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The Adrien English Mysteries #1
Fatal Shadows
One sunny morning Los Angeles bookseller and aspiring mystery author Adrien English opens his front door to murder. His old high school buddy (and employee) has been found stabbed to death in a back alley following a loud and very public argument with Adrien the previous evening.
Naturally the cops want to ask Adrien a few questions; they are none too impressed with his answers, and when a few hours later someone breaks into Adrien's shop and ransacks it, the law is inclined to think Adrien is trying to divert suspicion from himself.
Adrien knows better. Adrien knows he is next on the killer's list.
Naturally the cops want to ask Adrien a few questions; they are none too impressed with his answers, and when a few hours later someone breaks into Adrien's shop and ransacks it, the law is inclined to think Adrien is trying to divert suspicion from himself.
Adrien knows better. Adrien knows he is next on the killer's list.
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
222 people are currently reading
10.1k people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
186 books5,315 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 1,158 reviews
February 15, 2023
GAAAAAAHHHHH!!! “Okay, baby?” Josh put some voodoo when writing this series.
I am addicted.
**********************************************
GAAAHHH!! They don't make them like this anymore.
"Okay, baby?"
Rob’s own favorite mystery writer was Michael Nava. But any gay writer would do.
Heeeyy!! Nava shoutout! Me approves.
**********************************************
5++++++ April 2019 Buddy re-read
Just as good as the first 2 times.
**********************************************
Loved it .. Adrien is an amazing character. As for Jake.. well he still frustrates me..
The writing is solid...
The backyard was vaguely familiar like so many yards out of my Southern California
childhood. There was a cactus garden in the center of the patio, which featured a built-in
barbecue. In the jungle of weeds stood a rusted swing set, gilded in moonlight. I could make
out the roof of an empty dog house behind tufts of dead ornamental grass.
I probably read this again just to read the two words that started it all.
“Okay, baby?”
I am addicted.
**********************************************
GAAAHHH!! They don't make them like this anymore.
"Okay, baby?"
Rob’s own favorite mystery writer was Michael Nava. But any gay writer would do.
Heeeyy!! Nava shoutout! Me approves.
**********************************************
5++++++ April 2019 Buddy re-read
Just as good as the first 2 times.
**********************************************
Loved it .. Adrien is an amazing character. As for Jake.. well he still frustrates me..
The writing is solid...
The backyard was vaguely familiar like so many yards out of my Southern California
childhood. There was a cactus garden in the center of the patio, which featured a built-in
barbecue. In the jungle of weeds stood a rusted swing set, gilded in moonlight. I could make
out the roof of an empty dog house behind tufts of dead ornamental grass.
I probably read this again just to read the two words that started it all.
“Okay, baby?”
February 20, 2023
Re-read 2/2022
Re-read 7/2021: Now that I'm familiar with the whole series, I enjoyed re-reading this one a lot more. Changing my rating from 3 to 4 stars.
Re-read 5/2020: It was pretty much the same as the first time I read it, only this time I'm continuing with the series. 😉
*********
Original review:
The audiobook was excellent. It's what made this story really enjoyable.
As for the story itself, I found it just ok. I rarely get blown away by mysteries. They usually end up being a bit shallow and predictable, and this one was no exception.
Adrien was a likable, fun character, even though I didn't approve of some of his actions. As for Jake, I can't say I had any warm feelings toward him.
I guess this was a good introduction to the series, but personally, after reading the reviews of the following books, I don't plan to continue with it.
Re-read 7/2021: Now that I'm familiar with the whole series, I enjoyed re-reading this one a lot more. Changing my rating from 3 to 4 stars.
Re-read 5/2020: It was pretty much the same as the first time I read it, only this time I'm continuing with the series. 😉
*********
Original review:
The audiobook was excellent. It's what made this story really enjoyable.
As for the story itself, I found it just ok. I rarely get blown away by mysteries. They usually end up being a bit shallow and predictable, and this one was no exception.
Adrien was a likable, fun character, even though I didn't approve of some of his actions. As for Jake, I can't say I had any warm feelings toward him.
I guess this was a good introduction to the series, but personally, after reading the reviews of the following books, I don't plan to continue with it.
June 6, 2023
“You’re so beautiful. A beautiful fucked up man.”
Adrien is not having a good day. Everything started when the police knocked at his door, announcing that his childhood friend and current employee had been stabbed to death-right after being seen arguing. Knowing that it doesn’t look good for him, Adrien will do the impossible to find out who the killer is before the police gathers enough clues to frame him.
I was not expecting to love this one as much as I did. Lately I’ve been picky about quality writing, but this was so good even the very bad Spanish translation couldn’t hide it-do yourself a favor and don’t try the Spanish version even if it’s free in KU. So I bought the English version, made myself a cup of tea and started reading what had the potential of becoming a new favorite series.
There are some key points of why Fatal Shadows was so good. Firstly, Adrien is the perfect lead for a thriller; noisy and naive without being annoying, and very witty. It was one of those POVs you could spend years reading without getting bored, because of how he always has a fun remark ready to make you smile.
He looked like a guy who expected the worst of people and was rarely disappointed.
Secondly, we have a hot guy which has all the personality traits I hate: homophobic, grumpy and rude. Don’t ask me why I felt drawn to him, why I was screaming for him to be the one, even when I knew he was not worthy of Adrien and I should be screaming at him to stay away. It might be because of the way Adrien described him, or maybe how he called him baby and showed he cared when you least expected it, but there was something that had me internally screaming ‘crush’, common sense be damned.
“Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty. Come on. Open those baby blues. Wake up.”
The third point was the action; it had always the right pace to keep you reading without feeling everything was happening too fast. While it wasn’t the most unforgettable mystery, it was satisfying. Even if I would have preferred Adrien did things differently at the end, there is something appealing about the realism of the book, the willingness to cross certain limits the romance genre often requires.
People don’t see you. They see their perception of you. They see what they want to see.
Overall, the author did a great job at making me cheer for that walking red flag, falling in love with Adrien’s commentary and starting the second book as soon as I finished this. I’d highly recommend Fatal Shadows if you are looking for a fast thriller with great storytelling and slow burn romance.
“You know, this won’t be an easy thing, Adrien.”
“The investigation you mean?”
“No.” He gave me that crooked smile. “No, I don’t mean that.”
↬The Adrien English Mysteries
1. Fatal Shadows: 4.5 stars
2. A Dangerous Thing: 4 stars
3. The Hell You Say: 3.75 stars
4. Death of a Pirate King: 4.5 stars
5. The Dark Tide: 5 stars
6. So This Is Christmas: 5 stars
Adrien is not having a good day. Everything started when the police knocked at his door, announcing that his childhood friend and current employee had been stabbed to death-right after being seen arguing. Knowing that it doesn’t look good for him, Adrien will do the impossible to find out who the killer is before the police gathers enough clues to frame him.
I was not expecting to love this one as much as I did. Lately I’ve been picky about quality writing, but this was so good even the very bad Spanish translation couldn’t hide it-do yourself a favor and don’t try the Spanish version even if it’s free in KU. So I bought the English version, made myself a cup of tea and started reading what had the potential of becoming a new favorite series.
There are some key points of why Fatal Shadows was so good. Firstly, Adrien is the perfect lead for a thriller; noisy and naive without being annoying, and very witty. It was one of those POVs you could spend years reading without getting bored, because of how he always has a fun remark ready to make you smile.
He looked like a guy who expected the worst of people and was rarely disappointed.
Secondly, we have a hot guy which has all the personality traits I hate: homophobic, grumpy and rude. Don’t ask me why I felt drawn to him, why I was screaming for him to be the one, even when I knew he was not worthy of Adrien and I should be screaming at him to stay away. It might be because of the way Adrien described him, or maybe how he called him baby and showed he cared when you least expected it, but there was something that had me internally screaming ‘crush’, common sense be damned.
“Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty. Come on. Open those baby blues. Wake up.”
The third point was the action; it had always the right pace to keep you reading without feeling everything was happening too fast. While it wasn’t the most unforgettable mystery, it was satisfying. Even if I would have preferred Adrien did things differently at the end, there is something appealing about the realism of the book, the willingness to cross certain limits the romance genre often requires.
People don’t see you. They see their perception of you. They see what they want to see.
Overall, the author did a great job at making me cheer for that walking red flag, falling in love with Adrien’s commentary and starting the second book as soon as I finished this. I’d highly recommend Fatal Shadows if you are looking for a fast thriller with great storytelling and slow burn romance.
“You know, this won’t be an easy thing, Adrien.”
“The investigation you mean?”
“No.” He gave me that crooked smile. “No, I don’t mean that.”
↬The Adrien English Mysteries
1. Fatal Shadows: 4.5 stars
2. A Dangerous Thing: 4 stars
3. The Hell You Say: 3.75 stars
4. Death of a Pirate King: 4.5 stars
5. The Dark Tide: 5 stars
6. So This Is Christmas: 5 stars
August 22, 2016
O.M.G. The very first Lanyon mystery?
I stayed away from that series for a very long time, even though I've been a huge Lanyon fan for several years, simply because I'm usually too lazy to start a series that consists of so many novels.
Finally giving myself a shove and reading this very early Lanyon, where people still held phone receivers in their hands that were considered modern if they had a caller ID display, I noticed once again what I love about Josh Lanyon's work: A hot but complicated law enforcement character who may or may not be gay and be a love interest to poor Adrien English, who is the lead MC in the novel.
