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gillianw's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
I hope Josh Lanyon continues this series one day. I quite enjoyed this book and I'm very intrigued to see where the relationship between Matt and Nathan goes.
I hope Josh Lanyon continues this series one day. I quite enjoyed this book and I'm very intrigued to see where the relationship between Matt and Nathan goes.
a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition
3.0
3 Stars
Definitely one of the angstier Lanyon’s I’ve read, this is set during WWII where a cop and a journalist are back home from war injuries and cross paths over a murder.
PTSD, in the closet out of necessity, depression, suicidal ideation, extortion, and kidnapping are just some of the topics touched on in this story.
Written approximately 13 years ago, it’s that much harder to bear as no sequel is in sight despite this being billed as a series. I should be used to frustration regarding this author, and most of the time it doesn’t bother me much… but despite superlative writing, this was more keenly felt this time around with such an abrupt unsatisfying ending, and I’m not a happy camper.
Definitely one of the angstier Lanyon’s I’ve read, this is set during WWII where a cop and a journalist are back home from war injuries and cross paths over a murder.
PTSD, in the closet out of necessity, depression, suicidal ideation, extortion, and kidnapping are just some of the topics touched on in this story.
Written approximately 13 years ago, it’s that much harder to bear as no sequel is in sight despite this being billed as a series. I should be used to frustration regarding this author, and most of the time it doesn’t bother me much… but despite superlative writing, this was more keenly felt this time around with such an abrupt unsatisfying ending, and I’m not a happy camper.
heidenkind's review against another edition
3.0
Well that ending was rather abrupt. Somehow left feeling doubtful these two worked it out.
wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
5.0
I don't read a lot of mysteries in general, but I really enjoyed this one. It was interesting seeing the case from two angles and watching clues come to light. Before the reveal, I figured it out, but only barely. In all honesty, I would have liked to see Doyle and Matt's relationship unfold a little differently, but it wasn't unsatisfying. The jump from attraction to declarations of love was maybe swift but their vulnerability together was so sweet that I was willing to overlook almost anything. I think I'll definitely be checking out the rest of the series.
seeinghowitgoes's review against another edition
3.0
When a body is discovered in the tar pits of LA, it's up to Lt. Matthew Spain to find the culprit, but it's not helping things when Journalist Nathan Doyle insists on sticking his nose into things that he has no business with. Or does it? Doyle is suddenly involved in every aspect of the case and Lt Spain has a reason to take a long hard look at this Journalist still recovering from his stint in the war.
This particular of Snowball in Hell is a re-edit of the original novella published in 2007, it's a short story but Josh Lanyon has the gift of being able to twist a mystery and keep it intriguing regardless of the length of the story.
The romance aspect of the story plays out well, respecting both the personalities of the characters as well as the timeline of the novel. Even so I found the progression of the relationship a little rushed and feel that their story could have benefited a little more if given more time in a full length novel.
Received as an ARC via NetGalley
This particular of Snowball in Hell is a re-edit of the original novella published in 2007, it's a short story but Josh Lanyon has the gift of being able to twist a mystery and keep it intriguing regardless of the length of the story.
The romance aspect of the story plays out well, respecting both the personalities of the characters as well as the timeline of the novel. Even so I found the progression of the relationship a little rushed and feel that their story could have benefited a little more if given more time in a full length novel.
Received as an ARC via NetGalley
missawn's review against another edition
3.0
Darker and more disturbing than I was expecting. I am such a huge fan of Lanyon's writing, but this book is not my favourite. I did like the historical context and setting ... but this was also a whole lot more sad and tragic than I wanted ... with a less than satisfy ending. The mystery was hard to follow sometimes with so many players involved but concluded in an interesting way. Not a fan of Doyle's character even though I typically adore Lanyon's characterization. Doyle is a little too dark and disturbed for my liking ... so much so that even Spain's protective and endearing presence (similar to Sam in Art of Murder series and Jake in Adrien English series) is not enough to make him and their connection an enjoyable to read.
crtsjffrsn's review against another edition
2.0
Nathan Doyle knew he would be a potential suspect in the death of Phil Arlen, so he decided to use his investigative reporting skills to try to solve the case on his own and clear his name. But he didn't count on Detective Matt Spain to throw a wrench in that plan. Not only is Matt committed to solving the case but he's also quite attractive--a fact Nathan has a hard time shaking. But when the truth comes out, will Nathan be cleared? And what will he do about his crush on the straight detective who seems like he wouldn't hesitate to lock Nathan up?
I had a hard time getting into this one, and it never really seemed to click for me. The story moves apace but there is very little opportunity to get to know and connect with the characters. I felt like it lacked depth, which was surprising to me since I usually find Josh Lanyon stories a bit more enjoyable.
I had a hard time getting into this one, and it never really seemed to click for me. The story moves apace but there is very little opportunity to get to know and connect with the characters. I felt like it lacked depth, which was surprising to me since I usually find Josh Lanyon stories a bit more enjoyable.