Dead Men Tell No TalesMystery Bookshop owner Ellery Page and Police Chief Jack Carson are diving for the legendary pirate galleon Blood Red Rose when they discover an old-fashioned diver’s suit, water-damaged and encrusted with barnacles. Further examination reveals the 20th Century suit contains a 21st Century body.Who was the mysterious diver? No one seems to be missing from the quaint and cozy … cozy town of Pirate’s Cove. Was he really diving for pirate’s gold? And if not, what exactly did he do to earn that bullet hole in his skull?
more
Rating 4.5
This is the fifth book in the Secrets and Scrabble series. This was a wonderful addition to this cozy mystery series. I love the characters in this series, not just the main characters, but the whole island has some wonderful characters that make up the cast of the book. This story introduced us to new characters and adventures. Such a great series, I can’t wait for the next installment.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well, this was fabulous. I don’t know how Josh Lanyon does it, but every single one of the books in this series is fantastic: witty and compelling, heart-warming and addicting, with a well-structured mystery and a dash of romance, both of which will keep you on your toes. She’s a truly marvelous storyteller and I’ve loved every book I have read of hers: “Body at Buccaneer’s Bay” is no exception. I’m still not sure which one of the five books in this fantastic series I loved more, so I’ll definitely have to do a re-read to refresh my memory: I loved this one to pieces.
Ellery and Jack are finally settling into the steadily-and-happily-together stage of their relationship when yet another mystery comes along to ruin their amateur-sleuthing-free peace: they (accidentally, of course) find a body in a diving suit and well, Ellery tries really hard to resist sleuthing, but all of Pirate’s Cove’s inhabitants (minus Jack), but especially Nora and her Silver Sleuths, conspire to get him involved. PLUS, there are other mysterious incidents happening all around him, so Ellery doesn’t stand a chance: sleuthing and some major relationship drama ensues. It was an addicting story, one I managed to devour in two sittings and that left me craving more.
Ellery was, as usual and by far, my absolute favourite: he’s a terrific protagonist, witty and sarcastic, but also low-key and genuinely very very nice. I loved seeing him a bit more of his internal struggles, his insecurity and self-doubts, and I loved seeing more of his past, since his parents are on the island for a visit. Jack, on the other hand, even though he’s finally gotten over his doubts about being in a relationship with Ellery, acted a bit like a big jerk a times: he’s stubborn and candid and sometimes, that leads to him being harsh, even when Ellery does not deserve it. His behavior was all in good faith though: he’s worried. And seeing his protective streak (and even some hints at his jealous one! Josh Lanyon, if you’re reading this review, PRETTY PLEASE, more of that) left me swooning all other the place. I wanted to kick him, but I still adored him.
Their relationship is beyond cute and even though there’s (*wishful sighing*) virtually no heat whatsoever other than a few kisses and hugs and innuendo, their chemistry is still very palpable.
Pirate’s Cove, and its quirky and gossipy people, was, as usual, a joy to behold: I spent the whole time giggling at the antics of its inhabitants, the ceaseless gossiping, the bloody and frankly absurd history of the island and its obsession with pirates (and murders). A special mention to Nora, because she’s a riot: I absolutely love her.
I can’t wait to read the next book. If I could speed up time to when it’s finally published and in my greedy hands, I would. I’m excited for what’s to come (especially since there are a couple open ends that are very intriguing, and possibly worrying *evil cackle*) and I can firmly state I’d never grow tired of Pirate’s Cove and Ellery Page’s adventures.
Body at Buccaneer’s Bay is a great addition to the Secrets and Scrabble series by Josh Lay non. It was exactly what I expect from of a book in this cozy mystery series.
This one finds our bookstore owner Ellery bumping into yet another body while diving with his boyfriend police chief Jack and finding himself reluctantly agreeing to be hired on as an amateur sleuth once again. The mystery body and his new side job cross paths and sends his relationship with Jack swaying and his own safety at risk again.
Body at Buccaneer’s Bay has the expected dead body and amateur sleuthing but also deep sea diving, break-ins, meet the parents, threatening notes, a bit of jealousy, and another step in the slowly progressing relationship of Ellery and Jack. Can’t wait for the next one!
amateur-sleuth, bookseller, family, family-dynamics, friendship, island-life, law-enforcement, m-m-cozy-mystery, murder, murder-investigation, relationship-issues, situational-humor, small-town, small-business, verbal-humor, silver-sleuths, puppy*****
It seems that Pirate’s Cove is having more mysteries, but the Silver Sleuths can’t help because the main suspects are from away, not locals. A wealthy family of misfits have invaded near the end of the season for the yearly regatta (and waaay too much work for Pirate’s Cove PD) and have brought a lot of craziness. Meanwhile, while diving, bookseller (and sometime amateur sleuth) Ellery and Police Chief Jack (they might be becoming a couple) come across a vintage diving suit which just happens to have a more recent skeleton inside. That is soon followed by a request (with money for needful things) for Ellery to find out who is trying (ineptly) to murder one of the wealthy misfits. It only gets wackier and more dangerous from then on. Oh, and Ellery’s actress mother and producer stepfather are visiting.
Lots of laughs, good sleuthing, friction in several kinds of relationships, and another fine cozy mystery in a great series! Loved it!