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Whyborne & Griffin #2
Threshold
Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne wants nothing more than to live quietly with his lover, ex-Pinkerton detective Griffin Flaherty. Unfortunately, Whyborne’s railroad tycoon father has other ideas, namely hiring Griffin to investigate mysterious events at a coal mine.
Whyborne, Griffin, and their friend Christine travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. A contingent of Pinkertons—including Griffin’s ex-lover Elliot—already guard the mine. But Griffin knows better than anyone just how unprepared the detectives are to face the otherworldly forces threatening them.
Soon, Whyborne and Griffin are on the trail of mysterious disappearances, deadly accidents, and whispered secrets. Is Elliot an ally, or does he only want to rekindle his relationship with Griffin? And if so, how can Whyborne possibly hope to compete with the stunningly handsome Pinkerton—especially when Griffin is hiding secrets about his past?
For in a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can’t afford to trust anything—including his own heart.
LENGTH
7 hrs and 19 mins
Whyborne, Griffin, and their friend Christine travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. A contingent of Pinkertons—including Griffin’s ex-lover Elliot—already guard the mine. But Griffin knows better than anyone just how unprepared the detectives are to face the otherworldly forces threatening them.
Soon, Whyborne and Griffin are on the trail of mysterious disappearances, deadly accidents, and whispered secrets. Is Elliot an ally, or does he only want to rekindle his relationship with Griffin? And if so, how can Whyborne possibly hope to compete with the stunningly handsome Pinkerton—especially when Griffin is hiding secrets about his past?
For in a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can’t afford to trust anything—including his own heart.
LENGTH
7 hrs and 19 mins
7 pages, Audiobook
First published June 2, 2013
146 people are currently reading
1263 people want to read
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
84 books2,624 followersJordan L. Hawk is a trans author from North Carolina. Childhood tales of mountain ghosts and mysterious creatures gave him a life-long love of things that go bump in the night. When he isn’t writing, he brews his own beer and tries to keep the cats from destroying the house. His best-selling Whyborne & Griffin series (beginning with Widdershins) can be found in print, ebook, and audiobook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 751 reviews
August 13, 2019
4.35 stars
-Writing - Excellent, this books are so good, i couldn't stop when i started reading.
-The mystery - Oh dear lawd! It is so spooky and entertaining.
-The characters- Amazing, i love them so much. Christine gets a medal.
- The chemistry and the Sex- Believable and Hot
Enjoyed book 2 looking forward to the rest of the series.
Thanks to my fellow buddy readers, Ele, Linda, Moony, Rosa, Teal and Xia for an awesome time.
-Writing - Excellent, this books are so good, i couldn't stop when i started reading.
-The mystery - Oh dear lawd! It is so spooky and entertaining.
-The characters- Amazing, i love them so much. Christine gets a medal.
- The chemistry and the Sex- Believable and Hot
Enjoyed book 2 looking forward to the rest of the series.
Thanks to my fellow buddy readers, Ele, Linda, Moony, Rosa, Teal and Xia for an awesome time.
May 19, 2014
This was me reading the majority of this book:
Because this is horror, man, and I don't do horror!!
I bet I currently have a hairball residing in my belly from chewing the ends of my ponytail while reading this.
Now, take what I'm saying with a grain of salt. I famously had to hide behind my husband on our second date in the movie theater during "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" because I was so scared. So, yeah, major wimp over here.
Trying to be objective, this book was pretty enjoyable. I liked the bumps thrown into Whyborne and Griffin's relationship and what it revealed about each of them and their insecurities. I loooooved Christine (best character of them all!). What I didn't enjoy as much were the over-the-top horror elements (again, not my thing), the "mystery" (I totally knew who the bad guys were and what was going to happen from the start), and the way lots of loose ends were left behind.
I'm sure I'll continue with this series. I like Whyborne and Griffin and their hot historical sex and sweet banter too much to give it up. I just hope we get more of the two of them and less stuff that will pop up in my nightmares.
Because this is horror, man, and I don't do horror!!
I bet I currently have a hairball residing in my belly from chewing the ends of my ponytail while reading this.
Now, take what I'm saying with a grain of salt. I famously had to hide behind my husband on our second date in the movie theater during "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" because I was so scared. So, yeah, major wimp over here.
Trying to be objective, this book was pretty enjoyable. I liked the bumps thrown into Whyborne and Griffin's relationship and what it revealed about each of them and their insecurities. I loooooved Christine (best character of them all!). What I didn't enjoy as much were the over-the-top horror elements (again, not my thing), the "mystery" (I totally knew who the bad guys were and what was going to happen from the start), and the way lots of loose ends were left behind.
I'm sure I'll continue with this series. I like Whyborne and Griffin and their hot historical sex and sweet banter too much to give it up. I just hope we get more of the two of them and less stuff that will pop up in my nightmares.
January 9, 2014
4.5 stars
Let’s start with the very few things that just kinda sorta bugged me about the book:
1. Editing…it could have used one more pass by a copy editor. There were quite a few errors that proved a minor distraction.
2. Not enough Whyborne AND Griffin time. The first book was so much time together, this one felt almost…lacking. I has a sad.
3. The guy on the cover reminds me of Peter Dinklage kinda. And that just throws me every time.
NOW...
WHAT I LOVED:
1. WHYBORNE!!!!! I love Percival Endicott Whyborne. He is SUCH a doll. His inner-monologue CRACKS me up! He reminds me so much of Victor Bayne in the Psy-Cop series…even down to the drab clothing. And I love him for all the same reasons. He’s brilliant, and sarcastic, and self-deprecating, and humble, and odd, and adorable. And I just love him so!
2. Christine! I didn’t give her props in my review for book 1, but that’s ok, because she’s actually funnier and stronger and wise-crackier in book 2. I am Christine…my proclamation.
3. Gross crustaceans and weird abominations and creepiness galore!
4. So. Much. Love. And Love. And Love between Whyborne and Griffin!
5. Urgh…and despite the fact that I actually hate it, I do love the introduction of Elliott as a character. It was brought on necessary tension to the relationship…and it broke my f’ing heart. (PS – I love that we see things from Whyborne’s point of view. Everything is just slightly skewed but perfectly so!)
Vic, Ival, and me…the 3 amigos (just sayin').
March 15, 2016
5 blinding stars.
Okay. Let us be serious for a moment.
All reservations I may have had about this series are now gone bye, bye.
I absolutely loved this book. It is over the top, the word ‘member’ still appears and Whyborne is still very, very proper.
But it all works so brilliantly and I wouldn’t want a single thing to change. I certainly don’t EVER want Whyborne to change. His inner monologues were just the absolute shit and he was hilarious. Whyborne definitely wouldn’t think he is being hilarious but trust me, he is laugh out loud, reread that sentence funny.
A few things happened while I was reading this book. The first and most notable thing being that I fell madly in love with Whyborne. Secondly I fell madly in love with Christine and lastly I fell more in love with Griffin.
The very moment Christine arrived on page in the first book I knew I was going to like her but in this book she just kicked ass. Every time she spoke it was quotable. She is a take no shit women and in this era that makes her a frigging superhero. ‘Threshold’ has become only the third m/m book to find its way on to my ‘heroines I love’ shelf. Out of over 140 books only three books have introduced a female character that is kick ass and awesome. Christine is a tough lady
"Have you quite made up?" Christine asked cheerfully.
Heat scalded my face. "Christine!"
"What? It was a simple question. I hope the answer is yes. It's very tiring when one's friends are quarrelling."
The tension eased slightly from Griffin's mouth as a smile quirked his lips. "I'm sure it was trying for you."
"Quite. Do try not to be so thoughtless in the future."
She is however mostly bluster and beneath that tough exterior is a gooey centre.
"If we cannot find models in our past, we must try to build a future where they can exist, and devil take anyone who tries to tell us we can't.”
I really do want to be more Christine like. People would not give me shit if I was more Christine like.
The case that takes Whyborne, Griffin and Christine to Threshold Mountain is a very strange one. What should be kept in mind with this series is that as well as a historical and a romance it is also a paranormal and by Christ does it get paranormal. And actually it’s a bit paranormal horror truth be told. Sure you need to totally suspend belief but that’s what you have to do with fantasy, that’s why I read fantasy. I got Frankenstein vibes mixed with B- movie horror. It was awesome.
Of course we also get the yumminess of Whyborne and Griffin and as is only proper we also get some relationship drama, this drama helped us learn more about Griffin’s past which I have no doubt is going to play a large part in the next book and I think it helped us learn more about them both as a couple. A jealous Whyborne is also a sight to behold and when he gets dominant? Bloody hell!!
"I won't share you, you know," I told him breathlessly. "For as long as we're together, you're mine alone. You won't touch anyone else, not like this."
(That gif is filthy without actually being filthy, there was absolutely no chance I wasn’t going to use it and you should expect to see it again.)
I’m going to end on a proper serious note. One of the things I loved about this book was the information about the mines. Jordan L. Hawk paints a very graphic picture of Threshold and by doing so gives you a glimpse at what a truly hard life the people in these towns lived. Whyborne says it best:
"What awful, awful work. I couldn't imagine spending ten hours a day, six days a week, in this claustrophobic place, unable to stand up straight and with the weight of the mountain bearing down on me. Let alone the actual strain of the labor involved."
Okay. Let us be serious for a moment.
