And the Spirits say...

From the word 'GO' the journey of who 'dunnit' intrigues the reader, at least until near the end of the story. Though I suspected who the culprit was, I was often left questioning my conclusion several times throughout the tale. Lanyon is a great writer and he enthralls the reader to the very end of the story. Though I will confess that I felt that it dragged in some areas, understanding the specifics of the budding relationship between Perry and Nick added to the mystery. I almost was more caught up in that dynamic than the man with the hole in his shoe and the mystery. Almost...

13 of 13 people found this review helpful

Enjoyable story, Narrator gets better

I recently discovered Josh Lanyon, in the Adrien English series, and was eager to read this story which I think is one of his early novels? The story was excellent, keeping in mind it was a much earlier example of his art.

Sometimes I enjoy a writer's work so much I forget to check out the audio sample to see if I like the narrator, before I buy the audio version. Because I require a narrator, not a reader, to fully enjoy an audiobook.

This narrator, Max Miller, at first almost disappointed me, the voice seemed so lacking in energy and the narration was flat. But liking the Josh Lanyon stories so much, I persevered, and thankfully found the narration quickly improved. The individual voices become well delineated after the first couple of chapters, and the background narration itself picks up energy and rhythm as the story progresses.

I am in the midst of reading and listening to all the Josh Lanyon novels I can find, and I definitely would buy another one narrated by Max Miller.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Hardly a Ghost Story

Perhaps not a true ghost story, but it is a great story. And it is both entertaining and thought provoking since it is a "who done it" type of story. It is also a decent piece of gay fiction that pairs unlikely lovers in a unique setting. I liked it a lot.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Great murder mystery

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would totally recommend this book to friends as it is a good, old-fashioned (with a twist or two) murder mystery set in a crumbling mansion. The action (of all sorts!) proceeds at a nice pace, tension building to a great finish. The supporting characters add local color and this listener could really imagine himself at the scene of the action.

Which character – as performed by Max Miller – was your favorite?

I really liked Nick- everything you expect in a Navy Seal and more. Miller's acting (it's really more than just reading) is fantastic, accents and all. He captured the characters so well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would have loved to listen to this book in one sitting. However, I mostly listened during my public transit/walking commute to work. The story/performance made my daily commute fly by for a few days!

Any additional comments?

I will definitely look up more books by Josh Layton!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Wonderful stand alone from Josh Lanyon

Would you consider the audio edition of The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks to be better than the print version?

Unknown

What did you like best about this story?

Perry's spirit and very dry sense of humor, and stone-cold Nicks unthawing the longer he was around Perry.

What about Max Miller’s performance did you like?

Fairly good narrator for this story. Would have liked a bit more lower range in his voice, especially for Nick.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I hope there is NEVER a movie made from this wonderful story. Hollywood NEVER gets it right unless the author is in complete control. And unless Josh becomes JK Rowling overnight... that's not going to happen. Leave it be.

Any additional comments?

A well written murder mystery surrounded by a love story. Well done!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Wow!

What made the experience of listening to The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks the most enjoyable?

I've read the book, and just could not get into it. With the audio, Perry & Nick just came to life!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks?

Perry discovering the body in the bath tub to start with, but I don't want to give away any thing for the next reader or listener.

What about Max Miller’s performance did you like?

To begin with, Max did a great job with Perry & Nick's voices. Could actually visualize them in my mind. Also did a great job with the secondary voices.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Did kind of tense up on the more suspenseful parts and had a couple of aaaaah moments.

Any additional comments?

I would highly recommend, especially if you had a little trouble with the book. If you loved the book, then this will be a really special treat!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Thoroughly enjoyable mystery/romance

Where does The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best I've listened to -- by far. The voice narration -- nay, voice acting -- was exceptional, vividly portraying each character, making them easily recognizable without any attribution. It was a little scary how good they were. Accents were good, even making different Vermonters recognizable.

The book itself is a great old atmospheric gothic tale, though more like the Hardy Boys than an overblown Gothic romance might imply. The atmosphere, descriptions and wry humor were all spot on. Just great stuff.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Perry, who was both a slightly fragile man and a really sarcastic bastard. A bit like Lanyon's Adrien English, but more artistic and painterly.

Which character – as performed by Max Miller – was your favorite?

Oh man, they were all good. Mrs Mac was both funny and scary. Nick was a great gruff, traditionally masculine voice (sexy!) and all the Vermont accents were spot-on. If pressed, I'd have to pick Nick.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

As if Perry didn't have enough problems, now he's got a dead body in his bathtub. At least, it was there, and now it's not. The cops aren't particularly getting called out in this weather. What is going on in that great old weird mansion? Is every one of his fellow renters crazy, or is it just the hunt for lost treasure making them act that way? Who keeps murdering people?

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Ghost?

Not much of a mystery and I don't care for the detailed sex scenes, but it was a sweet
Little love story.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Still on a Josh Lanyon High!

Any additional comments?

Good performance!
Excellent plot!
Well developed and wonderful characters... ~ Nick & Perry ~
Overall, another fantastic story full of mystery and romance that this author creates so well!!!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I am in love with this story

The characters are incredibly complex and not at all what you believe them to be when you start to listen/read this book. Like 'real' people these characters are very complex, and like good friends, you get to know them over time. In this case the time span occurs over the span of story. The characters are revealed as the story continued. They are revealed not by just the words of the story but also by their actions within the story. The mystery is a very nice and well done way to see these people interact. The performance is great, each character distinct and very well acted. Every new book I pick up by Josh Lanyon leaves me spell bound. Every character distinct, every story enjoyable. This particular story will probably become one of my favorites.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful