Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion

Here's the topic to discuss Fair Play in our re-reading of the series.

Let's have that re-reading of the All's Fair series before Fair Chance comes out, shall we?



I'll set up topics in the story discussion folder of the group. If we tackle Fair Game and Fair Play in February we'll have most of March for Fair Chance.

Who's in?

This would be our schedule:

February 1st - 14th: Fair Game (discussion here)

February 15th - 28th: Fair Play (we're discussing it in this topic)

March 1st - March 9th: impatient rambling and all around chomping at the bit :-D

March 10th - March 31st: Fair Chance (discussion here)

Cool! :-)

A link to our November 2014 Book of the Month discussion:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Perhaps better to scan/read after our discussion for the sake of fresh viewpoints? (I confess that I scanned it now.)

Karen wrote: "A link to our November 2014 Book of the Month discussion:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Perhaps better to scan/read after our discussion for..."

Thank you for posting the link, Karen!

I'm not going to be able to wait 'till the 15th!

Trio wrote: "I'm not going to be able to wait 'till the 15th!"

Tsk, tsk... ;-)

I'm using all my will power! I'm gong to do a reread of Winter Kill on audio to keep myself distracted.

Trio wrote: "I'm using all my will power! I'm gong to do a reread of Winter Kill on audio to keep myself distracted."

LOL, Trio! I like you logic! :-D

Trio wrote: "I'm using all my will power! I'm gong to do a reread of Winter Kill on audio to keep myself distracted."

Very good decision. :-D

yay, tomorrow is the 15th!

Not really about the book, just something I wanted to ask since reading Fair Play’s and Fair Chance’s blurbs.

In the first it says: "Agent Tucker Lance is still working to find the serial killer who's obsessed with Elliot".
In the second: "Ex–FBI agent Elliot Mills thought he was done with the most brutal case of his career. The Sculptor, the serial killer he spent years hunting, is finally in jail."

The Sculptor was in jail since the end of Fair Game and in Fair Play Tucker was preparing the case for trial, not trying to find Corian.
Also, Corian had been killing for years, but Elliot started suspecting a serial killer was involved only a couple of weeks before Corian was caught, he didn’t spend years hunting him.
Or am I missing something?

Elena wrote: "Or am I missing something?"

I think that you are very observant!

Antonella wrote: "Elena wrote: "Or am I missing something?"

I think that you are very observant!"

I just remembered because I read the blurbs of the first two books long before starting the series and the part about Tucker still trying to find the serial killer in the second book must have made an impression.
I believed that in Fair Game a serial killer, obsessed with Elliot from his time in the FBI, would surface again and threaten him. Tucker would be the one investigating, so their paths would cross again years after a tough break up, but they wouldn’t be able to catch him or maybe he escaped. So they would still be trying to catch him in Fair Play.
Basically, I was reading a whole other series in my head. :D
When I actually read the books I was a little surprised, so I went back and re-read the blurbs.

I'm terrible about reading blurbs and it has gotten me into trouble more times than I can count ;) but yeah, amazing catch there Elena.

Elena wrote: "Not really about the book, just something I wanted to ask since reading Fair Play’s and Fair Chance’s blurbs.

In the first it says: "Agent Tucker Lance is still working to find the serial killer w..."

Isn't that second blurb actually the third blurb for Fair Chance?

Josh wrote: "Isn't that second blurb actually the third blurb for Fair Chance?"

Yes, but the thing is, Elliott didn't spend years hunting Corian.

Josh wrote: "Isn't that second blurb actually the third blurb for Fair Chance?"

Yes, I meant the first and the second of the books I mentioned, not the series books. Sorry for the confusion.

Actually started this one yesterday! So far so good! Though, as I recall, I think I may have liked this one better than Fair Game on first read. We'll see how it stacks up this time around.

I am about halfway through my re-listen. I am really enjoying it. I didn't remember the scene with the arrows as being so intense. Or maybe I am just feeling more intense :) I am swooning over each and every encounter between Tucker and Elliot.

I'm going to start it now - and I'm so stoked, I just finished Owning Corey and J.F. Harding narrated that one, he did an incredible job but there were so many problems I had with that book I just couldn't enjoy his fab narration - thank goodness I have All's Fair waiting for me!