All reservations I may have had about this series are now gone bye, bye.
I absolutely loved this book. It is over the top, the word ‘member’ still appears and Whyborne is still very, very proper.
But it all works so brilliantly and I wouldn’t want a single thing to change. I certainly don’t EVER want Whyborne to change. His inner monologues were just the absolute shit and he was hilarious. Whyborne definitely wouldn’t think he is being hilarious but trust me, he is laugh out loud, reread that sentence funny.
A few things happened while I was reading this book. The first and most notable thing being that I fell madly in love with Whyborne. Secondly I fell madly in love with Christine and lastly I fell more in love with Griffin.
The very moment Christine arrived on page in the first book I knew I was going to like her but in this book she just kicked ass. Every time she spoke it was quotable. She is a take no shit women and in this era that makes her a frigging superhero. ‘Threshold’ has become only the third m/m book to find its way on to my ‘heroines I love’ shelf. Out of over 140 books only three books have introduced a female character that is kick ass and awesome. Christine is a tough lady
"Have you quite made up?" Christine asked cheerfully.
Heat scalded my face. "Christine!"
"What? It was a simple question. I hope the answer is yes. It's very tiring when one's friends are quarrelling."
The tension eased slightly from Griffin's mouth as a smile quirked his lips. "I'm sure it was trying for you."
"Quite. Do try not to be so thoughtless in the future."
She is however mostly bluster and beneath that tough exterior is a gooey centre.
"If we cannot find models in our past, we must try to build a future where they can exist, and devil take anyone who tries to tell us we can't.”
I really do want to be more Christine like. People would not give me shit if I was more Christine like.
The case that takes Whyborne, Griffin and Christine to Threshold Mountain is a very strange one. What should be kept in mind with this series is that as well as a historical and a romance it is also a paranormal and by Christ does it get paranormal. And actually it’s a bit paranormal horror truth be told. Sure you need to totally suspend belief but that’s what you have to do with fantasy, that’s why I read fantasy. I got Frankenstein vibes mixed with B- movie horror. It was awesome.
Of course we also get the yumminess of Whyborne and Griffin and as is only proper we also get some relationship drama, this drama helped us learn more about Griffin’s past which I have no doubt is going to play a large part in the next book and I think it helped us learn more about them both as a couple. A jealous Whyborne is also a sight to behold and when he gets dominant? Bloody hell!!
"I won't share you, you know," I told him breathlessly. "For as long as we're together, you're mine alone. You won't touch anyone else, not like this."
(That gif is filthy without actually being filthy, there was absolutely no chance I wasn’t going to use it and you should expect to see it again.)
I’m going to end on a proper serious note. One of the things I loved about this book was the information about the mines. Jordan L. Hawk paints a very graphic picture of Threshold and by doing so gives you a glimpse at what a truly hard life the people in these towns lived. Whyborne says it best:
"What awful, awful work. I couldn't imagine spending ten hours a day, six days a week, in this claustrophobic place, unable to stand up straight and with the weight of the mountain bearing down on me. Let alone the actual strain of the labor involved."
July 17, 2018
Oh how I loved this one! It was quite humorous at times. I love that Whyborne seems to be developing more of a quick wit even if it is just in his thoughts. He had me laughing several times. We get more of their relationship in this one. There's more sweet and tender moments that I just ate up. But oh man...I wanted to throttle Griffin at one time. I hate Whyborne had such awful insecurities and felt really bad for him.
There's also some creepy crawly thingys that are what nightmares are made of.
And can I just say I'm half in love with Christine. I have a serious girl-crush on her. I want to be her friend so bad.
I could kick myself for not reading this series before now.
There's also some creepy crawly thingys that are what nightmares are made of.
And can I just say I'm half in love with Christine. I have a serious girl-crush on her. I want to be her friend so bad.
I could kick myself for not reading this series before now.
July 19, 2017
"I spoke thirteen languages, and yet all my words deserted me in these moments."
_________________________
The Plot
I found myself interested and understanding more of this mystery plot than the one in Widdershins. Mostly because the pace was set at a pace that kept me guessing and wanting more. I enjoy stories that leave some chapters in cliff-hangers - and Threshold definitely came through.
The characters were a hard and fast fall for me. I loved each of their unique personalities and how we got to get to know more about both Christine and Griffin.
Note: Dr. Christine Putnam will make you love her eventually. Either by her wit / her kick ass humor or by her loyalty.
“I think I will remain here and work on my manuscript,” Christine decided. “Going about talking to the locals sounds dreadfully boring. But if you find you need anyone shot, send word and I’ll come at once.”
The Humor
Humor in books very rarely make me laugh out loud. In general, my kindle/ book will receive a smirk or a 'hmph' from me, but never a real laugh.
