Dark Horse, White Knight

By: Josh Lanyon

Narrated by: Derrick McClain

Collected in print for the first time. The Dark Horse and its sequel/prequel, The White Knight.

The Dark Horse

Paul Hammond is dead. That's what tough and sexy LAPD Detective Daniel Moran tells his lover, Hollywood actor Sean Fairchild - and Sean wants to believe him, but what about those threatening postcards in Hammond's handwriting? What about the fact that he's seeing Hammond everywhere he goes? Yes, Sean's had some emotional problems in the past, but that was a long time ago and he's not imagining things, so why is Dan looking at him that way?

The White Knight

It's a Hollywood cliché: the hot and handsome bodyguard. But in the case of LAPD Detective Daniel Moran, it's all true. Dan is everything Sean ever wanted in a leading man, but Dan's kind of an old-fashioned guy. It's his job to keep Sean safe and in one piece - happy is someone else's problem.

©2010 Josh Lanyon (P)2015 Josh Lanyon

Another great story

These are two novellas that are combined to make a great listen. The first story, Dark Horse is the story of Paul, an actor who meets Daniel (a cop) as a result of Daniel protecting him from a stalker. In Dark Horse, Paul and Daniel are already a couple, and it is told post stalker drama. The second book White Knight is more of a flashback of how Paul and Daniel met and includes the story of the stalker, as well as some trouble in the couples relationship. To be honest, I didn't really warm up to Paul for a while; he seemed whiny and very self absorbed. I thought Daniel had the patience of a saint and really didn't get why he put up with Paul. But through Josh Lanyon's excellent storytelling, it was all good in the end. On top of a great story was Derrick McClain's performance. He does a wonderful job of bringing these men to life. Highly recommended!

Author is an autobuy, narration was great!

The narration - I have listened to Derrick McClain a few times and I find him to be enjoyable to listen to. He does vary his voice slightly and I am able to distinguish between which characters are speaking in a conversation. His voice is incredibly soothing to me. I find him very easy to listen to and would listen to more from him, for sure.

The story - I have never read or listened to a Josh Lanyon story that I haven't liked. I am a big fan. This book is not an exception, but it is told in a very strange order that leaves me wishing for a full length novel or even series detailing how Sean and Dan fell in love and more details of the mystery that brought them together.

Dark Horse starts the story. Sean has already survived a crazy stalker who threatened to kill him, Dan and he have entered a relationship of sorts. The groundwork of their relationship was formed prior to the book. Things for them are looking good, except that someone is threatening Sean again, and Sean's ex-lover/manager is expressing concerns regarding the new relationship and Sean's career direction. It is a good mystery, because it isn't clear if his old stalker is still alive or if someone else is taking advantage of Sean's past terror. The two most important people in Sean's life are pulling him in different directions at the same time, and there is no lack of tension in the first half of the audiobook.

The second part of the story is White Knight, which is a prequel and a sequel in one. The story takes place after the ending of Dark Horse, Sean has been injured, and he is suffering from memory loss. The story continues with Sean experiencing memories from the time he first met Dan and up to the accident that caused the amnesia. Slowly he pieces his memories back together, but there are things that don't quite add up. It didn't really seem like this was a mystery at first, but those pieces that don't add up paint a picture that someone was behind Sean's fall.

I really enjoyed the story. Dan and Sean are both likable characters and their relationship seems strong because usually they are willing and able to talk and work things out. I do feel like I didn't connect with them as well as I would have liked, and I think it might have been the style of flashbacks. Even though holes were filled in retrospect, I didn't feel like I went through experiences with the characters. It was still mysterious and thrilling, with a touch of romance. I would recommend it to any mystery fans and any Josh Lanyon fans.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Obsession with character's neurosis distracts

Is there anything you would change about this book?

We are dragged down by the over-focus on Sean's neurosis and Dan's omniscient and slightly condescending stance. There really are two sturdy plot lines that could do well without all the whining and pop-psych.

Do you think Dark Horse, White Knight needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Saints, preserve us.

Any additional comments?

The author could write good mystery-thrillers (with or without sex) without drowning us in incessant dithering by the overly nervous.