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Petit Morts #7
Sort of Stranger Than Fiction
When Michael Milner opens a dojo across the street from Ethan's bookstore, Red Bird Books, he makes ripples not only because he's a newcomer in the small desert town of Peabody, but because half his face has been horribly scarred. How? Ethan isn't sure. Michael's not exactly the chatty type, which only adds to his allure.
Michael may not be the most sociable person in Peabody, but he's quick to defuse a tense situation when Ethan finds himself cornered by Karl Hagar, fellow writing group member, and creepy author of even creepier serial killer tales. Ethan's sister Erin is convinced that Karl himself is responsible for the bodies turning up lately in the desert—after all, don't all the advice books say, "Write what you know?"
While Erin's idea seems pretty far-fetched, Ethan does have to wonder why Karl's eerie focus has landed squarely on him.
Michael may not be the most sociable person in Peabody, but he's quick to defuse a tense situation when Ethan finds himself cornered by Karl Hagar, fellow writing group member, and creepy author of even creepier serial killer tales. Ethan's sister Erin is convinced that Karl himself is responsible for the bodies turning up lately in the desert—after all, don't all the advice books say, "Write what you know?"
While Erin's idea seems pretty far-fetched, Ethan does have to wonder why Karl's eerie focus has landed squarely on him.
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2010
4 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
213 books5,404 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 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 17, 2025
Small town coffeshop owner falls for the mysterious neighbour. JL can write excellent short stories but she's also the queen of abrupt endings. This must be the most abrupt of them all. It happend so fast I almost missed it. 3 ⭐⭐⭐
December 3, 2014
Moar pls.
June 2, 2011
Ethan is a hopeful writer, and co-owner of a family bookstore, his sister Erin runs the coffee-shop half of the store, and is his closest friend and only relative.
Michael is a new guy in town, having recently opened a dojo across from Ethan's book store. He's tall, blonde, a bit terse and standoffish, but who wouldn't be when living with a huge disfiguring facial scar. Ethan is fascinated with Michael, but deals with this terribly, and puts his foot in his mouth a bit.
Soon after Michael arrives in town, bodies are discovered in the neighborhood, and speculation abounds as to the possible murderer. Erin has her eye on Karl for the culprit, a loner who writes creepy violent stories for Ethan's writers club.. and may just have a bit of an obsession for Ethan himself.
Yet again my main fault with this Petit Mort was that it was too short. With an author and a plot like this it needs more space to fill. Things have to be tied up way too hastily for my liking. This isn't me disliking the story, far fom it. This is me saying I really loved these characters and I wish they had more time, more space.. just more.
Recommended to any m/m reader who gets along with short stories better than I do ;)
See my other reviews of the Petit Morts series:
← #6 Pretty Ugly | #8 One Less Stiff at the Funeral →
Michael is a new guy in town, having recently opened a dojo across from Ethan's book store. He's tall, blonde, a bit terse and standoffish, but who wouldn't be when living with a huge disfiguring facial scar. Ethan is fascinated with Michael, but deals with this terribly, and puts his foot in his mouth a bit.
Soon after Michael arrives in town, bodies are discovered in the neighborhood, and speculation abounds as to the possible murderer. Erin has her eye on Karl for the culprit, a loner who writes creepy violent stories for Ethan's writers club.. and may just have a bit of an obsession for Ethan himself.
Yet again my main fault with this Petit Mort was that it was too short. With an author and a plot like this it needs more space to fill. Things have to be tied up way too hastily for my liking. This isn't me disliking the story, far fom it. This is me saying I really loved these characters and I wish they had more time, more space.. just more.
Recommended to any m/m reader who gets along with short stories better than I do ;)
See my other reviews of the Petit Morts series:
← #6 Pretty Ugly | #8 One Less Stiff at the Funeral →
November 26, 2010
This was a fun short read. Just enough of a mystery to keep me fascinated (and wondering), just enough of a romance to make it a very sexy book, and definitely a great description of small-town life and the characters so commonly found inhabiting those places.
