Gay bookseller and reluctant amateur sleuth Adrien English’s writing career is suddenly taking off. His first novel, Murder Will Out, has been optioned by notorious Hollywood actor Paul Kane.But when murder makes an appearance at a dinner party, who should be called in but Adrien’s former lover, handsome closeted detective Jake Riordan, now a Lieutenant with LAPD. And that may just drive Adrien’s current boyfriend, sexy UCLA professor Guy Snowden, to commit a murder of his own!
Adrien English is thrilled that his novel, Murder Will Out, has been optioned in Hollywood! Frankly he doesn’t really care about whether the movie will be true to the book he just wants the cash to pay for the addition to his bookstore. He’s not all the impressed with the Hollywood set of stars to say the least. But when he’s at a luncheon at actor Paul Kane’s house and financier, Porter Jones, falls over dead he gets a pretty big jolt go through him. That jolt is when Jake Riordan, a man he had had an affair with – and what Adrien had thought of as a relationship – for a year, shows up to question the guests of the party.
When it’s discovered that Porter Jones was murdered Paul Kane contacts Adrien, who has done some amateur sleuthing in the past, to ask some questions of the guests who were at the luncheon. Paul thinks that Adrien will get more information out of them than the police will. Adrien agrees but this puts him in constant contact with Jake. Jake seems like he’s changed in different ways over the years but so has Adrien.
What starts off with Adrien asking some innocent questions turn into Adrien being suspected of murder, as well as attempted murder on someone else. It seems that someone is setting Adrien up to take the fall…but why? Then there are the things that Adrien is finding out about Jake and his past that he’s not all the fond of. He’s wondering if he ever realy knew the man that he thought himself in love with.
I decided to read DoaPK because The Dark Tide, book 5 in the AE series, will be coming out on Dec. 22nd. I’m pretty damned excited about it. I remember reading DoaPK on my ereader while on a plane and getting so annoyed when the captain kept telling us to turn off our electronic devices. Lol Didn’t he know I was reading about Adrien and Jake for God’s sake?
Let me tell you – I loved this book just as much this time around, if not more (is that even possible? :)). I totally adore Adrien. He’s just so down to earth with his illnesses and his family issues and trying to run his business – and I LOVE his dry sarcastic wit…right up my alley. But he still has a great romantic soul that, even though he’s a little bitter in this book, still shines through. Sitting down with this book was like sitting down with an old friend and getting to know him all over again. I love that feeling when I read a book.
Then there’s Guy – Adrien’s love interest for the past two years. I have to say, I never liked Guy. Not from the first time he was mentioned. Something about him kind of rubbed me the wrong way and even though I’m sure he was/is a nice guy I never saw him with Adrien at all. Might have something to do with Jake though – I think I might be prejudiced.
And Jake – he kind of made my heart ache in this book. He just seemed so damned sad – with a shitload of regrets for the things he’d done in the past and it made me like him even more. (Kris is gonna shit bricks over that last sentence)
Needless to say between the mystery which is so good and the characters, which in Lanyon books are always wonderful, I love this book. I can’t wait for The Dark Tide!
Some hussy has dare me to read all this series before the next release…
I hate a dare, but after this re-read and cool sum up – I just might take up the challenge.
Only 22days to go…
Thanks for the round up Tracey.
E.H>
Great review, Tracy, of one of my definite keepers. When this came out last year I disappeared in my bedroom for a whole day and left hub in charge. I couldn't bear to be dragged away from it!
I agree with you about Jake too. I liked how many of the poor decisions he had made in the time he has known Adrien came back to bit him in the arse.
Can't wait for book 5!
Hmm. I wonder if I can reread the books without being as anxious as I was the first time (about Adrien's emotional well-being, mostly).
Eh – I don't think you'll be disappointed at all and the books just get better as you go. This one is definitely my favorite of the bunch but they're all good. Have fun!
Jenre – One of my keepers too. In fact I ditched one of my other keepers on the Island to take this one. I just loved it. As I said, besides the whole relationship part of the book the mystery itself is so damned good!
You locked yourself up? What a fab idea! 🙂 I might have to do that with TDT!
Chris – Yes, Adrien's well-being did make me a little anxious, especially in book 3 & 4 but he's strong – he can handle it. You're strong too! Buck up little pirate *snort* and re-read!
*choke*
The more I read about this series, the more I can't wait to read it! There just seems to be so much going on…
I'm a Josh Lanyon virgin, I'm just dipping my toe into m/m romance. I need to hump him up on my TBR pile.
Great post!
Chris – lol no choking. 🙂
Orannia – It's one that is just not to be missed IMHO.
Smokinhotbooks – OMG you have to read Josh Lanyon! He's just so good. The Adrien English Series is a must read – along with The White Knight and The Dark Horse. And…wait – just read them all – they're awesome!
m/m has so much to offer – just a great genre all the way around. 🙂
Okay, Tracy, so I skimmed the review and read the last three paragraphs only! I'm going to start these, so I want no spoilers, lol! But a 5 out of 5 is SUCH good news. Yes! I can't wait.
I'm a Josh Lanyon virgin.
LOL Smokin'. Me too 🙂 And I know Tracy, how can I read m/m and not read Josh Lanyon. My theory is I've had my head in a bucket for the past year *grin*
Oh, can't wait to re-read this to get ready for TDT!
Your review really whetted my appetite, Tracy!
Hilcia – I think you'll really enjoy the whole series.
Orannia – Virgin? Get with it woman you need to read them NOW! (was that too forceful? lol)
Renee – it was really great to revisit the series. I just love Josh's work.
I want his books to be published in real paper!! I keep seeing his books being reviewed… Soon I hope!