What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets and Scrabble #6
Lament at Loon Landing
Fakes, folk music, and ghost fires
When legendary folk singer Lara Fairplay agrees to make her comeback appearance at Pirate Cove’s annual maritime music festival, everyone in the quaint seaside village is delighted—including mystery bookstore owner and sometimes amateur sleuth, Ellery Page.
Lara is scheduled to perform a recently discovered piece of music attributed to “the father of American music,” Stephen Foster.
Several mysterious accidents later, Ellery is less delighted—especially when it becomes clear to him that someone plans to silence the celebrity songbird forever.
When legendary folk singer Lara Fairplay agrees to make her comeback appearance at Pirate Cove’s annual maritime music festival, everyone in the quaint seaside village is delighted—including mystery bookstore owner and sometimes amateur sleuth, Ellery Page.
Lara is scheduled to perform a recently discovered piece of music attributed to “the father of American music,” Stephen Foster.
Several mysterious accidents later, Ellery is less delighted—especially when it becomes clear to him that someone plans to silence the celebrity songbird forever.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2023
43 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
232 books5,426 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 159 reviews
February 11, 2025
I anticipate these books the same way folks look forward to marvel movies.
Review Time! (Also known as the “I-Liked-This-Book-But-Jack-Sucks" rant)
Hey! So I figured out why I love this mystery series so much, and it’s basically because Ellery is living out my dream life! Well, mostly the “book shop owner in a cozy town part,” not the “solving murders and being in perilous danger once a month” bit. Though, if I were in his shoes, I would have chosen that sexy ass doctor, Rob (who seems to only show up for a couple of pages in order to tease me with the possibility of a more interesting romance in this series), over Detective Jack Whatever-His-Last-Name-Is. A bit of a stick in the mud, that one. Also, yay! He’s back at it again with the whole dismissive and jerk-like behavior, per usual! It’s the same old song that I’m sure will never get old. Oh yeah, this book also does that thing I hate where Jack acts like an asshole, and then every side character will make a million excuses for why he was acting like that. They’ll say stuff like “Oh, he was just having a rough day,” or “Oh, he was actually doing that to protect you!” I’d appreciate it if books stopped doing that. It’s really just a cheap attempt at displaying that deep down, yes, Jack is just looking out for Ellery, and he is a good person and he is the perfect match for Ellery. He isn’t, the hot doctor is... but I digress.
My only comfort is that I’ve already read book seven and know that he technically gets better? I don’t remember having any glaring issues with him in the next book, so I’ll take that as an absolute win! I don’t know… Jack is always so holier-than-thou and it makes the inevitable tension between him and Ellery all the more irritating and tiring with every new installment. I realize part of the fun in these books is the relationship dynamic between Jack and Ellery and how it changes over time, and that having some conflict is supposed to add a little spice to the story, but I think it’s time to do a new thing (perhaps like having Ellery get with Doctor Rob?). Anyway, If I have to read about their relationship more than the actual mystery, then maybe Jack should be more supportive and less of a self-righteous, all-knowing jerk. I mean, damn dude, I can hardly hear you when you're perched all the way up there on your moral high-ground. Full offense, but at this point, Ellery has solved more cases than Jack, so maybe he should back off, stop being such a hard-ass, and have a little faith in his partner.
Okay, I promised I wouldn’t make this whole thing about complaining about the love-interest, like I always seem to do. But then again… I have more to say, so maybe a couple more things? I think the issue I have with all of these boyfriend characters is that they’re always designated to stay love-interests forever and ever. Like, we know they’re the endgame so every “break-up fight” just seems like filler. Obviously, Jack and Ellery are going to fight and then make up by the end, so why bother at all with all this anger and resentment? If I knew that there were actual stakes in the conflict, then none of this would be an issue! My rating for this book isn’t really a reflection of the quality of the story, because I don’t think this one is any worse than the others (it's quite good actually!), but rather, a product of my patience wearing thin for Jack and Ellery’s relationship drama. Still, despite the fact that we’re going on eight books with apparently no end in sight, these books remain fun to binge read, and they never take more than two or three sittings to read through! That fact alone is enough to keep me interested in the next one... and then the next one. Otherwise, this series will always have my heart because of one simple fact; Ellery has a puppy named Watson! Isn’t that the cutest thing!?
I need more space and security / I need less voices, just you and me / I need your touch, not your scrutiny / Squeezin' too tight, boy, you're losin' me (Gone Girl - SZA).
Review Time! (Also known as the “I-Liked-This-Book-But-Jack-Sucks" rant)
Hey! So I figured out why I love this mystery series so much, and it’s basically because Ellery is living out my dream life! Well, mostly the “book shop owner in a cozy town part,” not the “solving murders and being in perilous danger once a month” bit. Though, if I were in his shoes, I would have chosen that sexy ass doctor, Rob (who seems to only show up for a couple of pages in order to tease me with the possibility of a more interesting romance in this series), over Detective Jack Whatever-His-Last-Name-Is. A bit of a stick in the mud, that one. Also, yay! He’s back at it again with the whole dismissive and jerk-like behavior, per usual! It’s the same old song that I’m sure will never get old. Oh yeah, this book also does that thing I hate where Jack acts like an asshole, and then every side character will make a million excuses for why he was acting like that. They’ll say stuff like “Oh, he was just having a rough day,” or “Oh, he was actually doing that to protect you!” I’d appreciate it if books stopped doing that. It’s really just a cheap attempt at displaying that deep down, yes, Jack is just looking out for Ellery, and he is a good person and he is the perfect match for Ellery. He isn’t, the hot doctor is... but I digress.
My only comfort is that I’ve already read book seven and know that he technically gets better? I don’t remember having any glaring issues with him in the next book, so I’ll take that as an absolute win! I don’t know… Jack is always so holier-than-thou and it makes the inevitable tension between him and Ellery all the more irritating and tiring with every new installment. I realize part of the fun in these books is the relationship dynamic between Jack and Ellery and how it changes over time, and that having some conflict is supposed to add a little spice to the story, but I think it’s time to do a new thing (perhaps like having Ellery get with Doctor Rob?). Anyway, If I have to read about their relationship more than the actual mystery, then maybe Jack should be more supportive and less of a self-righteous, all-knowing jerk. I mean, damn dude, I can hardly hear you when you're perched all the way up there on your moral high-ground. Full offense, but at this point, Ellery has solved more cases than Jack, so maybe he should back off, stop being such a hard-ass, and have a little faith in his partner.
Okay, I promised I wouldn’t make this whole thing about complaining about the love-interest, like I always seem to do. But then again… I have more to say, so maybe a couple more things? I think the issue I have with all of these boyfriend characters is that they’re always designated to stay love-interests forever and ever. Like, we know they’re the endgame so every “break-up fight” just seems like filler. Obviously, Jack and Ellery are going to fight and then make up by the end, so why bother at all with all this anger and resentment? If I knew that there were actual stakes in the conflict, then none of this would be an issue! My rating for this book isn’t really a reflection of the quality of the story, because I don’t think this one is any worse than the others (it's quite good actually!), but rather, a product of my patience wearing thin for Jack and Ellery’s relationship drama. Still, despite the fact that we’re going on eight books with apparently no end in sight, these books remain fun to binge read, and they never take more than two or three sittings to read through! That fact alone is enough to keep me interested in the next one... and then the next one. Otherwise, this series will always have my heart because of one simple fact; Ellery has a puppy named Watson! Isn’t that the cutest thing!?
