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The Art of Murder #1
The Mermaid Murders
Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins
Special Agent Jason West is seconded from the FBI Art Crime Team to temporarily partner with disgraced, legendary “manhunter” Sam Kennedy when it appears that Kennedy’s most famous case, the capture and conviction of a serial killer known as The Huntsman, may actually have been a disastrous failure.
For The Huntsman is still out there…and the killing has begun again.
Special Agent Jason West is seconded from the FBI Art Crime Team to temporarily partner with disgraced, legendary “manhunter” Sam Kennedy when it appears that Kennedy’s most famous case, the capture and conviction of a serial killer known as The Huntsman, may actually have been a disastrous failure.
For The Huntsman is still out there…and the killing has begun again.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 29, 2016
About the author
Josh Lanyon
188 books5,240 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 605 reviews
October 9, 2016
wtf is this.
a him and her review special.
him: what is this?
her: It is an art form. A form of art.
him: what does imminent sex smell like
her: If I remember right, one too many Fuzzy Navels — hey-oh!
him: can you imagine having a dick big enough to ‘crowd’ a grown-assed man
her: Is it the dick or the darkness that smells like a frat party?
him: ...but what is this tho
her: Hold up, flag on the play: “brailing”? …. *noises of hurried page flipping and keyboard clicking* Awright, we’ve got “brailing” (one L), ropes for hauling in sails, and “brailing” (two Ls), feeling for things you cannot see or converting words into Braille. You pick.
him: i like this image. come, sir, permit me to read your cock like a novel.
her: And then haul it into my boat.
him: no but seriously what is this?
her: This is a metaphor. The author is comparing orgasm to the movie Blue Crush.
him: but like… literally out of nowhere
her: right? Where did the surfboard come from? They're in a hotel in Massachusetts. Maybe he sleeps with a wee surfboard instead of a teddy bear, and calls it George.
him: and this?
her: One surfing metaphor is all you get. Future encounters meet minimum pleasure standards.
him: your interval of pleasurable physical contact is konkluded, komrade. now we hydrate the body.
her: You old honeydripper.
him: writing like this gives me agita. also, who the fuck is “much for” CPR in the first fucking place? like it’s a fun hobby? or a secret kink? i hope someone drowns after falling off their surfboard during an overwhelming orgasm so i may revive them.
her: I think mouth-to-mouth might be kissing? It means he won't kiss but he’ll suck cock. Please come to me with all your future confusing gay sex questions.
him: i’m gonna need someone to tell me what this is.
her: This is a proctology exam.
him: ANUS INVADER IV: THE SLICKENING
her: I think I used to play that on Atari.
him: is this what?
her: This is the aforementioned pleasure, enjoyed in a responsible manner.
him: rude penis is rude. i beg your pardon, sir!
her: The penis is probably a New Yorker (see what I did there?)
him: what. is. this.
her: This is salsa dancing? Tennis? A rowing machine?
him: pretty sure it’s tennis. on a surfboard, mebbe.
her: (insert ball boy joke here)
him: ok but—and that’s fine, really it is, just… what? is? this?
her: This is Kennedy issuing bureau-approved pillow-talk.
him: but can we discuss the impalement, or
her: Can you impale over and over again, rhythmically? I feel like impaling is just the once.
him: i think maybe it’s all in the easy, rhythmic stabbing motion. like, in the wrists, or sommat.
her: When the car crashed the man was ejected and impaled rhythmically on a fence post.
him: from things i’ve read on the internet i surmise that Lanyon prefers to think of herself as a mystery writer first. what think ye of the mystery in this one?
her: The whodunitness was just okay, but the atmosphere was satisfyingly creepy and I did like a lot of the secondary characters.
him: yeah, those scenes in the abandoned town freaked me the fuck out. so, meh on the mystery? yay on the atmosphere? and blergity on the romance?
her: I...think so
him: i am not satisfied.
a him and her review special.
him: what is this?
Kennedy’s dick sprang free, crowding Jason in the darkness that pressed closer, smelling of faded aftershave, musk, and imminent sex.
“Beautiful,” Kennedy said, reaching for him, and Jason’s cock nestled into his curled palm. “This is beautiful.”
Yes, it was. After a day devoted to death and dying, sex was a beautiful, life-affirming thing. An art form all its own.
her: It is an art form. A form of art.
him: what does imminent sex smell like
her: If I remember right, one too many Fuzzy Navels — hey-oh!
him: can you imagine having a dick big enough to ‘crowd’ a grown-assed man
her: Is it the dick or the darkness that smells like a frat party?
him: ...but what is this tho
Kennedy’s thumb stroked along Jason’s achingly hard length in a sensual brailing, and the moan Jason had tried to swallow tore out of his throat. Raw and honest with need.
her: Hold up, flag on the play: “brailing”? …. *noises of hurried page flipping and keyboard clicking* Awright, we’ve got “brailing” (one L), ropes for hauling in sails, and “brailing” (two Ls), feeling for things you cannot see or converting words into Braille. You pick.
him: i like this image. come, sir, permit me to read your cock like a novel.
her: And then haul it into my boat.
him: no but seriously what is this?
Jason’s balls drew tight. Little lights danced behind his eyes. He surged up against the door one final time and went barreling down a luminous blue-green tunnel until he felt orgasm lift him like a wave scooping up his surfboard and casting him into sunlight and spray.
her: This is a metaphor. The author is comparing orgasm to the movie Blue Crush.
him: but like… literally out of nowhere
her: right? Where did the surfboard come from? They're in a hotel in Massachusetts. Maybe he sleeps with a wee surfboard instead of a teddy bear, and calls it George.
him: and this?
The next few minutes passed in pleasurable physical contact. Kennedy might not be much for mouth-to-mouth, but he was definitely an orally fixated kind of guy.
her: One surfing metaphor is all you get. Future encounters meet minimum pleasure standards.
him: your interval of pleasurable physical contact is konkluded, komrade. now we hydrate the body.
her: You old honeydripper.
him: writing like this gives me agita. also, who the fuck is “much for” CPR in the first fucking place? like it’s a fun hobby? or a secret kink? i hope someone drowns after falling off their surfboard during an overwhelming orgasm so i may revive them.
her: I think mouth-to-mouth might be kissing? It means he won't kiss but he’ll suck cock. Please come to me with all your future confusing gay sex questions.
him: i’m gonna need someone to tell me what this is.
Jason jumped and then closed his eyes, willing himself to relax as something slick and wet on the point of Kennedy’s finger invaded his anus.
her: This is a proctology exam.
him: ANUS INVADER IV: THE SLICKENING
her: I think I used to play that on Atari.
him: is this what?
Kennedy’s weight settled on top of him. He was big, but he was surprisingly lithe, and his cock—condom, okay that’s good—rudely poked Jason in a couple of vulnerable spots before lodging between Jason’s buttocks. A pleasurable compromise if that’s what Jason wanted.
her: This is the aforementioned pleasure, enjoyed in a responsible manner.
him: rude penis is rude. i beg your pardon, sir!
her: The penis is probably a New Yorker (see what I did there?)
him: what. is. this.
Jason pushed up on his elbows and knees, rocking into the roll of Kennedy’s hips. They fell right into a natural rhythm, push and pull, back and forth, forehand and backhand…now picking up speed.
her: This is salsa dancing? Tennis? A rowing machine?
him: pretty sure it’s tennis. on a surfboard, mebbe.
her: (insert ball boy joke here)
him: ok but—and that’s fine, really it is, just… what? is? this?
Kennedy whispered into his ear, “You’re something else, West. Something special…really special…” impaling him in easy, rhythmic strokes.
her: This is Kennedy issuing bureau-approved pillow-talk.
him: but can we discuss the impalement, or
her: Can you impale over and over again, rhythmically? I feel like impaling is just the once.
him: i think maybe it’s all in the easy, rhythmic stabbing motion. like, in the wrists, or sommat.
her: When the car crashed the man was ejected and impaled rhythmically on a fence post.
him: from things i’ve read on the internet i surmise that Lanyon prefers to think of herself as a mystery writer first. what think ye of the mystery in this one?
her: The whodunitness was just okay, but the atmosphere was satisfyingly creepy and I did like a lot of the secondary characters.
him: yeah, those scenes in the abandoned town freaked me the fuck out. so, meh on the mystery? yay on the atmosphere? and blergity on the romance?
her: I...think so
him: i am not satisfied.
March 14, 2016
4 stars. Review posted March 7, 2016
“There has to be something here.” He didn’t realize he’d spoken aloud until Kennedy said, “There always is. Sometimes you know it’s there by its very absence.” Very Yoda-esque. Wise in the ways of aberrant psychology are you, Senior Special Agent Kennedy.
Sitting in front of your laptop and waiting on your review mojo to reappear is probably not the best thing to do. I don't know. Sometimes life has other things in store for you and reading and reviewing are, quite frankly, not at the very top of my priority list anymore. I'm pretty sure that I don't even read more than one or two book(s) per week at the moment which should bother me terribly, but I'm at a point where I don't even care. That means I'm way behind on my Reading Challenge 2016 also.
Anyhoo…let me say something about Lanyon's latest mysterybook series. Due to the afore-mentioned reasons, I'll keep it short and to the point.
I enjoyed The Mermaid Murders, the first book in Lanyon's new series The Art of Murder. I think it comes close to her "old style" and popular murder mysteries. While I'm usually very good at figuring out the villain, I did struggle this time around to spot the baddie. Thus I felt the mystery was well done and very engaging and kept me guessing for a long time. As per usual, Lanyon's witty writing was pretty much flawless and, to me, played a major part in making this story a success. In my book, the romance (I mean romance not sex) was kinda lacking but I didn't mind that one bit. Given the fact that Sam Kennedy and Jason West had to inadvertently form an alliance to solve a crime and thereby handle a good deal of strong antipathy for each other, you couldn't expect any lovey-dovey-rainbows-and-flowers kind of relationship between those two. As I saw it, the main focus had been laid on the gripping mystery and the problematic collaboration between the two main protags. That's why I greatly appreciated the chill-out factor that popped up a couple times in the form of some sizzling smexy bits.
“No one suggested you screwed up the earlier investigation.”
Kennedy’s gaze grew mocking. “Tactfully put. You’ll do well in management.”
“Fuck off,” Jason said quietly.
Kennedy’s pale brows rose.
“Sir,” Jason added.
Kennedy laughed. It was a sound of genuine amusement.
I'm positive that readers will get to know Sam and Jason better over the course of the series. One particular scene struck me as intriguing:
Kennedy stared at him. There was so much pain in his face. He wasn't even trying to hide it. Features set and pale, mouth too firm, eyes dark with naked emotion. Where had all that come from? Four hours ago he had been Mr. Freeze.
