crtsjffrsn's review against another edition
3.0
Skyler Foxe is glad to have scored a job teaching English at his old high school. He enjoys teaching, loves literature, and cares for his students. But he feels he needs to keep the fact that he's gay under wraps. There could be backlash in his conservative community, and it's really not the school's business at all, is it? But Skyler's world turns upside down when he discovers a dead body in an alley behind a night club when he's out on what should be a typical Friday night. And the victim has an unexpected connection to Skyler's school. What follows is a series of events that leave him questioning what exactly is going on at James Polk High. Could a student be involved? Or is it the domineering football coach? Or what about the mysterious new biology teacher and assistant football coach who makes Skyler melt just by walking into the room? Despite warnings from his detective friend, Sidney, Skyler is determined to do what he can to solve the case and find out who's responsible--even if he puts himself in danger in the process.
This is definitely an entertaining read. There are some interesting twists and turns for sure. And it's not something that's going to take you deep into any sort of philosophical or emotional issue. If you like a mystery with some light humor and a cast of interesting side characters, this will be a book for you.
My only real complaint is the ending. This is part of a series, so I know the story continues, but it was building up--in my opinion--to a reveal on another important incident that happened but then ends before giving it to readers. I'm guessing it's the subject of the next book, and I'll be picking that up to read it. I just felt a bit let down because it wasn't addressed though it felt like it should be...
This is definitely an entertaining read. There are some interesting twists and turns for sure. And it's not something that's going to take you deep into any sort of philosophical or emotional issue. If you like a mystery with some light humor and a cast of interesting side characters, this will be a book for you.
My only real complaint is the ending. This is part of a series, so I know the story continues, but it was building up--in my opinion--to a reveal on another important incident that happened but then ends before giving it to readers. I'm guessing it's the subject of the next book, and I'll be picking that up to read it. I just felt a bit let down because it wasn't addressed though it felt like it should be...
claudia_is_reading's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fun, light cosy mystery that keep me entertained and left me wanting more... which was the intention, because, as the author says, the first three books in this series are all part of the same arc.
In this one there is a murder mystery that gets solved, and a fussier one, involving the football coaches, which is not.
The story itself is carried out by a delightful cast of characters, the SFC (Skyler Fuck Club), all of whom have been Skyler's tricks at some point, and Sydney, who is Skyler's best friend since high school and also a police officer. They are... hilarious, honestly. And I love Skyler and Sydney's friendship :D
The mystery is intriguing and, although Skyler is NOT the best detective, he ends solving the murder... and almost being murder himself. Amateur detectives! *laughs*
What can I say? I went to listen the second one as soon as I finished this :P
In this one there is a murder mystery that gets solved, and a fussier one, involving the football coaches, which is not.
The story itself is carried out by a delightful cast of characters, the SFC (Skyler Fuck Club), all of whom have been Skyler's tricks at some point, and Sydney, who is Skyler's best friend since high school and also a police officer. They are... hilarious, honestly. And I love Skyler and Sydney's friendship :D
The mystery is intriguing and, although Skyler is NOT the best detective, he ends solving the murder... and almost being murder himself. Amateur detectives! *laughs*
What can I say? I went to listen the second one as soon as I finished this :P
suze_1624's review against another edition
3.0
There are lots of plot lines - Alex and Ryan; Keith, Coach and the football jocks; the murder of Wes; Julia's accident; Keith Fletcher.
The SFC was funny, liked their irreverence.
Skyler gets embroiled in Wes' murder, mainly because he discovers the body, but he can't let go and leave the police to the investigation. Oh no. He sticks his nose in a lot, even after numerous hints in terms of violence to his belongings. In this sense, Skyler seemed immature for a teacher and got a tad annoying at times - the old TSTL premise came to mind a few times!
Whilst we got the resolution to Wes' murder, most other plot lines are still open for book 2.
The SFC was funny, liked their irreverence.
Skyler gets embroiled in Wes' murder, mainly because he discovers the body, but he can't let go and leave the police to the investigation. Oh no. He sticks his nose in a lot, even after numerous hints in terms of violence to his belongings. In this sense, Skyler seemed immature for a teacher and got a tad annoying at times - the old TSTL premise came to mind a few times!
