When Hell Freezes Over

[Josh Lanyon]

Got a very nice review at Night Owl Romance for Snowball in Hell, the story that appears in the second PARTNERS IN CRIME anthology. Interesting point the reviewer makes about writing historical fiction in the style of the era.

I did a very modified pulp "voice" on this one. It didn't work for this reviewer -- or at least it took time for her to adjust to it, but I think it was the right decision, and I will continue any stories with these characters in that particular style. It might make it harder for readers to connect emotionally; I'm not sure. Anyway, she liked the story. It's a recommended pick, so that's the main thing.

Snowball in Hell by Josh Lanyon

Score: 4.5 / 5 - Reviewer Top Pick

Reviewer: Alex Fitzroy

Online At Night Owl Romance:

It is 1943. When the body of a feckless younger son of a high society family is dredged out of the La Brea tar pits, Detective Matthew Spain knows it's a case that could change his life. He doesn't initially suspect how much, even though from the start he is fascinated by the reporter on the case; war veteran Nathan Doyle. As the investigation progresses, it becomes obvious that the victim was a blackmailer. Nathan has a dangerous secret, which could lose him his job and his reputation – he's gay. As Matthew finds himself falling in love with Nathan – much to his own confusion and distress – he also has to face the fact that Nathan is fast becoming his prime suspect in the murder investigation.

Appropriately for the historic setting of the book, Josh Lanyon writes in a different style from his usual urbane voice. The beginning of the story is told in a hard-boiled style reminiscent of Sam Spade and Phillip Marlow. It gives a good feeling of the period, but I didn't like it, as it felt choppy and rushed to the extent that I sometimes found it hard to follow who was who and what was going on. However, a couple of chapters in, either the choppy style began to smooth out, or I began to get used to it and to be sucked into the story, because it got so much better later. For me, the real heart of the thing was the love story. Nathan's loneliness and fear, and his yearning for love were so well drawn that I hurt for him, making the tenderness of the love scenes absurdly touching. I think I choked up on several occasions. For a book in which people get shot, kidnapped, blackmailed and beaten up, I think this is still one of the most wonderfully romantic things I've ever read. Indeed, the realistic peril; the sense that at any moment everything could go wrong, makes the triumph of love all the more valuable. Ah, I'm over-analyzing, but basically, the adventure and investigation was exciting and believable, and the love story one of the best I've ever read. Don't let the first chapter or so put you off, this is a definite keeper!