Critic's Choice

Petit Morts #9

by Josh Lanyon

If there’s one thing film critic Crispin Colley can say about his ex-boyfriend Rey, it’s that Rey likes to remain friends with all his former lovers. Rey’s a friendly guy. Maybe too friendly, judging by the incident that drove the first and last nail in the coffin of their relationship.

But now Rey’s been hired for a DVD commentary on a classic horror flick. In typical Rey-fashion, he’s used his clout as a lauded director to win Cris a spot on the commentary right beside the star of the film, his idol, Angelo Faust.

The recording of the commentary goes about as smoothly as a half-decayed film through a stuttering projector…but that’s nothing compared to the strange scene that unfolds once the tape’s done rolling.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Paranormal, Short Stories, Mystery, Novella

58 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2010

About the author

Author 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.

Reviews

[Preeti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is difficult to rate. It's a second-chance romance between a historian and a movie director. The book has some good atmospheric details to make it spooky and everyone involved loves the horror genre, there are plenty of references to horror flicks from the 60s. And, since the only movies, I have watched from the 60s are western, I didn't get a single reference.😂😂😂

Now, WTH is difficult to rate??? the reason is that the breakup in the past involves cheating. Okay, not only cheating the reason the MC gave for cheating. The reason was- Maybe the cheating gave me a clear perspective that you are the only one for me.🤣🤣🤣 Yes. it's as bad as I slipped and fell.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often, when I read Josh Lanyon's books, I feel like I'm in a movie, so I really felt comfortable at the beginning. Cris, the movie critic, and Rey, the director, meet for the first time after splitting due to Rey's cheating. They are at the house of a secluded actor for the shooting of the commentary of an old movie. Their meeting is awkward, and the whole situation slowly becomes as spooky as a clichéd horror movie: broken cars, fallen trees, eerie lights in the woods. Everything seems to conjure to keep the two men together, to make them consider a second chance. Cris, the one who was betrayed, is the one who has to decipher Rey's intention and choose if he can trust the other man, the only one who made him feel loved and safe, again.

In this story Chance's intervention seems less obvious and it seems his place is taken by the enigmatic Angelo Faust. The way Rey breaks through Cris' defenses despite what happened in their past is simply beautiful. Even if Cris is afraid of being hurt and therefore he seems almost pathetic at times, taking a chance on Rey might be the most courageous thing he has to do in his life.

Other People's Weddings is still my favorite, but this one is great too.

[Emma Sea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story completely charmed me. It's very self-aware, and tries to be a tad too clever, but at its heart is a guy who faces the truth that "being alone [isn't] nearly as lonely as being with people who don't love you".

Rey reminds me a great deal of J.X. from Lanyon's Holmes and Moriarity series.

[Tully Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written short with interesting ending.

[Fey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another winner by Josh Lanyon for the Petit Morts series.

Crispin is a horror film historian, and his ex, Rey, is a well-known film director. They're separated on amicable terms, but Crispin struggles with being around Rey. And now they're to work together on an audio commentary for a classic horror movie, to take place at the home of retired movie star Angelo Faust; in his creepy mansion in the middle of nowhere. A perfect setting for some bizarre and creepy PetitMort-style happenings.

I think this may be my favourite in the Petit Morts series so far. Earlier books in the series, hint at a touch of magic, and in later ones it more than hints. But this one really pushes the boat out and sails it off into creepy horror movie lake. Whereas previous representations of Chance have seemed quirky and cute, Chance really seems a little sinister her, although don't expect any revelations. I still need to know who or what the hell is Chance?! haha.

There is also a brilliant touch of humour here, particularly from the awesome side character of Neat, Faust's Butler.

Creepy horror movie style, not too cheesy, a nice romance and a splattering of good humour. Love it. :D

See my other reviews of the Petit Morts series:
← #8 One Less Stiff at the Funeral | #10 Wishink Well →

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cris has his heart broken when six months prior, he found out about Rey cheating on him. Unfortunately, even when his head says that it is over, his heart is another matter. Seeing Rey again, when the two of them are making commentary for a DVD horror classic just brings back all sort of things about their relationship. And what's with Rey acting like he still misses him?

This short story has one of the most interesting scene ever -- the process of making a commentary for a DVD release. I don't think I have EVER encountered such scene in any stories before!! The "adventure" of Cris and Rey after the they leave the premise reminds me of those horror films, with car breaks down the road, and trees falling ... perfect for Hallowe'en :)

It's probably the story in this 2nd Petit Morts collection that has the least significant role for the mysterious chocolatier, Chance. I am not a big fan of cheater in a story, but you know, just like Josh explains in the afterworks, the idea is how his characters screw up BIG TIME and then how they try to resolve the problem with forgiveness and love. Sometimes, you love a couple so much, you want them to work, and realize that the painful experience will be a lesson for them to be better. Right?