Threshold. Took. It. Out. From. Me.
"A hysterical laugh tried to force its way out of my throat, as I wondered how one might be properly introduced to an unthinkable horror. Did I shake its claw? Its slimy feelers? Inquire after its mother?"
“We m-made love the other night—during the storm—you licked my, er, that is, my a-anus,” I blurted, my face burning. Then a horrible thought occurred. “And if Christine is with you, for God’s sake, just skewer me now and be done with it!”
“Buck up, Whyborne!” Christine called from behind me. “They can sense fear, you know!” Wonderful. I’d be trampled to death by midnight.”
The Romance
"I wanted to thrust into the hot wetness, but instead I ran my fingers through his hair, gripping it just hard enough to get his attention.
“I won’t share you, you know,” I told him breathlessly.
“For as long as we’re together, you’re mine alone. You won’t touch anyone else, not like this.”
Although the romance was sensational in Widdershins. Threshold completely annihilated me. I loved the tension that Eliot caused. I loved how both Griffin and Whyborne are exploring new sides to their relationship. I loved how they were so real. Hawk really showed that relationships aren't all lovey dovey and sometimes people say things in the *ahem* heat of the moment.
I do however wish that Whyborne and Griffin as a couple had more stage time. I felt parched and hungry because I was left with lots and lots of mystery fighting time. And no Whyborne and Griffin relationship time.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Threshold - having some minor "its not you, it's me" book issues but altogether a great read.
“Yes. Er, well. Let’s go then,” I said weakly. Christine cleared her throat. “Not the most inspiring call to battle,” she murmured.
_________________________
The Plot
I found myself interested and understanding more of this mystery plot than the one in Widdershins. Mostly because the pace was set at a pace that kept me guessing and wanting more. I enjoy stories that leave some chapters in cliff-hangers - and Threshold definitely came through.
The characters were a hard and fast fall for me. I loved each of their unique personalities and how we got to get to know more about both Christine and Griffin.
Note: Dr. Christine Putnam will make you love her eventually. Either by her wit / her kick ass humor or by her loyalty.
“I think I will remain here and work on my manuscript,” Christine decided. “Going about talking to the locals sounds dreadfully boring. But if you find you need anyone shot, send word and I’ll come at once.”
The Humor
Humor in books very rarely make me laugh out loud. In general, my kindle/ book will receive a smirk or a 'hmph' from me, but never a real laugh.
Threshold. Took. It. Out. From. Me.
"A hysterical laugh tried to force its way out of my throat, as I wondered how one might be properly introduced to an unthinkable horror. Did I shake its claw? Its slimy feelers? Inquire after its mother?"
“We m-made love the other night—during the storm—you licked my, er, that is, my a-anus,” I blurted, my face burning. Then a horrible thought occurred. “And if Christine is with you, for God’s sake, just skewer me now and be done with it!”
“Buck up, Whyborne!” Christine called from behind me. “They can sense fear, you know!” Wonderful. I’d be trampled to death by midnight.”
The Romance
"I wanted to thrust into the hot wetness, but instead I ran my fingers through his hair, gripping it just hard enough to get his attention.
“I won’t share you, you know,” I told him breathlessly.
“For as long as we’re together, you’re mine alone. You won’t touch anyone else, not like this.”
Although the romance was sensational in Widdershins. Threshold completely annihilated me. I loved the tension that Eliot caused. I loved how both Griffin and Whyborne are exploring new sides to their relationship. I loved how they were so real. Hawk really showed that relationships aren't all lovey dovey and sometimes people say things in the *ahem* heat of the moment.
I do however wish that Whyborne and Griffin as a couple had more stage time. I felt parched and hungry because I was left with lots and lots of mystery fighting time. And no Whyborne and Griffin relationship time.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Threshold - having some minor "its not you, it's me" book issues but altogether a great read.
“Yes. Er, well. Let’s go then,” I said weakly. Christine cleared her throat. “Not the most inspiring call to battle,” she murmured.
March 15, 2019
Audiobook: ***4.5 Stars***
Story: ***4 - 4.5 Stars***
The mystery/paranormal part was a bit... well, out of this world ;-), but I still enjoyed it even more than Widdershins. Looks like I'm in for a hellish ride...
And even if I'm the only one on this planet who loves Julian G. Simmons's narration... I really do! ;-)
After a short detour, I'll be back with book #3.
Story: ***4 - 4.5 Stars***
The mystery/paranormal part was a bit... well, out of this world ;-), but I still enjoyed it even more than Widdershins. Looks like I'm in for a hellish ride...
And even if I'm the only one on this planet who loves Julian G. Simmons's narration... I really do! ;-)
After a short detour, I'll be back with book #3.