I liked Adrien, although he is the typical gay damsel in distress that we find in so many gay crime mysteries. He's a trust fund baby who bought his own book store simply to give his life a purpose and is hoping to one day make it as a mystery author. Together with a group of friends he discusses books, chapters they wrote and simply bitches about life and love - or lack thereof.
One of these friends is his college mate Robert - a promiscuous gay guy who escaped his marriage and moved to West Hollywood to sleep through many beds while earning his money as Adrien's book shop assistant. Rob is dead, though. Killed in the backyard of his apartment.
The police, especially Detective Riordan and his partner, are not a big help in relieving Adrien's fear that a serial killer might be on the loose. It takes another dead body before Adrien can convince anybody that *something* fishy is going on.
I counted up to 5 side characters who 'could' have been the killer and I admit I went for the one who didn't want to work on full moon nights. But he might just have been a satanist or werewolf, so... nice diversion, LOL.
I found Adrien a bit on the weak side, which is natural, given his medical condition, so I hope that the next books will have him react to someone more...challenging (Jake?) to give his boring life the spice it needs, hoping he doesn't have to sleep with every murderer, psychopath or maniac that crosses his path. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you, pal.
5 stars for this awesome mystery that obviously established one of the most prominent gay characters in m/m fiction.
I stayed away from that series for a very long time, even though I've been a huge Lanyon fan for several years, simply because I'm usually too lazy to start a series that consists of so many novels.
Finally giving myself a shove and reading this very early Lanyon, where people still held phone receivers in their hands that were considered modern if they had a caller ID display, I noticed once again what I love about Josh Lanyon's work: A hot but complicated law enforcement character who may or may not be gay and be a love interest to poor Adrien English, who is the lead MC in the novel.
I liked Adrien, although he is the typical gay damsel in distress that we find in so many gay crime mysteries. He's a trust fund baby who bought his own book store simply to give his life a purpose and is hoping to one day make it as a mystery author. Together with a group of friends he discusses books, chapters they wrote and simply bitches about life and love - or lack thereof.
One of these friends is his college mate Robert - a promiscuous gay guy who escaped his marriage and moved to West Hollywood to sleep through many beds while earning his money as Adrien's book shop assistant. Rob is dead, though. Killed in the backyard of his apartment.
The police, especially Detective Riordan and his partner, are not a big help in relieving Adrien's fear that a serial killer might be on the loose. It takes another dead body before Adrien can convince anybody that *something* fishy is going on.
I counted up to 5 side characters who 'could' have been the killer and I admit I went for the one who didn't want to work on full moon nights. But he might just have been a satanist or werewolf, so... nice diversion, LOL.
I found Adrien a bit on the weak side, which is natural, given his medical condition, so I hope that the next books will have him react to someone more...challenging (Jake?) to give his boring life the spice it needs, hoping he doesn't have to sleep with every murderer, psychopath or maniac that crosses his path. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you, pal.
5 stars for this awesome mystery that obviously established one of the most prominent gay characters in m/m fiction.
September 20, 2023
Re-read...again
After re-reading this one yet again... I figured it was time to finally write a review for it as well. I also changed my rating. I normally don't do this, but I have re-read and enjoyed this series so many times already that a higher rating is definitely deserved ;)
That said, this first book is my least favorite of this series. This is usually the case for me, when I start a series, because the first book is always more of an "introduction" into the series. The second reason that this is my least favorite, is the lack of romance and steam in this one. I can do without the heavy steam...but I do love my romance...
This is a mystery series though and I am a big sucker for mysteries !!! Also...since I have read every single book in this series already, I can tell you not to worry, because the romance will come....and so will the frustration and angst.
Now about the story...
Adrien (32) is a smart and very witty bookstore owner and writer (he writes crime novels). He is also an amateur sleuth. All in all, he is a big geek. I myself absolutely adore Adrien..he is awesome !!
He is also quite sick, he suffers from a heart condition ever since he has asthmatic-fever when he was young. He suffers many symptoms which get worse when he gets upset or excited..
So when his best friend and employee is murdered, leaving him as a suspect, it does cause a bit of a strain on his already damaged heart. The big blonde cop investigating said murder causes a bigger strain though...
Jake is what you would call a big, sexy, intimidating and homophobic homicide detective. Jake was quite an asshole at times and I would love to say that his jerky behavior is very fleeting... but it's not. I wanted to punch him in the throat many many times in this series :P
Like I said before...there isn't much of a relationship in this book. It ends with a very little hint at one though... For me...this was all I needed to want more !!!
Definitely one of my favorite MM series !!
After re-reading this one yet again... I figured it was time to finally write a review for it as well. I also changed my rating. I normally don't do this, but I have re-read and enjoyed this series so many times already that a higher rating is definitely deserved ;)
That said, this first book is my least favorite of this series. This is usually the case for me, when I start a series, because the first book is always more of an "introduction" into the series. The second reason that this is my least favorite, is the lack of romance and steam in this one. I can do without the heavy steam...but I do love my romance...
This is a mystery series though and I am a big sucker for mysteries !!! Also...since I have read every single book in this series already, I can tell you not to worry, because the romance will come....and so will the frustration and angst.
Now about the story...
Adrien (32) is a smart and very witty bookstore owner and writer (he writes crime novels). He is also an amateur sleuth. All in all, he is a big geek. I myself absolutely adore Adrien..he is awesome !!
He is also quite sick, he suffers from a heart condition ever since he has asthmatic-fever when he was young. He suffers many symptoms which get worse when he gets upset or excited..
So when his best friend and employee is murdered, leaving him as a suspect, it does cause a bit of a strain on his already damaged heart. The big blonde cop investigating said murder causes a bigger strain though...
Jake is what you would call a big, sexy, intimidating and homophobic homicide detective. Jake was quite an asshole at times and I would love to say that his jerky behavior is very fleeting... but it's not. I wanted to punch him in the throat many many times in this series :P
Like I said before...there isn't much of a relationship in this book. It ends with a very little hint at one though... For me...this was all I needed to want more !!!
Definitely one of my favorite MM series !!
November 18, 2012
I'm surprised by how much I liked this. It was slow and it dragged a little and the mystery was a bit sloppy and the villain was meh and Adrien's inner monologue could be irritating—if you let it.
But still, I can't describe how much I loved the writing. I now understand why some people claim they would read the telephone directory if a certain author wrote it. Well, when it comes to m/m crime/mystery/romantic suspense, I'll read whatever Lanyon writes.
And, by the way, Detective Riordan! Oh, Detective Riordan! So little page time, so little dialog, and yet you were easily the most captivating character in the novel. I can't wait to read more about you.
But still, I can't describe how much I loved the writing. I now understand why some people claim they would read the telephone directory if a certain author wrote it. Well, when it comes to m/m crime/mystery/romantic suspense, I'll read whatever Lanyon writes.
And, by the way, Detective Riordan! Oh, Detective Riordan! So little page time, so little dialog, and yet you were easily the most captivating character in the novel. I can't wait to read more about you.
September 1, 2016
A mystery with almost no romance whatsoever and very little sex content? For me? Oy, this book was so not my thing... in theory. But I surprisingly enjoyed it and the promise of what's to come is making me itch for more. I think the fact that this was an excellent audiobook really helped its case. In fact, it is well worth continuing with the series just to hear Chris Patton speak.
All in all, a promising start to a series I will hopefully come to love.
September 19, 2020
I love a good murder/mystery! I especially like them when I solve it first, but not so quickly that I am annoyed at the characters for not getting it. It helps that I suspect everyone when I read these things, except for the obvious person. They never do it.
That was also what I loved about the main character. He's the kind of person that most people could relate to. He wonders about everyone he comes across. I can't help but like someone that suspicious and yet normal while still being just a bit neurotic. Of course, with covid and quarantine-crazy going around I don't think there is a person alive out there who isn't neurotic these days. Or just outright crazy. I mean, the people I used to know are long gone, replaced by nut-jobs who are grown adults tik tokking, or conspiracy theorizing, or day drinking and posting rants on facebook. It's been fun watching them catch up with me, who was in the past considered "eccentric". Now I'm the normal one. hahahaha!!
Oh yeah, and fat. Everyone's fat now. hahahahaha!
This book starts with our hero, Adrien, being visited in the early morning by police detectives to tell him that his best friend was murdered the night before. They are asking him a ton of questions and it doesn't take too long for him to realize that they think he is the murderer.
Well, the evidence is pretty clear. He's an evil genius.
Not only that, but when it becomes obvious that the killer is now looking at Adrien, the police don't really believe him. They think his evil genius mind is trying to throw them off the track.
Adrien does do a few questionable things while "junior sleuthing", but it didn't annoy me. I guess after reading so many mystery books I finally realized that they would be pretty boring if the hero or heroine just sat back and let the police do their jobs. Lol. It would be like them just doing their everyday life-stuff and maybe hearing a year down the road that an arrest was made. Maybe not the most exciting book material.
So, get out there and do your thing, Adrien! I'll keep reading.
(For anyone who read the book: this one if for Riordan. *wink wink*)
July 26, 2015
2015 After an embarrassing number of rereads, I've decided to up my rating from 3 to 5 stars for the first book, because I can't view this book separately from the rest of this fantastic series anymore anyway. So, there.
2013
Isn't it nice to root for a male lead who is such an adorable cookie? The 32-year-old Adrien runs a little bookshop in LA. Getting his hands on rare detectives makes his heart beat faster (ah, the effect books can have on us book nerds!). Speaking of Adrien's heart; it does tend to over-accelerate whenever he gets into a frenzy, a souvenir from a brush with asthmatic-fever.
