made ...”
Story - Bumping up to full 5++++++ stars
GAAHH!! I guess I appreciated this one more the 4th time and I can't wait to appreciate even more when I reread it for the 5th time. 🤩🤩😎
Adrien and Jake are incredible characters. Josh's characterization wins. She excels at this.
I love Adrien so much, baby is such an amazing character. He is funny, sacarstic, kind and the best amatuer sleath I know. Oh and he is the owner of a bookstore. What's not to love?
Jake - Hmmm! The more I reread this series, the more Jake is growing on me. I can't believe it, but I love this mother chucker. What a beatiful flawed, conflicted, caring character.
By the time I was bathed and groomed and feeling like my normal mild-mannered self, Jake had breakfast on the table. I don’t know if this was a peace-offering or he simply didn’t trust my cooking after the night before.
The mystery was very interisting and entertaining.
I found this one so romantic. There were moments between Jake and Adrien that had me smiling and squeeeing. GAAAAHH!!
Overall, I had so much fun.
Thanks to my un official buddy readers for cntributing to the fun moments.
*******************************************
April 2019
3rd buddy reread
4.5 stars
******************************************
All the Stars for the Audiobook.. This was even better the 2nd time.
“I like kissing you.”
*****************************************
Reread/listen - July 2021
Audiobook - 5 +++++++ Stars. That "Baby" gets me everytime.
Chris Patton deserves a medal.
“Baby, that little sound you made ...”
Story - Bumping up to full 5++++++ stars
GAAHH!! I guess I appreciated this one more the 4th time and I can't wait to appreciate even more when I reread it for the 5th time. 🤩🤩😎
Adrien and Jake are incredible characters. Josh's characterization wins. She excels at this.
I love Adrien so much, baby is such an amazing character. He is funny, sacarstic, kind and the best amatuer sleath I know. Oh and he is the owner of a bookstore. What's not to love?
Jake - Hmmm! The more I reread this series, the more Jake is growing on me. I can't believe it, but I love this mother chucker. What a beatiful flawed, conflicted, caring character.
By the time I was bathed and groomed and feeling like my normal mild-mannered self, Jake had breakfast on the table. I don’t know if this was a peace-offering or he simply didn’t trust my cooking after the night before.
The mystery was very interisting and entertaining.
I found this one so romantic. There were moments between Jake and Adrien that had me smiling and squeeeing. GAAAAHH!!
Overall, I had so much fun.
Thanks to my un official buddy readers for cntributing to the fun moments.
*******************************************
April 2019
3rd buddy reread
4.5 stars
******************************************
All the Stars for the Audiobook.. This was even better the 2nd time.
September 21, 2023
Re-read again...
So after my last re-read, I decided to finally review these awesome books and adjust my rating ;)
Let me start by saying this these books can not be read as stand-alones. It's a series and you have to start with book 1. Even I started with book 1 and everyone knows I love to so shit ass-backwards :P
So those of you who have read book 1 already know who Adrien and Jake are, so I am not gonna go into that again. Those of you who haven't read book 1, I would seriously recommend that you do ;)
Adrien is suffering from a writer's block, which leads him to retreat to his ranch in California, which he inherited from his grandmother. He needs some time away to clear his head...time away from his life and from Jake. He doesn't even tell Jake is going.
Jake is really confusing Adrien and Adrien doesn't know where he stands with the frustrating detective.
He didn't expect to stumble on a dead body upon arrival though. It was quite a surprise for him and for me...
Of course, this being Adrien, things are never easy and the dead body goes missing, so the sheriff won't believe him. Adrien, being the amateur sleuth that he decides to do some snooping around for himself which leads to him being knocked unconscious and send to the hospital.
Waking up in the hospital, he finds Jake there. The sheriff contacted him when they found his card in Adrien's wallet. Jake decides to stay for a while and prevent Adrien from getting into any more trouble on his own. Bit by bit they get closer and yes there is some steam in this one... But to say it was very romantic... that's a big NO.
Jake...he is quite the mess. He is so deep in the closet, that one of his closest friends is "Aslan". He is determined that he isn't gay...he doesn't want to be gay.
What also became pretty clear in this book, is that Jake is not only spending sexy time with Adrien.... This wasn't the first time Jake pissed me off, and since I have already read every single book in this series, I can also say it wasn't the last.
To be honest....at this point Adrien knows what he is getting into. He knows that his dreams don't match Jake's. He still can't help himself from falling though... no matter how hard he tries to protect his already fragile heart...
"I could fee his heart banging away...It was the most beautiful sound in the world, and I closed my eyes as I listened and thought, I love you...There wasn't any future in it...The things I wanted from life -- and Jake -- weren't things he could give. But somehow at that moment it just didn't matter."
The mystery in this one was very nicely done as well... I really enjoyed it. Now I already know what's in store for the next book, since I have read them all....but for those of you who are getting ready for book 3...buckle up :P
So after my last re-read, I decided to finally review these awesome books and adjust my rating ;)
Let me start by saying this these books can not be read as stand-alones. It's a series and you have to start with book 1. Even I started with book 1 and everyone knows I love to so shit ass-backwards :P
So those of you who have read book 1 already know who Adrien and Jake are, so I am not gonna go into that again. Those of you who haven't read book 1, I would seriously recommend that you do ;)
Adrien is suffering from a writer's block, which leads him to retreat to his ranch in California, which he inherited from his grandmother. He needs some time away to clear his head...time away from his life and from Jake. He doesn't even tell Jake is going.
Jake is really confusing Adrien and Adrien doesn't know where he stands with the frustrating detective.
He didn't expect to stumble on a dead body upon arrival though. It was quite a surprise for him and for me...
Of course, this being Adrien, things are never easy and the dead body goes missing, so the sheriff won't believe him. Adrien, being the amateur sleuth that he decides to do some snooping around for himself which leads to him being knocked unconscious and send to the hospital.
Waking up in the hospital, he finds Jake there. The sheriff contacted him when they found his card in Adrien's wallet. Jake decides to stay for a while and prevent Adrien from getting into any more trouble on his own. Bit by bit they get closer and yes there is some steam in this one... But to say it was very romantic... that's a big NO.
Jake...he is quite the mess. He is so deep in the closet, that one of his closest friends is "Aslan". He is determined that he isn't gay...he doesn't want to be gay.
What also became pretty clear in this book, is that Jake is not only spending sexy time with Adrien.... This wasn't the first time Jake pissed me off, and since I have already read every single book in this series, I can also say it wasn't the last.
To be honest....at this point Adrien knows what he is getting into. He knows that his dreams don't match Jake's. He still can't help himself from falling though... no matter how hard he tries to protect his already fragile heart...
"I could fee his heart banging away...It was the most beautiful sound in the world, and I closed my eyes as I listened and thought, I love you...There wasn't any future in it...The things I wanted from life -- and Jake -- weren't things he could give. But somehow at that moment it just didn't matter."
The mystery in this one was very nicely done as well... I really enjoyed it. Now I already know what's in store for the next book, since I have read them all....but for those of you who are getting ready for book 3...buckle up :P
September 20, 2020
This was like I imagine a Hardy Boys book was like. They were a gay couple, right? With one of them firmly in the closet and the other out? I'm guessing that's why they always found reason to "hunt for clues" in abandoned places.
Uh huh. Oh, you don't know how it happened? Sure.
There is a creepy old house out in the middle of nowhere, dead bodies showing up, a possible drug business, an ancient curse, and even an old abandoned mine.
Abandoned mines are useful for many nefarious activities.
Of course the local police are once again suspicious of Adrien. He's like the old lady on Murder She Wrote. How very convenient they always happen to be where the dead bodies keep showing up.
Better cops than these have tried to get him. You'll never take him down!
So, Jake Riordan, cop and complete dickhead who is in no way good enough for Adrien, has to come to his rescue. And, herein lies the romance that I hate. This guy, Jake, is gay but hates it. He says horrible things and I hate that Adrien has a crush on him. Unfortunately, it seems like this guy will be around for a while and eventually 'saved' by Adrien's love or whatever. Blech!
Uh huh. Oh, you don't know how it happened? Sure.
There is a creepy old house out in the middle of nowhere, dead bodies showing up, a possible drug business, an ancient curse, and even an old abandoned mine.
Abandoned mines are useful for many nefarious activities.
Of course the local police are once again suspicious of Adrien. He's like the old lady on Murder She Wrote. How very convenient they always happen to be where the dead bodies keep showing up.
Better cops than these have tried to get him. You'll never take him down!
So, Jake Riordan, cop and complete dickhead who is in no way good enough for Adrien, has to come to his rescue. And, herein lies the romance that I hate. This guy, Jake, is gay but hates it. He says horrible things and I hate that Adrien has a crush on him. Unfortunately, it seems like this guy will be around for a while and eventually 'saved' by Adrien's love or whatever. Blech!