June 1, 2020
My enthusiasm for Widdershins took me by complete surprise. While I wasn't expecting to despise it by any means, I did maintain a 'healthy' dose of distrust throughout the reading experience. So when I eventually realized how much I had actually enjoyed it, I hurriedly threw myself into the 2nd book of the series, lest I lose momentum.
Being an amateur skeptic with delusions of grandeur, my doubts made themselves known by the third sentence already. What if the excitement didn't hold up? What if it did?? What if I'll only get excited about the sex scenes??? What if I'll have to wade through SIX. MORE. BOOKS. of the same steamy sensuality????
Yeah sure, these were the exact aspects I had enjoyed most in the first book, yet all of a sudden I dreaded the prospect of being given just that. To be frank, I've always felt more comfortable relegating erotica to fanfiction. Yes, I'm a snob of the utmost degree. Or is that hypocrite?
Surprisingly enough, the author managed to deliver precisely what I needed: a mystery with plenty of romantic subtext, as opposed to the other way around, as was the case of the first book.
There is a remote mining town plagued by mysterious disappearances. Griffin and Whyborne's relationship escalates to new heights, most of them not even sensual in nature. And then there is of course Christine, who definitely sets lofty goals for any self-respecting pair of BFF-s:
For me, the one thing that can spoil even the best chemistry in the world is an unsuitable pet name. Case in point: Griffin. To most people, "my dear" is to be pronounced in Clark Gable's swoon-worthy drawl. I however, picture a grandmother's condescending admonishing.
... and don't even get me started on Ival! It perplexed me so much, that all I could do was ignore it altogether. So I'll take this opportunity to make a case for food-based pet names: vastly underrated.
Oh and don't forget to look up the meaning of fundament. I still break into a mad giggling fit when I think about it. I totally figured it was a very elegant euphemism at first, given the context.
Score: 3.3/5 stars
Inspite of my impassioned monologue on the subject of pet names, I really did appreciate that most of the book was plot-driven; and I'm referring to the murder mystery aspect here, rather than the admittedly very delicious sensual interludes.
============================================
Review of book 1: Widdershins
Review of book 1.5: Eidolon
Review of book 3: Stormhaven
Review of book 3.5: Remnant: A Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne & Griffin Mystery
Review of book 4: Necropolis
Review of book 5: Bloodline
Review of book 6: Hoarfrost
Review of book 7: Maelstrom
Review of book 8: Fallow
Review of book 8.5: Undertow
Review of book 9: Draakenwood
Review of book 10: Balefire
Review of book 11: Deosil
Being an amateur skeptic with delusions of grandeur, my doubts made themselves known by the third sentence already. What if the excitement didn't hold up? What if it did?? What if I'll only get excited about the sex scenes??? What if I'll have to wade through SIX. MORE. BOOKS. of the same steamy sensuality????
Yeah sure, these were the exact aspects I had enjoyed most in the first book, yet all of a sudden I dreaded the prospect of being given just that. To be frank, I've always felt more comfortable relegating erotica to fanfiction. Yes, I'm a snob of the utmost degree. Or is that hypocrite?
Surprisingly enough, the author managed to deliver precisely what I needed: a mystery with plenty of romantic subtext, as opposed to the other way around, as was the case of the first book.
There is a remote mining town plagued by mysterious disappearances. Griffin and Whyborne's relationship escalates to new heights, most of them not even sensual in nature. And then there is of course Christine, who definitely sets lofty goals for any self-respecting pair of BFF-s:
“I'd never do away with you using a poisoned shirt," she reassured me. "It would be pistols at dawn or nothing.”
“I think I will remain here and work on my manuscript,” Christine decided. “Going about talking to the locals sounds dreadfully boring. But if you find you need anyone shot, send word and I'll come at once.”
For me, the one thing that can spoil even the best chemistry in the world is an unsuitable pet name. Case in point: Griffin. To most people, "my dear" is to be pronounced in Clark Gable's swoon-worthy drawl. I however, picture a grandmother's condescending admonishing.
... and don't even get me started on Ival! It perplexed me so much, that all I could do was ignore it altogether. So I'll take this opportunity to make a case for food-based pet names: vastly underrated.
“My dearest Pudding pie" [ Whyborne ] read aloud.
"Yes, my little turnip?"
"Hilarious," [ Whyborne ] muttered. "If you [ Griffin ] ever call me anything of the sort again we shall have words.”
Oh and don't forget to look up the meaning of fundament. I still break into a mad giggling fit when I think about it. I totally figured it was a very elegant euphemism at first, given the context.
Score: 3.3/5 stars
Inspite of my impassioned monologue on the subject of pet names, I really did appreciate that most of the book was plot-driven; and I'm referring to the murder mystery aspect here, rather than the admittedly very delicious sensual interludes.