[Ije the Devourer of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem from the Petit Mort series this time by Josh Lanyon. This story sees former lovers brought together to work on the commentary for a classic horror film. As they work together with the star of the film and record the commentary live they are served chocolates from the mysterious shop 'Sweets to the Sweet' and of course strange things begin to happen, and emotions and thoughts are revealed from overflowing hearts.

This is a delicious series with stories from Josh Lanyon, Jordan Castillo Price and Sean Kennedy and it ticks all my boxes because I like stories with a twist in them, I like stories with mystery and a bit of mayhem, and I like chocolate.

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great idea for a story. Loved that it was spooky at times. I just didn't feel the connection between these two that much. With their bad history, I wanted something a lot more when they get back together. It wasn't a bad story but I went into it expecting a lot more than what I got.

I did this on audio and the narrator was good.

[charlotte, · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rep: gay mcs

[Eleeze · Rating 4 out of 5]

That one is been the crazier of all the Petit Morts’ so far!

[Meep · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kindle-Sort-ReRead

The setting is good, a little odd, a little creepy.
But I didn't feel the connection between the men. In fact the more we learn the more I felt Cris was settling. Rey the cheating and excuses seemed like a poor bet, yes he loves Cris, but what happens when the next Terry offers....

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far this one and number 7, Sort of Stranger than Fiction, are my favorites. I think that is because they have deeper emotional element. In this story Rey and Cris have a previous relationship and that allows for more development within the novella. You really felt both of their pain (and Lanyon does a good job of not letting the reader feel like Rey gets off easy), but the overlay of the spooky horror-film-like night adds lightness and fun to it.

[Heather C · Rating 5 out of 5]

It always amazes me how Josh Lanyon can squeeze so much emotion into such a short story. The characters feel real and imperfect. The story is not rushed to get to a HEA. These 2 guys had major problems during their previous relationship, but it felt real that they were still attracted to and in love with each other. Some things are worth risking your heart and giving second chances. I hope Cris and Rey make it the second time around.

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had more than a touch of magic realism in it. The wind, the falling tree, the shop right in the middle of nowhere... I really loved the atmosphere, Angelo's remote mansion that was somehow scary and hilarious at once. And Neat, Neat was a hoot, really: "No one will hear you scream." LOL!

At the same time, I wanted to give Cris a hug. What Rey did, even though he knew, he must have known, how much it would hurt Cris should he find out... I'm not sure I could've forgiven him.

[Gail Overholt · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you were to recommend a "typical Josh Lanyon" story to someone... well... this ain't it.

It's not a murder mystery. It's an homage to the great "classic" horror films of the 1980's. Classic is in quotes here because, to me the classics are the horror films with Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, et al. Movies like Frankenstein and The Mummy. Films from the '80's are just movies I didn't watch (because I generally don't like horror).

But that's not why this gets a 2.5 star rating. Early in the story, the writing felt off. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't JL. I can't be any more specific than that.

For a Petit Morts and Sweet Spot: The Petit Mort Stories story, there was very little Chance—and he served more as a chauffeur than a chocolatier or relationship mender.

Oh, and a protagonist so uninteresting (even with his JL-patented tragic childhood), it took me 3 days to finish.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is definitely the Petit Morts I like the least out of all of these I've read so far, but that's entirely due to personal preferences. I'm not a big fan of cheating in stories and while this was arguably more of a miscommunication (i.e. that the characters hadn't properly communicated if they were exclusive or not) it still feels... rough? I don't envy Cris.

Adding to that, I couldn't really relate to the topic at hand since old movies aren't really my thing and a lot of time was spent on name-dropping and explaining a topic that just flew right over my head. That doesn't make it a terrible story by any means, but also not nearly as interesting to me as all the other ones.

So yeah. A perfectly serviceable story for some but it fell a little flat for me, despite the good writing and nice characters.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun, and creepy, and so very entertaining! I have a thing for old horror movies, so that was a plus for me, having the characters being into them, too.

And the whole setting: dark, stormy night; fallen trees, a malfunctioning car; a phone with no coverage... c'mon! it's perfect!

Carey is charming, and I fell for him right away. Rey... Rey is a cad, no doubt about it, and, until the very end, I didn't warm up at him. But I believe that they can have a chance, so I'll forgive him... for now :P

[E.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the horror movie atmosphere and setting of the story, and I'm a sucker for 2nd chance romances, but I thought Cris's forgiveness came way too easily.
The writing was excellent though, as per usual with this author.