October 10, 2014
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
There is potential between Adrien and Jake, although Jake can'tread see it yet.
Adrien English needs to make some changes since he is not in the best of moods. One of the reasons is his detective "friend" Jake Riordan. Jake is tough, smart, very handsome but also deeply closeted. Another reason for his sourly mood is his writer's block. Therefore Adrien decides to go out of town for a little vacation. Our wannabe criminologist is heading off for his property outside of Sonora near a little town called Basking. But when Adrien arrives at Pine Shadow Ranch he discovers a dead body in the dusty road. He does a 180 and calls the cops. However, when the law enforcement officials arrive the body has been vanished into thin air.
Funny thing is, Adrien's handyman who had to look after his property is gone too. Shortly after Adrien makes the acquaintance of an archaeological team that has been allegedly granted permission to dig on his property. Dear ole Adrien is stunned but at the same time he is very determined to find out what's going on on his premises.
Our hero is starting to look for hints what could have happened and ends up in hospital sustaining a severe concussion. Since the cops found Jake's business card in Adrien's wallet, they contact him and Jake comes running ASAP.
Well, it can be very reassuring to have a homicide detective as backup...
A Dangerous Thing is a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish! Come to think of it I kinda regret it that I did not read this series out of order. As a matter of fact, this book is much better than Fatal Shadows and I believe I could have skipped it and wouldn't have felt lost at all.
One of Lanyon's strengths is his riveting narrative as well as his witty dialogue. He does a mighty fine job at subtle wordplay and I love his sense of humor. As always, the author will draw you into the story from the get-go. The plot is complex and intriguing and the murder mystery is well thought out. Also, Lanyon threw in a nice dose of "creepiness"…caves, NA rituals, eery chanting, anyone?
Granted, the AE series is not packed with sex scenes, however what was there in A Dangerous Thing was well-placed and well-written.
Although I really like Adrien my main focus will always be on Jake. One of my GR friends told me: A different atmosphere in each book, Adrien's verve and Jake's hotness : bliss!
Agreed but Adrien's verve can be a little bit exasperating now and then when he is getting his cocky self into some delicate situations. With that said, it would be quite favorable to listen closely what Jake has to tell him--he is the pro after all.
In the light of Jake still having to embrace, accept, and actually enjoy his being gay, I'm very curious to see how Adrien and Jake's future "relationship" will pan out. They have a long way to go yet and everything between these two men is tentative and noncommittal at this point in time. Still, I'm looking forward to reading the other three books in this series.
There is potential between Adrien and Jake, although Jake can't
Adrien English needs to make some changes since he is not in the best of moods. One of the reasons is his detective "friend" Jake Riordan. Jake is tough, smart, very handsome but also deeply closeted. Another reason for his sourly mood is his writer's block. Therefore Adrien decides to go out of town for a little vacation. Our wannabe criminologist is heading off for his property outside of Sonora near a little town called Basking. But when Adrien arrives at Pine Shadow Ranch he discovers a dead body in the dusty road. He does a 180 and calls the cops. However, when the law enforcement officials arrive the body has been vanished into thin air.
"Sir, I don't have the author-I-zation to waste anymore time on this bugaboo. There's nothing here."
So sayeth The Law.
Funny thing is, Adrien's handyman who had to look after his property is gone too. Shortly after Adrien makes the acquaintance of an archaeological team that has been allegedly granted permission to dig on his property. Dear ole Adrien is stunned but at the same time he is very determined to find out what's going on on his premises.
Our hero is starting to look for hints what could have happened and ends up in hospital sustaining a severe concussion. Since the cops found Jake's business card in Adrien's wallet, they contact him and Jake comes running ASAP.
"Why did you hang up like that on Saturday?"
(…)
"I got the impression you didn't…take me seriously."
A couple of beats counted out by the heart monitor. Jake wore an odd expression.
"I take you seriously."
Were we talking bodies in the road or in the bed?
Well, it can be very reassuring to have a homicide detective as backup...
A Dangerous Thing is a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish! Come to think of it I kinda regret it that I did not read this series out of order. As a matter of fact, this book is much better than Fatal Shadows and I believe I could have skipped it and wouldn't have felt lost at all.
One of Lanyon's strengths is his riveting narrative as well as his witty dialogue. He does a mighty fine job at subtle wordplay and I love his sense of humor. As always, the author will draw you into the story from the get-go. The plot is complex and intriguing and the murder mystery is well thought out. Also, Lanyon threw in a nice dose of "creepiness"…caves, NA rituals, eery chanting, anyone?
Granted, the AE series is not packed with sex scenes, however what was there in A Dangerous Thing was well-placed and well-written.
His mouth touched mine and it went through my mind that it was his first man-to-man kiss. I seemed to experience that kiss through Jake's virgin senses: the queerness of a man's hard jaw, a man's bare lips, the texture of a man's smooth shaven cheek, so different from a woman's soft skin. The taste of a man's mouth.
It was a tentative kiss, a first kiss. Surprisingly soft, surprisingly sweet.
The second kiss was not tentative, and I did not experience it through Jake's senses because my own were swimming.
Deep and slow, searching…His hand cradled the back of my head, drawing me closer, tasting me. I tasted him back. We breathed in gentle unison, filling each other's lungs with our quiet exhalations.
Coming up for air, I said, "Man!"
He brushed his knuckles against my cheek. "How long have you been up?"
"Now there's a leading question."
His mouth twitched, but he corrected, "Awake."
Although I really like Adrien my main focus will always be on Jake. One of my GR friends told me: A different atmosphere in each book, Adrien's verve and Jake's hotness : bliss!
Agreed but Adrien's verve can be a little bit exasperating now and then when he is getting his cocky self into some delicate situations. With that said, it would be quite favorable to listen closely what Jake has to tell him--he is the pro after all.
"Please don't use the word intuition to me or I will slug you. Aren't you the guy who told me one of the golden rules of mystery fiction is that detectives may not solve the crime by use of intuition and/or acts of God?"
Jeez, who knew he was listening that closely? "That's in books, Jake," I protested. "Aren't you the guy who told me a cop's gut instinct is one of his best tools?"
"You're not a cop, baby. You're a bookseller. You don't have a gut instinct. You have a knack for nearly getting yourself killed."
I batted my lashes. "I didn't know you cared."
His eyes held mine briefly. "The hell you didn't."
In the light of Jake still having to embrace, accept, and actually enjoy his being gay, I'm very curious to see how Adrien and Jake's future "relationship" will pan out. They have a long way to go yet and everything between these two men is tentative and noncommittal at this point in time. Still, I'm looking forward to reading the other three books in this series.
November 15, 2019
Update Nov 15, 2019: Read #2
It's such a crazy voodoo these guys have, and it's working its magic on me just as strongly this time as it did the first. While I'm reading their story, I am driven to distraction in my real life, just wanting to get back to them.
Having said that, this is my least favorite mystery in the series, and I had no more patience with it this time. But it's a small price to pay in order to experience the evolution of one of my favorite fictional couples of all-time.
——————————
4 stars for this volume, 5 stars for the series as a whole. I couldn't have cared less about the mystery in this one, but Adrien and Jake's relationship is so much everything. I can't even talk with you about it until I deal with it extensively in therapy. Book 3, here I come.
Non-spoiler review of The Adrien English Mysteries series:
A Tale of Two Genres. And also a cautionary tale about not throwing the baby out with the bathwater, from a reading perspective.
Have I already exhausted my cliché limit for this review? It’s going to get worse, because original thought isn’t my niche after I’ve just found a couple for my favorite couples of all time list.
They say Josh Lanyon is a mystery writer, but you aren’t going to be able to prove that by me. This woman is a relationship writer, and not just that — she’s among the BEST of those.
I’m not much of a mystery reader. But I’ve read my share, and when they work, they really work. The mysteries in the first 3 of these books were just in my fucking way. I was not engaged in them, and if I hadn’t been immediately captivated by the relationship between Adrien and Jake, I might have been tempted to set the whole series aside. Baby, meet bathwater.
However. Captivated is an understatement. Lanyon’s ability to create interpersonal tension — in every way except the predictable — is writing master class. I could c/p dozens of lines here to prove my point, but spoilers aren’t my style. Trust me or don’t. Or trust the bazillions of other people who’ve read this series in the last almost-20 years. ;)
Flawed, nuanced characters that you’ll need your 3D glasses for. JL made me experience the entire damn spectrum of emotion, and often using only a handful of words to do so.
I really don’t know what else to say, because if this isn’t already speaking your language, I can’t help. If we're friends, expect to be hearing things about this series for a long time. Both 1) while I try in vain to overcome the hangover that I'll have for at least a week, and 2) when I dive in for the scores of rereads that will happen in my lifetime.
