Series: Whyborne & Griffin (book 1)

Genre: LGBT (m/m), Romance, Historical, Paranormal

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Cover: I love how soft it seems

Links: goodreads

Trigger warnings: none

Description: Some things should stay buried.

Repressed scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne has two skills: reading dead languages and hiding in his office at the Ladysmith Museum. After the tragic death of the friend he secretly loved, he’s ruthlessly suppressed any desire for another man.

So when handsome ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty approaches him to translate a mysterious book, Whyborne wants to finish the job and get rid of the detective as quickly as possible. Griffin left the Pinkertons following the death of his partner, hoping to start a new life. But the powerful cult which murdered Glenn has taken root in Widdershins, and only the spells in the book can stop them. Spells the intellectual Whyborne doesn’t believe are real.

As the investigation draws the two men closer, Griffin’s rakish charm threatens to shatter Whyborne’s iron control. When the cult resurrects an evil sorcerer who commands terrifying monsters, can Whyborne overcome his fear and learn to trust? Will Griffin let go of his past and risk falling in love? Or will Griffin’s secrets cost Whyborne both his heart and his life?

Review: I have mixed feelings about this one. At first I was slightly bored, but the story grew on me.

Whyborne is an unusual character in my eyes. He is very insecure in social situations – not unusual – but he really shows it. Very great case of show don’t tell and very refreshing. His melodramaticness was a little bit funny to me.

Sadly there is a case of insta-love between him and Griffin. I still enjoyed their relationship, so okay. Not perfect, but okay.

Speaking of perfect: Christine! She is such an amazing character. I wouldn’t have minded if there were a whole book about her and her adventures in showing opinionated men who’s boss.

Somehow this novel reminded me of the Sherlock Holmes movie starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Maybe it is the atmosphere? Although Widdershins is way more creepier. At times I thought of adding horror to the genres.