Holmes & Moriarity 3 (Volume 3) - The Boy with the Painful Tattoo

The mystery was good, I always like Lanyon's writing too. I really liked development of the relationship as well. There was stuff I did not like too, but because it goes into *I did not like* v *it did not work for me in the story* (small distinction I know, but this is the one I usually make in order to decide when to downgrade the book or not), I will not talk about it in the review.

This review might contain very slight spoilers.

If you haven't read Josh Lanyon's Holmes & Moriarity series yet, I wholeheartedly recommend it because this series is quickly becoming as fiercely successful and passionately loved as Lanyon's Adrien English books are. I had such feverish, high expectations for the much awaited third book, and the author didn't let me down, not one bit. The story was everything I hoped for -- only much better. And with some wild, awesome surprises!

The Holmes & Moriarity book 3 is full of wonderful details that make you laugh out loud and others that make you ponder. There are pages that squeeze your heart like nothing else and others that are so sexy they leave you with burning cheeks and out of breath. Overall the joy of writing this story comes across so clearly that reading the book is like spending an unforgettable day with the author at an amusement park and not riding only the roller coaster, but visiting also everything from Fun House to Haunted Mansion!

In The Boy with the Painful Tattoo Christopher 'Kit' Holmes is, against his better instincts, making a huge leap and setting up house together with J.X. Moriarity. Their budding relationship is put to the test when, once again, Kit turns out to be a murder magnet. With Kit's unstoppable, crazy inner monologue Josh Lanyon creates fantastic rhythm and tone for the story. I'm in awe of Lanyon's timing and the way he takes us for a ride where the hilariously funny lines interlock with the more serious aspects of the story so seamlessly.

I wasn't able to solve the mystery by myself, but that didn't make the book any less enjoyable for me. I'm afraid my focus was on the relationship of these two intriguing men and I couldn't stop admiring how Kit, even while being completely out of his comfort zone, still bravely forces on and tackles all the relationship problems and other equally uncomfortable situations, one by one. He does this all by following his slightly twisted, unique logic that is spiced up with his sarcastic way of seeing the world and himself in it. And as they say -- that makes all the difference.

I also have to thank the author for all wonderful nuances, small gestures, facial expressions and tones of voice which Kit notices so sharp-eyed in every turn. I especially love how he takes mental notes of J.X.'s every reaction. And I don't care one bit that these people aren't actually real -- I adore to see how much they both want their relationship to work. How J.X. is trying to give Kit space and time to be... well, Kit... and how Kit is making those scary leaps he probably wouldn't make for anyone else. Josh Lanyon writes his characters so very tangible and real, so... dear.

There were numerous beautiful scenes in which the main couple revealed their vulnerable, bare feelings, and also several touching, powerful, earthmoving sex scenes. I can't help but to feel complete satisfaction after reading it all. The story left me smiling and I, once again, have to state that Josh Lanyon writes the perfect endings. This one was delightful and it certainly gives hope for some truly fun times in the future!

This book will be a wonderful re-read. I'll enjoy re-visiting that beautiful house and garden, and re-hearing the "Yoo-hoo! Yoo-hoo!" behind that hedge. I can't wait to re-read all the brilliant phone conversations and to gape at Jerry's creepy character. I want to witness Kit and J.X. spending time with Adrien and Jake again, and I want to listen to Jack Johnson's "You and Your Heart" while re-reading. I want Josh Lanyon to make my heart curl into a tight ice-cold ball and then I want him to make it all better again. Because he can.

Audio edition, narrated by Kevin R. Free.

Overall: 3,5
Narration: 4
Story: 3

I liked this, but I didn't love it. The mystery was okay. I did like the references to Scandinavian (Norwegian) authors (Jo Nesbø, yay) and books. It made for a personal connection for me.