Lastly, shout-out to my AMAZING buddy read partners. This was an incredible experience, full of spirited discussion, and fortunately it's showing no signs of stopping. Elena, Linda, Rosa, Shile, Teal, and Xia
It's such a crazy voodoo these guys have, and it's working its magic on me just as strongly this time as it did the first. While I'm reading their story, I am driven to distraction in my real life, just wanting to get back to them.
Having said that, this is my least favorite mystery in the series, and I had no more patience with it this time. But it's a small price to pay in order to experience the evolution of one of my favorite fictional couples of all-time.
——————————
4 stars for this volume, 5 stars for the series as a whole. I couldn't have cared less about the mystery in this one, but Adrien and Jake's relationship is so much everything. I can't even talk with you about it until I deal with it extensively in therapy. Book 3, here I come.
Non-spoiler review of The Adrien English Mysteries series:
A Tale of Two Genres. And also a cautionary tale about not throwing the baby out with the bathwater, from a reading perspective.
Have I already exhausted my cliché limit for this review? It’s going to get worse, because original thought isn’t my niche after I’ve just found a couple for my favorite couples of all time list.
They say Josh Lanyon is a mystery writer, but you aren’t going to be able to prove that by me. This woman is a relationship writer, and not just that — she’s among the BEST of those.
I’m not much of a mystery reader. But I’ve read my share, and when they work, they really work. The mysteries in the first 3 of these books were just in my fucking way. I was not engaged in them, and if I hadn’t been immediately captivated by the relationship between Adrien and Jake, I might have been tempted to set the whole series aside. Baby, meet bathwater.
However. Captivated is an understatement. Lanyon’s ability to create interpersonal tension — in every way except the predictable — is writing master class. I could c/p dozens of lines here to prove my point, but spoilers aren’t my style. Trust me or don’t. Or trust the bazillions of other people who’ve read this series in the last almost-20 years. ;)
Flawed, nuanced characters that you’ll need your 3D glasses for. JL made me experience the entire damn spectrum of emotion, and often using only a handful of words to do so.
I really don’t know what else to say, because if this isn’t already speaking your language, I can’t help. If we're friends, expect to be hearing things about this series for a long time. Both 1) while I try in vain to overcome the hangover that I'll have for at least a week, and 2) when I dive in for the scores of rereads that will happen in my lifetime.
Lastly, shout-out to my AMAZING buddy read partners. This was an incredible experience, full of spirited discussion, and fortunately it's showing no signs of stopping. Elena, Linda, Rosa, Shile, Teal, and Xia
June 6, 2023
*slight spoilers for the romance development*
Adrien was trying to find some space, work in his book and enjoy the countryside. Instead, he found a dead body, a missing employee and a long list of suspicious activities going on in his land. Now he’s stuck there, trying to figure out what is happening without getting killed in the process. So much for a relaxing getaway.
I don’t like history. I always try but my brain decides to disconnect when they start with the ‘decades ago…’ Maybe that’s why I wasn’t as invested in the mystery as I was in book one; but the action was good enough to make up for it. It felt like every breath Adrien took could be his last and everything I could do, besides wondering about his lack of self-preservation genes, was keep reading. There was a lot more romance than in book one, but for some reason it was a bit bittersweet. I love Adrien’s humor and Jake always gets the best out of him. How good they are together it’s exactly why reading it was killing me: because they are not really together.
It’s frustrating how Jake is the same person who treats Adrien like he’s most precious thing in the world, like he’s so in love with him he can’t stand not worshiping him, not being there for him every time Adrien needs him, and then goes back to his girlfriend like Adrien is nothing but a one-night stand. I can only admire how Adrien was able to handle the situation; I would be crying my heart out.
“I’ve nothing to offer you, Adrien.”
“I don’t recall asking. () Hell, you came after me, Jake. Every step of the way.”
I’m extremely pissed at myself for not being able to hate Jake despite everything, how I melt like a loser every time he shows he cares-the bar is in hell. Maybe it’s the way he’s always ready to protect Adrien from everything-we know Adrien needs the help. Maybe it’s the fact that Adrien knew exactly what he was getting into, that he wasn’t a blind naive boy when he accepted the conditions. Sometimes I see myself wanting Adrien to be with other men too, to see if Jake wakes up, to balance things out a bit. I want them to be together, if only because Adrien seems to have his common sense button damaged, but I want Jake to work for it. Because, right now? Jake is a bomb ticking and Adrien should send him packing.
Overall, I may love Adrien enough not to care if the love of his life is a very sexy asshole, hope Jake redeems himself and I’m definitely too addicted to this to stop reading.
He sighed, a regretful sound like blowing into a beer bottle. “You’re probably the best looking guy I ever knew.”
“No seriously. You are. Your eyes and everything. Not my type, but beautiful.”
“What is your type?”
“A girl.”
“Bullshit.”
I just can’t understand how Adrien stands it 😭😭
↬The Adrien English Mysteries
1. Fatal Shadows: 4.5 stars
2. A Dangerous Thing: 4 stars
3. The Hell You Say: 3.75 stars
4. Death of a Pirate King: 4.5 stars
5. The Dark Tide: 5 stars
6. So This Is Christmas: 5 stars
Adrien was trying to find some space, work in his book and enjoy the countryside. Instead, he found a dead body, a missing employee and a long list of suspicious activities going on in his land. Now he’s stuck there, trying to figure out what is happening without getting killed in the process. So much for a relaxing getaway.
I don’t like history. I always try but my brain decides to disconnect when they start with the ‘decades ago…’ Maybe that’s why I wasn’t as invested in the mystery as I was in book one; but the action was good enough to make up for it. It felt like every breath Adrien took could be his last and everything I could do, besides wondering about his lack of self-preservation genes, was keep reading. There was a lot more romance than in book one, but for some reason it was a bit bittersweet. I love Adrien’s humor and Jake always gets the best out of him. How good they are together it’s exactly why reading it was killing me: because they are not really together.
It’s frustrating how Jake is the same person who treats Adrien like he’s most precious thing in the world, like he’s so in love with him he can’t stand not worshiping him, not being there for him every time Adrien needs him, and then goes back to his girlfriend like Adrien is nothing but a one-night stand. I can only admire how Adrien was able to handle the situation; I would be crying my heart out.
“I’ve nothing to offer you, Adrien.”
“I don’t recall asking. () Hell, you came after me, Jake. Every step of the way.”
I’m extremely pissed at myself for not being able to hate Jake despite everything, how I melt like a loser every time he shows he cares-the bar is in hell. Maybe it’s the way he’s always ready to protect Adrien from everything-we know Adrien needs the help. Maybe it’s the fact that Adrien knew exactly what he was getting into, that he wasn’t a blind naive boy when he accepted the conditions. Sometimes I see myself wanting Adrien to be with other men too, to see if Jake wakes up, to balance things out a bit. I want them to be together, if only because Adrien seems to have his common sense button damaged, but I want Jake to work for it. Because, right now? Jake is a bomb ticking and Adrien should send him packing.
Overall, I may love Adrien enough not to care if the love of his life is a very sexy asshole, hope Jake redeems himself and I’m definitely too addicted to this to stop reading.
He sighed, a regretful sound like blowing into a beer bottle. “You’re probably the best looking guy I ever knew.”
“No seriously. You are. Your eyes and everything. Not my type, but beautiful.”
“What is your type?”
“A girl.”
“Bullshit.”
I just can’t understand how Adrien stands it 😭😭
↬The Adrien English Mysteries
1. Fatal Shadows: 4.5 stars
2. A Dangerous Thing: 4 stars
3. The Hell You Say: 3.75 stars
4. Death of a Pirate King: 4.5 stars
5. The Dark Tide: 5 stars
6. So This Is Christmas: 5 stars
July 28, 2015
2015 Comfort re-read #3. I'm not embarrassed. Oh, and it's funny how 'normal' those scenes are, and yet they make me hold my breath and make my heart swell where many fuss & frills filled scenes in other books leave me cold. :')
2013I'm head over heels.
Okay, that should actually be Team Jake & Team Adrien.:)
2013I'm head over heels.
Okay, that should actually be Team Jake & Team Adrien.:)
October 4, 2021
audio 5 Stars
Story 3.5 Stars
Story 3.5 Stars
September 22, 2016
“Meanwhile, back at the ranch ...”
A Dangerous Thing indeed.
After his almost death in book 1, Adrien decides to take a time out of his complicated 'friendship' with deeply closeted homicide detective Jake Riordan. He packs his stuff and travels to his late grandmother's ranch in northern California which he inherited some 20 years ago and never returned to ever since.
The moment he reaches the driveway of his estate, he stumbles over a dead body in the dark of night. When he returns with the local cops to report his find, the body is gone and nobody believes Adrien there actually was a body in the first place.