And lately, Adrien gets into frenzies a lot...
You see, his high-school friend and employee suddenly gets brutally murdered. Everything seems to point at a hate-crime. And if that isn't terrifying enough, the cops apparently want to frame Adrien for the murder. The fact that he receives roses with threatening cards and creepy phone calls doesn't prove a thing to them. He's probably just another hysterical ho-mo-sex-ual. Worse, Adrien also decides to give dating a shot again after an abstinence of 8 months..
It hardly comes as a surprise that all goes wrong, horribly wrong.
Fatal Shadows was such an enjoyable, charming read! I haven't come across this dry sense of humor in a while. In terms of blazing intensity and sizzling hotness, this one doesn't leave much of an impression though. The suspense was entirely by the book as well, meaning that you mustn't expect exciting plot twists or shocking turns of events. In fact, if you're all about well-plotted mysteries, you will probably find this one dull. I usually don't find out who the murderer is until I'm slapped in the face with evidence, but even I immediately picked the culprit.
Oh well, despite the rather forgettable mystery-elements, Lanyon makes sure everything runs smoothly, is quite amusing (book 2 really brings the witty one-liners!) and Adrien's potential love interest seems both promising and deliciously complicated.
A Dangerous Thing, here I come!
2013
Isn't it nice to root for a male lead who is such an adorable cookie? The 32-year-old Adrien runs a little bookshop in LA. Getting his hands on rare detectives makes his heart beat faster (ah, the effect books can have on us book nerds!). Speaking of Adrien's heart; it does tend to over-accelerate whenever he gets into a frenzy, a souvenir from a brush with asthmatic-fever.
And lately, Adrien gets into frenzies a lot...
You see, his high-school friend and employee suddenly gets brutally murdered. Everything seems to point at a hate-crime. And if that isn't terrifying enough, the cops apparently want to frame Adrien for the murder. The fact that he receives roses with threatening cards and creepy phone calls doesn't prove a thing to them. He's probably just another hysterical ho-mo-sex-ual. Worse, Adrien also decides to give dating a shot again after an abstinence of 8 months..
It hardly comes as a surprise that all goes wrong, horribly wrong.
Fatal Shadows was such an enjoyable, charming read! I haven't come across this dry sense of humor in a while. In terms of blazing intensity and sizzling hotness, this one doesn't leave much of an impression though. The suspense was entirely by the book as well, meaning that you mustn't expect exciting plot twists or shocking turns of events. In fact, if you're all about well-plotted mysteries, you will probably find this one dull. I usually don't find out who the murderer is until I'm slapped in the face with evidence, but even I immediately picked the culprit.
Oh well, despite the rather forgettable mystery-elements, Lanyon makes sure everything runs smoothly, is quite amusing (book 2 really brings the witty one-liners!) and Adrien's potential love interest seems both promising and deliciously complicated.
A Dangerous Thing, here I come!
August 3, 2021
I started another Lanyon series, I really hope to finish this one though. 🤭🤭🥰❤
As always this author manages the crime/mystery part really well, there is always something interesting happening and a lot of questions that are not easily solved, you maybe get to guess who the bad guy is but the reasons why are not so clear, until the very end. So that is always enjoyable to me.
My problem with this author, that at this point I dunno if it's really a problem at all, is the romance. This is the second series that I've read and they are very similar on that aspect: there is always one character who is the inquisitive one, the one that shit keeps happening to and the thing that annoys me the most: he's always the one that people don't believe in, in here Adrian had a lot of good instincts but no one believed him, they treated him like a crazy annoying person, so that makes for really irritating scenarios in wich the other love interest is involved in. Detective Riordan was an ass as every other character and that's where I can't connect, because I don't really like him? He did a good thing at the end but I finished this skeptical.
Still, a good story, really well written and I adore Adrian, being in his head it's the most funny and intriguing thing in the world. I hope everything turns out well at the end. 🥰❤
As always this author manages the crime/mystery part really well, there is always something interesting happening and a lot of questions that are not easily solved, you maybe get to guess who the bad guy is but the reasons why are not so clear, until the very end. So that is always enjoyable to me.
My problem with this author, that at this point I dunno if it's really a problem at all, is the romance. This is the second series that I've read and they are very similar on that aspect: there is always one character who is the inquisitive one, the one that shit keeps happening to and the thing that annoys me the most: he's always the one that people don't believe in, in here Adrian had a lot of good instincts but no one believed him, they treated him like a crazy annoying person, so that makes for really irritating scenarios in wich the other love interest is involved in. Detective Riordan was an ass as every other character and that's where I can't connect, because I don't really like him? He did a good thing at the end but I finished this skeptical.
Still, a good story, really well written and I adore Adrian, being in his head it's the most funny and intriguing thing in the world. I hope everything turns out well at the end. 🥰❤
September 10, 2016
I know I know, I'm a bit too late with my excitement and my new discovery of a F*CKING ADORABLE COUPLE!!
But better too late then never, right?
So...A late reading has it's advantages also.
I knew already before the reading:
I just need to add:
Do I need to say more?????????????????????????
I ask myself: WHY FGS have I waited so long to start with the series?!
And the answer is very simple.
It is like a dessert.
We eat it at the end of a a three/five/seven-course-menu.
It is my dessert now.
So. Well done, Lena!
And now....
during all of you...
poor poor friends....
have to search for a right book....
get exasperated with disappointed instalments of other series...
hoping to find something valuable...
somewhat at least a little bit comparing to Adrien(with an -e-) English Mystery...
I can just seat back and be pleased with the next(how much? enough to make you jealous!) sequels...
that are supposed(according your reviews) to be better and better and better!!!!
I'm in love. Already.
Am I easy?
For Josh Lanyon YES. (My third of this author! He is great. GREAT)
For Adrien English YES. (He is very promising. And...I have a weak spot for writers. Always have and always will have! So- a perfect MC for my taste! YEAH!!!)
For Jake Riordan YES.(Mmmmmm....Tough, smart and sexy cop...Dominant? Delicious!)
It is a VERY BEGINNING. And a VERY GOOD start for a super series!
Now I'm hooked, addicted, drugged!
I WANT MORE OF THEM! AND I CAN HAVE IT WITHOUT A LONG WAITING!
A late reading has it's advantages also.;))
April 8, 2013
Five stars for being effortless and entertaining, slyly funny and utterly charming. This is true comfort reading.
Adrien is our amusing gay antihero, a simple guy who owns a bookstore that specializes in mystery novels. He's also a murder suspect. Policemen Chan and Riordan arrive on page one to question Adrien about the murder of his childhood friend and employee.
The mystery isn't terribly complicated yet it's still engaging. I was never certain of the identity of the killer and once it was revealed I found him/her sympathetic, even till the end. Because killers are just misunderstood, right? They just need a little love.
One thing that struck me as odd was the sudden affection for Adrien that Riordan showed at the end. If I hadn't already been aware of the love story, that fondness would've come out of left field. The two men certainly interacted enough but there wasn't much relationship-building, and I don't know Riordan's character well at this point.
Still, that single "baby" got my heart started. It illustrates the power of every word, every sentence. A short novel like this can have as much sway over a reader as any epic. For a straightforward book, the writing is unique and never boring. I found myself laughing at the random humor every other page and overall enjoying myself.
Fatal Shadows delivered a slow, easy seduction so complete it left me mystified at the end. And ready for more.
Adrien is our amusing gay antihero, a simple guy who owns a bookstore that specializes in mystery novels. He's also a murder suspect. Policemen Chan and Riordan arrive on page one to question Adrien about the murder of his childhood friend and employee.
The mystery isn't terribly complicated yet it's still engaging. I was never certain of the identity of the killer and once it was revealed I found him/her sympathetic, even till the end. Because killers are just misunderstood, right? They just need a little love.
One thing that struck me as odd was the sudden affection for Adrien that Riordan showed at the end. If I hadn't already been aware of the love story, that fondness would've come out of left field. The two men certainly interacted enough but there wasn't much relationship-building, and I don't know Riordan's character well at this point.
Still, that single "baby" got my heart started. It illustrates the power of every word, every sentence. A short novel like this can have as much sway over a reader as any epic. For a straightforward book, the writing is unique and never boring. I found myself laughing at the random humor every other page and overall enjoying myself.
Fatal Shadows delivered a slow, easy seduction so complete it left me mystified at the end. And ready for more.
August 18, 2021
**Audio reread/listen August 2021**
Even better on audio!! I love Adrien so much though I have to seriously question his judgment sometimes. 😳 And it's so weird to listen to Jake knowing all that's coming. I'm frustrated in advance!
Chris Patton is a new-to-me narrator but he did a great job with Adrien. 💕 Already listening to the next one!
**First read April 2014**
I really enjoyed this. As always, Josh Lanyon's stories are beautifully written and this first in the Adrien English series is no exception.
However, I did see the bad guy coming a mile away, which took away some of the tension I thought I should feel when things went down, and the ending felt a bit abrupt.
But I did like Adrien and I'm interested in where things will go from here for him, as well as what might develop with Riordan.
Even better on audio!! I love Adrien so much though I have to seriously question his judgment sometimes. 😳 And it's so weird to listen to Jake knowing all that's coming. I'm frustrated in advance!
Chris Patton is a new-to-me narrator but he did a great job with Adrien. 💕 Already listening to the next one!
**First read April 2014**
I really enjoyed this. As always, Josh Lanyon's stories are beautifully written and this first in the Adrien English series is no exception.