Ethan was a great viewpoint character to have for this story, I think. He is quite clearly oblivious to a lot of what is going on around him. That makes it more difficult to tell the story from his point of view, and still have it make sense. A challenge Josh Lanyon handled well.
Michael is an intriguing character with lots of hidden depths. The fact that he is physically scarred is only the beginning. Between Ethan and him, he is the more observant and, in the end, the one to take the initiative. Much to Ethan's surprise and my personal delight.
The ending is fascinating. Yes, it is very abrupt (as others have said). Interestingly, though, that didn't leave any loose ends. I did go 'What? It's already over? But... but I wanted more!' Slightly annoying initially, but in the end my own reaction made me grin. 'Always leave them wanting more' comes to mind...
Ethan was a great viewpoint character to have for this story, I think. He is quite clearly oblivious to a lot of what is going on around him. That makes it more difficult to tell the story from his point of view, and still have it make sense. A challenge Josh Lanyon handled well.
Michael is an intriguing character with lots of hidden depths. The fact that he is physically scarred is only the beginning. Between Ethan and him, he is the more observant and, in the end, the one to take the initiative. Much to Ethan's surprise and my personal delight.
The ending is fascinating. Yes, it is very abrupt (as others have said). Interestingly, though, that didn't leave any loose ends. I did go 'What? It's already over? But... but I wanted more!' Slightly annoying initially, but in the end my own reaction made me grin. 'Always leave them wanting more' comes to mind...
October 30, 2010
The character of Ethan seems to slightly borrow Josh Lanyon's previous (and his most beloved) character, Adrien English: Ethan owns a book-slash-coffee shop (with his twin sister, Erin), he is currently working on a novel (the title is "Death in a Very Small Town", yes noted the word "very" :p), forming a writing group of his own, as well as his likeness to swim.
However, I still enjoy this short story very well because it is romantic *sigh*. Michael Milner, the subject of Ethan's crush is not physically perfect, in fact he bears scars and his right half face is destroyed; and somehow that adds a plus point in my eyes. Not a perfect specimen character, yay!!
I think the push into their relationship is hilarious (though Ethan will NOT think so, I mean, he does call Michael as "Phantom of the Dojo") -- and the build up is sweet (you should read the reason why Michael likes to visit the coffee shop, and I swear you will say "awwww" ^_^)
However, I still enjoy this short story very well because it is romantic *sigh*. Michael Milner, the subject of Ethan's crush is not physically perfect, in fact he bears scars and his right half face is destroyed; and somehow that adds a plus point in my eyes. Not a perfect specimen character, yay!!
I think the push into their relationship is hilarious (though Ethan will NOT think so, I mean, he does call Michael as "Phantom of the Dojo") -- and the build up is sweet (you should read the reason why Michael likes to visit the coffee shop, and I swear you will say "awwww" ^_^)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2011
This series is never disappointing and the writing is always stellar. Ethan has lived in Peabody, California, population 339, all his life. Michael is mysterious, scarred and not from Peabody. Ethan can't stop drooling over him. Chance is of course around, offering his sage advise, and subtle matchmaking skills all wrapped up in chocolate.
There wasn't really a mystery in this story, although the writing caused suspicion anyway. Like the last book, I do wish me had one more actual scene with the 2 men, but still good.
There wasn't really a mystery in this story, although the writing caused suspicion anyway. Like the last book, I do wish me had one more actual scene with the 2 men, but still good.
November 17, 2010
What the hell? this was an absolutely wonderful story. I would have given it 5 stars but there is no end. it just felt like the quota was met for word count and the story stops. Very disappointed
January 7, 2015
3.5 stars
-.5 for the way too abrupt ending. again.
-.5 for the way too abrupt ending. again.
June 11, 2018
3.5 stars.