[Renée · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Ninni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former lovers brought back together with a lite magic help. This series is seriously good and this one might be my favourite this far. It also makes me wish for vistiting Chance's shop 🖤

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

Right from the start this story is heavy on the atmosphere with an elderly horror movie star’s home which is rather creepy, and the spookiness only continues to grow once the day’s work is done. Also, Cris’ unease at being around his ex is vividly portrayed. I felt that I was right inside him, wanting to be professional, knowing his ex wasn’t necessary a total bastard, but he simply couldn’t accept infidelity and be friends with the guy.

The secondary characters of Angelo, the aging actor, and butler/PA Neat were wonderful. I want a butler like Neat when I win the lottery, snarky, dry and sharp as a whip, the way a good butler should be. Even though you don’t get very many words out of him, his personality shone through. Cris was no slouch though and his own wit was pretty sharp. However when the day ended and things started getting weird, that was when you really got to know Cris and what made him tick. I really started to sympathise with his plight at that point, more than I had been. Chance’s role seemed a bit less direct than in some stories and you don’t learn much about what makes him tick in this one, well, no more than in previous books I suppose.

When Cris and Rey finally talk and put it all out there on the table, my heart broke a little for Cris. I never got the impression Rey was purposely cruel, he just seemed to pull the stupid male trick of not getting it. I wasn’t really sure that Rey got it even at the end. Yes, he loved Cris and felt badly that he hurt him, but I was never really convinced that he bought into Cris’ idea of what a relationship should be, and thought maybe he was just saying “Yes, yes dear, whatever you want.” but when the rubber hit the road he’d have a wandering eye, and more. I can only hope I’m wrong.

Overall this was a great read, there was humour, there was pathos, chuckles and sniffles. (Yes, I’m a sap.) Fans of old horror movies, will appreciate the hallmarks of those movies coming to life for the guys and giving the reader a creepy ride along with them to their happy ending.

[Susana]

4.5 stars
Film critic Crispin Colley has a thing for classic terror movies, and he cannot resist the chance of meeting one of his favourite film stars, Angelo Faust, even if it implies having to work besides his cheating ex, Rey Starr. Crispin expects a bit of an awkward situation, but what he does not expect for sure is to live his own horror night.
Critic Choice is fun. Told from Crispin’s point of view, it tells us about his misery in the six months since he found out Rey had cheated on him. Crispin broke up because of the betrayal: being an orphan, Crispin learnt from childhood not to get attached because those you love desert you. But he felt for Rey, and he did the only thing Crispin couldn’t forgive. Anyway, he is not over Rey, and he longs for the time when they were happy together. As for Rey, he had his own issues about commitment, but he’s over them now and wants Crispin back. If Crispin would only talk to him… That’s it for the anguish. But the really good thing in the book is the crazy night these two share, starting with trying to work with the very eccentric Angelo, and following with a series of terrifying disasters which include a terrible storm, broken-up cars, mysterious lights, sprained ankles, a bizarre shop with an even more bizarre assistant and a crazy car trip in the middle of the forest… No doubt Crispin needed a bit of reassurance by the end of the night, and what better place to find it that Rey’s loving arms…
As I said, a really delightful short story.

[L-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 installment, Crispin Colley is a film critic and is asked to do a voice-over and commentary on the DVD version of a classic horror flick. His ex-boyfriend, Rey, pulled strings to get him on DVD with one of his idols, Director Angelo Faust. Cris can't turn down this opportunity even if it means spending time with his ex-boyfriend. Cris still loves Rey and has feelings for him, but he can't forgive the adultery that caused their break-up.

I thought this was a great story and there was a ton of character development in a few short pages. There was enough back story about their relationship for me to feel how close they were and how much Rey's betrayal really devastated Cris. I was devastated also, to be frank. I did NOT want Cris to reconcile with Rey because I was so angry for him. I thought this was a great book and whether or not you like the way the story ends is a personal opinion but it is a great read. I personally was like no, no, no when Cris took Rey back. UGH - I fucking hate cheaters and don't give a damn what the excuse was. And Rey's excuse was not even close to good enough. Fuck you, Ray!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The spookiness was really good. I liked the romance setup, but sometimes cliches were pushing it. First and foremost, faking the injury. Also, while the obligatory sex scene has been jarring in some of other works as well, I really wish it was possible to leave it out in this one. It didn't completely ruin things, but it would have been more meaningful and maybe even more in-character to not make that leap so soon. And not gonna lie, I think Rey needs to grovel some more - but I can understand cutting the corners for length's sake. But I don't approve of the "Cris needs to get over it" vibe that I'm getting. Overall, while I like the matchmaking aspect, I don't like implications that there is only one right person. It didn't quite go there here, but it shifted into the lane. (I prefer to think of "The One" as one person that's to be matchmaked in order to achieve happiness right now, not a pairing that's meant to be One True Happily Ever After and no alternatives will ever be right. Maybe it will be debunked eventually, but I haven't really seen it contradicted so far.)

