(These dudes need to hit a tanning bed and Josh Lanyon’s name needs to be BIGGER)
Christopher Holmes, a 40 yr old writer who had early success in his career has recently been told his “Miss Butterwith Mystery Series”, featuring an elderly sleuth and her cat, has reached it’s prime and it is time to switch it up. His agent, Rachael, sends him to a writing convention to meet with his editor, Stephen Krass, to pitch him new ideas for a series, ideas he has yet to come up with.
He starts his reinvention of himself with new clothes picked out for him by the sales person at the department store..like red silk underwear that totally embarrasses him. Christopher doesn’t want to change. He likes his Miss Butterwith, and can’t see himself writing about the paranormal and other trendy topics. But his sales are down, and other chick-lit authors are steaming ahead of him, so against his better judgement, he decides to listen to his agent’s advice and attend the weekend conference.
On his way to the convention he gets a flat tire and starts walking miles to the lodge where the convention is held. As he is walking, in a horrific rain storm, he stops to change shoes and finds the body of a dead woman, and a bloody sawed off tree limb next to her.
I was out in the middle of nowhere with a corpse.On the bright side, I was not the corpse.For a second or two-or three-maybe four-I stood there showing none of the cool presence of mind demonstrated by Miss Butterwith in her forty-eight cases.“Oh, fuck,” I whispered. Usually I’m better at dialog.
Once he arrives at the lodge, soaked and freezing, he not only has to tell everyone that there is a murdered dead body in the woods, but he also sees author extraordinaire, former cop, and former lover (for a very brief time) J.X Moriarity. At the time of their fling, Christopher had just broken up with his long time boyfriend, but soon after meeting J.X, his boyfriend apologized and they got back together. Christopher looks like a drowned rat and now not only has to worry about impressing his editor, but he also doesn’t want to look ridiculous in front of his former flame.
Turns out the murdered woman in the woods is Peaches Sadler, an author who a lot of people in the publishing world dislike, and a lot of married people hate because she liked to seduce married men. There are several people at the conference who could have it out for Peaches.
Due to the rain storm and flooding, the bridge, the only way into the lodge has been washed out so the authorities can not make it in. J.X unofficially takes over the investigation due to his history in law enforcement. This throws J.X and Christopher together since Christopher was the one to find the body and the crime scene and knows the way back to the woods.
That evening, Christopher quite unsuccessfully pitches his new series to Stephen Krass and is basically told his work is no longer welcome at his publishing house. Later that night, someone sticks an axe into Stephen Krass‘ head..in really deep, and Stephen Krass is no longer with us.
Panic erupts knowing there is a murderer amongst them..and no way out, or way in for the authorities. Suspicions arise looking at Christopher as the main suspect. J.X. believes Christopher is innocent and now they must try to survive the storm – together.
This was another Josh Lanyon great. He mentioned on his live journal site that he was trying to go for more funny this time. When I first started reading, I had wished that I had not read that, because I felt like I would be disappointed if it wasn’t funny. He came through, how could I have my doubts! My husband actually asked me what book I was reading because I was laughing so much. There were very amusing parts, and as usual, he has the best supporting characters out there. My favorite of this book was Espie Real, a fellow author with an interesting past.
I noticed she had a tiny teardrop tattooed beneath her left eye. Wasn’t that a prison tattoo?Espie caught me staring at her and winked. I felt myself redden. She grinned.
As in his other books, the mystery definitely takes center stage over the romance. This story is told in Christopher’s point of view and Christopher seemed to be a more direct, self assured character than Lanyon’s normal lead, or at least the ones I have read. I have yet to make it through Lanyon’s full list of works. Their romance scenes were nice and sweet, yet leave space for more to happen in future books of the series.
Since this is set up to be a mystery romance series, there is the inevitable comparison to his popular Adrien English series, one of my favorites by the way. The romance between Christoper and J.X definitely have a different feel from Adrien and Jake I am glad to say. However, the murder mystery and the way it is played out is set up very much similar to Lanyon’s other mystery books. There are many characters introduced that could have a motive to murder, and the lead character is one of the suspects. This book reminds me very much of Lanyon’s The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks. However, Lanyon knows how to write a great mystery, bring in great supporting characters, sweet romance and always just enough wit and quirkiness that makes me giggle and not want the story to end. I can not say enough how well his books are written.
Rating: 4 Stars
You can purchase the book HERE.
Visit Josh Lanyon’s site for more information.
Sounds nice, I love books that can make me laugh.
I haven't tried him yet but I do have one book by him
Thanks for the great review. I have not read anything by him and this sounds to funny. Have a great day. :)
Blodeuedd – It is nice to read witty dialog.
Ann Marie – You have a nice day too:)
Thanks, Mandi. I appreciate the review — and I'm delighted the book made you laugh. It's nice to write something a bit lighter than Adrien (as much as I love Adrien).
Josh – Thanks for stopping by!
Josh Lanyon is one of my favorite writers, this was an excellent book.
I've been hearing a lot about this author. Need to give his books a try.
Wow, this sounds so good. And I love when Josh Lanyon writes about writers.
Cait – he is one of my favs too.
Nath – Definitely..he has so many to choose from too ;)
CJ – I think Miss Doreen would approve ;)
This actually sounds good, and I'm usually a historical buff. I love witty dialogue.
Great Review Mandi!!! I have not read anything by this author… so thank you for giving me insight to someone new… Thanks!
I hope you have a great day!!
I can't wait to read this one. Great review!
Hi Mandi!
This author sounds better and better each time you review him. I really need to check him out. Sounds funny and nice.
Great review, I was chuckling while I was reading!
Dottie :)
Barbara – witty it is ;)
Cecile – Hey girl! Just returning the favor. You give me new authors all the time :)
Tracy – I can't wait to see what you think!
Dottie – Thanks! You will chuckle while you read it too!