============================================
Review of book 1: Widdershins
Review of book 1.5: Eidolon
Review of book 3: Stormhaven
Review of book 3.5: Remnant: A Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne & Griffin Mystery
Review of book 4: Necropolis
Review of book 5: Bloodline
Review of book 6: Hoarfrost
Review of book 7: Maelstrom
Review of book 8: Fallow
Review of book 8.5: Undertow
Review of book 9: Draakenwood
Review of book 10: Balefire
Review of book 11: Deosil
June 18, 2017
5 Stars
That was AWESOME!!!
I'm sitting here scratching my head as to why it took me so long to pick up the second book in this series? Especially considering how impressed I was by the first book when I read it well over a year ago. Poor form, me!
Regardless of my personal shortcomings, this addition to the Whyborne & Griffin series was a great read. I was completely immersed from beginning to end, which is the height of esteem I can place on a book.
Here, Whyborne, Griffin and the fierce and fabulous Christine, head to a mining town called Threshold to investigate strange disappearances and other disturbing goings-on.
In my opinion, this story was much more fast-paced and even creepier than its predecessor. The mystery and the action were intense and scary at times, but in a completely fun and captivating way.
The relationship development was absolutely divine, with lots of insecurities and jealousies between Whyborne and Griffin coming into play. I absolutely adore these two men as characters, not just as a romantic pairing, but as individuals and in their partnership as friends, sometimes mystery solving colleagues and lovers.
As always, the writing and the 19th century world-building is superb. I look forward to seeing what comes next for the fantastic characters Hawk has created.
That was AWESOME!!!
I'm sitting here scratching my head as to why it took me so long to pick up the second book in this series? Especially considering how impressed I was by the first book when I read it well over a year ago. Poor form, me!
Regardless of my personal shortcomings, this addition to the Whyborne & Griffin series was a great read. I was completely immersed from beginning to end, which is the height of esteem I can place on a book.
Here, Whyborne, Griffin and the fierce and fabulous Christine, head to a mining town called Threshold to investigate strange disappearances and other disturbing goings-on.
In my opinion, this story was much more fast-paced and even creepier than its predecessor. The mystery and the action were intense and scary at times, but in a completely fun and captivating way.
The relationship development was absolutely divine, with lots of insecurities and jealousies between Whyborne and Griffin coming into play. I absolutely adore these two men as characters, not just as a romantic pairing, but as individuals and in their partnership as friends, sometimes mystery solving colleagues and lovers.
As always, the writing and the 19th century world-building is superb. I look forward to seeing what comes next for the fantastic characters Hawk has created.
October 13, 2014
Written May 18, 2014
4 1/2 Stars - a favorite couple of lovebirds - once again I got a wonderful mystery adventure with them
Threshold is the second part in the Whyborne & Griffin series. Historical crime and a bit paranormal spooky adventures featureing a wonderful couple of lovebirds, Whybourne & Griffin.
I was listening to the audiobook (little more than 7 hours) instead of reading an ebook this time. It's quite new for me but after a while I really started to like this funny and 'vivid' narration by Julian G. Simmons. His voice really felt like Whyborne's. - Well done! - I may listening to the next part, #3 Stormhaven, as well.
***********************************************************
The former Pinkerton Detective, Mr Griffin Flaherty, is a quite newcomer in the small, a bit strange, town Widdershins. A very experienced gentleman, with thick skin and a dramatic, slightly dark past history from the big city. His lover, is a lovely tall slender twenty-seven years old younger man as Griffin recently very tenderly seduced, Dr Percival Endicott Whyborne (aka the pet-name Ival in the bedroom..).
Griffin and Whyborne first met at The Ladysmith Museum where Whyborne works as an comparative philologist when Griffin needed help to decipher an ancient scripture. Then, they started together to solve a creepy paranormal mystery adventure. ...Pretty soon it became romantic and steaming hot and book one, #1 Widdershins (4 stars) ended up with a nice HEA.
~ These stories are told from Whyborne's POV. (Except the free Valentine Day novella #1.5 Eidolon (4 stars).) ~
***********************************************************
This time is this spooky adventure with a great feel of the "Old Wild West". These places where the dark and dangerous mines gave the owners (..such men as Whyborne's wealthy father) large profits. The poor mine-workers on the other hand had to work hard for a living and there were also all sort of tough men to hold together the order and protecting the owners' gold (.. or in this case the valuable coal).
The wild west theme here in Threshold (also this town's name) with bars, hookers and gun-men was a great choice and it was really fitting a spooky crime plot like this one. Our guys went far away to an mining environment and some both friendly (to friendly?) and tough hard Pinkerton men met them there.
