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Partners in Crime #4
The Art of Dying
#4 in the PARTNERS IN CRIME SERIES! Lovers and Other Strangers by Josh Lanyon Recovering from a near fatal accident, artist Finn Barret returns to Seal Island in Maine to rest and recuperate. But Seal Island is haunted with memories, some sweet, some sad; three years ago Finn found his lover in the arms of Fitch, Finn's twin brother. Since that day, Finn has seen neither Conlan nor Fitch. In fact, no one has seen Fitch. What happened to him? Did Fitch run away, as everyone believes? Or did he meet a more sinister fate? To put the past to rest - and see if there's any chance of a future with Con - Finn must discover the truth. But the deeper he digs, the more reason he has to fear Con is the only one who knows what truly happened to Fitch... Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price His lover has betrayed and swindled Ray Carlucci out of everything he valued, including a tattoo business. Hounded by creditors, weary of heart, he accepts the job of chauffeur and body man for the dying owner of a remote estate. The island, minus its wealthy summer colony, is colorless in winter and Ray thinks he understands why staff on the estate periodically desert. But, he's baffled by, then drawn to, Anton, the eccentric artist who haunts the forest, bringing strange life to bizarre and disquieting sculptures amidst the ice and trees. When the body of a man who once held Ray's job rises from the frosty earth, Ray wonders what part Anton's wildness has in the escalating violence.
244 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2009
About the author
Josh Lanyon
197 books5,486 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 3, 2011
大好きな作家さん二人の作品が１冊に、ワオ！
１話目、フルコースを堪能して、もうお腹いっぱーい。
と、そこへ大盛りデザートの２話目。こちらも別腹で堪能。大満足でした。
Two works of my favorite authors in one book, great! It was like I had a full-course meal at the first story, and I'm quite satisfied. Then a big dessert was served as the second story and I was able to enjoy it to the gills!
１話目、フルコースを堪能して、もうお腹いっぱーい。
と、そこへ大盛りデザートの２話目。こちらも別腹で堪能。大満足でした。
Two works of my favorite authors in one book, great! It was like I had a full-course meal at the first story, and I'm quite satisfied. Then a big dessert was served as the second story and I was able to enjoy it to the gills!
August 15, 2009
Once again MLR press has joined two seemingly disparate stories together. This time both stories are solid mystery tales with a lot of romance thrown in. While I enjoyed both stories quite a bit, I still don’t really understand why the publisher put these two particular stories together or their trend for 2 story anthologies. Be that as it may, fans of the authors will definitely want to pick up this latest anthology as both are satisfying and well written with great characters.
Lovers and Other Strangers by Josh Lanyon
A bit of a departure for Lanyon who is a solid mystery writer and much of this book focuses on the characterization of Finn and his relationships, primarily with the absent Fitch and his ex-lover Con. Well written with a prose that is descriptive, haunting, and lovely, this story is truly a delight to read. Not without its problems, most readers will easily overlook any qualms and devour the romantic story that has a solid mystery ending that is anything but predictable. I generally enjoyed this story with the angst, drama, and mystery even if I had some problems with the inconsistent telling.
The mystery is about Fitch’s disappearance, going on three years now. After Finn caught his twin brother and lover having sex, Finn left the island for New York and presumably Fitch did as well. Due to the rift in the relationship, Finn didn’t seek his brother out but in three years, no one thinks to wonder where the man is? It takes Finn to finally start asking questions about his brother for anyone to realize there could be a problem, and even then most are content to let any mystery or problems lie forgotten. Thankfully Finn is not willing to do the same and the well crafted and absorbing elements will capture your attention as much as the characters.
Finn, Con, Paul and even the secondary characters are all well defined and delightful, even if their actions are not always agreeable. From Finn’s absent minded acceptance of so many details to his desperate love for Con, he is an interesting character if not always entirely likable. Finn is an artist and his muse colors the prose and pages with rich vibrancy, adding an intensity and lyrical beauty to the words and phrases. His loyalty and insecurity create a charming, multi-faceted character with a quiet intensity which adds to the drama but never over the top.
There were however some inconsistencies within the details. A lot of the drama hinges on the fact that Con cheated on Finn with Fitch, thus prompting Finn to run off. Unfortunately the details are confusing, misconstrued, or deliberated altered to allow the progression of the story. Although I initially had written all the various details I felt were inconsistent, it does end up adding a few too many spoilers to the review so I’ll refrain and simply say that not all actions of the characters are consistent and keeping with previous statements, however, the clear intent is to focus on the romance and thus likely these are forgivable problems for most readers.
Overall, this is a well written and thoroughly absorbing tale with believable drama and mystery and engaging characters. There are a lot of elements within this packed story and while the length fits well, it easily could have delved more in depth into the various relationships and characters presented. The absent Fitch was a scene stealer even in reference with his outgoing, seemingly dynamic personality that thinly covers an edge of callous cruelty. The inconsistent actions likely would have been resolved in a longer length where more time could be devoted to the progression, but even as presented this story is thoroughly enthralling.
Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price
Body Art offers an interesting mystery wrapped up in a burgeoning romance with a couple of fun and entertaining characters. Although again, not all details add up and make sense, the story is easy to read, engaging, and the characters are certainly charmingly insane. The witty dialogue, interesting setting, and unique characters all combine to offer a story that will satisfy romance fans while being anything but typical and expected. The mystery was well crafted and not predictable with a few very intriguing twists to the believable resolution. If you haven’t read any of the author’s numerous series, this is a great introduction to the writing style and work which will have you running to Price’s backlist.
Ray is a hard working, well known tattoo artist that has fallen on hard times. Why such a successful and intelligent man gave all of his money and finances, including business finances, to some young man he was sleeping with and never checked to make sure said young man wasn’t gambling or spending the money on drugs is a bit of a mystery. This dichotomy is never explained and doesn’t make a lot of sense but for the sake of the story, just slide over this detail and move on. It does throw the character of Ray into some confusion given that he’s a tough, intelligent, hard working, sensitive and hot man who clearly thinks with the wrong head. However, his witty thoughts and dialogue go a long way to charming any reader disgruntled over his lack of common sense. For example:
He circled his stick pyramid again, and a little voice inside me suggested that I should probably back away. Now. I told my caution to go to hell. Where has it been when Johnny was robbing me blind? It was no wonder my caution was currently in the doghouse.
Although the story is told in first person from Ray’s perspective, Anton is a delightful and engaging character as an eccentric artist exiled to a remote island and kept on a tight leash due to his bipolar disorder. His antics and quirky comments combined with a dark and eerie art fit well with Ray’s personality and the smoking chemistry between the men certainly raises the temperature nicely. Anton’s artistic perspective on life, people, and weather add a fun and engaging element to the story which keeps the mystery interesting. His unreliable commentary and observations throw facts and details into question when considering the source, which allows the ending to be a surprise.
Tight writing and a well crafted mystery in addition to the satisfying romance component make this short story a fun and enjoyable read. Ray and Anton are hot, sexy men that will appeal and the mystery is interesting and inventive. Unique and charming elements add to the story's allure with an easy, flowing pace making for a quick read. For new fans this is a great introduction to the author’s writing style and entertaining dialogue and for those already familiar, you won’t want to miss this offering.
Lovers and Other Strangers by Josh Lanyon
A bit of a departure for Lanyon who is a solid mystery writer and much of this book focuses on the characterization of Finn and his relationships, primarily with the absent Fitch and his ex-lover Con. Well written with a prose that is descriptive, haunting, and lovely, this story is truly a delight to read. Not without its problems, most readers will easily overlook any qualms and devour the romantic story that has a solid mystery ending that is anything but predictable. I generally enjoyed this story with the angst, drama, and mystery even if I had some problems with the inconsistent telling.
The mystery is about Fitch’s disappearance, going on three years now. After Finn caught his twin brother and lover having sex, Finn left the island for New York and presumably Fitch did as well. Due to the rift in the relationship, Finn didn’t seek his brother out but in three years, no one thinks to wonder where the man is? It takes Finn to finally start asking questions about his brother for anyone to realize there could be a problem, and even then most are content to let any mystery or problems lie forgotten. Thankfully Finn is not willing to do the same and the well crafted and absorbing elements will capture your attention as much as the characters.
Finn, Con, Paul and even the secondary characters are all well defined and delightful, even if their actions are not always agreeable. From Finn’s absent minded acceptance of so many details to his desperate love for Con, he is an interesting character if not always entirely likable. Finn is an artist and his muse colors the prose and pages with rich vibrancy, adding an intensity and lyrical beauty to the words and phrases. His loyalty and insecurity create a charming, multi-faceted character with a quiet intensity which adds to the drama but never over the top.
There were however some inconsistencies within the details. A lot of the drama hinges on the fact that Con cheated on Finn with Fitch, thus prompting Finn to run off. Unfortunately the details are confusing, misconstrued, or deliberated altered to allow the progression of the story. Although I initially had written all the various details I felt were inconsistent, it does end up adding a few too many spoilers to the review so I’ll refrain and simply say that not all actions of the characters are consistent and keeping with previous statements, however, the clear intent is to focus on the romance and thus likely these are forgivable problems for most readers.
Overall, this is a well written and thoroughly absorbing tale with believable drama and mystery and engaging characters. There are a lot of elements within this packed story and while the length fits well, it easily could have delved more in depth into the various relationships and characters presented. The absent Fitch was a scene stealer even in reference with his outgoing, seemingly dynamic personality that thinly covers an edge of callous cruelty. The inconsistent actions likely would have been resolved in a longer length where more time could be devoted to the progression, but even as presented this story is thoroughly enthralling.
Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price
Body Art offers an interesting mystery wrapped up in a burgeoning romance with a couple of fun and entertaining characters. Although again, not all details add up and make sense, the story is easy to read, engaging, and the characters are certainly charmingly insane. The witty dialogue, interesting setting, and unique characters all combine to offer a story that will satisfy romance fans while being anything but typical and expected. The mystery was well crafted and not predictable with a few very intriguing twists to the believable resolution. If you haven’t read any of the author’s numerous series, this is a great introduction to the writing style and work which will have you running to Price’s backlist.