However, I did see the bad guy coming a mile away, which took away some of the tension I thought I should feel when things went down, and the ending felt a bit abrupt.
But I did like Adrien and I'm interested in where things will go from here for him, as well as what might develop with Riordan.
January 30, 2018
I'm writing this review after finishing the entire series. I have to say I went back and rated every single book 5 stars. What can I say, this series has officially joined my all time favorites, Adrien and Riordan making it into my most favorite couples. Forever!
These books might not have such complicated mysteries and for some people, they might drag a little, but after finishing the entire series, I don't have the heart to give anything less than 5 stars and I can't exactly rate each book separately since the romantic relationships develops in stages and reaches completion at the end of the series.
I seriously don't understand why I waited so long to read these books! After finishing the series, I tried to immediately start another book from Josh Lanyon, but I simply couldn't bring myself to say goodbye to Adrien and Jake. Book hangover! It's real people!
I ended up rereading the entire series instead. Actually, I reread the parts that my favorite boys are interacting since I already knew the mystery. My main complaint is that I haven't had enough of these two. I seriously want another book. A 6th book! There wasn't nearly enough. I wanted a lot more to happen between Adrien and Riordan! Then again, the suspense, the constant wondering and worrying over their relationship while I was reading this series was very unique and I enjoyed every second of it. No wonder I am addicted!
I really enjoyed this first book. It got me hooked after all. I was patient while reading this book regarding the romance. I was really curious to see how these two connect considering their personalities and how they met each other.
What immediately captivated me was Adrien himself. I love him so much and I really enjoyed reading the story from his eyes. He is smart, stubborn, witty and kind. He is such a beautiful soul. He has a unique sense of humor and the way he deals with everything that life throws his way is simply amazing and moving. Despite being judged by many people during most of his entire life, he judges no one and does not hesitate to lend a helping hand. This world needs human beings like him.
Then there is Jake Riordan. He is an equally captivating character. He is a selfish jerk in certain parts of the series (and he knows that!), but he is the kind of jerk that does things for his loved ones that no other soul is ever willing to do, and that's why his selfish actions can cause serious damage. People we love are the ones we should fear since only they have the ability to hurt us the most. Jake cares for Adrien in a way that no one else can, since he understands Adrien the way no one else does. I love him. I love everything about him and I know some people think he is too selfish and Adrien deserves someone better but I understand why Jake acts the way he does and I can't blame him when I consider his circumstances. Who knows what I might have done in his place? I also understand why everyone else blurs in Adrien's vision when Jake is present. His physical presence is overwhelming and there is a delicious tension when he and Adrien are in the same room. He is a complicated flawed character and I enjoyed rereading the series even more since this time, I actually knew what was going on in his head in each scene. It's amazing how his smallest gestures count!
In my opinion, Jake and Adrien are perfect for each other and I seriously can't get enough of them. They are MADE for each other. The way they switch from flirting to hostility and back again, the way they constantly bicker and get on each others nerves and the way they reveal their deep love for each other with small gestures and words is simply perfect.
The writing is wonderful. I'm officially a Lanyon fan! I plan to read all his books! His supporting characters are also very unique and strong and easy to become fond of and the crime stories are nice enough to captivate the reader.
At the end, the Adrien English series is a must read if you are into m/m novels and I strongly recommend it!
These books might not have such complicated mysteries and for some people, they might drag a little, but after finishing the entire series, I don't have the heart to give anything less than 5 stars and I can't exactly rate each book separately since the romantic relationships develops in stages and reaches completion at the end of the series.
I seriously don't understand why I waited so long to read these books! After finishing the series, I tried to immediately start another book from Josh Lanyon, but I simply couldn't bring myself to say goodbye to Adrien and Jake. Book hangover! It's real people!
I ended up rereading the entire series instead. Actually, I reread the parts that my favorite boys are interacting since I already knew the mystery. My main complaint is that I haven't had enough of these two. I seriously want another book. A 6th book! There wasn't nearly enough. I wanted a lot more to happen between Adrien and Riordan! Then again, the suspense, the constant wondering and worrying over their relationship while I was reading this series was very unique and I enjoyed every second of it. No wonder I am addicted!
I really enjoyed this first book. It got me hooked after all. I was patient while reading this book regarding the romance. I was really curious to see how these two connect considering their personalities and how they met each other.
What immediately captivated me was Adrien himself. I love him so much and I really enjoyed reading the story from his eyes. He is smart, stubborn, witty and kind. He is such a beautiful soul. He has a unique sense of humor and the way he deals with everything that life throws his way is simply amazing and moving. Despite being judged by many people during most of his entire life, he judges no one and does not hesitate to lend a helping hand. This world needs human beings like him.
Then there is Jake Riordan. He is an equally captivating character. He is a selfish jerk in certain parts of the series (and he knows that!), but he is the kind of jerk that does things for his loved ones that no other soul is ever willing to do, and that's why his selfish actions can cause serious damage. People we love are the ones we should fear since only they have the ability to hurt us the most. Jake cares for Adrien in a way that no one else can, since he understands Adrien the way no one else does. I love him. I love everything about him and I know some people think he is too selfish and Adrien deserves someone better but I understand why Jake acts the way he does and I can't blame him when I consider his circumstances. Who knows what I might have done in his place? I also understand why everyone else blurs in Adrien's vision when Jake is present. His physical presence is overwhelming and there is a delicious tension when he and Adrien are in the same room. He is a complicated flawed character and I enjoyed rereading the series even more since this time, I actually knew what was going on in his head in each scene. It's amazing how his smallest gestures count!
In my opinion, Jake and Adrien are perfect for each other and I seriously can't get enough of them. They are MADE for each other. The way they switch from flirting to hostility and back again, the way they constantly bicker and get on each others nerves and the way they reveal their deep love for each other with small gestures and words is simply perfect.
The writing is wonderful. I'm officially a Lanyon fan! I plan to read all his books! His supporting characters are also very unique and strong and easy to become fond of and the crime stories are nice enough to captivate the reader.
At the end, the Adrien English series is a must read if you are into m/m novels and I strongly recommend it!
January 5, 2017
I think this is my third time around with this book. I think I enjoyed it more and appreciated the story telling more. I really do love Adrien. He's one of those character's that you just feel like you could totally be friends with. Well, I could be at least.
Riordan really frustrates me with how he see's a homosexual relationship. Or how there can't be one. In his eye's it's OK to fuck a man but a relationship with one is out the question. He is gay and homophobic all rolled up in one. Frustration is all I get when he's on the page. Yet I want them together.... Yeah..
The mystery is solid and I enjoyed how Adrein (the author) weaved all the clues together.
JL is a go to favorite of mine when I want a good mystery and some good MM cop action.
On to the next.
Riordan really frustrates me with how he see's a homosexual relationship. Or how there can't be one. In his eye's it's OK to fuck a man but a relationship with one is out the question. He is gay and homophobic all rolled up in one. Frustration is all I get when he's on the page. Yet I want them together.... Yeah..
The mystery is solid and I enjoyed how Adrein (the author) weaved all the clues together.
JL is a go to favorite of mine when I want a good mystery and some good MM cop action.
On to the next.
January 24, 2020
I’m reading the Adrien English Mysteries as part of a Group Read organized by MM Romance and Gay Fiction, so my review grows out of the discussion being held on those forums and is a way for me to sum up my own impression of the novels in the series as we work through them. Sincere thanks to everyone who is participating in the discussion--I am learning so much from you all and these conversations are making the experience of reading these books even better!
SPOILERS follow. Don’t read unless you already know (or don't care) whodunnit.
Although this isn’t a 5 star review, I really enjoyed the first instalment of this now classic m/m romance-mystery series. Prior to all the slashing and stalking at least, gay bookstore owner and aspiring 30-something mystery novelist Adrien English is basically living my retirement fantasy: he reads and writes genre fiction from the comfort of a bookstore that he has purchased with inheritance money. He runs a mystery writer’s circle in his bookshop and navigates the world with a capaciously stocked mental arsenal of literary references and snark. His love life may have flatlined following his breakup with film professor Mel five years ago and he has issues with his mother Lisa (“She Who Must Be Placated”), but he has a small stable of close friends and is pursuing his professional dream, having just sold his first novel about “a gay Shakespearean actor who tries to solves a murder during a production of Macbeth.”
With looks that resemble those of Montgomery Clift, Adrien is every bit the “moody sensitive young man” that his Cliftlike appearance suggests. When his longtime friend and employee Rob is found gruesomely murdered in an alley, Adrien becomes the prime suspect and must move from plotting the exploits of his fictional detective to actual sleuthing in order to clear his name and save his own skin from the masked stalker who vamps in the shadows. One of the police detectives working the case, butch cop Jake Riordan, taunts Adrien throughout the book; as a first time reader of the novel, I was never sure if he was flirting with Adrien or sadistically bullying him. Turns out, a little of both. Riordan (with his sneering delivery, filled-out Levis, and “Nazi haircut”) is rumored to be part of the gay leather scene, a revelation that surprises, unnerves, and increasingly intrigues more straightlaced, repressed Adrien. Is Detective Riordan actually the killer? Or perhaps it is the eager new man who has shown up in Adrien’s life, a freelancer for local gay newspaper Boytimes (lol what a perfect 1990s title) who is reporting on the investigation and working his way into Adrien’s bed? Or perhaps it is his dead friend’s betrayed still angry ex-wife? Or perhaps it is a member of the writers’ circle, a narrative device that is a conduit for some very funny caricatures of novice detective fiction writers (one couple, the Finches, is writing a novel called Murder, He Mimed!!!) but which may also conceal characters from Adrien’s and the victim’s high school Chess Club in whose history some mysterious scandal lays buried.