August 6, 2020
3.5* ⭐️
October 27, 2011
4.75 stars
This is my favorite story by Josh Lanyon so far in the Petit Morts series. While I got caught up in the story and felt like the mystery wrapped up pretty quickly, the real spark in this story is the relationship between naive, small-town book geek and new writer Ethan and quiet, steady and badly scarred Michael, the new resident to Peabody and dojo owner with a real heart of gold. The scene where everything finally comes out in the open between them really showcases how utterly sweet and genuine Josh Lanyon's writing can be. The two of them together just makes me want to smile. Also, a shout out to a really great secondary character who leapt off the page, Ethan's twin sister Erin, who is charmingly upbeat and funny. Well done.
This is my favorite story by Josh Lanyon so far in the Petit Morts series. While I got caught up in the story and felt like the mystery wrapped up pretty quickly, the real spark in this story is the relationship between naive, small-town book geek and new writer Ethan and quiet, steady and badly scarred Michael, the new resident to Peabody and dojo owner with a real heart of gold. The scene where everything finally comes out in the open between them really showcases how utterly sweet and genuine Josh Lanyon's writing can be. The two of them together just makes me want to smile. Also, a shout out to a really great secondary character who leapt off the page, Ethan's twin sister Erin, who is charmingly upbeat and funny. Well done.
August 14, 2016
Audio version
This was just ok. The plot was pretty good and then it just ended. Like the most abrupt ending ever. I checked my phone to see if maybe the audio cut off but no, that was just how it ended.
The narration was good.
This was just ok. The plot was pretty good and then it just ended. Like the most abrupt ending ever. I checked my phone to see if maybe the audio cut off but no, that was just how it ended.
The narration was good.
October 23, 2011
A typical Lanyon story: good writing, great mix of mystery and romane, a quirky protag and lots of humor.
The ending felt a bit sudden though. It definitely left me wanting more.
(4-)
The ending felt a bit sudden though. It definitely left me wanting more.
(4-)
September 27, 2017
3.5 stars.
The ending was too abrupt, even for Josh Lanyon. Otherwise, this was good.
The ending was too abrupt, even for Josh Lanyon. Otherwise, this was good.
April 14, 2015
Just like the other novella in the series this is light and fun read. It just felt too abrupt. Granted this is novella and abrupt is a thing but i needed a bit of a closure.
October 4, 2024
Petit Morts #7 and Sweet Spot #3
So far, the best of the Sweet Spot: The Petit Mort Stories stories. Is it because Chance plays a larger role in the story, even coming out of his sweet shop once or twice? No. I think it's the characters are so likable, even for all their foibles.
The story begins with Michael. He's nearly perfect. from fit body to silken shoulder length hair of “palest gold.” He's handsome, except for the half of his face marred with burns and scars. Obviously, Michael is the POV character. Nope. Michael's description is from his admirer, Ethan. I loved that little twist!
Michael only becomes more perfect as the story goes on. (After all, it's from Ethan's POV.) He's mature, thoughtful, confident, and brave. Ethan, on the other hand, is full of self-doubt and can be summed up in one sentence. As Michael tells him
The writing is lovely. Of course it is. It’s Josh Lanyon. She sets the mood along with the scene.
Christmas Coda: There's more of Ethan’s insecurity and Michael’s stoicism. It’s a lesson in not speaking up for yourself. With happy endings all around.
So far, the best of the Sweet Spot: The Petit Mort Stories stories. Is it because Chance plays a larger role in the story, even coming out of his sweet shop once or twice? No. I think it's the characters are so likable, even for all their foibles.
The story begins with Michael. He's nearly perfect. from fit body to silken shoulder length hair of “palest gold.” He's handsome, except for the half of his face marred with burns and scars. Obviously, Michael is the POV character. Nope. Michael's description is from his admirer, Ethan. I loved that little twist!
