Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion

Hello everyone,

This month we are reading and discussing Kill Game!

Please remember there will be spoilers in this thread, however, you can start discussing the book whenever you would like.

Please also note that at the end of March 2019, this thread will open up to a discussion about the entire series and therefore there will be spoilers for all the books in the series.

Happy reading!

I cheated and started a couple days early.

So now I'm on book 2.

The quality of the writing is outstanding. It had to be, to draw me in, because I normally don't much care for serial killer stories.

I cheated too and finished it a couple of days ago. :)

I agree with Teal, the writing is very good and in my case I didn't even need it to make up for the serial killer angle, because I loved the mystery.

I'm not sure I'm buying some of Levi and his partner's professional behavior (among other things, how they handled the crime scenes before they were processed), but maybe it was just me.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. :)

Elena, the thing that struck me as questionable about Levi and Martine's professional behavior was how they were such intimate friends. Not that it couldn't be possible, just that it makes for a very emotionally intense working environment when your best friend is also your partner.

Nothing about the crime scenes jumped out at me, though... Except maybe the one with all the papers at the scene, and the laptop...? What was it that bothered you?

Its an excellent series. The 5th and last book is due out on Mon 11th

∙ Teal ∙ wrote: "Elena, the thing that struck me as questionable about Levi and Martine's professional behavior was how they were such intimate friends."

That bothered me a bit, not so much the part about them being friends, but Martine's frequent comments about Dominic's attractiveness and Levi's sex life. It wasn't enough to make it an issue, but I noticed and wished she’d tone it down a bit.

∙ Teal ∙ wrote: "Except maybe the one with all the papers at the scene, and the laptop...? What was it that bothered you?"

That's the one, Teal. I'm not sure if there are was something that bothered me as much in the other scenes, but in that one it was really obvious. They handled the papers after waiting only for the photographer to be finished and then put them back exactly in their original position to be tagged and bagged. I think my jaw dropped to the floor there. Lol

I started rereading this yesterday. I’d almost forgotten how much I enjoy this series. The depth to the characterization, even of the peripheral characters, is striking. I love how the complex backstories of the two MCs is gradually revealed.

I backburnered reading the 4th book, in part because I become so immersed in these books that I tend to neglect other things on my must-do lists. Still, I’m challenging myself to reread 1-3 and read 4 before Book 5 comes out on the 11th. :)

I finished my reread yesterday, and I too (like Teal) am on to Book 2. I also tend to avoid serial killer stories. Josh's and a few others, this series included, are the exception. But yes, these are very well written. I smiled at the similarities between Jewish mother and Dominic's Italian mother, and at how the guys notice this as well. Dominic is the epitome of the gentle giant, so in tune with Levi and his friends. But then he has his gambling addiction to complicate everything, and that ensures a not so routine story with not so routine MCs.

One thing really cracked me up though. At the Catalina Meet-up readers were asked to share their pet peeves about characters. I listed the otherwise intelligent guys who on their first intimate time suddenly default to porn dialogue ("Oh baby, tell me how much you like my big...") ;)

I'd forgotten that Dominic and Levi have almost those exact lines in Trick Roller, but it doesn't bug me. It does make me laugh.

I'm not reading comments until I've read the book. No spoilers for me! lol. But I'm debating whether or not I should get the audiobook. I'm not a fan of the narration, judging by the sample... then again, the ebook is available on Hoopla through the library so maybe I'll just do that and get it for free... hmmmm... decisions, decisions...

This is definitely a long-haul story, moving over five books. I finished my reread of books 2-4 this week and started book (the series finale) yesterday. Then I got distracted listening to Josh’s new audiobook of Green Glass Beads. (Check out http://joshlanyon.blogspot.com/2019/0... for where to buy.)

There are a number of long-haul series that I’ve been drawn to (and sometimes cherish, like the Adrien English books). Some have mysteries that are solved in each book, but a romantic plot-line that isn’t resolved until the last book (e.g. AE). Others resolve individual cases in each book, but the overall mystery (who is the serial killer in the Seven of Spades books, or what really happened to Hazard‘s first boyfriend in the Hazard and Somerset and series) and romance aren't resolved until the series ends. Or in the case of H&S seems to have resolved one main issue, but still leaves open the dissolution of the overall power structure that has been poisoning their town.

Along with the Seven of Spades and Hazard and Somerset books, I'd include Kate Sherwood's Long Shadows series and possibly Cole McCade's Criminal Intentions: The Cardigans series (although that is one that I may not continue).

