Fatal Shadows

The Adrien English Mysteries

By: Josh Lanyon

Narrated by: Chris Patton

Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Someone's out to get Los Angeles bookseller Adrien English. His best friend has been viciously murdered, now he's getting weird phone calls and sinister gifts from a mysterious "admirer." The cops think he's trying to divert suspicion from himself - with the exception of sexy and homophobic homicide detective Jake Riordan. Is Riordan really such a great detective - or does he have a few secrets of his own? Is his offer to help Adrien on the level or is he out to nail his favorite suspect - to the wall?

©Copyright 2012 Josh Lanyon (P)2012 Josh Lanyon

Absolutely fantastic!! Josh Lanyon is a terrific

Josh Lanyon is a terrific author and Chris Patton did Lanyon's story justice. I never used audible before and I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to this series.

Reviewing series overall

First thought, "ew, I hate this old timey crap". But then the characters grabbed me and the story arc grabbed me. By the end this series has become a favorite. A slow burn love story, a rare find today. Complicated characters without the soap operatic problems of poor decision making. This series has been listened to 5 times in the 2 weeks since purchased. I'm just not ready to break my tie to Adrien.

Beginning of a series[sic] friendship

Would you consider the audio edition of Fatal Shadows to be better than the print version?

After reading the entire Adrien English series I was looking for a way to introduce Josh Lanyon's work to a dear friend of mine who didn't have the opportunity to read the books. But I knew he liked audiobooks. So I was excited to find "Fatal Shadows" listed at audible.com. After listening to it myself first, I can say in all honesty that the tone of the story is successfully translated into sound thanks to Chris Patton's sensitive use of his fabulous voice.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

From the very start the listener gets a mental image of the characters involved and is drawn into the plot as Adrien's story unfolds. There is murder, suspense, old friends and handsome strangers, and the question of whom to trust.

If you could rename Fatal Shadows, what would you call it?

Although I'd never dare to question Josh Lanyon's excellent choice of title, if asked what alternative I would have chosen instead of "Fatal Shadows" it would be something along the line of "A Wounded Heart" or "Perpetual Check".

Any additional comments?

Hopefully Chris Patton is going to record the other four books of the Adrien English mysteries as well. I'm looking forward to their release in the near future.

Can't wait for the rest!

I love Josh Lanyon's books, and I was so excited to see the audiobook for this one (makes washing dishes and walking the dogs much less boring)!

It always takes a bit to get used to a different reader, but once I started listening I was hooked. Now I can't wait for the rest of this series!!

Great start to the series!

It took me a while but I finally 'read' my first Adrien English mystery! I'm not sure why I waited so long particularly with all the rave reviews about the series. And really, being Josh Lanyon, it was always going to be a hit!

I say I 'read' the book because I actually listened to the audio version from Audible. I do own the Kindle version but when I saw that Audible had the first three books for only $1.99 each I could not resist. It was one of the best decisions I have made - I was totally prepared to Whispersync back to the written version but found I LOVED the audio version.

The story is narrated by Chris Patton who did an absolutely fabulous job. Yes, he had a wonderful, quality story to work with but he so totally did justice to the book! His voice and style seemed to match the story and he lent a perfect voice to Adrien. His strength is his ability to perfectly capture the emotion of the story and I loved the way his inflections and tone replicated what was happening. For example, if he narrated the words "he grumbled" then the dialogue was actually grumbled. Dectective Riordan had a deeper, sexy voice and even the women were well done - Lisa, Adrien's mother being voiced fabulously!

I really enjoyed the whole story and the mystery. I liked the descriptive style of the story and loved Adrien. Maybe a touch more romance wouldn't have gone astray but with another four books to go in the series, I am sure it will get there!

Came for Josh, stayed for Chris

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I'd recommend it to the extent that I have a thing about reading a series completely. But I struggled to finish it. There were a lot of threads to follow. I got confused and stopped caring about who did it.

Would you recommend Fatal Shadows to your friends? Why or why not?

Josh Lanyon is one of the best out there. I still have more of her work to read, but I can't say that this was her finest effort. Maybe it was my difficulty in feeling sympathy for Adrien English. He was a bit of a tool. Why people felt pulled to his acerbic personality was the real mystery. I hope I warm to him.

Which scene was your favorite?

I did like the coffee klatsch that Adrien held at the bookstore with the other writers. It rung true, and was really funny to me.

Was Fatal Shadows worth the listening time?

Five hours and twenty five minutes. Sure. I wouldn't ask for my money back. It wasn't poorly written, and where I thought the story flagged, the narrator kept me invested. Perhaps it was just a little over-complicated, maybe it could have been a little tighter. I just can't gush over it.

Any additional comments?

I liked the narrator, Chris Patton. He didn't camp up the gay voices, and the women's voices weren't comically breathy. They do that sometimes. It drives me up a wall.

Wonderful read as always

There was nothing I disliked. This author is always satisfying to read, each story different, cannot wait to read next story in this series.

WOW.... just wow.....

Would you consider the audio edition of Fatal Shadows to be better than the print version?

Both are great....

Have you listened to any of Chris Patton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first with Chris Patton but boy he nails it.....

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughed out loud often...First, I am not gay and I only recently discovered Josh Lanyon due to a free download from Amazon...But I have about 25 books now.... and I think Adrien (with an E) English has to be one of my all time favorite series...The growth of the relationship between a man, who is so far back in the closet he would need a flashlight to find the door and a man who openly accepts who he is, is amazing... thru each book, the relationship is strong and so turbulent at times.... I just wanted to slap the shit out of both of them at different times.... love the characters, and Adrien's crazy family....I just can't say enough good things about this author.....Did I mention how much I love the characters...GREAT series.

Best narration in any audio book I've read so far.

Big fan of Josh Lanyon- I read everything he writes. I've only listened a few audio books but I've enjoyed it immensely. I've discovered I enjoy listening to books while I walk my dog!

Good mystery

Where does Fatal Shadows rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

it ranks high up. The right narrator and a good story. I love a good mystery. And though there is no 'obvious' romance I enjoyed it. I think this is one of these books where you either get into it or not.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I like Adrien, but then he is the main character. So I'd say I like his mother Lisa. She is so funny without meaning to be.

Have you listened to any of Chris Patton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No this is the first book.
I've listen to the rest of the series. Worth mentioning he gained some confidence with every book. First book he seems I don't know maybe nervous or trying hard. But towards the end he was there.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Polka dress"

Any additional comments?

This is one of my favorite series. There is a mystery: who did it? and why.
The narrator was great. Each character has a different pitch or voice. And you know when Adrien is speaking out loud or thinking. You won't get lost.