The novel’s handling of the mystery plot, which relies heavily on withheld past events for its solution, is sometimes clumsy, especially in the final act, when the authorial desire for a thrilling climax trumps the protagonist’s common sense. But none of that really matters much because what makes this novel so memorable and worth rereading is its spot-on characterization (both Adrien and Jake are fascinating, three-dimensional men, and Adrien’s inner voice, which we hear via free indirect discourse, is authentic and razor sharp); its vivid atmosphere of urban biblophile Gothic danger; its often brilliant metafictional play (which provides a running commentary on the novel’s own genre mash-ups and interventions); and its serious and searching treatment of gay identity during the AIDS era.
Among these many strengths, the two that really stand out for me are the interlacing of characterization with the AIDS era and the metafictional treatment of genre. In the early stages of the book, Adrien seems very much to be a portrait of a gay man who has closed himself off from sexual adventurism and even from love in the era of AIDS. Speaking about his murdered (and sexually uninhibited) friend Rob, Adrien remembers “He confided in me less and less. You’re turning into an old maid, Adrien, he’d said when I lectured him about promiscuity in the age of AIDS.” Sexually-speaking, Rob is in every sense Adrien’s opposite: “‘Silence equals death.’ This was Rob’s favorite quote when I’d ask him not to come out (or on) to customers. I’m running a business, not a political forum here, Rob. ‘You can’t separate being gay from the rest of your life, Adrien. Everything a gay man does makes a political statement. Everything matters: where you bank, where you shop, where you eat. When you hold your lover’s hand in public--oh, that’s right…’ Go to hell, Rob.” Etc. Later, when Adrien announces Rob’s death to his mother, her immediate response is: “AIDS?” The actual cause of death is “fourteen stab wounds to his upper body and face,” a mode of death that leads Riordan to quip with dark irony, “Those kinds of wounds generally indicate prior acquaintance.” The simultaneous intimacy and horror of Rob’s method of death hints, in other words, that Lanyon is at least in part writing a kind of genre-filtered reflection on the devastating effect of AIDS on gay men in which the killer--who turns out to be a serial murderer (much like the virus itself)--is a displaced embodiment of the disease. Such a speculation may feel like a reach, since the killer himself is never explicitly connected to the AIDS epidemic, but it is nevertheless suggestive that the climactic scene of danger and revelation coincides with a scene of unprotected sexual coercion between Adrien and the killer.
What all of this amounts to in terms of characterization is an important social and political context for Adrien’s semi-closeted repression and likely also for Riordian’s differently inflected but still highly ambivalent relation to the term “gay,” which he scornfully repudiates. (More on that in future novels, presumably.) It might seem strange that there is so little romance--and no sex--between the two romantically fated MCs in this novel, but it makes perfect sense in a gay romance that unfolds in the “fatal shadow” of AIDS. The opposition the novel establishes between cautious, fearful point of view character Adrien and sexually adventurous, ACT UP slogan-quoting murder victim Rob positions the novel as a romance about overcoming fear of death. The genre mashup that Lanyon orchestrates between gay romance and gay murder mystery is thus perfectly poised to explore the awful conjunction of love and death that defined the AIDS era for gay men. Fatal Shadows may not be a perfectly satisfying murder mystery nor even a perfectly satisfying romance. In fact, it’s neither. But is it a brilliant genre novel, nonetheless. Everyone should read it.
I should probably end this already lengthy review here, but I want to add a couple of notes about Lanyon’s incredible play with genre fiction and film. One of the things I enjoy most about Lanyon’s novels is her obvious and contagious love and enthusiasm for the history of the genres she synthesizes. No doubt because it was doing something very new at the time, Fatal Shadows is quite self-conscious about its status as a hybrid genre novel that combines the tropes of gay romance with those of detective fiction. Early in the book, Adrien reports on the activity in his bookstore, observing how “a new face” (Lanyon??) “cleared the shop of all Joseph Hansen’s [gay detective] Brandstetter series” and “Mrs. Lupinski brought in another stack of Harlequin Intrigues and tried to convince me they were real mysteries.” Here we are already very deep in Lanyon’s genre-laboratory, and the novel virtually burbles with allusions to and commentary on the history of detective fiction and its conventions--including, notably, the Golden Age convention of crypto-queer murderers. Another pertinent genre allusion is to Wes Craven’s hugely meta- series of SCREAM movies, which spoofed the classic slasher formula from the perspective of 90s film-school grad students. Adrien’s masked stalker wears a “dark raincoat, a hat pulled low” and carries a butcher knife, “a vision straight out of a Wes Craven movie.” Laynon seems to have been at least partly inspired by the metafictional self-reference of these films, as well as by their cunning play with genre conventions and their own combination of over-the-top thrills with more old fashioned detective work. There is a masterclass in the many interconnected subgenres of crime fiction and film and their history at play in this wonderful novel for anyone who is as delighted by that history as I am. Highly recommended!
SPOILERS follow. Don’t read unless you already know (or don't care) whodunnit.
Although this isn’t a 5 star review, I really enjoyed the first instalment of this now classic m/m romance-mystery series. Prior to all the slashing and stalking at least, gay bookstore owner and aspiring 30-something mystery novelist Adrien English is basically living my retirement fantasy: he reads and writes genre fiction from the comfort of a bookstore that he has purchased with inheritance money. He runs a mystery writer’s circle in his bookshop and navigates the world with a capaciously stocked mental arsenal of literary references and snark. His love life may have flatlined following his breakup with film professor Mel five years ago and he has issues with his mother Lisa (“She Who Must Be Placated”), but he has a small stable of close friends and is pursuing his professional dream, having just sold his first novel about “a gay Shakespearean actor who tries to solves a murder during a production of Macbeth.”
With looks that resemble those of Montgomery Clift, Adrien is every bit the “moody sensitive young man” that his Cliftlike appearance suggests. When his longtime friend and employee Rob is found gruesomely murdered in an alley, Adrien becomes the prime suspect and must move from plotting the exploits of his fictional detective to actual sleuthing in order to clear his name and save his own skin from the masked stalker who vamps in the shadows. One of the police detectives working the case, butch cop Jake Riordan, taunts Adrien throughout the book; as a first time reader of the novel, I was never sure if he was flirting with Adrien or sadistically bullying him. Turns out, a little of both. Riordan (with his sneering delivery, filled-out Levis, and “Nazi haircut”) is rumored to be part of the gay leather scene, a revelation that surprises, unnerves, and increasingly intrigues more straightlaced, repressed Adrien. Is Detective Riordan actually the killer? Or perhaps it is the eager new man who has shown up in Adrien’s life, a freelancer for local gay newspaper Boytimes (lol what a perfect 1990s title) who is reporting on the investigation and working his way into Adrien’s bed? Or perhaps it is his dead friend’s betrayed still angry ex-wife? Or perhaps it is a member of the writers’ circle, a narrative device that is a conduit for some very funny caricatures of novice detective fiction writers (one couple, the Finches, is writing a novel called Murder, He Mimed!!!) but which may also conceal characters from Adrien’s and the victim’s high school Chess Club in whose history some mysterious scandal lays buried.
The novel’s handling of the mystery plot, which relies heavily on withheld past events for its solution, is sometimes clumsy, especially in the final act, when the authorial desire for a thrilling climax trumps the protagonist’s common sense. But none of that really matters much because what makes this novel so memorable and worth rereading is its spot-on characterization (both Adrien and Jake are fascinating, three-dimensional men, and Adrien’s inner voice, which we hear via free indirect discourse, is authentic and razor sharp); its vivid atmosphere of urban biblophile Gothic danger; its often brilliant metafictional play (which provides a running commentary on the novel’s own genre mash-ups and interventions); and its serious and searching treatment of gay identity during the AIDS era.
Among these many strengths, the two that really stand out for me are the interlacing of characterization with the AIDS era and the metafictional treatment of genre. In the early stages of the book, Adrien seems very much to be a portrait of a gay man who has closed himself off from sexual adventurism and even from love in the era of AIDS. Speaking about his murdered (and sexually uninhibited) friend Rob, Adrien remembers “He confided in me less and less. You’re turning into an old maid, Adrien, he’d said when I lectured him about promiscuity in the age of AIDS.” Sexually-speaking, Rob is in every sense Adrien’s opposite: “‘Silence equals death.’ This was Rob’s favorite quote when I’d ask him not to come out (or on) to customers. I’m running a business, not a political forum here, Rob. ‘You can’t separate being gay from the rest of your life, Adrien. Everything a gay man does makes a political statement. Everything matters: where you bank, where you shop, where you eat. When you hold your lover’s hand in public--oh, that’s right…’ Go to hell, Rob.” Etc. Later, when Adrien announces Rob’s death to his mother, her immediate response is: “AIDS?” The actual cause of death is “fourteen stab wounds to his upper body and face,” a mode of death that leads Riordan to quip with dark irony, “Those kinds of wounds generally indicate prior acquaintance.” The simultaneous intimacy and horror of Rob’s method of death hints, in other words, that Lanyon is at least in part writing a kind of genre-filtered reflection on the devastating effect of AIDS on gay men in which the killer--who turns out to be a serial murderer (much like the virus itself)--is a displaced embodiment of the disease. Such a speculation may feel like a reach, since the killer himself is never explicitly connected to the AIDS epidemic, but it is nevertheless suggestive that the climactic scene of danger and revelation coincides with a scene of unprotected sexual coercion between Adrien and the killer.