Something happened in Sam's past that made him wall up. I hope that secret will be laid open in one of the next installments because I can't wait to read about "it". I want more personal information about Sam and Jason's background and I really want them to develop not only a relationship, but I want them to fall in love. Gimme some feel-good vibes please. That should go hand in hand very nicely with another solid murder mystery.
“Listen,” he said.
“You don’t want to be involved with me.”
“You’re right.”
“If you think I’m an asshole now…”
“You don’t have to convince me.”
“I’m too old for you, for one thing.”
Jason folded his arms. “And getting older by the minute.”
“I’m always on the road. Always traveling. I like it that way.”
“Sure. Sounds ideal.”
Book II The Monet Murders is due out in winter 2017. That's a rather long wait. Though we all know that good things come to those who wait, and that's what I'm going to do. Patiently.
Recommended read.
****************************************
Pre-reading The Mermaid Murders:
ETA: January 20th 2016, 5:53 pm. Beebs said: Hi baba, I wondered at the 19 pages too and saw somewhere that it is kind of a placeholder thing with amazon and book is actually 249 pages approx :)
Then add this little important fact to Amazon asap. Geez. That's so misleading. *smh*
ETA: January 20 2016
Dear Publishers,
I really wanted to read The Mermaid Murders, but if you think I will shell out 4.71 euro ($ 5.15) for 19 pages, then I suggest you think again.
Good luck with your sales strategy, you might need it.
Best,
Baba
Current pricing on Amazon.com and Amazon.de, January 20th 2016
********************************
Maybe I should rate it too…give it five stars, just to counterbalance the one-star rating. After all, the book is only due out next year and deserves a rating. *sarcasm* This "system of categorizing" not released books by giving them a rating is annoying the fuck outta me.
“There has to be something here.” He didn’t realize he’d spoken aloud until Kennedy said, “There always is. Sometimes you know it’s there by its very absence.” Very Yoda-esque. Wise in the ways of aberrant psychology are you, Senior Special Agent Kennedy.
Sitting in front of your laptop and waiting on your review mojo to reappear is probably not the best thing to do. I don't know. Sometimes life has other things in store for you and reading and reviewing are, quite frankly, not at the very top of my priority list anymore. I'm pretty sure that I don't even read more than one or two book(s) per week at the moment which should bother me terribly, but I'm at a point where I don't even care. That means I'm way behind on my Reading Challenge 2016 also.
Anyhoo…let me say something about Lanyon's latest mystery
I enjoyed The Mermaid Murders, the first book in Lanyon's new series The Art of Murder. I think it comes close to her "old style" and popular murder mysteries. While I'm usually very good at figuring out the villain, I did struggle this time around to spot the baddie. Thus I felt the mystery was well done and very engaging and kept me guessing for a long time. As per usual, Lanyon's witty writing was pretty much flawless and, to me, played a major part in making this story a success. In my book, the romance (I mean romance not sex) was kinda lacking but I didn't mind that one bit. Given the fact that Sam Kennedy and Jason West had to inadvertently form an alliance to solve a crime and thereby handle a good deal of strong antipathy for each other, you couldn't expect any lovey-dovey-rainbows-and-flowers kind of relationship between those two. As I saw it, the main focus had been laid on the gripping mystery and the problematic collaboration between the two main protags. That's why I greatly appreciated the chill-out factor that popped up a couple times in the form of some sizzling smexy bits.
“No one suggested you screwed up the earlier investigation.”
Kennedy’s gaze grew mocking. “Tactfully put. You’ll do well in management.”
“Fuck off,” Jason said quietly.
Kennedy’s pale brows rose.
“Sir,” Jason added.
Kennedy laughed. It was a sound of genuine amusement.
I'm positive that readers will get to know Sam and Jason better over the course of the series. One particular scene struck me as intriguing:
Kennedy stared at him. There was so much pain in his face. He wasn't even trying to hide it. Features set and pale, mouth too firm, eyes dark with naked emotion. Where had all that come from? Four hours ago he had been Mr. Freeze.
Something happened in Sam's past that made him wall up. I hope that secret will be laid open in one of the next installments because I can't wait to read about "it". I want more personal information about Sam and Jason's background and I really want them to develop not only a relationship, but I want them to fall in love. Gimme some feel-good vibes please. That should go hand in hand very nicely with another solid murder mystery.
“Listen,” he said.
“You don’t want to be involved with me.”
“You’re right.”
“If you think I’m an asshole now…”
“You don’t have to convince me.”
“I’m too old for you, for one thing.”
Jason folded his arms. “And getting older by the minute.”
“I’m always on the road. Always traveling. I like it that way.”
“Sure. Sounds ideal.”
Book II The Monet Murders is due out in winter 2017. That's a rather long wait. Though we all know that good things come to those who wait, and that's what I'm going to do. Patiently.
Recommended read.
****************************************
Pre-reading The Mermaid Murders:
ETA: January 20th 2016, 5:53 pm. Beebs said: Hi baba, I wondered at the 19 pages too and saw somewhere that it is kind of a placeholder thing with amazon and book is actually 249 pages approx :)
Then add this little important fact to Amazon asap. Geez. That's so misleading. *smh*
ETA: January 20 2016
Dear Publishers,
I really wanted to read The Mermaid Murders, but if you think I will shell out 4.71 euro ($ 5.15) for 19 pages, then I suggest you think again.
Good luck with your sales strategy, you might need it.
Best,
Baba
Current pricing on Amazon.com and Amazon.de, January 20th 2016
********************************
Maybe I should rate it too…give it five stars, just to counterbalance the one-star rating. After all, the book is only due out next year and deserves a rating. *sarcasm* This "system of categorizing" not released books by giving them a rating is annoying the fuck outta me.
May 28, 2024
4.5 stars
I have no idea why I waited so long to start this series. I've read and loved many of this author's books and this one is pretty typical of how she writes mysteries with some romance on the side. And it totally works for me.
The mystery is quite good. There might be a plot hole here and there, but it was very engaging and I enjoyed watching how it unfolded.
What I didn't expect is to love the characters as much as I did. The author often writes the same type of characters: one older and grumpy, and the other younger and more prone to get himself in trouble. But for some reason it never feels like I'm reading about the same characters. They are all very distinct in my mind.
Anyway, I loved both Jason and Sam. I loved their dynamics and how their relationship developed from the initial animosity. The things between them aren't necessarily romantic, but there were moments that I thought were very sweet. And I absolutely loved the ending.
Fantastic narration by Kale Williams.
I have no idea why I waited so long to start this series. I've read and loved many of this author's books and this one is pretty typical of how she writes mysteries with some romance on the side. And it totally works for me.
The mystery is quite good. There might be a plot hole here and there, but it was very engaging and I enjoyed watching how it unfolded.
What I didn't expect is to love the characters as much as I did. The author often writes the same type of characters: one older and grumpy, and the other younger and more prone to get himself in trouble. But for some reason it never feels like I'm reading about the same characters. They are all very distinct in my mind.
Anyway, I loved both Jason and Sam. I loved their dynamics and how their relationship developed from the initial animosity. The things between them aren't necessarily romantic, but there were moments that I thought were very sweet. And I absolutely loved the ending.
Fantastic narration by Kale Williams.
March 8, 2016
4,5 stars!
Let me congratulate us with a start of a new VERY promising series written in the best traditions of our dear author.
You favour books with the main focus on a MM romance?
You prefer a good structured mystery?
The bad news:
The good news - for me anyway:
MEANS: The story has a lot of potential and could become a huge success among similar series. On the other hand, it has a VERY special HFN, that somehow ends at the right moment with the right mood. WHAT DO I WANT MORE? Except I want MORE.
Senior Special Agent Sam Kennedy, a legend in the Bureau, a brilliant profiler, but with a difficult reputation returns to Kingsfield where almost one decade ago he caught and put a serial murder behind bar. When suddenly a young woman disappeared there again, the Kinsfield Police Chief asked for Special Agent Kennedy's help. Does he have a copy killer on his hand? Or could it be that The Huntsman, a serial murder, had a companion who just waited for a perfect moment to attack? And what if the wrong person was imprisoned? So many unanswered questions! It looks like one of our MC, agent Sam Kennedy, is not very popular for his very direct manner and some people can't wait to see him lavishly failed. No wonder that Sam is not excited to find that for this case he has been temporarily partnered with Jason West, an agent from the Art Crime Team. (?!) Isn't he supposed to work in a museum and not in the field?
OF COURSE their first meeting doesn't go well. Kennedy let Jason know that he is going to work ALONE and that all Jason needs to do is stay out of his way, and Jason let him know that WHETHER he likes it or NOT, he is his partner for this case. Besides he doesn't like to WORK with him EITHER, but they HAVE TO. Period.
Well when the second girl disappears, things get serious. And our guys start not just to work TOGETHER, but also...NO, I'm not going to spoil you the pleasure to find it yourselves.
That was a great read. We have a typical Josh Lanyon's couple. VERY DIFFERENT guys, not only from their appearance. And as we know (also from all Josh Lanyon's books) that Opposites attract! And we have here everything that a good suspense romance can offer:
We have thrilling actions, we have SEXUAL tension, we have great dialogues, we have a quick paced gripping mystery- I've been puzzling over the real murder almost up to the very end - and we have atypical for the author ending - there is no abrupt finale here. It is smooth and romantic and left me satisfied, beaming with happiness.
I don't need to prey the writing. I read also some of Josh Lanyon's books that didn't work for me.
But this one belongs definitively to one of her best!
***ARC provided to Gay Book Reviews by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
Let me congratulate us with a start of a new VERY promising series written in the best traditions of our dear author.
You favour books with the main focus on a MM romance? You'll like it!
You prefer a good structured mystery?
The bad news:
It is the first book and the next book in the series will appear in 2017!
The good news - for me anyway:
It might equally well be a standalone, and I wouldn't be disappointed.
MEANS: The story has a lot of potential and could become a huge success among similar series. On the other hand, it has a VERY special HFN, that somehow ends at the right moment with the right mood. WHAT DO I WANT MORE? Except I want MORE.
Senior Special Agent Sam Kennedy, a legend in the Bureau, a brilliant profiler, but with a difficult reputation returns to Kingsfield where almost one decade ago he caught and put a serial murder behind bar. When suddenly a young woman disappeared there again, the Kinsfield Police Chief asked for Special Agent Kennedy's help. Does he have a copy killer on his hand? Or could it be that The Huntsman, a serial murder, had a companion who just waited for a perfect moment to attack? And what if the wrong person was imprisoned? So many unanswered questions! It looks like one of our MC, agent Sam Kennedy, is not very popular for his very direct manner and some people can't wait to see him lavishly failed. No wonder that Sam is not excited to find that for this case he has been temporarily partnered with Jason West, an agent from the Art Crime Team. (?!) Isn't he supposed to work in a museum and not in the field?