Michael only becomes more perfect as the story goes on. (After all, it's from Ethan's POV.) He's mature, thoughtful, confident, and brave. Ethan, on the other hand, is full of self-doubt and can be summed up in one sentence. As Michael tells him
“You’re not very good at reading people.”Peabody is the epitome of small-town life. Hell, it's 67% smaller than the town I grew up in. Everybody knows everybody else's business and gossip is rampant.
The writing is lovely. Of course it is. It’s Josh Lanyon. She sets the mood along with the scene.
Ethan swam in the shady water. The evening was still very warm and the water pleasantly tepid. A bat twittered overhead.It's already been established that JL doesn't always write the best endings. Not bad in that the couples don't end up together, but bad in that the stories just... end abruptly. While "Sort of Stranger than Fiction" has an "epilogue" of sorts, it's between Ethan and his twin sister Erin, not Ethan and Michael. Maybe it's purposeful so that JL can leave room for her Christmas Coda.
Christmas Coda: There's more of Ethan’s insecurity and Michael’s stoicism. It’s a lesson in not speaking up for yourself. With happy endings all around.
December 8, 2023
This was another enjoyable read, like the rest of them. Again, I liked the characters and the setting but there were bigger flaws in the plot this time around. Not only did it end incredibly abruptly (and, sadly, with a scene not featuring the romantic couple which I feel is a missed opportunity) but A LOT of time was spent on building up something that just fizzled out. I guess it was meant to build tension? But considering how stuff ended up evolving, it just felt like wasted time instead.
So while cute and very enjoyable in some regards — I really liked Michael — this isn't my favourite of the bunch. Still worth reading, especially if you've got an hour to kill, but not the best, perhaps.
So while cute and very enjoyable in some regards — I really liked Michael — this isn't my favourite of the bunch. Still worth reading, especially if you've got an hour to kill, but not the best, perhaps.
December 31, 2018
A bit of romance, and a bit of mystery. This is also a very short read, but I really enjoyed it.
The characters are all interesting (kudos for Erin! I love her). We see the events from Ethan's POV, and that is part of the fun, as he is a bit oblivious at what's going on around him :P
Michael is fantastic, and, at times, I feel like he's laughing a little at Ethan, but in a really fond way :P
And yes, the end was abrupt, but there are no loose ends, and it's an intriguing one, as usually happens with all Lanyon's short stories, so I'm not disappointed.
The characters are all interesting (kudos for Erin! I love her). We see the events from Ethan's POV, and that is part of the fun, as he is a bit oblivious at what's going on around him :P
Michael is fantastic, and, at times, I feel like he's laughing a little at Ethan, but in a really fond way :P
And yes, the end was abrupt, but there are no loose ends, and it's an intriguing one, as usually happens with all Lanyon's short stories, so I'm not disappointed.
December 9, 2024
Nothing special, although I liked Michael a lot.
This is the "longest" of the short stories I've read so far and dammit it wasn't nearly long enough to properly enjoyyyy. The audiobook was good, as always.
This is the "longest" of the short stories I've read so far and dammit it wasn't nearly long enough to properly enjoyyyy. The audiobook was good, as always.
August 6, 2019
It ended before the story was over!
August 2, 2022
3.5 star
One of the best in the series.
One of the best in the series.
June 23, 2011
Review: This story is narrated from Ethan’s point of view, bookshop-owner and would-be published author, and is a charming read.
Review for Brief Encounters Reviews: http://briefencountersreviews.com/201...
Ethan’s an attractive blend of polite, friendly discretion and healthy curiosity. He’s a small town guy who’s never moved away – or wanted to – but he knows enough about life to seek adventure and be drawn to Michael, his mysterious new neighbour. The author’s prose is a pleasure to read as always, the dialogue realistic across many characters, the words well chosen, the plotting careful.