What didn't quite work for me was Kit and J.X relationship. I can't help comparing them to Adrien and Jake. Kit is more "bitchy" and sarcastic, in my opinion. Kit says hurtful things. He also made some frustratingly stupid decisions during the story of the book. I was rolling my eyes and talking out loud to him because "why on Earth would you do that?? Again?"

Kit's bad judgment landed him in situations again and again that he could easily have avoided. But then, the story wouldn't be so interesting, wouldn't it? The situations were both funny and frustrating some of the times.

So, all in all, I like it, I did enjoy it even though I was frustrated sometimes.

I liked the first novel in this series but there were elements in the story I began to not like. Particularly loathed JX's family and JX seems to be tipping into the abusive/unhealthy side of things. JX pressure and controls Kit, and at times demands his way, such as when JX demands kit go help his ex-wife. I mean seriously? Why is that Kit's job? JX could've easily called the plumber and not insisted his boyfriend spend half the day with a woman and child who can't stand him. That woman needs to learn to do stuff for herself.. And its weird of JX quite frankly to marry his brother's wife and not set boundaries with her since she clearly is in love with him. He's with Kit now. She needs to learn some skills.

Then he pressures Kit to go to the zoo with his nephew. Then... There is the bedroom stuff...Where Kits wishes are ignored.

I get that Kit isn't a nice person and can be quite rude, manic, and bitchy himself... But JX's controlling mannerisms made me really want Kit to move out....

Plus, if those boys can afford a home like that in San Francisco they are millionaires and can afford a home security system and Kit can get some good treatment for his back.

Again Josh Lanyon gives the reader what we want -- more! If you haven't read the Holmes and Moriarity series, you should start with the first book. To fully appreciate these guys you need the backstory. In Book 3, Kit moves in with JX and the fun and mayhem begins. Murder, of course, but even more. The couple have bought a wonderful house and are trying to adjust to living together with all the probs and adjustments of any two people with different quirks and personalities. The sex scenes are typical Lanyon: tender, romantic and sexy as hell. But, and there's always a but, JX has to put up with Kit's insecurities and doubts, and Kit has to accept JX's controlling and demanding side. I laughed out loud at Lanyon's descriptions and voice overs from Kit. As usual, Kit comes close to getting killed and JX comes close to smacking him, but JX goes into protection mode when needed, and Kit always has a reason for risking his neck and life. IMO Book 3 is the best of the series, so far. I look forward to Book 3, 'cause I think JX and Kit are in for some stormy times with JX's family and the personality clashes still to come. Oh, BTW, in Book 3 a familiar couple from Lanyon's cast of past characters makes a timely appearance. If you love Josh, and you've read the first two books in this series, do yourself a favor and pick up Book 3 stat!

The Holmes and Moriarity books just keep getting better. This had me hooked completely right from the beginning. I totally love the added layer of these two navigating through a committed relationship while murders just keep happening around them.
I hope there's going to be a lot more books in this series.

Another Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.com review

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Still dealing with the fallout from their recent investigation and murder, mystery author Christopher "Kit" Holmes decided to overcome his misgivings and move in with his lover and fellow mystery writer, Julian Xavier "JX" Moriarity, a decision that has precipitated a move to San Francisco and a new house. What could go wrong?

Well, almost everything. With boxes still piled all around them, JX heads off to the Murder at Midtown conference, leaving Kit to ponder on the wisdom of this latest move…relationship and house. Still, nothing prepares Kit for the dead body under the Styrofoam beads in the crate that should have contained his old and treasured china.

Packing will have to wait while more mysteries pop up to solve along with dead bodies. Who is the dead man? Why is he in Kit and JX's crate? And importantly, what happened to Kit's china?

I have been waiting for another book in the Holmes & Moriarity series since December 2010 when I finished the marvelous story, All She Wrote (Holmes & Moriarity #2). The aftermath of the murders and events of that novel were nothing short of earthshattering. And that story left me wonderfing what would happen next…to both our main characters as well as their relationship. Now, four years later I finally have my answer with The Boy With The Painful Tattoo (Holmes & Moriarity #3). Well, sort of, and I couldn't be happier.

