SEARCH:

 Will sets out to help Takoda and his tribe preserve some of their identity... and ends up finding his own. More...

 

People confound young, brilliant, college professor Brendon, including his boss. So when Josh, the assistant football coach, pursues him, Brendon isn’t sure what to make of him. More...

SOMEBODY KILLED HIS EDITOR

First in the Holmes and Moriarity Series 

For sixteen years Christopher (Kit) Holmes has enjoyed a successful career as a mystery writer, thanks to the popularity of elderly spinster sleuth, Miss Butterwith and her ingenious cat, Mr. Pinkerton. But sales are down in everything but chick lit and Christopher's new editor doesn't like geriatric gumshoes. It's a pink, pink world for Kit.

Reluctantly the reclusive Christopher agrees to attend a mystery writer's conference at a remote Northern California winery. But no sooner does he arrive than the bridge to the outside world washes out. On his trek to the Blue Heron Lodge, Christopher discovers the body of a woman in the woods. If nearly two decades of mystery-writing are anything to go by, the woman doesn't appear to have died a natural death.

Thanks to the ongoing storm and washed-out bridge, local law enforcement is not able to come to the rescue. Déjà vu! It's practically like all those classic murder mysteries in isolated country manors that Christopher has been penning for sixteen years! If only Miss Butterwith was on hand. Or even Mr. Pinkerton....

 

The second book in the series is All She Wrote.

 

Buy this ebook

Buy the Amazon Kindle version

Buy the print book

 

=============================================================================================

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"This first-in-a-series (thank you, Josh Lanyon!) is a hilarious mystery with lots of colorful quirky characters, and, most especially, really engaging main characters. There are lots of side-plot secrets and very few clues as to who the actual murderer might be. It seems that almost everyone in attendance had a motive of some sort, most especially Christopher and even J.X. I have to admit that I didn't know 'whodunnit' until the very last second. This is a fantastic read from a mystery standpoint, enhanced by the sexual tension between Christopher and J.X. I can't wait for the next book to see how THAT comes out!"
Rainbow Reviews

"Josh Lanyon is a master at developing realistic, quirky characters. Somebody Killed His Editor is filled with them. There was a plethora of suspects in this story, where everyone had some sort of secret, a secret that could be construed as a motive. Witty rejoinders abound as do references to movies and television shows and we are left with few clues to guess who the culprit is. Christopher had a smart mouth that led him into danger. It would appear as if Mr. Holmes may have to depend on his arch enemy Moriarity to save him this time. Or is that the reverse? Hop on for a ride with Josh Lanyon and his latest clever tale. You will not be sorry you did."
Sensual Erotic Romance and Erotica Reviews

"Since this is set up to be a mystery romance series, there is the inevitable comparison to his popular Adrien English series, one of my favorites by the way. The romance between Christoper and J.X definitely have a different feel from Adrien and Jake I am glad to say. However, the murder mystery and the way it is played out is set up very much similar to Lanyon's other mystery books. There are many characters introduced that could have a motive to murder, and the lead character is one of the suspects. This book reminds me very much of Lanyon's The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks. However, Lanyon knows how to write a great mystery, bring in great supporting characters, sweet romance and always just enough wit and quirkiness that makes me giggle and not want the story to end. I can not say enough how well his books are written."
Smexy Books

"Overall, I have to admit this was a fantastic beginning for this series. Somebody Killed His Editor has action, suspense and enough drama to give the soaps a run for their money, with strong well-developed characters, and a creative plot. The setting pulls everything together constructing a location that brings frights and romance to mind in healthy doses. These elements make this book is a winner. The story was a treat to read and I’m looking forward to the next installment of the series."
Literary Nymphs Reviews

"Somebody Killed His Editor is the first book in a new series by Josh Lanyon - Holmes and Moriarity. Maybe lightning will strike twice and H & M will take the place of the Adrien English series in terms of fan appeal. Book 1 is an excellent start and I'm looking forward to the new adventures of our intrepid pair of authors, turned detectives. One of the keys for any successful series is that even though the plots are very important, readers have to love the characters and be invested in them and I think that Lanyon made brilliant choices in Christopher and J.X.who have great chemistry together. It also doesn't hurt that the sex between them is emotional, funny and hot. Somebody Killed His Editor reminds me in some ways of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, complete with dramatic denouement scene."
Reviews by Jessewave