Just based on reading, I loved this one more too.

I just got to the arrow scene. And I'm remembering why Roland annoys the hell out of me in this one. Lol. I understand why he keeps so much from Eliot, as a parent and a hater of the fbi, but still, annoying. But for the first time I'm annoyed with Eliot for harping on the fact that Roland saved the safe when he shouldn't have. At this point, it doesn't matter. He saved it and got out safely. End of story. Besides, I think a lot of people would do the same thing if given half a chance. Should they? Maybe not. But it's human nature to save objects that have meaning to us, no matter what that meaning is.

Jordan wrote: "I just got to the arrow scene. And I'm remembering why Roland annoys the hell out of me in this one. Lol. I understand why he keeps so much from Eliot, as a parent and a hater of the fbi, but still..."

I've finished this already, and I'm with you, Jordan, Roland is especially irritating in this one... But Elliot is following him close, really close... I mean, that controlling streak is starting to be annoying.
I've also have met Tova and I dislike her even more this time, I think I wouldn't be as generous as Tucker. I'm amazed at how he is glad about her being able to rebuild her life.
And changing the subject, I find funny how in novels there's always someone that knows someone who can help anybody with their "computer problems". My sister is a programmer and I know a lot of IT engineers through her, but nobody could help me with that kind of problem ;)

Rosa wrote: "Jordan wrote: "I just got to the arrow scene. And I'm remembering why Roland annoys the hell out of me in this one. Lol. I understand why he keeps so much from Eliot, as a parent and a hater of the..."

Right? I've got a computer programmer in the family, and even he can't help with certain things.

Here's what's actually going on here, IMO: Roland is dangling a carrot in front of a rabbit. The thing is, no one seems to get that. Roland doesn't understand that being an FBI agent IS who Eliot is; that anything crime related is going to make his ears perk up, and anything crime related in his family makes it a personal matter for him which will have him running straight for it whether or not a fence is in the way. If he understood that, maybe he'd have done things differently. I don't know.

Tucker sure isn't helping either because all he can say is "you're a civilian now, not FBI, get over it." Like it's that easy. If he'd maybe seen the carrot dangling and been able to explain that theory to Eliot somehow, maybe he'd have gotten Eliot to back off his father a bit. I don't know.

Of course, if this had been explained, or understood, would the story be as gripping? :-)

To some extent it's a story about people insisting on protecting each other from stuff they don't need to be protected from. ;-)

Antonella wrote: "Josh wrote: "Isn't that second blurb actually the third blurb for Fair Chance?"

Yes, but the thing is, Elliott didn't spend years hunting Corian."

True! He's sort of spent a year following Corian's tracks -- retracing his crimes and trying to make sense of them -- but yes. He didn't spend years hunting him. Really no one did, although I suppose there were years spent trying to solve his crimes with no one knowing who was committing the murders.

**I don't think those were the original blurbs, were they? Or maybe they were and I just didn't pay attention. I know the latest one gives too much away. I had a feeling it did, but I didn't speak up in time and now reviewers are complaining about it. (I'm thinking they're right. )

Josh wrote: "I know the latest one gives too much away."

Do you mean the part about (view spoiler)[Tucker going missing? (hide spoiler)]

I'm getting close to the end. There are so many great scenes. My heart still hurts from Elliot telling Tucker he didn't trust him anymore. I really like how even though Elliot is so angry with Tucker, he knows they will eventually get through it. They are just so in love with each other. I loved it when they were talking on the phone when Elliot was in Montreal, and Elliot started to use their code and tell him to take care and Tucker interrupts him to say "I love you."

Elena wrote: "Josh wrote: "I know the latest one gives too much away."

Do you mean the part about [spoilers removed]"

Yes.

I should have followed my instinct on that one.

Loretta wrote: "I'm getting close to the end. There are so many great scenes. My heart still hurts from Elliot telling Tucker he didn't trust him anymore. I really like how even though Elliot is so angry with Tuck..."

Ah.

Yes.

Thank you. I've been reading some eye-rolling M/M romance lately where the characters act like any serious disagreement (granted, most of these disagreements are contrived) would be grounds for breaking up.

WTH.

I loved the level of commitment they brought to their relationship. Not having a clue HOW they were going to work it out, just knowing that they WOULD.