What all of this amounts to in terms of characterization is an important social and political context for Adrien’s semi-closeted repression and likely also for Riordian’s differently inflected but still highly ambivalent relation to the term “gay,” which he scornfully repudiates. (More on that in future novels, presumably.) It might seem strange that there is so little romance--and no sex--between the two romantically fated MCs in this novel, but it makes perfect sense in a gay romance that unfolds in the “fatal shadow” of AIDS. The opposition the novel establishes between cautious, fearful point of view character Adrien and sexually adventurous, ACT UP slogan-quoting murder victim Rob positions the novel as a romance about overcoming fear of death. The genre mashup that Lanyon orchestrates between gay romance and gay murder mystery is thus perfectly poised to explore the awful conjunction of love and death that defined the AIDS era for gay men. Fatal Shadows may not be a perfectly satisfying murder mystery nor even a perfectly satisfying romance. In fact, it’s neither. But is it a brilliant genre novel, nonetheless. Everyone should read it.
I should probably end this already lengthy review here, but I want to add a couple of notes about Lanyon’s incredible play with genre fiction and film. One of the things I enjoy most about Lanyon’s novels is her obvious and contagious love and enthusiasm for the history of the genres she synthesizes. No doubt because it was doing something very new at the time, Fatal Shadows is quite self-conscious about its status as a hybrid genre novel that combines the tropes of gay romance with those of detective fiction. Early in the book, Adrien reports on the activity in his bookstore, observing how “a new face” (Lanyon??) “cleared the shop of all Joseph Hansen’s [gay detective] Brandstetter series” and “Mrs. Lupinski brought in another stack of Harlequin Intrigues and tried to convince me they were real mysteries.” Here we are already very deep in Lanyon’s genre-laboratory, and the novel virtually burbles with allusions to and commentary on the history of detective fiction and its conventions--including, notably, the Golden Age convention of crypto-queer murderers. Another pertinent genre allusion is to Wes Craven’s hugely meta- series of SCREAM movies, which spoofed the classic slasher formula from the perspective of 90s film-school grad students. Adrien’s masked stalker wears a “dark raincoat, a hat pulled low” and carries a butcher knife, “a vision straight out of a Wes Craven movie.” Laynon seems to have been at least partly inspired by the metafictional self-reference of these films, as well as by their cunning play with genre conventions and their own combination of over-the-top thrills with more old fashioned detective work. There is a masterclass in the many interconnected subgenres of crime fiction and film and their history at play in this wonderful novel for anyone who is as delighted by that history as I am. Highly recommended!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2017
***5 Stars for the audiobook***
Chris Patton did an amazing job with his narration and reminded me of how much I love Adrien-with-an-e and what an a**hole Jake was most of the time.
#BooksEvokingStrongEmotionsAreTheBest
Chris Patton did an amazing job with his narration and reminded me of how much I love Adrien-with-an-e and what an a**hole Jake was most of the time.
#BooksEvokingStrongEmotionsAreTheBest
July 1, 2019
Wow, this was ... unexpected! 4 solid stars.
A great start to this series. I didn't expect to get so invested into the story. I've read it in one sitting and even if I guessed the killer's identity, the author surprised me a lot.
I jumped right into the next book. But I am only sorry we didn't get more of Adrien and Jake in this one.
A great start to this series. I didn't expect to get so invested into the story. I've read it in one sitting and even if I guessed the killer's identity, the author surprised me a lot.
I jumped right into the next book. But I am only sorry we didn't get more of Adrien and Jake in this one.
August 1, 2021
Audio - 5 Stars. Another wonderful narrator that I don't think gets cast enough for audiobooks. Chris Patton is truly wonderful!
Story 3.5 Stars
I know this is just scratching the surface of what's to come between the MCs. I'm looking forward to it.
Story 3.5 Stars
I know this is just scratching the surface of what's to come between the MCs. I'm looking forward to it.
January 31, 2013
The Adrien English series is a must read if you love your m/m. In fact Josh Lanyon should be in your library somewhere. Ok it's more of a slow burner than some but that's what makes it so enjoyable. I love the way these two guys dance around each other all the way through the series. Great underlying murder mystery and I say winner and keeper. Magic!
December 13, 2014
Update 4/30/14 - Editing all my reviews of this series in preparation for writing my review of The Dark Tide (YES, I KNOW I TAKE MYSELF WAY TOO SERIOUSLY, THANK YOU - and NO I don't know why I can't write a review without acting like I'm Gustav FUCKING Flaubert). I can't seem to write it 'cause I just don't want this series to be oveeer! *sob*
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March 28, 2014
I love the noirishness (hope that's a word) of this novel.
I love that Adrien owns a bookstore. It's total reader porn. I love that his bookstore is in a converted '30s hotel.
I love that Josh Lanyon clearly knows & loves his genre (mystery/crime fiction/romance). It shows in everything he writes.
I love that Adrien criticizes his own fashion sense, then a few scenes later puts on worn Levis & a blue cashmere sweater. Yup...I'm sure you looked like crap, Mr. English.
I love how Det. Chan asks Adrien to read the novel he's writing. "It's a police procedural," he says. Hilarious.
I love when Jake says to Adrien "But you are a homosexual?" Is it just me, or is that luuuurve in the air?
I HATE the fact I loaned this book to someone on Lendle so I can't look up the CORRECT FUCKING QUOTES. (Seriously, though, I'm glad to loan it cause it's so good I need to share!)
I love how Riordan is sex with a badge. However, it's only one book in & I already want to punch him in the larynx for all the hurt he hasn't visited upon Adrien. YET.
I love Adrien and his questionable taste in men.
The only thing I hate at the moment (other than the quote thingy) is typing this review on my FUCKING Kindle. As I type this, it insists that Adrien's name is really Darien or Adrianne. Shut up, Kindle, YOU KNOW NOTHING. No cuddles for you tonight.
***********************************************************
March 28, 2014
I love the noirishness (hope that's a word) of this novel.
I love that Adrien owns a bookstore. It's total reader porn. I love that his bookstore is in a converted '30s hotel.
I love that Josh Lanyon clearly knows & loves his genre (mystery/crime fiction/romance). It shows in everything he writes.
I love that Adrien criticizes his own fashion sense, then a few scenes later puts on worn Levis & a blue cashmere sweater. Yup...I'm sure you looked like crap, Mr. English.
I love how Det. Chan asks Adrien to read the novel he's writing. "It's a police procedural," he says. Hilarious.
I love when Jake says to Adrien "But you are a homosexual?" Is it just me, or is that luuuurve in the air?
I HATE the fact I loaned this book to someone on Lendle so I can't look up the CORRECT FUCKING QUOTES. (Seriously, though, I'm glad to loan it cause it's so good I need to share!)
I love how Riordan is sex with a badge. However, it's only one book in & I already want to punch him in the larynx for all the hurt he hasn't visited upon Adrien. YET.
I love Adrien and his questionable taste in men.
The only thing I hate at the moment (other than the quote thingy) is typing this review on my FUCKING Kindle. As I type this, it insists that Adrien's name is really Darien or Adrianne. Shut up, Kindle, YOU KNOW NOTHING. No cuddles for you tonight.
July 9, 2024
Adrien with an e, you are precious.
5 stars once again ⭐💜
5 stars once again ⭐💜
October 28, 2019
*4.5 stars*
Review for the whole series “Adrien English Mysteries” : it’s definitely an MM romance sliced in 6 books (Josh Lanyon’s stamp, 😂) with Fatal Shadows, A Dangerous Thing, The Hell You Say, Death of a Pirate King, The Dark Tide, and So This is Christmas.
No way the MCs, Adrien, bookseller, writer and amateur sleuth, and Jake, closeted L.A.P.D. Homicide Detective, can be fully apprehended in only the first setting…well, maybe Adrien because he’s the kind of character you got attached to in the blink of an eye, while Jake is more enigmatic and a hard nut to crack, but I loved him as well : once the walls crumble, ouah !!!
No way the development of Adrien and Jack’s relationship is done in the first setting : it evolves slowly, realistically and firmly throughout the whole series. It’s frustrating, painful, doomed or not, hurtful, slow but then totally dreamy and strong.
And all this mingled with Adrien and Jake’s life issues (insecurities, uncertainties, fear of being rejected,…) and the evolution of their career.
As for the subplots, ie the numerous cases Adrien and Jake face, no wonder Jake is so annoyed : Adrien has a knack for always tumbling into problems and I enjoyed the intertwining of the mysteries.
The scene that will stick the most for me : Jake on the boat, almost dying for Adrien if I could say so. I stop here because several others scenes come to mind and are quite close to be as memorable.
It’s not my first series from Josh Lanyon. Her writing style works well for me and the mix of mysteries and slow relationship development are engaging. I guess it’s because of the characterization and the insights that are put up front.
But I have to say, so far, “Adrien English mysteries” is my favorite : it made me feel so much for Adrien, for Jake, and for Adrien and Jake.
PS : **Thank you Lisa, Josy and Shile for this joined gift during the SS exchange : the gesture was of course so nice and the choice…well, perfect !!! 😘
Review for the whole series “Adrien English Mysteries” : it’s definitely an MM romance sliced in 6 books (Josh Lanyon’s stamp, 😂) with Fatal Shadows, A Dangerous Thing, The Hell You Say, Death of a Pirate King, The Dark Tide, and So This is Christmas.
