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Secrets and Scrabble #1-4
Secrets & Scrabble Box Set: Volumes 1 - 4
Ellery Page, aspiring screenwriter, Scrabble champion, and guy-with-worst-luck-in-the-world-when-it-comes-to-dating, is ready to make a change. So when he learns he’s inherited both a failing bookshop and a falling-down mansion in the quaint seaside village of Pirate’s Cove in Rhode Island, it’s full steam ahead!
Sure enough, the village is charming, its residents amusingly eccentric, and widowed police chief Jack Carson is decidedly yummy (though possibly as straight as he is stern). However, the bookstore is failing, the mansion is falling down, and there’s that little drawback of a homicide rate higher than the village of St. Mary Mead and Midsomer County put together!
This collection includes the first four novels in the Secrets and Scrabble series.
Book 1 - Murder in Pirate’s Cove
When Police Chief Jack Carson learns unpleasant bookseller Trevor Maples was killed with the pirate’s cutlass hanging over the door of rival Ellery Page’s bookstore, Ellery jumps from cute newcomer to prime suspect.
Book 2 – Secret at Skull House
Unlike everyone else in Pirate’s Cove, Ellery is less than thrilled when famed horror author Brandon Abbott announces he’s purchased legendary Skull House and plans to live there permanently. Ellery and Brandon have history and Ellery has to wonder what Brandon is really up to?
Book 3 – Mystery at the Masquerade
As his relationship with Police Chief Carson seems to be dead in the water, Ellery is grateful for a little flattering attention from the village’s most eligible bachelor, but any hopes of romance hit the shoals when murder makes an appearance at the annual Masquerade.
Book 4 - Scandal at the Salty Dog
Who or what is haunting elderly and eccentric Miss Blackwell, what, if anything, does it have to do with mysterious goings-on at the Salty Dog pub—and why is any of it Ellery’s problem?
Sure enough, the village is charming, its residents amusingly eccentric, and widowed police chief Jack Carson is decidedly yummy (though possibly as straight as he is stern). However, the bookstore is failing, the mansion is falling down, and there’s that little drawback of a homicide rate higher than the village of St. Mary Mead and Midsomer County put together!
This collection includes the first four novels in the Secrets and Scrabble series.
Book 1 - Murder in Pirate’s Cove
When Police Chief Jack Carson learns unpleasant bookseller Trevor Maples was killed with the pirate’s cutlass hanging over the door of rival Ellery Page’s bookstore, Ellery jumps from cute newcomer to prime suspect.
Book 2 – Secret at Skull House
Unlike everyone else in Pirate’s Cove, Ellery is less than thrilled when famed horror author Brandon Abbott announces he’s purchased legendary Skull House and plans to live there permanently. Ellery and Brandon have history and Ellery has to wonder what Brandon is really up to?
Book 3 – Mystery at the Masquerade
As his relationship with Police Chief Carson seems to be dead in the water, Ellery is grateful for a little flattering attention from the village’s most eligible bachelor, but any hopes of romance hit the shoals when murder makes an appearance at the annual Masquerade.
Book 4 - Scandal at the Salty Dog
Who or what is haunting elderly and eccentric Miss Blackwell, what, if anything, does it have to do with mysterious goings-on at the Salty Dog pub—and why is any of it Ellery’s problem?
821 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2021
7 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
213 books5,405 followersAuthor of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 10, 2025
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley
~
Secrets and Scrabble, Vol. 1 (Books 1-4)
by Josh Lanyon
★★★★★
3rd person, single character pov
As someone who grew up on Murder, She Wrote, Colombo and Midsomer Murders, this was a perfect little cosy mystery. It's got great characters, a clever mystery, a cute but deadly small town, warmth and vitality. It manages to blend crime fiction with small town gossip, hometown slice-of-life with a refreshing new start on life.
From characters, plot, execution, to pacing and chemistry, with a side of romance, it had everything I could have wanted.
~
Book 1: Murder in Pirate's Cove
Book 1 begins with Ellery – a 32 year old ex-actor and screenwriter, who has just inherited a house and bookshop from a great-great-great aunt Eudora who he never knew existed. Pirate's Cove is a small part of Rhode Island with a long and cherished history of pirates, which everyone takes very seriously.
There he meets Police Chief Jack Cardon – a handsome if gruff widower, whose wife died 5 years ago – who constantly finds Ellery in the worst state of interfering in cases. (Not always intentionally!)