Ethan appears closeted by omission rather than intention, which is rather sweet. Yet he can also be bold, as when Michael comes around to his place. I really liked Ethan’s voice and his occasionally clumsy, self-conscious moves, a plausible reality for a young man in that situation. His cringeing when he thought Michael would think he was stalking; when he spoke cruelly out of turn and Michael heard; when Michael helped him out with preparations for sex (with an especially kind and beautifully-observed touch about a condom). The characterisation was excellent and made me smile in the most sympathetic way.
Chance’s role seemed less than in other stories, and I missed more of his guiding hand. His gentle but deliberate mockery had the right effect of prompting Ethan out of his comfort zone, both as a man and towards Michael.
Michael is a striking character, brooding, seeking peace. I’d have liked to find out much more about him. His declaration of interest to Ethan comes late in the story and is emotionally powerful. I liked you the first day I saw you. You were sitting on the floor surrounded by books, and you looked up when I opened the door and smiled right at me. His steady quiet is a fine, perceptive contrast to Ethan’s lighter mood and chatty nerves. The sex scene is pitched just right, as Ethan is inexperienced but very enthusiastic! He was surprised to hear Michael making little sounds again… He realized that he was the one making those excited sounds and promptly shut up.
Secondary characters were great. I loved the humour of Ethan’s writers’ group, and his sister Erin’s coffee blend recipes. In fact, there were several threads going on, all deserving of their own spotlight: Ethan and Erin’s life in Peabody and their experiences with the McCartys; Michael’s painful back story; the romance between Ethan and Michael; the mystery of the dead bodies; Karl’s part in the drama which felt under-developed to me. Too much for a short story format to deal with adequately, which was a pity.
The ending was particularly delightful, winding up the mystery – no spoilers! – in an amusing and totally satisfactory way. The story is undoubtedly romantic, though Ethan has only just been introduced to intimacy, but his affection for Michael is genuine and growing deeper. The writing was witty and well-crafted, the characters attractive, and I definitely cared for their future – just what a reader wants! I rate it B+.
by pettyprose…my opinion alone.
Review for Brief Encounters Reviews: http://briefencountersreviews.com/201...
Ethan’s an attractive blend of polite, friendly discretion and healthy curiosity. He’s a small town guy who’s never moved away – or wanted to – but he knows enough about life to seek adventure and be drawn to Michael, his mysterious new neighbour. The author’s prose is a pleasure to read as always, the dialogue realistic across many characters, the words well chosen, the plotting careful.
Ethan appears closeted by omission rather than intention, which is rather sweet. Yet he can also be bold, as when Michael comes around to his place. I really liked Ethan’s voice and his occasionally clumsy, self-conscious moves, a plausible reality for a young man in that situation. His cringeing when he thought Michael would think he was stalking; when he spoke cruelly out of turn and Michael heard; when Michael helped him out with preparations for sex (with an especially kind and beautifully-observed touch about a condom). The characterisation was excellent and made me smile in the most sympathetic way.
Chance’s role seemed less than in other stories, and I missed more of his guiding hand. His gentle but deliberate mockery had the right effect of prompting Ethan out of his comfort zone, both as a man and towards Michael.
Michael is a striking character, brooding, seeking peace. I’d have liked to find out much more about him. His declaration of interest to Ethan comes late in the story and is emotionally powerful. I liked you the first day I saw you. You were sitting on the floor surrounded by books, and you looked up when I opened the door and smiled right at me. His steady quiet is a fine, perceptive contrast to Ethan’s lighter mood and chatty nerves. The sex scene is pitched just right, as Ethan is inexperienced but very enthusiastic! He was surprised to hear Michael making little sounds again… He realized that he was the one making those excited sounds and promptly shut up.
Secondary characters were great. I loved the humour of Ethan’s writers’ group, and his sister Erin’s coffee blend recipes. In fact, there were several threads going on, all deserving of their own spotlight: Ethan and Erin’s life in Peabody and their experiences with the McCartys; Michael’s painful back story; the romance between Ethan and Michael; the mystery of the dead bodies; Karl’s part in the drama which felt under-developed to me. Too much for a short story format to deal with adequately, which was a pity.
