In Other Words...Murder

Holmes & Moriarity 4

By: Josh Lanyon

Narrated by: Kevin R. Free

Death reveals all truths....

Mystery author and sometimes amateur sleuth Christopher Holmes is settling into domesticity with his sometimes rival, sometimes nemesis J.X. Moriarity when he learns a body has been discovered in the backyard of his former home.

To complicate matters, Christopher's ex turns up accusing Christopher of doing away with his former personal assistant - the man for whom David dumped him.

It's life as usual at Chez Holmes. In other words...murder.

©2018 Josh Lanyon (P)2018 Josh Lanyon

Very satisfying continuation

There are a lot of little things that make this title feel more satisfying, it both made me laugh along quite heartily at times and touched me with the characters.
Chris seems to act more sensible here, I actually get a solid sense of character progress that is allowed to take place, where so many other authors halt or go back on the progress the characters make to create more potential for drama. And the book shows clearly that this is not needed either.
JX has some very human moments of weakness that round out his character, which I think is needed to not make him seem too perfect.
David is presented in a way that felt really relatable to my own experience with exes and I did like how the plot played out.
There are some nicely done side characters and while the mystery is rather convoluted this time and I did wonder a bit about one of the culprit's actions, it did work and I think played off the characteristics of this books "style of mystery" rather nicely.

There were so many little things that just felt very refreshing, including moments that in our current rather politically charged climate seemed like a quite welcome easing of tensions.
I feel a bit weary sometimes when I see how many authors seem to cultivate the bogeymen and cliches of the "other side" in their books. And I think that ultimately just contributes to readers feeling more hostile to those across the political divide and thus nurturing a hostile climate all over.
...so anything that in whatever small extent goes against that trend feels very welcome.

Kevin R. Free performed great as ever, I really enjoy his voice and think that he does a great job when it comes to bringing the different characters to life.

After feeling a bit less enthusiastic about book three, this one really does a great job of moving the series forward in a satisfactory way. If I feel genuinely happy for the characters, I think that to me speaks strongly in favor of the writing.

In other words.... perfect

This is the first book in the series that I actually listened to. But since audios have (kinda) taken over my life I figured I'd give it a go. And I was not disappointed!

Life isn't always blissful. At least not when your ex calls you up out of the blue asking whether you killed the man that particular ex ran off with. And buried said man in the backyard of your home.... To say that Christopher Holmes is less than amused to become a suspect in that investigation is putting it mildly. However, he does want to know who and what happened to the person buried in his former backyard, so of course he starts sleuthing - again. Things get even more complicated, and dangerous, when an old foe from the past makes his return and he does not have peace on his mind.

Kit and J.X.'s relationship started out very rocky and since the first book there has been many ups and downs, twists and turns, fights and arguments, but finally they are enjoying Life as a solid couple, they are at the same place, want the same things (for the most part) - and they are going in the same direction. They are mature and comfortable and after everything it's a nice thing to see.

The mystery was as always a good one, there were a lot of twists and turns and it kept me entertained and guessing. Add in the stalking sub-plot and the book was filled to the brim - what else can a girl ask for?

Kevin R. Free did a fantastic narration of this book. He nailed the feelings, the intonations, he took you into the story and made you live with Kit and J.X. It was always easy to know who was talking as the voices for the different characters were distinct and on point. I haven't listened to Free's narrations before, but this sure won't be the last book of his I pick up.

In Other Words...Murder was a wonderful addition to the series and highly recommended to anyone wanting some mystery to their romance.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review for Love Bytes.

A perfect marriage of narrator and story.

In Other Words, The One Where Christopher Holmes Grows Up.

This is the fourth book in the series and, much like a fine wine, the series has improved with age. And that’s the nice thing about a series: the author has the time and luxury to let the characters mature and learn and just be.

The story takes place four months after the events of ‘The Boy With the Painful Tattoo’ and we find Christopher Holmes and J.X. Moriarity enjoying domestic bliss. Of course, that comes to a screeching halt when Christopher gets a call from his ex David informing him that a body has been discovered in the backyard of his former home in Los Angeles. To make matters worse, David suggests the body is Christopher’s former assistant (who David ran off with) and accuses him of killing him.

The cops soon appear and Christopher, once again, finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation. The difference here, is this isn’t his first rodeo and he’s actually been paying attention.

The book is well-plotted and well-paced and there are some surprising (and pleasing) twists and turns in the relationship between Kit and J.X. We’re treated to the hilarous insanity that is Rachel Ving and we also see the return of an old frenemy.

Lanyon (as usual) is at the top of her game with punchy dialogue, most notably Kit’s withering self-assessments and witty asides. Of course, J.X. gets his licks and quips in, too. However, the real revelation is Kit’s newfound self-awareness and restraint. I found the book to be eminently satisfying.

But the star here is narrator Kevin R. Free, who turns in another bravura performance, as he seamlessly switches between the distinct voices of Kit, J.X., and Rachel (as well as the entire cast of characters). He doesn't miss a beat as he brings each line of Lanyon's fantastic dialogue alive.

In Other Words…Murder

This was my favorite book of the series and I was disappointed to not have another one to listen to. This book I didn’t find Christopher as annoying as previous ones. I hope there are more books to come!

Another great listening experience!

This is probably my favorite book of the series though all so far are really great! Narration was spectacular also!

Great story. Great narration.

Kit is still finding himself in improbable situations. Most of them are his own fault. Kit is a good example of the hapless character who finds himself surviving one crisis only to fall into another. I can relate which is yet another reason why I enjoy Josh Lanyon's books. The characters all seem to have at least one relatable trait. Even antagonists.

Another reason to respect Josh Lanyon's writing skills, somehow awkward sex scenes manage to be steamy and romantic. Turning awkward into erotic is a neat trick, or you know... a skill to be respected.

As usual the mystery is engaging and the narration is great.

awesome!!!

all the stars for narration and story. huge fan of this series. i can't wait for the next book.

Great series!

Christopher is as funny and neurotic as always. He is finally beginning to appreciate JX and how much JX really loves him. Christopher again gets involved in another mystery and always seems to find trouble. Great series, great narrator.

Dead body, clowns and mariage

This book is really excellent. Everything you may ask: good story, great characters, suspense and a wonderful narration. Highly recommended!

Spectacular

My name is WF and I am addicted to listening Kevin R. Free narrate the Holmes & Moriarity series .

In Other Words.... Murder have everything I enjoy in this book genre . Well, stories in general. They have to have heart , characters one can relate , Like or even hate them ; they just have to make me feel something , care for what it's going on with their life.

Needless to say , I am coo coo for cocoa puffs crazy in love with Kit and JX .