The long anticipated third novel in the Adrien English series finds the "ill-starred and bookish" mystery writer and bookseller battling dem...
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Dec 07, 2011
Mel
rated it: 
The Hell you Say is the third book in the Adrien English Mysteries and I can say I now fully understand the obsession some people seem to have with this series.
Not that I didn't like the first two books, I did. But this one I LOVED!
I love Josh Lanyon's writing. It's witty and engaging. It evokes emotion without being overly dramatic. Adrien doesn't spell out his feelings or his heart ache for the reader. The angst, the pain, the loneliness... it's there, but it isn't overdraw More...
Not that I didn't like the first two books, I did. But this one I LOVED!
I love Josh Lanyon's writing. It's witty and engaging. It evokes emotion without being overly dramatic. Adrien doesn't spell out his feelings or his heart ache for the reader. The angst, the pain, the loneliness... it's there, but it isn't overdraw More...
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Jul 08, 2011
Paola
rated it:
Many reviewers have hailed The Hell You Say as the best book of the Adrien English series of the first three, and I tend to agree, but I can’t deny I also greatly enjoyed the first two, which did an excellent job of establishing character psychology and dynamic, while sustaining the reader’s interest in the murder mystery as well as the reader’s investment in the characters.
I also thought the first two books were very successful in establishing Adrien’s distinct and always compelling ‘voic More...
I also thought the first two books were very successful in establishing Adrien’s distinct and always compelling ‘voic More...
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Mar 16, 2011
Endless
rated it: 
...wait..how do you end a book with a call which is about to be answered? Of course you want us to read the 4th installment of the series don't you Mr. Lanyon!? And aren't i the fortunate one to have started reading this series when you've already finished writing the last book!? Oh yes i consider myself quite fortunate 'cos this series is good. <spoiler> Even though you make your readers re-visit the trials and tribulations of real life with the fictitious characters of your imagination.
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Nov 23, 2011
Yvonne
rated it: 
I liked the writing and Adrien's sense of humor. It seemed particularly sharp and contributed to the enjoyable portions of this story. I was initially interested in the satanic cult storyline but the resolution and how it just happened and then it was over just felt flat. There were side issues with Adrien's mom, Lisa getting engaged and having to deal with potential in laws. This part was OK. I don't really like Lisa as she doesn't do too much listening and appear self centered. In other words
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May 18, 2008
Writerlibrarian
rated it: 
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Jan 14, 2012
Moss
rated it:
Insert superlative here.
Josh Lanyon, I wuvvvv youuuu.
RTC.
Josh Lanyon, I wuvvvv youuuu.
RTC.
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Jul 31, 2011
Angel
rated it:
This has to be the low point of the series for me. It's well-written and well-researched, as always, hence saving the book from a 2 rating, but...but...
I've read a lot of Lanyon by now and though I sometimes grouse about abrupt endings and the occasional one-note character, I always come away feeling satisfied in every sense that matters. Not this time. This book left me drained. By the end, I was weary and angry. Only the fact that I knew there would be more and that this bleak epis More...
I've read a lot of Lanyon by now and though I sometimes grouse about abrupt endings and the occasional one-note character, I always come away feeling satisfied in every sense that matters. Not this time. This book left me drained. By the end, I was weary and angry. Only the fact that I knew there would be more and that this bleak epis More...
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Jul 08, 2011
Trix
rated it:
This story gets about 4.5 stars!
The reason why this rates less than the previous one is because of the rollercoaster of emotions displayed, because it would be hard to read that again. The moment Adrien was prevented to visit Jake in the hospital (after the accident) and had to contend himself with only peek while strolling by, I suspected that Adrien (and the reader) will be in a lot of pain. It turned out true by the end of the book. I was crushed by Jake's ruthlessness. There was More...