To me, this novel was about what comes after the happily-ever-after. Sure, there was the whole mystery element (which I thought was excellent, and really enjoyed) -- but primarily I read Josh's books for the romance. No eye-rolling ever required. ;)

In the first book, Elliot never wanted to hope for a long-term relationship because he didn't think Tucker was interested. Then when it was obvious that Tucker had strong feelings for him, he wanted to take it slow and be cautious. This book, Elliot know that Tucker loves him, he doesn't doubt it. He's lost his own doubts and is now fully committed. It must have been a blissful six months between books.

Loretta wrote: ".Elliot started to use their code and tell him to take care and Tucker interrupts him to say "I love you." ."

I know, I totally love that! I'm even more aware of/impressed by Tucker's love for Elliot this second time through the book. (And I'm really enjoying JF Harding reading it.)

Loretta wrote: ".This book, Elliot know that Tucker loves him, he doesn't doubt it."

That scene in the hotel room in Montreal when Elliot finally realizes how hard it must be for Tucker to separate himself as being totally dominant in the bedroom (and Elliot's complete need to feel not in control) but then in life Elliot is truly capable on his own. That the mixed signals he's given Tucker could be confusing - plus Elliot over compensating to show he is Tucker's equal leaves Elliot too sensitive and possibly misconstruing Tucker's actions... Tucker telling Elliot that he feels Elliot doesn't always trust his judgement, Tucker saying he would give up his job for Elliot

What you said above Teal? About reading Josh's books for the romance - it's the way she develops these characters over a series. How we only really know Tucker through Elliot's eyes, well I just love that part of it.

Sometimes I'm in awe over what Josh can accomplish with a single POV. We get to see so deeply into Tucker, in spite of Elliot's tendency toward utter cluelessness. Likewise, and maybe even more so, in The Mermaid Murders, I felt like I could see layers deep into Sam just through Jason's POV...

Sometimes I find myself wondering HOW DOES SHE DO THAT?!?

Right? How much is preplanning and how much is just synocrisity?

I actively disliked Roland as the story ended in Fair Play his attitude to keep the past hidden when the forgotten girl...Suzy s family waited over 30 years for closure.
It shows Elliot s compassion and integrity even though he new Roland was not on his side.
It will be interesting to see how their relationship pans out in the last book.

Teal wrote: "Sometimes I find myself wondering HOW DOES SHE DO THAT?!?"

Talent? Pre-planning? A very good understanding and knowledge of human nature and relationship dynamics?
I don’t know, but I’m so glad she’s able and willing to do it. :D

Kim wrote: "I actively disliked Roland as the story ended in Fair Play his attitude to keep the past hidden when the forgotten girl...Suzy s family waited over 30 years for closure.
It shows Elliot s compassio..."

I don’t like Roland, but I understood that he and Elliot disagreed on methods more than anything else. Roland thought he could get his friend to turn himself in peacefully, without involving the police, while Elliot knew that wasn’t the case.

Edit: No, you're right, I remember Roland saying that he doesn't believe in prison or something to that effect. I'll have to re-read that part.

Roland didn't care about Suzy how her family suffered about the forgotten girl...Elliot did and I don't know if Josh realised that some of us would would feel that way but I know at the end of the book I was disgusted with Roland..
I think even Nobb was relieved that the truth came out.

Kim wrote: "Roland didn't care about Suzy how her family suffered about the forgotten girl...Elliot did and I don't know if Josh realised that some of us would would feel that way but I know at the end of the ..."

I agree with you to a point, Kim. I feel really upset about how Roland managed the whole thing, but I don't think Nobby was feeling remorseful. He was still bitter at how Suzy was treating him, how for him, she was yanking his chain and "no" was maybe... and despite I feel also unconfortable at her attitude, the momment he put his hands on her, he lost the right to complain about her behaviour.
I think in this book human contradictory nature is described in all its crudeness. All those great ideals about civil rights the group was trying to defend were forgotten when it came to the rights of someone near to them. Then nobody had the bravery to speak up about something that was really wrong.