No way the MCs, Adrien, bookseller, writer and amateur sleuth, and Jake, closeted L.A.P.D. Homicide Detective, can be fully apprehended in only the first setting…well, maybe Adrien because he’s the kind of character you got attached to in the blink of an eye, while Jake is more enigmatic and a hard nut to crack, but I loved him as well : once the walls crumble, ouah !!!
No way the development of Adrien and Jack’s relationship is done in the first setting : it evolves slowly, realistically and firmly throughout the whole series. It’s frustrating, painful, doomed or not, hurtful, slow but then totally dreamy and strong.
And all this mingled with Adrien and Jake’s life issues (insecurities, uncertainties, fear of being rejected,…) and the evolution of their career.
As for the subplots, ie the numerous cases Adrien and Jake face, no wonder Jake is so annoyed : Adrien has a knack for always tumbling into problems and I enjoyed the intertwining of the mysteries.
The scene that will stick the most for me : Jake on the boat, almost dying for Adrien if I could say so. I stop here because several others scenes come to mind and are quite close to be as memorable.
It’s not my first series from Josh Lanyon. Her writing style works well for me and the mix of mysteries and slow relationship development are engaging. I guess it’s because of the characterization and the insights that are put up front.
But I have to say, so far, “Adrien English mysteries” is my favorite : it made me feel so much for Adrien, for Jake, and for Adrien and Jake.
PS : **Thank you Lisa, Josy and Shile for this joined gift during the SS exchange : the gesture was of course so nice and the choice…well, perfect !!! 😘
March 3, 2023
A cornerstone series of the gay mystery-romance subgenre and arguably one of the best, still to date—the Adrien English Mysteries by Josh Lanyon represent a unique moment in time that now only exists in our memories, encompasses the very real mindset of society then, delves into incredible fears, trauma, self-loathing and self-acceptance that puts most other titles to shame, and Lanyon does it all with quick wit, dry sarcasm, punchy narrative and glowing descriptions, and all the while, there’s a dead body or three in need of solving.
This is my umpteenth re-read of the series, but it’s been long enough since my last go that I’ve managed to forget the finer details so as to enjoy the digs, laughs, and gut-punches like it’s my first time all over again. We begin with Fatal Shadows, which introduces the reader to household names of the genre: Adrien English and Jake Riordan. Adrien is a bookseller, owner of the Cloak and Dagger mystery store, with the biggest selection of gay titles in California. He’s unattached and fine with it (so he says), living day-to-day with a disruptive heart condition, bills to pay, and an employee who’s starting to make him crazy.
That is, until Robert Hersey is found dead—stabbed to death in the alley behind his apartment. Enter Jake: the LAPD homicide detective who’s caught the case, and lo and behold, he’s so deep in the closet, so unwilling to accept he’s gay—and yet visits gay leather clubs, while dating a woman who has no idea, because nothing says "a human who cannot accept how they are wired" like this level of chaos and self-destruction—and he’s pegged Adrien as Suspect Number One in the murder of Robert.
What unfolds is a fantastic and compelling serial-killer-on-the-loose mystery, with the amateur sleuth who refuses to sit on the sidelines when it’s his life at stake. In between the beats of this plot is one of the absolute most perfect “oh no, I like you,” moments I have ever read, and this book isn’t even a romance—it’s a mystery, first and foremost. The ending of Book One, that revelation that hits both Adrien and the reader at the same time, good God. Even after all these years, it still takes my breath away and promises one of the best and most hard-fought for Happily Ever Afters of my life. This series is over 20 years old, and if my writing held up even half as well after so much time, that’d be something else.
If you read romance, if you read mystery, if you read a combination of the two, consider this series the most enjoyable homework assignment you’ll ever receive. This series set the groundwork and inspiration for what’s being read today in the gay mystery-romance world. No one does it like Lanyon.
This is my umpteenth re-read of the series, but it’s been long enough since my last go that I’ve managed to forget the finer details so as to enjoy the digs, laughs, and gut-punches like it’s my first time all over again. We begin with Fatal Shadows, which introduces the reader to household names of the genre: Adrien English and Jake Riordan. Adrien is a bookseller, owner of the Cloak and Dagger mystery store, with the biggest selection of gay titles in California. He’s unattached and fine with it (so he says), living day-to-day with a disruptive heart condition, bills to pay, and an employee who’s starting to make him crazy.
That is, until Robert Hersey is found dead—stabbed to death in the alley behind his apartment. Enter Jake: the LAPD homicide detective who’s caught the case, and lo and behold, he’s so deep in the closet, so unwilling to accept he’s gay—and yet visits gay leather clubs, while dating a woman who has no idea, because nothing says "a human who cannot accept how they are wired" like this level of chaos and self-destruction—and he’s pegged Adrien as Suspect Number One in the murder of Robert.
What unfolds is a fantastic and compelling serial-killer-on-the-loose mystery, with the amateur sleuth who refuses to sit on the sidelines when it’s his life at stake. In between the beats of this plot is one of the absolute most perfect “oh no, I like you,” moments I have ever read, and this book isn’t even a romance—it’s a mystery, first and foremost. The ending of Book One, that revelation that hits both Adrien and the reader at the same time, good God. Even after all these years, it still takes my breath away and promises one of the best and most hard-fought for Happily Ever Afters of my life. This series is over 20 years old, and if my writing held up even half as well after so much time, that’d be something else.
If you read romance, if you read mystery, if you read a combination of the two, consider this series the most enjoyable homework assignment you’ll ever receive. This series set the groundwork and inspiration for what’s being read today in the gay mystery-romance world. No one does it like Lanyon.
Read
January 27, 2023**OVER 200 PAGES OF BONUS CONTENT in this Collector's Edition. **
This special hardcover 20th Anniversary edition contains illustrations, character interviews, and holiday codas–including a new and final exclusive short story written for Christmas 2021–as well as other curiosities. Includes Foreword by Dal Maclean, Afterword by Nicole Kimberling.
This special hardcover 20th Anniversary edition contains illustrations, character interviews, and holiday codas–including a new and final exclusive short story written for Christmas 2021–as well as other curiosities. Includes Foreword by Dal Maclean, Afterword by Nicole Kimberling.
Read
January 30, 2008My first mystery novel. Re-edited and revamped.
August 3, 2016
Written May 26, 2014
4.3 Stars - not much of a romance but wildly fun to 'hear'... and breathlessly thrilling
Book #1
I just finished my listening to the first part in the series about Adrien English by Josh Lanyon. Kind of highly "hyped" M/M books as many readers here 'talk' about. This is also books my wise (missed) friend Vio recommended me long ago.
Five and a half audiobooks hours later:
Jeez, Yahoo, Yeah!! - I'm just like a nerdy out of time, "Thriller" dancing girl (se below). ~ What an 'unusually' wise decision of me to jump on this wonderful Adrien English wagon at last. I'm sure this will be a fantastic journey to contiune.
***********************************************
The bookseller Adrien English's best friend has been murdered and Adrien is getting weird phone calls and a lot of odd thing happening. The cops just think he's trying to divert suspicion from himself and Adrien fear he is their murder suspect instead pf a victim.
Adriens love-life has been poor (simply nothing..) these last years but now are suddenly two attractive men there. A very keen journalist, Bruce Green. Bruce is for sure a nice and sweet man and Adrien really try to like him more...but it doesn't feel quite right.
And although Adrien's life just are a big huge mess for the moment, he can't help himself. He just need to look a second to long on that homofobic, scary big, tall homicide detective Jake Riordan. Is this cop really a black-leather clad guy who likes dark mysterious kink clubs at night? The plot thickens. ~ As if that wasn't enough is Riordan also 'swoonish' good looking and sexy. ...Of course!!
***********************************************
More crime than romantic stuff was the rumor!?
That's a rumor, and a warning to actually listen to. But sh!t the same! My adventure with the 'Adrien English Mystery' started both fun, chuckling witty and very very promising. I like this style, a kind of old black & white Film Noir feeling.
For a quite long time was I wondering who the 'other' guy, the future boyfriend or sexbuddy, would be.
By now I know I probably will like MC #2 as well. ~ I have a soft part in my heart for big seedy macho men. Hunky police officers with drawling voices are perhaps the very best kind. - But is he really a future larger-than-life hero who will take Adrien to fabulous (steamy) adventures.., possibly? We'll see.
I'm an very curious and impatient lady-smut-reader and must immediately continue and start to read (or actually listening to) part #2, A Dangerous Thing (my review).
***********************************************
The audio book...
The main character Adrien has surently his own strong narrative voice (this is constantly told in his POV, first person). But it was perhaps after all this excellent and accessible audiobook version that gave me that little extra this time.
The "voiceover" artist Chris Patton, the man with the wonderfully raspy glorious audiobook voice (so whacking great and expressive), who has narrated this book made it itself quite amazing. I cross my fingers he will continue to read the rest of the series for me. Please!!
[ I wholeheartedly recommend new readers to LISTEN to this book. Even if you're an hardcore romantic M/M romance book reader and require lots of love, steam and heat in your books, you will hardly be able to resist this. ~ Quickly done, just five and a half hours long. ]
***********************************************
There wasn't much romantic love and steam parts in Fatal Shadows but I know I'm gonna love these 'crime' books. - Superb well written, witty and cheeky with that right humorous tone I love.