Things start getting weirder when the caretaker of the estate vanishes and Adrien makes a spectacular but disturbing discovery on his land, not to mention running into a couple of uninvited visitors who make his life even more complicated.
When things really turn dangerous for poor Adrien, he once again finds himself saved by his brooding cop friend Jake who seems to be determined to protect Adrien even if he isn't willing to admit his feelings for the younger man.
While working through their more than complicated friendship, Adrien learns about a strange conspiracy involving a secret Indian society, a hot young college student vying for Adrien's attention and a group of questionable academics with equally questionable motives camping on his land.
And surely it's not a werewolf that is causing the eerie howling in the dark of night?
What a beautiful story in the tradition of classic mystery writers like AC Doyle.
The plot was interesting, eerie and most importantly - it made sense.
But the real experience was watching sexy, troubled Adrien interact with the father of all of Lanyon's hot cop characters: Jake Riordan.
And boy am I a sucker for these types... Jake is not only the quiet, cynical cop who doesn't believe in love and PDAs, he's also deeply repressed and doesn't accept his own homosexuality.
While keeping Adrien at arm's length for most of the novel, the time when Jake does allow Adrien to get close to him is the sexiest Lanyon gets. I absolutely adored Jake and I wonder if his questionable past will ever get resolved or at least mentioned. I had some troubles getting into Jake's character at the beginning, knowing what became evident in book 1 about him.
Still, he's the poster boy of my favorite type of romance MC and I have to know where the following books will take Jake and Adrien.
I also loved Adrien's pop culture related comments throughout the book. He's a pretty smart guy, although he's probably not the best 'sleuth' there ever was. But thank God he's got Jake for the more rational lines of thought.
Absolutely awesome!
5 stars and on my list of favorites ;-)
A Dangerous Thing indeed.
After his almost death in book 1, Adrien decides to take a time out of his complicated 'friendship' with deeply closeted homicide detective Jake Riordan. He packs his stuff and travels to his late grandmother's ranch in northern California which he inherited some 20 years ago and never returned to ever since.
The moment he reaches the driveway of his estate, he stumbles over a dead body in the dark of night. When he returns with the local cops to report his find, the body is gone and nobody believes Adrien there actually was a body in the first place.
Things start getting weirder when the caretaker of the estate vanishes and Adrien makes a spectacular but disturbing discovery on his land, not to mention running into a couple of uninvited visitors who make his life even more complicated.
When things really turn dangerous for poor Adrien, he once again finds himself saved by his brooding cop friend Jake who seems to be determined to protect Adrien even if he isn't willing to admit his feelings for the younger man.
While working through their more than complicated friendship, Adrien learns about a strange conspiracy involving a secret Indian society, a hot young college student vying for Adrien's attention and a group of questionable academics with equally questionable motives camping on his land.
And surely it's not a werewolf that is causing the eerie howling in the dark of night?
What a beautiful story in the tradition of classic mystery writers like AC Doyle.
The plot was interesting, eerie and most importantly - it made sense.
But the real experience was watching sexy, troubled Adrien interact with the father of all of Lanyon's hot cop characters: Jake Riordan.
And boy am I a sucker for these types... Jake is not only the quiet, cynical cop who doesn't believe in love and PDAs, he's also deeply repressed and doesn't accept his own homosexuality.
While keeping Adrien at arm's length for most of the novel, the time when Jake does allow Adrien to get close to him is the sexiest Lanyon gets. I absolutely adored Jake and I wonder if his questionable past will ever get resolved or at least mentioned. I had some troubles getting into Jake's character at the beginning, knowing what became evident in book 1 about him.
Still, he's the poster boy of my favorite type of romance MC and I have to know where the following books will take Jake and Adrien.
I also loved Adrien's pop culture related comments throughout the book. He's a pretty smart guy, although he's probably not the best 'sleuth' there ever was. But thank God he's got Jake for the more rational lines of thought.
Absolutely awesome!
5 stars and on my list of favorites ;-)
August 3, 2021
Adrien... My darling boy, like a very famous Latin song says: "Vete, olvida mi nombre, mi cara, mi casa. Y pega la vuelta"... Just do that, tell Jake to go FUCK HIMSELF I CAN'T EVEN DEAL WITH HIS SHIT RIGHT ABOUT NOW! 🤬🤬
Ugh!!!! *deep breaths*. Ok so! The mystery wasn't really exciting on this one, it was all over the place and there were a lot of people involved. It was interesting overall but not the best of this author yet. The romance? JA!
*goes to her happy place*
Ok, the romance was shit. 🥲🥲 Like I hate the guy even more, so I dunno where the author wants to take it but it ain't working for me right about now. Because Adrien is a brilliant dude he knows:
"Sex wasn’t everything. There were other things: someone to see you through sickness and in health, someone to wake up with on Christmas morning, someone to bail you out of jail. Companionship counted. Sex wasn’t everything — but it was a lot".
So at this point I kind of respect him for trying to kick Jake to the curb but still, he's toxic and Adrien should try harder because the not kissing? The saying it was weird because Adrian was not a girl? What an ass, KICK HIM!!!!!
Anyways, dunno if I'll keep going, I stopped at this one. I do love Adrien so I hope that my love for him will make me go back.
That's all! 🤭🥰❤
Ugh!!!! *deep breaths*. Ok so! The mystery wasn't really exciting on this one, it was all over the place and there were a lot of people involved. It was interesting overall but not the best of this author yet. The romance? JA!
*goes to her happy place*
Ok, the romance was shit. 🥲🥲 Like I hate the guy even more, so I dunno where the author wants to take it but it ain't working for me right about now. Because Adrien is a brilliant dude he knows:
"Sex wasn’t everything. There were other things: someone to see you through sickness and in health, someone to wake up with on Christmas morning, someone to bail you out of jail. Companionship counted. Sex wasn’t everything — but it was a lot".
So at this point I kind of respect him for trying to kick Jake to the curb but still, he's toxic and Adrien should try harder because the not kissing? The saying it was weird because Adrian was not a girl? What an ass, KICK HIM!!!!!
Anyways, dunno if I'll keep going, I stopped at this one. I do love Adrien so I hope that my love for him will make me go back.
That's all! 🤭🥰❤
February 10, 2017
A COUPLE OR MORE SPOILERS UP AHEAD SO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...
Man....... It is really hard to try and like Jake let alone love him. He just likes to push all of my ~Fuck No~ buttons.
I was happy when Adrien decided to give him and Jake some space. But unfortunately our loveable Adrien just can't keep himself outta trouble so of course Jake comes to the rescue.
Although I didn't love the mystery, (it got a bit boring in spots) it was definitely interesting.
I loved the progress Jake and Adrien made in their "relationship". But I am still not loving that Jake gets some loving on the side. I REALLY don't like that, and I know it just gets worse in the next book since I have of course read the series a couple or more times.
On to the next.... xx
Man....... It is really hard to try and like Jake let alone love him. He just likes to push all of my ~Fuck No~ buttons.
I was happy when Adrien decided to give him and Jake some space. But unfortunately our loveable Adrien just can't keep himself outta trouble so of course Jake comes to the rescue.
Although I didn't love the mystery, (it got a bit boring in spots) it was definitely interesting.
I loved the progress Jake and Adrien made in their "relationship". But I am still not loving that Jake gets some loving on the side. I REALLY don't like that, and I know it just gets worse in the next book since I have of course read the series a couple or more times.
On to the next.... xx
July 2, 2019
4,5 stars
I loved this one much more than the first book. Finally we get Adrien and Jake Riordan together AND some pretty HOT scenes!!!
Loved the writing, the suspense and the mystery!! I was totally invested into the story. Couldn't put it down. I need to mention again that I am not really a fan of mystery/crime stories, but here I loved the world building and also the romance. Looking forward to reading more!!!
I loved this one much more than the first book. Finally we get Adrien and Jake Riordan together AND some pretty HOT scenes!!!
Loved the writing, the suspense and the mystery!! I was totally invested into the story. Couldn't put it down. I need to mention again that I am not really a fan of mystery/crime stories, but here I loved the world building and also the romance. Looking forward to reading more!!!
October 6, 2021
2021 reread: Okay, it's official. Looks like I'm going to be rereading this series yearly.
2020 reread: In rereading this book, after 5 years, I'm again struck by Lanyon's excellent character development of Adrien and Jake, and the slow development of their relationship, combined with a fairly interesting murder/mystery component.
This time through I felt so much empathy for Jake. As he turns 40, his life is going the way he had always wanted - a job that he's pretty darn good at, a supportive family, a girlfriend and plans for kids 'cause he loves kids and has always wanted a family. Sure, he's got these homosexual tendencies that he deals with by f#cking qu##rs at a BDSM club, but on the surface, he's living the dream.
Until Jake is absolutely gobsmacked by Adrien English, and his carefully constructed life starts fraying at the seams. God, I love this series .... and rereading it has been a revelation. Another 5 stars.