The ending was particularly delightful, winding up the mystery – no spoilers! – in an amusing and totally satisfactory way. The story is undoubtedly romantic, though Ethan has only just been introduced to intimacy, but his affection for Michael is genuine and growing deeper. The writing was witty and well-crafted, the characters attractive, and I definitely cared for their future – just what a reader wants! I rate it B+.
by pettyprose…my opinion alone.
April 14, 2012
2.5 stars
Ethan is gay man living in an extremely small town. He's had a crush on the town's karate instructor, Michael, but always seems to embarrass himself in front of him. Will fate finally bring them together despite Ethan's nerves and Michael's aloof nature?
This was pretty sweet story. I liked watching the relationship between Ethan and Michael unfold, but the ending was so abrupt that I had to go back and read the final passages again to make sure I wasn't missing something. To me, we were sort of left hanging when it came to Ethan and Michael's relationship . I was left wanting so much more.
The mystery was interesting and was wrapped up quickly and efficiently. Although the pacing started off slow in the beginning, it picked up in the second half. I just wish that we could have been given more concerning the MCs relationship .
Ethan is gay man living in an extremely small town. He's had a crush on the town's karate instructor, Michael, but always seems to embarrass himself in front of him. Will fate finally bring them together despite Ethan's nerves and Michael's aloof nature?
This was pretty sweet story. I liked watching the relationship between Ethan and Michael unfold, but the ending was so abrupt that I had to go back and read the final passages again to make sure I wasn't missing something. To me, we were sort of left hanging when it came to Ethan and Michael's relationship . I was left wanting so much more.
The mystery was interesting and was wrapped up quickly and efficiently. Although the pacing started off slow in the beginning, it picked up in the second half. I just wish that we could have been given more concerning the MCs relationship .
Read
June 14, 2012Nice and sweet, this novella is also unexpectedly “innocent”; Ethan has lived all his life in a less than 500 people small town and he believes he is the only gay man among them. Not the ideal situation if you want to have a boyfriend, and so twenty something Ethan is pure like the day mum did him, and he tends to fantasize like a teenager girl on “boys”. Ethan’s latest crush is Michael, the owner of the dojo two doors after Ethan’s coffee bookstore, a former soldier who arrived in town six weeks before. Michael is a mystery, and the wanna-be writer in Ethan like the mystery and the man.
Ethan is so naïve that he doesn’t realize that, not only Michael is interested in him as well, but there is another man who is trying to make a move on him. So from not having any prospect boyfriend, now Ethan can pick, and the lucky guy will see his dream comes true.
Usually this series has some paranormal element, something “magic”; Sort of Stranger Than Fiction is instead an “ordinary” story, just boy meets boy, boy gets boy, and happily (for now) ever after. I think than, in the end, I prefer it like that.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049H96S2/?...
Ethan is so naïve that he doesn’t realize that, not only Michael is interested in him as well, but there is another man who is trying to make a move on him. So from not having any prospect boyfriend, now Ethan can pick, and the lucky guy will see his dream comes true.
Usually this series has some paranormal element, something “magic”; Sort of Stranger Than Fiction is instead an “ordinary” story, just boy meets boy, boy gets boy, and happily (for now) ever after. I think than, in the end, I prefer it like that.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049H96S2/?...
May 18, 2015
Ethan’s got a thing for Michael, the newly arrived owner of the Dojo near Red Bird Books, the book/coffee-shop that Ethan and his sister Erin own at Peabody, a little place where being gay like Ethan is a problem because he’s probably the only one around. Michael, scarred and mysterious, seems polite but distant. Probably he hasn’t even noticed Ethan around… Has he?