OF COURSE their first meeting doesn't go well. Kennedy let Jason know that he is going to work ALONE and that all Jason needs to do is stay out of his way, and Jason let him know that WHETHER he likes it or NOT, he is his partner for this case. Besides he doesn't like to WORK with him EITHER, but they HAVE TO. Period.
Well when the second girl disappears, things get serious. And our guys start not just to work TOGETHER, but also...NO, I'm not going to spoil you the pleasure to find it yourselves.
That was a great read. We have a typical Josh Lanyon's couple. VERY DIFFERENT guys, not only from their appearance. And as we know (also from all Josh Lanyon's books) that Opposites attract! And we have here everything that a good suspense romance can offer:
We have thrilling actions, we have SEXUAL tension, we have great dialogues, we have a quick paced gripping mystery- I've been puzzling over the real murder almost up to the very end - and we have atypical for the author ending - there is no abrupt finale here. It is smooth and romantic and left me satisfied, beaming with happiness.
I don't need to prey the writing. I read also some of Josh Lanyon's books that didn't work for me.
But this one belongs definitively to one of her best!
***ARC provided to Gay Book Reviews by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
June 5, 2016
Amazing! This book is f***ing fantastic!!!
I am probably biased because not only does the title refer to mermaids (I am obsessed with mermaids, LOL), but the story itself revolves around mermaids and mermaid related items. I loved it.
And we even get to see a real one in the story, as scary as this may sound.
Not this kind of mermaid, though.
Not this one, either, sorry (but good excuse to post this pic, right?).
This is the type of ‘mermaid’ that you’ll encounter in the course of the story. If you don’t know what this is, let the story surprise you and google it afterwards ;-)
As disgusting as this seems, these ‘mermaids’ do exist.
Oh, and we get to see a flooded ghost town in this book! How cool is that?
About the plot:
Young aspiring FBI Agent Jason West from the Art Crime Division is trying to do his superior Agent in Charge a favor by temporarily teaming up with fellow Agent Sam Kennedy, who is a profiler working on a missing girl’s case.
Kennedy’s excellent reputation has suffered in the course of his previous assignment and the FBI wants to keep Kennedy on a short leash, hoping he won’t screw up his next case and drag in even more bad publicity.
Upon meeting the older agent, Jason is sure that the assignment will be tough. Kennedy seems unfriendly, arrogant and distant. He’s a lone wolf who is not exactly happy the FBI has hooked him up with a chaperone, let alone a pen pusher from the Art Crime Division who has never seen a murder crime scene or done serious profiling before.
The current case of a girl gone missing from a party reminds Kennedy of a series of murders that he had to solve some 10 years ago in the same area. Back then, the infamous ‘Huntsman’ had killed teenage girls, raped them and mutilated their corpses, before Kennedy was able to track him down and put him in prison.
The new investigation shows disturbing similarities to the Huntsman case and people start talking about the ‘Huntsman’ being back.
Is this a copycat killer or did Kennedy put the wrong man behind bars? The last question would mean the end of Kennedy’s career – and despite Jason’s initial reservations about his new temporary partner, he doesn’t want to see Kennedy fall.
But suddenly Jason’s past catches up with him and he finds himself a suspect in this insane case and needs Kennedy to help prove his innocence.
This story is pure perfection from the beginning to the end. The tension, the actual investigation, it all went under my skin and towards the end I was actually afraid to turn the pages!
Sam and Jason are a dream team! They’re not the easy romance type of guys that I usually love to read about. They’re professional and strictly business. Their getting to know each other is rather subtle and sweet.
The story is told exclusively from Jason’s POV, so we never know what Kennedy actually thinks. I usually don’t like this narration style, but here it is simply brilliant. We get to know Kennedy the same way Jason gets to know him, which is just a perfect adventure!
I am so in love with these two guys. I wish this book had been much, much longer. I can hardly wait to meet these guys again in Winter 2017!
Josh Lanyon never fails to amaze me, but this book seriously blew me away! It is my favorite by this author for sure - and be sure to make the connection to Winter Kill, which is also a great novel!
5 stars and on my list of all time favorites!
I am probably biased because not only does the title refer to mermaids (I am obsessed with mermaids, LOL), but the story itself revolves around mermaids and mermaid related items. I loved it.
And we even get to see a real one in the story, as scary as this may sound.
Not this kind of mermaid, though.
Not this one, either, sorry (but good excuse to post this pic, right?).
This is the type of ‘mermaid’ that you’ll encounter in the course of the story. If you don’t know what this is, let the story surprise you and google it afterwards ;-)
As disgusting as this seems, these ‘mermaids’ do exist.
Oh, and we get to see a flooded ghost town in this book! How cool is that?
About the plot:
Young aspiring FBI Agent Jason West from the Art Crime Division is trying to do his superior Agent in Charge a favor by temporarily teaming up with fellow Agent Sam Kennedy, who is a profiler working on a missing girl’s case.
Kennedy’s excellent reputation has suffered in the course of his previous assignment and the FBI wants to keep Kennedy on a short leash, hoping he won’t screw up his next case and drag in even more bad publicity.
Upon meeting the older agent, Jason is sure that the assignment will be tough. Kennedy seems unfriendly, arrogant and distant. He’s a lone wolf who is not exactly happy the FBI has hooked him up with a chaperone, let alone a pen pusher from the Art Crime Division who has never seen a murder crime scene or done serious profiling before.
The current case of a girl gone missing from a party reminds Kennedy of a series of murders that he had to solve some 10 years ago in the same area. Back then, the infamous ‘Huntsman’ had killed teenage girls, raped them and mutilated their corpses, before Kennedy was able to track him down and put him in prison.
The new investigation shows disturbing similarities to the Huntsman case and people start talking about the ‘Huntsman’ being back.
Is this a copycat killer or did Kennedy put the wrong man behind bars? The last question would mean the end of Kennedy’s career – and despite Jason’s initial reservations about his new temporary partner, he doesn’t want to see Kennedy fall.
But suddenly Jason’s past catches up with him and he finds himself a suspect in this insane case and needs Kennedy to help prove his innocence.
This story is pure perfection from the beginning to the end. The tension, the actual investigation, it all went under my skin and towards the end I was actually afraid to turn the pages!
Sam and Jason are a dream team! They’re not the easy romance type of guys that I usually love to read about. They’re professional and strictly business. Their getting to know each other is rather subtle and sweet.
The story is told exclusively from Jason’s POV, so we never know what Kennedy actually thinks. I usually don’t like this narration style, but here it is simply brilliant. We get to know Kennedy the same way Jason gets to know him, which is just a perfect adventure!
I am so in love with these two guys. I wish this book had been much, much longer. I can hardly wait to meet these guys again in Winter 2017!
Josh Lanyon never fails to amaze me, but this book seriously blew me away! It is my favorite by this author for sure - and be sure to make the connection to Winter Kill, which is also a great novel!
5 stars and on my list of all time favorites!
September 12, 2016
Oh, Lanyon, my Lanyon! It's so good to be with you again.
March 5, 2016
Review written March 5, 2016
5 Stars - Simply perfect in every way. Terrific read!
A fresh and new full length Josh Lanyon novel. Crime and M/M romance in the very best combo. I enjoyed and thankfully took in EVERYTHING reading this one. Stunned and still happydancing.
*********************************************
There were mermaids, dead teenage girls and a horrible killer...
The FBI Art Crime Team's young ambitious Special Agent Jason West is seconded to temporarily partner the (feared) legendary murderhunter Sam Kennedy. A grumpy older agent, blond big and tough manly. A man who doesn't want a teammate. Not friendly, not nice but quite impressive and very interesting.
The killing has begun again...
These two are to investigate a new case with a missing teengirl in the same small Kingsfiekd town as Kennedy’s most famous case over 10 years ago. The case with the famous serial killer known as The Huntsman. — Also the place where Jason spent his teenage summers and lost his first "girlfriend".
Two men. A small town with sad memories and still the feeling of fear...
I was convinced this Mermaid Murders novel should be a wonderful great JL story after just reading a few pages. For me it had it all; a interesting set, a good crime case, characters to feel for and nail biting excitement and suspense in the end. Best of all; so lovely romantic, hot-hot, intense and the relationship stuff developed in that perfect believable slow pace I like most. It can't be better. No, not possible.
Lanyon end with a promise of more books with these two in the future (winter 2017). — Gosh and sigh, it will be a unbelievable long hard wait. (...but I know I will throw myself over it and drop all other books as soon it is here to get.)
*********************************************
So good; the atmosphere, the feel, the impact on me and my mood. Perfect. More can't be said. — Higly Recommended!
I LIKE - no, I'm amazed, I'm thankful, I adore...
****
# Woot, this was fun! A weekdays BR with start 2nd March with a bunch of JL fans. — Thank you Therese, Sofia and Rosa!
# My oldish "currently-reading" gif as I loved so much:
5 Stars - Simply perfect in every way. Terrific read!
A fresh and new full length Josh Lanyon novel. Crime and M/M romance in the very best combo. I enjoyed and thankfully took in EVERYTHING reading this one. Stunned and still happydancing.
*********************************************
“Art is the other side of the coin. It represents the best of humanity. And what I’m here for is to try and protect that…legacy. Our cultural heritage. And by our, I mean everybody.”
There were mermaids, dead teenage girls and a horrible killer...
The FBI Art Crime Team's young ambitious Special Agent Jason West is seconded to temporarily partner the (feared) legendary murderhunter Sam Kennedy. A grumpy older agent, blond big and tough manly. A man who doesn't want a teammate. Not friendly, not nice but quite impressive and very interesting.
The killing has begun again...
These two are to investigate a new case with a missing teengirl in the same small Kingsfiekd town as Kennedy’s most famous case over 10 years ago. The case with the famous serial killer known as The Huntsman. — Also the place where Jason spent his teenage summers and lost his first "girlfriend".
Two men. A small town with sad memories and still the feeling of fear...
I was convinced this Mermaid Murders novel should be a wonderful great JL story after just reading a few pages. For me it had it all; a interesting set, a good crime case, characters to feel for and nail biting excitement and suspense in the end. Best of all; so lovely romantic, hot-hot, intense and the relationship stuff developed in that perfect believable slow pace I like most. It can't be better. No, not possible.
Lanyon end with a promise of more books with these two in the future (winter 2017). — Gosh and sigh, it will be a unbelievable long hard wait. (...but I know I will throw myself over it and drop all other books as soon it is here to get.)
*********************************************
So good; the atmosphere, the feel, the impact on me and my mood. Perfect. More can't be said. — Higly Recommended!
I LIKE - no, I'm amazed, I'm thankful, I adore...