I don't know if real courage lies in storming barricades or in simply not denying the truth.Boy, if that isn't a perfect synopsis of this series, and I love how Lanyon shows time and again that it is accepting the simple truth that is the hardest. As Harvey Milk famously pleaded: "Every gay person must come out. As difficult as it is, you must tell your immediate family. You must tell your relatives. You must tell your friends if indeed they are your friends. You must tell the people you work with. You must tell the people in the stores you shop in. Once they realize that we are indeed their children, that we are indeed everywhere, every myth, every lie, every innuendo will be destroyed once and all. And once you do, you will feel so much better." And boy, if Jake isn't a case study in how the closet kills, nothing is. 5 stars.
2020 reread: In rereading this book, after 5 years, I'm again struck by Lanyon's excellent character development of Adrien and Jake, and the slow development of their relationship, combined with a fairly interesting murder/mystery component.
This time through I felt so much empathy for Jake. As he turns 40, his life is going the way he had always wanted - a job that he's pretty darn good at, a supportive family, a girlfriend and plans for kids 'cause he loves kids and has always wanted a family. Sure, he's got these homosexual tendencies that he deals with by f#cking qu##rs at a BDSM club, but on the surface, he's living the dream.
Until Jake is absolutely gobsmacked by Adrien English, and his carefully constructed life starts fraying at the seams. God, I love this series .... and rereading it has been a revelation. Another 5 stars.
July 11, 2015
Intrigue and suspense with the hapless and lovable Adrien right in the middle of it--again.
Dude is a trouble magnet. Truth is he often stumbles across it innocently, but then manages to court it quite well. Here, an escape from LA to the hinterlands north in abandoned gold mining country leads to all kinds of brouhaha. Nice character backstory woven in and some sweet progress with the reticent detective, Jake. I feel severe yo-yo syndrome about to start. Ain't gonna be that easy to fix what's broken in him.
Smooth read that makes me remember how seamless good storytelling is.
Favorite quote:
Dude is a trouble magnet. Truth is he often stumbles across it innocently, but then manages to court it quite well. Here, an escape from LA to the hinterlands north in abandoned gold mining country leads to all kinds of brouhaha. Nice character backstory woven in and some sweet progress with the reticent detective, Jake. I feel severe yo-yo syndrome about to start. Ain't gonna be that easy to fix what's broken in him.
Smooth read that makes me remember how seamless good storytelling is.
Favorite quote:
It sure as hell wasn’t love, because I refused to do something so self-destructive as love a man who hated himself for being homosexual — which, by extension, probably meant he subconsciously hated me too.
September 9, 2015
Written May 27, 2014
4.3 Stars - An even tighter band to tie me into these guys lives - My goodness, so amazingly addictive
Book #2
I was listening to the audio of the first part Fatal Shadows (4.3 stars) in the Adrien English Mystery just some days ago, and it was a very promising start.
Will there be a tiny little bit kissing and romantic parts this time? ~ Indeed, it might. - *happy smile* - Thanks, I loved that... yummy good!!
These Adrien English books may be more more of brazen, on the "surface" hard-boiled, crime novels, than steamy M/M romances - but "yeah" they are great to read. I warn you; You have to be a bit patience and wait quite a long time for some proof of these MC's attraction. When you at last get it is IT so d@mn *swoonish* sweet. You just want more and more of them.
***********************************************************
Our dear (poor) gay book-shop owner Adrien English has a hard time with his 'mystery-crime' writing. He is also frustrated with his new weird "no-kissing-no-sex" relationship with the very hot, but deeply closeted, LAPD Homicide Detective Jake Riordan. To get away and have a break from Jake (..what will it lead to?) and get some writing peace, travels Adrien to northern California and the farm house he inherited years ago.
As soon as Adrien arrive to his grannys old house he finds a dead body in his front drive. By the time the sheriffs arrive has the body (course...) disappeared, and Adrien once again finds himself playing amateur sleuth.
***********************************************************
This old gold-diggers area, in the middle of nowhere, with missing mines, odd scientists and locals who talk about mysterious spooky tales is not was Adrien had hoped for during his (writing) vacation. Dear sweet Adrien discovers both fields of forbidden crops (on his own land!!!) and perhaps most importantly of all, dead bodies.
...But as always, who believe in a slightly neurotic (with a weak heart) gay guy with crime writer ambitions? Hardly the local sheriff.
The slightly homophobic Jake may be confused about things like being gay (or bi..), male lovemaking and his inner feelings for Adrien, but when he feels he is needed, is keeping his new friend alive not one of them.
Soonish he, "big strong grunting Jake", also arrive to Adriens farm house. ~ The suspense, action, and the faster and faster bubbling steam are in the middle of these two mens life yet again.
***********************************************************
How about the romance parts this second time?
The heat and Adrien's and Jake's unspoken longing increases slowly, slowly. It is so emotionally charged, frustrated needy and it starts to literally seep steamy heat from both of them.
While Jake snorts tough and dark masculine and Adrien whines both cute gay (girly) and slightly tormented - I just want to push them together in each other's arms. They bicker and buffoons words against each other and are both bitchy ironic and I never thought it would happen. Sigh!!!!
...But gee, really, they are just two big furry male horny cats waiting impatiently, just prowling there, around and around each other. In other words, typical male macho behavior.
***********************************************************
I maybe not, if I'm honest with you, cared that much about all the details in this crime case. The suspense parts in A Dangerous Thing was both pretty exciting and more important; not that easily predictable, as it sometimes tend to be in these types of books. The resolution of the guys adventure was really exciting, action-packed and it all ended grandly as thrillers should do.
***********************************************************
I'm by now a howling hysterical tedious fan of these books. Not to forget the fantastic audio version narrated by Chris Patton (..the man with "The Voice"). So very enjoying to listening to.
I shall try to bite the bullet, reassure me and show me persevering and patient for a few days before I start reading (or perhaps listen to) the third book, (The Hell You Say) of this wonderful —£%&₩ing amazing— series.
I LIKE - ...silly question, of course!!
4.3 Stars - An even tighter band to tie me into these guys lives - My goodness, so amazingly addictive
Book #2
I was listening to the audio of the first part Fatal Shadows (4.3 stars) in the Adrien English Mystery just some days ago, and it was a very promising start.
Will there be a tiny little bit kissing and romantic parts this time? ~ Indeed, it might. - *happy smile* - Thanks, I loved that... yummy good!!
These Adrien English books may be more more of brazen, on the "surface" hard-boiled, crime novels, than steamy M/M romances - but "yeah" they are great to read. I warn you; You have to be a bit patience and wait quite a long time for some proof of these MC's attraction. When you at last get it is IT so d@mn *swoonish* sweet. You just want more and more of them.
***********************************************************
Our dear (poor) gay book-shop owner Adrien English has a hard time with his 'mystery-crime' writing. He is also frustrated with his new weird "no-kissing-no-sex" relationship with the very hot, but deeply closeted, LAPD Homicide Detective Jake Riordan. To get away and have a break from Jake (..what will it lead to?) and get some writing peace, travels Adrien to northern California and the farm house he inherited years ago.
As soon as Adrien arrive to his grannys old house he finds a dead body in his front drive. By the time the sheriffs arrive has the body (course...) disappeared, and Adrien once again finds himself playing amateur sleuth.
***********************************************************
This old gold-diggers area, in the middle of nowhere, with missing mines, odd scientists and locals who talk about mysterious spooky tales is not was Adrien had hoped for during his (writing) vacation. Dear sweet Adrien discovers both fields of forbidden crops (on his own land!!!) and perhaps most importantly of all, dead bodies.
...But as always, who believe in a slightly neurotic (with a weak heart) gay guy with crime writer ambitions? Hardly the local sheriff.
The slightly homophobic Jake may be confused about things like being gay (or bi..), male lovemaking and his inner feelings for Adrien, but when he feels he is needed, is keeping his new friend alive not one of them.
“Planning on staying?”
“Just till you wise up.”
“I’m flattered you think that’s a possibility.”
“Yeah, well it’s lucky I’ve rolled a lot of vacation.”
Soonish he, "big strong grunting Jake", also arrive to Adriens farm house. ~ The suspense, action, and the faster and faster bubbling steam are in the middle of these two mens life yet again.
***********************************************************
‘It was nearly five before Jake walked in. He was sunburnt, wet, and smelled faintly of fish. Sexy as hell. Don’t ask me to explain.’
How about the romance parts this second time?
The heat and Adrien's and Jake's unspoken longing increases slowly, slowly. It is so emotionally charged, frustrated needy and it starts to literally seep steamy heat from both of them.
‘...he pulled me against him in a rough embrace that nearly knocked the remaining wind out of me. “I owe you one, baby,” he muttered against my ear.”