I need more space and security / I need less voices, just you and me / I need your touch, not your scrutiny / Squeezin' too tight, boy, you're losin' me (Gone Girl - SZA).
August 6, 2024
There isn't much I can say about the books in this series without sounding repetitive. I just love Ellery, Jack and Watson. At this point it wouldn't even be the same without Nora, Kingston and Dylan. There's one scene with Dylan that I think is the best so far. 😂
The mystery was fun. The relationship between Ellery and Jack is still going strong – a bit of drama here and there, but making up is always sweet. And another great narration by Matt Haynes.
Now I can finally get to book 7. I refused to read it before this one came out. 🤗
******
Re-read 8/2024
The mystery was fun. The relationship between Ellery and Jack is still going strong – a bit of drama here and there, but making up is always sweet. And another great narration by Matt Haynes.
Now I can finally get to book 7. I refused to read it before this one came out. 🤗
******
Re-read 8/2024
Read
April 2, 2023Remind me not to write books out of sequence again. :-P
But it's done, I'm happy with it, and on to the 8th and... Probably not final book. I love writing this series so much: the characters, the village, the pirates...
It's one of my only series I can see running for quite a while longer. But one book at a time.
But it's done, I'm happy with it, and on to the 8th and... Probably not final book. I love writing this series so much: the characters, the village, the pirates...
It's one of my only series I can see running for quite a while longer. But one book at a time.
July 10, 2023
A Lanyon book delayed.
Again.
Colour me shocked.
Again.
Colour me shocked.
April 15, 2023
I’m a bit bored with this series. The mystery in this one was very dull and I just can’t stand the fights between Ellery and Jack. Jack treats Ellery pretty poorly at times and I think Ellery deserves more.
There was no excitement with this mystery about who was trying to kill a folk star. During this Ellery gets wrapped in another murder which causes a major issue between him and Jack. The cases aren’t really investigated, Ellery asks sone questions, but basically he’s just running around the island.
I don’t know how many more deaths this island can have. Are there that many residents or is it only going to be visitors? Hopefully the next books are more interesting.
There was no excitement with this mystery about who was trying to kill a folk star. During this Ellery gets wrapped in another murder which causes a major issue between him and Jack. The cases aren’t really investigated, Ellery asks sone questions, but basically he’s just running around the island.
I don’t know how many more deaths this island can have. Are there that many residents or is it only going to be visitors? Hopefully the next books are more interesting.
December 1, 2024
I still get so excited with the release of every new Josh Lanyon mystery lol. I adore Ellery, and I'll never get tired of reading about the zany characters of Pirate Cove.
Lanyon writes a fine cozy mystery, and I don't miss the physical romance, but someday I'd love to get a hot and heavy short story with Ellery and Jack *wink*.
Lanyon writes a fine cozy mystery, and I don't miss the physical romance, but someday I'd love to get a hot and heavy short story with Ellery and Jack *wink*.
July 23, 2024
Great addition to the series. It’s a bit slow to start, but it soon revs up.
June 19, 2023
I find these books a delight to read, an absolute winner if you love a cozy crime.
Ellery is up to his neck in mystery (again), Jack is brooding about it (again) and this time the Island is playing home to a music festival!
Fun and easy to read!
Ellery is up to his neck in mystery (again), Jack is brooding about it (again) and this time the Island is playing home to a music festival!
Fun and easy to read!
May 23, 2025
"Ellery smiled faintly as he watched. “Watson’s going to choose you in the custody battle.”
Once again, settle yourself down for some low-stakes, low-intensity mystery solving as Ellery is—once again—swindled into taking a case. For a man who claims he isn’t an amateur sleuth, he sure does take cases left and right. And can you blame him? This small island town has a wildly high murder rate for a population made up mostly of old busybodies.
Either way, this cozy mystery brought in some interesting info on characters we really didn’t know much about, and we even got to see a little punching while we were at it. Once again, we get Jack and Ellery arguing about being on “opposite sides” of the investigation, and honestly… don’t they both get tired of it? They always make up pretty quickly—and well, what else could you expect from a cozy mystery?
Sometimes it’s a little too cute for me. I tend to like the drama and heartbreak of someone like Jack from the Adrien English books—but hey, there’s a time and place for that. These books are just really fun to read. They leave you a little hopeful and endeared to people who, if I were Ellery, I would 100% choke out.
He’s a better person than me, that’s for sure.
Once again, settle yourself down for some low-stakes, low-intensity mystery solving as Ellery is—once again—swindled into taking a case. For a man who claims he isn’t an amateur sleuth, he sure does take cases left and right. And can you blame him? This small island town has a wildly high murder rate for a population made up mostly of old busybodies.
Either way, this cozy mystery brought in some interesting info on characters we really didn’t know much about, and we even got to see a little punching while we were at it. Once again, we get Jack and Ellery arguing about being on “opposite sides” of the investigation, and honestly… don’t they both get tired of it? They always make up pretty quickly—and well, what else could you expect from a cozy mystery?
Sometimes it’s a little too cute for me. I tend to like the drama and heartbreak of someone like Jack from the Adrien English books—but hey, there’s a time and place for that. These books are just really fun to read. They leave you a little hopeful and endeared to people who, if I were Ellery, I would 100% choke out.
He’s a better person than me, that’s for sure.
July 6, 2023
I hate giving this story a rating lower than 4 stars, but there were just way too many spelling errors throughout the book. It was really distracting and disappointing. If the return window hadn't already passed, I would have sent it back for a refund after the 4th error. By the 6th, I was fed up and not at all happy with the fact that I spent $6 on a book that's riddled with inexcusable editing errors. But I'll give it three stars because I love these characters and murder mystery was interesting. Hopefully the next book will be better.
February 14, 2025
2025 Review
Jack can be kind of a jerk sometimes with how he treats Ellery. Not on purpose, but I don't always like Jack. Still love the series!
2023 Review
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Ah, this was a good one. Not that the rest are bad, far from it, just this one had me from the start, for whatever reason. I mean, I know the reason is JL and Ellery and Jack and Watson, lol. :D
Seriously, does this town not realize they have an unusual amount of murder in their small population? Clearly it doesn't pay to know Ellery because everybody ends of dead! Jack better watch out. ;)
Ellery is on the case again but this time it's not about murder, but about possible attempted murder. When Lara starts getting messages threatening her Ellery is put to work to figure out if they are legit. Things are of course complicated by Lara doesn't want to go to the police, Jack doesn't want Ellery sleuthing, and Ellery just wants the money to pay for work on his home. Not to mention that Ellery is also getting some threatening letters, which the ending on that will surprise you, sure did me.
Lara is a singer who is trying to revive her career after being in prison for manslaughter. She doesn't trust the police so Ellery needs to do the work alone.
It's the normal set up and Watson his Ellery's trusted sidekick. The Silver Sleuths are of course involved as well and then there IS a murder! Later, but it's not Lara. No telling! :)
Like I said, I really liked this one. I read this book and the next book in the opposite order which I think a lot of people have done because of when they were released, but never fear. I didn't really notice it with the exception of Ellery and Jack's relationship. See, the ending to the next book has an interesting something in it that I won't even reveal under spoilers and I had to remind myself those events haven't happened yet, and too the fact that in the next book Ellery has been offered . Just a few plot points that don't really have any impact to reading them out of order. Yes, the series needs to be read in order but in this case, it didn't make much difference.