It's funny I loved this book..loved Elliot and Tucker in every scene they were in.
How Tucker was behind him supporting him in every way.
But Roland he had had the choice and would have left Suzy in an unmarked grave... mother father, sister never knowing what happened to her.
I hope in the next book there will be some remorse about how he was more concerned about a guy that strangled a teenage girl than how he made his own son feel...in looking for the truth.
I would have liked Elliot s mother I think, frankly I think the wrong parent died in that hit and run.
Bugger sorry I didn't realise how much that story line stayed with me.

I've reached the point where Eliot is pissed at Tucker for going to the FBI to work the case without asking Eliot first. I'll read further soon to remember how this played out, but I'm not fully understanding why Eliot is so mad. It's not like Tucker waited days to tell him, only a few hours. Also, I do understand Tucker's need to talk to Montgomery first before getting Eliot's hopes up. It's something I'd do. When I get a "brilliant" idea for a project and can't talk to anyone about it first, I'll usually jump in head first anyway.

But also, I'm not sure why Eliot's upset about Tucker not telling him about his mother. I might be a tad upset, but really, it's such a personal thing. I'd be pretty forgiving on this.

Then again, if every character were like me, reading would be boring! Lol.

Teal wrote: "Sometimes I'm in awe over what Josh can accomplish with a single POV. We get to see so deeply into Tucker, in spite of Elliot's tendency toward utter cluelessness. Likewise, and maybe even more so,..."

:-D

Thank you very much. I love hearing that, love that this would be your takeaway.

Trio wrote: "Right? How much is preplanning and how much is just synocrisity?"

Well, I spend a lot of time not writing but thinking through the characters. I think it's one reason why the first draft is so painful. It's basically laying down a foundation while blindfolded. And then the second and third time through, the rewrites, you can actually *see.* Because you've been thinking about the characters for weeks on end.

Elena wrote: "Kim wrote: "I actively disliked Roland as the story ended in Fair Play his attitude to keep the past hidden when the forgotten girl...Suzy s family waited over 30 years for closure.
It shows Elliot..."

One of the reasons I love the character of Roland is because he is so difficult. He is admirable in many ways, and infuriating in others. And it is possible to love someone so dearly even when you disagree with so much of what makes them...them.

But I think Elliot and Roland do share many values. Where they really differ is in how to bring about the things they believe in -- and the degree to which they believe in these things.

Rosa wrote: "Kim wrote: "Roland didn't care about Suzy how her family suffered about the forgotten girl...Elliot did and I don't know if Josh realised that some of us would would feel that way but I know at the..."

I think for Roland...it's not that he doesn't care about Suzy or her family. But he has believed certain things his entire life. Believed passionately, not just giving lip service. So for him, Nobb's need is the greater. Suzy is dead and nothing can bring her back, and he remembers the girl who -- like the rest of them -- did not believe in prisons or punishment or the police.

That's not to say I agree -- certainly Elliot does not agree -- but I think it's believable and realistic that Roland does still feel this way and acts accordingly.

Also Roland is used to always being right. :-D So there is a certain amount of arrogance there.

Jordan wrote: "I've reached the point where Eliot is pissed at Tucker for going to the FBI to work the case without asking Eliot first. I'll read further soon to remember how this played out, but I'm not fully un..."

Elliot is a little too quick off the mark sometimes. Too quick to suspect Tucker of hiding things from him, of maneuvering around him -- maybe not paranoid, but definitely a few insecurities.

Jordan wrote: "
Then again, if every character were like me, reading would be boring! Lol.

..."

LOL Yes. I agree.

And where would the story be if both characters had already worked everything out? The story of two perfectly attuned people would be fantasy -- and also boring.

Kim wrote: "Roland didn't care about Suzy how her family suffered about the forgotten girl...Elliot did and I don't know if Josh realised that some of us would would feel that way but I know at the end of the ..."

I would agree! I think Roland is difficult to like in this book. Now, in his defense, a lot of what he does is to keep Elliot out of harm's way. He does not want Elliot involved -- does not even want Elliot having to make difficult and painful choices. He is trying to protect him. Even though he's setting about doing it in the very ways that will trigger Elliot's hunting instincts.

He is willing to die for Elliot without hesitation, which I think is the normal (healthy) parental instinct at work.

And he does make that effort at the end of the book -- as righteous as he believes his anger is, he does not want another lengthy impasse with Elliot, does not want Elliot to walk away believing that he hates him or blames him.