The reason why this rates less than the previous one is because of the rollercoaster of emotions displayed, because it would be hard to read that again. The moment Adrien was prevented to visit Jake in the hospital (after the accident) and had to contend himself with only peek while strolling by, I suspected that Adrien (and the reader) will be in a lot of pain. It turned out true by the end of the book. I was crushed by Jake's ruthlessness. There was More...
Apr 07, 2011
ALPHAreader
rated it:
The third book in Josh Lanyon’s ‘Adrien English’ series proves to be just as good as its predecessors.
In this book Lanyon adds onto the cast of secondary characters by having Adrien’s society-belle mother marry a middle-aged councilman. The extended family make witty fodder for Adrien as he inherits three step sisters – all of whom are statuesque maidens Adrien coquettishly calls a ‘harem’.
Also joining the cast of secondary characters is University occult lecturer, Guy Snowde More...
In this book Lanyon adds onto the cast of secondary characters by having Adrien’s society-belle mother marry a middle-aged councilman. The extended family make witty fodder for Adrien as he inherits three step sisters – all of whom are statuesque maidens Adrien coquettishly calls a ‘harem’.
Also joining the cast of secondary characters is University occult lecturer, Guy Snowde More...
Jan 27, 2011
Teresa
rated it:
Things are worse romantically for Adrien English, bookseller and amateur sleuth, even as his mother's long dormant romantic life is finally flourishing. It seems marriage is in the air, and not just for Lisa. Even his creepy shop assistant, Angus, has someone. When Angus starts getting threatening calls at the bookstore, Adrien urges him to take his girlfriend on vacation, to let it all blow over. Of course, things develop to gale force winds that threaten to knock down not just Angus but our he
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Nov 28, 2010
Indigene
rated it:
College student Angus Gordon has been working at Cloak and Dagger Books as an assistant for almost a year. Although Adrien thinks that he is a touch on the strange side, what with his interest in the occult, he is a good employee. Besides, Adrien firmly believes that he’s young and will outgrow this nonsense, eventually. When Angus starts receiving strange and progressively life-threatening phone calls Adrien comes to his rescue by providing the means for Angus to disappear for a while at least
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Jun 05, 2010
Nikki
rated it:
My rating of this (three stars rather than four: the difference between "liked it" and "really liked it") is totally biased by the fact that it broke my heart slightly. It isn't a surprise -- things had to get worse, in the relationship Adrien was in, before they had a chance to get better, if they do get better. But I didn't want it to happen. Jake, while not actually spending much time with Adrien, is throughout the narrative nonetheless, there at every turn and not letting
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May 29, 2011
Bee
rated it:
In this third book Christmas is approaching, putting everything in Adrien's life on edge. His mother is getting married, bringing Adrien smack-dab into a new family; his relationship with Jake is getting complicated; and his employee, Angus, is getting threatening phone calls from people in his satanistic cult. While working on fixing all his problems Adrien unintentionally puts himself in the middle of both a crime investigation and a devil worshiping cultist scheme. Life isn't easy.
A More...
A More...
Aug 28, 2010
Luna
rated it:
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Dec 26, 2010
Lee
rated it:
I'm very much enjoying reading this series. However, that said, I spent a lot of the time I was reading this particular addition to the series, wavering between annoyed and angry. Which isn't to say that it isn't an excellent book. And a good mystery. And a whole host of other things, including packed with humor. It was the romance, the side story that bothered me. The interaction between Adrien and Jake in this story was what had me bouncing between annoyance and anger. I even managed as far as
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May 18, 2010
Lisa
rated it:
To paraphrase Nigel Tufnel, this book literally goes to eleven. Josh Lanyon gave me that extra push over the cliff and put it up to eleven. Eleven. Exactly. One louder.
My heart feels a little like Adrien's damaged little ticker right now. As much as I've enjoyed the romantic subplot of this series, it's been the mysteries that have truly held my attention...until now. In The Hell You Say, while the mystery was still fascinating and fantastic, the romantic elements between Jake and Ad More...
