Pop idol Davy Moss died on a lonely mountain road fifteen years ago. His car was found abandoned, half submerged in a river, but his body has never been recovered. Since then his fans continually spread rumors and engage in rampant speculation about whether or not he's really just hiding out, waiting for a comeback. They honor him every year with vigils, impersonators and his fame has grown exponentially since his demise.

THE DEATH OF DAVY MOSS was a wonderfully refreshing read. First released in 2011 it tells the story of Josh Candless, a contractor hiding out from his past in a small town along the Oregon coast. One evening, in the heat of the moment, he makes his way onto a casino stage and wows the crowd with his haunting voice and musical talent. Unbeknownst to him, also in the crowd is the newest promoter for the casino and she instantly recognizes that he is something special. She follows him, hoping to connect and offer him a management deal. Only Josh has already experienced fame and it ruined him. Maybe this time it could be different. Maybe with this manager he can finally create the music he wants and have the career he's always desired. Now he has to decide if he wants to threaten the new life he's fought for by reaching out for the thing that will make him whole.

THE DEATH OF DAVY MOSS kind of took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting to be so wrapped up in this tale of damaged dreams and second chances. Josh and Emily are perfectly matched and their chemistry was palpable from the first moment they meet. Emily has managed other acts, but after being burned in a very public way has decided to take her career in a different direction and now makes her living as a consultant and promoter to casinos wanting to build their music programs. But Josh is different., his talent and magnetism draws her and she can't help but want to take a chance on him.

As they work to build a band, they also have to navigate the ups and downs of their relationship as it grows and evolves. Josh's secrets come out, one by one , and I loved how this author really makes the reader think about such things as fame, fortune and how constant media and fan attention can affect a person's psyche. I was taken by how well she has woven together the pitfalls of the music industry with a true musician's wants, needs and expectations.

While THE DEATH OF DAVY MOSS is set in the year 1999, and many of the references may seem dated, I thought the story itself was timeless. It could be about any celebrity today. The consequences of fame and being in the media spotlight is just as relevant as ever.

While this is categorized as a romance, I think THE DEATH OF DAVY MOSS will appeal to readers of any genre. The romance doesn't overtake the main plot, and it does develop in a very believable way. I found this to be a lovely read and with it's strong protagonists and subtle mystery amid an intriguing backdrop of the music industry I think this story will appeal to almost anyone.

Book Summary

TEEN IDOL DAVY MOSS DIED ALONE ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD. NO ONE EVER FOUND HIS BODY.

Davy Moss died fifteen years ago, but his fans keep him alive. They “see” him everywhere. They hold reunions, listen to his music over and over again. They encourage him to haunt them.

But Davy Moss already haunts one man. Josh Candless, the man Davy Moss became after that accident. Contractor, loner, a man who makes music in the quiet of his apartment. Until one fateful day when he gives an impromptu performance in a bar.

EMILY LUKOVICH HAS SWORN OFF MEN. THEN SHE HEARS JOSH CANDLESS.

Music promoter Emily Lukovich wants to make Josh Candless a star. Unaware of his past, she finds herself drawn to his music, his potential—everything about him.

She realizes she could fall in love with Josh Candless. But Emily mixed business with pleasure once before, and it ruined her career. A relationship with Josh Candless might destroy her career all over again. And worse, it might destroy her.

Because Davy Moss betrayed everyone he ever knew. And Josh Candless might do the same…