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Lancaster Falls #1
What Lies Beneath
In the hottest summer on record, Iron Lake reservoir is emptying, revealing secrets that were intended to stay hidden beneath the water. The tragic story of a missing man is a media sensation, and abruptly the writer and the cop falling in love is just a postscript to horrors neither could have imagined.
Best Selling Horror writer Chris Lassiter struggles for inspiration and he’s close to never writing again. His life has become an endless loop of nothing but empty pages, personal appearances, and a marketing machine that is systematically destroying his muse. In a desperate attempt to force Chris to complete unfinished manuscripts his agent buys a remote cabin. All Chris has to do is hide away and write, but he’s lost his muse, and not even he can make stories appear from thin air.
Sawyer Wiseman left town for Chicago, chasing the excitement and potential of being a big city cop, rising the ranks, and making his mark. A case gone horribly wrong draws him back to Lancaster Falls. Working for the tiny police department in the town he’d been running from, digging into cold cases and police corruption, he spends his day's healing, and his nights hoping the nightmares of his last case leave him alone.
Best Selling Horror writer Chris Lassiter struggles for inspiration and he’s close to never writing again. His life has become an endless loop of nothing but empty pages, personal appearances, and a marketing machine that is systematically destroying his muse. In a desperate attempt to force Chris to complete unfinished manuscripts his agent buys a remote cabin. All Chris has to do is hide away and write, but he’s lost his muse, and not even he can make stories appear from thin air.
Sawyer Wiseman left town for Chicago, chasing the excitement and potential of being a big city cop, rising the ranks, and making his mark. A case gone horribly wrong draws him back to Lancaster Falls. Working for the tiny police department in the town he’d been running from, digging into cold cases and police corruption, he spends his day's healing, and his nights hoping the nightmares of his last case leave him alone.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2019
About the author
R.J. Scott
302 books2,663 followersRJ Scott is a USA TODAY bestselling author of over 140 romance and suspense novels. From bodyguards to hockey stars, princes to millionaires, cowboys to military, she believes that love is love and every man deserves their own happy ending.
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
July 24, 2021
This was truly a textbook perfect mystery romance.
I'd even say the mystery was stronger than the actual romance, but that doesn't deter me from loving this outstanding novel and rating it as the amazing piece of fiction I think it is.
Lancaster Falls is a town as quiet as they come.
For renowned horror writer Chris Lassiter, it's a perfect haven to overcome his current writer's block.
Or so his agent believes.
She got him a cabin in the woods outside of the sleepy town, near an old water reservoir, where Chris is supposed to have all the time in the world to write his third 'Lake' novel, a horror series for teenagers that was turned into two major Hollywood movies and the producers are waiting for the plot for part 3.
If only inspiration was easy to come by these days.
Chris and his dog Kota explore the region and meet the inhabitants of Lancaster Falls - in short, Chris does anything but write.
Especially the town's hot cop Sawyer intrigues him who is coming to check out the cabin to see what big city weirdo is up there, potentially posing a threat to the small town.
Chris is pretty resourceful in seducing the brooding guy, until he realizes that there are secrets behind Sawyer's eyes that spark his 'professional' interest, even outside of the bedroom.
Finding bones in the dried up mud of the old reservoir turns this plot into a downright mystery and the story behind the bones might be secret to overcoming Chris's writer's block.
This is definitely a well crafted story with lovely and interesting side characters. I LOVED Sawyer and I really liked Chris, and while the romance did not really sweep me off my feet, the mystery plot had me hooked until the very end.
I'll definitely stay to check out the next book. Two other men will have a chance at love in Lancaster Falls, where dark secrets lie in the depths of the reservoir's murky waters, waiting to be uncovered.
5 stars and a favorite!
I'd even say the mystery was stronger than the actual romance, but that doesn't deter me from loving this outstanding novel and rating it as the amazing piece of fiction I think it is.
Lancaster Falls is a town as quiet as they come.
For renowned horror writer Chris Lassiter, it's a perfect haven to overcome his current writer's block.
Or so his agent believes.
She got him a cabin in the woods outside of the sleepy town, near an old water reservoir, where Chris is supposed to have all the time in the world to write his third 'Lake' novel, a horror series for teenagers that was turned into two major Hollywood movies and the producers are waiting for the plot for part 3.
If only inspiration was easy to come by these days.
Chris and his dog Kota explore the region and meet the inhabitants of Lancaster Falls - in short, Chris does anything but write.
Especially the town's hot cop Sawyer intrigues him who is coming to check out the cabin to see what big city weirdo is up there, potentially posing a threat to the small town.
Chris is pretty resourceful in seducing the brooding guy, until he realizes that there are secrets behind Sawyer's eyes that spark his 'professional' interest, even outside of the bedroom.
Finding bones in the dried up mud of the old reservoir turns this plot into a downright mystery and the story behind the bones might be secret to overcoming Chris's writer's block.
This is definitely a well crafted story with lovely and interesting side characters. I LOVED Sawyer and I really liked Chris, and while the romance did not really sweep me off my feet, the mystery plot had me hooked until the very end.
I'll definitely stay to check out the next book. Two other men will have a chance at love in Lancaster Falls, where dark secrets lie in the depths of the reservoir's murky waters, waiting to be uncovered.
5 stars and a favorite!
March 31, 2020
This started ok, but the more I read, the less I liked it.
Sawyer and Chris as the main characters were just ok, nothing more. I wasn't really invested in their relationship. I feel that everything happened too soon and I didn't find it believable. The mystery didn't hold my interest, either.
I struggled with the audiobook, too. Partly because the story failed to grab me, and partly because of the narrator. His voice for female characters was really hard to listen to.