I said "sort of" because as any fan of Josh Lanyon's and his stories know, nothing is ever a sure thing, including an absolutely happy resolution with his characters or their relationships. Whether it is Adrien English and his lover, the tormented, closeted Jake Riordan (who make guest appearances here), or Kit Holmes and JX Moriarity, the foundation on which their lives and relationships is built lies on shaky ground, a terrain where you almost expect to see the fissures and cracks that habitually appear to threaten their relationship, sanity, and in some cases, their lives. Also well known to us fans is that the source for some of these ruptures and interruptions spring from and are self inflicted by the complex, introspective and wounded men that Josh Lanyon writes so well.

We live in the mind of Kit Holmes in this series and what a mind that is! Highly intelligent, questioning, somewhat quarrelsome, and introspective, Kit's emotionally and mentally scattered when we jump into their new life and home on Chestnut Lane. His decision, prompted by the awful events in the last book, to move in with JX has seen him give up his home in Southern California to move with all his treasured belongings to San Francisco where JX can be close to his ex wife and nephew (long story, read the books). And at every step and moment we know (as we are listening into his internal monologue) that Kit constantly questions whether he has done the right thing, if their relationship will work out, and how will they juggle the changing dynamics that the reversal in their career fortunes is introducing into their partnership. There is so much stuff crammed into that brilliant skull that it would be exhausting for all trying to untangle it if it wasn't also so marvelously entertaining. And wouldn't Kit just hate that!

I adore Kit in all his difficult, brooding glory but I have also fallen in love with JX, a man with his own "quieter" set of issues and problems. JX is an author whose career is on the rise just as Kit's popularity as an author and mystery genre is falling out of favor. But whereas Kit's wears his foibles and somewhat contentious nature like a well fitted suit, JX's flaws and complexities are far more subtle, needing a major crash, explosion or even murder to bring them out into the open. The juxtaposition of these two strong personalities as they struggle to maintain a relationship or investigation makes this series and this book always absorbing and highly addictive.

How can you not love a man whose just had the best, most explosive sex of his life,, and then spends the next moments pondering (internally of course) what's wrong with it, them and himself? All while still in bed, naked and sweaty? If, as Socrates says "an unexamined life is not worth living", then Kit Holmes is living life to the fullest!

And there are more joys to be found with this latest installment of Holmes & Moriarity. Their move onto Chestnut Lane has brought them a curious neighbor with the wonderful name of Emmaline Bloodworth. Any one with a familiarity of British cozies should be rubbing their hands together in anticipation. Here is our (and Kit's) first introduction to her:

I saw a small person of indeterminate sex, dressed in baggy clothes. At first glance it appeared that one of the garden gnomes from next door had come to life. And had something to say about it.

“Good morning!” the gnome greeted me. She had one of those fluting, high voices that brought to mind Sunday school teachers and curators at the most macabre exhibits at the Tower of London. A voice like an ice pick through your left eye socket. “Welcome to the neighborhood. So sorry to disturb you on your first morning, but the movers must have broken one of the sprinkler heads along your front walk.”

“Oh. Uh...okay.”

As I seemed to be missing the point, she said kindly, “Water is shooting up like a geyser out there. There’s a drought going on, you know.”

She was probably in her sixties, but unlike my former mentor Anna Hitchcock, no effort here had been made to stave off the ravages of time. Not that she looked ravaged. Beneath the wide brim of her hat I could just make out twinkling blue eyes in a round and rosy face.

And yes, she has a cat which just happens to resemble in name and appearance the feline that figures so largely in Kit's mystery novels. Another mystery to solve? I hope so.