****
# Woot, this was fun! A weekdays BR with start 2nd March with a bunch of JL fans. — Thank you Therese, Sofia and Rosa!
# My oldish "currently-reading" gif as I loved so much:
March 1, 2016
Great. Just great.
SPOILERS!
Of all the Lanyon's I've read, this mystery is the one that I found most interesting. The mystery in The Mermaid Murders was beyond what I was hoping for, plot wise. Lanyon took this shit to a next level.
The small town, the people, the scenery, reminded me very much of the small town from Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects. Something's just... not right, and you can feel that deep in your bones. You have no idea what's wrong, or why, but you know there's something sour just on the tip of your tongue.
O, Sam Kennedy. My newest boyfriend. Big, mean, intimidating. Not quite handsome and powerful. In my book, perfection. I adored him. I also adored Jason. Without delving too deeply into the traits of each character, know that they are distinct and they are crisp. It's lovely.
This book is my favorite read of the year so far. I'm not sure what more I could've asked for. Slow romance, a disturbing mystery, spooky parts which made me gasp, classic Lanyon one-liners which made me laugh. A wonderful mystery that kept me guessing. In this book, I cared just as much about the mystery as the romance, which is saying something for me.
I doubt I will ever grow tired of her wonderful, tantalizing mysteries, her surprising characters, her slow-burn romances, her unapproachable love interests. Even the stories I don't love, I still very much enjoy. Her books are my type. I'm a creature of habit. I like what I like, and what I like are Lanyon books.
As long as Lanyon continues to write, I will continue to buy, and allow myself to live in the worlds she builds, if only for a few hours.
---
alright, WHO RATED THIS?
if you're gonna not read a lanyon but rate it anyway, at least give it a 5! gawwwwwdddddddd.
SPOILERS!
Of all the Lanyon's I've read, this mystery is the one that I found most interesting. The mystery in The Mermaid Murders was beyond what I was hoping for, plot wise. Lanyon took this shit to a next level.
The small town, the people, the scenery, reminded me very much of the small town from Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects. Something's just... not right, and you can feel that deep in your bones. You have no idea what's wrong, or why, but you know there's something sour just on the tip of your tongue.
O, Sam Kennedy. My newest boyfriend. Big, mean, intimidating. Not quite handsome and powerful. In my book, perfection. I adored him. I also adored Jason. Without delving too deeply into the traits of each character, know that they are distinct and they are crisp. It's lovely.
This book is my favorite read of the year so far. I'm not sure what more I could've asked for. Slow romance, a disturbing mystery, spooky parts which made me gasp, classic Lanyon one-liners which made me laugh. A wonderful mystery that kept me guessing. In this book, I cared just as much about the mystery as the romance, which is saying something for me.
I doubt I will ever grow tired of her wonderful, tantalizing mysteries, her surprising characters, her slow-burn romances, her unapproachable love interests. Even the stories I don't love, I still very much enjoy. Her books are my type. I'm a creature of habit. I like what I like, and what I like are Lanyon books.
As long as Lanyon continues to write, I will continue to buy, and allow myself to live in the worlds she builds, if only for a few hours.
When you gaze long into the abyss...the abyss asks you out for cocktails?
---
alright, WHO RATED THIS?
if you're gonna not read a lanyon but rate it anyway, at least give it a 5! gawwwwwdddddddd.
January 2, 2024
I last read this book in 2016, and it is my firm belief that I may have lapsed into a coma while reading it because I made observations that would have my literacy revoked. Or perhaps I am wiser since I am turning 30 in a week. Yes, the existential crisis looms, and perhaps that is why I suffer the strongest of urges to revisit old favourites.
A mermaid netsuke
The story starts with Special Agent Sam Kennedy, chief of the Behavioral Analysis Unit, who is first introduced in Winter Kill (which you should read before reading book 2). Agent Kennedy has the sparkling personality of a burnt shoe, but he smells a lot more pleasant. At least he does, according to Special Agent Jason West, who is in the Art Crimes Team. West has been assigned to oversee Kennedy in a unique case affecting the town he grew up in that was terrorised by a serial killer when he was a teenager. The serial killer at the time, The Huntsman, was put behind bars through Kennedy's intrepid efforts. Still, after a kerfuffle in Wisconsin, the bureau wants to ditch Captain Unpleasant with the help of West's reports. But first, someone is killing girls again. Did Kennedy get the wrong man all those years ago?
The story unfolds slowly, with elements of West and Kennedy's personalities interweaving the narrative seamlessly. We want to know who the killer is, whether the real Huntsman is in prison, why Officer Boyd has such a boner for West's destruction, why West's boss has such a erm vendetta against Kennedy. But also, we want to know why Kennedy lets his gaze linger on West. Why he can only laugh with West. Why he damn near lost his mind when West fell through tricky flooring in an abandoned building.
This book is a lot funnier than I remembered it being, and it was also quite the roller coaster. When the murderer was finally revealed, my flabber was sufficiently gasted. I couldn't believe the book bamboozled me on a reread. However, my memory is also not what it used to be. I'm turning 300 in seven days. It's quite the predicament. Unnatural even. But since I suffer from quasi-senility, I couldn't forget how remarkable Lanyon's writing is. And this is a book that seems as effortless as a Christie novel, and it's perfect for enthusiasts of the genre.
A mermaid netsuke
The story starts with Special Agent Sam Kennedy, chief of the Behavioral Analysis Unit, who is first introduced in Winter Kill (which you should read before reading book 2). Agent Kennedy has the sparkling personality of a burnt shoe, but he smells a lot more pleasant. At least he does, according to Special Agent Jason West, who is in the Art Crimes Team. West has been assigned to oversee Kennedy in a unique case affecting the town he grew up in that was terrorised by a serial killer when he was a teenager. The serial killer at the time, The Huntsman, was put behind bars through Kennedy's intrepid efforts. Still, after a kerfuffle in Wisconsin, the bureau wants to ditch Captain Unpleasant with the help of West's reports. But first, someone is killing girls again. Did Kennedy get the wrong man all those years ago?
The story unfolds slowly, with elements of West and Kennedy's personalities interweaving the narrative seamlessly. We want to know who the killer is, whether the real Huntsman is in prison, why Officer Boyd has such a boner for West's destruction, why West's boss has such a erm vendetta against Kennedy. But also, we want to know why Kennedy lets his gaze linger on West. Why he can only laugh with West. Why he damn near lost his mind when West fell through tricky flooring in an abandoned building.
"Jason-"As the seminal philosophers from Disney's Hercules once said, Girl don't be proud, it's ok you're in love.
"I want to try the stairway. I'll keep yelling Marco, and you yell Polo. So you know I'm okay, and I can tell how far from you I am."
"Are you-? And what if you're not okay? How am I supposed to get to you?"
"Marco?"
"West, you're beginning to piss me off."
"Marco."
"At the least we should be using radio voice procedure."
"Marco to Kennedy. Over."
Kennedy snapped, "Polo."
This book is a lot funnier than I remembered it being, and it was also quite the roller coaster. When the murderer was finally revealed, my flabber was sufficiently gasted. I couldn't believe the book bamboozled me on a reread. However, my memory is also not what it used to be. I'm turning 300 in seven days. It's quite the predicament. Unnatural even. But since I suffer from quasi-senility, I couldn't forget how remarkable Lanyon's writing is. And this is a book that seems as effortless as a Christie novel, and it's perfect for enthusiasts of the genre.
March 11, 2016
4 stars!
Quality writing.
Quality suspense.
Quality characters.
But....I found the romance a bit lacking.
I love romantic suspense. Trying to figure out "who done it"...which I almost never get right. I had two people pegged as the "bad guy" from the get-go and one of them ended up being right.
Needless to say I definitely enjoyed the suspense aspect of this one. It had me intrigued the whole book, especially the last few chapters.
Unfortunately I was a little underwhelmed and bored with the romance between Sam and James.
I wanted more chemistry between them. More sexual tension.
Granted this is the start of a series....and unfortunately the next book won't be out for a year....but I am hopeful that the romance will build.
Quality writing.
Quality suspense.
Quality characters.
But....I found the romance a bit lacking.
I love romantic suspense. Trying to figure out "who done it"...which I almost never get right. I had two people pegged as the "bad guy" from the get-go and one of them ended up being right.
Needless to say I definitely enjoyed the suspense aspect of this one. It had me intrigued the whole book, especially the last few chapters.
Unfortunately I was a little underwhelmed and bored with the romance between Sam and James.
I wanted more chemistry between them. More sexual tension.
Granted this is the start of a series....and unfortunately the next book won't be out for a year....but I am hopeful that the romance will build.
March 1, 2016
I think I can safely say that this book will be in my favorites for 2016. I loved both the mystery and the romance.
The mystery was fast paced, really well plotted and not at all predictable. It kept me guessing all the way to the end and I did not see it coming.
The slow-build attraction between Sean and Kennedy is great. Kennedy is your typical Lanyon Alpha jerk who wants nothing to do with the young agent assigned to “babysit” him. I liked that Jason wouldn’t take his bullshit.
One of the things I love about Lanyon’s series is that she gives the relationship time to build. The ending is HFN but it’s completely satisfying and not at all abrupt or jarring like some of her standalones. I love the potential these two have and I’m excited to see where they go.
Highly recommended!
**Copy of The Mermaid Murders provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
The mystery was fast paced, really well plotted and not at all predictable. It kept me guessing all the way to the end and I did not see it coming.
The slow-build attraction between Sean and Kennedy is great. Kennedy is your typical Lanyon Alpha jerk who wants nothing to do with the young agent assigned to “babysit” him. I liked that Jason wouldn’t take his bullshit.
"I’ve been asked to try and make sure you don’t step in it again, sure, but I’m not here to hold your cape, Batman. I’m your partner on this case whether either of us likes it or not. And, for the record, I don’t like it—any more than you do.”
One of the things I love about Lanyon’s series is that she gives the relationship time to build. The ending is HFN but it’s completely satisfying and not at all abrupt or jarring like some of her standalones. I love the potential these two have and I’m excited to see where they go.
Highly recommended!
**Copy of The Mermaid Murders provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
March 4, 2016
a well honed Lanyon with a great mystery, great resolution and a very good ending.Lanyon gives us this FBI procedural which progresses very fluidly whilst she subtly feeds us the people and then I realised that hey I connect with these guys and I'm interested and I care. I read this so eagerly that I had to make myself not gobble it up in one go and send real life duties to perdition. I'm already smiling at the thought that next year I'll be having more :D because glaciers do melt so nicely.
Lanyon Time BR with great friends - thanks Girls
July 18, 2022
FBI agent Jason West is ready for a holiday: he's seriously looking forward to overcoming the trauma of getting shot during his last mission. Unfortunately, his boss calls him back for duty to assist legendary FBI agent Sam Kennedy in solving a case, that echos the horrifying murders of a serial killer.