"This is probably the funniest Lanyon book I’ve read to date, with the vast majority of the humor coming from Christopher’s observations and wry delivery. The skewed inside look at the publishing industry gives him plenty of fodder.The enjoyment in this comes from the narrator’s voice and the carefully constructed action and environment, more so than either the romance or the mystery. Either way, that doesn’t stop me from whole-heartedly recommending this. It’s swift, shrewd, and irresistible, the qualities I’ve come to expect and appreciate from Lanyon."
Book Utopia

"Somebody Killed His Editor is a great murder mystery as well as a lovely romance. The twists and turns of each event will fascinate the reader.  I loved this story. It was a delight to read and a marvelous mystery. Most of all it was a wonderful story of a second chance for two men who deserved it."
Love Romances & More Reviews

"First let me say this: the story is fun. The author uses first person narrative, so we get to hear the grousing, grumblings, and yearnings of faltering author, Kit Holmes. Second, the mystery--solving a double-murder that happens at the resort while all are stranded and cut off from civilization--is well plotted, offering plenty of clues without relying on coincidence or fortuitous happenings. I highly recommend this insider's tongue-in-cheek look at writing."
Whipped Cream  

"... author Josh Lanyon knows how to develop his characters and reveal the secrets of his cast. He clearly shows that a M/M romance is often as fraught with misunderstandings and missteps as any traditional love story. This is the first in a new series, and I look forward to reading more about the oddball, yet totally believable, characters Layton does so well."
The Romance Studio

Review by Jenre

Review by Jessewave

=============================================================================================

EXCERPT 

I can understand suffering for one's art--but dying? Not really my style.

But death did appear to be on the day's program judging by the groaning sounds from the bridge beneath me. I grabbed for the rain-slick wood railing with my free hand and stared down. A churning brown froth of mud, rocks and tree branches battered against the sagging pilings. I made groaning sounds of my own.

My disabled silver Lexus sat on the opposite side of the swaying bridge--too far to turn back now. I clung to the rail as the bridge heaved. Rain came down in glinting needles. I squinted, trying to make out the opposite bank. I couldn't see it.

As I hesitated, the decision was made for me. The bridge shuddered and then ripped partially away from its moorings. I had no choice but to race for the other side, clunk, clunk, clunking unevenly along in impractical Bruno Magli boots, and trying not to trip as my obscenely heavy suitcase banged against my knee, my bulging carryall bouncing from my hip to my butt.

I could hear the voice of Rachel, my agent, ringing in my ears. "It won't kill you to dress up for once."

Famous last words. Me and my career, both dead in one week.

Clunkclunk, clunkclunk, clunkclunk...

Over the roar of the flood I could hear the shriek of joints giving way (luckily not my own) and splintering wood. The slats beneath my feet seemed to fall away. I pictured myself as one of those cartoon characters, legs bicycling in empty air for a few seconds before gravity kicks in. I ran harder--like the cartoon characters always do.

I'd known this weekend was a mistake from the moment Rachel had suggested it. I'd known, but I had ignored my instincts. And now I was well in the lead for this year's Darwin Award.

The bridge returned, rippling beneath my clattering feet.

Clunkclunkclunkclunkclunkclunkclunk... My boots telegraphed panic.

Nobody was going to believe this. Hopefully. Hopefully nobody would believe that I was this stupid. Well, first off, nobody was going to believe I'd voluntarily gone to a writers retreat. I was going to wind up as an episode in Unsolved Mysteries.

I could practically hear Robert Stack now, solemnly spelling it out for the at-home viewers.

"But questions remain. Why would Christopher Holmes choose to cross a rickety old half-flooded bridge on foot after deeming it unsafe to drive across? Why would the forty--er--thirty-nine-year-old author of numerous award-winning mysteries have agreed to visit a remote writers retreat in California wine country when friends and family agree Christopher loathed writers conferences and red wine always gave him a headache? And why would this reasonably intelligent and supposedly sane man have spent SO GODDAMNED MUCH MONEY ON A PAIR OF BOOTS THAT WERE PROBABLY GOING TO PROVE THE DEATH OF HIM?"

Robert Stack's God-like voice had to shout to be heard over the boom of water and eroding earth. I lumbered along like a drunken pack mule, listing from side to side under the weight of my luggage, and to my own astonishment I felt the wooden planks give way to...mud. Mud and grass. My toes sank into the turf like rock-climbing crampons holding my wildly teetering self safely in place.

I was on the other side.

I was alive.

I clambered up the uneven slope and turned back to see the wooden bridge that connected Blue Heron Lodge to the outside world half-submerged beneath the flooded creek. Brush, boulders and bedraggled saplings rammed against the fallen structure and spun away to be washed downstream.

My legs gave out, and I collapsed on top of my bags. Shock, I guess. Not to mention more exercise than I'd had in the past five years. Cold rain peppered my head and face. I clutched my bags as though they contained all my worldly possessions, which to all intents and purposes they did. Fortunately there were enough extra clothes stuffed in there to make shelters for a dozen refugees, which is what I felt like.

I checked my watch. Four o'clock. It seemed later thanks to the lousy weather. One thing for sure. I didn't want to be wandering around here in the dark. I hauled myself to my feet. Why the hell hadn't I thought to grab the map when I bailed out of the car?

The lodge was nowhere to be seen. That would have been too easy. I mean, why would anyone want to house writers within walking distance--or even sight--of a main road? You might have scribes going AWOL, fleeing rubber round steak and limp lettuce for local fast-food joints--or bars--skipping out on workshops given by equally desperate colleagues, or, God forbid, deciding that their time would be better spent writing rather than paying money to talk about writing.

A crooked dirt road led up and over a small pine-covered hill that seemed to vanish into the low, sullen skies.

I picked up my suitcases and hobbled toward the hill. The distant tang of the sea and the smell of wood smoke hung in the air.

After a few yards of my Long-John-Silver-on-a-Bender routine, it occurred to me that quite possibly I was carrying appropriate footwear in my suitcase. I abandoned the road, evading the branches of the pine trees. The canopy provided scant protection from the downpour, deadening the sound of the rain. Kneeling in a nest of pine needles, I snapped open the locks on my suitcase, fishing around inside a pile of clothes I didn't recognize.

I didn't recognize them because they were brand new and had been selected by a helpful sales associate at Saks department store while I'd occupied myself scoping "the competition" at the nearby Borders. When I say "competition", I don't mean men who are younger, buffer and have more hair than me--I mean writers with books on the Featured Selections shelf. Bad boys and pink ladies. Dick and Chick Lit.

The new wardrobe was all part of Rachel's master plan that I should "reinvent" myself and thus resurrect my career. I failed to understand how multi ear piercings and a new 'do could persuade Steven "Satan" Krass, my new editor at Wheaton & Woodhouse, to reconsider his decision to dump me if my track record didn't speak for itself (eleven NYT bestsellers and over twenty awards). I couldn't imagine what argument black leather could make, but I was desperate. And scared.

From Boy Wonder to Has Been in one easy lesson. Well, maybe not easy, and it had taken sixteen years, but I was the victim of a kind of literary middle-aged spread--and I was barely forty.

"Steven feels that the sales on the last four books were...er...rather soft," Rachel had tried to explain. "The numbers aren't there."

"What numbers? Miss Butterwith Closes the Case is already in its third printing." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. They weren't renewing us? They weren't picking up my option?

"But that's way down from, say, the first six months of Miss Butterwith Dispenses."

I felt numb. It had never even occurred to me that the day would come when Miss B. and I could no longer hoist ourselves over the transom.

"But everyone's sales are down, right? That's what I keep hearing. No one is reading, that's what everyone says. Everyone is watching DVDs and listening to CDs and playing computer games." Cold sweat popped out on my forehead. I felt nauseous. I don't take rejection well. Ask my ex.

"Not everyone's sales are down," Rachel said carefully. And the fact that she was being careful told me everything I needed to know. In New York publishing circles Rachel Ving is known as Ving the Merciless. "Look, Christopher, the market has changed. Miss Butterwith is--"

I couldn't bear to hear it. I had to interrupt. Portly and unfashionable though she might be, Miss Butterwith was my baby, the child of my heart. I cried, "Miss Butterwith is a classic, she's an institution. She's right there with Miss Silver and Hildegard Withers." I swallowed on the last word, a kidlike gulp. I went on arguing, as though it were Rachel I had to convince.

"The critics have compared her to Miss Marple. I mean, Miss Butterwith and Mr. Pinkerton have solved more crimes than--" This wasn't just my livelihood, this was my--well, actually considering the fact that this was my livelihood was about all I could take in. I'd sold the first Miss Butterwith straight out of college. I'd been writing the series, three books a year, for sixteen years.

"Well, maybe we should think about spinning Mr. Pinkerton off," Rachel said, trying to be helpful.

"Rachel!"

She was still thinking out loud. "Yeah... You know, it's not a bad idea. Crime-solving cats are still popular. Look at the Cat Who books. Maybe he could get locked in a trunk of...of...I've got it. Weapons of mass destruction are being shipped to the States, and Mr. Pinkerton gets trapped in one of the crates."

My shattered silence must have said it all.

She said awkwardly, "Or maybe not. This isn't the end of the world. You're a very talented writer. You merely need another platform."

Platform? How about a window ledge?

"Simply because Wheaton & Woodhouse isn't going to pick up your contract--"

"You mean Steven Krass isn't going to pick up my contract," I broke in bitterly. "It's his decision, right? He's the Editorial Director, right?"

"It's business, Christopher. It's nothing personal."

"It ought to be personal. After all the money I've made for them. Do you know the offers I've had over the years?"

Well, yeah, Rachel knew. She was my agent. She also knew no one had tried to lure me away in recent memory, but instead of pointing out this painful fact, she came up with her brilliant scheme to have me ambush my former editor at Blue Heron Lodge where he was booked to bestow divine wisdom on acolytes all weekend long.

Rachel's idea of ambush was different from mine--less likely to land me in Tehachapi Correctional Institution. In my best consummate professional manner--whatever the hell that meant--I was going to propose a brand new and absolutely brilliant series. Now all I had to do was come up with the idea for one.

"This is the perfect opportunity to try something new," she urged.

"I don't want to try anything new."

"Well, you should. You're a thirty-something-year-old man writing about a seventy-year-old spinster and her cat. That cannot be healthy."

I was so flattered that Rachel thought I was still in my thirties that I didn't put up half the fight I should have.

I managed to locate one Reebok tangled in a knot of silken jockstrap (what had that kid in Saks been smoking?), found the other rudely nudging the crotch of a pair of Kenneth Cole trousers, and managed to exchange my footwear in a kind of squatting fumble, sort of like a Russian dancer after a few vodkas. As I balanced there, one hand planted in wet pine needles, one hand tugging on my boot, I caught a flash of color out of the corner of my eye.

I sank back--barely noticing that I was sitting on a pinecone--and stared. A small building sat in a clearing a few yards from me. It looked like a miniature Japanese teahouse. The shoji screen door hung drunkenly from its frame, and a bundle of rags spilled out onto the ground.

I felt the hair prickle on the back of my neck. Suddenly the woods seemed deadly silent. A single diamond drop of rain fell soundlessly from the branch in front of me. Nothing else moved.

Slowly, I got to my feet and limped past a bronze statue of the seated Buddha. As I drew near the teahouse with its broken door, the pile of rags came into sharp focus. I could pick out the glint of gold, splashes of purple and rumpled khaki, and then I knew for sure that I was looking at clothes.

Clothes and hair.

A body.

I stopped a few feet away. It was a woman. A woman with blonde hair tumbled across her face. She appeared to be wearing plum-colored pajamas beneath a khaki trench coat. Her feet were bare. Small, bare blue-white feet with red painted nails and a gold toe ring.
I took another step forward and then stopped. She wasn't breathing. She wasn't moving. She wasn't the right color. You don't have to write crime novels to recognize a dead body when you see one.

A really good clue was the broken and bloody tree branch lying an inch from the tip of my boot.

Return to Josh Lanyon's bibliography

 

 

 

 

 

KEYWORDS: gay book, gay bookstore, gay fiction, gay literature, gay writers, gay book reviews