And then there is Inspector Ishwar "Izzie" Jones, SFPD and JX's former partner, Rachel Ving or Ving the Merciless as Kit's agent is known who wants Kit to write Swedish type mysteries, JX's ex wife and former sister in law Nina and Gage, her son and his nephew (really, you must read the first two stories). The Boy with the Painful Tattoo is chock full of the most wonderful characters and intriguing situations you could hope for, especially in ones that act as secondary storylines along side the primary ones of murder most foul and a relationship still looking to find solid ground, albeit temporarily.

Yes, I loved this book, yes, I adore this series and I think any lover of mysteries (M/M or otherwise) will as well. Combine a terrific mystery with two believable and charismatic men trying to balance lives, love, and careers and you have author whose series and main characters should be on everyone's Must Have, Must Read lists. I can't wait to see what happens next in the lives of Holmes & Moriarity but if you are new to this couple, start with the first mystery where they are reunited in Somebody Killed His Editor (Holmes & Moriarity #1). Continue onto All She Wrote (Holmes & Moriarity, #2), before arriving here at The Boy with the Painful Tattoo (Holmes & Moriarity, #3). If you've been good or perhaps very, very naughty and good, you might find them in your eReader stocking!

I love Josh Lanyon and this story is just another reason why he should be on everyone's top list of authors whose stories you must have. Consider The Boy With The Painful Tattoo one of my Highly Recommneded Reads!

Cover art by L.C. Chase. Love the cover. It has that sort of Noir feel to it of the older mystery novel covers. Great job.

Loved this. The perfect amount of mystery and romance. I'm always interest in what Kit and J.X are struggling with or even just doing, and watching how Kit slowly starts to notice all the romantic and nice gestures that J.X does for him is just wonderful, especially when Kit has to have a hard conversation with J.X that reveals a lot about himself.

There was a stalker and a coin thief, but nothing was ever too much or so dramatic that it seemed way too far out there, even the body in the box :) Got the print version of this, and now I need to buy the print versions of the first three to get all of them on my shelf.

5 stars, would definitely come back and reread this series

This was a great continuation of the series; Kit and JX are finally taking another big step in their relationship by moving in together but, like their interactions before, things don't go as smoothly as one would hope. From the dead body in the basement, missing coins, a slightly too interested neighbor and a fan that just won't go away, there's always something going on. Add in the typical problems and miscommunication between two people in a relationship and I was never bored. I really hope there's another installment of this series in the future because I'm not ready to say goodbye to it yet.

Got it yesterday, finished it today and now I want more. I really like Kit and J.X. and I love watching their relationship develop.
Kit has made the big move -he's moved in with J.X. and that's when the fun begins. I liked the mystery and I really like the story but I love these two together. They've got to go through a lot to cement their relationship but I think that this has happened - to a degree, anyway.
Kit also got to meet J.X.'S nephew and that is really a story within itself.
Great writing, as always, and I'm looking forward to more.

Kit Holmes is not a particularly likeable guy. He is incredibly self-absorbed. He sulks. He's not especially sociable and he is a bit too fond of junk food, not to mention Gin and Tonics. He's frequently foolhardy and seldom brave.

And because of all these things, his narrative leaps off the paper at you. He's not just human, or a three dimensional character. He's US. So naturally, we can't help but root for him, especially as we sympathize with his writer's slump, and his fears of taking his relationship with J.X. to the next level, a part of him still clutching the doorknob because he is preparing himself for when it doesn't work out. It helps that underneath all of this, Kit is an intuitively smart man who sometimes makes dumb decisions out of self-preservation. When he is at his worst, we forgive him. When he is at his best, we preen a little alongside him.

Add to that the sly observations about the publishing world, the depth of emotional connection between the two main characters, the cameo appearance of Adrien English (that had me squealing like the fangirl I am) and the slightly madcap, screwball comedy feel to the whole story, and once again, Lanyon has me grinning from ear to ear.

You can definitely read this story without having read the others in the series, but do yourself a favor and get books one and two as well. You won't regret it.

