Picture a storyteller who weaves unapologetic romance with pulse-pounding mystery—meet Josh Lanyon, the American author who’s redefined male/male (M/M) romance! With over sixty novels, Lanyon has earned the nickname 'the gay mystery Agatha Christie,' blending thrilling plots, heartfelt love stories, and sharp wit. Her work, translated into over ten languages, has captivated readers worldwide, making her a cornerstone of contemporary LGBTQ+ literature.
From her breakout FBI thriller Fair Game to the beloved Adrien English series, Lanyon’s stories are as addictive as a late-night page-turner. Let’s dive into her journey, from her early days to her lasting impact on the M/M genre.
The Making of Josh Lanyon
Born with a passion for storytelling, Josh Lanyon started writing poetry as a teenager before finding her calling in prose. After college, she sold her first work to Harlequin, but the road to M/M romance wasn’t easy. In the 1990s, mainstream publishers shied away from M/M stories, and as a female author, Lanyon faced skepticism from some in the GLBT community who favored male writers. Undeterred, she adopted the pseudonym 'Josh Lanyon' and began crafting novels that broke barriers, proving her stories could resonate with readers of all backgrounds.
Her early career was a juggling act—she dabbled in music and wrote mysteries under other pen names like Diana Killian before fully embracing M/M romance. Lanyon’s persistence paid off, and her unique voice soon found a devoted audience.
Josh Lanyon’s Unforgettable Stories
Lanyon’s novels are a masterclass in blending genres. Her stories pair steamy M/M romance with intricate mysteries, often featuring tough writers, dashing special agents, or sensitive artists navigating love and danger. The Adrien English series, starting with Fatal Shadows, follows a bookseller-turned-sleuth and his closeted detective lover, Jake Riordan. Readers adore the witty dialogue and emotional depth, earning the couple the Goodreads M/M Romance Group’s All-Time Favorite Couple award.
Another gem, Fair Game, an FBI thriller, made history as the first M/M title published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori. It’s a gripping tale of a professor and an agent chasing a killer, with romance simmering amid the suspense. Stranger on the Shore, the first M/M novel printed by Harper Collins Italia, explores a lawyer unraveling a decades-old mystery. Lanyon’s cozy mystery series, Secrets and Scrabble, delights with its charming bookseller and grumpy cop duo solving crimes in a seaside village.
Her style is cinematic, with vivid settings, snappy banter, and romance that feels real—often opting for 'happy for now' endings that mirror life’s complexities. Lanyon’s ability to craft relatable characters and twisty plots keeps readers coming back for more.
Why Josh Lanyon Matters
Josh Lanyon’s impact on M/M romance and LGBTQ+ literature is undeniable. Her novels helped legitimize M/M as a mainstream genre, paving the way for diverse voices in publishing. By tackling themes of identity, love, and resilience, her stories resonate with readers seeking authentic representation. Her work’s global reach—translated into fourteen languages and ranking #5 on Japan’s Boy Love novel list in 2016—shows her universal appeal.
Awards like the EPIC Award, four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist nods, and the Goodreads All-Time Favorite M/M Author honor cement her legacy. Lanyon’s influence extends beyond books: Fatal Shadows inspired the first LGBTQ mobile game in 2019. Her stories remind us that love, in all its forms, is worth celebrating.
About Josh Lanyon
- Key Works: Adrien English series, Fair Game, Stranger on the Shore, Secrets and Scrabble
- Awards: EPIC Award winner, four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist, Goodreads All-Time Favorite M/M Author
- Fun Fact: Lanyon lives in Southern California with her husband, two dogs, and a library of vintage mysteries.
Snag Fatal Shadows and dive into Josh Lanyon’s thrilling world of mystery and romance—you won’t put it down!