Another wonderful little story by Josh Lanyon, Sort of Stranger than Fiction is told from Ethan’s point of view. Ethan is a town boy who has never left his place. He is gay but has never acted on it because he thinks he’s the only one in his little town. Actually, he becomes suspicious of poor Karl Hagar because he thinks the guy is acting weird around him… when the only thing Karl wanted was to ask Ethan out. Michael, on the other side, is exotic and worldly: He’s travelled a lot, lead a life of adventures… Ethan does not think he can find him appealing… But he does. Despite his gloomy appearance, Michael is really sweet when they share their first night. I really liked it. I loved them together. The only annoyance in the story is Erin. Her behaviour toward her brother is irritating…
Another wonderful little story by Josh Lanyon, Sort of Stranger than Fiction is told from Ethan’s point of view. Ethan is a town boy who has never left his place. He is gay but has never acted on it because he thinks he’s the only one in his little town. Actually, he becomes suspicious of poor Karl Hagar because he thinks the guy is acting weird around him… when the only thing Karl wanted was to ask Ethan out. Michael, on the other side, is exotic and worldly: He’s travelled a lot, lead a life of adventures… Ethan does not think he can find him appealing… But he does. Despite his gloomy appearance, Michael is really sweet when they share their first night. I really liked it. I loved them together. The only annoyance in the story is Erin. Her behaviour toward her brother is irritating…
November 4, 2010
Overall
The subhead of this story should have been "Not Just Another Murder Mystery," in keeping with Lanyon's humor, which I appreciate. Our main character is the classic bookstore owner (Ethan), who runs shop mostly so he can read the books he keeps stocked. He lives in a small town of under 500 residents and is gay...not a good combination for romance! However, there are some new arrivals to the town: a candy shop owner, a dojo owner, and a series of mysterious deaths.
When he's not embarrassing himself with Michael, the dojo owner, Ethan's dealing with Kyle, a member of his writer's circle whose serial killer series is a little too real for most residents. When Kyle starts seeking Ethan's attention, Ethan begins to wonder if the lurking man could be the murderer.
Lanyon once again weaves an amusing and enjoyable tale, mixing humor and mystery, which seems an unlikely duo. Although the ending felt abrupt, we weren't left with any unresolved ends, even if it does leave me wanting for more.
The subhead of this story should have been "Not Just Another Murder Mystery," in keeping with Lanyon's humor, which I appreciate. Our main character is the classic bookstore owner (Ethan), who runs shop mostly so he can read the books he keeps stocked. He lives in a small town of under 500 residents and is gay...not a good combination for romance! However, there are some new arrivals to the town: a candy shop owner, a dojo owner, and a series of mysterious deaths.
When he's not embarrassing himself with Michael, the dojo owner, Ethan's dealing with Kyle, a member of his writer's circle whose serial killer series is a little too real for most residents. When Kyle starts seeking Ethan's attention, Ethan begins to wonder if the lurking man could be the murderer.
Lanyon once again weaves an amusing and enjoyable tale, mixing humor and mystery, which seems an unlikely duo. Although the ending felt abrupt, we weren't left with any unresolved ends, even if it does leave me wanting for more.
November 1, 2010
4.5, actually.
I love how these books take place just anywhere and everywhere, in this case a little bitty town just off the interstate.
I liked the main character, Ethan, and his moments of embarrassment and recovery, as well as his thought processes and inability to read people very well. Seeing Michael with Ethan's eyes and hopes was heart-achingly wonderful.
Josh Lanyon kept the tension up throughout the story - I felt like I was never really sure of anyone and what they might be hiding. This element held my interest in a way that seldom happens in the m/m genre.
A couple of niggles: I really did not like Ethan's sister Erin and her penchant to go on about things. Also, at the almost-end of the book, I felt like a sentence or two had been omitted, when it seemed like characters were suddenly reading the paper when just previously they were both actively doing something else.
Still, a very good story!