Sawyer and Chris as the main characters were just ok, nothing more. I wasn't really invested in their relationship. I feel that everything happened too soon and I didn't find it believable. The mystery didn't hold my interest, either.
I struggled with the audiobook, too. Partly because the story failed to grab me, and partly because of the narrator. His voice for female characters was really hard to listen to.
August 19, 2019
4.5 stars rounded down to 4 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR...full review to follow soonish!
Sometimes no matter how deep you bury something it doesn't stay buried...
Sawyer Wiseman left Lancaster Falls for the challenge of career on the Chicago Police Force…it turned out to be a challenge that nearly cost him his life and left him broken and returning to his hometown seeking a place where he can heal and still have a career in law enforcement…just not one that might cost him everything.
Chris Lassiter has written two bestselling horror stories and is under pressure to produce the third and final story in his trilogy…if he could just manage to put together something worth reading much less making into a movie. Having grown up in a small town very much like Lancaster Falls, he still knows what life in a small town is like.
When Sawyer’s boss sends him out to check on the person staying in the Dwyer cabin, he’s expecting an elderly recluse or some such thing not a hot as hell author struggling with writer’s block. Chris is instantly drawn to the sexy, small town cop and he’s more than willing to let it be known, it’s just to bad Sawyer thinks it’s not the best idea he’s had this week regardless of how attractive he finds the reclusive author.
‘What Lies Beneath’ is the first book in R.J. Scott’s latest release and while I haven’t read everything this author has written…believe me I’m working on it…this one feels very different from what Ms Scott usually gives us and I do mean this in the best of ways. The setting for this story is small town America and it’s a perfect setting as anyone who ever grew up or even lived in a small town can tell you…one of the most interesting things about them is that while everyone may know everyone else’s business no place has more secrets or keeps them better than a small town…until it doesn’t.
And just like any small town Lancaster Falls is rife with interesting characters from Sawyer’s less than scrupulous boss and his friend the mayor to the churches minister and his wife and so many people in between, because this is a small town, they all beg the questions…what do you know and how are you involved?
I am so taken with this first story…WOW!!! Simply wow!!! There’s a lot going on and just about the time I felt like maybe I was starting to figure some things out didn’t Ms Scott throw me a curve ball and there I am back at the beginning trying to re-connect the dots. I’m going to be upfront about this for my friends who prefer not to do cliff-hangers until the series is complete…there’s a lot of unanswered questions at the end of this one so the view from that cliff is hella’, hella’ interesting.
There’s also a romance going on here and it’s…well…it’s sweet and steamy and filled with passion but at the same time there’s something about it that’s a little bit understated and just so down to earth. I love this pairing Chris and Sawyer are both adults they’ve had life experiences, relationships that haven’t worked and while I’m not opposed to age gaps, sometimes it’s just nice to read a story where the MCs are essentially the same age.
I love that while we may have answers to some things at the end of each story, I’m also left with the feeling that there’s a bigger overlying story arch that won’t be complete until the final book and if the following books are as good as this one I’m cool with that. Sure, I’m as anxious as the next person to find out what happened and why but anything worth having is also worth waiting for in my world and...it’s good to have something to look forward to…but…
Thankfully, the next book is due for release in the fall…so just a couple of months to go and I can wait...honest, I can…sorta’…kinda’…almost…is it fall yet?
*************************
An ARC of 'What Lies Beneath' was graciously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes no matter how deep you bury something it doesn't stay buried...
Sawyer Wiseman left Lancaster Falls for the challenge of career on the Chicago Police Force…it turned out to be a challenge that nearly cost him his life and left him broken and returning to his hometown seeking a place where he can heal and still have a career in law enforcement…just not one that might cost him everything.
Chris Lassiter has written two bestselling horror stories and is under pressure to produce the third and final story in his trilogy…if he could just manage to put together something worth reading much less making into a movie. Having grown up in a small town very much like Lancaster Falls, he still knows what life in a small town is like.
When Sawyer’s boss sends him out to check on the person staying in the Dwyer cabin, he’s expecting an elderly recluse or some such thing not a hot as hell author struggling with writer’s block. Chris is instantly drawn to the sexy, small town cop and he’s more than willing to let it be known, it’s just to bad Sawyer thinks it’s not the best idea he’s had this week regardless of how attractive he finds the reclusive author.
‘What Lies Beneath’ is the first book in R.J. Scott’s latest release and while I haven’t read everything this author has written…believe me I’m working on it…this one feels very different from what Ms Scott usually gives us and I do mean this in the best of ways. The setting for this story is small town America and it’s a perfect setting as anyone who ever grew up or even lived in a small town can tell you…one of the most interesting things about them is that while everyone may know everyone else’s business no place has more secrets or keeps them better than a small town…until it doesn’t.
And just like any small town Lancaster Falls is rife with interesting characters from Sawyer’s less than scrupulous boss and his friend the mayor to the churches minister and his wife and so many people in between, because this is a small town, they all beg the questions…what do you know and how are you involved?
I am so taken with this first story…WOW!!! Simply wow!!! There’s a lot going on and just about the time I felt like maybe I was starting to figure some things out didn’t Ms Scott throw me a curve ball and there I am back at the beginning trying to re-connect the dots. I’m going to be upfront about this for my friends who prefer not to do cliff-hangers until the series is complete…there’s a lot of unanswered questions at the end of this one so the view from that cliff is hella’, hella’ interesting.
There’s also a romance going on here and it’s…well…it’s sweet and steamy and filled with passion but at the same time there’s something about it that’s a little bit understated and just so down to earth. I love this pairing Chris and Sawyer are both adults they’ve had life experiences, relationships that haven’t worked and while I’m not opposed to age gaps, sometimes it’s just nice to read a story where the MCs are essentially the same age.
