Ok, maybe pigs didn’t exactly fly – my mom, Judith, never actually stated that she’d never read an m/m book. When I told her, which was no small feat for me, that I read m/m books she just kind of looked at me funny without saying anything for a few minutes. Then she said, “well, I guess I wouldn’t mind that as long as it didn’t have too much sex in it.” Whaaaa? Why would I read something like that? lol I never in a million years dreamed that she’d read an m/m. Shows you how wrong I can be, huh? So when we were talking on the phone recently and discussing doing guest reviews on each others blogs the idea struck. How about I ask my mom to review an m/m book? Why the heck not? The worst she could say was HELL no and disown me forever, right? Well, lucky for me, she didn’t. She was slightly hesitant, but game none the less. I chose an author that I love and a book that wasn’t totally raunchy for her first outing and told her to read Somebody Killed His Editor by Josh Lanyon. Without further ado…her review:
Somebody Killed His Editor by Josh Lanyon – A review
Everyone I have ever known has wanted to be a success! From our earliest years we are encouraged to set goals and to project timelines in our lives so that we can “keep track” of what is important and how well we are doing in this process called living. Few people like to think of what may happen when one has reached the pinnacle of success and then must deal with the realities that no one ever stays on top of the mountain forever.
Such is the life situation Christopher Holms finds himself in this fast-paced and intriguing tale, set in the mountains of Northern California, and abounding with characters that boast of jealousy, secrets too embarrassing to relate, past relationships that have gone sour, and so forth. The scenario is reminiscent of the movie “Murder By Death” with the crush of writers, some wanting to succeed, some successful, and some dead. At a conference sporting the usual workshops and focus groups, Christopher is hopefully going to convince his publisher not to remove him from his “stable” of writers. He has been coerced into this meeting by his agent who is one of those “I’m going to succeed if it kills both me and you” kind of women.
In the course of less than two days, the bodies of a best-selling author and Christopher’s editor are found, both of them by him. He immediately becomes the foremost suspect. Add in the presence of a successful, best-selling author, J. X. Moriarity, a former San Francisco cop with whom Christopher shared a long romantic weekend ten years earlier, and the suspense, emotion, acidic repartee make for a wonderful tale full of all the stuff of which great fiction are made.
The dialogue is funny and for persons who make their living as wordsmiths, writers can charm or crucify with fewer words than anyone on the planet. Josh Lanyon characters are full-dimensional and so well developed. There is great writing on every page. Now I love romance and there is a thread of romance running through this story. Christopher’s “committed” relationship with another individual has just ended, one that has been a ten-year-long frustration because his partner has defiled their commitment with repeated infidelities. Now being faced with J. X.’s hurt and disappointment that apparently has never gone away from their involvement a decade earlier, Christopher feels the pressure of not only his soon-to-be-over writing career, but the pull of a deeper emotion and connection with J. X., one that is unexpected to say the least.
I think I love mysteries as much as I love romance literature. Mysteries seem to challenge the reader to run ahead of the author, figure out who the “bad guy” may be, and solve the crime. In this great book romance and mystery junkies have it all. What’s not to like? This is a delightful book and a very, very good read.
Finally, this is the first romance I have read that is a male/male romance. It is not a genre I would have even been aware of until the book was recommended, but having read it, I am struck with the way the author outlined the relationship between Christopher and J. X. — with all the tentative and caring nuances that are a part of any romantic relationship. But it illustrates that love is love, no matter who shares it. There are many straight people who would never read a book containing homosexual love. I am sorry to say that would have been me years ago. But I have grown old watching people and know that genuine caring and loving connection is precious and to be claimed under any circumstances. This romance is not a bawdy, in-your-face, inappropriate recitation of mindless sex. It is a gentle rediscovery to genuine connection and loving that has been let go for too long and is now a future possibility. It is the kind of romance we all hope to have in our lives, one way or the other.
I give this novel a 5 out of 5 rating.
Yep, that’s my mom. Isn’t she great? I may be a little prejudiced but she does write wonderful reviews if I do say so myself. She’s got her own blog Dr J’s Book Place if you want to check out some more of her reviews. And I’m thinking I’ll slowly be able to get her hooked on m/m.