What these have in common is an overall arc of romance and a mystery or issue that's resolved over a series of books. There's often high sexual tension and animosity between the MCs initially, slow burn, a lot of sex after the slow burn, graphic or abhorrent violence, corruption and/or a mole in the system, a number of possible perps of whom the most obvious is not, angst, other sexual partners (not cheating or at least not technically cheating) and/or a break-up before the main MCs reach their HEA/HFN. And also some healthy dollops of seemingly, or actually, questionable or implausible plot developments, and lots of well-developed side characters who work to aid or impede the MCs' resolution of professional and personal goals.

Not every series that includes these factors is on my must-read list, but the ones that include all of this and good writing and even surprise me are definitely there. This series is one of them.

I am loving the level of details here that suggest the author did a lot of research to write a believable police procedural.

Martine’s name is an issue for me because I’m at that point in the tv show I’m watching where there’s a Martine, but she’s creepy and evil!

Lol, I’m so glad my parents aren’t the only ones still trying to parent their adult kids, even from afar!

The two main characters are great, and I’m enjoying reading about them.

Jordan wrote: "Martine’s name is an issue for me because I’m at that point in the tv show I’m watching where there’s a Martine, but she’s creepy and evil! "

Maybe Martine is the Seven of Spades.

Jordan wrote: Lol, I’m so glad my parents aren’t the only ones still trying to parent their adult kids, even from afar!"

Haha.
I loved how both families were portrayed and that says a lot because I don't usually respond well to how stereotypes about Italians are used in books.

There was one scene that made me laugh out loud:

"My mother just gets a little . . .” Levi huffed out a breath and shook his head. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Right,” said Dominic. “Because Italian American mothers are famously chill and hands-off.”

And when Dominic's grandmother tried to feed Levi breakfast and ran to the kitchen to make him pancakes even after Levi said that he'd already eaten. 😂

We do like feeding people. :D

SamSpayedPI wrote: "Maybe Martine is the Seven of Spades."

You know, I considered her. But then, I considered practically everyone but Dominic at one point or another. :)

Elena wrote: "SamSpayedPI wrote: "Maybe Martine is the Seven of Spades."

You know, I considered her. But then, I considered practically everyone but Dominic at one point or another. :)"

This series made me paranoid. I thought everyone was suspicious at least once ^__^Û

I like how this series is written. Both main characters are complex and have flaws.
What do you think about Stanton, guys? I disliked him at first sight. All those smalls remarks about how Levi doesn't take into consideration his feelings didn't sit well with me. I thought he was manipulative, trying to mold Levi to his liking.
I also think is really well writen how that relationship fall apart. What do you think about Levi sleeping with Dom almost right away? Timing wasn't the best, it wasn't a smart move, but having read the whole series, that wasn't the worst move Levi had done ;D

I thought Stanton was presented fairly. And that the disconnect between the two guys felt genuine... In fact, now that I think about it, their dynamic reminds me a little bit of Will & Taylor, where Will automatically acts like he's the decision maker for the two of them, not understanding that if he doesn't rein it in, he'll destroy the relationship.

Rosa wrote: "All those smalls remarks about how Levi doesn't take into consideration his feelings didn't sit well with me. I thought he was manipulative, trying to mold Levi to his liking."

As you already know, I agree with you here. I didn't like at all how he disregarded Levi's preferences even after being told repeatedly to stop doing certain things, like ordering for both of them or (worse) calling Levi's parents to talk about Levi like he was a child, and the way he tried to guilt-trip Levi about his job at every turn. Stanton knew from the beginning that Levi was a cop and Levi never lead him to believe that he planned to quit anytime soon.

On the other hand, it wasn't fair on Levi's part to let Stanton carry on in his assumptions that they'd get married and have children when he knew he wasn't at all sure that he wanted any of those things, but it's also true that Stanton should have asked instead of taking it for granted.
All in all, neither of them was perfect and they weren't right for each other.
I did appreciate that once they reached the point of no return, there wasn't any drama.

Apropos of nothing, let me just say that Rebel is one of my favorite characters in this series. 😍😍

∙ Teal ∙ wrote: "I thought Stanton was presented fairly. And that the disconnect between the two guys felt genuine... In fact, now that I think about it, their dynamic reminds me a little bit of Will & Taylor, wher..."

Oh! I haven't read Will & Taylor yet. I'm waiting for the next book so I can indulge and read everything in one go :)

Mymymble wrote: "Rosa wrote: "Elena wrote: "SamSpayedPI wrote: "Maybe Martine is the Seven of Spades."