Of course there are mysterious beings in the tunnels and men and women from the mining town disappears without a trace and others act strange. So even the stubborn and icy mining boss. ~ Our two brave heroes have a big difficult task but they have to solve the mystery.
***********************************************************
This second installment is both exciting and had a lot of heartbreaking moments when I was worried for these men and their future together. There was heartache and pain and on a few occasions, I was greatly angry and mad at Griffin.
Their relationship develops nice and slowly and in between appearing cozy scenes where words like member, musky flavor and his lenght are often used. ~ I love these old-fashioned expressions of male love-making and these mens sweet endearments to each other.
One thing that does this so great to read is dear Whitborne's own thoughts about himself. They are both so very cute but also sad at times (Stretch your back, young man! You're both goodlooking and the sweetest...).
I cannot help but recognize myself sometimes in Whyborne's thoughts about himself. ~ Why do we always see the dangers, the negative and hear criticism instead of listening to the kind and good words? ~ Fortunately, rescues his wonderful (kiss, kiss, kiss..) hero Griffin usually these disasters with his loving ways and intense heat.
***********************************************************
A wonderful addition to the MC's is of course their friend Dr Christine Putnam. She is almost my very favorite character in these books. Every scen with her in it seems to be fun and "giggles & chuckle" worthy. Christine is cheeky, smart, intelligent and a woman that sorts herself. (Christine pic: )
Wow - I want to see more heroines like her in all sorts of romances. A great example (..a future feminist favorite clearly) for silly goose ladies in distress who occasionally pops up in historical (and contemporary) romances.
***********************************************************
Threshold was actually even better than the first part and I have a feeling that this amazing well-told series will just get better and better. Yummy so good it tasted ... again!
I LIKE - these sweetie guys from the past. Yum!
~~~~~~~~~~
# BR with Sofia, Heather and of course my dear W&G series BR-bestie Bev. ~ Thanks Ladies! Our BR chat
# I first tried to read the ebook and in the same time listening to the audiobook (nicely narrated by Julian G. Simmons), but after a while was the audio quite enough.
(Interview; JLH asks Julian G. Simmons about the narration process.)
# The Whyborne & Griffin series:
4 1/2 Stars - a favorite couple of lovebirds - once again I got a wonderful mystery adventure with them
Threshold is the second part in the Whyborne & Griffin series. Historical crime and a bit paranormal spooky adventures featureing a wonderful couple of lovebirds, Whybourne & Griffin.
I was listening to the audiobook (little more than 7 hours) instead of reading an ebook this time. It's quite new for me but after a while I really started to like this funny and 'vivid' narration by Julian G. Simmons. His voice really felt like Whyborne's. - Well done! - I may listening to the next part, #3 Stormhaven, as well.
***********************************************************
The former Pinkerton Detective, Mr Griffin Flaherty, is a quite newcomer in the small, a bit strange, town Widdershins. A very experienced gentleman, with thick skin and a dramatic, slightly dark past history from the big city. His lover, is a lovely tall slender twenty-seven years old younger man as Griffin recently very tenderly seduced, Dr Percival Endicott Whyborne (aka the pet-name Ival in the bedroom..).
Griffin and Whyborne first met at The Ladysmith Museum where Whyborne works as an comparative philologist when Griffin needed help to decipher an ancient scripture. Then, they started together to solve a creepy paranormal mystery adventure. ...Pretty soon it became romantic and steaming hot and book one, #1 Widdershins (4 stars) ended up with a nice HEA.
~ These stories are told from Whyborne's POV. (Except the free Valentine Day novella #1.5 Eidolon (4 stars).) ~
***********************************************************
This time is this spooky adventure with a great feel of the "Old Wild West". These places where the dark and dangerous mines gave the owners (..such men as Whyborne's wealthy father) large profits. The poor mine-workers on the other hand had to work hard for a living and there were also all sort of tough men to hold together the order and protecting the owners' gold (.. or in this case the valuable coal).
The wild west theme here in Threshold (also this town's name) with bars, hookers and gun-men was a great choice and it was really fitting a spooky crime plot like this one. Our guys went far away to an mining environment and some both friendly (to friendly?) and tough hard Pinkerton men met them there.
Of course there are mysterious beings in the tunnels and men and women from the mining town disappears without a trace and others act strange. So even the stubborn and icy mining boss. ~ Our two brave heroes have a big difficult task but they have to solve the mystery.
***********************************************************
This second installment is both exciting and had a lot of heartbreaking moments when I was worried for these men and their future together. There was heartache and pain and on a few occasions, I was greatly angry and mad at Griffin.
Their relationship develops nice and slowly and in between appearing cozy scenes where words like member, musky flavor and his lenght are often used. ~ I love these old-fashioned expressions of male love-making and these mens sweet endearments to each other.