I love that while we may have answers to some things at the end of each story, I’m also left with the feeling that there’s a bigger overlying story arch that won’t be complete until the final book and if the following books are as good as this one I’m cool with that. Sure, I’m as anxious as the next person to find out what happened and why but anything worth having is also worth waiting for in my world and...it’s good to have something to look forward to…but…
Thankfully, the next book is due for release in the fall…so just a couple of months to go and I can wait...honest, I can…sorta’…kinda’…almost…is it fall yet?
*************************
An ARC of 'What Lies Beneath' was graciously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2020
Audiobook: ***3.5 Stars***
Story: ***3.5 - 4 Stars***
Story: ***3.5 - 4 Stars***
November 20, 2022
I really liked Chris and Sawyer. They were two sensible guys that took their time getting to know one another. They became friends before they even thought about being anything else. Chris is a horror writer who has a bad case of writer's block. His bestselling series needs the next book, but Chris just can't come up with the words. Thinking he can help Chris his agent buys a creepy cabin near the reservoir. Now we come to Sawyer. He is recently back in Lancaster Falls after leaving the Chicago Police force. The last case he worked in Chicago nearly ended in tragedy for Sawyer, nearly ending his life, and decidedly tragedy for the kid that was found dead. Enough is enough... he has to get out of the city before he loses a part of himself. The book also revolves around a good mystery when a skull and bones are found in the reservoir, which leads to a lot of questions that still have no ready answers, especially if those bones could belong to Casey McGuire who disappeared 10 or so years ago. Casey was Sawyer’s best friend, and he wants answers. During the course of the investigation Sawyer and Chris grow closer and as Chris starts his research concerning Casey and all the other unsolved mysteries, he slowly finds the words he was searching for to start his next book. This was a well thought out mystery. It's also the first book of a trilogy so be prepared for the mystery to not be solved in this book. The author is very clear about this being a trilogy. I'm in for that...as I have books 2 & 3.
March 13, 2020
New favorite!
I’ve enjoyed many of RJ’s books and series but this may be my favorite yet! I do like a story arc too and this looks like it will be a doozy. In this first story, the lake does its job of sparking Chris’s imagination particularly after skeletons turn up and he meets Sawyer. It adds a spooky atmosphere to much of the narrative. A cast of intriguing townsfolk, family and relatives all know each other’s business and some secrets. The suspense isn’t completely the focus as Sawyer and Chris have remarkable chemistry and the romance builds up naturally. Smexy scenes are smoking hot but moderately paced because there’s enough action going on in this town. I loved their characters individually and together. I hardly know how to explain how much, and what, kept me utterly engrossed other than the author’s skills reaching an even higher level. This series should be a big winner for her fans and for mystery lovers. Only the overarching mystery is not complete in this volume; the couple gets a happy ending. (No cliffhangers!)
I’ve enjoyed many of RJ’s books and series but this may be my favorite yet! I do like a story arc too and this looks like it will be a doozy. In this first story, the lake does its job of sparking Chris’s imagination particularly after skeletons turn up and he meets Sawyer. It adds a spooky atmosphere to much of the narrative. A cast of intriguing townsfolk, family and relatives all know each other’s business and some secrets. The suspense isn’t completely the focus as Sawyer and Chris have remarkable chemistry and the romance builds up naturally. Smexy scenes are smoking hot but moderately paced because there’s enough action going on in this town. I loved their characters individually and together. I hardly know how to explain how much, and what, kept me utterly engrossed other than the author’s skills reaching an even higher level. This series should be a big winner for her fans and for mystery lovers. Only the overarching mystery is not complete in this volume; the couple gets a happy ending. (No cliffhangers!)
February 13, 2020
Audio
Hmm, I feel average about this. At times it was boring and others interesting. The fake story in the story was partially the problem. It felt like the author cheated by making another not real irrelevant story in the real story as filler. I will try the next in the series because this ends on a kind of cliffhanger.
Narration was good and sadly unable to make the story better. 3 stars
Hmm, I feel average about this. At times it was boring and others interesting. The fake story in the story was partially the problem. It felt like the author cheated by making another not real irrelevant story in the real story as filler. I will try the next in the series because this ends on a kind of cliffhanger.
Narration was good and sadly unable to make the story better. 3 stars
Read
October 11, 2020DNF 36%
I did not like the dynamic between the 2 MCs. One keeps hitting on the other, who keeps saying he is not interested. Nor did I particularly like or connect with either of them.
I did not like the dynamic between the 2 MCs. One keeps hitting on the other, who keeps saying he is not interested. Nor did I particularly like or connect with either of them.
December 8, 2019
4.5 stars rounded up because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and RJ Scott + Sean Crisden = audio heaven...full review to follow soonish!
The setting for “What Lies Beneath” the first book...
in RJ Scott’s ‘Lancaster Falls’ series is of course the small town of Lancaster Falls and as is often the case with small towns it is rife with interesting characters each one having their own secrets leaving the reader to wonder who are you? How much do you really know? And how are you involved? Small towns you’ve gotta’ love ‘em!
When Sawyer Wiseman left Lancaster Falls to become a police officer in the big city of Chicago returning home broken and battered wasn’t a part of the plan but we all know life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans and that’s what happened to Sawyer. So now he finds himself back in the town he grew up in working for the Sheriff’s Department with a boss whose actions are often questionable at best telling him to go out to the Dwyer cabin and check on the person who’s taken up residence in it.
