Secret at Skull House: Secrets and Scrabble Book 2, Josh Lanyon

On its own this was a good cozy mystery.  As part of the series it didn't stray too far from the first book, though there was a little progress in the romance part.  Well, if by progress you mean something relatively concrete being decided, though not the outcome readers are likely hoping for.  Overall though, I think this is likely better as a standalone than part of the series unless you're committed to reading whatever comes next.

I honestly love this author's writing so it's no hardship to read virtually anything they write.  This series is no different, I just think that it's trying to find its legs and hasn't fallen into its stride yet.  Most cozy mysteries feature different cases with the continuing thread being the town itself and the MC finding not only their niche in the town, but what they can offer to the various mysterious events that take place in it.  Ellery is no different, though the first is tough when there are a certain characters in town that seem to have it out for him and will do everything in their power to make him feel unwelcome and unwanted.

There's pretty much no romance in this one, just like in the first book, just hints and some disappointments this time around.  Where they'll go from here, I can guess, but for the most part there's likely going to be a long road for them to travel with a whole bunch of complications I'm not sure I will like since I'm all for romance being a help rather than a hindrance with all the mystery solving.

I'm definitely in for the next book in the series because I'm incredibly curious at how Ellery will fit into the town, if a certain journalist will calm her tits, and how Jack will deal with not claiming Ellery as his earlier.  Also, I seriously want to see more being done to involve Scrabble because up to now, it's been an untapped element in the series.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Unlike everyone else in Pirate's Cove, Ellery Page, aspiring screenwriter, reigning Scrabble champion, and occasionally clueless owner of the village's only mystery bookstore, is anything but thrilled when famed horror author Brandon Abbott announces he's purchased legendary Skull House and plans to live there permanently.

Ellery and Brandon have history. Their relationship ended badly and the last thing Ellery wants is a chance to patch things up--especially when his relationship with Police Chief Jack Carson is just getting interesting. But then, maybe Brandon isn't all that interested in getting back together either, because he seems a lot more interested in asking questions about the bloodstained past of his new home than discussing a possible future with Ellery. What is Brandon really up to?

Ellery will have to unscramble that particular puzzle post haste. Because after his former flame disappears following their loud and public argument, Ellery seems to be Police Chief Carson's first--and only--suspect.