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In Plain Sight
Nash didn't believe in love until it was too late. Now he's looking for reasons, for answers, for meaning.
Sometimes the truth is right in front of you the whole time.
(This 10K+ short story is also available as part of the In Sunshine or In Shadow anthology)
Sometimes the truth is right in front of you the whole time.
(This 10K+ short story is also available as part of the In Sunshine or In Shadow anthology)
37 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2013
4 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
183books5,327followersAuthor of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the ŷ M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the ŷ All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and ŷ.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the ŷ M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the ŷ All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and ŷ.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
October 10, 2014
3.5 stars.
"Nash, you're raining."
IMO, In Plain Sight is a classic case of a lost opportunity. Everything good was there except:
a) a well-rounded ending (it's a typical Lanyon ending; says all)
b) not nearly enough page time for Nash and Glen as a 'couple'
When such an extremely short story should work out for me, then I really need more "relationship development". Gimme something…more, you know? I really liked Nash and Glen and I felt they fit, yet I wanted to see more of them TOGETHER. In fact, it would have been good to add another 10 to 20 pages to this little story. As always the writing is engaging and solid and Lanyon tells an interesting story with few words. Then again it was not good enough to upgrade to four stars.
Still, it's worth reading if you need a quick read for in between.
"Nash, you're raining."
IMO, In Plain Sight is a classic case of a lost opportunity. Everything good was there except:
a) a well-rounded ending (it's a typical Lanyon ending; says all)
b) not nearly enough page time for Nash and Glen as a 'couple'
When such an extremely short story should work out for me, then I really need more "relationship development". Gimme something…more, you know? I really liked Nash and Glen and I felt they fit, yet I wanted to see more of them TOGETHER. In fact, it would have been good to add another 10 to 20 pages to this little story. As always the writing is engaging and solid and Lanyon tells an interesting story with few words. Then again it was not good enough to upgrade to four stars.
Still, it's worth reading if you need a quick read for in between.
"You know why," Nash said softly.
In the shadow made by the cradle of his arms, he saw moisture glinting under Glen's lashes.
"Yeah," Glen whispered. "I know."
November 14, 2021
I am really happy with the short stories I've picked in the last few days.
This one by Josh Lanyon is another beautiful little masterpiece with a unique spin on romance.
Knowing and loving Lanyon's work, we've all come across a familiar trope that is basically a Lanyon trademark: The reserved FBI Special Agent falling in love with a cop from a local PD in some rural town while working a case together.
This story picks up at a moment that we've seen many times in those books. After having spent a week of restless nights filled with sex and growing emotions, Agent Nash West's assignment in Idaho is over and he needs to return to Quantico.
Saying goodbye to local cop Lt. Glen Harlow at the airport, he is sure that was it. A long distance relationship isn't something both men can imagine and with their lives being thousands of miles apart, a week of fun in bed might have been all that's left.
Still, on his way home, Nash wonders what if and is determined to call Glen, hoping to at least keep their connection alive in some form. But Glen isn't picking up the phone.
It doesn't take long for Nash to realize that Greg isn't ghosting him, but has indeed vanished, as the local PD also have no clue about his whereabouts. Determined to find his lover and fearing the worst, Nash returns to Idaho, taking personal leave, and doesn't leave a single stone unturned in his search for Glen.
It's just a short story, and yet there's so much packed into it. The little biting remarks about a closeted gay cop in a small town. Everyone knows a little bit, but nobody has the full picture. Homophobic colleagues, prejudice, discrimination among the workforce.
All Nash can do is hoping he isn't too late for whatever it was that happened to Glen...
I'm really glad this is just a 5 chapter story, because I could not put this one down. And I started it late at night before bed. A bad idea.
I really liked this. Lanyon men are a special type of romance characters <3
5stars!
This one by Josh Lanyon is another beautiful little masterpiece with a unique spin on romance.
Knowing and loving Lanyon's work, we've all come across a familiar trope that is basically a Lanyon trademark: The reserved FBI Special Agent falling in love with a cop from a local PD in some rural town while working a case together.
This story picks up at a moment that we've seen many times in those books. After having spent a week of restless nights filled with sex and growing emotions, Agent Nash West's assignment in Idaho is over and he needs to return to Quantico.
Saying goodbye to local cop Lt. Glen Harlow at the airport, he is sure that was it. A long distance relationship isn't something both men can imagine and with their lives being thousands of miles apart, a week of fun in bed might have been all that's left.