I LIKE - Yep ... this is going to be wonderful reading
****
Just $6.50 for both the ebook and the audio on Amazon.
4.3 Stars - not much of a romance but wildly fun to 'hear'... and breathlessly thrilling
Book #1
I just finished my listening to the first part in the series about Adrien English by Josh Lanyon. Kind of highly "hyped" M/M books as many readers here 'talk' about. This is also books my wise (missed) friend Vio recommended me long ago.
Five and a half audiobooks hours later:
Jeez, Yahoo, Yeah!! - I'm just like a nerdy out of time, "Thriller" dancing girl (se below). ~ What an 'unusually' wise decision of me to jump on this wonderful Adrien English wagon at last. I'm sure this will be a fantastic journey to contiune.
***********************************************
The bookseller Adrien English's best friend has been murdered and Adrien is getting weird phone calls and a lot of odd thing happening. The cops just think he's trying to divert suspicion from himself and Adrien fear he is their murder suspect instead pf a victim.
“That's one of the oldest tricks in the world,
Adrien-with-an-e.”
Adriens love-life has been poor (simply nothing..) these last years but now are suddenly two attractive men there. A very keen journalist, Bruce Green. Bruce is for sure a nice and sweet man and Adrien really try to like him more...but it doesn't feel quite right.
And although Adrien's life just are a big huge mess for the moment, he can't help himself. He just need to look a second to long on that homofobic, scary big, tall homicide detective Jake Riordan. Is this cop really a black-leather clad guy who likes dark mysterious kink clubs at night? The plot thickens. ~ As if that wasn't enough is Riordan also 'swoonish' good looking and sexy. ...Of course!!
***********************************************
More crime than romantic stuff was the rumor!?
That's a rumor, and a warning to actually listen to. But sh!t the same! My adventure with the 'Adrien English Mystery' started both fun, chuckling witty and very very promising. I like this style, a kind of old black & white Film Noir feeling.
For a quite long time was I wondering who the 'other' guy, the future boyfriend or sexbuddy, would be.
‘He was probably selfish in the sack. Probably selfish and greedy and...unsophisticated. And hung like a horse.’
By now I know I probably will like MC #2 as well. ~ I have a soft part in my heart for big seedy macho men. Hunky police officers with drawling voices are perhaps the very best kind. - But is he really a future larger-than-life hero who will take Adrien to fabulous (steamy) adventures.., possibly? We'll see.
I'm an very curious and impatient lady-smut-reader and must immediately continue and start to read (or actually listening to) part #2, A Dangerous Thing (my review).
***********************************************
The audio book...
The main character Adrien has surently his own strong narrative voice (this is constantly told in his POV, first person). But it was perhaps after all this excellent and accessible audiobook version that gave me that little extra this time.
The "voiceover" artist Chris Patton, the man with the wonderfully raspy glorious audiobook voice (so whacking great and expressive), who has narrated this book made it itself quite amazing. I cross my fingers he will continue to read the rest of the series for me. Please!!
[ I wholeheartedly recommend new readers to LISTEN to this book. Even if you're an hardcore romantic M/M romance book reader and require lots of love, steam and heat in your books, you will hardly be able to resist this. ~ Quickly done, just five and a half hours long. ]
***********************************************
There wasn't much romantic love and steam parts in Fatal Shadows but I know I'm gonna love these 'crime' books. - Superb well written, witty and cheeky with that right humorous tone I love.
I LIKE - Yep ... this is going to be wonderful reading
****
Just $6.50 for both the ebook and the audio on Amazon.
November 14, 2019
Update Nov 14, 2019: Read #2
Really, the only thing that's surprising about me rereading this series 6 months later is that it took me so long. I've decided not to make any adjustments to my ratings, because I feel like I rated accurately based on my initial experience. But the second time is completely different, and I hung on every word of this reread.
I'm dragging AE-virgin Hollis with me this time, and I'm excited to experience this couple with her!
——————————
3.5 stars for this volume, 5 stars for the series as a whole. My favorite thing about this book was Adrien's narrative. He's hilarious and nuanced, and getting to know his voice was what hooked me on the whole shebang.
Non-spoiler review of The Adrien English Mysteries series:
A Tale of Two Genres. And also a cautionary tale about not throwing the baby out with the bathwater, from a reading perspective.
Have I already exhausted my cliché limit for this review? It’s going to get worse, because original thought isn’t my niche after I’ve just found a couple for my favorite couples of all time list.
They say Josh Lanyon is a mystery writer, but you aren’t going to be able to prove that by me. This woman is a relationship writer, and not just that — she’s among the BEST of those.
I’m not much of a mystery reader. But I’ve read my share, and when they work, they really work. The mysteries in the first 3 of these books were just in my fucking way. I was not engaged in them, and if I hadn’t been immediately captivated by the relationship between Adrien and Jake, I might have been tempted to set the whole series aside. Baby, meet bathwater.
However. Captivated is an understatement. Lanyon’s ability to create interpersonal tension — in every way except the predictable — is writing master class. I could c/p dozens of lines here to prove my point, but spoilers aren’t my style. Trust me or don’t. Or trust the bazillions of other people who’ve read this series in the last almost-20 years. ;)
Flawed, nuanced characters that you’ll need your 3D glasses for. JL made me experience the entire damn spectrum of emotion, and often using only a handful of words to do so.
I really don’t know what else to say, because if this isn’t already speaking your language, I can’t help. If we're friends, expect to be hearing things about this series for a long time. Both 1) while I try in vain to overcome the hangover that I'll have for at least a week, and 2) when I dive in for the scores of rereads that will happen in my lifetime.
Lastly, shout-out to my AMAZING buddy read partners. This was an incredible experience, full of spirited discussion, and fortunately it's showing no signs of stopping. Elena, Linda, Rosa, Shile, Teal, and Xia
Really, the only thing that's surprising about me rereading this series 6 months later is that it took me so long. I've decided not to make any adjustments to my ratings, because I feel like I rated accurately based on my initial experience. But the second time is completely different, and I hung on every word of this reread.
I'm dragging AE-virgin Hollis with me this time, and I'm excited to experience this couple with her!
——————————
3.5 stars for this volume, 5 stars for the series as a whole. My favorite thing about this book was Adrien's narrative. He's hilarious and nuanced, and getting to know his voice was what hooked me on the whole shebang.
Non-spoiler review of The Adrien English Mysteries series:
A Tale of Two Genres. And also a cautionary tale about not throwing the baby out with the bathwater, from a reading perspective.
Have I already exhausted my cliché limit for this review? It’s going to get worse, because original thought isn’t my niche after I’ve just found a couple for my favorite couples of all time list.
They say Josh Lanyon is a mystery writer, but you aren’t going to be able to prove that by me. This woman is a relationship writer, and not just that — she’s among the BEST of those.
I’m not much of a mystery reader. But I’ve read my share, and when they work, they really work. The mysteries in the first 3 of these books were just in my fucking way. I was not engaged in them, and if I hadn’t been immediately captivated by the relationship between Adrien and Jake, I might have been tempted to set the whole series aside. Baby, meet bathwater.
However. Captivated is an understatement. Lanyon’s ability to create interpersonal tension — in every way except the predictable — is writing master class. I could c/p dozens of lines here to prove my point, but spoilers aren’t my style. Trust me or don’t. Or trust the bazillions of other people who’ve read this series in the last almost-20 years. ;)
Flawed, nuanced characters that you’ll need your 3D glasses for. JL made me experience the entire damn spectrum of emotion, and often using only a handful of words to do so.
I really don’t know what else to say, because if this isn’t already speaking your language, I can’t help. If we're friends, expect to be hearing things about this series for a long time. Both 1) while I try in vain to overcome the hangover that I'll have for at least a week, and 2) when I dive in for the scores of rereads that will happen in my lifetime.
Lastly, shout-out to my AMAZING buddy read partners. This was an incredible experience, full of spirited discussion, and fortunately it's showing no signs of stopping. Elena, Linda, Rosa, Shile, Teal, and Xia
January 7, 2021
“Okay, baby?”
I could very well give this book less stars because of the non-existent romance but I don't want to.
There was a point I reached in the book where I could not stop reading it. I'm blaming it on the writing. It was SO GOOD. I was so immersed in the book that I didn't even notice I reached the ending. I love it when that happens.
The mystery plot was kind of good. It wasn't that surprising who the killer was but I still liked how the plot progressed and how they came to that conclusion.
I also really liked Adrien. I was having fun discovering his POV and reading his thoughts.
I'm reserving judgement on detective Riordan. There was not much of him in the book for me to understand his character fully. I'm looking forward to seeing him more.
I'm definitely binging the rest of the books. I've seen reviews saying that the series gets better so my expectations are kinda high. Let's see if the books matches them.
“Our fatal shadows that walk by us still.”
Copy recieved via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
May 20, 2023
6/2/22 - Upping to 4 stars. I still don't like some of the choices Adrien makes but this book/series is so compelling.
9/20/21 - Reread. If not for the last couple of chapters I’d probably give this 4 stars . . .
———
I did like it and it would have gotten 4 stars if Adrien wasn't TSTL in the last couple of chapters. I can't understand or forgive him for that.
I do like Lanyon's writing and Adrien's snark.
On to Book 2.
9/20/21 - Reread. If not for the last couple of chapters I’d probably give this 4 stars . . .
———
I did like it and it would have gotten 4 stars if Adrien wasn't TSTL in the last couple of chapters. I can't understand or forgive him for that.
I do like Lanyon's writing and Adrien's snark.
On to Book 2.
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