Together, they make a great team. Ellery might now run a mystery bookshop, but he has zero knowledge about mysteries, books or even crime. Which, to Jack, only makes his bumbling interference so much worse. I love their chemistry together, the way that Jack is always so open and honest about his meaning, even when he puts distance between them. Ellery is your typical "can't stay out of trouble" character, about to get a crash course in all things murder!
Favourite Quote:
“Honestly,” Ellery said. “I didn’t think you liked me much. Anytime I caught your eye in here you were always watching me, like you didn’t trust me.”
Carson gave him a funny smile. “It wasn’t that. You were just very…watchable.”
~
Book 2: Secret at Skull House
Book 2 begins with the complex complication of Ellery's ex-boyfriend – no, not Todd – Brandon Abbott showing up unexpectedly in Pirate's Cove. Worse, he's just bought the supposedly haunted Skull House, which means Ellery's unlikely to get rid of him any time soon.
Except...maybe sooner than he thinks.
Brandon unwittingly – at least in his mind – stirs up some bad memories and feelings about a 20-year-old cold case which sets in motion a new case for Ellery to stick his nose into.
The relationship with Jack starts with a lot of promise, but it's clear they'll be a slow burn, which is great. I can see where his hesitation comes from and why Ellery is cautious too. It's a very realistic love story. Despite that sad but bittersweet ending, I love both Ellery and Jack, together and separately. Their chemistry is great. I love Dylan and Nora, they're such good friends and a great support system for Ellery.
Favourite Quote:
Jack said, “It’s hard to follow your logic.” Which was honest, if not tactful.
“I don’t like to argue.” Ellery meant he hadn’t wanted to argue with Brandon, but maybe Jack thought he meant he didn’t want to argue with him because his blue-green eyes narrowed.
“All right.”
“No. I mean, I don’t mind arguing with you—”
Jack gave a short laugh. “I’ve noticed.”
~
Book 3: Mystery at the Masquerade
Book 3 begins another exciting case for Ellery, and this time he's investigating as an 'outsider', not as the prime suspect, for once.
With a spate of burglaries in town and a murder at a masquerade ball, there's a lot going on in Pirate's Cove. Things are rocky between Ellery and Jack, and local posh boy, Julian, has developed a somewhat unhealthy fascination with Ellery, amounting to a lot of jealousy, confusion and personal drama!
In amongst all of that, we actually find out what happened when Jack's wife died and the toll that loss took on him.
In the end, it had the perfect, hopeful, happy ending.
Favourite Quote:
"one evening you look across the room and see a guy having dinner and think, I wonder what he's like."
~
Book 4: Scandal at the Salty Dog
There's a lot going on in this one! Two cases - a hungry burglar targeting the Salty Dog pub and an attempted murder - which Ellery gets unwillingly tangled up in. Then there's the progression - stagnation? - of his relationship with Jack. And new romantic interest from Dr Mane!
The story takes place just 2 weeks after the events of the previous book, as Ellery's given the all-clear to get back to work after his concussion. As always, Nora, Dylan and the Scrabblers and the book club are a riot of fun.
I loved the increased but realistic and natural chemistry between Ellery and Jack. I love that they fight, argue, disagree with each other but are still there when it counts. I feel like they've both matured a lot, being open and honest about their feelings and intentions towards each other and their relationship.
What a great ending to the volume.
Favourite Quote:
"...be careful what you wish for."
Jack's smile tugged into that rare sweet grin. "I don't have any complaints so far."
Copy received through Netgalley
~
Secrets and Scrabble, Vol. 1 (Books 1-4)
by Josh Lanyon
★★★★★
3rd person, single character pov
As someone who grew up on Murder, She Wrote, Colombo and Midsomer Murders, this was a perfect little cosy mystery. It's got great characters, a clever mystery, a cute but deadly small town, warmth and vitality. It manages to blend crime fiction with small town gossip, hometown slice-of-life with a refreshing new start on life.
From characters, plot, execution, to pacing and chemistry, with a side of romance, it had everything I could have wanted.
~
Book 1: Murder in Pirate's Cove
Book 1 begins with Ellery – a 32 year old ex-actor and screenwriter, who has just inherited a house and bookshop from a great-great-great aunt Eudora who he never knew existed. Pirate's Cove is a small part of Rhode Island with a long and cherished history of pirates, which everyone takes very seriously.