I do recommend, and I can't wait to get the audios through the library, if they show up. I always read JL's books more than once, and I am going to start listening to Bedknobs and Broomsticks book 1 in the near future. Yay!
This is a cute 5 star read.
Jack can be kind of a jerk sometimes with how he treats Ellery. Not on purpose, but I don't always like Jack. Still love the series!
2023 Review
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Ah, this was a good one. Not that the rest are bad, far from it, just this one had me from the start, for whatever reason. I mean, I know the reason is JL and Ellery and Jack and Watson, lol. :D
Seriously, does this town not realize they have an unusual amount of murder in their small population? Clearly it doesn't pay to know Ellery because everybody ends of dead! Jack better watch out. ;)
Ellery is on the case again but this time it's not about murder, but about possible attempted murder. When Lara starts getting messages threatening her Ellery is put to work to figure out if they are legit. Things are of course complicated by Lara doesn't want to go to the police, Jack doesn't want Ellery sleuthing, and Ellery just wants the money to pay for work on his home. Not to mention that Ellery is also getting some threatening letters, which the ending on that will surprise you, sure did me.
Lara is a singer who is trying to revive her career after being in prison for manslaughter. She doesn't trust the police so Ellery needs to do the work alone.
It's the normal set up and Watson his Ellery's trusted sidekick. The Silver Sleuths are of course involved as well and then there IS a murder! Later, but it's not Lara. No telling! :)
Like I said, I really liked this one. I read this book and the next book in the opposite order which I think a lot of people have done because of when they were released, but never fear. I didn't really notice it with the exception of Ellery and Jack's relationship. See, the ending to the next book has an interesting something in it that I won't even reveal under spoilers and I had to remind myself those events haven't happened yet, and too the fact that in the next book Ellery has been offered . Just a few plot points that don't really have any impact to reading them out of order. Yes, the series needs to be read in order but in this case, it didn't make much difference.
I do recommend, and I can't wait to get the audios through the library, if they show up. I always read JL's books more than once, and I am going to start listening to Bedknobs and Broomsticks book 1 in the near future. Yay!
This is a cute 5 star read.
April 9, 2023
Well this one made me hate Ellery and all his demented friends.
October 30, 2025
Apologies in advance:
I'm obviously on a review slump - this has
NOTHING to do with the books and everything to do
with ME.
So I'm changing this up a little and doing a generic review
on the whole series here.
Please forgive me dearest Josh.
But it's that or there will forever be 100 books on my
currently-reading list that I've actually finished moths
ago.
Overall Rating on this series: 4
Audiobooks: Matt Haynes 4 plus an extra star for Watson!
Book Covers: 4
I started reading this because I had a serious Josh Lanyon
craving and I've just finished re-reading everything I've
already read - again.
I found it light and entertaining and with all the little touches
this author brings to the floor.
Ellery Page and his escapades, Jack Carson and one of my
star side characters, little Watson, kept me well entertained.
I love the way Josh writes relationships. Heaven knows,
that's one of the reasons Adrien and Jake is one of my
all time favourite coupes. (There are more of them as we
all know - wink wink)
The mystery is a bonus. In fact I'm not a great mystery
fan, but I can't get enough of this authors particular
style.
This series is light and I really enjoyed the whole thing,
but, I enjoy the stories where there's MORE between the
MC's way better.
Maybe because it's a cosy mystery I felt the detail
between Ellery and Jack was not what I wanted entirely.
I will possibly add it as a re-read one day in the future but
Adrien, Jake, Christopher, JX, Elliot, Tucker, Jason and
heaven help me SAM KENNEDY.. are still ahead in the race.
It really was a fun read. I'm addicted to this author and
sometimes I wish a could clone her. For reasons that more
of her can write more fabulous stories quicker. But hey,
I'm happy with re-reads and patiently awaiting
anything new she gives us.
I'm obviously on a review slump - this has
NOTHING to do with the books and everything to do
with ME.
So I'm changing this up a little and doing a generic review
on the whole series here.
Please forgive me dearest Josh.
But it's that or there will forever be 100 books on my
currently-reading list that I've actually finished moths
ago.
Overall Rating on this series: 4
Audiobooks: Matt Haynes 4 plus an extra star for Watson!
Book Covers: 4
I started reading this because I had a serious Josh Lanyon
craving and I've just finished re-reading everything I've
already read - again.
I found it light and entertaining and with all the little touches
this author brings to the floor.
Ellery Page and his escapades, Jack Carson and one of my
star side characters, little Watson, kept me well entertained.
I love the way Josh writes relationships. Heaven knows,
that's one of the reasons Adrien and Jake is one of my
all time favourite coupes. (There are more of them as we
all know - wink wink)
The mystery is a bonus. In fact I'm not a great mystery
fan, but I can't get enough of this authors particular
style.
This series is light and I really enjoyed the whole thing,
but, I enjoy the stories where there's MORE between the
MC's way better.
Maybe because it's a cosy mystery I felt the detail
between Ellery and Jack was not what I wanted entirely.
I will possibly add it as a re-read one day in the future but
Adrien, Jake, Christopher, JX, Elliot, Tucker, Jason and
heaven help me SAM KENNEDY.. are still ahead in the race.
It really was a fun read. I'm addicted to this author and
sometimes I wish a could clone her. For reasons that more
of her can write more fabulous stories quicker. But hey,
I'm happy with re-reads and patiently awaiting
anything new she gives us.
June 18, 2025
In this series, I enjoy the characters and setting more than the mystery even and that was the case with this book as well.
Ellery, the owner of Pirate Cove's only mystery book shop gets somewhat unwillingly roped into investigating who is behind anonymous threats being sent to Lara Fairplay, a musician who is the main draw for the island 's music festival. This doesn't go down well with his boyfriend and police chief Jack. Things get worse when Ellery (of course!) stumbles across another murder and clashes with Jack over the arrest of a suspect.
Ellery is my favourite character and I love his interactions with Watson the adorably expressive dog and all the others on the island including the Silver Sleuths who help him in his investigations and egg him on. I think this is a place and community I would like to live in, all the crimes that make up the series notwithstanding!
The relationship between Jack and Ellery has also been built up well through the series with them often on opposite sides initially but then making up.
Two more to go and I hope there are more after that!
Ellery, the owner of Pirate Cove's only mystery book shop gets somewhat unwillingly roped into investigating who is behind anonymous threats being sent to Lara Fairplay, a musician who is the main draw for the island 's music festival. This doesn't go down well with his boyfriend and police chief Jack. Things get worse when Ellery (of course!) stumbles across another murder and clashes with Jack over the arrest of a suspect.
Ellery is my favourite character and I love his interactions with Watson the adorably expressive dog and all the others on the island including the Silver Sleuths who help him in his investigations and egg him on. I think this is a place and community I would like to live in, all the crimes that make up the series notwithstanding!
The relationship between Jack and Ellery has also been built up well through the series with them often on opposite sides initially but then making up.
Two more to go and I hope there are more after that!
April 9, 2023
2.75 stars rounded up
Weird reading this because book #7 came out first (and in that book, ). The mystery was okay, the relationship, well (. Anyway, this one was MERELY okay for me.
Weird reading this because book #7 came out first (and in that book, ). The mystery was okay, the relationship, well (. Anyway, this one was MERELY okay for me.
April 3, 2023
A new JL book is always a happy day. This very enjoyable continuation in her cosy mystery series features beloved characters and a typical whodunnit. It also has a couple of glaring typos, one so out there that I can’t even guess what the word is supposed to be.