Still, on his way home, Nash wonders what if and is determined to call Glen, hoping to at least keep their connection alive in some form. But Glen isn't picking up the phone.
It doesn't take long for Nash to realize that Greg isn't ghosting him, but has indeed vanished, as the local PD also have no clue about his whereabouts. Determined to find his lover and fearing the worst, Nash returns to Idaho, taking personal leave, and doesn't leave a single stone unturned in his search for Glen.
It's just a short story, and yet there's so much packed into it. The little biting remarks about a closeted gay cop in a small town. Everyone knows a little bit, but nobody has the full picture. Homophobic colleagues, prejudice, discrimination among the workforce.
All Nash can do is hoping he isn't too late for whatever it was that happened to Glen...
I'm really glad this is just a 5 chapter story, because I could not put this one down. And I started it late at night before bed. A bad idea.
I really liked this. Lanyon men are a special type of romance characters <3
5stars!
April 20, 2015
Yes, one of the best short stories by Josh Lanyon IMO.
Short in length but deep in feelings...
August 24, 2013
FBI agent Nash met Glen when he was giving training. But they lived in separate states and Nash didn't believe in love. However, on the day that Nash was supposed to return home, he found out that Glen was missing, right after he walked out of the airport
------------
One thing I loved so much about Josh Lanyon's stories, even if they're short, was the ability to convey so many emotions efficiently. We didn't even get a lot of Glen -- since he was missing most of the story. But as reader, I could feel what Nash was experiencing. Here was a guy who didn't believe in love, but he knew he liked Glen, and now that man was missing. What would Nash do if he finds out something horrible had happened and he hasn't told Glen what he feels for him?
In a sense, this was a mystery too, in addition to Nash's journey of seeing "in plain sight". What happened to Glen? Was he kidnapped? Was he killed? Was he committed suicide? Was he decided to drop everything and just left because he was brokenhearted? I was on the edge of my seat too, wanting to find out the reason.
It was really good -- I wish there was more pages in the end though because I was being greedy and I wanted to be with Josh's characters a lot longer than just 12k.
------------
One thing I loved so much about Josh Lanyon's stories, even if they're short, was the ability to convey so many emotions efficiently. We didn't even get a lot of Glen -- since he was missing most of the story. But as reader, I could feel what Nash was experiencing. Here was a guy who didn't believe in love, but he knew he liked Glen, and now that man was missing. What would Nash do if he finds out something horrible had happened and he hasn't told Glen what he feels for him?
In a sense, this was a mystery too, in addition to Nash's journey of seeing "in plain sight". What happened to Glen? Was he kidnapped? Was he killed? Was he committed suicide? Was he decided to drop everything and just left because he was brokenhearted? I was on the edge of my seat too, wanting to find out the reason.
It was really good -- I wish there was more pages in the end though because I was being greedy and I wanted to be with Josh's characters a lot longer than just 12k.
September 13, 2024
This is very literary. In my heart of hearts I know it's a romance, so it has to end happily but my god it's so gritty and realistic that it could have just as easily ended tragically. I've never felt more anxious reading about a missing person like that. Ordinarily I don't have a problem with instalove. I have enough disbelief to suspend for any happy ending. But Nash and Glen are the kind of OTP that has an instant connection that is so goddamn believable my heart is still racing.
September 14, 2024
When Josh really focuses on a single topic, her short stories are amazing, as is this one. Despite bringing the reader in after the start of the relationship, despite it being insta as hell, despite only seeing the MC's squeeze for a very limited time, she really makes you believe in this relationship. Now that's talent.
August 24, 2013
I always love Josh Lanyon's short story's and his ability to write a mystery AND a romance in so few words.
For such a short story, this sure gave me "chills" at the end.
For such a short story, this sure gave me "chills" at the end.
November 3, 2019
Josh Lanyon is always good with his short stories and this is not an exception. As always with this author, we have here two interesting characters who, even though it is only a short story, are fully developed. The plot is a little simpler this time than in some other Lanyon's short stories, but still good. This is not the best short story of this author that I read but certainly worth your time.
April 18, 2015
One of Lanyon's best short stories.
August 28, 2013
In Plain Sight is intense, even scary at times and definitely heart-wrenching to read. Josh Lanyon writes my favorite short stories and reading this particular one felt a lot like a roller coaster ride. Or rather like a bungee jump: first the fear for the characters, then the huge adrenaline rush finally followed by euphoria.
