Skeletons in the Closet

Shadowy Solutions, Book 1

By: Nicky James

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

The unlikely pair Tallus Domingo and Diem Krause find themselves together on a case, uncovering secrets they never expected. But doesn't everyone have skeletons in their closet?

©2024 Nicky James (P)2024 Nicky James

I Enjoyed It Very Much

I don't know what I enjoyed more the unfolding mystery or the sparkling dynamic and chemistry between Tallus and Diem. This story and the author's writing style captured my attention from the first chapters and I was on the edge of my seat until the end. Narrator did a great job, I am a huge fan of this author/narrator collaboration and in this book they impressed and inspired me again. I am very excited for this new series and can't wait for the next installment in Shadowy Solutions series. Overall this was a perfect listening experience.

LOVED IT!

Nick J. Russo does an amazing job of bringing this story to life.
There is nothing better than when the main characters grab you by the heart and don't let up! I devoured Skeletons in the Closet in one sitting and now I can't wait for more of Tallus and Diem.
These two strike sparks off each other just by being in the same room. The chemistry is off the charts but also each man is wary for different reasons.
The pain both of these men have endured in their lives affects how they view themselves. Past damage shows itself as they navigate the complicated landscape of their attraction. My heart hurts for Diem so much. He only sees himself as a monster but that is far from the truth. I love how even as frustrated as Tallus gets he still sees beneath the surface and knows the goodness that lies within Diem.
The mystery will have you turning page after page trying to figure out what is going on. I loved how it kept me guessing until the very end.
Getting a few drop ins from our favorite newly married couple, Valor and Doyle, is just icing on the cake.
I can't wait for more in the Shadowy Solutions series.

Best mystery ever!

this book was so good as far as the plot, the investigation, the humor, the suspense, the twist you will be guessing the whole time and I promise you you will not figure it out to the very end.

Diem and Tallus

𝑬𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇.

Deim and Tallus take us on their journey in Sᴋᴇʟᴇᴛᴏɴs ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ Cʟᴏsᴇᴛ by Nicky James, the first book in the Shadowy Secrets series.

Diem needs help with another case and the only person he can think to turn to is Tallus, the records clerk who turns his world upside down but after a bad night together Diem is reluctant to reach out.

Tallus has not seen Diem in months and when he storms his way back into his life and demands his help, Tallus is cautious but also sees it as a chance to maybe get Diem to see him.

Diem and Tallus are complete and total opposites but for some reason, they work together even if Diem is very reluctant to let Tallus into his world. Diem and Tallus' journey is more about the mystery and suspense than the romance and when there is romance it is very cold.

Nick J. Russo does a great job of bringing the characters and the world to life in a narration that feels like a duet even though he is the only one narrating.

If you enjoy...

🏳️‍🌈 MM • 🔍 Mystery • Suspense • 🔍 Surly • Sassy • 🔍 Slow Burn • 🔍 Age Gap • 🎙️ Dual, First

...this book may be for you!

I am interested to see what happens next for Diem and Tallus.

🍁🍁🍁🍁

The chemistry ❤️

Well, this was really good! Tallus and Diem are such an odd couple, yet they truly make sense. Diem has some serious demons in his closet, and my heart was deeply invested in his character, hoping he would be redeemed. Tallus is considerate and sweet, yet funny and snarky and he has a way of seeing beneath the surface of Diems demons.

Nick Russo is a truly legendary voice actor, giving the words of Nicky James all the credit and painting all the pictures in my brain whilst listening. Wauw!

To me the mystery was not that important, it is the chemistry between these to that makes this book a 5-star read.

So good!

I’m a massive Nicky James fan. I know, I know, I keep saying that. But it bears repeating. I still want more Valor and Doyle – even after seven books. So when I heard she was doing a spin-off series with my favorite records clerk with the Toronto Police Department, I was in. I love that Nicky’s books are set in Canadian cities. I’m sort of from Toronto (okay, my parents were and I lived there for a bit). Toronto has always felt like home and her version is so true to form. I love Canadian stories because they celebrate my country. A country I’m proud of.

Okay, enough of that waxing poetical about all things True North.

Tallus and Diem.

Now, I love me some damaged characters. Tallus has disappointments and some pretty horrible, homophobic family members. That stuff sticks with a guy. Diem has real trauma as well. Abusive jerk father who I just wanted to take out behind the woodshed – and I’m not prone to violence. My stomach churned at what Diem has gone – and is still going – through. Okay, enough spoilers on that. This is a series, so I know there are more heartache moments to come.

Diem is a private investigator and I was pleased he has a real PI licence. Of course, breaking rules seems to come easy to him – especially when it comes to Tallus. They had a hot hookup for a nanosecond six months ago and it appears neither has forgotten the other. Although one is a touch more obsessed than the other. Again, I like realism. Toronto is a damn expensive city. Diem lives in his office. Tallus has a car and an apartment…and lives paycheque to paycheque (yes, Canadian spelling!).

Oh, and there’s a mystery simmering beneath all this angst that’s going on (will they or won’t they? How would that work? What about the physical damage?). The mystery had me guessing until the end – as would be expected from a Nicky James book in this vein. Anyway, I won’t give it all away. But, like I said, soooooooooooo good.

Finally, Nick J. Russo narrates all of Nicky’s books these days and he’s just fantastic. I’m loving his work and I can’t wait for more Tallus and Diem.

Engaging Mystery

I am so happy for this spin-off, with Tallus and Diem pairing up to solve a mystery that becomes more complex as it progresses. I found myself wanting to protect gruff and grumbly Diem from his own internal thoughts. I liked Tallus' snark and he's good for "Guns" as he calls Diem. I did take longer to warm up to Tallus but seeing him dive into helping Diem with the case with such enthusiasm had me rooting for him. I am glad we're getting more in this series so we can watch the characters grow and their relationship evolve. And along the way, we'll get engaging mysteries to puzzle over and watch unfold. As a bonus, we get glimpses of Valor & Doyle, one of my favorite couples. Nick J Russo does a great job narrating the story and I especially enjoy his voice for Diem. As always, Nicky and Nick make a great aothor/narrator team!

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5🎧

First, I LOVED the narration. As always, Nick J. Russo gives us all the emotion, angst, and broodingness. Is that a word? Well, it is now.

Tallus & Diem
Okay. The chemistry is smoken' I love that Tallus is exactly who Diem needs even if Diem can't see it just yet.

Diem needs to be protected at all costs. I just want to protect him and keep him safe from the world. He is big and strong-looking, but his heart is damaged and needs the care that Tallus can provide if he can just let him in. But it's not that easy, as we have seen. His backstory, I fear, is going to break me. We learn some of it but not all of it.

Tallus really wanted to be a detective, but no one told him you couldn't be a detective if you were colour-blind. So he still works in the field but just as a records clerk for the Toronto Police Department. So when Diem, a PI, comes into the office for help looking dirt on a case he is looking into, Tallus takes it upon himself to appoint himself Diem's partner.

I loved it. I loved how they worked together. I loved how Tallus gives Diem space when he needed it. I loved that Diem sought out Tallus even if he wouldn't admit how much Tallus was coming to mean to him.

I am eagerly awaiting the second book.

Great start to the new series

I love Tallus and Diem, and Nick J Russo brings them to life. Great story, great characters, and as always, excellent narration!

Another great Nicky James tale

This was a great start to a new series. I’m a huge fan of Valor & Doyle so was excited for this spin off series and was not disappointed. Diem and Tallus have amazing chemistry. Diem is frustratingly closed off, but his characterization rang true. My only quibble, and it’s a very minor one, is that the mystery here isn’t that engaging. But the characters are so strong that isn’t doesn’t matter. The focus here is on the men and how they work together. Highly recommended.