September 14, 2024
Not a fan. The couple still doesn't really make sense, they keep having a variation of the same fight and making up but I really don't know what they see in each other. My friend Noah's rant on that one is spot on! The mystery was resolved, but not really thanks to Ellery's sleuthing, not fully. There were 3 mystery threads in a way. One culprit was someone we had never heard of before, or at least I didn't remember, that's a no for me. Only one book to go for me, and then I'm out.
March 14, 2025
3.5 stars
February 6, 2026
Didn't like this one as much as previous installments but I still adore the citizens of Pirates Cove.
May 31, 2023
"Lament at Loon Landing" is the sixth book of the "Secret and Scrabble" series by Josh Lanyon, a cozy mix of mystery, murder and LGBTQ+ romance.
Our main character is Ellery Page, mystery bookstore owner and amateur sleuth in the sea town of Pirate’s Cove. He is hired to investigate several death threats to folk singer Lara Fairplay, who’s going to be the special guest at the annual maritime music festival. After a couple of alleged incidents and a violent murder, Ellery starts to suspect that there is more to the situation than just hate mail.
Let me start by saying that I haven’t read the previous books in this series (I know, shame on me). But I had no problem following the story here because, being a detective fiction series, this book features an independent case that is investigated and solved by the end of the volume. Moreover, enough information on the continued arcs and the relationship dynamics between the characters is skilfully provided by the author so that all readers can understand what’s going on.
As always, what made the book for me are the characters so let’s talk about them. Ellery is witty, smart and loyal, neither the kind of man that looks for trouble, nor one to shy away from it. As a member of the Silver Sleuths book club, Ellery’s fascination with mystery is well-known and a regular source of disagreement with his boyfriend Jack Carson, who’s also the town’s Police Chief. As an officer of the law, Jack is aware of the dangers that come with the job and wants to protect Ellery from them, though sometimes his approach on the matter is not very diplomatic. It was very interesting to see them navigating their new relationship through everything that happens and striking a balance between the case and their feelings. Special mention to Watson, Ellery’s dog, constant source of joy and barking, as well as Nora and Kingston, Ellery’s quirky employees and fellow sleuths.
As far as mysteries go, the case was enough of a puzzle without becoming too convoluted, though some parts were a bit rushed, especially at the end. Still, it felt like a very fun and light reading because of the smooth and charming way it’s written in so I can honestly say that I really liked this book, and that I can’t wait to go back and catch up on the rest of the series.
So, I highly recommend to mystery lovers looking for a nice whodunnit novel, or more in general to anyone looking a warm comfort reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and JustJoshin Publishing, Inc. for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Our main character is Ellery Page, mystery bookstore owner and amateur sleuth in the sea town of Pirate’s Cove. He is hired to investigate several death threats to folk singer Lara Fairplay, who’s going to be the special guest at the annual maritime music festival. After a couple of alleged incidents and a violent murder, Ellery starts to suspect that there is more to the situation than just hate mail.
Let me start by saying that I haven’t read the previous books in this series (I know, shame on me). But I had no problem following the story here because, being a detective fiction series, this book features an independent case that is investigated and solved by the end of the volume. Moreover, enough information on the continued arcs and the relationship dynamics between the characters is skilfully provided by the author so that all readers can understand what’s going on.
As always, what made the book for me are the characters so let’s talk about them. Ellery is witty, smart and loyal, neither the kind of man that looks for trouble, nor one to shy away from it. As a member of the Silver Sleuths book club, Ellery’s fascination with mystery is well-known and a regular source of disagreement with his boyfriend Jack Carson, who’s also the town’s Police Chief. As an officer of the law, Jack is aware of the dangers that come with the job and wants to protect Ellery from them, though sometimes his approach on the matter is not very diplomatic. It was very interesting to see them navigating their new relationship through everything that happens and striking a balance between the case and their feelings. Special mention to Watson, Ellery’s dog, constant source of joy and barking, as well as Nora and Kingston, Ellery’s quirky employees and fellow sleuths.
As far as mysteries go, the case was enough of a puzzle without becoming too convoluted, though some parts were a bit rushed, especially at the end. Still, it felt like a very fun and light reading because of the smooth and charming way it’s written in so I can honestly say that I really liked this book, and that I can’t wait to go back and catch up on the rest of the series.
So, I highly recommend to mystery lovers looking for a nice whodunnit novel, or more in general to anyone looking a warm comfort reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and JustJoshin Publishing, Inc. for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2023
Although this book is #6 in the series, it was released AFTER the publication of book #7, so the plot doesn't take into account some very important events that happen in book #7. So color me a bit confused, as the murder / mystery in this book doesn't really substantially advance or flesh out the relationship between Jack and Ellery in any significant way, and I did not find the murder / mystery particularly engaging.
We do get some charming interactions with Nora and Kingston in the Crow's Nest bookstore, and as always, I enjoy the Pirate's Cove universe and its quirky residents. But I also found the principal players in this mystery (singer Lara Fairchild, her husband and sister, the woman who discovered a snippet of a supposed Stephen Foster work) not memorable enough and the murder of Dylan's horrible girlfriend ... um, what's her name .... September seemed shoe-horned into the plot.
3 stars for this installment in the series, but I anxiously await the next book in the series!
I received an ARC from the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
We do get some charming interactions with Nora and Kingston in the Crow's Nest bookstore, and as always, I enjoy the Pirate's Cove universe and its quirky residents. But I also found the principal players in this mystery (singer Lara Fairchild, her husband and sister, the woman who discovered a snippet of a supposed Stephen Foster work) not memorable enough and the murder of Dylan's horrible girlfriend ... um, what's her name .... September seemed shoe-horned into the plot.
3 stars for this installment in the series, but I anxiously await the next book in the series!
I received an ARC from the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2023
This was less bad than the last one I read (which was actually the one that's chronologically after this because I didn't pay enough attention). It's a decent mystery, and the quirky and lovable villagers aren't too distracting. (The dog is still bloody annoying. Fight me).
But it does feel a bit like Lanyon wants her cake and eat it, too, when it comes to cozy mysteries. Because everyone, including Ellery, keeps pointing out how you should leave the investigating to professionals, but then Ellery keeps sleuthing anyway. And then a major breakthrough comes, partly thanks to Ellery, but also because of DNA/fingerprints and then someone points out how that's how most cases are solved nowadays and that's just...rather unsatisfying.
(And weird, because I don't remember Lanyon's other series getting so hung up on the "Actually amateur sleuths are unrealistic" angle and it's not like Adrien Fucking English is a professional, he's just allowed to say fuck on page (and do it as well)).
But it does feel a bit like Lanyon wants her cake and eat it, too, when it comes to cozy mysteries. Because everyone, including Ellery, keeps pointing out how you should leave the investigating to professionals, but then Ellery keeps sleuthing anyway. And then a major breakthrough comes, partly thanks to Ellery, but also because of DNA/fingerprints and then someone points out how that's how most cases are solved nowadays and that's just...rather unsatisfying.
(And weird, because I don't remember Lanyon's other series getting so hung up on the "Actually amateur sleuths are unrealistic" angle and it's not like Adrien Fucking English is a professional, he's just allowed to say fuck on page (and do it as well)).
October 25, 2023
This series is fun
August 27, 2025
I have to admit. I read this quite some time ago, and out of order of the series. But I remember really liking it. And JL is usually a solid 3.75 for me so 4 stars it is.
October 12, 2024
Storia molto carina, anche se non come le precedenti. Traduzione che lascia spesso a desiderare
April 8, 2023
This series is so damn enjoyable: I have loved every single one of the "Secrets and Scrabble" installments, and Josh Lanyon's latest one is no exception.
"Lament at Loon Landing" reminded me precisely how much I adore these novels, what a brilliant and highly lovable protagonist Ellery Page is, and why I love mysteries, of every flavour and kind, so damn much.
It also reminded me I should definitely dive into Josh Lanyon's backlist a bit more thoroughly because I LOVE HER WRITING: it's subtly funny and snarky, clever and so easy to inhale. And all of her mysteries are exactly like that too, brilliant and unexpected, witty and easily devoured.
I inhaled Ellery Page's latest adventure in two sittings because, as usual, I was hooked from the very start. Death threats, mysterious accidents, unexpected discoveries, questionable song-writing, betrayals, quarreling lovers (and quarreling Silver Sleuths), hidden identities and, of course, murder, danger and a whole lot of amateur sleuthing: Ellery has his hands full during the events of this book, especially when these events bring about a new challenge, and a fair dose of doubts and insecurity and drama, to his and Jack's slowly developing romance.
Needless to say, I loved every single second I got to spend in Ellery's head as he tried to solve Pirate's Cove umpteenth mystery. He is, as usual, an absolute joy to read about: funny and kind, insecure and lovable, witty and helpessly unable to resist his calling as an amateur sleuth.
And, as usual, he's surrounded by Pirate's Cove wacky, chaotic, not very law-abiding and definitely quirky, citizens: Nora and Watson steal the show, as per usual; all the Silver Sleuths own my heart; and Jack, despite the drama that unfolds with Ellery, is the perfect dreamboat. Actually, I'm glad we got a bit of relationship angst: it's about time things started moving ahead with these two, and I'm very excited to see if Jack's parents (and/or Rob) will soon challenge the status quo.
"Lament at Loon Landing" wasn't my favourite installment in this series, because some aspects of the mystery could have probably been developed a bit more, especially near the end, but I loved it to bits nevertheless: I'm excited to dive into the next book.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Also, I really don't want to get into it, but after seeing a few reviews and comments about this book/author, I feel the need to say something: writers aren't machines and they don't owe their readers books, especially when it's at the cost of their mental and physical health, or their creativity. I honestly don't understand why some people can't seem to get that: I get disappointment, but you can't just complain and callously demand books, explanations and time from an author, because they are human beings with their own lives and issues; but I would also like to point out that Josh Lanyon is very good at updating her readers about her writing and publishing schedule, so yeah... End of rant.
"Lament at Loon Landing" reminded me precisely how much I adore these novels, what a brilliant and highly lovable protagonist Ellery Page is, and why I love mysteries, of every flavour and kind, so damn much.
It also reminded me I should definitely dive into Josh Lanyon's backlist a bit more thoroughly because I LOVE HER WRITING: it's subtly funny and snarky, clever and so easy to inhale. And all of her mysteries are exactly like that too, brilliant and unexpected, witty and easily devoured.
I inhaled Ellery Page's latest adventure in two sittings because, as usual, I was hooked from the very start. Death threats, mysterious accidents, unexpected discoveries, questionable song-writing, betrayals, quarreling lovers (and quarreling Silver Sleuths), hidden identities and, of course, murder, danger and a whole lot of amateur sleuthing: Ellery has his hands full during the events of this book, especially when these events bring about a new challenge, and a fair dose of doubts and insecurity and drama, to his and Jack's slowly developing romance.
Needless to say, I loved every single second I got to spend in Ellery's head as he tried to solve Pirate's Cove umpteenth mystery. He is, as usual, an absolute joy to read about: funny and kind, insecure and lovable, witty and helpessly unable to resist his calling as an amateur sleuth.
And, as usual, he's surrounded by Pirate's Cove wacky, chaotic, not very law-abiding and definitely quirky, citizens: Nora and Watson steal the show, as per usual; all the Silver Sleuths own my heart; and Jack, despite the drama that unfolds with Ellery, is the perfect dreamboat. Actually, I'm glad we got a bit of relationship angst: it's about time things started moving ahead with these two, and I'm very excited to see if Jack's parents (and/or Rob) will soon challenge the status quo.
"Lament at Loon Landing" wasn't my favourite installment in this series, because some aspects of the mystery could have probably been developed a bit more, especially near the end, but I loved it to bits nevertheless: I'm excited to dive into the next book.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Also, I really don't want to get into it, but after seeing a few reviews and comments about this book/author, I feel the need to say something: writers aren't machines and they don't owe their readers books, especially when it's at the cost of their mental and physical health, or their creativity. I honestly don't understand why some people can't seem to get that: I get disappointment, but you can't just complain and callously demand books, explanations and time from an author, because they are human beings with their own lives and issues; but I would also like to point out that Josh Lanyon is very good at updating her readers about her writing and publishing schedule, so yeah... End of rant.
September 8, 2024
Sixth in the Secrets and Scrabble LGBTQ amateur sleuth cozy mystery series revolving around Ellery Page, a gay bookseller, who lives on an island in Rhode Island. The focus is on the annual music festival that takes place in September.
My Take
It’s a nice switch up with a couple in a relationship who are honest with each other. It’s a third person protagonist point-of-view from Ellery’s perspective, so we discover how much Ellery has learned from past relationships and how much he appreciates Jack’s honesty. Although, that honesty still creates problems, as Ellery interprets Jack’s comments based on that past.
Ellery is such a nice guy and no one seems to believe anyone can be that nice, although Ellery does seem to be finding that backbone. Yay! Sadly, the tetchy behavior of so many of the other characters is too typical of most of us.
Poor Ellery. With all that “advertising” by Sue, the whole island knows of his inadvertent aid to the police in the past five murders. They all believe he’s secretly a private detective. It doesn't help that Buck Island has its own network that knows what’s going on almost before it happens. A side attitude on the island is their suspicion of outsiders. Ya have to have lived on the island for centuries.
Jack is the epitome of the kind of cop we all wish existed. He’s diligent in the performance of his duties and keeps in mind that the evidence must be there. He doesn’t care, well, actually he does care, who he worries because it’s the job, and he's determined to do it well. If more police had been like Jack, Lara would never have served time. How much time is in question, for Lanyon says Lara did seven years and then later he says eleven years in prison. Yep, we do get background on what happened and Neilson’s behavior.
Ooh, I do wish I could see that Gentlemen of Note calendar that Ellery poses for. Seems Jack and Dylan, Captain November, also participate *eyebrow waggle*.
I had hopes for Kingston and Nora’s performance preparation for the festival, but I guess it was an aside for atmosphere.
That Watson is quite the character with his singing the songs of his people, the chasing, his joyful welcomes, and his toys. I cracked up at Lanyon’s colorful description of Watson having “darted off to make sure every bush and tree was as he’d left it".
Ellery’s romantic progress with Jack is the main series arc while his restoration of Captain’s Seat is minor one — I do enjoy following both.
It is impressive that Ellery can make enough from the bookshop to pay two employees — admittedly, they’re not making much. Considering that there are some 4,000 people on the island, I’d not expect him to make any kind of a living. It is fun to watch though, as Nora and Kingston come up with ideas to make the Crow’s Nest busier and more lucrative.