*sniff* *sniff* "…love is love, no matter who shares it" Some real truisms in there Tracy's Mom. Lovely writer yourself too, a nice way with words.
I loved this book. I think I laughed out loud the first or second page. I look forward to more this duo.
Another great book without explicit sex is Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy. A great read for those getting their feet wet and aren't sure about too much smexin'.
When my Mom was visiting me last fall I caught her sitting at the table flipping through Crossing Borders by ZA Maxfield. Hmmm. She didn't say anything so I'm not sure what she read. LOL If it hasn't been autographed I would have offered to let her take it on the plane. But autographed books don't get out of my house. Even in my Mom's responsible hands.
Excellent review, Dr J. I haven't read this one yet but I have loved other books by Josh Lanyon.
And I agree with Tam. Tigers and Devils is an excellent M/M book without the explicit sex found in most others.
Josh is really the king of m/m. No kidding. He's literate and his characters are, as you said, fully developed. His stories always transcend the ordinary in this genre–and he entertains with his wit and his charming style.
OK yes. I'm Captain Fanyon. See my hat?!
Dr.J–Welcome.
PS You have a fine daughter.
"it illustrates that love is love, no matter who shares it. There are many straight people who would never read a book containing homosexual love. I am sorry to say that would have been me years ago. But I have grown old watching people and know that genuine caring and loving connection is precious and to be claimed under any circumstances."
What a great review.
Thank you very much. I don't think I've ever been more proud of a review — and thanks to Lisabea for pointing this out to me.
J~Who loves ya, baby?
It's a review to be proud of. Tracy and Dr. J–this was a treat.
Tam – I loved this one too – that's why I wanted to share. Those first few minutes of the story when Christopher is trying to cross the bridge – just wonderful and sucked me right in to the story.
Oh Tigers and Devils WOULD be another good one for her. Thanks for the suggestion.
Lily – Another vote for T & D. Thanks!
LB – I agree with everything you said!
Love your hat! 🙂
Aww – thanks honey. And you're welcome!
Josh – Thanks for stopping by. Glad you liked the review – I thought it was wonderful as well.
Thanks, guys, for all the gentle and welcoming comments. And thanks to Josh Lanyon for his encouragement. It is nice to know that a mom can manage to make a daughter proud. XXOO
Oh Mama you've been making me proud for years, you know that. This is just one more thing to add to the list. 🙂
{{big hug}}
This. Is. Awesome. This gives me hope that one day my mother will read one of my m/m books.
P.S. My mother still spells out s-e-x, so it might be awhile…
Your mom is very awesome indeed, Tracy! What a lovely and honest review.
I agree with Tam – I think that Tigers and Devils would be a great next read for her.
Smokinhot: Omg I needed that laugh today. s-e-x. that is just too funny. And hey – you never know, right?
Chris – Thanks! I really liked the review as well – she's got a way with words, that's for sure.
Ok – Tigers and Devils it is. Though she did ask me for Josh's website so she could look into more books so she's movin right along. 🙂
I am only stating what every one has said. Tracy, your mother is awesome and she really does have a way words!!!! A mother to be proud of for sure.
Smoking… I am still laughing at the fact that your mother still spells s-e-x, roflmbo!
Wonderful review Ms. Mom!
LOL, I think there's something wrong when even your mother has read Josh Lanyon b4 I did, Tracy!! He's definitively on my list of authors to try this year. Need to get to it 😀 Especially since she gave it a 5/5!!!
Love your mom, she's so gutsy 😀
Great review, Dr J. And, great mom, Tracy! 🙂
I do think of Josh Lanyon as a great "gateway" author to m/m because of his balanced writing. Plot and character are just as important as the romance, which makes his books all around great reads!
wow, awesome review and awesome mom! 🙂
Some moms spell out s-e-x, but mine still refers to it as "you know". I don't think she'll be reading an m/m any time soon. heh
Great review Dr. J! It was, as always, beautifully written.
Wow, just totally wow! The review and all the comments. What a blessing your mother is Tracy. Dr. J you are awesome!