You know, I considered her. But then, I considered practically everyone but Dominic at one point or another. :..."

Yes, I agree, Mymymble. The break up was really well done, both characters are at fault here. I think Stanton with that way of his, always "knowing better" and Levi with his incapacity to talk about feelings... They just wasn't right for each other anymore.
And the rebound sex, was realistic, I agree, but I think that's never a good move... it can complicate things... Not in this case, though, the characters were really mature about that, I was surprised!

Elena wrote: "Apropos of nothing, let me just say that Rebel is one of my favorite characters in this series. 😍😍 "

Rebel is just the best! I love her in this book and along the whole series :D

Just finished this last night! Here's my review, but I will come back here to post my thoughts in more detail later. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

∙ Teal ∙ wrote: "Elena, the thing that struck me as questionable about Levi and Martine's professional behavior was how they were such intimate friends. Not that it couldn't be possible, just that it makes for a ve..."

I did think about them being friends and that scene with the papers as a bit complicated. But, I guess they were minor enough for me to skate by them without too much of a problem. Though now that I'm really thinking about that scene with all the papers...

SamSpayedPI wrote: "Jordan wrote: "Martine’s name is an issue for me because I’m at that point in the tv show I’m watching where there’s a Martine, but she’s creepy and evil! "

Maybe Martine is the Seven of Spades."

She couldn't be, I don't think, because she was there in the room both times the SOS called. Unless someone else is acting as the voice. And I doubt that.

Elena wrote: "Jordan wrote: Lol, I’m so glad my parents aren’t the only ones still trying to parent their adult kids, even from afar!"

Haha.
I loved how both families were portrayed and that says a lot because ..."

I did also really like how the families were written as well rounded people, real people, not just background props.

Rosa wrote: "Elena wrote: "SamSpayedPI wrote: "Maybe Martine is the Seven of Spades."

You know, I considered her. But then, I considered practically everyone but Dominic at one point or another. :)"

This seri..."

I agree. I didn't like Stanton right away either. He was trying to be controlling, though not in a completely abusive way, which was nice. I can't believe he spent three million to ensure Levi got a spot at the law school!

On one hand, I didn't like that Levi and Dom slept together, and yet I thought it was handled realistically, and they were both adults about it, so in the end I was okay with it.

∙ Teal ∙ wrote: "I thought Stanton was presented fairly. And that the disconnect between the two guys felt genuine... In fact, now that I think about it, their dynamic reminds me a little bit of Will & Taylor, wher..."

True.

Mymymble wrote: "Rosa wrote: "Elena wrote: "SamSpayedPI wrote: "Maybe Martine is the Seven of Spades."

You know, I considered her. But then, I considered practically everyone but Dominic at one point or another. :..."

lol, the Jewish bits keep throwing me for a loop only because I'm not use to seeing characters even mention things like that, never mind that Dom is being observant and careful because he knows it matters to Levi and he really cares about Levi. :-D

Elena wrote: "Rosa wrote: "All those smalls remarks about how Levi doesn't take into consideration his feelings didn't sit well with me. I thought he was manipulative, trying to mold Levi to his liking."

As you..."

I expected drama from Stanton and was a bit surprised not to get any. :-) But then, even with everything else, he wasn't much for drama.

Rosa wrote: "Elena wrote: "Apropos of nothing, let me just say that Rebel is one of my favorite characters in this series. 😍😍 "

Rebel is just the best! I love her in this book and along the whole series :D"

I hope there's more of Rebel in the following books!

Mymymble wrote: "Haha, that means everyone loved it except me! I can see why though."

We can't all like the same books, though usually it's me that's the odd duck out. :-)

Jordan wrote: "I didn't like that Levi and Dom slept together, and yet I thought it was handled realistically, and they were both adults about it, so in the end I was okay with it."

Am I the only one here who didn't have a problem with Levi and Dom sleeping together so soon after the break-up?
I realize it makes me kind of a hypocrite, since the only reason I don't have a problem with it is that they are the series's main couple, but still... :D

I did appreciate that they took a step back later to give Levi time to process his break-up with Stanton, though. I wouldn't have liked the alternative at all, Levi just forgetting about a three-year relationship like it was nothing and Dom being okay with it.

Jordan wrote: "I expected drama from Stanton and was a bit surprised not to get any. :-) But then, even with everything else, he wasn't much for drama."