The Holmes and Moriarity books just keep getting better. This had me hooked completely right from the beginning. I totally love the added layer of these two navigating through a committed relationship while murders just keep happening around them.
I hope there's going to be a lot more books in this series.

Another Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.com review

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Still dealing with the fallout from their recent investigation and murder, mystery author Christopher "Kit" Holmes decided to overcome his misgivings and move in with his lover and fellow mystery writer, Julian Xavier "JX" Moriarity, a decision that has precipitated a move to San Francisco and a new house. What could go wrong?

Well, almost everything. With boxes still piled all around them, JX heads off to the Murder at Midtown conference, leaving Kit to ponder on the wisdom of this latest move…relationship and house. Still, nothing prepares Kit for the dead body under the Styrofoam beads in the crate that should have contained his old and treasured china.

Packing will have to wait while more mysteries pop up to solve along with dead bodies. Who is the dead man? Why is he in Kit and JX's crate? And importantly, what happened to Kit's china?

I have been waiting for another book in the Holmes & Moriarity series since December 2010 when I finished the marvelous story, All She Wrote (Holmes & Moriarity #2). The aftermath of the murders and events of that novel were nothing short of earthshattering. And that story left me wonderfing what would happen next…to both our main characters as well as their relationship. Now, four years later I finally have my answer with The Boy With The Painful Tattoo (Holmes & Moriarity #3). Well, sort of, and I couldn't be happier.

I said "sort of" because as any fan of Josh Lanyon's and his stories know, nothing is ever a sure thing, including an absolutely happy resolution with his characters or their relationships. Whether it is Adrien English and his lover, the tormented, closeted Jake Riordan (who make guest appearances here), or Kit Holmes and JX Moriarity, the foundation on which their lives and relationships is built lies on shaky ground, a terrain where you almost expect to see the fissures and cracks that habitually appear to threaten their relationship, sanity, and in some cases, their lives. Also well known to us fans is that the source for some of these ruptures and interruptions spring from and are self inflicted by the complex, introspective and wounded men that Josh Lanyon writes so well.

We live in the mind of Kit Holmes in this series and what a mind that is! Highly intelligent, questioning, somewhat quarrelsome, and introspective, Kit's emotionally and mentally scattered when we jump into their new life and home on Chestnut Lane. His decision, prompted by the awful events in the last book, to move in with JX has seen him give up his home in Southern California to move with all his treasured belongings to San Francisco where JX can be close to his ex wife and nephew (long story, read the books). And at every step and moment we know (as we are listening into his internal monologue) that Kit constantly questions whether he has done the right thing, if their relationship will work out, and how will they juggle the changing dynamics that the reversal in their career fortunes is introducing into their partnership. There is so much stuff crammed into that brilliant skull that it would be exhausting for all trying to untangle it if it wasn't also so marvelously entertaining. And wouldn't Kit just hate that!

I adore Kit in all his difficult, brooding glory but I have also fallen in love with JX, a man with his own "quieter" set of issues and problems. JX is an author whose career is on the rise just as Kit's popularity as an author and mystery genre is falling out of favor. But whereas Kit's wears his foibles and somewhat contentious nature like a well fitted suit, JX's flaws and complexities are far more subtle, needing a major crash, explosion or even murder to bring them out into the open. The juxtaposition of these two strong personalities as they struggle to maintain a relationship or investigation makes this series and this book always absorbing and highly addictive.

How can you not love a man whose just had the best, most explosive sex of his life,, and then spends the next moments pondering (internally of course) what's wrong with it, them and himself? All while still in bed, naked and sweaty? If, as Socrates says "an unexamined life is not worth living", then Kit Holmes is living life to the fullest!

