REVIEW: Murder Takes the High Road by Josh Lanyon

Murder Takes the High Road by Josh Lanyon: I was in the mood for something different when I picked up Murder Takes the High Road by Josh Lanyon and the plot got me hooked right away. This murder mystery turned out to be just the ticket, with a plot full of twists and turns and a vacation romance too.

Carson had booked seats on ‘Tours to Die For!’ bus tours to follow the murder mystery plots of famed author Dame Vanessa Rayburn for him and his boyfriend Trevor months ago. When Trevor turned out to be cheating on him and they’d broken up, Carson had decided to go on the trip anyway – as had Trevor with his new boyfriend Vance. It makes for an awkward situation, especially when Trevor keeps seeking him out to complain about his presence with an annoyed looking Vance clearly jealous.

Fortunately there are other things to occupy Carson’s mind. First off, his new hotel roommate John has a habit of disappearing in the middle of the night and returning hours later. The attraction between them seems to be mutual and now that Carson has firmly moved on from Trevor, he’s free to indulge in some passionate encounters with John. But then the rumours start, about a previous tour and a possible murder. And when a mysterious death happens on their trip, things become even more suspicious. What’s going on? Will Carson figure it out before the bus trip is over? And will his fledgling relationship with John survive the fallout?

This story is part romance, and a lot of mystery and suspense. One thing after another happens, and I don’t want to give away too much of the plot except to say that some things I guessed correctly and other things I was completely surprised by. The overall effect is a wholly engrossing and engaging story.

Like any vacation bus tour, there is an eclectic mix of characters of different ages and interests but they all have in common their love of the author’s books and have read and reread them multiple times. The stops on the tour correspond to points from particular books. The setting in the Highlands and the creaky old hotels that they stay at in between driving days on the bus are well described and the meals in the book are mouth-watering!

The final destination is a visit to meet the author herself on her private island. There’s an overall atmosphere of suspense very early in the story that culminates in some heart stopping moments before we get to a happy ending for Carson and John. There’s more than one plot thread that runs through the book so just when you think you know what’s going on, you find out you don’t! If you like murder mysteries and romance combined, you should definitely add this to your to-read shelf.
 

Book Info:

Publication: April 23, 2018 | Carina Press |

Librarian Carter Matheson is determined to enjoy himself on a Scottish bus tour for fans of mystery author Dame Vanessa Rayburn. Sure, his ex, Trevor, will also be on the trip with his new boyfriend, leaving Carter to share a room with a stranger, but he can’t pass up a chance to meet his favorite author.

Carter’s roommate turns out to be John Knight, a figure as mysterious as any character from Vanessa’s books. His strange affect and nighttime wanderings make Carter suspicious. When a fellow traveler’s death sparks rumors of foul play, Carter is left wondering if there’s anyone on the tour he can trust.

Drawn into the intrigue, Carter searches for answers, trying to fend off his growing attraction toward John. As unexplained tragedies continue, the whole tour must face the fact that there may be a murderer in their midst—but who?