Ray is a hard working, well known tattoo artist that has fallen on hard times. Why such a successful and intelligent man gave all of his money and finances, including business finances, to some young man he was sleeping with and never checked to make sure said young man wasn’t gambling or spending the money on drugs is a bit of a mystery. This dichotomy is never explained and doesn’t make a lot of sense but for the sake of the story, just slide over this detail and move on. It does throw the character of Ray into some confusion given that he’s a tough, intelligent, hard working, sensitive and hot man who clearly thinks with the wrong head. However, his witty thoughts and dialogue go a long way to charming any reader disgruntled over his lack of common sense. For example:
He circled his stick pyramid again, and a little voice inside me suggested that I should probably back away. Now. I told my caution to go to hell. Where has it been when Johnny was robbing me blind? It was no wonder my caution was currently in the doghouse.
Although the story is told in first person from Ray’s perspective, Anton is a delightful and engaging character as an eccentric artist exiled to a remote island and kept on a tight leash due to his bipolar disorder. His antics and quirky comments combined with a dark and eerie art fit well with Ray’s personality and the smoking chemistry between the men certainly raises the temperature nicely. Anton’s artistic perspective on life, people, and weather add a fun and engaging element to the story which keeps the mystery interesting. His unreliable commentary and observations throw facts and details into question when considering the source, which allows the ending to be a surprise.
Tight writing and a well crafted mystery in addition to the satisfying romance component make this short story a fun and enjoyable read. Ray and Anton are hot, sexy men that will appeal and the mystery is interesting and inventive. Unique and charming elements add to the story's allure with an easy, flowing pace making for a quick read. For new fans this is a great introduction to the author’s writing style and entertaining dialogue and for those already familiar, you won’t want to miss this offering.
Read
July 2, 2009Due to the title I was expecting for the two stories in this anthology to be linked by the art world setting, but it was interesting to read how many other points of connection there were, two of them quite obvious: both mysteries are set in a small community, an island, the type of gated community where the rich and famous go to live during summer or to retire. And both of mysteries turn around a murder without a body, the died man is disappeared, but no one knows how.
Lovers and Other Strangers by Josh Lanyon
Finn is an artist; he is born in a family of artists and everyone expect from him to be the good twin, since his brother Fitch is the bad boy. While Finn has a strong bond with Seal Island, the place were he was raised, and he wouldn't want anything else if not living there and paint, Fitch has the wandering feet, always in search of something or someone new. And then a summer, Finn fell in love with Con, a neighbor he has known for all his life, but that summer was different. The relationship started as a summer fling, but for Finn was something more. And so when he discovered Con in an passionate embrace with Fitch, Finn had not the force to face it and ran away from them and the island. Now three years later, convalescent from a very bad car accident, Finn comes back home to find the peace that Seal Island always gave him. It doesn't matter if he has to face Fitch and Con, if they are living together, they have already stolen him his happiness, they can't steal him also his home. But when he arrives to Seal Island, he finds out that Fitch is disappeared three years before, the same day Finn left the island... No one knew what happened to him and the last person that probably saw him alive was Con, the same Con that now is telling Finn that he misses him and that also for Con was love, and not only a summer fling.
The plot turns mainly around the two twins, Finn and Fitch, and their story. There is a romance, but it's only a subplot, and it remains always in second line. Con is a nice man, but I have the feeling that he is more a dream, an unattainable man for Finn, and that if he suddenly becomes true, Finn maybe would be not more so interest in him. I have the feeling that Finn is more in love of the idea to be in love than of the man. On the other hand the mystery is really good, and since the community is so small, everyone has a reason to want Fitch dead, and everyone could be the guilty man. No one has a real alibi for that day and so it's nearly impossible to find out the culprit before the end of the story. The strange thing is that the only one who seems to mourn the loss of Fitch is his twin Finn, the one who probably has more reason than one to hate him. But as it is said in the book, and how you can understand from what I said, Finn is a good and nice guy, with not real bad feeling in him. And so, since Fitch wasn't loved so much, the reader is not in an hurry to find out who killed him.
Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price
The second story is maybe a little more strange, but basically with the same turning point. Ray arrives in a gated community on an island, Red Wing Island. He will be the new driver for a old and wealthy couple, the Whites. It's not clear how it happened, I summarized that his former lover probably has some responsibility, but Ray lost his business, a tattoo parlor, and now he is full of debt. A live in work is exactly what he needs, even if the arrangement is not exactly top of the notch. The house where he goes to live is isolated, Ray has no his own car, and in the house there are an old man with Alzheimer and three women... and being Ray gay, well, it means that he will be pretty lonely. Then in the wood near the house he meets Anton, the crazy artist who lives in a nearby cottage. And when I say crazy, I don't mean that he does strange sculpture, I mean that he is really crazy. Anton is a bipolar case, he tried to kill himself in the past, and he has moody up and down. But he is also really beautiful, and gay, and maybe since he is lonely, or maybe since, in the crazy situation he is in, Anton doesn't seem so crazy after all, Ray falls soon and hard for him. In two day they are lovers, and in one day more, a dead man is found in the wood: he is Stanley, the former driver, and apparently Anton's previous friend. Again everyone in the small community have reason to hate Stanley, and everyone could be the guilty.
This time the romance is a little more center stage, on the contrary of the previous story, the murder is not so important, maybe since the murdered is not someone so much involved with the hero. Ray has no real reason to find out who killed Stanley, he is more interested in find out that it wasn't Anton who did it. The nice thing is that, in a way or the other, Anton is really a unsteady man, someone that probably will be never able to live alone on his own. If Ray decides to bring on their relationship, he will be always the rock, with time he will become the caretaker... but he sees Anton with a lover eyes, and he is willing to do so.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1934531251/?...
Lovers and Other Strangers by Josh Lanyon
Finn is an artist; he is born in a family of artists and everyone expect from him to be the good twin, since his brother Fitch is the bad boy. While Finn has a strong bond with Seal Island, the place were he was raised, and he wouldn't want anything else if not living there and paint, Fitch has the wandering feet, always in search of something or someone new. And then a summer, Finn fell in love with Con, a neighbor he has known for all his life, but that summer was different. The relationship started as a summer fling, but for Finn was something more. And so when he discovered Con in an passionate embrace with Fitch, Finn had not the force to face it and ran away from them and the island. Now three years later, convalescent from a very bad car accident, Finn comes back home to find the peace that Seal Island always gave him. It doesn't matter if he has to face Fitch and Con, if they are living together, they have already stolen him his happiness, they can't steal him also his home. But when he arrives to Seal Island, he finds out that Fitch is disappeared three years before, the same day Finn left the island... No one knew what happened to him and the last person that probably saw him alive was Con, the same Con that now is telling Finn that he misses him and that also for Con was love, and not only a summer fling.
The plot turns mainly around the two twins, Finn and Fitch, and their story. There is a romance, but it's only a subplot, and it remains always in second line. Con is a nice man, but I have the feeling that he is more a dream, an unattainable man for Finn, and that if he suddenly becomes true, Finn maybe would be not more so interest in him. I have the feeling that Finn is more in love of the idea to be in love than of the man. On the other hand the mystery is really good, and since the community is so small, everyone has a reason to want Fitch dead, and everyone could be the guilty man. No one has a real alibi for that day and so it's nearly impossible to find out the culprit before the end of the story. The strange thing is that the only one who seems to mourn the loss of Fitch is his twin Finn, the one who probably has more reason than one to hate him. But as it is said in the book, and how you can understand from what I said, Finn is a good and nice guy, with not real bad feeling in him. And so, since Fitch wasn't loved so much, the reader is not in an hurry to find out who killed him.
Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price
The second story is maybe a little more strange, but basically with the same turning point. Ray arrives in a gated community on an island, Red Wing Island. He will be the new driver for a old and wealthy couple, the Whites. It's not clear how it happened, I summarized that his former lover probably has some responsibility, but Ray lost his business, a tattoo parlor, and now he is full of debt. A live in work is exactly what he needs, even if the arrangement is not exactly top of the notch. The house where he goes to live is isolated, Ray has no his own car, and in the house there are an old man with Alzheimer and three women... and being Ray gay, well, it means that he will be pretty lonely. Then in the wood near the house he meets Anton, the crazy artist who lives in a nearby cottage. And when I say crazy, I don't mean that he does strange sculpture, I mean that he is really crazy. Anton is a bipolar case, he tried to kill himself in the past, and he has moody up and down. But he is also really beautiful, and gay, and maybe since he is lonely, or maybe since, in the crazy situation he is in, Anton doesn't seem so crazy after all, Ray falls soon and hard for him. In two day they are lovers, and in one day more, a dead man is found in the wood: he is Stanley, the former driver, and apparently Anton's previous friend. Again everyone in the small community have reason to hate Stanley, and everyone could be the guilty.
This time the romance is a little more center stage, on the contrary of the previous story, the murder is not so important, maybe since the murdered is not someone so much involved with the hero. Ray has no real reason to find out who killed Stanley, he is more interested in find out that it wasn't Anton who did it. The nice thing is that, in a way or the other, Anton is really a unsteady man, someone that probably will be never able to live alone on his own. If Ray decides to bring on their relationship, he will be always the rock, with time he will become the caretaker... but he sees Anton with a lover eyes, and he is willing to do so.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1934531251/?...
January 27, 2011
Very good.
Lovers and Other Strangers by Josh Lanyon.
After three years in New York, Finn goes back to the island where he grew up to heal after a car accident. He meets Con, the lover who broke his heart, but where is Fitch, his twin, responsible for that heart breaking and his flight from home?
The story was great. Finn is an artist from an artistic family. He grew up sheltered on an island, where he also met and fall in love with an older and fascinating man. He has a sensitive soul, but he's also easily hurt. It's clear that he isn't over the end of his story with Con and both men need a sort of closure that Finn's hasty departure didn't allow. When Finn discovers that no one has seen his twin brother, Fitch, for three years, he begins to assume the worst. No one seems to have seen Fitch leave the island, no one seems to want to talk about him and investigate his disappearance.
I rarely doubt everyone in a mystery as I did in this book, and it was a great achievement in such a short story, but Fitch's disappearance was like a black hole that sucked all my attention into it. I felt so sorry for him and I didn't buy for one second that he was such a bad guy. Being the least talented of the two twins, he probably amped up the charm, but felt hollow inside. The relationship between the two brothers, of which we only saw a few sketches in Finn's recollections, wasn't spelled out, it was only suggested and still it left me with a feeling of regret for what we weren't seeing. I think Lanyon built such a great character in absentia and it unbalanced the story, for me it took away the charm from the romantic part of it and it made me detach from the main character. It was a powerful effect, but I ended up resenting even Finn. I like to think that some of Finn's guesses especially about the reason why Fitch went to the top of the tower were the right ones. I don't remember when I got so invested in a character who might have been a real jerk. Read it for yourself!
Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price
This story had more suspense than mystery, and it was very enjoyable. Ray is a tattoo artist who lost everything after meeting a guy who basically ruined him with his drug habits. His last chance is to become the driver - and muscle man - of a rich couple living on an island. Mr White has Alzheimer and his wife takes care of him, together with the other two people in the household, a cook and a maiden. On the island Ray meets the strange, weird, peculiar, bizarre artist Anton, who seems to live a life and a time and a world of his own. The only problem is that the White's drivers seem to disappear a little too often.
The story has all the trade marks of JCP's stories: protagonists with a weird sense of humor, unsettling circumstances, hot sex. There are also interesting views about life and art in general and I liked the delicacy with which Mr White's condition was handled, even in the most unpleasant aspects of it. Ray and Anton seemed a prototype for the couple in Hemovore. Anyway, it made me laugh out loud a few times. It's so liberating.
Lovers and Other Strangers by Josh Lanyon.
After three years in New York, Finn goes back to the island where he grew up to heal after a car accident. He meets Con, the lover who broke his heart, but where is Fitch, his twin, responsible for that heart breaking and his flight from home?
The story was great. Finn is an artist from an artistic family. He grew up sheltered on an island, where he also met and fall in love with an older and fascinating man. He has a sensitive soul, but he's also easily hurt. It's clear that he isn't over the end of his story with Con and both men need a sort of closure that Finn's hasty departure didn't allow. When Finn discovers that no one has seen his twin brother, Fitch, for three years, he begins to assume the worst. No one seems to have seen Fitch leave the island, no one seems to want to talk about him and investigate his disappearance.
I rarely doubt everyone in a mystery as I did in this book, and it was a great achievement in such a short story, but Fitch's disappearance was like a black hole that sucked all my attention into it. I felt so sorry for him and I didn't buy for one second that he was such a bad guy. Being the least talented of the two twins, he probably amped up the charm, but felt hollow inside. The relationship between the two brothers, of which we only saw a few sketches in Finn's recollections, wasn't spelled out, it was only suggested and still it left me with a feeling of regret for what we weren't seeing. I think Lanyon built such a great character in absentia and it unbalanced the story, for me it took away the charm from the romantic part of it and it made me detach from the main character. It was a powerful effect, but I ended up resenting even Finn. I like to think that some of Finn's guesses especially about the reason why Fitch went to the top of the tower were the right ones. I don't remember when I got so invested in a character who might have been a real jerk. Read it for yourself!
Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price
This story had more suspense than mystery, and it was very enjoyable. Ray is a tattoo artist who lost everything after meeting a guy who basically ruined him with his drug habits. His last chance is to become the driver - and muscle man - of a rich couple living on an island. Mr White has Alzheimer and his wife takes care of him, together with the other two people in the household, a cook and a maiden. On the island Ray meets the strange, weird, peculiar, bizarre artist Anton, who seems to live a life and a time and a world of his own. The only problem is that the White's drivers seem to disappear a little too often.
The story has all the trade marks of JCP's stories: protagonists with a weird sense of humor, unsettling circumstances, hot sex. There are also interesting views about life and art in general and I liked the delicacy with which Mr White's condition was handled, even in the most unpleasant aspects of it. Ray and Anton seemed a prototype for the couple in Hemovore. Anyway, it made me laugh out loud a few times. It's so liberating.
June 20, 2012
EDIT: still don't feel like writing a review, but I would like to say this is very very good... something like 3.56137481083, but not quite 4 *shrug*
Not sure about the rating...
I can't be bothered to write a review right now (migraine lurking in the depths of my brain) so I'll just jot down a few quick thoughts.
Body Art, JCP
That's some serious chemistry right there, and a solid, realistic and honestly fascinating relationship.
The suspense/crime plot was toned down a little in favor of the romance, but hey, nothing wrong with some sexy times ;)
Marnie, Edgar, Mrs. White and even Melita - all intriguing characters I'd have liked to know more about.
Lovers & Other Stangers, JL
Cheaters are the worst. Thing. Ever. And not even JL can make me forgive one, at least not in such a short story.
Other than that, all I think about L&OS can be found in Mel's awesome review. (Woah. Is that a link?! So proud of myself XD)
Not sure about the rating...
I can't be bothered to write a review right now (migraine lurking in the depths of my brain) so I'll just jot down a few quick thoughts.
Body Art, JCP
That's some serious chemistry right there, and a solid, realistic and honestly fascinating relationship.
The suspense/crime plot was toned down a little in favor of the romance, but hey, nothing wrong with some sexy times ;)
Marnie, Edgar, Mrs. White and even Melita - all intriguing characters I'd have liked to know more about.
Lovers & Other Stangers, JL
Cheaters are the worst. Thing. Ever. And not even JL can make me forgive one, at least not in such a short story.
Other than that, all I think about L&OS can be found in Mel's awesome review. (Woah. Is that a link?! So proud of myself XD)
July 12, 2010
The Art of Dying is an anthology of two stories by my two favorite m/m authors: Josh Lanyon and Jordan Castillo Price. And though both of them -like always- delivered a good and engaging story, their stories weren't my favorite of them. Here's why:
Lovers and Other Strangers review
Body Art review
Lovers and Other Strangers review
Body Art review
December 25, 2009
Two of my favorite authors write two novellas in one book. Josh's "Lovers and Other Strangers" have an aura of an Agatha Christie story, as Finn returns to the Island of his home and meets the one he loved but betrayed him. While Jordan's "Body Art" offers story between a tattoo artist and a very eccentric sculptor. Both are nice to read, I love their writing style :)
October 7, 2020
I'm so glad I finally sat down to read this series of books. Once again, Book 4 and the 2 stories were outstanding.
Lovers and Other Strangers by Josh Lanyon, kept me on my toes. Was Finn's twin brother, Fitch really dead? Why wasn't the family more upset that he hasn't been heard of for 3 yrs. So many questions. And no one has any answers. On top of that Finn's ex-lover, Con was back on the island and Con tries to get Finn back after a terrible mistake he made with Fitch 3 years ago. Finally, Finn allows Con to help him in his own instigation and through thick and thin they work at solving what happened; along with Finn's friend from NY, Paul who's outspoken and says it as it is.
Body Art by Jordan C. Price, was also a great story. Ray Carlucci desperately takes a job as a driver for a wealthy family. His ex had sucked him clean of money and his business. He had to have this job; he was broke. But later he finds out the two previous drivers had left without telling anyone. Strange, as that is, Ray meets Anton, an eccentric artist, and the two hit it off and were quickly lovers. Anton is a very strange character and seems a little wacky in the head, but that doesn't stop Ray from seeking the weird man's company. Their relationship does grow and the two accidentally find out where the two drivers are. Great HEA ending.
Lovers and Other Strangers by Josh Lanyon, kept me on my toes. Was Finn's twin brother, Fitch really dead? Why wasn't the family more upset that he hasn't been heard of for 3 yrs. So many questions. And no one has any answers. On top of that Finn's ex-lover, Con was back on the island and Con tries to get Finn back after a terrible mistake he made with Fitch 3 years ago. Finally, Finn allows Con to help him in his own instigation and through thick and thin they work at solving what happened; along with Finn's friend from NY, Paul who's outspoken and says it as it is.
Body Art by Jordan C. Price, was also a great story. Ray Carlucci desperately takes a job as a driver for a wealthy family. His ex had sucked him clean of money and his business. He had to have this job; he was broke. But later he finds out the two previous drivers had left without telling anyone. Strange, as that is, Ray meets Anton, an eccentric artist, and the two hit it off and were quickly lovers. Anton is a very strange character and seems a little wacky in the head, but that doesn't stop Ray from seeking the weird man's company. Their relationship does grow and the two accidentally find out where the two drivers are. Great HEA ending.
August 26, 2019
Lovers and Other Strangers by Josh Lanyon
I LOVED this story. the mystery was absolutely brilliant, the characters fantastic, and the romance, oh! the romance was a thing of beauty.
Finn is in such a bad place when he decides to come back home. He's hurt, he's afraid, and he doesn't know what to expect. Would Fitch be there? Would Con?
When the story began I hated Con and was dubious of Paul. I suspected almost everybody, to be honest... except the right one XD
I loved how messed-up were Finn's feelings, how conflicted he was about Fitch and the way he was viewed by the people around him, because, no matter what, he still loved him.
Because you soon understand that the mystery is not simply what happened to Fitch; the mystery was who really was Fitch. A fantastic story.
Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price
This is one of those books in which the setting and the weather are a very important part of the story, adding to the mood beautifully. And Anton! Oh, Anton is such a wonderful character! So free and so focused on his art and... life. Yes, I can understand Ray's fascination with him :)
The mystery was wonderfully plotted, and I was really surprised once the truth was revealed.
I LOVED this story. the mystery was absolutely brilliant, the characters fantastic, and the romance, oh! the romance was a thing of beauty.
Finn is in such a bad place when he decides to come back home. He's hurt, he's afraid, and he doesn't know what to expect. Would Fitch be there? Would Con?
When the story began I hated Con and was dubious of Paul. I suspected almost everybody, to be honest... except the right one XD
I loved how messed-up were Finn's feelings, how conflicted he was about Fitch and the way he was viewed by the people around him, because, no matter what, he still loved him.
Because you soon understand that the mystery is not simply what happened to Fitch; the mystery was who really was Fitch. A fantastic story.
Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price
This is one of those books in which the setting and the weather are a very important part of the story, adding to the mood beautifully. And Anton! Oh, Anton is such a wonderful character! So free and so focused on his art and... life. Yes, I can understand Ray's fascination with him :)
The mystery was wonderfully plotted, and I was really surprised once the truth was revealed.
December 14, 2013
Lovers and Other Strangers
Josh Lanyon
3.5 stars
One of the things I love about Josh Lanyon's work is that he writes characters which feel real: they are flawed, they have their own issues going on, they don't always make the best choices, and they are often trying to figure out how to overcome some major obstacle (illness, pain, injury, etc.). Because they have these layers to them, the issues in the stories are often uncomfortable and usually painful. Which is also why I hate reading Josh Lanyon's work sometimes.
