Review: One For The Ages
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 5, 2014
With his first full-length novel in almost three years, Josh Lanyon has given his devoted readers, and everyone who loves an intelligently-crafted mystery, a bona fide hit! Stranger on the Shore is a brilliantly-written, smoothly-paced "whodunit and then what happened," paired with a delightful, unhurried, romantic subplot.This review does not include a synopsis; you can see that elsewhere. No, this is about why reading this story is such an extraordinary experience!It has been said, and recently by Mr. Lanyon, "There are no new ideas. It all comes down to the individual author's handling of the possible themes and plots and characters."  Apparently Josh knows what he's talking about. The plot is extremely intricate and well laid out; it felt fresh...brand new. I had never come across this storyline before. And because Josh is the premier mystery writer in this or any genre, when all had been explained and every question answered, there were no plot holes left unfilled; the true mark of a skilled writer.As to be expected in any great mystery, there is a diverse cast of characters. The two main protagonists, Griff and Pierce, are thoroughly fleshed out, as is the majority of secondary players. Working within the novel format, Josh has taken advantage of this opportunity to dig deep into everyone's psyche. When I finished reading the story, I felt I'd spent considerable time with, and gotten to know these people. I hated to leave them and return to real life. A reread is in my near future.Josh's trademark descriptions are spare but nonetheless gorgeous. He can set a scene without overwhelming you with unnecessary wordiness, as witnessed by the following elegant passage: "The room turned golden in the late afternoon light. Retreating sunlight embroidered the outline of shelves and furniture in gleams and glints, stitched its way up the winding staircase, flashing off bronze leaves and varnished wood, and traced the gilt and leather and silk spines of old books."Intimate content is especially appealing here. Mr. Lanyon's ability to write an original "sex scene" after 50+ books is alive and well. Not that I ever skim his work, but he is the only author for whom I will slow down in my reading when these scenes begin; they are worth taking your time to savor. He can make you feel as though you were reading one for the first time. No quotes, but trust me, they are sublime.One final comment before the end: partnered with this story is surely the most glorious book cover I have ever seen.It is obvious from the title of my review alone, I think Stranger on the Shore is something special. Josh is a one-of-a-kind writer, and this story proves again, he has no equal.Highly recommended.