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another of the petit mort stories. It's 4 of 5 in the book I bought, but I understand there are 9 of them. I wonder where I can find the other 4. If anybody knows, please tell me! This is a variation on the old haunted house tale. Crispin is a film critic, Rey is his ex and a movie star. They are invited to Antonio's house to dub a movie with their critique's. We hear all about Crispin and Rey's failed relationship in Crispin's mind, as he narrates most of the story. Strange goings on take place throughout, especially upon departure. Crispin leaves first and his car breaks down while still on Antonio's property. He then encounters Rey and accepts a ride back to the house to use the phone as his has somehow stopped working. This whole story is a parody, or whatever word you might think best to describe this scenario, of the many horror flicks both Crispin and Rey make, watch, and love. It held my interest all the way through. Avoiding spoilers here is my aim. Suffice to say it satisfied this reader, who is NOT a horror lover, in the end. Chance also makes his appearance as he does throughout this series. Great entertainment here.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Josh Lanyon installment. Crispin is a horror film historian and Rey is a director being called the next Wes Craven. They also broke up about 6 months ago. Now they are both at aging film legend, Angelo Faust's house to do an audio track recording for the release of one of his classic films. As the days creeps into night, Rey and Cris seem to be trapped in their own personal horror movie. Add in the deadpanned butler, Neat and a drunk Angelo, not to mention a brief appearance by Chance and things just keep getting stranger.

This book is different from the others in that this is about repairing an old relationship instead of forming a new one. Still good. I do miss the occasion POV from Chance. So far this latest five releases from the series, we haven't gotten many clues about him from anyone. I feel like there's a lot to him he, he wants things, and I'm hoping maybe we'll get some in this final book of this batch... (which I'm going to start now!)

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not among my favorites. Film critic and historian Crispin fell in love with director Rey, but they recently broke up. It was not an amicable breakup, but Rey still wants to be friends. When they meet again at a film commentary filming, events unfold.

This is one of the few Lanyon books I did not enjoy. I thought the story was interesting, but Rey did not explain himself well enough for me to actually understand why Crispin would take him back. Nor did he actually perform any feat that was worthy of being taken back.

Of course, personal experience colors any review. Having said that, Rey's affair does color him in my mind as someone to be disliked. Intensely. His only redeeming value in my eyes was that he recalled why Crispin might be upset or lonely on this, of all nights. Crispin was also not as interesting a character as I normally enjoy Lanyon's people to be. This was an okay story that probably could've been better with more length.

[Josephine Myles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is very different from the other Petit Morts in that it deals with two film buffs, Cris and Rey, giving their failed relationship a second chance. This was a change of theme I found refreshing, although it does seem to fit somewhat oddly with the other stories.

The faux Gothic mansion of the aging horror movie star was an inspired setting, allowing Josh to play with all sorts of horror movie cliches in a very knowing, postmodern fashion – giving the reader a nod and a wink every time they come up. I wasn’t quite so thrilled with the film screening scene – I found it a bit static, but as soon as Cris and Rey met up in the wild and windy garden I was enchanted.

This was probably my least favourite of Josh Lanyon’s Petit Morts stories because I’m always likely to be more enchanted by the thrill of new love, but it was still an enjoyable read I can recommend.

[Otila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of Sweet Spot: The Petit Mort Stories

Cris is a movie critic who's been hired to work on a DVD commentary of a classic horror film alongside with the star of the film, who happens to be Cris's idol. Unfortunately, he also has to work with his ex who cheated on him six months ago but also seems to have gotten him this great job.

This story was my favorite. I liked the creepy setting of this Gothic mansion in the Hollywood Hills and all the blatant horror movie tropes Lanyon used. The romance in this one was the one I felt most emotionally invested in. Possibly because of the history between them.

There's no Christmas Coda for this one. I really want one.

[Megan]

A fusion of a campy horror movie and a reunited lovers story? YES, PLEASE. I delighted at the hilarious and pointed use of horror tropes, I enjoyed the character's intelligence with these tropes (one's a film critic and the other's a director, so they're well-versed), and oh gosh, the emotional story, the two lovers who've fought and who may not be able to trust one another again but maybe there's still love? Loved it. Other than the pacing being a little off (too much exposition and explanations at the start), this was pretty fantastic and ties with Hue, Tint and Shade as the strongest offering of the series (so far).