Sawyer expects to find an elderly recluse not Chris Lassiter a hot young author of horror stories whos struggling with writer’s block who’s more than a little bit interested in the sexy, small town deputy sheriff standing on his doorstep. Now all Chris needs to do is convince Sawyer that what he thinks is a bad idea could actually turn out to be the best thing that’s ever happened to either one of them.
Even when Sawyer begins to acknowledge that he’s interested in seeing where things can go between them it becomes a bigger challenge than either man has anticipated with the demands of Sawyer’s job rapidly increasing, as well the pressure on Chris to produce the next bestselling book in his popular horror series is increasing as his time to meet this deadline runs out.
Sawyer and Chris both quickly realize that in spite of the fact, that circumstances should be pulling them apart they seem to be turning to each other with increasing frequency.
I was absolutely crazy for this story when I read the e-book…even if I did get left looking over the edge of a cliff. Still when the opportunity was presented to listen to the story on audio I jumped on it especially when I learned that Sean Crisden was the narrator. Mr. Crisden is one of my absolute favorite narrators. I know when I get a book narrated by him that even if I’m not totally enchanted with the story I’m not going to have an issue with the narration no, in fact I can rest assured that even the worst of stories will become tolerable and as was the case here a story that I already knew I loved just became a whole lot better and more enjoyable.
While I have by no means read every book written by this author, I can honestly say it’s not from lack of desire or willing to do so…sadly, sometimes real life just doesn’t always let us do things as quickly as we’d like to, but for me this one has a bit more of a darker undertone to it than what we usually see from Ms Scott, but I can also say that for as much as I’ve loved her other books that I’ve read, this is definitely one of my favorites and I honestly can’t wait to continue with this series and learn what’s going to happen next.
************************
An audiobook of “What Lies Beneath” was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The setting for “What Lies Beneath” the first book...
in RJ Scott’s ‘Lancaster Falls’ series is of course the small town of Lancaster Falls and as is often the case with small towns it is rife with interesting characters each one having their own secrets leaving the reader to wonder who are you? How much do you really know? And how are you involved? Small towns you’ve gotta’ love ‘em!
When Sawyer Wiseman left Lancaster Falls to become a police officer in the big city of Chicago returning home broken and battered wasn’t a part of the plan but we all know life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans and that’s what happened to Sawyer. So now he finds himself back in the town he grew up in working for the Sheriff’s Department with a boss whose actions are often questionable at best telling him to go out to the Dwyer cabin and check on the person who’s taken up residence in it.
Sawyer expects to find an elderly recluse not Chris Lassiter a hot young author of horror stories whos struggling with writer’s block who’s more than a little bit interested in the sexy, small town deputy sheriff standing on his doorstep. Now all Chris needs to do is convince Sawyer that what he thinks is a bad idea could actually turn out to be the best thing that’s ever happened to either one of them.
Even when Sawyer begins to acknowledge that he’s interested in seeing where things can go between them it becomes a bigger challenge than either man has anticipated with the demands of Sawyer’s job rapidly increasing, as well the pressure on Chris to produce the next bestselling book in his popular horror series is increasing as his time to meet this deadline runs out.
Sawyer and Chris both quickly realize that in spite of the fact, that circumstances should be pulling them apart they seem to be turning to each other with increasing frequency.
I was absolutely crazy for this story when I read the e-book…even if I did get left looking over the edge of a cliff. Still when the opportunity was presented to listen to the story on audio I jumped on it especially when I learned that Sean Crisden was the narrator. Mr. Crisden is one of my absolute favorite narrators. I know when I get a book narrated by him that even if I’m not totally enchanted with the story I’m not going to have an issue with the narration no, in fact I can rest assured that even the worst of stories will become tolerable and as was the case here a story that I already knew I loved just became a whole lot better and more enjoyable.
While I have by no means read every book written by this author, I can honestly say it’s not from lack of desire or willing to do so…sadly, sometimes real life just doesn’t always let us do things as quickly as we’d like to, but for me this one has a bit more of a darker undertone to it than what we usually see from Ms Scott, but I can also say that for as much as I’ve loved her other books that I’ve read, this is definitely one of my favorites and I honestly can’t wait to continue with this series and learn what’s going to happen next.
************************
An audiobook of “What Lies Beneath” was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2020
4,5 stars
What Lies Beneath is definitely my new favourite book and series by RJ Scott’s. The book, and Crisden hooked me from the first minute and I couldn’t stop listening until the book (unfortunately) ended. Now I’m left impatiently waiting for the next audiobook to be produced – and hope it will be released at the same time as the ebook version in February. Hope’s eternal, right?
In the small town of Lancaster Falls everyone knows everyone, there are no secrets and the past is never forgotten. And when rumours start up about the newcomer in town, Sawyer is tasked with checking him out to see if he’s on the up-and-up. He does not expect to find Chris attractive or to have that attraction returned. He does know that this writer spells out trouble with a capital T.
It’s not long until said horror writer stumbles across some old bones long buried. When the bones are uncovered so are the buried but not forgotten memories of the past. The childhood friend, that vanished years ago. The mystery is compelling and gripping and you just want answers to who does the bones belong to? What happened for them to end up there? And what happened to Drew all those years ago? I’m actually loving not having all of them answered immediately. That we, or rather the main characters, have to work for them. Not loving the wait though, but there’s nothing to be done about that.
Sawyer and Chris worked well together. In each other they both found what they needed to move forward from the stand still their lives were currently in. Considering the short timeframe of the book their romance could possibly be classified as an insta-love, but it never felt like one. It felt credible and right.