My heart feels a little like Adrien's damaged little ticker right now. As much as I've enjoyed the romantic subplot of this series, it's been the mysteries that have truly held my attention...until now. In The Hell You Say, while the mystery was still fascinating and fantastic, the romantic elements between Jake and Ad More...
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Jun 26, 2009
Ami
rated it:
The 3rd book of Adrien English's mystery was more complex in the murder mystery part. However, I did not really care about the whole witch craft and demon occult issue. It was Adrien's personal life that hooked me in the first place. I enjoyed meeting the new family that Adrien had, now that his mother decided to remarry -- and his new stepfather had three girls in tow. I liked to read Adrien's interaction with youngest, Emma.
I read how fans wanted to serve Jake's head in a platter b More...
I read how fans wanted to serve Jake's head in a platter b More...
Feb 07, 2011
Nancy
rated it:
I read the entire Adrien English series over the course of a week, staying up to finish each book. It is definitely a series that will haunt me for a long time. While I will very likely re-read the series again (and again), I don't know that I could bring myself to read THYS again - it was simply too painful.
I wanted Jake to stop lying to everybody, I hated him for what he puts Adrien through, and I the same time I mourned for Jake himself and his life of lies. It was an actual physical More...
I wanted Jake to stop lying to everybody, I hated him for what he puts Adrien through, and I the same time I mourned for Jake himself and his life of lies. It was an actual physical More...
Sep 21, 2009
Kathy
rated it:
4.5 stars ~ Love, love, LOVE Adrien English! Even without the romance Josh Lanyon's mysteries would be a favourite; with the romance they're incomparable.
With each Adrien English story I've become more addicted to Josh Lanyon's writing. His mastery over the mystery is fantastic, his characters are people, regular people with all the flaws and foibles with which humans are cursed... or blessed. The suspense which builds, sometimes slowly, sometimes at the speed of light, ofte More...
With each Adrien English story I've become more addicted to Josh Lanyon's writing. His mastery over the mystery is fantastic, his characters are people, regular people with all the flaws and foibles with which humans are cursed... or blessed. The suspense which builds, sometimes slowly, sometimes at the speed of light, ofte More...
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Aug 26, 2011
Gor93ous
rated it:
2.5 stars.
The story builds up quite well, but the ending is not that satisfying at all. Too abrupt for my liking. I think "Fatal Shadows" and "A Dangerous Thing" endings are by far more decent than this.
I love the angst displayed generously in this particular book, so perhaps it should deserve 3 stars at least. But no, because of the supposedly attractive Guy Snowden wasn't attractive at all. Not only his character wasn't well-developed, but it was also stated More...
The story builds up quite well, but the ending is not that satisfying at all. Too abrupt for my liking. I think "Fatal Shadows" and "A Dangerous Thing" endings are by far more decent than this.
I love the angst displayed generously in this particular book, so perhaps it should deserve 3 stars at least. But no, because of the supposedly attractive Guy Snowden wasn't attractive at all. Not only his character wasn't well-developed, but it was also stated More...
Jan 05, 2012
Sweetp-1
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Feb 21, 2011
Kate
rated it:
The mystery in this was less interesting that in the previous two Adrien English mysteries. I just wasn't taken in by the Satanic Cult reveal, I suppose I was hoping for it to have turned out to be something far more mundane and far more sinister or such like.
The romance parts were stronger. I appreciate that Lanyon had the guts to break up Adrien and Jakes fairly doomed relationship and I cried like the complete girl that I am when Jake dumped him. Unfortunately I don't find Guy a compel More...
The romance parts were stronger. I appreciate that Lanyon had the guts to break up Adrien and Jakes fairly doomed relationship and I cried like the complete girl that I am when Jake dumped him. Unfortunately I don't find Guy a compel More...