And there are more joys to be found with this latest installment of Holmes & Moriarity. Their move onto Chestnut Lane has brought them a curious neighbor with the wonderful name of Emmaline Bloodworth. Any one with a familiarity of British cozies should be rubbing their hands together in anticipation. Here is our (and Kit's) first introduction to her:

I saw a small person of indeterminate sex, dressed in baggy clothes. At first glance it appeared that one of the garden gnomes from next door had come to life. And had something to say about it.

“Good morning!” the gnome greeted me. She had one of those fluting, high voices that brought to mind Sunday school teachers and curators at the most macabre exhibits at the Tower of London. A voice like an ice pick through your left eye socket. “Welcome to the neighborhood. So sorry to disturb you on your first morning, but the movers must have broken one of the sprinkler heads along your front walk.”

“Oh. Uh...okay.”

As I seemed to be missing the point, she said kindly, “Water is shooting up like a geyser out there. There’s a drought going on, you know.”

She was probably in her sixties, but unlike my former mentor Anna Hitchcock, no effort here had been made to stave off the ravages of time. Not that she looked ravaged. Beneath the wide brim of her hat I could just make out twinkling blue eyes in a round and rosy face.

And yes, she has a cat which just happens to resemble in name and appearance the feline that figures so largely in Kit's mystery novels. Another mystery to solve? I hope so.

And then there is Inspector Ishwar "Izzie" Jones, SFPD and JX's former partner, Rachel Ving or Ving the Merciless as Kit's agent is known who wants Kit to write Swedish type mysteries, JX's ex wife and former sister in law Nina and Gage, her son and his nephew (really, you must read the first two stories). The Boy with the Painful Tattoo is chock full of the most wonderful characters and intriguing situations you could hope for, especially in ones that act as secondary storylines along side the primary ones of murder most foul and a relationship still looking to find solid ground, albeit temporarily.

Yes, I loved this book, yes, I adore this series and I think any lover of mysteries (M/M or otherwise) will as well. Combine a terrific mystery with two believable and charismatic men trying to balance lives, love, and careers and you have author whose series and main characters should be on everyone's Must Have, Must Read lists. I can't wait to see what happens next in the lives of Holmes & Moriarity but if you are new to this couple, start with the first mystery where they are reunited in Somebody Killed His Editor (Holmes & Moriarity #1). Continue onto All She Wrote (Holmes & Moriarity, #2), before arriving here at The Boy with the Painful Tattoo (Holmes & Moriarity, #3). If you've been good or perhaps very, very naughty and good, you might find them in your eReader stocking!

I love Josh Lanyon and this story is just another reason why he should be on everyone's top list of authors whose stories you must have. Consider The Boy With The Painful Tattoo one of my Highly Recommneded Reads!

Cover art by L.C. Chase. Love the cover. It has that sort of Noir feel to it of the older mystery novel covers. Great job.

Loved this. The perfect amount of mystery and romance. I'm always interest in what Kit and J.X are struggling with or even just doing, and watching how Kit slowly starts to notice all the romantic and nice gestures that J.X does for him is just wonderful, especially when Kit has to have a hard conversation with J.X that reveals a lot about himself.

There was a stalker and a coin thief, but nothing was ever too much or so dramatic that it seemed way too far out there, even the body in the box :) Got the print version of this, and now I need to buy the print versions of the first three to get all of them on my shelf.

5 stars, would definitely come back and reread this series

This was a great continuation of the series; Kit and JX are finally taking another big step in their relationship by moving in together but, like their interactions before, things don't go as smoothly as one would hope. From the dead body in the basement, missing coins, a slightly too interested neighbor and a fan that just won't go away, there's always something going on. Add in the typical problems and miscommunication between two people in a relationship and I was never bored. I really hope there's another installment of this series in the future because I'm not ready to say goodbye to it yet.

Got it yesterday, finished it today and now I want more. I really like Kit and J.X. and I love watching their relationship develop.
Kit has made the big move -he's moved in with J.X. and that's when the fun begins. I liked the mystery and I really like the story but I love these two together. They've got to go through a lot to cement their relationship but I think that this has happened - to a degree, anyway.
Kit also got to meet J.X.'S nephew and that is really a story within itself.
Great writing, as always, and I'm looking forward to more.