Sean Crisden really nailed this book. I loved how he added emotion to his narration, varied his tone and intensity to the plot and feel of the book. Some moments you could tell he was equally engrossed in the story as the listener was. Felt the suspense and intensity or even the surprise of the moment. It was always clear who was narrating or talking at any given time. His voices for the characters were clear and distinct, even the secondary ones. It was an easy and great listen beginning to end.
We don’t have all the answers at the end of the book. The overall mystery will (I’m guessing) continue in the next book. However, Sawyer and Chris did find each other in the end. It might not be a happily ever after, but it’s a solid start of a lasting relationship. And considering the short time frame of this book it fits well with the storyline, it’s believable and leaves the listener with hope for the future.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
August 18, 2020
This was a difficult read for me and it mainly is because of the non-existent formatting. There were no spaces between paragraphs and sometimes those new paragraphs were actual scene changes! All of a sudden it is the next day or the MCs were at the crime scene and next thing you know they are in bed! What a mess!
That wasn't all unfortunately.
This book should have been right up my alley. I love romantic suspense. I love small towns. I live very close to where this took place. One of the MCs is a horror author! It had a lot going for it but I just could not get into it.
I don't know if I feel like Sawyer was a good cop. He seemed at all times to have no idea what to do. The only thing he seemed competent in was his off duty investigation and really that is just because he acted like he was capable when it came to that. The rest he seemed to be floundering. I'm a little weird about his back story too.
I don't even know where to begin with Chris. He too seemed pretty incompetent. I get that authors struggle but he just seemed to behave like he was writing his first book, not the third in a best selling series that has been made into blockbuster movies. Did we get any of Chris's back story?
I think I know whodunnit.
Also, I feel like I've read this exact story before. I'm pretty disciplined with keeping track of what I have read and this isn't a book I feel like I've read before and just forgot. I don't know. I just kept feeling like I'd already read it.
I can't say I hated this because I didn't. Once I was into the story it did hold my attention, mostly. I don't know if I really feel like reading the next one but I know if I don't read it now I'll probably never make my way back. Maybe it'll knock my socks off and I'll be totally wrong about the killer.
Sorry, I really wasn't going to say much of anything in this review and just move on...I guess I had more to say about it than I thought I did.
That wasn't all unfortunately.
This book should have been right up my alley. I love romantic suspense. I love small towns. I live very close to where this took place. One of the MCs is a horror author! It had a lot going for it but I just could not get into it.
I don't know if I feel like Sawyer was a good cop. He seemed at all times to have no idea what to do. The only thing he seemed competent in was his off duty investigation and really that is just because he acted like he was capable when it came to that. The rest he seemed to be floundering. I'm a little weird about his back story too.
I don't even know where to begin with Chris. He too seemed pretty incompetent. I get that authors struggle but he just seemed to behave like he was writing his first book, not the third in a best selling series that has been made into blockbuster movies. Did we get any of Chris's back story?
I think I know whodunnit.
Also, I feel like I've read this exact story before. I'm pretty disciplined with keeping track of what I have read and this isn't a book I feel like I've read before and just forgot. I don't know. I just kept feeling like I'd already read it.
I can't say I hated this because I didn't. Once I was into the story it did hold my attention, mostly. I don't know if I really feel like reading the next one but I know if I don't read it now I'll probably never make my way back. Maybe it'll knock my socks off and I'll be totally wrong about the killer.
Sorry, I really wasn't going to say much of anything in this review and just move on...I guess I had more to say about it than I thought I did.
July 22, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I am a big fan of mystery/cop novels and I’m a fan of author R.J. Scott as well, so when the opportunity to read What Lies Beneath came about, I jumped on it. This is the first book in the new Lancaster Falls series and it’s an excellent start. The characters are compelling, the mystery is interesting, and the small town atmosphere has a moody/dark vibe that makes you just know something evil is lurking under everything…not just the lake that’s going down thanks to the intense heat.
I like both Chris and Sawyer. They’re good men and they both have issues they need to work through. I understand Chris’ frustration with his inability to find the words he needs. He’s under pressure from his agent, the publisher, and the movie studio, but his muse has completely left. I’ve been trying to write a book for two years and there are times when I go months without being able to put words on the page. It’s frustrating, and Chris’s frustration really shines through. Now Sawyer…it’s not so much understanding him as feeling sorry for him. Something bad happened with a case he was working in Chicago and it haunts him. He’s frequently tired because of the nightmares he has. He’s also treated poorly by the Captain of the police force…almost like there are things he doesn’t want Sawyer to figure out. Both men are nicely fleshed out and well written.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I am a big fan of mystery/cop novels and I’m a fan of author R.J. Scott as well, so when the opportunity to read What Lies Beneath came about, I jumped on it. This is the first book in the new Lancaster Falls series and it’s an excellent start. The characters are compelling, the mystery is interesting, and the small town atmosphere has a moody/dark vibe that makes you just know something evil is lurking under everything…not just the lake that’s going down thanks to the intense heat.