Jun 18, 2011
Gabbychan
rated it:
シリーズ中盤になりますが、うう、主人公といっしょになって、胸をきりきりと締めつけられる感じ。
もうとまらない。最後までいっきに読んでしまおう！
It's about the middle of the series and I don't know how many times I have to have my heart being squeezed and have a pause to calm myself and acknowledge that, how cruel and merciless it could be, there should always be some inevitable developments for m/m romance stories when one of the lovers choose to stay deep down in the closet. I'm a bit scared to know what's going to happen with that sorely patient man. Jus More...
もうとまらない。最後までいっきに読んでしまおう！
It's about the middle of the series and I don't know how many times I have to have my heart being squeezed and have a pause to calm myself and acknowledge that, how cruel and merciless it could be, there should always be some inevitable developments for m/m romance stories when one of the lovers choose to stay deep down in the closet. I'm a bit scared to know what's going to happen with that sorely patient man. Jus More...
Jan 19, 2012
Kinny
rated it: 
Oh MY GOD! I hate Jake Riordan! I cannot believe Adrien ends up with him in the last book. What Jake did is just unforgivable. Men like Jake should be the horrible ex one recovers from and not falls for. Talk about an abusive lying perverted hypocrite!!! GAWDS!!!
Adrien in all his gorgeous good catch of a glory deserves a Cinderella story. Sorry, those 2 ending up in book 5 just rationalizes staying in abusive relationships. The guy denies you in public, gets a girl pregnant, sh More...
Adrien in all his gorgeous good catch of a glory deserves a Cinderella story. Sorry, those 2 ending up in book 5 just rationalizes staying in abusive relationships. The guy denies you in public, gets a girl pregnant, sh More...
Aug 25, 2011
Bkwyrm
rated it:
I'm an occultist who reads mysteries, so I normally spend a lot of time gritting my teeth when reading mainstream books with occult elements. But Mr. Lanyon? DID HIS RESEARCH. I can't tell you how awesome it was to have the difference between theistic and atheistic Satanism and Wicca vs. traditional witchcraft intelligently discussed IN A MYSTERY NOVEL. Seriously!
Plus, the mystery was awesome and Adrien - while still not as assertive about his right to a relationship in which he's n More...
Plus, the mystery was awesome and Adrien - while still not as assertive about his right to a relationship in which he's n More...
Apr 03, 2011
Alicia
rated it:
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Oct 12, 2011
Chade66
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May 31, 2011
Bookwatcher
rated it:
Jake can try... Try and try... Something will always betray his "I'm not gay" fake life
I love the book, hate Jake, and pity Adrien... I don't thing I should say more. Why? I must write a quick review. I can't wait to read more! Already starting
:-)
5 stars More...
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Jul 28, 2011
Lexi
rated it:
I had forgotten what a joy Adrien English is, and so quotable in his sarcastic humor. This time Adrien's shop clerk Angus is getting harassed and Adrien encourages him to leave town thinking that it would all blow over. Dead bodies start turning up that appears to be occult ritual killings and before you know it Adrien is in deep and sinking fast.
"My Demon was a camel riding transvestite? The Devil Wears Prada, indeed."
Not only is he wading through informat More...
"My Demon was a camel riding transvestite? The Devil Wears Prada, indeed."
Not only is he wading through informat More...
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Mar 09, 2011
Merith
rated it:
How is it that one can love and hate the same book? Can love the story for its depth and emotion, the murder mystery plot with all its subtle and not so subtle points, and at the same time, hate the emotions pulled directly from the body's soul?
I have to start off by saying I strongly dislike Guy Snowden, not because he's a despicable sort, but because he is just the opposite. He is what Jake is not: openly gay, academically intelligent, a connoisseur of the arts, wine and food, a so More...
I have to start off by saying I strongly dislike Guy Snowden, not because he's a despicable sort, but because he is just the opposite. He is what Jake is not: openly gay, academically intelligent, a connoisseur of the arts, wine and food, a so More...
