His romantic weekend in ruins, shy 20-something artist Perry Foster learns that things can always get worse when he returns home from San Francisco to find a dead body in his bathtub. A dead body in a very ugly sportscoat - and matching socks. The dead man is a stranger to Perry, but that's not much of a comfort; how did a strange dead man get in a locked flat at the isolated Alton Estate in the wilds of the 'Northeast Kingdom' of Vermont? Perry turns to help from 'tall, dark and hostile' former navy SEAL Nick Reno - but is Reno all that he seems?
**This title contains gay erotic content**
©2008 - 2013 MLR Press (P)2012 Josh Lanyon
"Thoroughly enjoyable mystery/romance"
One of the best I've listened to -- by far. The voice narration -- nay, voice acting -- was exceptional, vividly portraying each character, making them easily recognizable without any attribution. It was a little scary how good they were. Accents were good, even making different Vermonters recognizable.
The book itself is a great old atmospheric gothic tale, though more like the Hardy Boys than an overblown Gothic romance might imply. The atmosphere, descriptions and wry humor were all spot on. Just great stuff.
Perry, who was both a slightly fragile man and a really sarcastic bastard. A bit like Lanyon's Adrien English, but more artistic and painterly.
Oh man, they were all good. Mrs Mac was both funny and scary. Nick was a great gruff, traditionally masculine voice (sexy!) and all the Vermont accents were spot-on. If pressed, I'd have to pick Nick.
As if Perry didn't have enough problems, now he's got a dead body in his bathtub. At least, it was there, and now it's not. The cops aren't particularly getting called out in this weather. What is going on in that great old weird mansion? Is every one of his fellow renters crazy, or is it just the hunt for lost treasure making them act that way? Who keeps murdering people?
"Great murder mystery"
I would totally recommend this book to friends as it is a good, old-fashioned (with a twist or two) murder mystery set in a crumbling mansion. The action (of all sorts!) proceeds at a nice pace, tension building to a great finish. The supporting characters add local color and this listener could really imagine himself at the scene of the action.
I really liked Nick- everything you expect in a Navy Seal and more. Miller's acting (it's really more than just reading) is fantastic, accents and all. He captured the characters so well.
I would have loved to listen to this book in one sitting. However, I mostly listened during my public transit/walking commute to work. The story/performance made my daily commute fly by for a few days!
I will definitely look up more books by Josh Layton!
Susinok
"Very enjoyable story and narration."
I have not read this book before, and the story was very entertaining. The narration of all the characters, even for the secondary characters with their East Coast accents was extremely well done.
I loved Perry. Such a sweetheart. I laughed when he turned down an offer of a beer because he had already brushed his teeth that evening.
Good voices, nice inflection and professional narration.
I like the name as it is. What kind of question is that?
Escapist
"Wonderful stand alone from Josh Lanyon"
Unknown
Perry's spirit and very dry sense of humor, and stone-cold Nicks unthawing the longer he was around Perry.
Fairly good narrator for this story. Would have liked a bit more lower range in his voice, especially for Nick.
I hope there is NEVER a movie made from this wonderful story. Hollywood NEVER gets it right unless the author is in complete control. And unless Josh becomes JK Rowling overnight... that's not going to happen. Leave it be.
A well written murder mystery surrounded by a love story. Well done!
"Hardly a Ghost Story"
Perhaps not a true ghost story, but it is a great story. And it is both entertaining and thought provoking since it is a "who done it" type of story. It is also a decent piece of gay fiction that pairs unlikely lovers in a unique setting. I liked it a lot.
"Wow!"
I've read the book, and just could not get into it. With the audio, Perry & Nick just came to life!
Perry discovering the body in the bath tub to start with, but I don't want to give away any thing for the next reader or listener.
To begin with, Max did a great job with Perry & Nick's voices. Could actually visualize them in my mind. Also did a great job with the secondary voices.
Did kind of tense up on the more suspenseful parts and had a couple of aaaaah moments.
I would highly recommend, especially if you had a little trouble with the book. If you loved the book, then this will be a really special treat!
"Loved it"
The reader took a little to get used to, but I've noticed that's the case for me with most books I listen to. But once I was into it I loved it. This is one of my favorite books and being able to listen to it while doing other things is absolutely wonderful!
AkitaZone
"It was Colonel Mustard in the..."
A classic “CLUE” game whodunit very well written. The relationship between Perry and Nick grows into something unexpected. For Perry, I thought it was a coming of age – reaffirming his manhood and adulthood all in one. For Nick, letting go and embracing who he is, what he wants and eventually what warms his heart to complete him.
At first Perry seems somewhat fragile but he is not – just a little naive and inexperienced but in all reality he is just young. Nick on the other hand – X- Navy Seal has been there; done that and has very little patience for anyone let alone a mystery.
I love the “target practice” scene – ANY questions ??? LOL
A very touching romantic story
"Let the journey begin..."
As far as skill, it was very skillfully written but I don't have the urge to listen to it a second time.
Yes.
When Nick sees the ambulance.
Perry. He's got a lot of heart.
The pace of the book was great, the story well done. The characters were real, very real in fact. The whole 'boy' with 'man' thing was starting to get creepy by the point when one is referred to as smelling of 'boy sweat', but otherwise, it was a good fun listen. The voice actor made the characters come to life and his wide range really did justice to the story. It has a lot of twists and turns that get wrapped up rather nicely. I'm glad I gave this one a shot after Darkling Thrush because it's a better book. I recommend it.
p.s. I believe this is a non American author, we don't call 'our room' 'our rooms', we don't say 'what was he doing in my rooms', or 'my apartments', 'she went to her rooms', yeah, that was a bit distracting but once you get past that, it was good.