Josh Lanyon: Fatal Shadows

I first came across Josh Lanyon in 'Scared Stiff', which was an anthology of short stories. From the first page of his story, I was, in a word, hooked.

Seriously. He's that good.

The story was called 'A Ghost of a Chance', and out of all the stories in that book, this one shone like a priceless jewel.

Thinking that it might have been a fluke, I bought another anthology, this time called 'Hostage', in which Josh Lanyon had another short story, this time called 'Dangerous Ground'.

It wasn't a fluke.

I was so enthralled by his writing, that when my other half asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I immediately pointed out the Adrien English series and said, "I want these three books by Josh Lanyon." and bookmarked the page for him, oh-so helpfully.

Hopefully, I'll get the rest for my birthday, if not before then.

I just finished reading the first one this morning, in the cafe across the road from our house. 'Fatal Shadows' was everything I could have hoped for, and then some. It was a gentle, easy read, with enough tension and suspense to keep you motivated into finishing, without falling into the trap that many other writers have fallen into by overworking the plot in a failed attempt to keep you hooked until the end.

Which is something that has turned me away from so many mysteries, which is a pity, because I used to enjoy them.

No, 'Fatal Shadows' moved fast enough to keep you wanting more, but wasn't so fast that you got confused, or was detrimental to the actual characterisation of each individual, and in particular, the lead character, Adrien English, whom I absolutely adore.

If there in only one book you read this year, I'd recommend it's one written by Josh Lanyon.

~Shi-koi~


( Links to Josh Lanyon's stuff... )