On top of his recent trauma, Jason also has to contend with Kennedy's adversarial attitude and his boss' constant machinations to discredit his partner. Plus his own childhood demons threaten to make a rather unwelcome comeback any minute now...
I liked the setting a lot: the whole remote holiday resort town feel, along with the mysterious ghost town, right down to the forgotten creepy Fiji mermaid exhibits.
Despite all the danger surrounding the area, and wishing Jason would stop testing every single aged wood plank's resistance in person, I also wanted to explore every nook and cranny of the abandoned ghost-town. With three more books published, I knew he wasn't going to die right this minute.
A mumified Fiji mermaid in all its splendour
The protagonists and their romance however, left a lot to be desired.
First, Jason and Kennedy's attraction pops-up very suddenly. Ironically enough, it happened just as I was wondering when I'll get to see some romance, making me imagine Josh Lanyon personally answering my inner musings with "why, thank you for asking", followed by a very theatrical unveiling of the scene in question.
Second, Jason's ties to the crime setting are merely an excuse to introduce some minor homophobic tension in the equation. I'd have much rather focused on Jason's childhood demons, as a way to relate to the original murders.
Third, neither of the protagonists were too likable: Jason kept fleshing out his impulsive kid persona with a single-minded vehemence, while Kennedy would religiously follow his arrogant arsehole agenda. Good thing he threw in a last minute confession, because with dialogue like this, I was rooting for Jason to slam the door in his face:
Score: 3.1/5 stars
I loved the setting, the process of solving the murder mystery... and some parts of Jason and Kennedy's romantic relationship. If it weren't for the latter's bone-melting confession at the end, I wouldn't have jumped on the sequel quite so soon.
======================
Review of book 2: The Monet Murders
Review of book 3: The Magician Murders
Review of book 4: The Monuments Men Murders
Review of book 5: The Movie-Town Murders
On top of his recent trauma, Jason also has to contend with Kennedy's adversarial attitude and his boss' constant machinations to discredit his partner. Plus his own childhood demons threaten to make a rather unwelcome comeback any minute now...
I liked the setting a lot: the whole remote holiday resort town feel, along with the mysterious ghost town, right down to the forgotten creepy Fiji mermaid exhibits.
Despite all the danger surrounding the area, and wishing Jason would stop testing every single aged wood plank's resistance in person, I also wanted to explore every nook and cranny of the abandoned ghost-town. With three more books published, I knew he wasn't going to die right this minute.
A mumified Fiji mermaid in all its splendour
The protagonists and their romance however, left a lot to be desired.
First, Jason and Kennedy's attraction pops-up very suddenly. Ironically enough, it happened just as I was wondering when I'll get to see some romance, making me imagine Josh Lanyon personally answering my inner musings with "why, thank you for asking", followed by a very theatrical unveiling of the scene in question.
Second, Jason's ties to the crime setting are merely an excuse to introduce some minor homophobic tension in the equation. I'd have much rather focused on Jason's childhood demons, as a way to relate to the original murders.
Third, neither of the protagonists were too likable: Jason kept fleshing out his impulsive kid persona with a single-minded vehemence, while Kennedy would religiously follow his arrogant arsehole agenda. Good thing he threw in a last minute confession, because with dialogue like this, I was rooting for Jason to slam the door in his face:
“Listen,” [Kennedy] said. “You don’t want to be involved with me.”
“You’re right.”
“If you think I’m an asshole now…”
“You don’t have to convince me.”
“I’m too old for you, for one thing.”
Jason folded his arms. “And getting older by the minute.”
“I’m always on the road. Always traveling. I like it that way.”
“Sure. Sounds ideal.”
Score: 3.1/5 stars
I loved the setting, the process of solving the murder mystery... and some parts of Jason and Kennedy's romantic relationship. If it weren't for the latter's bone-melting confession at the end, I wouldn't have jumped on the sequel quite so soon.
======================
Review of book 2: The Monet Murders
Review of book 3: The Magician Murders
Review of book 4: The Monuments Men Murders
Review of book 5: The Movie-Town Murders
July 8, 2018
Audio 5 stars
Book 4
4.5
I don't know why I've waited so long to read a Josh Lanyon book. I own several of them. They're sitting out in my cloud. It's time for me to relieve them of the cloud dust and get to reading.
I totally loved this book. I really had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed. The only reason I'm rating it 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because it took me awhile to warm to the idea of Jason and Kennedy becoming couple. And that was because only Jason's pov was given.
Book 4
4.5
I don't know why I've waited so long to read a Josh Lanyon book. I own several of them. They're sitting out in my cloud. It's time for me to relieve them of the cloud dust and get to reading.
I totally loved this book. I really had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed. The only reason I'm rating it 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because it took me awhile to warm to the idea of Jason and Kennedy becoming couple. And that was because only Jason's pov was given.
April 23, 2023
April 2023 audio
I could listen to this series over and over and over and over again, back to back, with no regrets. This is just a brilliant story, tightly written with REAL characters. JL is a creative genius to come up with the twists and turns and chess moves that IS this book and series. I am beyond happy JL has gifted us with her talent. All the stars and more!
Jan 2021 audio
Gah, this is such a good series. I love these characters!!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 2019 audiobook review
Oh yeah. More please. What else is there to say? This is another series that JL hits it out of the park. The narration was great and I can't wait to buy book 2. Jason and Sam are, whew, explosive. If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend, either reading or listening. Dear Series, never end. :) <3
2018 ebook review
This was good. I had a totally different scenario picked out for what happened with the killer, but I was wrong. In fact, I was totally blown away with who the killer was, and now that I know the answer, I need to re-read this story to see if I can pick up on some "clues." This book doesn't feel done. It's not a cliffhanger by any means, but I just don't feel a sense of closer. Probably because the situation between Sam and Jason is so precarious, and the fact that just ran away and I don't know why except he is weird. And Jason's non-relationship with Boxner isn't resolved. In fact, the two don't have any more on-page interaction after the killer found. I really wanted to get that thing between them resolved.
Beyond all that, haha, this was a very enjoyable mystery with superb writing. Lanyon is without a doubt a very talented writer and I have said this before - she deserves statues created in her honor. She's just amazing! The Mermaid Murders reminds me so very much of her All's Fair Series. Not like it's repetitive, but in tone and feeling. I really love the All's Fair series and can only wish and hope more will be written for those characters. But at least I now have new characters to fall in love with and become obsessed over. ;) I don't own The Monet Murders, but if it goes on sale, that baby is mine. :D
I do indeed recommend this story but I think it's best if you have all the books in the series ready and waiting because even though their isn't a cliffhanger, their relationship is far from settled and I feel there will be lots of hiccups. I am rooting for these guys!
Oh, and I don't know if Jason or Sam's true age was revealed, but I was under the impression there could be as much as a 15-20 year age gap. If anyone has the answer, let me know. <3
I could listen to this series over and over and over and over again, back to back, with no regrets. This is just a brilliant story, tightly written with REAL characters. JL is a creative genius to come up with the twists and turns and chess moves that IS this book and series. I am beyond happy JL has gifted us with her talent. All the stars and more!
Jan 2021 audio
Gah, this is such a good series. I love these characters!!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 2019 audiobook review
Oh yeah. More please. What else is there to say? This is another series that JL hits it out of the park. The narration was great and I can't wait to buy book 2. Jason and Sam are, whew, explosive. If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend, either reading or listening. Dear Series, never end. :) <3
2018 ebook review
This was good. I had a totally different scenario picked out for what happened with the killer, but I was wrong. In fact, I was totally blown away with who the killer was, and now that I know the answer, I need to re-read this story to see if I can pick up on some "clues." This book doesn't feel done. It's not a cliffhanger by any means, but I just don't feel a sense of closer. Probably because the situation between Sam and Jason is so precarious, and the fact that just ran away and I don't know why except he is weird. And Jason's non-relationship with Boxner isn't resolved. In fact, the two don't have any more on-page interaction after the killer found. I really wanted to get that thing between them resolved.
Beyond all that, haha, this was a very enjoyable mystery with superb writing. Lanyon is without a doubt a very talented writer and I have said this before - she deserves statues created in her honor. She's just amazing! The Mermaid Murders reminds me so very much of her All's Fair Series. Not like it's repetitive, but in tone and feeling. I really love the All's Fair series and can only wish and hope more will be written for those characters. But at least I now have new characters to fall in love with and become obsessed over. ;) I don't own The Monet Murders, but if it goes on sale, that baby is mine. :D
I do indeed recommend this story but I think it's best if you have all the books in the series ready and waiting because even though their isn't a cliffhanger, their relationship is far from settled and I feel there will be lots of hiccups. I am rooting for these guys!
Oh, and I don't know if Jason or Sam's true age was revealed, but I was under the impression there could be as much as a 15-20 year age gap. If anyone has the answer, let me know. <3
October 9, 2022
loved this. so good!
November 3, 2016
3.75 stars rounded up
Full disclosure, while Josh Lanyon is still a solid dependable author for me, but I haven't been fully satisfied with anything she had released in the past two years. So I came to this one feeling a little skeptic and trying to tamper down any expectation. Also, knowing Lanyon's brand of romance, I though I'd better focus on the mystery part rather than the romantic portion.
Okay, I grudgingly admit that this was better, especially if I had to compare it with Lanyon's latest full length mystery novel, Winter Kill. I found the mystery to be compelling, and I enjoyed not being 100% certain about the murderer; even though I knew there were clues thrown along the way.
I liked the progress of tentative partnership between Behavioral Unit Analysis (BAU) Senior Special Agent Sam Kennedy and Special Agent Jason West from FBI Art Crime Team. I would love to read more from Kennedy's side of things, though, since the whole book was written from West's perspective.
I also liked the tone of the small-town ... I imagined it held a lot of secrets somewhat, that our special agents haven't discovered.
BUT, I was still frustrated with the "too-stupid-to-live" moment that West did near the end; he should've known better. I was close of hitting the desk with my head. West acting like a spoiled whiny child, and I hated it when my characters did that way, worse in a mystery/suspense book. I mean, West is an FBI agent, for God's sake, even if he is from Art Crime Team and not BAU!
Also, I felt a little bit let down with the answer to the mystery. I guess it felt rather anti-climactic.
But like I said, I thought this was one of Lanyon's better. Of course, I also need to wait until next year for the next in the series. Hopefully the schedule is firmer.
Full disclosure, while Josh Lanyon is still a solid dependable author for me, but I haven't been fully satisfied with anything she had released in the past two years. So I came to this one feeling a little skeptic and trying to tamper down any expectation. Also, knowing Lanyon's brand of romance, I though I'd better focus on the mystery part rather than the romantic portion.