There he meets Police Chief Jack Cardon – a handsome if gruff widower, whose wife died 5 years ago – who constantly finds Ellery in the worst state of interfering in cases. (Not always intentionally!)
Together, they make a great team. Ellery might now run a mystery bookshop, but he has zero knowledge about mysteries, books or even crime. Which, to Jack, only makes his bumbling interference so much worse. I love their chemistry together, the way that Jack is always so open and honest about his meaning, even when he puts distance between them. Ellery is your typical "can't stay out of trouble" character, about to get a crash course in all things murder!
Favourite Quote:
“Honestly,” Ellery said. “I didn’t think you liked me much. Anytime I caught your eye in here you were always watching me, like you didn’t trust me.”
Carson gave him a funny smile. “It wasn’t that. You were just very…watchable.”
~
Book 2: Secret at Skull House
Book 2 begins with the complex complication of Ellery's ex-boyfriend – no, not Todd – Brandon Abbott showing up unexpectedly in Pirate's Cove. Worse, he's just bought the supposedly haunted Skull House, which means Ellery's unlikely to get rid of him any time soon.
Except...maybe sooner than he thinks.
Brandon unwittingly – at least in his mind – stirs up some bad memories and feelings about a 20-year-old cold case which sets in motion a new case for Ellery to stick his nose into.
The relationship with Jack starts with a lot of promise, but it's clear they'll be a slow burn, which is great. I can see where his hesitation comes from and why Ellery is cautious too. It's a very realistic love story. Despite that sad but bittersweet ending, I love both Ellery and Jack, together and separately. Their chemistry is great. I love Dylan and Nora, they're such good friends and a great support system for Ellery.
Favourite Quote:
Jack said, “It’s hard to follow your logic.” Which was honest, if not tactful.
“I don’t like to argue.” Ellery meant he hadn’t wanted to argue with Brandon, but maybe Jack thought he meant he didn’t want to argue with him because his blue-green eyes narrowed.
“All right.”
“No. I mean, I don’t mind arguing with you—”
Jack gave a short laugh. “I’ve noticed.”
~
Book 3: Mystery at the Masquerade
Book 3 begins another exciting case for Ellery, and this time he's investigating as an 'outsider', not as the prime suspect, for once.
With a spate of burglaries in town and a murder at a masquerade ball, there's a lot going on in Pirate's Cove. Things are rocky between Ellery and Jack, and local posh boy, Julian, has developed a somewhat unhealthy fascination with Ellery, amounting to a lot of jealousy, confusion and personal drama!
In amongst all of that, we actually find out what happened when Jack's wife died and the toll that loss took on him.
In the end, it had the perfect, hopeful, happy ending.
Favourite Quote:
"one evening you look across the room and see a guy having dinner and think, I wonder what he's like."
~
Book 4: Scandal at the Salty Dog
There's a lot going on in this one! Two cases - a hungry burglar targeting the Salty Dog pub and an attempted murder - which Ellery gets unwillingly tangled up in. Then there's the progression - stagnation? - of his relationship with Jack. And new romantic interest from Dr Mane!
The story takes place just 2 weeks after the events of the previous book, as Ellery's given the all-clear to get back to work after his concussion. As always, Nora, Dylan and the Scrabblers and the book club are a riot of fun.
I loved the increased but realistic and natural chemistry between Ellery and Jack. I love that they fight, argue, disagree with each other but are still there when it counts. I feel like they've both matured a lot, being open and honest about their feelings and intentions towards each other and their relationship.
What a great ending to the volume.
Favourite Quote:
"...be careful what you wish for."
Jack's smile tugged into that rare sweet grin. "I don't have any complaints so far."
May 3, 2022
4 stars - MM – Series – Mystery – Slow Burn
Secrets and Scrabble Box Set – M/M Cozy Mysteries Volume 1 is like the MM version of Murder She Wrote. There is mystery, intrigue, and murder around every corner. The writing is solid and the story well-paced. Four books into the series, I would think the chemistry between our MC's would be better.
I look forward to reading future books in the series.
*Thank you! I received a copy through a Goodreads giveaway. I am happy to leave my voluntary review.
Secrets and Scrabble Box Set – M/M Cozy Mysteries Volume 1 is like the MM version of Murder She Wrote. There is mystery, intrigue, and murder around every corner. The writing is solid and the story well-paced. Four books into the series, I would think the chemistry between our MC's would be better.
I look forward to reading future books in the series.