I'm not a big fan of what-if-thinking, but In Plain Sight made me mull over the fact how seemingly small things and fleeting moments can make all the difference in life. And what about all the unexpected things that seem to happen for a reason? As always Josh Lanyon delivers a mature, smart, soulful story that made me see my own life in a slightly different light than before.
A story doesn't have to be long to be a remarkable one -- In Plain Sight is a perfect example of that. It's an excellent story written by a brilliant author. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
I'm not a big fan of what-if-thinking, but In Plain Sight made me mull over the fact how seemingly small things and fleeting moments can make all the difference in life. And what about all the unexpected things that seem to happen for a reason? As always Josh Lanyon delivers a mature, smart, soulful story that made me see my own life in a slightly different light than before.
A story doesn't have to be long to be a remarkable one -- In Plain Sight is a perfect example of that. It's an excellent story written by a brilliant author. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
November 1, 2013
I have always maintained that writing a good short story can be more difficult than a full -length novel. I say this because the key elements like a developed plot and in-depth characters are often sacrificed so that the small window the author is choosing to write about is kept concise. It is a rare author who can write a compelling and complete short story. Josh Lanyon would be one of those "rare" authors.
In Plain Sight is a quick sip of a story that introduces an FBI agent, Nash West, as he travels on site to do a compressed training course for the police officers of the Bear County Lake area. Neither hiding nor touting his sexuality, Nash nonetheless manages to have a brief but impacting fling with Glen Harlow, an officer on the Montpelier force. After an awkward goodbye that gives the impression that both men wish they had just a little more time to spend with the other, Nash returns home. Finally giving in to the strong urge to hear Glen's voice one more time, he calls and another officer picks up the phone only to inform Nash that Glen has disappeared. Realizing that his presence will be questioned but not caring, Nash heads back to Montpelier to find Glen. As hours slip into days, the idea that Nash may have missed that one incredible chance to make Glen more than a fling comes rushing to the fore and Nash becomes determined that he will find Glen, dead or alive.
I find the most fascinating aspect of author's Josh Lanyon's storytelling abilities is how he manages to unearth so many details about the way his characters think by having them tell us what they don't believe in, what they scoff at as impossible or ridiculous. Slowly this author reveals the very heart and soul of his creations by showing us their inner conflicts, the war they wage with themselves. Outwardly Nash is cool and collected, professional and determined. Inwardly he slowly allows his doubts to give way to berating himself for not only failing to get to know Glen better but also for not trying harder to somehow stick around to see where the relationship could potentially go to, if given time and energy. Not only does Mr. Lanyon use this constant inner dialogue to reveal how Nash thinks and feels, he also gives us a birds-eye view of the kind of person Glen is as seen through his lover’s filter.
And then there is the taught little mystery itself. This author has the "slow build of suspense and growing sense of intrigue" down to an art form in my opinion. For such a brief amount of page time, the idea of a "race against time" was weaved into the story so well that I was clutching the kindle in a near death grip by the last few pages. With phrases like: ''Nate's heart thumped hard with excitement and dread." the knowledge that the end is upon Nash becomes a startling reality and readers finds themselves wringing their hands in despair that he is just too late to save Glen. The idea that there is no wasted moment in this author’s work is brought home decisively when reading a story by Josh Lanyon. Mix that with some of the most sensual romantic interests and you have a heated, sexy mystery that keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
As usual, In Plain Sight by Josh Lanyon delivers in spades! Always too quick whether a short story or full length novel, this author gives us characters and plot that we can sink our teeth into and who delight the senses! I highly recommend In Plain Sight by Josh Lanyon to you!
In Plain Sight is a quick sip of a story that introduces an FBI agent, Nash West, as he travels on site to do a compressed training course for the police officers of the Bear County Lake area. Neither hiding nor touting his sexuality, Nash nonetheless manages to have a brief but impacting fling with Glen Harlow, an officer on the Montpelier force. After an awkward goodbye that gives the impression that both men wish they had just a little more time to spend with the other, Nash returns home. Finally giving in to the strong urge to hear Glen's voice one more time, he calls and another officer picks up the phone only to inform Nash that Glen has disappeared. Realizing that his presence will be questioned but not caring, Nash heads back to Montpelier to find Glen. As hours slip into days, the idea that Nash may have missed that one incredible chance to make Glen more than a fling comes rushing to the fore and Nash becomes determined that he will find Glen, dead or alive.