Okay, I grudgingly admit that this was better, especially if I had to compare it with Lanyon's latest full length mystery novel, Winter Kill. I found the mystery to be compelling, and I enjoyed not being 100% certain about the murderer; even though I knew there were clues thrown along the way.
I liked the progress of tentative partnership between Behavioral Unit Analysis (BAU) Senior Special Agent Sam Kennedy and Special Agent Jason West from FBI Art Crime Team. I would love to read more from Kennedy's side of things, though, since the whole book was written from West's perspective.
I also liked the tone of the small-town ... I imagined it held a lot of secrets somewhat, that our special agents haven't discovered.
BUT, I was still frustrated with the "too-stupid-to-live" moment that West did near the end; he should've known better. I was close of hitting the desk with my head. West acting like a spoiled whiny child, and I hated it when my characters did that way, worse in a mystery/suspense book. I mean, West is an FBI agent, for God's sake, even if he is from Art Crime Team and not BAU!
Also, I felt a little bit let down with the answer to the mystery. I guess it felt rather anti-climactic.
But like I said, I thought this was one of Lanyon's better. Of course, I also need to wait until next year for the next in the series. Hopefully the schedule is firmer.
September 20, 2021
After reading 10+ books by Josh Lanyon, I am finally found my fav.😇😇 But, then I have yet not read The Adrian English series or Holmes and Moriarty series. So, we never know, still, I feel this series is going to be fun.
The lead pair/detective
Jason West is young and works with the Art crime branch of the FBI. He is smart, sensitive with an easy-going attitude. Since we only get Jason's POV, it's difficult to assess the actual motivation of detective Sam Kennedy. But, from the outside, he is a reserved, hard to get along guy with a flair for old school policing.
The Case/Mystery
The mystery is based in a small town, around the appearance of a copycat serial killer. The whole police procedural vibe is good even though the mystery is guessable. But, the author does succeed in bluffing and diverting us with lots of additional details.
Romance
Again, like other Josh Lanyon's works, this is primarily a mystery but we do get some good moments of intimacy. And, this one is the first book so Jason and Sam have a lot of potential for romance in upcoming books in the series. They both have a huge age gap and different personalities but when they are together, they complement each other perfectly.
No, need to ask if I am reading the next book...😂😂 I am already halfway through it .
The lead pair/detective
Jason West is young and works with the Art crime branch of the FBI. He is smart, sensitive with an easy-going attitude. Since we only get Jason's POV, it's difficult to assess the actual motivation of detective Sam Kennedy. But, from the outside, he is a reserved, hard to get along guy with a flair for old school policing.
The Case/Mystery
The mystery is based in a small town, around the appearance of a copycat serial killer. The whole police procedural vibe is good even though the mystery is guessable. But, the author does succeed in bluffing and diverting us with lots of additional details.
Romance
Again, like other Josh Lanyon's works, this is primarily a mystery but we do get some good moments of intimacy. And, this one is the first book so Jason and Sam have a lot of potential for romance in upcoming books in the series. They both have a huge age gap and different personalities but when they are together, they complement each other perfectly.
No, need to ask if I am reading the next book...😂😂 I am already halfway through it .
April 2, 2017
Excellent mystery as the hunt for a killer or the return of a killer brings FBI agents Sam Kennedy and Jason West together as partners. One, the senior officer with experience on an earlier case that shows the same hallmarks, the other, out of his depths in an investigation he doesn't usually handle.
Both guys have baggage. There's great misdirection; the construction of the mystery of whom the killer is was well done. The tentative and uncertain relationship that develops between the partners is right on, nothing too fast or stupid. Lanyon's a writer you can count on for a quality read, and THE MERMAID MURDERS does not disappoint. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Both guys have baggage. There's great misdirection; the construction of the mystery of whom the killer is was well done. The tentative and uncertain relationship that develops between the partners is right on, nothing too fast or stupid. Lanyon's a writer you can count on for a quality read, and THE MERMAID MURDERS does not disappoint. Looking forward to the next in the series.
September 7, 2019
September 6, 2019: My prior ruling stands. Still an incredible story and storyteller.
————
January 11, 2019:
Story=excellent
Narration=excellent
Still cleaning out my old audible acccount. I must’ve been a total genius when I bought all these audiobooks and then a total idiot for never listening to them. Excuse me as I am about to go on a Lanyon spree.
————
January 11, 2019:
Story=excellent
Narration=excellent
Still cleaning out my old audible acccount. I must’ve been a total genius when I bought all these audiobooks and then a total idiot for never listening to them. Excuse me as I am about to go on a Lanyon spree.
March 15, 2016
This was a delicious romantic murder mystery. It had perfect amounts of enemies-to-lovers, unresolved sexual tension, and then resolved sexual tension (hubba hubba), a head-scratcher whodunnit, and some seriously creepy bits that had me sleeping with the lights on!
The Mermaid Murders follows a trail of missing young women in a town already once-stricken by a serial killer in the past. Enter in Agent Sam Kennedy, the man who captured the original serial killer known as The Huntsman. However, Sam is a bit of a rogue, forget-the-rules, loner. So he’s assigned a partner in the up-and-coming-star of the FBI, Jason West.
There’s a lot to love about Sam and Jason. I’ll start by saying I kinda liked how the author mentions that though Sam isn’t traditionally handsome, there’s something about him that Jason is attracted to. In a world of perfect heroes, the imperfect ones are the ones that catch my attention.
Sam and Jason do not get along in the beginning. And for awhile, I wasn’t sure they could ever find their way into each others hearts…or even each others beds! Alas, the author gives a big payoff to the patient readers who rode out the “I hate him, I hate him, I kinda hate him, oooohhhh yeah baby I like him, I may even love him” storyline.
But the romance plays a nice second fiddle to a really creepy mystery plot. Being introduced to a creepy serial killer in jail was disturbing enough. Then not knowing if it was a copy-cat murderer, an accomplice, or a disciple…added to my unrest. I felt like I haven’t read a REAL page-turner in some time, and this one reminded me how GOOD it feels to be so gripped to a story that you almost want to cheat and peek at the end.
A really enjoyable read. I’m so looking forward to book 2!
What's to Like:
Josh Lanyon is an auto-buy author for me. Throw in a full-length 200+ page novel and I was squealing like a pig with excitement! This one was well worth it! Nice introduction to a new couple that I’m looking forward to reading more about!
What's to Love:
One of the stronger mysteries in Lanyon’s library…and that’s saying a lot. I love a good serial killer storyline…especially one with a lot of possible culprits!
Beware of:
Lanyon doesn’t pull any punches with this one when it comes to gore and yuck. There are some hard-to-read graphic scenes. But, I’m a wimp so I may be extra sensitive.
This Book is For:
Lanyon fans. Mystery fans. FBI romance fans.
The Mermaid Murders follows a trail of missing young women in a town already once-stricken by a serial killer in the past. Enter in Agent Sam Kennedy, the man who captured the original serial killer known as The Huntsman. However, Sam is a bit of a rogue, forget-the-rules, loner. So he’s assigned a partner in the up-and-coming-star of the FBI, Jason West.
There’s a lot to love about Sam and Jason. I’ll start by saying I kinda liked how the author mentions that though Sam isn’t traditionally handsome, there’s something about him that Jason is attracted to. In a world of perfect heroes, the imperfect ones are the ones that catch my attention.
Sam and Jason do not get along in the beginning. And for awhile, I wasn’t sure they could ever find their way into each others hearts…or even each others beds! Alas, the author gives a big payoff to the patient readers who rode out the “I hate him, I hate him, I kinda hate him, oooohhhh yeah baby I like him, I may even love him” storyline.
But the romance plays a nice second fiddle to a really creepy mystery plot. Being introduced to a creepy serial killer in jail was disturbing enough. Then not knowing if it was a copy-cat murderer, an accomplice, or a disciple…added to my unrest. I felt like I haven’t read a REAL page-turner in some time, and this one reminded me how GOOD it feels to be so gripped to a story that you almost want to cheat and peek at the end.
A really enjoyable read. I’m so looking forward to book 2!
What's to Like:
Josh Lanyon is an auto-buy author for me. Throw in a full-length 200+ page novel and I was squealing like a pig with excitement! This one was well worth it! Nice introduction to a new couple that I’m looking forward to reading more about!
What's to Love:
One of the stronger mysteries in Lanyon’s library…and that’s saying a lot. I love a good serial killer storyline…especially one with a lot of possible culprits!
Beware of:
Lanyon doesn’t pull any punches with this one when it comes to gore and yuck. There are some hard-to-read graphic scenes. But, I’m a wimp so I may be extra sensitive.
This Book is For:
Lanyon fans. Mystery fans. FBI romance fans.
March 19, 2024
Story: 4.5 Stars!
Audio: 5 Stars!
Loved this suspenseful crime caper led by 2 FBI detectives Jason West, the protagonist; and Sam Kennedy, the mysterious profiler and senior detective. It had suspense, action, a dangerous serial killer on the loose and lots of chemistry between the 2 MCs. It wasn't actually romantic.. but it had a little bit of steam which played very well with the story since these two are introduced for the first time in this first book of the series. I hope the relationship grows and we see more sentiment and romance 😍���� Enjoyed it.. highly recommend the audio; Kale Williams has done a great job! 👍👍
Audio: 5 Stars!
Loved this suspenseful crime caper led by 2 FBI detectives Jason West, the protagonist; and Sam Kennedy, the mysterious profiler and senior detective. It had suspense, action, a dangerous serial killer on the loose and lots of chemistry between the 2 MCs. It wasn't actually romantic.. but it had a little bit of steam which played very well with the story since these two are introduced for the first time in this first book of the series. I hope the relationship grows and we see more sentiment and romance 😍���� Enjoyed it.. highly recommend the audio; Kale Williams has done a great job! 👍👍
March 2, 2016
This was Lanyon like I like my Lanyon: great mystery with lots of insider-y details and two characters I want to know more about. I'm not sure I will end up loving Jason and Sam as much as I love me some Adrien English and Jake but, considering that I stayed up way too late reading this, I know I'm totally sold on this series and I cannot wait for more.
October 22, 2021
***4.5 ❤️***
February 27, 2016
Wow. Just wow. What an exquisite start to a new series! No wonder Josh Lanyon was saying online that her fingers itch to write more about these two guys right away! This was such an intense reading experience — and such a rewarding one. The Mermaid Murders is a perfect mix of thrill, fear, fun and romance. I have no doubt that The Art of Murder series will become as loved as Lanyon's Adrien English Mysteries and her Holmes & Moriarity books. After all, it's written by one of the very best in this genre. Josh Lanyon has been around the block a few times and she still keeps raising the bar of brilliant writing higher and higher. Because, it's not only her talent that makes this book shine so bright — it's her obvious joy of writing and creating.
I love the way Lanyon introduces her characters to us — the rhythm of her storytelling. It’s the way she paints the picture, layer by layer — with just right amount of muted colors and dark corners, but bright, light spots here and there. In The Mermaid Murders we get to see everything from Special Agent Jason West's sharply aesthetic perspective. His art loving eyes take note of every visual detail and make the reading experience vivid and rich. I found the big picture endlessly fascinating: the possible connection between the old murders and the new crimes, the fact that there were so many suspicious players all around, and finally the fact that this was Jason's ’homecoming’ after such painfully long time.
I treasure all the tiny flashes of watery images that start in the very early stages of the story. There're beautiful lines like: ”The light had a tired, watery look to it.” These images appear surprisingly and almost immediately they’re gone again. Some of them being Jason’s observations of his surroundings and some of them being his flashbacks. Remarks like these give Jason's memories almost a dreamlike quality. And they tentatively let us know how Jason's attempts of trying to look at his past self and the murders objectively from outsider's point of view aren't as successful as he'd like them to be.
And how about a character whose scent is ”top note sandalwood, bottom note obnoxious”? Because, yeah, that's Sam Kennedy alright. Oh, he’s a tough cookie! A sweet, though cookie. I love to witness his facial expressions, body language and tone of comments through Jason’s eyes and ears. And it’s so lovely to see him falling for Jason! I’m also eager to see what happens to Kennedy's workaholic self when Jason really, truly enters his everyday life. Because Kennedy seems to be a man who knows who he is and what he wants. And I have a feeling that’s about to be shaken a bit in the future...
I adore how the dynamics between our main couple develop throughout the story. It was intriguing to witness the effects Kennedy’s unapologetic character had to everyone — and to Jason particular. These two kept me highly entertained with their delicious dialog! They both have their edges and issues, and at first they appear to be almost each other's opposites. But when the story continues it becomes clear that Kennedy can quite unexpectedly be ”a one man sensual onslaught” and that Jason turns out to be at least as stubborn as Kennedy!
One of the things I've always loved about Lanyon's writing is the charming spot-on humor. Those sarcastic, witty lines stand out well in The Mermaid Murders' tense, even terrifying situations. The extremely grim nature of the serial killer murders shed gloomy, suspicious glow on every character, and I found the combination of that suspense and Lanyon's trademark humor especially delightful in this story! It felt good to laugh out loud every so often throughout The Mermaid Murders because I seriously think that I spent more time holding my breath than breathing while reading it. Even now thinking back to the abandoned town of Rexford, its creepy lyceum and all its smells and horrific, ghastly, watery details make me gulp and gasp and forget to breath!
I also have such a soft spot for humor used in sex scenes. Heads thumping against doors or thoughts like Jason's: ”Nothing like someone nibbling on your ears or licking your nipples to distract you from your worries—not that it didn’t create its own set of uncertainties.” Ha! Oh yes! There's so much delicious humor in this story, even in the emotionally raw, almost desperate, deeply touching sex scenes. Dear sweet Jesus. Josh Lanyon sure knows how to make them powerful and beautiful and touching at the same time. These ones were hot and mind blowing and wonderful and… profound somehow. Just like the characters themselves — deeply felt. Lanyon really, truly outdid herself this time!
Sometimes we're lucky enough to experienced an unexpected, deep outburst of feeling in front of a work of art. It can be a piece of music or maybe a painting that touches us deeply and makes us cry. In that moment that specific art work quite literally touches our heart — reaches into our soul! — and makes us see something precious very clearly. Whatever that precious and meaningful is to each of us at that very moment. Josh Lanyon did that to me with this book. I’ve been crying while sitting in front of Botticelli’s La Primavera in Uffizi and I’ve been sobbing in front of Mark Rothko’s paintings in Tate Modern. And I reacted exactly the same to The Mermaid Murders. Because Josh Lanyon truly touches my soul and makes me see the world and myself in it very clearly. Her words make me pause and reflect and ponder and... understand something I didn't see before. And that is the most wonderful gift art and artist can give us.
I love the way Lanyon introduces her characters to us — the rhythm of her storytelling. It’s the way she paints the picture, layer by layer — with just right amount of muted colors and dark corners, but bright, light spots here and there. In The Mermaid Murders we get to see everything from Special Agent Jason West's sharply aesthetic perspective. His art loving eyes take note of every visual detail and make the reading experience vivid and rich. I found the big picture endlessly fascinating: the possible connection between the old murders and the new crimes, the fact that there were so many suspicious players all around, and finally the fact that this was Jason's ’homecoming’ after such painfully long time.
I treasure all the tiny flashes of watery images that start in the very early stages of the story. There're beautiful lines like: ”The light had a tired, watery look to it.” These images appear surprisingly and almost immediately they’re gone again. Some of them being Jason’s observations of his surroundings and some of them being his flashbacks. Remarks like these give Jason's memories almost a dreamlike quality. And they tentatively let us know how Jason's attempts of trying to look at his past self and the murders objectively from outsider's point of view aren't as successful as he'd like them to be.
And how about a character whose scent is ”top note sandalwood, bottom note obnoxious”? Because, yeah, that's Sam Kennedy alright. Oh, he’s a tough cookie! A sweet, though cookie. I love to witness his facial expressions, body language and tone of comments through Jason’s eyes and ears. And it’s so lovely to see him falling for Jason! I’m also eager to see what happens to Kennedy's workaholic self when Jason really, truly enters his everyday life. Because Kennedy seems to be a man who knows who he is and what he wants. And I have a feeling that’s about to be shaken a bit in the future...
I adore how the dynamics between our main couple develop throughout the story. It was intriguing to witness the effects Kennedy’s unapologetic character had to everyone — and to Jason particular. These two kept me highly entertained with their delicious dialog! They both have their edges and issues, and at first they appear to be almost each other's opposites. But when the story continues it becomes clear that Kennedy can quite unexpectedly be ”a one man sensual onslaught” and that Jason turns out to be at least as stubborn as Kennedy!
One of the things I've always loved about Lanyon's writing is the charming spot-on humor. Those sarcastic, witty lines stand out well in The Mermaid Murders' tense, even terrifying situations. The extremely grim nature of the serial killer murders shed gloomy, suspicious glow on every character, and I found the combination of that suspense and Lanyon's trademark humor especially delightful in this story! It felt good to laugh out loud every so often throughout The Mermaid Murders because I seriously think that I spent more time holding my breath than breathing while reading it. Even now thinking back to the abandoned town of Rexford, its creepy lyceum and all its smells and horrific, ghastly, watery details make me gulp and gasp and forget to breath!
I also have such a soft spot for humor used in sex scenes. Heads thumping against doors or thoughts like Jason's: ”Nothing like someone nibbling on your ears or licking your nipples to distract you from your worries—not that it didn’t create its own set of uncertainties.” Ha! Oh yes! There's so much delicious humor in this story, even in the emotionally raw, almost desperate, deeply touching sex scenes. Dear sweet Jesus. Josh Lanyon sure knows how to make them powerful and beautiful and touching at the same time. These ones were hot and mind blowing and wonderful and… profound somehow. Just like the characters themselves — deeply felt. Lanyon really, truly outdid herself this time!
Sometimes we're lucky enough to experienced an unexpected, deep outburst of feeling in front of a work of art. It can be a piece of music or maybe a painting that touches us deeply and makes us cry. In that moment that specific art work quite literally touches our heart — reaches into our soul! — and makes us see something precious very clearly. Whatever that precious and meaningful is to each of us at that very moment. Josh Lanyon did that to me with this book. I’ve been crying while sitting in front of Botticelli’s La Primavera in Uffizi and I’ve been sobbing in front of Mark Rothko’s paintings in Tate Modern. And I reacted exactly the same to The Mermaid Murders. Because Josh Lanyon truly touches my soul and makes me see the world and myself in it very clearly. Her words make me pause and reflect and ponder and... understand something I didn't see before. And that is the most wonderful gift art and artist can give us.
July 8, 2023
UPDATE: 7-8-23 Re-listen to the audio (for the bazillionth time 🙃)
Still love this and Kale Williams’ narration. One thing I noticed this time around was Sam’s growing feelings for Jason. Jason was a bit of a pain tbh but Sam looked out for him. After Jason gets hurt Sam patches him up and gently kisses him then has him stay overnight with him and he just holds him. There are also pauses from Sam where I could tell he was processing how strongly he felt.
And I think the funniest part of this story is when Jason and Officer Boxner visit Dr Jeremy Kiser and Kiser gets angry with Boxner and calls him “Officer Box”! I don’t know why but I’m still chuckling over it and the way Kale says that line!!!!
Thank Goodness for stories we love that we can turn to again and again.
Story: 5
Narration: 5
This series is so good! This first book is probably the weakest of them all but only by a little. I remember when I first read it I wasn’t too impressed but then I listened to the audio and it was a totally different story. Audio can do that when it’s read by a good narrator and Kale Williams is excellent! He really brought these characters to life and made me love this story!
Jason is a character that we don’t really get to know until the second book in this series, at least I felt that way. I knew I liked him and that he was both vulnerable but really tough about the case but also his feelings in regards to Sam Kennedy. Sam appears to be an ass who is almost robotic, he does his job and nothing or no one else matters. This is another reason why this series needs to be continued because this first book only skims the surface of both these characters.
This is my second favorite Lanyon series after Adrien English and the audio for the entire series does wonders! This is a re-listen for sure! In fact this is my third time with this audiobook added to the first physical reading. I love re-visiting Lanyon’s books because they are so layered that I find I discover a new fact or emotion with every re-read/listen.
Still love this and Kale Williams’ narration. One thing I noticed this time around was Sam’s growing feelings for Jason. Jason was a bit of a pain tbh but Sam looked out for him. After Jason gets hurt Sam patches him up and gently kisses him then has him stay overnight with him and he just holds him. There are also pauses from Sam where I could tell he was processing how strongly he felt.
And I think the funniest part of this story is when Jason and Officer Boxner visit Dr Jeremy Kiser and Kiser gets angry with Boxner and calls him “Officer Box”! I don’t know why but I’m still chuckling over it and the way Kale says that line!!!!
Thank Goodness for stories we love that we can turn to again and again.
Story: 5
Narration: 5
This series is so good! This first book is probably the weakest of them all but only by a little. I remember when I first read it I wasn’t too impressed but then I listened to the audio and it was a totally different story. Audio can do that when it’s read by a good narrator and Kale Williams is excellent! He really brought these characters to life and made me love this story!
Jason is a character that we don’t really get to know until the second book in this series, at least I felt that way. I knew I liked him and that he was both vulnerable but really tough about the case but also his feelings in regards to Sam Kennedy. Sam appears to be an ass who is almost robotic, he does his job and nothing or no one else matters. This is another reason why this series needs to be continued because this first book only skims the surface of both these characters.
This is my second favorite Lanyon series after Adrien English and the audio for the entire series does wonders! This is a re-listen for sure! In fact this is my third time with this audiobook added to the first physical reading. I love re-visiting Lanyon’s books because they are so layered that I find I discover a new fact or emotion with every re-read/listen.
April 11, 2017
I've been reading a lot of mystery/thrillers lately, so I decided to pick up this Josh Lanyon to get my m/m romance fix along with a mystery.
In "The Mermaid Murders", John Lanyon shows she knows how to write a solid murder mystery and m/m romance, and how to combine them without skimping on either one, which is quite a feat.
The story has Jason, an FBI agent with a specialization in art theft being teamed up with a renown FBI serial killer hunter, Sam Kennedy, to investigate a murder. Jason was assigned to Kennedy because Jason's boss has a grudge against Kennedy and hoped Jason could get some dirt on him. (I assume the fact that Jason is an art specialist will figure more in future books in the series, though it was used to some effect in this one too.) Instead of being a useful stooge, however, Jason is impressed by the older agent. The case involves the apparent return of a serial killer called The Huntsman that Kennedy put away years ago. Is it a copycat? A disciple? Or did Kennedy get the wrong guy? Kennedy's reputation is on the line as well as pressure to catch the killer before more young women die.
The murder mystery/police procedural element of the book is well done. Often the murder mystery elements of romantic suspense stories are a bit lame or at least predictable. But this was a good, solid mystery with some red herrings, mistakes, and good intuition on the part of Jason and Kennedy. I never felt like "a cop would never do that" or that actions didn't make sense. I didn't guess the killer before I was supposed to, which is always a good sign. :-) The breadcrumb clues were well seeded along the way.
The romance was also well done. It's an enemies-to-lovers set-up, and when the romance happens it comes as a surprise to Jason and feels organic, like something a guy like Kennedy would do. There's no hearts and flowers here, just realistic needs and drives. There are a few sex scenes, explicit but not overdone, and some angst. But since the book is mostly focused on the case, the romance angst was never the primary thing going on, which made it more bearable. I felt there was enough of the romance element in the book to satisfy me, certainly more than in Josh Lanyon's early books. This is a full on romance.
As a side note: I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Kale Williams. I didn't like the narrator, especially the low rasp he used for Kennedy, which made him sound creepy. But I was able to listen to the audiobook anyway. I'd give the narrator 3 stars.
I'm giving 5 stars to this one.
In "The Mermaid Murders", John Lanyon shows she knows how to write a solid murder mystery and m/m romance, and how to combine them without skimping on either one, which is quite a feat.
The story has Jason, an FBI agent with a specialization in art theft being teamed up with a renown FBI serial killer hunter, Sam Kennedy, to investigate a murder. Jason was assigned to Kennedy because Jason's boss has a grudge against Kennedy and hoped Jason could get some dirt on him. (I assume the fact that Jason is an art specialist will figure more in future books in the series, though it was used to some effect in this one too.) Instead of being a useful stooge, however, Jason is impressed by the older agent. The case involves the apparent return of a serial killer called The Huntsman that Kennedy put away years ago. Is it a copycat? A disciple? Or did Kennedy get the wrong guy? Kennedy's reputation is on the line as well as pressure to catch the killer before more young women die.
The murder mystery/police procedural element of the book is well done. Often the murder mystery elements of romantic suspense stories are a bit lame or at least predictable. But this was a good, solid mystery with some red herrings, mistakes, and good intuition on the part of Jason and Kennedy. I never felt like "a cop would never do that" or that actions didn't make sense. I didn't guess the killer before I was supposed to, which is always a good sign. :-) The breadcrumb clues were well seeded along the way.
The romance was also well done. It's an enemies-to-lovers set-up, and when the romance happens it comes as a surprise to Jason and feels organic, like something a guy like Kennedy would do. There's no hearts and flowers here, just realistic needs and drives. There are a few sex scenes, explicit but not overdone, and some angst. But since the book is mostly focused on the case, the romance angst was never the primary thing going on, which made it more bearable. I felt there was enough of the romance element in the book to satisfy me, certainly more than in Josh Lanyon's early books. This is a full on romance.
As a side note: I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Kale Williams. I didn't like the narrator, especially the low rasp he used for Kennedy, which made him sound creepy. But I was able to listen to the audiobook anyway. I'd give the narrator 3 stars.
I'm giving 5 stars to this one.
March 2, 2016
Wow...I really liked this one ;)
So ...special agent Jason West has been called in to help notorious Sam Hunter with a murder investigation. As it turns out, it could be that, the capture of a famous serial killer a decade ago by Kennedy, was a failure and that the killer is back. It could also be, that there is a copycat at work. Which ever is the case, Jason is supposed to assist Kennedy with his investigation, but also report back to his superior...who is watching Kennedy's every move and would love to see him fail.
Jason doesn't have a lot of experience in murderinvestigations, since he is part of "Art Crime Team" of the FBI. What he does have is some knowledge about the town, since he used to vacation there with his parents, when the first girl disapeared. Actually, the first girl that disapeared all those years ago, was his best friend and also the reason, why his parents choose to never go back there.
Jason and Kennedy don't get of on the right food. There is instant dislike. Kennedy doesn't think much of Jason, which he doesn't keep a secret, and Jason thinks Kennedy is a "know it all" ass.
However, they start to respect (I use this word lightly) each other and one night after a drink, Kennedy very forwardly proposes to Jason, that they get it on ;) He does however make it clear that he's not into repeads, and Jason is fine with this. Ofcourse they do have a repead :P
The mystery part, as to what happens with the missing girl, was very nicely done. I was totally invested in their investigation. I really liked both men a lot. Kennedy was a bit more distant and a hardass, and Jason was funny and a smartass. I can't wait to read their next book eventhough it pains me to know, that I will have to wait a whole year for it !!!
It does end on a hfn though, so it could totally be read as a stand alone. Just don't go into this one, thinking it's all romance, because it's not. I don't think there was anything romantic in this book...I do think there will be. The foundation has been layed. I think these two will be awesome together...or let me say, more awesome :)
4 stars from me (I would give it 4,5 because the storyline was very good, but the the ending and the waiting for the next book, makes me round it down to 4)
So ...special agent Jason West has been called in to help notorious Sam Hunter with a murder investigation. As it turns out, it could be that, the capture of a famous serial killer a decade ago by Kennedy, was a failure and that the killer is back. It could also be, that there is a copycat at work. Which ever is the case, Jason is supposed to assist Kennedy with his investigation, but also report back to his superior...who is watching Kennedy's every move and would love to see him fail.
Jason doesn't have a lot of experience in murderinvestigations, since he is part of "Art Crime Team" of the FBI. What he does have is some knowledge about the town, since he used to vacation there with his parents, when the first girl disapeared. Actually, the first girl that disapeared all those years ago, was his best friend and also the reason, why his parents choose to never go back there.
Jason and Kennedy don't get of on the right food. There is instant dislike. Kennedy doesn't think much of Jason, which he doesn't keep a secret, and Jason thinks Kennedy is a "know it all" ass.
However, they start to respect (I use this word lightly) each other and one night after a drink, Kennedy very forwardly proposes to Jason, that they get it on ;) He does however make it clear that he's not into repeads, and Jason is fine with this. Ofcourse they do have a repead :P
The mystery part, as to what happens with the missing girl, was very nicely done. I was totally invested in their investigation. I really liked both men a lot. Kennedy was a bit more distant and a hardass, and Jason was funny and a smartass. I can't wait to read their next book eventhough it pains me to know, that I will have to wait a whole year for it !!!
It does end on a hfn though, so it could totally be read as a stand alone. Just don't go into this one, thinking it's all romance, because it's not. I don't think there was anything romantic in this book...I do think there will be. The foundation has been layed. I think these two will be awesome together...or let me say, more awesome :)
4 stars from me (I would give it 4,5 because the storyline was very good, but the the ending and the waiting for the next book, makes me round it down to 4)
August 24, 2019
4.5 stars
This was a great start to the series.
Jason West is a different kind of FBI agent than what I’ve become used to expect in Josh Lanyon’s books, he’s competent but also emotional, a little bit immature, and prone to impulsive decisions, and those aren’t tracts I usually appreciate in law enforcement characters.
I liked Jason very much, though, and the very same things that made him seem in some way lacking as an agent were also what made him human and real for me. He’s exactly what I would expect an artist-turned-FBI-agent to be and he balanced Kennedy’s colder nature very well.
Unlike Jason, Sam Kennedy is the personification of rational, efficient competency, all wrapped up in glacial attitude. I liked him as well, although maybe “liked” isn’t the right word. I did find him fascinating and I loved how hot and cold he ran.
I suspect him to be the kind of character who’ll do something that’ll make me want to throw things at the wall sooner or later (probably sooner), but in this book I really liked the contrast of his abrasive nature and his softer side.
In perfect Lanyon style, the romance is barely there and yet it looks very promising, I loved Jason and Sam’s dynamic and I really hope it won’t all crash and burn in the following books.
The mystery was also very good. I had a “crazy theory” moment about the culprit’s identity really early in the book, which ended up being not so crazy after all since I was right, but the story (and two very deceptive friends) kept me guessing enough to enjoy the progress of the investigation anyway.
This was a great start to the series.
Jason West is a different kind of FBI agent than what I’ve become used to expect in Josh Lanyon’s books, he’s competent but also emotional, a little bit immature, and prone to impulsive decisions, and those aren’t tracts I usually appreciate in law enforcement characters.
I liked Jason very much, though, and the very same things that made him seem in some way lacking as an agent were also what made him human and real for me. He’s exactly what I would expect an artist-turned-FBI-agent to be and he balanced Kennedy’s colder nature very well.
Unlike Jason, Sam Kennedy is the personification of rational, efficient competency, all wrapped up in glacial attitude. I liked him as well, although maybe “liked” isn’t the right word. I did find him fascinating and I loved how hot and cold he ran.
I suspect him to be the kind of character who’ll do something that’ll make me want to throw things at the wall sooner or later (probably sooner), but in this book I really liked the contrast of his abrasive nature and his softer side.
In perfect Lanyon style, the romance is barely there and yet it looks very promising, I loved Jason and Sam’s dynamic and I really hope it won’t all crash and burn in the following books.
The mystery was also very good. I had a “crazy theory” moment about the culprit’s identity really early in the book, which ended up being not so crazy after all since I was right, but the story (and two very deceptive friends) kept me guessing enough to enjoy the progress of the investigation anyway.
April 4, 2018
Yet another fabulous Lanyon. The narrator was pretty fabulous as well.
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