Finn is definitely coming home to Seal Island with some baggage. Recovering from an accident in which a friend died and he almost died, he's physically vulnerable. Adding to that is the emotional vulnerability of having fled the island three years prior after finding his twin brother having sex with Finn's lover. So, yes, he's also angry. Except, when he finds out that no one has heard from his twin since that fateful day, he begins to worry about Fitch.
The mystery surrounding Fitch's disappearance weaves nicely with Finn confronting the feelings he has towards his ex-lover Con, who has come back to Seal Island, too, and towards his family's indifference towards Fitch's absence. While there are a few questions that, I feel, are left unanswered, the story as a whole is engaging. It's not a comfortable read, necessarily, but it is a good one.
Body Art
Jordan Castillo Price
4.5 stars
Ray's been having a really rough go of it and this job as chauffeur to Mrs. White seems to be a godsend. As Ray settles in as the newest servant in the household, he meets Anton late one night in the woods. Then the landscapers find a body buried in the garden. And even though the previous two chauffeurs left quite suddenly, Ray isn't really worried about what that means for him. Until the ice storm hits.
I loved Ray. He is clearly working to get himself out of a pretty bleak place but he's also thinking of what he really wants and needs in life. Anton both confuses and attracts Ray. Anton is one of those characters which are fun to read about but I imagine would be exhausting to actually know in real life. But that's okay because in the story he's just what Ray needs to help perk up his life. And the mystery of who killed the first chauffeur is a mere backdrop to what's playing out between Ray and Anton. But that's okay because the story is so full of interesting people and glimpses of other lives going on that I became too caught up to worry about the murderer…until the end. Though it kind of went quickly, I really enjoyed this story. I wouldn't mind seeing Ray and Anton again.
Josh Lanyon
3.5 stars
One of the things I love about Josh Lanyon's work is that he writes characters which feel real: they are flawed, they have their own issues going on, they don't always make the best choices, and they are often trying to figure out how to overcome some major obstacle (illness, pain, injury, etc.). Because they have these layers to them, the issues in the stories are often uncomfortable and usually painful. Which is also why I hate reading Josh Lanyon's work sometimes.
Finn is definitely coming home to Seal Island with some baggage. Recovering from an accident in which a friend died and he almost died, he's physically vulnerable. Adding to that is the emotional vulnerability of having fled the island three years prior after finding his twin brother having sex with Finn's lover. So, yes, he's also angry. Except, when he finds out that no one has heard from his twin since that fateful day, he begins to worry about Fitch.
The mystery surrounding Fitch's disappearance weaves nicely with Finn confronting the feelings he has towards his ex-lover Con, who has come back to Seal Island, too, and towards his family's indifference towards Fitch's absence. While there are a few questions that, I feel, are left unanswered, the story as a whole is engaging. It's not a comfortable read, necessarily, but it is a good one.
Body Art
Jordan Castillo Price
4.5 stars
Ray's been having a really rough go of it and this job as chauffeur to Mrs. White seems to be a godsend. As Ray settles in as the newest servant in the household, he meets Anton late one night in the woods. Then the landscapers find a body buried in the garden. And even though the previous two chauffeurs left quite suddenly, Ray isn't really worried about what that means for him. Until the ice storm hits.
I loved Ray. He is clearly working to get himself out of a pretty bleak place but he's also thinking of what he really wants and needs in life. Anton both confuses and attracts Ray. Anton is one of those characters which are fun to read about but I imagine would be exhausting to actually know in real life. But that's okay because in the story he's just what Ray needs to help perk up his life. And the mystery of who killed the first chauffeur is a mere backdrop to what's playing out between Ray and Anton. But that's okay because the story is so full of interesting people and glimpses of other lives going on that I became too caught up to worry about the murderer…until the end. Though it kind of went quickly, I really enjoyed this story. I wouldn't mind seeing Ray and Anton again.
June 9, 2009
I was lucky enough to have this sent to me in paperback by LB at Nose in a Book. As a total bibliophile the book itself is nicely bound, has a pretty classy cover and looks damn fine on my shelf. Pats.
Lovers and Other Strangers was such a pleasure to read. I like the love rediscovered shtick and Finn and Conlan have a poignant story that was very readable. If anything it was a story of the two brothers that I found myself enjoying more than the romance. In his usual sparse style this sad tale of sibling rivalry and love was beautifully told by Lanyon and leaves you thinking. Which is fine unless you're stuck being a bit snively at all hours of the night.
Body Art is the first story by Jordan Castillo Price that I've picked up in a while. I am a big fan of her PsyCop series and did like this new story from her. I enjoyed Anton's quirkiness, but did find the explanation behind his condition a little loose. Despite this it was an entertaining crime read and I do recommend her PsyCop series if you're looking for more books from her.
You can get the paperback version here via MLR Press.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2009/06/...
Lovers and Other Strangers was such a pleasure to read. I like the love rediscovered shtick and Finn and Conlan have a poignant story that was very readable. If anything it was a story of the two brothers that I found myself enjoying more than the romance. In his usual sparse style this sad tale of sibling rivalry and love was beautifully told by Lanyon and leaves you thinking. Which is fine unless you're stuck being a bit snively at all hours of the night.
Body Art is the first story by Jordan Castillo Price that I've picked up in a while. I am a big fan of her PsyCop series and did like this new story from her. I enjoyed Anton's quirkiness, but did find the explanation behind his condition a little loose. Despite this it was an entertaining crime read and I do recommend her PsyCop series if you're looking for more books from her.
You can get the paperback version here via MLR Press.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2009/06/...
Want to Read
March 20, 2012Lovers and Other Strangers by Josh Lanyon - $5.99 on Nook
Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price - $3.99 on Nook. This was OK but given how much I love JCP, I was hoping for a little better. Given that it was a novella, I think they tried to cram a little too much in. The murder-mystery fell flat, and really, it wasn't at all necessary. I liked both Anton and Ray, and they had a sweet and realistic HFN ending. But if the murder-mystery was left out and instead they had an emotional development (like a breakdown from Anton or a confrontation with Johnny), then I think I would have felt more of a connection with the characters. 3 stars
Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price - $3.99 on Nook. This was OK but given how much I love JCP, I was hoping for a little better. Given that it was a novella, I think they tried to cram a little too much in. The murder-mystery fell flat, and really, it wasn't at all necessary. I liked both Anton and Ray, and they had a sweet and realistic HFN ending. But if the murder-mystery was left out and instead they had an emotional development (like a breakdown from Anton or a confrontation with Johnny), then I think I would have felt more of a connection with the characters. 3 stars
November 7, 2009
Lanyon's "Lovers and Other Strangers" - I love that Lanyon usually writes about characters that need to overcome physical obstacles - sickness, injuries etc. - and since hurt/comfort is my favorite genre, his books/stories always push my buttons. And this one was no exception. Though I would have liked to see Fitch from Finn's point of view too, at least one good memory that would have proven that Fitch really loved his brother.
Price's "Body Art" - this one kind of reminded me of Twin Peaks, a closed off community with crazy, crazy people. The characters were likable - even though personally, I wouldn't have fallen for either of them - but I rather didn't get why the victim was killed in the first place or what the killer's plan was, not really. I don't know.
Price's "Body Art" - this one kind of reminded me of Twin Peaks, a closed off community with crazy, crazy people. The characters were likable - even though personally, I wouldn't have fallen for either of them - but I rather didn't get why the victim was killed in the first place or what the killer's plan was, not really. I don't know.
January 29, 2014
3 stars for Lanyon's Lovers And Strangers.
This was way too gruesome. Don't mean blood and gore, but the whole attitude to a family member's disappearance. While I can understand Finn's ignorance, but what were the uncle and the housestaff thinking? How can a person miss for 3 years and you don't have a clue?*shudder* However bad Fitch was - I couldn't help being sorry for him.
I didn't like any of the heroes. Not the asshole Con, Finn or Paul, nor the whole island population.
The tragedy was too much for me to enjoy the romance line.
3 stars for the writing.
This was way too gruesome. Don't mean blood and gore, but the whole attitude to a family member's disappearance. While I can understand Finn's ignorance, but what were the uncle and the housestaff thinking? How can a person miss for 3 years and you don't have a clue?*shudder* However bad Fitch was - I couldn't help being sorry for him.
I didn't like any of the heroes. Not the asshole Con, Finn or Paul, nor the whole island population.
The tragedy was too much for me to enjoy the romance line.
3 stars for the writing.
November 28, 2009
Both stories were pretty good. Although the endings on both felt rushed and a little out of the blue. Lanyon's gift for characterizations still shines through and I wish we would have gotten a litte bit of actual Fitch and Finn interaction, rather than just the aftermath. Also it's the first thing of Price's that I've really enjoyed (the only other thing I've read being some of her Petit Morts stories.) and I would have like to have seen more of the Anton-Ray relationship growing.
July 8, 2016
Another pair of stories worth reading: I liked Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price better mainly because the characters in the first one annoyed me a little, and infidelity isn't one of my favorite romance elements. But both novellas had good plots to the mysteries, and both had well-written relationship arcs between the characters.
June 8, 2009
Hmm. I felt like the pacing was off when it came to the resolution of both stories, so maybe it was just me and the headspace I was in when I read them. I plan to re-read and write a more thoughtful, comprehensive review soon.
May 23, 2009
Can this dude write, or what? Loving it!!!
July 12, 2009
This was a great mystery read, two good stories. I particularly liked the first one, 'Lovers and other Strangers' by Josh Lanyon.
September 25, 2009
Two very well written books. Highly recommended.
April 10, 2010
Another interesting pair of tales from Josh Lanyon and Jordan Castillo Price. I prefer the ebook cover to the paperback.
Read
August 29, 2010Not going to give the book a rating as I have only read JCP's story - which was fantastic!
October 15, 2010
This ebook contains suspenseful, non-series m/m stories from the always excellent Lanyon and Price.
Read
February 10, 2011My review of Josh Lanyon's Lovers and Other Strangers is here
September 10, 2011
Lovers and Other Strangers by Josh Lanyon - 4 stars
Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price - 3.25 stars
Body Art by Jordan Castillo Price - 3.25 stars
December 28, 2011
There are two mystery/suspense/romance novellas in this book -- one by Lanyon and one by Castillo Price. The suspense/mysteries are well done in both stories. I enjoyed both of them.
January 4, 2012
2.5 stars
March 25, 2010
2 perfect thrilling stories
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