While Jake snorts tough and dark masculine and Adrien whines both cute gay (girly) and slightly tormented - I just want to push them together in each other's arms. They bicker and buffoons words against each other and are both bitchy ironic and I never thought it would happen. Sigh!!!!
...But gee, really, they are just two big furry male horny cats waiting impatiently, just prowling there, around and around each other. In other words, typical male macho behavior.
***********************************************************
I maybe not, if I'm honest with you, cared that much about all the details in this crime case. The suspense parts in A Dangerous Thing was both pretty exciting and more important; not that easily predictable, as it sometimes tend to be in these types of books. The resolution of the guys adventure was really exciting, action-packed and it all ended grandly as thrillers should do.
***********************************************************
I'm by now a howling hysterical tedious fan of these books. Not to forget the fantastic audio version narrated by Chris Patton (..the man with "The Voice"). So very enjoying to listening to.
I shall try to bite the bullet, reassure me and show me persevering and patient for a few days before I start reading (or perhaps listen to) the third book, (The Hell You Say) of this wonderful —£%&₩ing amazing— series.
I LIKE - ...silly question, of course!!
September 1, 2016
I'm going to review this quickly because I jumped right to the third and have trouble differentiating between the two books right now.
Still just the barest hint of romance but a really well done mystery. I'm hooked!!
October 8, 2014
First reading 05.12.2013
For me this was a welcome dive into Lanyon's world. A page turner with guys whom I'm interested in. The second book continued on the promise of the first and gave me more I suspect the relationship between Adrien and Jake is going to be troubled and not instant. Yes, something to chew on at last. Have to keep myself from instantly going on to the 3rd book, have to savour these. Keep them as treats, not shoved down randomly.
Reread 08.10.2014
Rather a hearing not a reading. As I heard the audiobook narrated by Chris Patton. One of the reasons I wanted to hear was to hear Jake call Adrien 'baby' and I did. Enough said.
Confirmed what a great read this was. Hearing Adrien's voice is quite something. Loved this second time round as well, eventhough now I know all that awaits Adrien and Jake after this. Did feel a bit of a heart ache about this.
August 28, 2024
2024 audio review
From my status updates: I wish the rest of the series had Jake and Adrien's relationship be this good and grow even better. But alas, things get worse before they get better. This is why it's so hard to re-read this series - because I know they have such hard times ahead it's hard to go through that over and over. JL is certainly careful to not imply Jake and Adrien drive off into the sunset happily ever after. Love the audio!
2021 review
The story gets better with each re-read. I know I've read this series more than GR shows and each time before I was always surprised by events. Not this time. I remembered the big stuff, and sadly I remember what's coming. I highly recommend this series. Adrien is not kidding himself about his lack of a future with Jake, and at the same time he is in love and you know deep in his heart he has a small kernel of hope.
4.5 stars
From my status updates: I wish the rest of the series had Jake and Adrien's relationship be this good and grow even better. But alas, things get worse before they get better. This is why it's so hard to re-read this series - because I know they have such hard times ahead it's hard to go through that over and over. JL is certainly careful to not imply Jake and Adrien drive off into the sunset happily ever after. Love the audio!
2021 review
The story gets better with each re-read. I know I've read this series more than GR shows and each time before I was always surprised by events. Not this time. I remembered the big stuff, and sadly I remember what's coming. I highly recommend this series. Adrien is not kidding himself about his lack of a future with Jake, and at the same time he is in love and you know deep in his heart he has a small kernel of hope.
4.5 stars
April 21, 2013
While the mystery didn't hold my attention much this round, the slightly awkward yet compelling evolution of Adrien and Jake's relationship made this a keeper.
Jake Riordan
(All I picture is Robert Redford.)
Adrien English
(Montgomery Clift)
The Characters
I still adore Adrien's sense of humor. The occasional times I got bored, his drily funny comments and one-liners pulled me back in - and often caught me by surprise.
I use the term "holding on" loosely, because for the most part life went on exactly as before, with the exception of the funny flutter my heart gave when I'd hear Riordan's voice on the other end of the phone - and for all I knew that was incipient heart failure.
...
We repaired to the Sheriff's substation where I let Jake do the jawing. My popularity rating had not exactly soared since the snake-o-gram, and we all politely pretended I was not present.
...
I'd do my best to make sure he enjoyed himself; I wanted him to see that it (sex) could be good without the improper use of kitchen utensils.
Jake is only slightly less mysterious than before, but what a mystery. The reader never quite knows what he's thinking. For example, when he casually suggests having sex with Adrien, I expected him to be nervous or not that into it - hell, anything besides attentive and adorable and incredibly sexy. When he mentions the night Adrien was almost killed by Bruce and how afraid he was, he reveals a bit more of himself. He genuinely cares for Adrien, even if he's not always comfortable showing it.
The Mystery
This will be brief. The mystery was necessary as, you know, plot but it felt like filler to me. It involved 2 dead men, a team of archaeologists, ancient gold-mining town history, and Native American legends. I got some of the characters/suspects mixed up because I wasn't engaged in them. I didn't get a thrill of fear or anticipation at the ultimate showdown, possibly because Adrien was slightly removed from the action.
Anyway, moving on to the best part.
The Relationship (some spoilers)
At the start of the book, Adrien believes "it was over before it began."
"You're just going through the motions. Why bother?"
"I never meant to get involved with you, Adrien."
"Rest easy; you're not.
Essentially, the problem is this:
I refused to do something so self-destructive as love a man who hated himself for being homosexual - which, by extension, probably meant he subconsciously hated me too.
Adrien calls Jake early on when he goes out of town, and it's apparent Jake has a woman in bed with him. My heart broke a little for Adrien.
I don't know why it hadn't occurred to me until then that Jake was still seeing other people. Female people. Where exactly did I fit in his life? Apparently he could sleep with everyone but me. Friends? I was the friend he didn't want to be seen with.
Then Adrien finds a dead body (that subsequently disappears) at his grandmother's home, prompting Jake to join him out in the sticks. Jake begins to treat him alternately like a cherished lover (giving him a thorough if chaste massage, wrapping him in unexpected hugs) and like a silly wife who needs to be reigned in (dismissing him as a mystery writer in front of the local cops, telling him to keep his mouth shut about his ideas).
It takes a while for them to really warm up. As much as they're mutually attracted, it's like they haven't earned the right to each other yet. They don't possess the ease you get with another person when you're both confident you want the same thing.
Jake kisses Adrien for the first time, and it's achingly sweet. Still, they don't exactly remove the hurdles from their relationship. They leap around them.
"I've got nothing to offer you, Adrien." These were not the opening remarks to a proposal.
"I don't recall asking. Hell, you came after me, Jake. Every step of the way."
"So," he said casually, "You want to fuck?"
Oh so romantic, innit? And yet...
I smiled back and he leaned forward and kissed me. The kiss reassured. His mouth was warm and already tasted familiar.
"I like kissing you," he said softly. "I didn't think I would. But I do."
And the following scene, whew. You just have to read it. Multiple times. It's steamy and affectionate and even funny. A very rewarding sex scene.
And slowly Adrien realizes that not only does he want Jake, he trusts him. And more.
I had thought I was doing to die that night too. It was strange looking back from the safety of Jake's arms.
I said - and I thought I was kidding but somehow it didn't come out like that, "I knew you'd save me."
...
Maybe our relationship was undefined but he had proven his friendship a dozen times over the past week. He had come to my rescue without being asked; he had spent his vacation making sure I didn't get myself killed playing detective; hell, he had taken a bullet that could have been meant for me. Gay or straight, I'd never had a better friend.
Adrien knows how he feels. Jake, well, I sense he was a ways to go.
"I owe you one, baby," he muttered against my ear. I could feel his heart banging away with exertion and excitement against my own. It was the most beautiful sound in the world, and I closed my eyes as I listened and thought, I love you.
Old news really. I guess I'd known since I left LA. I guess that was why I'd left LA, because there wasn't any future in it. Not really. The things I wanted from life - and Jake - weren't things he could give. But somehow at that moment it just didn't matter.
There's an implicit promise in the last page that while it might be a long time coming, these two are going to work out.
Over his shoulder he called, "Are you following me or am I following you?"
I opened my mouth - and then let it go. Mildly, I said, "Are you sure you know the way?"
He paused. Turned. "Hey," he said. "I found you, didn't I?"
Time for book three. :)
Jake Riordan
(All I picture is Robert Redford.)
Adrien English
(Montgomery Clift)
The Characters
I still adore Adrien's sense of humor. The occasional times I got bored, his drily funny comments and one-liners pulled me back in - and often caught me by surprise.
I use the term "holding on" loosely, because for the most part life went on exactly as before, with the exception of the funny flutter my heart gave when I'd hear Riordan's voice on the other end of the phone - and for all I knew that was incipient heart failure.