The music festival brings even more excitement with threats made to Lara Fairplay, “accidents”, the discovery of a piece of music by Stephen Foster, local anger about how much Lara is being paid, the tension between locals and Lara’s crew, Jane’s shifting tales of her past, and the arguments between Ellery and Jack when it comes to arresting people. Hoo boy.
That fortunate discovery of a scrap of Stephen Foster’s music fuels interesting side action with questions about Jane’s actions including the difference in her financial situation and her unexpected purchase as well as her intentions and Lara’s writing the rest of the music to perform.
There is action, but it’s primarily a lot of talk and colorful character interaction with Dylan being [an interesting] character with a depth of knowledge that pulls Ellery’s interest and flamboyant enough that Ellery questioned his preferences. Dylan is involved in a lot on the island. He runs the Monday Night scrabbling games, the local theater group, and the music festival.
For all that, ya gotta wonder why Dylan gets involved with September. He seems too smart for all that gets revealed about the woman. I guess he finally does get it when September doesn’t hold back on what she thinks. In fact, the whole island knows!
The Silver Sleuths, while a help for the Crow’s Nest, are a combination of aid and disaster in their interest in helping the unwilling Ellery with his investigations.
Lara is an interesting character with a contrast of laidback acceptance and anger over her undeserved conviction.
Parents may want to read the Secrets and Scrabble series if only for a list of children’s mystery authors. There are a number I never heard of, and I read a lot as a kid.
Sure, I have a lot of questions about the practicality of how any of it could apply to real life, but DANG it is a fun read with characters I enjoy.
The Story
It’s a paying gig, although Dylan is dodging Ellery’s questions about exactly what they all expect when legendary folk singer Lara Fairplay agrees to make her comeback appearance at Pirate Cove’s annual maritime music festival
It seems that Lara's headlining has incited a string of death threats. And she’s vehement in her refusal to involve the police.
The Characters
Ellery Page, a former actor and model who’s still writing that screenplay, is now a bookseller with the shop he inherited from his great-great-great aunt Eudora Page. Watson is the black spaniel-mix puppy Ellery encountered in Murder at Pirate's Cove , 1.
The Crow’s Nest specializes in mysteries, and Ellery employs Nora Sweeny, a retired lady with a handle on all the gossip and history of the island. Kingston Peabody is a recent hire whom Nora has viewed as a competitor. Rupert is the pirate-garbed resin skeleton who serves as the shop’s mascot.
Jack Carson is the police chief of Pirate’s Cove and a former homicide cop in LA. He’s also Ellery’s boyfriend. Hannah had been Jack’s much-loved wife. Harry would have been their son. His men include Officer Martin and the hard-edged Detective Lansing.
Pirate’s Cove, Buck Island, Rhode Island, is . . .
. . . home for Ellery now, living in Captain’s Seat, the mansion Captain Horatio Page built in the 1700s, that Ellery inherited from Eudora. Dylan Carter, who owns the Toy Chest next door to the bookshop and manages the Scallywags theater guild, is Ellery’s closest friend. The disliked September St Simmons is Dylan’s girlfriend — hoo-boy, the stuff we learn about her!
Janet Maples owns the Old Salt Stationery shop. Sue Lewis, the owner/editor of the Scuttlebutt Weekly , is Ellery’s archnemesis. Supposedly, the fallout from events in Scandal at the Salty Dog, 4, have made Sue a changed woman. As if! “Cap” Elijah Murphy writes a weekly column for the newspaper. The Seacrest Inn is the best in town. Imelda Appleby is the receptionist at Vincent Veterinary Hospital. The Cloaked Owl is a commercial provider of witchcraft items. Tom Tulley owns the Salty Dog pub. Libby Tulley is Tom’s daughter who’s off to college and who’s been a leading light in the Scallawags. Sandy Morita, who owns the art gallery next to the Crow’s Nest, has a face painting booth for the festival. Greta Handel runs a gourmet grocery store. Dr Robert Mane is the medical director and CEO of the Buck Island Med Center as well as the substitute medical examiner.
The Silver Sleuths is a book club that includes Jane Smith, who works in an antique shop owned by Oriel Dolin; the book-returning Hermione Nelson; Mrs Ferris; Stanley Starling; and, Edna Clarence.
Sing the Plank is an annual music festival that is teetering on the brink. It takes place in the decrepit Loon Landing Boathouse Theater. Dylan manages it and others on the board include Olive Earl, David Fish (owns Garden Isles Florist as well as being the leader of the Fish and Chippies, the island’s favorite folk band), and Philippa Jones. Madame Buckley, a medium, is one of the participants.
Lara Fairplay, a former bright folk singer, is working on a comeback tour and headlining the festival. Neilson Elon is her husband and manager. Jocasta Fairplay is Lara’s sister who admires Neilson. Artemisia “Arti” Rathbone, a descendant of Ann Rathbone, a college theater major, and James Sutherland were the island band, Backsplash Butterfly, Lara joined. White Wine Records was the company that broke them up. “Fool Me, Fool You” had been Lara’s big hit single. And quite biographical.
Gig had been the drummer. The questionable Dawn Shumway’s behavior resulted in seven/eleven years for manslaughter. Pat Pendragon had been the headliner two years ago. Quinton Jones had built the boathouse in the 1800s that was later converted into the theatre.
Mr Honeycutt is the lawyer handling Brandon Abbott’s estate ( Mystery at the Masquerade , 3). Howard King was in Body at Buccaneer's Bay , 5. Cyrus Jones is the former mayor of Pirate’s Cove ( Secret at Skull House , 2). Ned Shandy had been a key player in Mystery at the Masquerade . Todd is one of Ellery’s exes ( Murder at Pirate's Cove , 1). The Pirate Eight were the original founders of Pirate’s Cove, as a village.
The Cover and Title
The cover background is black with a texture of vertical gray streaks. At the very top is the author’s name in orange with the title below it in white and shaded with black. Underlapping the title is a worn vintage piece of sheet music set a’slant with music notes. At the bottom is a vintage paper scroll with the series info on it in brown.
The title is a surface complement to the call of a loon, a Lament at Loon Landing, and I suspect a metaphorical lament for the past.
My Take
It’s a nice switch up with a couple in a relationship who are honest with each other. It’s a third person protagonist point-of-view from Ellery’s perspective, so we discover how much Ellery has learned from past relationships and how much he appreciates Jack’s honesty. Although, that honesty still creates problems, as Ellery interprets Jack’s comments based on that past.
Ellery is such a nice guy and no one seems to believe anyone can be that nice, although Ellery does seem to be finding that backbone. Yay! Sadly, the tetchy behavior of so many of the other characters is too typical of most of us.
Poor Ellery. With all that “advertising” by Sue, the whole island knows of his inadvertent aid to the police in the past five murders. They all believe he’s secretly a private detective. It doesn't help that Buck Island has its own network that knows what’s going on almost before it happens. A side attitude on the island is their suspicion of outsiders. Ya have to have lived on the island for centuries.
Jack is the epitome of the kind of cop we all wish existed. He’s diligent in the performance of his duties and keeps in mind that the evidence must be there. He doesn’t care, well, actually he does care, who he worries because it’s the job, and he's determined to do it well. If more police had been like Jack, Lara would never have served time. How much time is in question, for Lanyon says Lara did seven years and then later he says eleven years in prison. Yep, we do get background on what happened and Neilson’s behavior.
Ooh, I do wish I could see that Gentlemen of Note calendar that Ellery poses for. Seems Jack and Dylan, Captain November, also participate *eyebrow waggle*.
I had hopes for Kingston and Nora’s performance preparation for the festival, but I guess it was an aside for atmosphere.
That Watson is quite the character with his singing the songs of his people, the chasing, his joyful welcomes, and his toys. I cracked up at Lanyon’s colorful description of Watson having “darted off to make sure every bush and tree was as he’d left it".
Ellery’s romantic progress with Jack is the main series arc while his restoration of Captain’s Seat is minor one — I do enjoy following both.
It is impressive that Ellery can make enough from the bookshop to pay two employees — admittedly, they’re not making much. Considering that there are some 4,000 people on the island, I’d not expect him to make any kind of a living. It is fun to watch though, as Nora and Kingston come up with ideas to make the Crow’s Nest busier and more lucrative.
The music festival brings even more excitement with threats made to Lara Fairplay, “accidents”, the discovery of a piece of music by Stephen Foster, local anger about how much Lara is being paid, the tension between locals and Lara’s crew, Jane’s shifting tales of her past, and the arguments between Ellery and Jack when it comes to arresting people. Hoo boy.
That fortunate discovery of a scrap of Stephen Foster’s music fuels interesting side action with questions about Jane’s actions including the difference in her financial situation and her unexpected purchase as well as her intentions and Lara’s writing the rest of the music to perform.
There is action, but it’s primarily a lot of talk and colorful character interaction with Dylan being [an interesting] character with a depth of knowledge that pulls Ellery’s interest and flamboyant enough that Ellery questioned his preferences. Dylan is involved in a lot on the island. He runs the Monday Night scrabbling games, the local theater group, and the music festival.
For all that, ya gotta wonder why Dylan gets involved with September. He seems too smart for all that gets revealed about the woman. I guess he finally does get it when September doesn’t hold back on what she thinks. In fact, the whole island knows!
The Silver Sleuths, while a help for the Crow’s Nest, are a combination of aid and disaster in their interest in helping the unwilling Ellery with his investigations.
Lara is an interesting character with a contrast of laidback acceptance and anger over her undeserved conviction.
Parents may want to read the Secrets and Scrabble series if only for a list of children’s mystery authors. There are a number I never heard of, and I read a lot as a kid.
Sure, I have a lot of questions about the practicality of how any of it could apply to real life, but DANG it is a fun read with characters I enjoy.
The Story
It’s a paying gig, although Dylan is dodging Ellery’s questions about exactly what they all expect when legendary folk singer Lara Fairplay agrees to make her comeback appearance at Pirate Cove’s annual maritime music festival
It seems that Lara's headlining has incited a string of death threats. And she’s vehement in her refusal to involve the police.
The Characters
Ellery Page, a former actor and model who’s still writing that screenplay, is now a bookseller with the shop he inherited from his great-great-great aunt Eudora Page. Watson is the black spaniel-mix puppy Ellery encountered in Murder at Pirate's Cove , 1.
The Crow’s Nest specializes in mysteries, and Ellery employs Nora Sweeny, a retired lady with a handle on all the gossip and history of the island. Kingston Peabody is a recent hire whom Nora has viewed as a competitor. Rupert is the pirate-garbed resin skeleton who serves as the shop’s mascot.
Jack Carson is the police chief of Pirate’s Cove and a former homicide cop in LA. He’s also Ellery’s boyfriend. Hannah had been Jack’s much-loved wife. Harry would have been their son. His men include Officer Martin and the hard-edged Detective Lansing.
Pirate’s Cove, Buck Island, Rhode Island, is . . .
. . . home for Ellery now, living in Captain’s Seat, the mansion Captain Horatio Page built in the 1700s, that Ellery inherited from Eudora. Dylan Carter, who owns the Toy Chest next door to the bookshop and manages the Scallywags theater guild, is Ellery’s closest friend. The disliked September St Simmons is Dylan’s girlfriend — hoo-boy, the stuff we learn about her!
Janet Maples owns the Old Salt Stationery shop. Sue Lewis, the owner/editor of the Scuttlebutt Weekly , is Ellery’s archnemesis. Supposedly, the fallout from events in Scandal at the Salty Dog, 4, have made Sue a changed woman. As if! “Cap” Elijah Murphy writes a weekly column for the newspaper. The Seacrest Inn is the best in town. Imelda Appleby is the receptionist at Vincent Veterinary Hospital. The Cloaked Owl is a commercial provider of witchcraft items. Tom Tulley owns the Salty Dog pub. Libby Tulley is Tom’s daughter who’s off to college and who’s been a leading light in the Scallawags. Sandy Morita, who owns the art gallery next to the Crow’s Nest, has a face painting booth for the festival. Greta Handel runs a gourmet grocery store. Dr Robert Mane is the medical director and CEO of the Buck Island Med Center as well as the substitute medical examiner.
The Silver Sleuths is a book club that includes Jane Smith, who works in an antique shop owned by Oriel Dolin; the book-returning Hermione Nelson; Mrs Ferris; Stanley Starling; and, Edna Clarence.
Sing the Plank is an annual music festival that is teetering on the brink. It takes place in the decrepit Loon Landing Boathouse Theater. Dylan manages it and others on the board include Olive Earl, David Fish (owns Garden Isles Florist as well as being the leader of the Fish and Chippies, the island’s favorite folk band), and Philippa Jones. Madame Buckley, a medium, is one of the participants.
Lara Fairplay, a former bright folk singer, is working on a comeback tour and headlining the festival. Neilson Elon is her husband and manager. Jocasta Fairplay is Lara’s sister who admires Neilson. Artemisia “Arti” Rathbone, a descendant of Ann Rathbone, a college theater major, and James Sutherland were the island band, Backsplash Butterfly, Lara joined. White Wine Records was the company that broke them up. “Fool Me, Fool You” had been Lara’s big hit single. And quite biographical.
Gig had been the drummer. The questionable Dawn Shumway’s behavior resulted in seven/eleven years for manslaughter. Pat Pendragon had been the headliner two years ago. Quinton Jones had built the boathouse in the 1800s that was later converted into the theatre.
Mr Honeycutt is the lawyer handling Brandon Abbott’s estate ( Mystery at the Masquerade , 3). Howard King was in Body at Buccaneer's Bay , 5. Cyrus Jones is the former mayor of Pirate’s Cove ( Secret at Skull House , 2). Ned Shandy had been a key player in Mystery at the Masquerade . Todd is one of Ellery’s exes ( Murder at Pirate's Cove , 1). The Pirate Eight were the original founders of Pirate’s Cove, as a village.
The Cover and Title
The cover background is black with a texture of vertical gray streaks. At the very top is the author’s name in orange with the title below it in white and shaded with black. Underlapping the title is a worn vintage piece of sheet music set a’slant with music notes. At the bottom is a vintage paper scroll with the series info on it in brown.
The title is a surface complement to the call of a loon, a Lament at Loon Landing, and I suspect a metaphorical lament for the past.
July 2, 2025
3.75⭐️
Ellery is hired by the annual maritime folk music festival to see if the death threats against the main act, Lara Fairplay, are real. Needing the money for his ongoing restorations at Captain Seat and intrigued by the mystery, he begins questioning those closest to her. Meanwhile, another murder in Pirate's Cove distracts him as a close friend becomes a suspect.
