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REVIEW: Puzzle for Two by Josh Lanyon
Puzzle for Two – Josh Lanyon
It was like those crazy detective novels he read as a kid…
Fledging PI Zachariah Davies’s wealthy and eccentric client, toymaker Alton Beacher, wants to hire an investigator who can pose as his boyfriend while figuring out who is behind the recent attempts on his life. And Zach, struggling to save the business his father built, is just desperate enough to set aside his misgivings and take the job.
But it doesn’t take long for Zach to realize all is not as it seems (and, given that it all seems pretty weird…). The only person he can turn to for help is equally struggling, equally desperate–but a whole lot more experienced–rival PI Flint Carey.
Former Marine Flint has been waiting for Zach to throw in the towel and sell whatever’s left of the Davies Detective Agency to him. Still, he’s unwillingly attracted to the game but inexperienced accountant-turned-shamus, and can’t help offering a helping hand when Zach runs into trouble.
Especially when it’s hard to imagine any worse trouble than having your client murdered.
Puzzle for Two is a standalone novel by Josh Lanyon. It has a contemporary setting but also that Golden Age noir vibe that the author loves to reference in many of her books.
The story is from the POV of accountant-turned-PI Zachariah Davies who, along with his sister Brooke, is struggling to keep the family’s PI business alive. Then, wealthy toymaker Alton Beacher waltzes in, offering $12,000 for Zach to play his boyfriend to find out about the death threats to the already married businessman. Smelling the fish from a mile away but unable to say no because they had ZERO clients, Zach very reluctantly agrees.
The case is more complicated than Zach bargain for. Realizing they need more people to cover the investigation, he begrudgingly hires their rival, the more experienced ex-Marine-turned-PI Flint Carey. The man was willing to help, but was also quick to berate Zach for taking a case that is so patently bogus AND kept pushing offers to buy their detective agency.
The two men were polar opposites. Zach is inexperienced, a little too naive, and the type who avoids telling the truth so as not to hurt. If I’m feeling charitable, I would say he’s the type to see the good in others, but he tested my patience. There were high-tension scenes that could have been resolved had he just been more upfront.
Conflict came from the his interactions with his manipulative ex, Ben. This pest just wouldn’t stop inserting himself in Zach’s life while making it all about himself, AND blatantly ignoring the fact that they already broke up 4 months ago. Had Zach just told him point blank he has no feelings for the guy anymore, it would have saved us from all that drama. Their scenes were not pleasant to go through, and the plot could have done without.
On the other hand, Flint is not really a cynic but more of a realist due to years of experience. He’s blunt and antagonistic with Zach, who returns snark for snark. A typical Josh Lanyon love interest but nicer. A guy who says what he means, doesn’t play games, and always willing to lend a hand to a struggling rival.
I thought the mystery was pretty straightforward but trust the author to throw me in for a loop with twists and turns, suspense, and a whole bunch of questionable characters. While the book isn’t my favorite from the author, I was still completely absorbed because the storytelling is very engaging.
Puzzle For Two has all the usual Josh Lanyon elements but is far from stale. While it had its share of self-absorbed exes, it’s also highly entertaining, humorous, and fun. All in all, a satisfying comfort read from a go-to author.
Rating:
3.5 Stars – that place between like and loveSoundtrack: Puzzle Pieces
Artist: Tiger Trap
Album: Tiger Trap
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PUZZLE FOR TWO: Kindle | Audiobook
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NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Amid the Haze by Jessica Cranberry (Excerpt & Giveaway)
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RELEASE BLITZ: Life on Mars by Patricia Logan (Excerpt & Giveaway)
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NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Deep Fake by Joe Rielinger (Excerpt & Giveaway)
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RELEASE BLITZ: Mike Bravo Ops: Atlas by Eden Finley (Giveaway)
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RELEASE BLITZ: King Hunt by Layla Reyne
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BOOK TOUR: Dead Generations by Anne Russo (Excerpt & Giveaway + Guest Post)
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BLOG TOUR: Enchanted Ink by Robin Lynn (Excerpt & Giveaway + Q&A with Author)
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REVIEW: Zero Divergence by Aimee Nicole Walker
Zero Hour: Zero Divergence – Aimee Nicole Walker
Zero Divergence, noun: no deviation from a course or standard.
After a key piece of evidence goes missing, a suspected serial rapist and killer evades prosecution. More than Royce Locke’s reputation is on the line when his investigation into the failed chain of custody suggests Franco Humphries might’ve had inside help. There’s no one Royce trusts more than Sawyer Key to help him right a wrong and uncover the traitor in their midst, but can they do it before the Savannah Strangler strikes again?
Relentless plus fearless equals flawless. Sawyer and Royce have come full circle—from hostile strangers to best friends and lovers. Neither a sniper’s bullet nor an arsonist’s fire could keep them apart, but what about a psychopath hell-bent on revenge? The stakes are high, and there’s no turning back now because the zero hour is upon them. Tick tock.
Zero Divergence is the conclusion to the best-selling Zero Hour series, which follows Locke and Key’s investigations and evolving relationship. This is a series you MUST read in order. It contains mature language and sexual content intended for adults 18 and older.
Trigger warning: Part of the storyline involves coming to terms with a friend’s suicide, which may be difficult for some people to read.
Back when Zero Divergence was newly released, I read a review complaining about the unsatisfying parking lot HFN closing scene of the series finale. It put me off this book, but now we know author Aimee Nicole Walker has something more in store for Sawyer and Royce, in their second series, Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem.
Before I delve into that, this finale needs to be read.
The story picks up right after the big fire in Book 2, Devil’s Hour. Sawyer is coping with the aftermath of his injuries, bit of a blow to his vanity but trying not to let it so. Royce is the extra supportive and loving boyfriend so relationship-wise, the boys are stronger than ever. Uptight Sawyer now shows his playful side more often.
The plot tackles the case of a serial killer who was convicted but released after key evidence went missing. It is a disturbing tale of how charismatic serial killers could be and the lengths their rabid, deluded fans go through to aid and abet their evil schemes.
So the detectives had to play it smart, especially with the killer easily gaining sympathy and many people still believing his innocence. The investigation brought together various frenemies with the necessary skills, many of them characters from the spin off series, Sinister in Savannah.
This is the kind of mystery where I enjoy tagging along with the detectives. I am also heavily invested in them giving the villain his comeuppance. The bad guys were already known, and it was a matter of retracing evidence, and gathering new ones to make sure the vile bastard stayed in prison for good.
Zero Divergence doesn’t read like a series finale, and we now know why. But it gives us one hell of a showdown and a satisfying conclusion to a gripping investigation. Overall, a solid police procedural and a romantic suspense that delivers the squees and the thrills!
Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bitsSoundtrack: Bound
Artist: Indiana
Album
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Zero Divergence: US
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ZERO DIVERGENCE
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BLOG TOUR: Serafino Da Ferrara by Paolo G. Grossi (Excerpt + Q&A with Author)