...
We repaired to the Sheriff's substation where I let Jake do the jawing. My popularity rating had not exactly soared since the snake-o-gram, and we all politely pretended I was not present.
...
I'd do my best to make sure he enjoyed himself; I wanted him to see that it (sex) could be good without the improper use of kitchen utensils.
Jake is only slightly less mysterious than before, but what a mystery. The reader never quite knows what he's thinking. For example, when he casually suggests having sex with Adrien, I expected him to be nervous or not that into it - hell, anything besides attentive and adorable and incredibly sexy. When he mentions the night Adrien was almost killed by Bruce and how afraid he was, he reveals a bit more of himself. He genuinely cares for Adrien, even if he's not always comfortable showing it.
The Mystery
This will be brief. The mystery was necessary as, you know, plot but it felt like filler to me. It involved 2 dead men, a team of archaeologists, ancient gold-mining town history, and Native American legends. I got some of the characters/suspects mixed up because I wasn't engaged in them. I didn't get a thrill of fear or anticipation at the ultimate showdown, possibly because Adrien was slightly removed from the action.
Anyway, moving on to the best part.
The Relationship (some spoilers)
At the start of the book, Adrien believes "it was over before it began."
"You're just going through the motions. Why bother?"
"I never meant to get involved with you, Adrien."
"Rest easy; you're not.
Essentially, the problem is this:
I refused to do something so self-destructive as love a man who hated himself for being homosexual - which, by extension, probably meant he subconsciously hated me too.
Adrien calls Jake early on when he goes out of town, and it's apparent Jake has a woman in bed with him. My heart broke a little for Adrien.
I don't know why it hadn't occurred to me until then that Jake was still seeing other people. Female people. Where exactly did I fit in his life? Apparently he could sleep with everyone but me. Friends? I was the friend he didn't want to be seen with.
Then Adrien finds a dead body (that subsequently disappears) at his grandmother's home, prompting Jake to join him out in the sticks. Jake begins to treat him alternately like a cherished lover (giving him a thorough if chaste massage, wrapping him in unexpected hugs) and like a silly wife who needs to be reigned in (dismissing him as a mystery writer in front of the local cops, telling him to keep his mouth shut about his ideas).
It takes a while for them to really warm up. As much as they're mutually attracted, it's like they haven't earned the right to each other yet. They don't possess the ease you get with another person when you're both confident you want the same thing.
Jake kisses Adrien for the first time, and it's achingly sweet. Still, they don't exactly remove the hurdles from their relationship. They leap around them.
"I've got nothing to offer you, Adrien." These were not the opening remarks to a proposal.
"I don't recall asking. Hell, you came after me, Jake. Every step of the way."
"So," he said casually, "You want to fuck?"
Oh so romantic, innit? And yet...
I smiled back and he leaned forward and kissed me. The kiss reassured. His mouth was warm and already tasted familiar.
"I like kissing you," he said softly. "I didn't think I would. But I do."
And the following scene, whew. You just have to read it. Multiple times. It's steamy and affectionate and even funny. A very rewarding sex scene.
And slowly Adrien realizes that not only does he want Jake, he trusts him. And more.
I had thought I was doing to die that night too. It was strange looking back from the safety of Jake's arms.
I said - and I thought I was kidding but somehow it didn't come out like that, "I knew you'd save me."
...
Maybe our relationship was undefined but he had proven his friendship a dozen times over the past week. He had come to my rescue without being asked; he had spent his vacation making sure I didn't get myself killed playing detective; hell, he had taken a bullet that could have been meant for me. Gay or straight, I'd never had a better friend.
Adrien knows how he feels. Jake, well, I sense he was a ways to go.
"I owe you one, baby," he muttered against my ear. I could feel his heart banging away with exertion and excitement against my own. It was the most beautiful sound in the world, and I closed my eyes as I listened and thought, I love you.
Old news really. I guess I'd known since I left LA. I guess that was why I'd left LA, because there wasn't any future in it. Not really. The things I wanted from life - and Jake - weren't things he could give. But somehow at that moment it just didn't matter.
There's an implicit promise in the last page that while it might be a long time coming, these two are going to work out.
Over his shoulder he called, "Are you following me or am I following you?"
I opened my mouth - and then let it go. Mildly, I said, "Are you sure you know the way?"
He paused. Turned. "Hey," he said. "I found you, didn't I?"
Time for book three. :)
January 17, 2024
Adrien esta cansado de que su "novio" Jack lo deje embarcado. Esta cansado de que no pueda tener una relación abierta con él. Esta cansado de esconderse. Así que de impulso, decidió irse a la que era la granja de su abuela que ésta le dejo cuando murió. Lo que no espera es llegar y encontrarse con un cadáver en la entrada de la hacienda, y que la policía del pueblo no crea lo que vio. Sin embargo, esta decidido a averiguar que ha estaba pasando en la hacienda desde que su abuela murió y el desastre que encuentra lo deja anonadado. Pero una noche llama a Jack y este se presenta al día siguiente. Así que ahora tendrá que averiguar si esta dispuesto a seguir esperando que Jack acepte su relación públicamente, ver si saber porque hay tanta gente interesada en su tierra, y esperar no morir en el intento.
En esta historia vemos a un Adrien mucho mas involucrado en la investigación, pero todavía no veo como llega a las conclusiones que llega para descubrir las pistas. También vemos que tiene una relación, prácticamente, tóxica con Jack, y que este no termina de aceptar lo que quiere. En cuanto al misterio de los cadáveres, fue lo único que se soluciono en el libro, todavía quedaba la duda de quien era el que tenia los cultivos de "Marihuana" y quien fue el que le falsifico la firma para la expedición. Además de la inclusión de un par de personajes que no llegaron a ninguna parte, y que siento que dejaron guindando en la historia, como eran Kevin y Melinda.
En fin, este libro me decepciono un poco, espero que el próximo sea mucho mas entretenido.
En esta historia vemos a un Adrien mucho mas involucrado en la investigación, pero todavía no veo como llega a las conclusiones que llega para descubrir las pistas. También vemos que tiene una relación, prácticamente, tóxica con Jack, y que este no termina de aceptar lo que quiere. En cuanto al misterio de los cadáveres, fue lo único que se soluciono en el libro, todavía quedaba la duda de quien era el que tenia los cultivos de "Marihuana" y quien fue el que le falsifico la firma para la expedición. Además de la inclusión de un par de personajes que no llegaron a ninguna parte, y que siento que dejaron guindando en la historia, como eran Kevin y Melinda.
En fin, este libro me decepciono un poco, espero que el próximo sea mucho mas entretenido.
November 23, 2022
I enjoyed this so much that I bought the audio version too and did a hybrid reading/ listening thing. The audio is excellent too! The narrator is one of the very best. 5 starts for the book and the audio too.
But I’m not really sure why Jake is so smitten with Adrien… maybe I missed something or I should have read 1,5 before this. The jump in the relationship in the beginning was a bit surprising, so if you know what I missed please let me know 😘
“Sex wasn’t everything. There were other things: someone to see you through sickness and in health, someone to wake up with on Christmas morning, someone to bail you out of jail. Companionship counted. Sex wasn’t everything — but it was a lot.”
But I’m not really sure why Jake is so smitten with Adrien… maybe I missed something or I should have read 1,5 before this. The jump in the relationship in the beginning was a bit surprising, so if you know what I missed please let me know 😘
“Sex wasn’t everything. There were other things: someone to see you through sickness and in health, someone to wake up with on Christmas morning, someone to bail you out of jail. Companionship counted. Sex wasn’t everything — but it was a lot.”
August 14, 2023
Addictive series, can't stop listening...
February 9, 2025
4th re-read February 2025
I'm starting to remember why I hate Jake Riordan so much!!
I'm starting to remember why I hate Jake Riordan so much!!
November 16, 2019
I hadn't planned on doing reviews for these because I read the first three back to back, and have the next group lined up to binge, too, so thought to just do a series overview review considering the shortness of some of these stories but.. having just finished book three, I want to rewind to the time I read A DANGEROUS THING because I miss these happier times.
I haven't particularly loved any of the mysteries, this is definitely a series that is character-driven and relationship-evolving, but overall I think I enjoyed book two the most.
So far.
I haven't particularly loved any of the mysteries, this is definitely a series that is character-driven and relationship-evolving, but overall I think I enjoyed book two the most.
So far.
April 12, 2013
This was A-Okay. A good 3.5 Stars.
More character development and interaction between our protagonists gives this book that something more that I missed in 1]Fatal Shadows. The murder mystery story line was clever (as usual) and engaging with lots of action and excitement, but as soon as Adrien walks into a library or a museum? I start skimming. It's no secret that I see this series as the Adrien and Jake show, so I tend to focus on that.