I find the most fascinating aspect of author's Josh Lanyon's storytelling abilities is how he manages to unearth so many details about the way his characters think by having them tell us what they don't believe in, what they scoff at as impossible or ridiculous. Slowly this author reveals the very heart and soul of his creations by showing us their inner conflicts, the war they wage with themselves. Outwardly Nash is cool and collected, professional and determined. Inwardly he slowly allows his doubts to give way to berating himself for not only failing to get to know Glen better but also for not trying harder to somehow stick around to see where the relationship could potentially go to, if given time and energy. Not only does Mr. Lanyon use this constant inner dialogue to reveal how Nash thinks and feels, he also gives us a birds-eye view of the kind of person Glen is as seen through his lover’s filter.
And then there is the taught little mystery itself. This author has the "slow build of suspense and growing sense of intrigue" down to an art form in my opinion. For such a brief amount of page time, the idea of a "race against time" was weaved into the story so well that I was clutching the kindle in a near death grip by the last few pages. With phrases like: ''Nate's heart thumped hard with excitement and dread." the knowledge that the end is upon Nash becomes a startling reality and readers finds themselves wringing their hands in despair that he is just too late to save Glen. The idea that there is no wasted moment in this author’s work is brought home decisively when reading a story by Josh Lanyon. Mix that with some of the most sensual romantic interests and you have a heated, sexy mystery that keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
As usual, In Plain Sight by Josh Lanyon delivers in spades! Always too quick whether a short story or full length novel, this author gives us characters and plot that we can sink our teeth into and who delight the senses! I highly recommend In Plain Sight by Josh Lanyon to you!
September 21, 2024
Suspensfull short with lots of feels. Couldn't stop listen. FBI agent Nash and local cop Glen say their goodbyes after an intense week. As they live a long way from each other there seem to be no future together. But when Nash try to get in contact with Glen after his flight home he's not answering. And no one seems to know where he is...
July 21, 2021
4 stars for this short story of two men in law enforcement - Glen, a local officer in Idaho and Nash, an FBI agent doing a week-long road show. They spend a week together and part ways at the airport as Nash heads back to DC. But Glen goes missing .... and Nash rushes back to Idaho to find out what happened, hoping against hope that he hasn't made the mistake of his life by leaving Glen behind. The ending is a bit abrupt but I really liked the storytelling here.
November 28, 2013
3,5 stars
Short, gripping story that owes everything to its construction. Do I need to say that it's also very well written?
The only drawback is a key point in the investigation that I found lacking, but I probably would have overcome my quibble if I'd had more time.
Anyway. It's Lanyon's take on a familiar trope, it's good, and it's different from his usual stories.
Short, gripping story that owes everything to its construction. Do I need to say that it's also very well written?
The only drawback is a key point in the investigation that I found lacking, but I probably would have overcome my quibble if I'd had more time.
Anyway. It's Lanyon's take on a familiar trope, it's good, and it's different from his usual stories.
May 19, 2017
Well done mystery with a twist of love. For a short story it combines all the elements. Nice.
December 17, 2013
I need more.
Seriously, I need a lot more of these two.
Also, I am still confused how Josh Lanyon can make me feel so much with so few words.
Seriously, I need a lot more of these two.
Also, I am still confused how Josh Lanyon can make me feel so much with so few words.
April 10, 2015
Loved this... sweet, romantic, suspenseful
August 28, 2013
Short, but excellent, complete and deep reaching. See also .
December 9, 2014
37 pages of teasing.
Teasing my senses
Teasing my senses
August 1, 2022
By, now I think it's well-established that I am binge-reading every short/novella/full-length book ever published by JL which I had previously avoided reading because I thought Josh Lanyon=MM mystery books. But, guess what ...I think I just like her writing even if it's short with 25-50 pages.
August 28, 2013
No one writes shorts like Josh Lanyon. He excels in it. It says 37 pages but it sure seems much longer because there is so much happening even as I lament the fact that i want this to be a novel at the end. Yet it is a most satisfying read. Kudos to Josh for being able to wrap everything up, mystery, romance and drama, so neatly in said pages. Nothing else need to be said in this impactful story. The suspense permeates the story right from the beginning, in the romance which was left hanging and in the mystery of our missing cop. Lieutenant Glen may be missing but I know as much about this missing cop as i know about our FBI agent desperately searching for his lover. Such is the pure writing talent of Josh Lanyon. The police investigation, the obvious homophobic police culture realistically conveyed. And last but not least the romance which ends in a touching scene at the end. This has to be the best short from Josh.