I love how these books take place just anywhere and everywhere, in this case a little bitty town just off the interstate.
I liked the main character, Ethan, and his moments of embarrassment and recovery, as well as his thought processes and inability to read people very well. Seeing Michael with Ethan's eyes and hopes was heart-achingly wonderful.
Josh Lanyon kept the tension up throughout the story - I felt like I was never really sure of anyone and what they might be hiding. This element held my interest in a way that seldom happens in the m/m genre.
A couple of niggles: I really did not like Ethan's sister Erin and her penchant to go on about things. Also, at the almost-end of the book, I felt like a sentence or two had been omitted, when it seemed like characters were suddenly reading the paper when just previously they were both actively doing something else.
Still, a very good story!
November 28, 2011
The premise behind this series is pretty cute. Chance is some sort of magical man/being and he has a chocolate confectionery called Sweets for the Sweet and seems to be some sort of mystical matchmaker.
In this episode, Ethan owns a bookstore/coffee store with his sister. Across the road, a new dojo has opened with a gorgeous owner, Michael Milner. Michael is beautiful even though half of his face has been disfigured in Afghanistan.
While Ethan is tongue-tied around the stoic Michael, he can't help but feel that maybe Michael might be interested in him also.
This was a good story in this series and I enjoyed it, although I felt it ended a bit abruptly. Up until the ending though, I was really enjoying the story.
In this episode, Ethan owns a bookstore/coffee store with his sister. Across the road, a new dojo has opened with a gorgeous owner, Michael Milner. Michael is beautiful even though half of his face has been disfigured in Afghanistan.
While Ethan is tongue-tied around the stoic Michael, he can't help but feel that maybe Michael might be interested in him also.
This was a good story in this series and I enjoyed it, although I felt it ended a bit abruptly. Up until the ending though, I was really enjoying the story.
April 15, 2012
4.5 stars
I think everyone has several visions of personal hell on Earth. One of mine is living in a town as small as Ethan's, where everyone knows everyone from the cradle, knows everyone's business and neighbor's grudge can change your life.
Still, I liked this story a lot, especially the characters: Ethan, Michael, Ethan's sister Erin, even Karl. I liked the small town version of Chance too. The unsurprising quaint atmosphere was fetching and Ethan and Michael really sensual together. I needed a few pages more to give the story full five stars. It wasn't necessary, but the story had such a nice buildup, such perfect pacing, that I felt it deserved a more complete ending. Great little story. ^^
I think everyone has several visions of personal hell on Earth. One of mine is living in a town as small as Ethan's, where everyone knows everyone from the cradle, knows everyone's business and neighbor's grudge can change your life.
Still, I liked this story a lot, especially the characters: Ethan, Michael, Ethan's sister Erin, even Karl. I liked the small town version of Chance too. The unsurprising quaint atmosphere was fetching and Ethan and Michael really sensual together. I needed a few pages more to give the story full five stars. It wasn't necessary, but the story had such a nice buildup, such perfect pacing, that I felt it deserved a more complete ending. Great little story. ^^
May 8, 2015
Read as part of Sweet Spot: The Petit Mort Stories
Ethan has a crush on the owner of the dojo that just opened next door to his bookstore. He just can't seem to find the right words to talk to the guy. And now he may have a serial killer stalking him.
I really liked this one. Ethan was adorable.
"You were sitting on the floor surrounded by books, and you looked up when I opened the door and smiled right at me. It felt like you had been waiting for me, like you were welcoming me home." *sigh*
Christmas Coda
Ethan has a crush on the owner of the dojo that just opened next door to his bookstore. He just can't seem to find the right words to talk to the guy. And now he may have a serial killer stalking him.
I really liked this one. Ethan was adorable.
"You were sitting on the floor surrounded by books, and you looked up when I opened the door and smiled right at me. It felt like you had been waiting for me, like you were welcoming me home." *sigh*
Christmas Coda
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