I like both Chris and Sawyer. They’re good men and they both have issues they need to work through. I understand Chris’ frustration with his inability to find the words he needs. He’s under pressure from his agent, the publisher, and the movie studio, but his muse has completely left. I’ve been trying to write a book for two years and there are times when I go months without being able to put words on the page. It’s frustrating, and Chris’s frustration really shines through. Now Sawyer…it’s not so much understanding him as feeling sorry for him. Something bad happened with a case he was working in Chicago and it haunts him. He’s frequently tired because of the nightmares he has. He’s also treated poorly by the Captain of the police force…almost like there are things he doesn’t want Sawyer to figure out. Both men are nicely fleshed out and well written.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
July 23, 2019
Small towns have a charm all their own, and while this story is full of the wonderful side of Lancaster Falls, Pennsylvania, its quirky inhabitants, and their shared history, it also exposes the drawbacks of everyone being in everyone else’s business. The setup is pretty clear. First, you have “the hottest summer on record” - something I can certainly relate to with climate change causing every summer to be hotter than the one before. Second, there is a stranger in town who lives in a remote cabin and nobody quite knows what to make of him. Third, there are several secrets, some of them very dark and tragic, that get suddenly revealed and cause upheaval all over town. And finally, there is a cop in the tiny police department who not only has recently returned from a stint in Chicago, but also has an insatiable curiosity and a drive to solve every single case he can get his hands on – including police corruption. With ingredients like this added to RJ Scott’s ability to weave an emotional tale, “What Lies Beneath” turned out to be one of the most suspenseful yet entertaining mysteries I have read in a while.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 19, 2019
Oh man, this was a great story. Before I started reading MM romance, I mostly read mysteries so I jump on a lot of them that feature MM couples now more than ever. Sawyer is doing everything he can to keep his hometown safe while slowly allowing himself to heal. Chris throws his carefully constructed world out the window but Chris gives him so much more in love and support that he starts to feel as if he can actually heal.
Chris helps Sawyer deal with all that is going on around him and the fall out of finding the bones in the reservoir and what they may mean for the town. The best and worst part is we don’t learn everything yet and it will continue in another story, so yay for the next book and boo for having to wait. I am looking forward to Logan and Drew’s story and seeing how Drew takes being back in his hometown after so long.
I received an ARC of this book and am giving an honest review.
Chris helps Sawyer deal with all that is going on around him and the fall out of finding the bones in the reservoir and what they may mean for the town. The best and worst part is we don’t learn everything yet and it will continue in another story, so yay for the next book and boo for having to wait. I am looking forward to Logan and Drew’s story and seeing how Drew takes being back in his hometown after so long.
I received an ARC of this book and am giving an honest review.
December 21, 2020
I shouldn't have loved this book. It's dark and gritty and it ends with a freaking cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers.
But I loved this book.
I loved Chris and his no nonsense attitude.
I loved Sawyer and his grumpy but soft self.
I loved the small town and most of the people being in there.
The mystery was intense and so far I have no idea what's what.
On to the next one. I need to know what is happening.
While the mystery is gritty the romance between Sawyer and Chris is sweet and easy balancing it up in the best of ways.
But I loved this book.
I loved Chris and his no nonsense attitude.
I loved Sawyer and his grumpy but soft self.
I loved the small town and most of the people being in there.
The mystery was intense and so far I have no idea what's what.
On to the next one. I need to know what is happening.
While the mystery is gritty the romance between Sawyer and Chris is sweet and easy balancing it up in the best of ways.
May 19, 2020
Well that was unexpected ... really enjoyed this mystery. Great characters, clever storyline with more to come. It took me a little bit to get started .. but the seeds were certainly set. Here’s to book 2
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 22, 2020DNF ~40%
Bored now. I tried. Moving on.
Bored now. I tried. Moving on.
February 8, 2020
When I started this book I thought the whole series was out!! 😫😪
I feel in love with both Chris and Sawyer, each were struggling in their own way, Chris with his writers block and Sawyer with his past when he was an undercover policeman in Chicago.
When Chris and a fellow jogger found some bones under a bridge it threw the small town into speculation thinking he or she was the missing teen Casey who had disappeared many years ago.
R.J. Scott gave his readers a small history on a few of the towns people which caused much suspicion and speculation on what actually happen to poor Casey 🤨🤔.
I listen to this on audio and Sean Crisden did a fantastic job!!! I'm looking forward to reading the next book as soon as it becomes available.
I feel in love with both Chris and Sawyer, each were struggling in their own way, Chris with his writers block and Sawyer with his past when he was an undercover policeman in Chicago.
When Chris and a fellow jogger found some bones under a bridge it threw the small town into speculation thinking he or she was the missing teen Casey who had disappeared many years ago.
R.J. Scott gave his readers a small history on a few of the towns people which caused much suspicion and speculation on what actually happen to poor Casey 🤨🤔.
I listen to this on audio and Sean Crisden did a fantastic job!!! I'm looking forward to reading the next book as soon as it becomes available.
August 28, 2020
"I doubted my die-hard fans wanted sex and kissing unless it was done with some terrible motive, but I didn't say that."
Story: 7
Writing: 7
First MC: 9
Second MC: 8
Secondary characters: 6
Mystery: 7
Sexual tension: 6
Humor: 4
Hotness: 5
Product placement: 3
Ridiculousness: 2
Annoying: 2
Ending: 5
Audio: 10 (5h 44min)
To re-read: 5
hmmm cliffhanger we don't solve the mystery and the 2nd book has different MCs 😳
Story: 7
Writing: 7
First MC: 9
Second MC: 8
Secondary characters: 6
Mystery: 7
Sexual tension: 6
Humor: 4
Hotness: 5
Product placement: 3
Ridiculousness: 2
Annoying: 2
Ending: 5
Audio: 10 (5h 44min)
To re-read: 5
hmmm cliffhanger we don't solve the mystery and the 2nd book has different MCs 😳
September 10, 2019
*** 4.25 Stars ***
January 9, 2020
4,5 stars.
Loved the guys. Can't wait for the follow up.
December 6, 2020
Chris is a horror writer who has come to a small town cabin in a desperate attempt to break through writer's block. His last two books were a huge hit, turned into movies, and now he owes the studio a third novel, and the well has run dry. In this moody little town with a reservoir going stagnant during a drought, with just his dog for company, he hopes to find some kind of spark. What he finds, is a skull in the mud under the bridge.
Sawyer is second in command in the local police department, under a chief he despises. He left a big city law enforcement career after a traumatic experience, and has plans to do a good job as a local cop in his quiet home town. That resolve is being challenged by his attraction to Chris - when he's determined not to pursue a gay relationship where the town can see - by the sudden onset of a case that hits close to home, and by his conflicts with local power structures.
The relationship and characters are engaging here. The end to the romance element is a HFN. But the mystery is barely gathering speed at the end of this installment, and new characters appear on the last pages. Luckily, all three books of this trilogy are now out, because this one is appealing but does not stand alone.
Sawyer is second in command in the local police department, under a chief he despises. He left a big city law enforcement career after a traumatic experience, and has plans to do a good job as a local cop in his quiet home town. That resolve is being challenged by his attraction to Chris - when he's determined not to pursue a gay relationship where the town can see - by the sudden onset of a case that hits close to home, and by his conflicts with local power structures.
The relationship and characters are engaging here. The end to the romance element is a HFN. But the mystery is barely gathering speed at the end of this installment, and new characters appear on the last pages. Luckily, all three books of this trilogy are now out, because this one is appealing but does not stand alone.
July 25, 2019
While soft on the heat index, this was still an intriguing story that pulled me in from page one: a brooding, somewhat reclusive author living with his dog in a remote cabin, a weary cop returning to his hometown for quieter times and to nurse his somewhat damaged psyche. Throw in an overzealous minister and a corrupt mayor with secrets of his own. Throw in a murder....or three...and you've got me hook, line and sinker.
August 18, 2019
This was fabulous! I actually started this one with NO IDEA what this book was even about. I’ll admit, I saw that it was an RJ Scott novel and I didn’t really care about anything else. She’s one of my go-to authors, so as soon as I saw it, all I could think was that I needed to read it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Honestly, I started it thinking “I’ll read a couple of chapters before bed” and then suddenly it was midnight and I was over half way through the book! I was hooked from the start and wanted to keep on reading.
I was surprised too by the way the story progressed. I expected it to be much lighter than it was (that’s my own fault for not reading the blurb) but I was actually so pleased to find that this was much more than a fluffy romance. This was a mix of exciting genres and storylines... there was romance, crime, mystery, drama... it really had everything!
I loved Sawyer and Chris together. They really worked well together and their connection was wonderful from the very first moment. I am such a sucker for the tortured cop types... Sawyer was like my perfect character! Both of them are genuinely great people, and they’re interesting too. They’ve both got a past, but together that just doesn’t matter anymore. They care and support each other and it’s so gooooood!
The romance was sweet and wonderful, but the rest of the story was always so intriguing. I came for RJ’s amazing romances and I kept reading because I just needed to know more. I can’t wait for the next book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Honestly, I started it thinking “I’ll read a couple of chapters before bed” and then suddenly it was midnight and I was over half way through the book! I was hooked from the start and wanted to keep on reading.
I was surprised too by the way the story progressed. I expected it to be much lighter than it was (that’s my own fault for not reading the blurb) but I was actually so pleased to find that this was much more than a fluffy romance. This was a mix of exciting genres and storylines... there was romance, crime, mystery, drama... it really had everything!
I loved Sawyer and Chris together. They really worked well together and their connection was wonderful from the very first moment. I am such a sucker for the tortured cop types... Sawyer was like my perfect character! Both of them are genuinely great people, and they’re interesting too. They’ve both got a past, but together that just doesn’t matter anymore. They care and support each other and it’s so gooooood!
The romance was sweet and wonderful, but the rest of the story was always so intriguing. I came for RJ’s amazing romances and I kept reading because I just needed to know more. I can’t wait for the next book!
September 9, 2019
An intriguing mystery!
Actually, I should say it’s a yet-to-be-solved intriguing mystery because we’re not even close to finding out what happened. Curioser and curioser 🧐
There has been so many reviews saying this is what mystery done right looks like. I’ll admit I found the pacing a little slow but in hindsight, I enjoyed the slower pace, it allows us to really get to know the town and it’s people. I’m hoping we’re given all the clues to solve this mystery together with the cops in this book. And not just have the ultimate villain thrown at us without so much as a hint of their existence.
I’m hopeful we’ll avoid that kind of trickery from this masterful author but I suppose we’ll only find out in the last book end of this year? 🤨
All in all, an intriguing storyline and characters who’ve left an impression 🤩
Actually, I should say it’s a yet-to-be-solved intriguing mystery because we’re not even close to finding out what happened. Curioser and curioser 🧐
There has been so many reviews saying this is what mystery done right looks like. I’ll admit I found the pacing a little slow but in hindsight, I enjoyed the slower pace, it allows us to really get to know the town and it’s people. I’m hoping we’re given all the clues to solve this mystery together with the cops in this book. And not just have the ultimate villain thrown at us without so much as a hint of their existence.
I’m hopeful we’ll avoid that kind of trickery from this masterful author but I suppose we’ll only find out in the last book end of this year? 🤨
All in all, an intriguing storyline and characters who’ve left an impression 🤩
April 21, 2020
I'm having a hard time really getting into my books lately so it took me a while to finish this but I did like it quite a bit. Spooky writer and small town cop with a mystery and murder thrown in there. Yes, please. Great setup for the next book in the series seeing as nothing's really been solved and I really need to know.
Read
November 15, 2020DNF
July 22, 2019
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Oh wow! This is such a brilliant start to a new series! This atmospheric murder mystery is a huge departure from anything else I’ve read by RJ Scott and it’s a wonderfully eerie slow burn suspense. It took me until the end of the story to realise that the murder mystery will play out across the whole series - this first book only really sets the scene - and I’m already desperate for book 2.