Kit Holmes is not a particularly likeable guy. He is incredibly self-absorbed. He sulks. He's not especially sociable and he is a bit too fond of junk food, not to mention Gin and Tonics. He's frequently foolhardy and seldom brave.

And because of all these things, his narrative leaps off the paper at you. He's not just human, or a three dimensional character. He's US. So naturally, we can't help but root for him, especially as we sympathize with his writer's slump, and his fears of taking his relationship with J.X. to the next level, a part of him still clutching the doorknob because he is preparing himself for when it doesn't work out. It helps that underneath all of this, Kit is an intuitively smart man who sometimes makes dumb decisions out of self-preservation. When he is at his worst, we forgive him. When he is at his best, we preen a little alongside him.

Add to that the sly observations about the publishing world, the depth of emotional connection between the two main characters, the cameo appearance of Adrien English (that had me squealing like the fangirl I am) and the slightly madcap, screwball comedy feel to the whole story, and once again, Lanyon has me grinning from ear to ear.

You can definitely read this story without having read the others in the series, but do yourself a favor and get books one and two as well. You won't regret it.

Mrs. Jessica Fletcher, Kit is not. In the third in the series, trouble finds Kit again and it tests his relationship with J.X. Full disclosure. I've not read the first two books. This book was still fine to read without reading the first two.

Christopher Holmes aka Kit is questioning his decision to move with his lover J.X. Perhaps it is because I didn't read the first two books which makes me not like him at all. He is self-centered, bitter and a terrible boyfriend. I honestly felt bad for J.X. and wished he would find a new boyfriend. Kit is cruel and uses words as daggers to slice J.X.'s heart open. It's painful to watch.

The sexual chemistry between Kit and J.X. is hot and cold similar to how Kit treats J.X. Still, it's interesting to see how a conflicted character can be bribed with good sex and dirty talk. This book is nicely erotic and the descriptions are vivid and beautiful. I do like the way Mr. Lanyon uses his words - elegant. After reading the following, I feel energized!

"I got so lost in it, in the rhythm of it, in J.X.’s reactions to it, my own orgasm seemed to, well, come out of nowhere. Like a cloudburst. That buzz of electricity, the crackle of lightning, the roll of thunder and suddenly the whole sky opening up, stars, planets, suns and moons yanked from their moorings, everything tearing loose and spilling out of the heavens in a hot, wet flood. (pg. 111)

The mystery did keep me guessing and wondering what else would happen. Mr. Lanyon does a nice job of building up the suspense, providing clues, throwing in red herrings and then bringing a satisfying ending. What I really enjoyed about this book is Mr. Lanyon's writing style. The dialog is witty and sharp. Mr. Lanyon's command of language is better than most authors I've read. It gives the book a more polished feeling and is stimulating for me. It also makes me think. I like when books prompts me to ponder points made.

“You know how people get into trouble, Kit?” J.X. asked.

It was rhetorical. We’d had this discussion before in the context of writing realistic crime fiction, but I answered anyway. “They ignore their instincts.”

“Correct. When the average citizen is confronted with a dangerous situation, he ignores the instinct telling him to flee or fight. He doesn’t want to overreact and look foolish or make a scene and be embarrassed or be rude. He takes too long to process what’s happening. The predator already has a plan. The victim is running to catch up from the very beginning.” (pg. 116)

This made me stop and think. In some ways this is clear as a bell and in other ways, I feel it is profound and not everyone realizes this point. They need to be told. It also makes me wonder if people consider me a predator. Overall, this is a smooth and enjoyable read. This mystery is a series I recommend read in chronological order. It's recommended for m/m reader who enjoy anti-heroes who are too smart for their own good.

* Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.