Happily I learned a few good things about Adrien, enough to change my first impression of him. So I made a short-ish list.
1. Brilliant sense of humour, he’s snarky but inoffensive. He can be quite droll, but it comes across as witty and amusing. Consider me charmed Mr English.
2. He’s a hell of a lot tougher than I thought he was, he faces a few challenges in this book, both physical and emotional and deals with it like an Alpha! Not the geeky, vulnerable geezer I thought he was. Consider me impressed Mr English.
3. He’s a Taurus! Just like me, so I *get* him. Consider us BFF’s Mr English.
4. We finally get a picture of Adrien, and guess what? He’s a good looking guy (of course, he is, he's not going to be a minger is he?) Kevin (the cutie) reckon’s he looks just like the priest in that old Hitchcock movie. So I googled . Open the tag, and meet Adrien English -->
I totally get why Jake was so taken with Adrien in the first place. Hell! Even I fancy him now. Yep, I’m shallow and shameless.
It’s about 2 months later, and Jake and Adrien have been seeing each other, not as lovers or anything resembling lovers though. They have this friendship stroke relationship thing developing, which is more of a non- relationship. Hells! I don’t know what the heck it is they have, but it’s tense and messed up.
Adrien is head over heels for the sexy cop, and Jake is well …confused tempted infatuated interested but way too hung-up with his own self-loathing over being gay to embrace a meaningful open relationship with Adrein. He likes woman but prefers men, he wants a wife and kids – he wants normal,
"I’ve got nothing to offer you Adrien.” <--this, makes me nervous. I don’t trust Jake! How can Adrien trust him with his heart? I guess he can't help it, just like me.
I hope we see more of Kevin, I like his puppy dog affection for Adrien and I love watching Jake adopt the chest puffing 'MINE' stance when Kevin comes around. Ha!
Guess I have to read further to see how it all plays out, which is no hardship considering how much I love Lanyon's writing. His subtle play on words is not lost on me :)
More character development and interaction between our protagonists gives this book that something more that I missed in 1]Fatal Shadows. The murder mystery story line was clever (as usual) and engaging with lots of action and excitement, but as soon as Adrien walks into a library or a museum? I start skimming. It's no secret that I see this series as the Adrien and Jake show, so I tend to focus on that.
Happily I learned a few good things about Adrien, enough to change my first impression of him. So I made a short-ish list.
1. Brilliant sense of humour, he’s snarky but inoffensive. He can be quite droll, but it comes across as witty and amusing. Consider me charmed Mr English.
2. He’s a hell of a lot tougher than I thought he was, he faces a few challenges in this book, both physical and emotional and deals with it like an Alpha! Not the geeky, vulnerable geezer I thought he was. Consider me impressed Mr English.
3. He’s a Taurus! Just like me, so I *get* him. Consider us BFF’s Mr English.
4. We finally get a picture of Adrien, and guess what? He’s a good looking guy (of course, he is, he's not going to be a minger is he?) Kevin (the cutie) reckon’s he looks just like the priest in that old Hitchcock movie. So I googled . Open the tag, and meet Adrien English -->
I totally get why Jake was so taken with Adrien in the first place. Hell! Even I fancy him now. Yep, I’m shallow and shameless.
It’s about 2 months later, and Jake and Adrien have been seeing each other, not as lovers or anything resembling lovers though. They have this friendship stroke relationship thing developing, which is more of a non- relationship. Hells! I don’t know what the heck it is they have, but it’s tense and messed up.
Adrien is head over heels for the sexy cop, and Jake is well …
"I’ve got nothing to offer you Adrien.” <--this, makes me nervous. I don’t trust Jake! How can Adrien trust him with his heart? I guess he can't help it, just like me.
I hope we see more of Kevin, I like his puppy dog affection for Adrien and I love watching Jake adopt the chest puffing 'MINE' stance when Kevin comes around. Ha!
Guess I have to read further to see how it all plays out, which is no hardship considering how much I love Lanyon's writing. His subtle play on words is not lost on me :)
August 12, 2015
*source:http://joyfullyjay.com/2013/12/guest-...
I know this is going to be a hard ride, especially with Jake and Adrien.
I didn't have a problem with the murder, hell...every where Adrien go, it seems he attracted murder.
While Jake is...SMH... All the time, I wanna call the Corleone family and do these things to him...
And Adrien is just do whatever Jake please. Grrr...
"“I’ve got nothing to offer you, Adrien.” These were not the opening remarks to a proposal.
“I don’t recall asking.” For good measure, I added, “Hell, you came after me, Jake. Every step of the way.”
He refilled his glass, held it up briefly in a salute and knocked it back.
“So,” he said casually, “You want to fuck?
And I was like...
Well, at least, they're not 'in a relationship'. YET.
Like what's Jake said in a first book, "Hump buddy?"..Yeah, that.
I liked the mystery in book one better, this one is not my favorite. Also, Jake was being an asshole. Not a fan (of Jake).
Can you imagine? A homophobic homosexual? Yeah, Jake that is.
Adrien, is still a sweetheart, and I liked him, a lot.
Move on to book 3? Or take some breathing pause?
November 20, 2013
OK, its official. I’m hooked on Adrien English. While the storyline in this book wasn’t as interesting as the first one, the sexy times more than made up for it. And I have to give props to Mr. Lanyon. I didn’t figure out whodunit until a couple of pages before they were revealed. I would like to know what’s up with the abrupt endings though. I take it this is the author’s writing style. I can deal with it. On to the next one!
October 21, 2018
**** Warning!!! It could contain spoilers!!! ****
Actually I am so eager to read the next book that I don't want to waste my time trying to persuade you to fall in love with this series.
From the other hand, I don't need to convince anybody:
It is the second instalment and probably you're already through the beginning and are in the similar situation - YOU WANT TO READ MORE, right?
Just some thoughts to the second book:
Josh Lanyon in a rather unusual way proved that she can writes a very good mystery!
The constellation Adrien+Jake promises to have great potential and bring a lot of fascinating plot!
Sooo....On to the next one!!!
Actually I am so eager to read the next book that I don't want to waste my time trying to persuade you to fall in love with this series.
From the other hand, I don't need to convince anybody:
It is the second instalment and probably you're already through the beginning and are in the similar situation - YOU WANT TO READ MORE, right?
Just some thoughts to the second book:
Josh Lanyon in a rather unusual way proved that she can writes a very good mystery!Because you have to wait for the first kiss, and then you have to wait for the first sex scene. BUT!!! And it is really unbelievably- I can't say that I didn't want it, but I was so busy with a mystery part - WHO, WHY and WHEN - that I didn't actually miss it. I can't believe I am able to claim something stupid like this!!!
And doesn't matter how much I wanted it at the end, I was taken utterly by surprise when it happened!
The constellation Adrien+Jake promises to have great potential and bring a lot of fascinating plot!They are still at the very beginning of their relationship. And they take things slowly, very slowly. And Jake has some mental problems with his sexuality, he is still deeply closeted, though all THAT could only mean a lot of FUN for the next books.
Sooo....On to the next one!!!
May 25, 2018
***Audio Review. Chris Patton does a decent job with Adrien and Jake. His British accent wasn't bad either 😊. ***
Oh Jake, you wonderful man, you finally got with the programme!!
This was a smashing follow-up to 'Fatal Shadows'. We knew that there was a smidgen of interest on Jake's part in Adrien, and we knew damn well that Adrien was into Jake. I'm ashamed to say
that the storyline pretty much took a back seat as far as I was concerned to the developing relationship between the two of them.
It was fairly obvious in the first book who our baddie was, and Mr Lanyon seemed to take more care in this book to place lots of red herrings
(or should I say dead herrings!) in the way of us amateur sleuths!! 
It was a shame for Kevin that Adrien and Jake's 'thing' was hotting up, otherwise he might have stood a chance with Adrien himself. I didn't care for Melissa, and the sheriff and his deputy
came across as a right pair of mindless, bigoted jerks.
Yes, we all know it's love, it's just up to Jake to figure it out!!
Oh Jake, you wonderful man, you finally got with the programme!!
This was a smashing follow-up to 'Fatal Shadows'. We knew that there was a smidgen of interest on Jake's part in Adrien, and we knew damn well that Adrien was into Jake. I'm ashamed to say
that the storyline pretty much took a back seat as far as I was concerned to the developing relationship between the two of them.It was fairly obvious in the first book who our baddie was, and Mr Lanyon seemed to take more care in this book to place lots of red herrings
(or should I say dead herrings!) in the way of us amateur sleuths!! It was a shame for Kevin that Adrien and Jake's 'thing' was hotting up, otherwise he might have stood a chance with Adrien himself. I didn't care for Melissa, and the sheriff and his deputy
came across as a right pair of mindless, bigoted jerks.Yes, we all know it's love, it's just up to Jake to figure it out!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 710 reviews