I really like Ellery as a character. He's really easy to root for and just an all around good guy. Which is why I still don't like Jack. At some points I'm actually not convinced Jack really likes Ellery. He tends to take out all his frustration on him, who as a certified good guy he tries his best to placate him. However there are moments where Ellery stands up for what he thinks is right and pushes back. At least Jack does listen, and they are able to come meet in the middle, kiss and make up, and find a way forward. Watson helps, because how can you not love a puppy. Also RIP to my dreams of Ellery and Dr. Rob.
Honestly I just didn't find any of this all that interesting, especially since we just had a case with death threats. It was still a classic cozy and easy listen, and some different side characters got their moment to shine. But I would say it's my least favorite so far out of all the cases. At least there was minor Silver Slueth involvement. I just don't feel like there's a ton of character development happening for anyone. I could use a little pizzazz or something to shake things up. Maybe I'm a little burnt out on these, but I'm going to still power through. There's two books left, and plenty of mystery to go around.
Read if you like:
• cozy mystery
• friends to lovers
• small town
•••••••••••••••••••••
Ellery is hired by the annual maritime folk music festival to see if the death threats against the main act, Lara Fairplay, are real. Needing the money for his ongoing restorations at Captain Seat and intrigued by the mystery, he begins questioning those closest to her. Meanwhile, another murder in Pirate's Cove distracts him as a close friend becomes a suspect.
I really like Ellery as a character. He's really easy to root for and just an all around good guy. Which is why I still don't like Jack. At some points I'm actually not convinced Jack really likes Ellery. He tends to take out all his frustration on him, who as a certified good guy he tries his best to placate him. However there are moments where Ellery stands up for what he thinks is right and pushes back. At least Jack does listen, and they are able to come meet in the middle, kiss and make up, and find a way forward. Watson helps, because how can you not love a puppy. Also RIP to my dreams of Ellery and Dr. Rob.
Honestly I just didn't find any of this all that interesting, especially since we just had a case with death threats. It was still a classic cozy and easy listen, and some different side characters got their moment to shine. But I would say it's my least favorite so far out of all the cases. At least there was minor Silver Slueth involvement. I just don't feel like there's a ton of character development happening for anyone. I could use a little pizzazz or something to shake things up. Maybe I'm a little burnt out on these, but I'm going to still power through. There's two books left, and plenty of mystery to go around.
Read if you like:
• cozy mystery
• friends to lovers
• small town
•••••••••••••••••••••
September 28, 2024
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
Siamo alla fine dell’estate in questo sesto volume della serie ed Ellery sente già la nostalgia per le lunghe giornate soleggiate e per gli affari fiorenti che sono destinati a calare con il minor afflusso di turisti sull’isola che sverneranno altrove.
A movimentare però la vita dei nostri paesani – e soprattutto del nostro libraio con velleità investigative – è il festival musicale annuale, che nell’edizione odierna ospita una cantante in passato molto famosa ma caduta in disgrazia.
Lara e il suo entourage assumono Ellery perché investighi su strane minacce che la diva sta ricevendo e, avendo lui stesso esperienza diretta del fenomeno, sa che potrebbe essere solo fumo negli occhi, ma anche che nulla si può escludere…
Mentre Ellery cerca di capire se i messaggi minatori siano reali o meno, e se quindi la polizia vada allertata o no, un altro omicidio scuote la comunità e uno degli amici di Ellery è direttamente coinvolto nelle indagini, creando un forte attrito fra il nostro protagonista e il suo partner, il capo della polizia, Jack Carson.
I momenti di tensione fra loro sono molto ben descritti e mi hanno coinvolta parecchio, soprattutto perché ero curiosa di capire come i nostri testoni avrebbero ricucito il loro rapporto sempre sul filo del rasoio.
Le investigazioni sul caso di omicidio questa volta hanno un sapore particolarmente dolceamaro, o almeno questa è stata la mia impressione, mentre la parte investigativa su Lara mi ha catturata un po’ meno.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Siamo alla fine dell’estate in questo sesto volume della serie ed Ellery sente già la nostalgia per le lunghe giornate soleggiate e per gli affari fiorenti che sono destinati a calare con il minor afflusso di turisti sull’isola che sverneranno altrove.
A movimentare però la vita dei nostri paesani – e soprattutto del nostro libraio con velleità investigative – è il festival musicale annuale, che nell’edizione odierna ospita una cantante in passato molto famosa ma caduta in disgrazia.
Lara e il suo entourage assumono Ellery perché investighi su strane minacce che la diva sta ricevendo e, avendo lui stesso esperienza diretta del fenomeno, sa che potrebbe essere solo fumo negli occhi, ma anche che nulla si può escludere…
Mentre Ellery cerca di capire se i messaggi minatori siano reali o meno, e se quindi la polizia vada allertata o no, un altro omicidio scuote la comunità e uno degli amici di Ellery è direttamente coinvolto nelle indagini, creando un forte attrito fra il nostro protagonista e il suo partner, il capo della polizia, Jack Carson.
I momenti di tensione fra loro sono molto ben descritti e mi hanno coinvolta parecchio, soprattutto perché ero curiosa di capire come i nostri testoni avrebbero ricucito il loro rapporto sempre sul filo del rasoio.
Le investigazioni sul caso di omicidio questa volta hanno un sapore particolarmente dolceamaro, o almeno questa è stata la mia impressione, mentre la parte investigativa su Lara mi ha catturata un po’ meno.
Continua sul nostro blog!
May 2, 2023
So, I enjoyed reading about these characters, the stories are usually fun and entertaining. But I think there were some issues here that really bother me.
One, Jack's parents. Why bring all that possible drama up when his parent never show up? Not in this book nor in the next one. I just don't get why that conversation was in the book, at all.
Two, the feeling that everybody thinks Jack is a saint and therefore nothing he does is wrong and, ALSO, it's absolutely justified AND he didn't mean it that way *facepalm*
Look, I don't mean Jack didn't have the right to be pissed off at Ellery for his lack of understanding of his duties as a police officer. Yes, he could (and should) have handled it better but I get from where he's coming. And I also understand Ellery's outrage at what he sees as disloyalty to a friend, and, to make it worst, the only one who stuck with him during a very hard time. But he could (and should) had been more understanding. They both were wrong. They both took a work issue as a trust one. So why is only Jack the one who gets support from Ellery's friends?
At least, they both saw the mistakes they made and apologize for them.
Other than that, the mystery was interesting although I saw the culprit from a mile ahead. What I didn't see coming was the solution to the poison letters Ellery was getting :P
Not my favourite in the series, but a good story nonetheless.
One, Jack's parents. Why bring all that possible drama up when his parent never show up? Not in this book nor in the next one. I just don't get why that conversation was in the book, at all.
Two, the feeling that everybody thinks Jack is a saint and therefore nothing he does is wrong and, ALSO, it's absolutely justified AND he didn't mean it that way *facepalm*
Look, I don't mean Jack didn't have the right to be pissed off at Ellery for his lack of understanding of his duties as a police officer. Yes, he could (and should) have handled it better but I get from where he's coming. And I also understand Ellery's outrage at what he sees as disloyalty to a friend, and, to make it worst, the only one who stuck with him during a very hard time. But he could (and should) had been more understanding. They both were wrong. They both took a work issue as a trust one. So why is only Jack the one who gets support from Ellery's friends?
At least, they both saw the mistakes they made and apologize for them.
Other than that, the mystery was interesting although I saw the culprit from a mile ahead. What I didn't see coming was the solution to the poison letters Ellery was getting :P
Not my favourite in the series, but a good story nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews