Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Wonderful book. I love this series and this book is no exception. I love Ellery and Jack, and all their quirks. The love story in the book is sweet and mild. The mystery was good and kept me guessing. Actually, there were two mysteries, which I enjoyed. This is a warm and cozy book that has an amazing atmosphere. I highly recommend this book and this series. Please read!!!

This is a fun series and I love both Ellery and Jack! It was a bit odd reading it out of order but I wasn't too lost. The mystery here was pretty good. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

Finally! I saw in the author’s review that she asked readers to remind her never to write series books out of sequence again. LOL!

So, was it worth the wait? Yes! Not because there was anything earth shattering about the events that took place or that it kept me on the edge of my seat (though parts of it did…) It was mainly because I just love spending time in this quirky little seaside village with all its “characters”. As much as I love Ellery and Jack, I have to admit, I spent a fair amount of time being aggravated with the good detective. Sure, he had his reasons for acting the way that he did, but I still find myself sympathizing more with Ellery most of the time. *sigh*

Since I already have the next book in the series (and have for a while now…) stay tuned! Death at the Deep Dive is up next!

This is a series I loved even when I think this-is-not-fav, this one was a fav so I read it in one sitting because I loved catching up with Ellery, Watson and the fabolous world of the island.
It's full of humour and highly entertaing, and it's also a solid mystery that kept me guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

4.5 Stars
Another mystery filled story from Josh that had me smiling throughout. Ellery the book store owner/ former movie star of horror flicks is once again embroiled in another murder. Unfortunately the prime suspect is Ellery's good friend Dylan.
Dating the police chief makes helping Dylan somewhat challenging. Jack and Ellery are definitely butting heads over Dylan's arrest. A slew of suspects and tons of mishaps swirl around the book. Who killed the gold digging September? Who is sending threatening notes? And to top it off, who is attempting to kill a popular singer?
If you love mysteries please don't pass this this funny and well fleshed out mm cozy that really had me guessing.
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for my reading pleasure.

"Lament at Loon Landing" is the sixth book of the "Secret and Scrabble" series by Josh Lanyon, a cozy mix of mystery, murder and LGBTQ+ romance.

Our main character is Ellery Page, mystery bookstore owner and amateur sleuth in the sea town of Pirate’s Cove. He is hired to investigate several death threats to folk singer Lara Fairplay, who’s going to be the special guest at the annual maritime music festival. After a couple of alleged incidents and a violent murder, Ellery starts to suspect that there is more to the situation than just hate mail.

Let me start by saying that I haven’t read the previous books in this series (I know, shame on me). But I had no problem following the story here because, being a detective fiction series, this book features an independent case that is investigated and solved by the end of the volume. Moreover, enough information on the continued arcs and the relationship dynamics between the characters is skilfully provided by the author so that all readers can understand what’s going on.

As always, what made the book for me are the characters so let’s talk about them. Ellery is witty, smart and loyal, neither the kind of man that looks for trouble, nor one to shy away from it. As a member of the Silver Sleuths book club, Ellery’s fascination with mystery is well-known and a regular source of disagreement with his boyfriend Jack Carson, who’s also the town’s Police Chief. As an officer of the law, Jack is aware of the dangers that come with the job and wants to protect Ellery from them, though sometimes his approach on the matter is not very diplomatic. It was very interesting to see them navigating their new relationship through everything that happens and striking a balance between the case and their feelings. Special mention to Watson, Ellery’s dog, constant source of joy and barking, as well as Nora and Kingston, Ellery’s quirky employees and fellow sleuths.

As far as mysteries go, the case was enough of a puzzle without becoming too convoluted, though some parts were a bit rushed, especially at the end. Still, it felt like a very fun and light reading because of the smooth and charming way it’s written in so I can honestly say that I really liked this book, and that I can’t wait to go back and catch up on the rest of the series.

So, I highly recommend to mystery lovers looking for a nice whodunnit novel, or more in general to anyone looking a warm comfort reading.

Thanks to NetGalley and JustJoshin Publishing, Inc. for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another Mystery for Pirate's Cove

This long-awaited story is another good one in this series. There are a few things going on in this but it all makes for interesting reading.

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Ah, this was a good one. Not that the rest are bad, far from it, just this one had me from the start, for whatever reason. I mean, I know the reason is JL and Ellery and Jack and Watson, lol. :D

Seriously, does this town not realize they have an unusual amount of murder in their small population? Clearly it doesn't pay to know Ellery because everybody ends of dead! Jack better watch out. ;)

Ellery is on the case again but this time it's not about murder, but about possible attempted murder. When Lara starts getting messages threatening her Ellery is put to work to figure out if they are legit. Things are of course complicated by Lara doesn't want to go to the police, Jack doesn't want Ellery sleuthing, and Ellery just wants the money to pay for work on his home. Not to mention that Ellery is also getting some threatening letters, which the ending on that will surprise you, sure did me.

Lara is a singer who is trying to revive her career after being in prison for manslaughter. She doesn't trust the police so Ellery needs to do the work alone.

It's the normal set up and Watson his Ellery's trusted sidekick. The Silver Sleuths are of course involved as well and then there IS a murder! Later, but it's not Lara. No telling! :)

Like I said, I really liked this one. I read this book and the next book in the opposite order which I think a lot of people have done because of when they were released, but never fear. I didn't really notice it with the exception of Ellery and Jack's relationship. See, the ending to the next book has an interesting something in it that I won't even reveal under spoilers and I had to remind myself those events haven't happened yet, and too the fact that in the next book Ellery has been offered [ to revise his old character in his cult classic movies, for a lot of money, and he is debating if he will take the role again (hide spoiler)]. Just a few plot points that don't really have any impact to reading them out of order. Yes, the series needs to be read in order but in this case, it didn't make much difference.

I do recommend, and I can't wait to get the audios through the library, if they show up. I always read JL's books more than once, and I am going to start listening to Bedknobs and Broomsticks book 1 in the near future. Yay!

This is a cute 5 star read.

Lament at Loon Landing brings a once-famous folk singer to Pirate’s Cove. Unfortunately, her comeback performance is surrounded by death threats and dangerous close calls. Ellery’s close friend, Dylan who is on the festival committee, asks him to help find out if the threats are real. Ellery’s not sure what he’s actually supposed to be doing, but he asks questions and tries to keep an eye on things. Then, Ellery find Dylan’s girlfriend dead and Dylan becomes the main suspect in her murder.

I like Ellery a lot. He’s snarky and nice and has an adorable dog. He’s also getting used to the whole investigating things, along with the Silver Sleuths. His boyfriend, Jack, is Chief of Police, and of course that makes things both more complicated and easier. I am awfully tired of the cop/detective as the boyfriend/love interest in cozy mysteries.

I enjoyed my trip to Pirates Cove. The mystery was fine, but I mostly enjoy the quirky characters and the town’s vibe.

I'm definitely getting better at sleuthing because I did get a couple things. Not everything but I'm not as good as my beloved Ellery so it's okay.

Ellery was as cute in this book as he is in all the others. He is still insecure and in need of reassurances Jack not often gives him, but they are talking more and kniwing what happens in the following book makes me smile at just how far they've gotten in just a bit less than a year together.

I love this island and its peculiar inhabitants and I love that after all these books you kind of know each of them and you feel part of these group of people just nosing around and gossiping in Ellery's mystery bookshop.

I could read a thousand books of Ellery solving mysteries!

I should say upfront: This one is actually coming out after book #7, and I’ve already read that, so my experience of reading LAMENT AT LOON LANDING was a little muddled at first, and probably not as smooth as it could have been.

I’ve been really enjoying Lanyon’s Secrets and Scrabble series. Each book has been on the shorter side (around 200 pages?) and they’re on the cosier side of Lanyon’s (many) mystery novels.

As an aside, I feel like the ‘Secrets and Scrabble’ series title might have been a bit of a misstep at this point, as Scabble (or any sort of game) are really a blink-an-you’ll-miss it element. I’d have highlighted the very small, island-town aspect, particularly that the town really plays off its pirate-heavy history in all the shops names, events and celebrations, and the individual book plots. If that sort of swashbuckling/ seafaring element might appeal to you, you should check out the series.

In LAMENT AT LOON LANDING, Ellery once against gets strong-armed into investigating a couple of different mysteries – there’s a potential forgery case, a folk musician receiving death threats, and one of his best friends is accused of murder.

I wasn’t a particular fan of how the cases were solved in this book, as I think it took a step way from what I expect from the protagonist in a cozy (Lanyon’s other books are less ‘amateur sleuth’ focused, and I wonder if that came through here for deciding the resolution).

The mysteries in this particular instalment weren’t the strongest the series has had, in my opinion, but the characters (as always) made up for the shortfall. Ellery’s relationship with Police Chief Jack is challenged by the case, but I do really love seeing the romance between them gradually blossom. The quirky town residents and unruly group of elderly sleuths who use Ellery’s bookshop as a club house are as funny and delightful as ever.

Still, a fun story that I read in a single sitting, and I’ll be excited to read the eighth book (and maybe reread the seventh, for clarity?) when the series continues.

Josh Lanyon's LAMENT AT LOON LANDING, the sixth book in the Secrets and Scrabble Mysteries, was a pleasure to read. I loved being back with these characters in this world, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to get enough of them. I had some trouble with Ellery's behavior in this book--I didn't understand why he acted the way he did, and I didn't like his actions. But I love these characters, and I still enjoyed the book overall.

So, this book was published after the following book and, having read that, it negated the shortish episode featuring relationship drama between Ellery and Jack.

To be honest, the Silver Sleuth characters are starting to grate as is Watson’s constant woofing.

The mystery was okay, although in comparison with the rapid conclusion, all the character interviews and postulating about potential suspects and whether there really was a would-be killer on the loose, it did seem to go on at times. The story was wrapped up too conveniently (and rather implausibly to be honest) and ended rather abruptly.

Having said that, there were parts I enjoyed reading and Josh’s skilful writing shone through in places. She is good at building a sense of place and suspense.

3.5*

I always enjoy my time in the Pirate's Cove with its charming seaside atmosphere and quirky characters. A great cosy mystery series with such a snarky and nice lead Ellery with his enthusiastic puppy Watson. I also like to follow how Ellery and Jack's relationship develops, with all the ups and downs they have had throughout the six books. It's surprisingly fascinating to see how Ellery is slowly making the once failing bookstore blossom more, and how he repairs the once derelict Captain's Seat.

As usual for this series, Lament at Loon Landing is a cute and funny read. Lanyon has a talent to keep me engaged with the characters and the story, and this time there is quite a few mysteries for Ellery to solve. However, it does feel like the main mystery (who is threatening a folk singer Lara) is a boring because I never felt anything for Lara, her husband or her sister. Luckily there's other, more captivating things going on Pirate's Cove so that made the story much better for me.

amateur-sleuth, bookseller, puppy, m-m-cozy-mystery, murder, murder-investigation, attempted-murder, family, family-dynamics, island-life, law-enforcement, silver-sleuths, situational-humor, threats, verbal-humor, Y/A-only-means-no-gratuitous-erotica, small-business, small-town*****

Ellery Page is a former model and actor who inherited the Crow's Nest bookstore and a run-down Painted Lady house in a small town/island on the northeast coast. His significant other, Jack, is a widowed career cop who is police chief in their town of Pirate's Cove, and some of Ellery's friends constitute the zany Silver Sleuths. So much for background for anyone who is not already addicted to the series.
This time a formerly famous country singer is in town to stage a comeback and also claims to have found a bit of an unknown Stephen Foster work and there appear to be several "accidents" in the little theater building where she will be holding her events. Meanwhile, the theater owner's girlfriend is murdered and once again Ellery is in the middle of things. Great addition to a fun series!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from JustJoshin Publishing, Inc. via NetGalley. Thank you!

Loon Landing was ok. I guess maybe I didn't know that I was in the middle of a series. Seems like I always land in the middle of a series.
Just from reading this book alone, it was ok
The setting was my favorite thing, of course! I could place myself in that bookshop.
It did keep me engaged throughout the story. That's what I really enjoy in a book.
The characters were awesome. I loved getting to know each one, and yes, some even made me smile
The guessing who done it was fantastic. It was great!
I couldn't put this book down!
I had to see if they wrapped up the mystery, and that's what I found was the ok part. That's where I finally understood how it's part of a series.
I wished there was a little more mention of the folklore/songwriter Stephen Foster. That's what really drew my attention to this book.
Overall, the author did a wonderful job in keeping me engaged throughout the whole book.
I still give this book 5 stars! I highly recommend this!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Although this book is #6 in the series, it was released AFTER the publication of book #7, so the plot doesn't take into account some very important events that happen in book #7. So color me a bit confused, as the murder / mystery in this book doesn't really substantially advance or flesh out the relationship between Jack and Ellery in any significant way, and I did not find the murder / mystery particularly engaging.

We do get some charming interactions with Nora and Kingston in the Crow's Nest bookstore, and as always, I enjoy the Pirate's Cove universe and its quirky residents. But I also found the principal players in this mystery (singer Lara Fairchild, her husband and sister, the woman who discovered a snippet of a supposed Stephen Foster work) not memorable enough and the murder of Dylan's horrible girlfriend ... um, what's her name .... September seemed shoe-horned into the plot.

3 stars for this installment in the series, but I anxiously await the next book in the series!

Rating 4.5 stars
This is the sixth book in the Secrets and Scrabble series. I have really loved these cozy mysteries books. The characters all have some very interesting personalities, which makes it so fun to read, and the mysteries are wonderful. The pace is wonderful and I can’t wait for the next adventure.

Another enjoyable entry in Lanyon's "Secrets and Scrabble" series, "Lament" finds Ellery investigating "accidents" and death threats directed toward Lara Fairplay, the headliner for Pirate's Cove very own music festival. In the meantime, Ellery's friend Dylan finds himself at the center of a murder investigation, which puts Ellery in a tight spot as he tries to solve a murder and find out who's threatening Lara, all while attempting to advance his relationship with Jack, the police chief of Pirate's Cove.

It's an intriguing mystery, with an interesting resolution, particularly regarding the murder in question, as a particular side character from previous books is involved. And the answer to the mystery of the threats to Lara might have seemed obvious at first glance, but was actually well thought out, in my opinion, especially the fact that both Ellery and jack ended up being right about certain aspects.

There's some good character development in the story as well, as Ellery and Jack learn to trust one another a bit more and find themselves having to put themselves in each other's shoes in order to maintain a relationship, especially important as the two men often find themselves on opposite sides of the island's ongoing mysteries.

There were a few more editing mistakes than I'm used to in Lanyon's work, but I still found the story to be immensely enjoyable, in some ways like meeting up with old friends and catching up. I hope the series continues for a while.