Whilst we got the resolution to Wes' murder, most other plot lines are still open for book 2.
liza5326's review against another edition
4.0
This was a pretty good mystery, but seriously lacked in the romance department. I kept waiting for something to happen, but nothing really did. In the end, the mystery and all the craziness kept me engaged, so it was still a satisfying read and I will definitely be continuing with the series because there was so much left up in the air that I HAVE to know what the hell is going on!
kaje_harper's review against another edition
4.0
Skyler Foxe is a great character. This book is the first of three planned in the series. The cast of supporting characters is varied, and the banter is amusing. I was a little annoyed by Skyler's tendency to take detecting into his own hands to the point of deceiving the police (eg. keeping the cell phone). But I'll no doubt be reading this one again, and look forward to Skyler's future adventures.
bfdbookblog's review against another edition
4.0
this was a surprisingly cute read. i loved the SFC - that was awesome - those guys + sidney really make this a great cast of characters. the interactions with each other are super cute and highly entertaining, even during the serious parts of the story.
this is a slow build story and you have to wait until the end to get to the expected romance. i'm anxious to get to book 2 to see how that relationship builds.
this is a slow build story and you have to wait until the end to get to the expected romance. i'm anxious to get to book 2 to see how that relationship builds.
the_novel_approach's review against another edition
5.0
So, I actually won this Audiobook in a contest and adored it so much I asked Lisa if I could review it for the site. If anyone knows me, they know I love me a good mystery and a good comedy. This story was all that and so much more.
Skylar Foxe is in the closet and the book opening is simply one of the most amusing scenes I have read in a while. This scene set the tone for so many highs that this story flowed effortlessly. A murder, a gay club, a best friend/police detective/sassy pants, and a club of ex boyfriends round out this amazing group of friends and lovers as we follow Skylar while he pieces together a mystery that seems to encompass the school that Skylar works in, a homophobic football coach, a troubled teen and a sexy new teacher that Skylar is tongue tied around. I actually stayed up all night listening to this and at the end screamed, NOOO! Haley Walsh gives a masterclass in solving a mystery, but leaving the overall story arc hanging so that I immediately went and bought the remaining books in the series. I could go on and on and on about this, but I will summarize this one this sentence: you will laugh, cry, sit on the edge of your seat, and want more when it is over. How have I not read this before?!
Narration: After I listened to the audiobook I did two things: I messaged Haley Walsh and Joel Leslie and told them I thought they were amazing, and then went and looked for other books written and narrated by them.
More than any other audiobook I have listened to, I felt that Joel Leslie not only embraced the characters of this story…but he had a personal connection with them. I almost heard his investment in the story. I don’t think I can imagine reviewing this book, reading it and not listening to it, because I can’t separate the two. He is as much a part of this story as Walsh is the author. I am so excited to see what else Joel Leslie has to bring to the table because he is in my top three narrators as of now. Thank you for brightening my week!
Reviewed by Amy for The Novel Approach Reviews
Skylar Foxe is in the closet and the book opening is simply one of the most amusing scenes I have read in a while. This scene set the tone for so many highs that this story flowed effortlessly. A murder, a gay club, a best friend/police detective/sassy pants, and a club of ex boyfriends round out this amazing group of friends and lovers as we follow Skylar while he pieces together a mystery that seems to encompass the school that Skylar works in, a homophobic football coach, a troubled teen and a sexy new teacher that Skylar is tongue tied around. I actually stayed up all night listening to this and at the end screamed, NOOO! Haley Walsh gives a masterclass in solving a mystery, but leaving the overall story arc hanging so that I immediately went and bought the remaining books in the series. I could go on and on and on about this, but I will summarize this one this sentence: you will laugh, cry, sit on the edge of your seat, and want more when it is over. How have I not read this before?!
Narration: After I listened to the audiobook I did two things: I messaged Haley Walsh and Joel Leslie and told them I thought they were amazing, and then went and looked for other books written and narrated by them.
More than any other audiobook I have listened to, I felt that Joel Leslie not only embraced the characters of this story…but he had a personal connection with them. I almost heard his investment in the story. I don’t think I can imagine reviewing this book, reading it and not listening to it, because I can’t separate the two. He is as much a part of this story as Walsh is the author. I am so excited to see what else Joel Leslie has to bring to the table because he is in my top three narrators as of now. Thank you for brightening my week!
Reviewed by Amy for The Novel Approach Reviews