In Other Words... Murder (Holmes & Moriarity #4) in Q&A with Josh Lanyon

Jul 19, 2018 Jordan Lombard rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: a-favorites, a-own, a-own-ebook, g-romance-m-m, g-suspense, y-2018read, g-mys-rom

Hey, I’m in this one! :-D

This was just as funny and mysterious as the previous books in the series, but with a bit more romance. I could not put this down. Perfect birthday present for me.

8 likes · Like · see review

Aug 04, 2018 Chris, the Dalek King rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: love-bytes, mc-pairing-mm, owned-ebook-or-audio, murder-and-mystery, arts-and-letters, contemporary, abuse-psychological

Christopher Holmes and J.X. Moriarity are (finally) back in their fourth novel, In Other Words…Murder. Taking up not long after the conclusion of book three, this story contains some leftover plot threads from the previous book, but also focuses on a new dead body that needs solving. Especially since the dead man was found buried in Christopher’s old backyard. Christopher’s recent past of being accused of various murders isn’t going to do him any favors with the police, either, especially when t Christopher Holmes and J.X. Moriarity are (finally) back in their fourth novel, In Other Words…Murder. Taking up not long after the conclusion of book three, this story contains some leftover plot threads from the previous book, but also focuses on a new dead body that needs solving. Especially since the dead man was found buried in Christopher’s old backyard. Christopher’s recent past of being accused of various murders isn’t going to do him any favors with the police, either, especially when they start talking like the dead man might very well be the man whom Christopher’s ex ran off with. But that is not Christopher’s only problem, because he seems to have a very nasty person from his past still haunting his steps…in very big shoes.

With the way this book has been bouncing all over the release calender this year, I ended up not even realizing that it had been published till a week later. But whatever troubles it had in publication, I didn’t notice them reflected in the actual writing. Christopher and J.X. are just as well written, and while I think the mystery could have been a bit more beefed up, it was still well structured. There were enough hints that made total sense in hindsight, but not so obvious that you are yelling at the MCs to get a clue before the half-way point is even reached. I probably wouldn’t call this the best in the series, but it doesn’t let the side down either.

With their relationship having reached some sense of peace by this time, I was a bit worried that Lanyon was going to force some kind of dramatic breakup to liven up the series. This worry doubled l when I realized that Christopher’s ex was going to play a part in this book. But…thank gods…while flirting with a few of the most common troubles of dealing with an ex, nothing played out in such a way that I needed to rage quit the series. And by the end of the story I did feel that Christopher and J.X.’s relationship was still moving forward, not simply retracing old ground.

The thing that is hardest for me in this book is also responsible for a scene that had me cackling like a madman, so I can’t say I wish it was gone, but the whole stalking subplot that carries over from the last book was a bit tough for me. Not because I disliked the idea or the execution, but for some reason I have a hard time reading stalking subplots. It is not something I have had to deal with in real life, but even though I have no problem reading about other horrible things, stalking just gets under my skin. It made the book a bit hard to read at times. Still very well written, though.

I’m mostly left, after this book, looking forward to the upcoming book five. This has been a truly enjoyable series, and while I am sure Christopher could do without tripping over another dead body, I’m all for it!

This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.

...more

6 likes · Like · see review

Jul 19, 2018 JSidelinger rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

4.5 stars rounded to 5

A disclaimer: I am a diehard Josh Lanyon fan, so my review will reflect a definite bias.

Halleluiah! The wait is over! I absolutely love the characterization of Christopher Holmes and J.X. Moriarity and their relationship. Christopher “Kit” Holmes is one of my favorite main characters because of his wit, shortcomings, curiosity, intelligence and forgivable self-centeredness. There is something about him that I find endearing even with his faults. J.X. Moriarity is probably 4.5 stars rounded to 5

A disclaimer: I am a diehard Josh Lanyon fan, so my review will reflect a definite bias.

Halleluiah! The wait is over! I absolutely love the characterization of Christopher Holmes and J.X. Moriarity and their relationship. Christopher “Kit” Holmes is one of my favorite main characters because of his wit, shortcomings, curiosity, intelligence and forgivable self-centeredness. There is something about him that I find endearing even with his faults. J.X. Moriarity is probably as near a perfect boyfriend, human being, and all around great guy that the romance world can imagine, although he does in fact have faults as few as they may be. The guy is the embodiment of patience. The fourth H&M story delivers humor, clever dialog, palpitations, although sometimes a bit of plausibility stretch, but aligns with “good grief, this could only happen to Kit” intrigues.

The two main characters have continued to move their relationship forward and have a new level of maturity, commitment, and understanding as demonstrated by scenes where there is meaningfully discussion and vulnerability. Kit is especially open, less defensive, and more self-aware. He is moved by J.X.’s steadfast love, generous nature, and romantic proclivity. Their relationship has become stronger through acceptance of each other’s faults and willingness to communicate what is on their mind and heart. I love mysteries, but I think what has kept me firmly in Josh Lanyon’s writing audience is her skill and insight into the heart to heart connection her characters establish. I can’t count the numerous times that I have had the wow this is exactly it – this is how I feel or think insights throughout her body of work.

The story takes place a few months where the third installment left off. Kit and J.X. have settled into their San Francisco home and established their day to day routines and interaction. Kit has overcome his reluctance in sharing J.X.’s time with the young nephew and the first scene opens with an overnight visit. A late-night phone call from Kit’s ex revealing a dead body has been found at his former property starts the subsequent chain of events that drive the story from cops showing up in the morning (love, love, love the nod to Adrien English) the reemergence of the scary stalker from the third story for complexity and the comedic whodunit roller coaster ride takes the reader up, down, and around.

I enjoyed “In Other Words, Murder” very much; however, it didn’t replace my favorite “The Boy with the Painful Tattoo” which was third in the series. I initially felt a little let down by the ending, but on reflection, I feel that the maturity and confidence that Kit gained throughout the story reflected in the ending.
...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jul 22, 2018 Johanna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, favorites, mystery, romance, josh-lanyon

Kit is back! And who doesn't love that?! :-D

I awwwwed and ooooohed and laughed out loud. And in the end I closed the book feeling satisfied and thankful. Josh Lanyon never fails to deliver!

...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Aug 03, 2018 Arch Bala rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, 5-stars, humor, writers, detectives, mystery, favorite-couple-ever, favorite-series, murder, 2018-books

It's been ages since I've read something from Josh Lanyon and reading the fourth book off her Holmes and Moriarity series made me realized how much I missed her storytelling and it reminded me how much I absolutely loved almost all of her catalogue!

In Other Words...Murder is no exception. I absolutely adore this installment of the series where we see J.X. and Kit being all so domestic with each other, much more the inscrutable and super adorably funny Kit! I could totally picture him being all s ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Dec 05, 2019 Meggie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-romance-romance, crime-police-mystery, audio-book

J.X. Moriarity and Christopher Holmes daily life is finally complete. They live together and are openly in love with each other. I really loved that part. They weren't fighting and Kit tried very hard not to be selfish and, as he was known to run away from J.X, when he was feeling down. This series is truly well developed and written. I love this couple and had fun listening to Kit's newer criminal case. ...more

Like · see review

Apr 28, 2020 Betsy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This story was all about the romantic arc, which, mercifully, shows a mature Kit. There is an external plot, but that's not really the focus and it winds up neatly and quickly at the very end. ...more

Like · see review

Jul 22, 2018 Ayesh rated it really liked it · review of another edition

After a long wait, I finally got to read this. I liked it but still felt like something is missing. May be result of too much expectation & waiting?!?!

Like · see review