Josh Lanyon Collected Novellas Vol. 2 contains Dark Horse, In a Dark Wood, Ghost of a Chance, A Limited Engagement, and I Spy Something Bloody

In a Dark Wood

Tim and Luke meet at a dinner party hosted by a mutual friend. While there, a slightly tipsy Tim tells the story of an abandoned house in the woods that he and a friend stumbled across as teens while lost in the woods. A house that had a yard littered with bones and what Tim is sure was a human skull. The other guests and Tim as well, laugh the story off as the overworked imagination of a scared teenager. Luke invites Tim to go camping in the woods and while there they attempt to find the house. Luke is a cop and he believes that what Tim saw is the truth and that there is something even more sinister at work in the woods.

In a Dark Wood was a story that kept me guessing right up until the end. Filled with Mr. Lanyon’s trademark storytelling style this is one novella that you won’t want to pass up. Tim and Luke are perfect for each other. Each has their own vulnerabilities and together they are stronger than apart. Tim is especially fragile and this story goes a long way in explaining where his problems come from. I’m glad I read this one during the day because it had me checking the locks around the house.

I Spy Something Bloody

Mark Hardwicke is ready to hang up his espionage hat and settle down with his ex-lover Dr. Stephen Thorpe. But it’s a little too late as far as Stephen is concerned. He’s long since grown tired of waiting for Mark to tire of the spy game and has moved onto other plans. Now it’s up to Mark to convince Stephen and the bad guys that he is serious about retiring.

I Spy Something Bloody was a bit of a bittersweet love story. Mark has this idea of how things will be in his head but in reality they play out nothing like he plans. He’s an interesting character, on one hand he is this hardened spy, a capable liar, and a supreme actor—all skills that are needed by a successful spy. On the other hand he is a romantic, quoting prose and reading classics and having dreams of being a teacher. Stephen is very believable as a man that has finally decided that love isn’t enough and that he needs someone who will treat him as more important than their job. This was probably my favorite of the stories in this collection.

A Limited Engagement

Ross is a successful playwright and is all set to wed when something devastating happens. Adam is an actor who has been blackmailing Ross about his secrets. He knows that the old adage of “the truth will set you free” is true and he will do everything in his power to make Ross see that. But will Ross accept Adam’s efforts or will it all blow up in his face?

A Limited Engagement was an interesting little story. I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about it immediately after reading it. After thinking about it I did like elements of the story even if I didn’t like other parts. To me Adam wasn’t a likable character, regardless of his reasoning for his actions. Likewise, Ross didn’t sit well with me because he didn’t really make the decision for himself; he was forced by having his choices taken away by Adam’s actions.

Dark Horse

Sean Fairchild and Dan Moran didn’t meet the way most normal couples meet. No, they met when Dan, an LAPD Detective, was assigned to bodyguard Sean, an actor, while he was being stalked. But the stalker, Paul Hammond, is dead and the feelings that developed between Dan and Sean are now at the forefront of Sean’s mind. At least they were until Sean starts seeing Paul, begins getting postcards written in the man’s handwriting, and Dan won’t believe him.

Dark Horse is a twisted little psychological number that had me alternately gasping and crying. Like most of Mr. Lanyon’s characters Sean and Dan each have faults and are nowhere near perfect. But that is exactly what makes them perfect characters. The suspense in this story kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end and I can’t wait to read the prequel/sequel The White Knight that tells the whole back-story.

Ghost of a Chance

Rhys Davies has come to the coast to investigate a haunted house for his book. An acquaintance has offered him the use of his house during his stay. Unfortunately Oliver forgot to let his nephew, Sam Devin, a policeman, in on the plans and his visit gets off to a rocky start. But it’s nothing compared to the mysteries surrounding the Berkeley House and Rhys believes he might actually have come across the genuine article. A real haunted house. Soon Rhys finds himself in danger and it’s up to Sam to straighten things out.

This is a spooky, tensely erotic story. Sam and Rhys worked well together and the concept was quite interesting. I liked the mystery surrounding the house and I liked how the relationship between the two took an unexpected turn. It worked for me and it worked for this story.

Josh Lanyon Collected Novellas Vol. 2 is a book that I have no qualms about recommending. You can never go wrong with Josh Lanyon and having his novellas all in one volume is a plus. I can’t wait to read more from this fabulous author.

Reviewed by: Hayley