August 28, 2013
Another great story by one of my favorite authors Josh Lanyon. Yes, it was (painfully) short. I felt physical pain when I got to the end when I realized I couldn't read any more about Nash and Glen. Despite the brevity, the story is very satisfying and the main characters are fully realized in the way that Josh always does. The emotion and introspection felt real and hit deep- I certainly could identify with the riot of emotions that Nash was going through. There is no on-page sex- and the story certainly did not need it.
August 29, 2013
I read this as part of the wonderful short story collection "In Sunshine or in Shadow", and re-read it again now, and i love it!
Josh's short stories are so emotionally intense and fulfilling, with a great plot to match, and In Plain Sight does just that and so well. What got to me about Nash and Glen's story is how real it is, how one week can change your whole life, can teach you so much about yourself, can give you a second chance. I highly recommend it!
Josh's short stories are so emotionally intense and fulfilling, with a great plot to match, and In Plain Sight does just that and so well. What got to me about Nash and Glen's story is how real it is, how one week can change your whole life, can teach you so much about yourself, can give you a second chance. I highly recommend it!
August 29, 2016
3.5 stars
This was a good story and one I wish would have been a full length story. All the Lanyon magic that happens when she puts two law enforcement characters together. The guys aren't on page together much but I still felt their connection. Mostly I just wanted more of them and more of this.
I did this on audio and the narrator was really good.
This was a good story and one I wish would have been a full length story. All the Lanyon magic that happens when she puts two law enforcement characters together. The guys aren't on page together much but I still felt their connection. Mostly I just wanted more of them and more of this.
I did this on audio and the narrator was really good.
September 1, 2013
So good. This is a perfect little package of mystery and romance. I practically held my breath through the last half of the story, and by the end, my eyes were prickling with tears. Damn, I love Josh Lanyon's writing.
October 2, 2013
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!
Omg, Josh Lanyon, dare I say it "You're a flipping mean genius!" After dragging me through an emotional roller coaster. You had to do your trademark!!!!!
I want more!!!! Must have more!!!!
Do you take bribes???
Omg, Josh Lanyon, dare I say it "You're a flipping mean genius!" After dragging me through an emotional roller coaster. You had to do your trademark!!!!!
I want more!!!! Must have more!!!!
Do you take bribes???
September 27, 2013
In Plain Sight is a short, but perfect story. It's emotionally intense and fulfilling. Mystery and romance are nicely interwoven. A Josh Lanyon par excellence.
April 5, 2017
A suspenseful and emotional mystery. Amazing how gripping it was for being so short. I love Lanyon's mysteries and this was no exception. Great read.
August 3, 2020
I really liked this one, it was as if a whole novel was compacted into this novelette, 5 ⭐️
May 9, 2015
2.5 stars rounded to 3
I have to admit I was a bit surprised by Nash's sudden change of heart. I mean if he truly loved Glen, wouldn't he have stayed in the first place? Why did it take Glen' disappearance to get him to reconsider his feelings and go back to try his hand at love?
Also, there wasn't much to paint a clear picture about what both men were like, how comfortable they would have been with other people finding out their sexual preference and just how much emotion there was in Nash's heart to convince him to start such an intensive search for Glen.
However, despite all that, I did like Nash. I admired his tenacity and persistence and constant hope. And there was... a normalcy to it that I enjoyed. Every day stuff, not something that would barely feel plausible. And Glen came off as such a nice guy from the things Nash discovered. I would have been really sad if he had died. As it was, I satisfied with their happily ever after.
I have to admit I was a bit surprised by Nash's sudden change of heart. I mean if he truly loved Glen, wouldn't he have stayed in the first place? Why did it take Glen' disappearance to get him to reconsider his feelings and go back to try his hand at love?
Also, there wasn't much to paint a clear picture about what both men were like, how comfortable they would have been with other people finding out their sexual preference and just how much emotion there was in Nash's heart to convince him to start such an intensive search for Glen.
However, despite all that, I did like Nash. I admired his tenacity and persistence and constant hope. And there was... a normalcy to it that I enjoyed. Every day stuff, not something that would barely feel plausible. And Glen came off as such a nice guy from the things Nash discovered. I would have been really sad if he had died. As it was, I satisfied with their happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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