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27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pirates Ahoy, September 20, 2008
This review is from: Death of a Pirate King (Paperback)
The story opens with a bang, or more accurately with a crash as Adrien is once again up to his neck in another murder. At a dinner party with Hollywood movers and shakers to which he has been invited by actor Paul Kane, he has the misfortune to sit next to the murder victim just before he keels over face first into his bowl of vichyssoise. To make matters worse who should be heading up the investigation into this high profile murder but his old nemesis and former lover Jake Riordan. Déjà vu for Adrien.
Adrien is in a quandary as he is being pressured by Paul who is one of the numerous murder suspects, to investigate the murder unofficially. Although our amateur sleuth doesn't like Paul because of his past association with Jake, he doesn't have much choice but to acquiesce if he wants his book to be made into a movie. To complicate things further Guy, his partner of almost 2 years since he broke things off with Jake, makes new demands of Adrien who isn't sure what he wants.
In the fourth book in the series Josh Lanyon really excels because he has written more than another great murder mystery starring his two flawed protagonists. This time, in addition to an action-packed story he writes from the heart about their personal relationship and struggles in a way he hasn't before. Jake and Adrien have both evolved over the past 2 years and Jake, perhaps because of his recent family tragedy, while he has not undergone a personality transplant he is different and a few sharp edges have been softened. Adrien seems tougher and more demanding of those close to him and he tells them exactly what he wants but he is still foolhardy and daring.
The book is a tour de force of the entire series from several perspectives. The author's eloquence is more evident here than in either of the previous books as he paints pictures of the characters so drolly with a few succinct phrases that you can see them with your mind's eye. He also has a rare talent for using humour, even on the most solemn or dangerous occasion, and he had me doubled up with laughter when he described the mourners at the victim's funeral using one liners and 'zingers' that appear to come from a totally warped mind.
While the author uses humour effectively in this book, there is much more that's different. There are nuances in characterizations which would indicate that subtle changes have emerged in Josh Lanyon's writing style for this series since book 3, The Hell You Say. In DOAPK the passion between the two protags in certain scenes is so transparent and moving that sometimes it felt as if Adrien's wonky heart couldn't take any more. Fans will experience a full range of emotions when they read this book - from shock to pleasure to devastation and anger as well as a host of others as they ride the roller coaster with Adrien and Jake, and some may feel that Jake got his comeuppance. It seemed to me, particularly during the latter third of the book, that the personal relationship on occasion took center stage over the murder investigation because of the huge personal issues at stake.
There are so many "moments" in this book that it's difficult to decide on a quote from all of the excellent material but there was one scene that was unbearably poignant and Josh describes it as "sweet in the way crack must feel hitting the bloodstream of an addict after years of staying clean".
Fans who have waited 2 years to find out what happens next after the end of THYS which created such a firestorm will not be disappointed in this very revealing and complex story. Is Jake a kinder, gentler and more loving person and does he redeem himself after THYS? Does Guy get his fondest wish? You will have to read the book to find out.
Do I think this book is Josh Lanyon's best work to date? To use baseball parlance, he doesn't just hit this one out the park, he clears the bases. Death of a Pirate King in my opinion is deserving of more than 5 stars however that is the highest rating on amazon.
Death of a Pirate King is not to be missed whether or not you're a fan of the writer or the Adrien English series but in my opinion this is not a standalone story although you can read it as such. To really enjoy and appreciate this gem it should be read in order with the other AE books. Buy this book!
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Life of a Murder-Solving Book Seller, September 20, 2008
This review is from: Death of a Pirate King (Paperback)
I'm not going to post spoilers. To do so would be a crime.
However, what I can say is that this is the book where Josh Lanyon hits his stride... and it's a full out run.
Death of a Pirate King is a seriously good, enthralling story. If you've not read the others, you can start here but honestly, this book really represents Lanyon's peak in a story arc that has been building over the previous books. Oh, and there's a murder mystery too.
Once again, Lanyon has provided a keen insight into the mind of Adrien English and the often oddly constructed life that he leads. While burdened with a new step-family and the possible filming of his book, Adrien once again finds himself in the middle of a murder. Detective Jake (I'm a Jerk) Riordan appears and the world gets complicated once again.
I strongly suggest getting this book. Not just because I've been a fan of Lanyon's since the very beginning of his novels but because his novels have made me a fan.
In the words of millions: Highly recommended. A+ writer and all around great story.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just one word: EXCELLENT! Do not miss this!, October 14, 2008
This review is from: Death of a Pirate King (Paperback)
I read Fatal Shadows (Book 1) and A Dangerous Thing (Book 2) in 2002, spent 4 years wondering what on earth has happened to one very talented writer named Josh Lanyon and was very pleased indeed when Josh's writings reappeared in 2006.
I just finished DOAPK and am simply overwhelmed. This 4th book in this amazing series is the best to-date: plot-wise, emotional content-wise and character development-wise. There is so much at stake here for the characters.
A writer/bookshop owner and amateur sleuth, Adrien English is my top favorite gay character in the murder/mystery world. His romance with one closeted cop hunk, Jake, is filled with so much heartache and pain, its outcome bringing a lump to my throat in "To Hell You Say" (Book 3) and this emotional roller coaster ride continues and escalates in DOAPK. Tightly paced, DOAPK have you on the edge as Adrien tries to solve a murder while plagued by ill health, and a tumultuous love life. There is some breathing space with warm and funny moments, provided by interaction with his newly extended family, one stray kitten, and of course Lisa, his caring and "know what is best for you" mother.
The crime is layered with intrigue and suspense and will please any mystery lover. However it is the intensely emotional struggles between Adrien and Jake which I love most and hold me spellbound, the dynamics of their relationship made all the more complex by Adrien's involvement with Guy since Adrien broke off with Jake and the introduction of one manipulative and sinister character, Paul Kane.
Josh really breathes life into Adrien and Jake in DOAPK, their stirring exchanges memorable and resonating deeply long after I finished.
Adrien is such an endearing character, his vulnerability and plight striking a chord. As for Jake, this complex hunk may just have redeemed himself by the end of DOAPK.
If you are new to this series, this 4th book could be read as a stand alone but do not do that. You do not know what you are missing! Start with book 1 and you are in for a great time solving intriguing crimes with one very endearing and resourceful sleuth named Adrien with his emotional ups and downs which simply tug at your heart strings. Bravo Josh and I hope you are not serious about ending this series with Book 5 (one ardent fan's plea).
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