Murder in Pastel

I love Josh Lanyon's stories and have yet to find one that I don't like. If you are a fan then you should get this book. I love the mystery, characters, and how it all comes together seamlessly at the end.

It was an extremely well written, LGBT murder mystery novel, which is a combination that I haven't found many of. Though it has a bit of romance, the real appeal of this novel lies in the mystery itself and the superb writing. I would definitely recommend this :)

Come ci spiega Josh alla fine del romanzo, "Murder in Pastel" è stato scritto quasi contemporaneamente a "Ombre Fatali" e ne condivide alcuni aspetti: Kyle ha lo stesso disturbo cardiaco di Adrien e fa lo scrittore di libri gialli. Ma le similitudini finiscono qui. Questa storia è completamente diversa e anche i suoi protagonisti lo sono. Kyle è cresciuto senza la madre e con un padre artista, sempre assente fino a quando poi non è sparito definitivamente. E' da sempre innamorato di Adam (un allievo del padre di qualche anno più vecchio di Kyle) che però ha sempre mantenuto le distanze, sia metaforicamente che fisicamente; ora è tornato dopo molti anni alla colonia di artisti portando con se il pericoloso Brett. Il loro arrivo dà nuovamente il via alle speculazioni su cosa sia effettivamente successo a Cosmo (e al suo capolavoro) e porterà a risvolti drammatici.
Come sempre in una storia scritta da Josh Lanyon, la parte mystery è ben architettata e organizzata: ho trovato molto credibili le spiegazioni e le vicissitudini narrate. Mi hanno convinto molto anche i personaggi e le relazioni che si instaurano tra loro. Un solo appunto: ho trovato un pò debole Adam, che viene messo in secondo piano dalla personalità di Brett e Kyle, dei quali è troppo pronto ad accettare capricci e comportamenti immaturi.

Good mystery.

I love Josh, this was a great book!

Is not knowing worse than knowing?

Kyle Bari is minding his business when the past comes back knocking on his door. 

Starts innocent and congenial, then suddenly Peyton Place is not a friendly place anymore. It all starts when you have a group of friends, very close knit, almost incestutous, and suddenly one of you brings a new person into the fold. Except they don't fit, blend or compliment. They aren't the sand that makes an oyster; they're a poison that pricks until your friendship starts to fester.

Let's just say that the consequences send shockwaves through the artist community of Steeple Hill. Everyone is at each others throats and trust is a luxury none can afford. When the second death occurs, Kyle is worried and rightfully so.

The author's note at the end explains that this story was written at the same time as Fatal Shadows and it shows. This is almost like a twist of the kaleidoscope, imagine Adrien with a slightly different upbringing and setting. Not actually sure if I like Kyle more as I like his situation. But, the trajectory of future stories would be limited and not have the horsepower of Adrien English series. 

Overall, a diverting mystery of murder and suspicion in an idyllic colony.

I believe this is the first time I have read a book by Josh Lanyon, and on the whole I must admit that I quite enjoyed it, but I should warn you that if you already have a book with the same title written by Colin Dunne then you do have this as it was first published under a pseudonym.  We are transported here to Steeple Hill a village and art community on the coast of California.

Kyle Bari lives here, a mystery writer whose father suddenly upped and disappeared years ago, along with one of his paintings.  Kyle’s father was a painter whose reputation has grown and his paintings have sold for six figure sums.  When a former resident, Adam returns to the community he brings with him his new young lover Brett.  As we see here Brett is a right royal pain, flirting with all the men and prying into the past.  With the painting that disappeared all those years ago, Virgin in Pastel suddenly reappearing, what exactly is going on?, especially as Brett thinks someone is out to kill him.

With Brett not the only person in danger Lanyon builds up quite a close and claustrophobic atmosphere as murder happens.  Kyle here has to face up to the past which he is a bit hazy on, and in some cases unclear, but will his neighbours and friends tell him what he wants to know, or will they prevaricate?

Gradually we find out snippets of information that helps to slowly piece the mystery together along with Kyle until we reach the murderer, and what happened to Kyle’s dad.  This is quite a good mystery that does make for an enjoyable read, although at times I did feel that we were given a little too much extraneous information, and the erotica and one full sex scene here did feel like filler.  I enjoy a good mystery, however I don’t really like to have erotic scenes in it, I just want to read the main plot.  

I was kindly provided with a free review copy of this by the publisher via NetGalley for a completely impartial review.