Adrien English Mysteries 3: The Hell You Say is Josh Lanyon’s third novel featuring his writer/bookseller protagonist. Although this can be considered a stand-alone novel, the reader may appreciate it more if they read Adrien English Mysteries 1 & 2 first.

When his shop assistant starts receiving prank phone calls at work, Adrien English – full-time book seller and part-time mystery author – doesn’t think much about it at first. His assistant Angus is a strange kid, anyway, and these calls seem to be playing to his fascination with the occult. When Angus’s fear escalates to the point that he feels the need to leave town, Adrien begins to be concerned. Then dead bodies start showing up, and a reverse pentagram appears on his doorstep, it all begins to point to a Satanic cult rather than youthful pranks. Against his own better judgment, Adrien finds himself drawn into the investigation along with his sometimes-on, sometimes-off lover, Detective Jake Riordan.

The investigation puts a strain on Adrien’s relationship with Jake. That is, if this can even be called a relationship, because it feels more like a booty call than anything else most of the time. Jake is firmly ensconced in the closet with no intentions of ever coming out, and he appears to resent Adrien as much as he wants him. As Adrien’s quest for answers continues, his personal life comes crumbling down. Even if Adrien survives the threats that he is receiving from the cult, this investigation may kill whatever he has with Jake.

Mystery lovers take note. Adrien English Mysteries 3: The Hell You Sayby Josh Lanyon is a story you don’t want to miss. This novel is well-written, tightly plotted, and completely engrossing, and the characterization in the novel is first rate. In the character of Adrien English, Mr. Lanyon gives the reader someone they can latch on to and care about. Adrien is not perfect by any means, but he has a wry humor and a sharp intelligence that grab your attention. As he deals with his wacky family and his increasingly unpleasant boyfriend, we are drawn into the experiences along with Adrien, and we know that his insatiable curiosity is going to get him in trouble. It is with not a little suspense that the reader anticipates just what this trouble may be.

Taken as a whole, this series is absolutely addictive. Individually, Adrien English Mysteries 3: The Hell You Sayis not to be missed. I strongly endorse this novel as a recommended read. Mr. Lanyon has done a wonderful job, and I will continue to follow the adventures of Adrien English for a long as Mr. Lanyon continues to write about him.

Reviewed by: Whitney