I was expecting drama in general, I was pleasantly surprised when Levi very calmly told Stanton that it was over and why and walked out.

Jordan wrote: "I hope there's more of Rebel in the following books!"

Not really a spoiler, but...(view spoiler)[there's more, though nearly close to enough, if you ask me. I could read about Rebel for pages and pages. :D (hide spoiler)]

Elena wrote: "Am I the only one here who didn't have a problem with Levi and Dom sleeping together so soon after the break-up?"

No.

And I don't understand why anyone would have a problem with it. They're adults. Why wouldn't they hook up if they wanted to?

Mymymble wrote: "Haha, that means everyone loved it except me! I can see why though."

I didn't love it, Mymymble. I appreciated the writing enough to continue with the series, but I'm partway into the third book now and considering stopping.

Elena wrote: "Jordan wrote: "I didn't like that Levi and Dom slept together, and yet I thought it was handled realistically, and they were both adults about it, so in the end I was okay with it."

Am I the only ..."

I think that's what it was. The alternative is what usually happens? Well, I appreciated how this played out between them so it was fine for me. As the scene began I kept thinking about how it could go so wrong. And then it didn't!

That happened to me several times with this book. She took the characters to places where authors usually don't do a good job, but she always turned it around and had them handle everything as adults with thoughts and real feelings. If this makes any sense. I think that was one of the scenes. That, and where they kissed for the first time. It was a "Oh no!" that always quickly turned to "Oh! Okay! Cool!"

Elena wrote: "Jordan wrote: "I hope there's more of Rebel in the following books!"

Not really a spoiler, but...[spoilers removed]"

:-D

Elena wrote: "Jordan wrote: "I didn't like that Levi and Dom slept together, and yet I thought it was handled realistically, and they were both adults about it, so in the end I was okay with it."

Am I the only ..."

Elena, I felt pretty much the way you did about this. I knew it was too soon, but understood the impetus. I also liked that the guys realized the same and backed up a bit. One of the things I like about this book is that both MCs and most of the side characters have insecurities, personal demons, and faults.

Jordan wrote: "That happened to me several times with this book. She took the characters to places where authors usually don't do a good job, but she always turned it around and had them handle everything as adults with thoughts and real feelings. If this makes any sense. I think that was one of the scenes. That, and where they kissed for the first time. It was a "Oh no!" that always quickly turned to "Oh! Okay! Cool!""

I completely understand what you mean, Jordan, finding authors good enough to do that isn't easy, but when I do find them, they usually end up making my 'favorites' list. :)

And I had the same reaction to their first kiss, I practically shouted "Go, Dominic!" in my head. :D

Karen wrote: "One of the things I like about this book is that both MCs and most of the side characters have insecurities, personal demons, and faults."

Couldn't agree more, Karen. :)

∙ Teal ∙ wrote: "Mymymble wrote: "Haha, that means everyone loved it except me! I can see why though."

I didn't love it, Mymymble. I appreciated the writing enough to continue with the series, but I'm partway into..."

I’m on the fifth book and moving slowly. In part because I got distracted by two other books, and in part because this is the last book and I’m not sure I want to know who the Seven of Spades is. It’s going to be painful for Levi regardless of who they are.

This is one of those series that I’ve been compelled to read flaws and all. I rate books as a reader (rather than as a reviewer), so personal engagement and enjoyment overrule my “critic’s voice.” And I think it would be much less interesting here if we all agreed with each all the time. :)

I think what we should do is what we did when we read that sci-fi series I can't remember off hand... but we read the first one as a BOM, then changed the topic to be able to discuss the entire series complete with spoilers after the month was over. We don't have to, but I have a feeling you all will have lots to say about the rest of the series!

Yes, that was the Gyrfalcon series. Good idea, Jordan!

∙ Teal ∙ wrote: "Yes, that was the Gyrfalcon series. Good idea, Jordan!"

Yes, that one!

My no-spoilers review/notes on Book 5, A Chip and a Chair.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Does anyone have any last thoughts on this first book? I'm looking forward to reading the next one soon! Depending on how they get to me, I might read them slowly, one a month. We'll see.

Also, this is a reminder that this thread will cover all five books after this weekend! :-)

I read all five books this month. I think my favorite was #4...

∙ Teal ∙ wrote: "I read all five books this month. I think my favorite was #4..."

Oooh, good to know!

I got it stuck in my head last night that Dominic is bisexual, but I didn’t shelve this book that way...

Anyway, Ive started book two, and can’t put it down!