The focus of this first book is the discovery of human remains by Sawyer, a small town cop - and the unlikely romance that develops between Sawyer and Chris, a horror writer new to Sawyer’s hometown. The mystery is more the focus of the book than the romance but with Sawyer born and raised in Lancaster Falls and Chris observing the town as an outsider, readers benefit from two very different perspectives on a town that feels a little bit creepier with each page.
I love the complicated relationships between the inhabitants of Lancaster Falls and I love the many secrets that start to unravel with the discovery of the bodies. Chris’ perspective is coloured both by his imagination and his work as a horror author while Sawyer’s observations are influenced by childhood experiences. Neither is a terribly reliable narrator and I love that readers have to fill in the gaps between the two perspectives for themselves.
Everything about this story feels entirely different from what I expect from RJ Scott. There is a definite Scandi Noir feel to the book with the claustrophobic small town America setting reminding me of the TV show True Detective. The characters make repeated references to horror writers like Stephen King which also fits. I really love this book and I can’t wait to get my hands on the whole series.
Oh wow! This is such a brilliant start to a new series! This atmospheric murder mystery is a huge departure from anything else I’ve read by RJ Scott and it’s a wonderfully eerie slow burn suspense. It took me until the end of the story to realise that the murder mystery will play out across the whole series - this first book only really sets the scene - and I’m already desperate for book 2.
The focus of this first book is the discovery of human remains by Sawyer, a small town cop - and the unlikely romance that develops between Sawyer and Chris, a horror writer new to Sawyer’s hometown. The mystery is more the focus of the book than the romance but with Sawyer born and raised in Lancaster Falls and Chris observing the town as an outsider, readers benefit from two very different perspectives on a town that feels a little bit creepier with each page.
I love the complicated relationships between the inhabitants of Lancaster Falls and I love the many secrets that start to unravel with the discovery of the bodies. Chris’ perspective is coloured both by his imagination and his work as a horror author while Sawyer’s observations are influenced by childhood experiences. Neither is a terribly reliable narrator and I love that readers have to fill in the gaps between the two perspectives for themselves.
Everything about this story feels entirely different from what I expect from RJ Scott. There is a definite Scandi Noir feel to the book with the claustrophobic small town America setting reminding me of the TV show True Detective. The characters make repeated references to horror writers like Stephen King which also fits. I really love this book and I can’t wait to get my hands on the whole series.
July 18, 2019
The first book in the Lancaster Falls m/m mystery-romance series arrived and I excitedly dove in. The plot line was engaging and the underlying mysteries satisfying. The character development was strong and the dog is amazing and a well-developed character written by someone who clearly knows canines (always a selling point for me). But then I got to the end. And I felt like I’d just sat down to watch a season finale only to be hit with an unexpected “To Be Continued”. While some story arcs were completed, there were some that were not and some new cans of worms opened up. I wasn’t expecting that. Every other RJ Scott book I’ve ever read gave me my guaranteed HEA. And it’s not even that I don’t have plans to read the rest of the series, because I certainly will. But they’re not written yet. Which means I essentially feel like I hit an indeterminate ending and I’m far too impatient to appreciate that particular literary device. All that being said, the novel is good (otherwise I wouldn’t care about the loose ends), the romance is satisfying and the suspense is well crafted. I fully recommend the book. But if you like neat tidy fully-wrapped endings, you may want to wait until you can read the entire series at once (book 2 has a planned release date of Fall 2019 and the third is slated for Spring 2020).
November 20, 2019
4.5 Stars
This was so different to the romance that I'm used to from RJ Scott, but I loved it. Yes, there was romance, but there was also death and mystery and police business.
When horror writer Chris Lassiter moves into the haunted house near Iron Lake in PA, he's got the small town wondering who he is and what he's doing there. Officer Sawyer Wiseman is elected to meet the new addition and scope him out.
When Chris finds a skull near the lake while running, the town's missing person is suspected, which has everyone worried. When the bones turn up to be more than one person, mystery surrounds Sawyer and he's got to figure out not only who the bones belong to, but how they got there.
I really listened to this audio. I paid close attention to the words and it just really highlighted how talented RJ Scott is at telling a story. From the horrors of writer's block, to the descriptions of people and places and backgrounds. It amazed me so much.
You can't go wrong with a Sean Crisden audio book. There were so many characters in this story and he nailed each one. I had no issues knowing who was speaking at all, and loved how he portrayed Sawyer.
This was a wonderful listen and I can't wait until the next book in the series is out!
*Audio copy generously provided in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted.*
This was so different to the romance that I'm used to from RJ Scott, but I loved it. Yes, there was romance, but there was also death and mystery and police business.
When horror writer Chris Lassiter moves into the haunted house near Iron Lake in PA, he's got the small town wondering who he is and what he's doing there. Officer Sawyer Wiseman is elected to meet the new addition and scope him out.
When Chris finds a skull near the lake while running, the town's missing person is suspected, which has everyone worried. When the bones turn up to be more than one person, mystery surrounds Sawyer and he's got to figure out not only who the bones belong to, but how they got there.
I really listened to this audio. I paid close attention to the words and it just really highlighted how talented RJ Scott is at telling a story. From the horrors of writer's block, to the descriptions of people and places and backgrounds. It amazed me so much.
You can't go wrong with a Sean Crisden audio book. There were so many characters in this story and he nailed each one. I had no issues knowing who was speaking at all, and loved how he portrayed Sawyer.
This was a wonderful listen and I can't wait until the next book in the series is out!
*Audio copy generously provided in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted.*
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