*Thank you! I received a copy through a Goodreads giveaway. I am happy to leave my voluntary review.
January 6, 2022
Ellery, Watson and Jack
I'm truly enjoying this series. The mysteries are soild the characters entertaining and Island murderous. I have one small issue and that's Jack inability to decided actually what he wants sometimes, while Ellery seems to be waiting, not waiting for him. I enjoyed the introduction of Dr. Mane, I would like to see more of him and Ellery interactions in the series.
I'm truly enjoying this series. The mysteries are soild the characters entertaining and Island murderous. I have one small issue and that's Jack inability to decided actually what he wants sometimes, while Ellery seems to be waiting, not waiting for him. I enjoyed the introduction of Dr. Mane, I would like to see more of him and Ellery interactions in the series.
May 22, 2022
Great Series
This series is the first I have read of Josh Lanyon’s creations and I can’t wait to read more! Sleuthing, a bookstore in a small town with tons of history, mysteries, friendships and sweet romance….it’s EVERYTHING!!! Characters are relatable and interesting with wonderful development! So grateful to Goodreads and Josh Lanyon for winning this in one of Goodreads’ giveaways!
This series is the first I have read of Josh Lanyon’s creations and I can’t wait to read more! Sleuthing, a bookstore in a small town with tons of history, mysteries, friendships and sweet romance….it’s EVERYTHING!!! Characters are relatable and interesting with wonderful development! So grateful to Goodreads and Josh Lanyon for winning this in one of Goodreads’ giveaways!
June 4, 2022
Absolutely love this series. The first two books were a re-read for me -- and I found that the series just got more delightful with each book. Charming setting and nicely nuanced -- this was the comfort read I needed to read at this time. At the heart of this addictive series are a sweet romance and often uproariously funny characters cast in equally hilarious and compelling plot twitsts. I could not recommend this series enough
May 3, 2022
A great set of books for those who like cozy mystery. I recently just started liking this genre so it was the perfect set to get me started on my journey.
Well written and paced. Great characters.
If cozy mystery is your thing or you just want to find something food and interesting to read grab this set.
I received a copy through a Goodreads giveaway. I am happy to leave my voluntary review.
Well written and paced. Great characters.
If cozy mystery is your thing or you just want to find something food and interesting to read grab this set.
I received a copy through a Goodreads giveaway. I am happy to leave my voluntary review.
February 11, 2024
I got this on a whim on I must say it was enjoyable seeing a cute quirky town with a lot of dark secrets. It was my 2nd book to read from Josh Lanyon so i wasn't sure what to expect since my first book was WinterKill. I'm still rooting for Ellery to get together with Jack even tho the romance is on the slow side. The romance develops slowly in each new book
January 2, 2022
Book 4:
I am loving this series but I’m getting a little lost on where it’s going re Jack and Ellery and just generally - there’s only so many times you can tell someone to stop meddling and Ellery blindly rushing into situations is starting to be a tad irritating. Still, it’s a good book.
I am loving this series but I’m getting a little lost on where it’s going re Jack and Ellery and just generally - there’s only so many times you can tell someone to stop meddling and Ellery blindly rushing into situations is starting to be a tad irritating. Still, it’s a good book.
July 26, 2022
I like this series, but having read some of Lanyon’s saucier novels, and being an Adrien & Jake tragic, I’m not sure I need to continue reading the rest of the books. Maybe I’ll come back to it down the track, but four in a row has given me a suitable cozy mystery fix for now.
February 25, 2023
Great cozy mysteries with a kiss of romance!
Comfortable read with a touch of angst, some humor and some nutty locals set in a cozy town with a cozier bookshop where you find sweet romance wrapped in intrigue.
Comfortable read with a touch of angst, some humor and some nutty locals set in a cozy town with a cozier bookshop where you find sweet romance wrapped in intrigue.
January 30, 2024
Great murder mystery, but not really romancy.
December 22, 2024
Cute, fun, cosy (for murder mystery).
Cute doggo, slow burn romance, lots of characters of varied ages.
Cute doggo, slow burn romance, lots of characters of varied ages.
July 2, 2023
Overall, I thought this was well-written and I enjoyed the cozy mysteries. My only complaint is that it felt like the author was trying too hard to make this a M/M romance instead of just focusing on the mysteries. Given the characters I think it would have been just as effective (if not more so) if the relationships that developed happened without all the internal feelings put on display.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews