Foxe Hunt

The Skyler Foxe Mysteries, Book 2

By: Haley Walsh

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

High school English teacher Skyler Foxe finally hooks up with gorgeous assistant football coach Keith Fletcher. But is the man what he seems to be? Skyler still has his doubts when he spies Keith in some shady circumstances. And there are still some unanswered questions as to what exactly is going on at the high school. Who thought high school could be so sinister? Meanwhile Skyler's friends from college have their own problems. Lovers and partners, Evan and Jeff were kicked out of the army for Don't Ask Don't Tell, and the depressed Evan is found dead. Suicide, says the police, but Skyler thinks otherwise. It's Skyler Foxe on the hunt for a killer once more!

©2015 Haley Walsh (P)2015 Haley Walsh

Typical jocks!

If you could sum up Foxe Hunt in three words, what would they be?

Does Foxe know Jury (from the matter of time series)? If not they should meet and be BBFs!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Foxe Hunt?

When Skyler's mother said she thought Rodolfo is gay :)

What about Joel Leslie’s performance did you like?

Great. He is so perfect here. I keep wondering how to do you find all these voices? There are so many characters *impressed*

If you could take any character from Foxe Hunt out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Jaime. Because he will insist on calling everybody else :)

Any additional comments?

I have listened the rest of the series up to 'Desert Foxe' its one the my go to series when I want a feel-good-listening.

Still Fun, Still Drama Packed...but...

This second Skyler Foxe Mystery novel continued the fun and intrigue that the first novel had and it was wonderful to 'catch up' with the characters in the series. Haley Walsh is building this series up novel by novel into a really masterful and suspenseful greater serial type story, whilst at the same time encapsulating a shorter, entertaining story within each of the individual novels. It's a real joy to discover the slowly unfolding greater story whilst being kept very entertained by the sub story being played out in the novel.

Having said that, I found this novel to be far more 'camp' than the first one. I love Joel Leslie's narration, particularly his voice characterization. He adds depth and color to the characters and is, generally, a joy to listen to. However, at times I found some of his narration just a little over the top in this novel. I know it's a gay novel, no doubt largely listened to by a gay audience but I hope he backs up just a little and doesn't overdo it in future novels as I felt he did at times in this one.

I also really appreciate the little message from the author at the end of the novel, to give insight into what's coming up in the next installment and what's planned for the future. This really whets my appetite for more and keeps me guessing about what strife Skyler and his crew will find themselves dealing with in future books.

Overall this was another great read. Complex and believable characters, interesting plots, romance and twist and turns make this a must for anyone looking for a light hearted, user friendly gay romp.

Even better than book one!

I really enjoy these books. Walsh has a great gift for dialogue and as these books progress she only makes you care more and more about the characters. Skyler can be an infuriating romance flip-flopper - but he's so damn adorable you can't help but get sucked in. This time the sex scenes are a lot more prominent and they are damn hot. Walsh doesn't just write pulp story lines that thinly connect sex scenes, however - these books are way more satisfying than that. They are a delightful, guilty pleasure that is sure to remind you of your own crazy friends. The narrator manages to make the most of the comedic qualities of the book - he has great timing and each of the over-the-top one of Skyler's friends are rendered with specificity and energy. If you like a 'dead read' kind of narration - this isn't for you - but he's perfect for the energy of the material. Walsh writes great sensual scenes but by the end of the book I was totally wrapped up in the story and found that I'd really become attached to these characters. Can't wait for the next book to come out in audio.

Another great book in this series!

I'm going to start my review by saying that Joel Leslie is the PERFECT vocal performer for this book/series! I'm EXTREMELY picky about my audiobooks and don't like many. Joel's performance is SPOT ON! Every character has a different sound - even the Hispanic characters sound perfect. His voices for Keith and Skyler are EXACTLY how I heard them in my head when I read book 1!!

This story is a continuation from the first book and we get more sexy time from Keith and Skyler and more of the story about what's happening at the school. All the great characters are back and better than ever - especially the SFC!

I'm so looking forward to listening to book 3!

Great 2nd book

This is a really fun 2nd book in the series. It has a lot of plot twists and surprises. It picks up where the first book left off and even though there is a mystery to solve, it is more about Skylar and Keith's relationship, or lack thereof. There are a lot of miscommunications and misunderstandings and the Scooby gang of exes are back and as fun as ever. As I suspected in the first book, there is also more to Keith than meets the eye and we find out that big secret in this book.

The only disappointing aspect of this story is Skylar's reluctance to come out of the closet. It is really kind of stupid as he frequently goes to gay bars and has many gay friends. He only appears to be hiding it from some of his work colleagues (although his principal knows) and his mother. The story addresses that in kind of a spectacular way.

The narrator continues to deliver an outstanding performance of all the characters and really draws the listener into the story. There is still an overarching mystery to be solved in the 3rd book of this series and really look forward to listening to it when it comes out.

This series is downright fun

Any additional comments?

3.75 Stars

Skyler Foxe, the bumbling high school teacher who thinks he's a great investigator, is back with another mystery to solve!

Skyler is such a piece of work. I mean, seriously...he succeeds in spite of himself. Even though Skyler is a hot mess served on a hot plate, this series is downright fun. There's something about Walsh's writing that makes this series more addicting with every page turn.

One thing that irks me is that Skyler is still so firmly in the closet. I understand it, but I prefer my heroes to be out and proud. That's just a personal preference though. At least we get some super sexy smexy times with Keith this go around. We finally find out what's going on with Keith, and it turns out I was right to be suspicious! Also, the whole dance thing? Pissed me off in the extreme.

One of the things I love in these stories are the supporting characters, particularly Skyler's students and best friend Sidney, but especially the S.F.C. (Skyler Fuck Club). They are hysterical!

"Want to do some investigating with me tonight?"
Jamie laughed. "Not another Nancy Boy Mystery!"

I will admit I am driven nuts by Skyler's TSTL moments. I mean, wow...B&E with no gloves or plan, tipping your hand and revealing all your information to the bad guys, I could go on...Jessica Fletcher Skyler is not.

But...but it sucked me in and, even when I wanted to throttle him, I still couldn't stop listening. Joel Leslie is just as OTT and dramatic this time around and he invigorates the story until I was practically on the edge of my seat waiting to hear what happens next.

I would definitely recommend you read this series in order. Books one and two end in cliffhangers, and book three supposedly ties up all the loose ends. For some OTT mystery fun, look no further, Skyler, Sidney and the SFC are on the case!

I can't wait to see how this turns out!

One of my favorite series!

Would you consider the audio edition of Foxe Hunt to be better than the print version?

Hilarious and full of heart - I've become addicted to Skyler, his crazy over-the-top friends and his adventures. Walsh writes m/m fiction that is full of humor and great story lines... with characters that really develop PLUS super hot sex to boot. Imagine Will and Grace merged with Scooby Doo - and you've got Skler Foxe. The narration is fabulous - he practically turns the books into a sitcom - theatrical, funny and versatile.

What other book might you compare Foxe Hunt to and why?

If Miss Marple was a sexy twink, you'd have Slyer. The books have a wacky sense of hijinks and Skyler is a romantic mess (trying desperately not to fall in love with his crazy hot boyfriend). If you imagine a cute, sexy gay version of No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, or Stephanie Plum books... you'll know exactly what you're in for. But i have to say - several times these books have really pulled at my heart strings and made me shed a tear or two.

Have you listened to any of Joel Leslie’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I think his work on this book is even stronger than the last in the series. He's come into his own with the characters and his narration style is smoother and even more engaging.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Absolutely - there was a scene toward the end of the book that had me sniffling like a hot mess... it was great.

Highly enjoyable!

Another highly enjoyable visit with my favorite TSTL character, Skyler Foxe! I loved this one more than book 1 because we finally get romance. The romance between Skyler and Keith was so sweet. Another cliffhanger, but that just means I get to listen to another awesome narration by Joel Leslie. Joel really does such a great job with all of the voices. I have absolutely no trouble distinguishing who is talking. This was a fun book and I'm looking forward to the conclusion of the mystery at James Polk High!

Better than ever.

I'm not very far into this series, but I love it so far. I adore Skylar. So far, I not adoring Keith, but I know he'll get his moments to shine.
I think the only reason I'm not mad about the cliffhanger endings is because I started the series when several volumes were already completed so I can go right into the next.
As usual, Joel Leslie did a fantastic job with the narration. I've actually been known to buy audiobooks just because he's the narrator.
On to the next!

Skyler Foxe, super-sleuth continues his adventures

What made the experience of listening to Foxe Hunt the most enjoyable?

Joel Leslie! I love the voices he has given these characters, bringing them all to life. And Haley Walsh's writing. Joel has great material to go off of to begin with. Haley has created a fun and endearing series and characters. You feel like you are one of the gang.

Which character – as performed by Joel Leslie – was your favorite?

Skyler is my favorite character for sure, and I really like Keith, too. But Joel gives such distinct voices to all the characters that they are all wonderful.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole arc of the growth of Skyler and Keith's relationship was great. Skyler has fallen for this guy, but never having been in a relationship before, he is cautious and won't let himself even think the words that he feels deep down.

Any additional comments?

I love this series!!