One thing that does this so great to read is dear Whitborne's own thoughts about himself. They are both so very cute but also sad at times (Stretch your back, young man! You're both goodlooking and the sweetest...).
“I cannot conform to society's expectations, and yet, it seems, I cannot conform to the expectations of 'men like us', either. I am called naïve, and coddled, and...and other things.”
I cannot help but recognize myself sometimes in Whyborne's thoughts about himself. ~ Why do we always see the dangers, the negative and hear criticism instead of listening to the kind and good words? ~ Fortunately, rescues his wonderful (kiss, kiss, kiss..) hero Griffin usually these disasters with his loving ways and intense heat.
“I love watching you in public, so restrained and proper, so seemingly untouchable. All the while knowing I'll have you in my bed later, whriting beneath me and begging for more.”
***********************************************************
A wonderful addition to the MC's is of course their friend Dr Christine Putnam. She is almost my very favorite character in these books. Every scen with her in it seems to be fun and "giggles & chuckle" worthy. Christine is cheeky, smart, intelligent and a woman that sorts herself. (Christine pic: )
Wow - I want to see more heroines like her in all sorts of romances. A great example (..a future feminist favorite clearly) for silly goose ladies in distress who occasionally pops up in historical (and contemporary) romances.
***********************************************************
Threshold was actually even better than the first part and I have a feeling that this amazing well-told series will just get better and better. Yummy so good it tasted ... again!
I LIKE - these sweetie guys from the past. Yum!
~~~~~~~~~~
# BR with Sofia, Heather and of course my dear W&G series BR-bestie Bev. ~ Thanks Ladies! Our BR chat# I first tried to read the ebook and in the same time listening to the audiobook (nicely narrated by Julian G. Simmons), but after a while was the audio quite enough.
(Interview; JLH asks Julian G. Simmons about the narration process.)
# The Whyborne & Griffin series:
January 28, 2021
Here we go!
I’m strapped in and ready for this ride, eager for more freaky fun with my new favorite guys. I’m not overwhelmed by the number of additions to this collection, quite the opposite actually. I can’t recall the last time I was this excited to submerge myself into an extraordinary world. I’m a glutton for Widdershins and my only apologies will be to you, for having to listen to me gush and carry on for the next several weeks. Whyborne and Griffin have synced into step, moving through their daily routines with a fierce connection pulsing between them. They have committed to each other and are embracing their new life as a couple, even if it must remain secluded to the privacy of their home. I hate that they have to keep their love undercover but can’t help but admire them and feel grateful they found one another. Whyborne’s father has secured Giffin’s services, hoping to get to the bottom of some mysterious activity at his coal mine down south. Whyborne is rather content to maintain his adventures within the walls of the Ladysmith but he would never abandon Griffin. Convincing Christine to accompany them, the three of them embark on a journey to Threshold Mountain. Have you been? Wanna join me?? Let’s go!
What's to like: “Yeah, I’m gonna take my horse to the old town road. I’m gonna ride ’til I can’t no more...” Awww, poor Whyborne. He’s just learning how to ride and well, horses are intimidating and majestic beasts. He’d much rather stick to his handsome detective but I certainly got a kick out of his valiant efforts. He’s hilarious out of his comfort zone, which is nearly everywhere. I was quickly roped in and found myself rapt during this adventure. Heading to the hills of West Virginia held its own special charm and I was fascinated with their travels. As experiments play out we learn some are as harmless as the breeze while others are the subject of nightmares. Hawks delivers another vivid and eloquent installment within this series and I think it’s only going to pick up speed from here.
What's to love: I loved watching them fall further into one another. A bit of a green-eyed monster showed up and although I was surprised, I was happy to see the turnabout of their fears. Shadows of the past appear and with them come a surge of possessiveness and protectiveness. *shivers* When Whybrone declares Griffin must be his and his alone, I felt goosebumps rupture along my arms. I loved witnessing strong, steady and confident Whyborne appear. I loved watching him claim his lover in more than a physical sense. Don’t get me wrong, the physical assertiveness was scorching too. But I adored how their hearts came together with chosen bindings. They are in this for the long haul and that’s the best news I’ve heard all year! Yes, the paranormal scenes were fantastic. Yes, the mystery was well played. Yes, Christine is bad-a** and I love her. Yes, the setting was entertaining. However, all of those solid components were merely the splendid finishing touches in my opinion. The crux of this story that totally dazzled me was simply…Whyborne and Griffin. I don’t particularly care where they go next, I’ll be there!
Beware of: The terrors are utterly dreadful. The emotions are hot and then hotter. And the adventures are treacherous and wild. It’s fast-paced fabulous fun!
This book is for: If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Percival Endicott Whyborne and Griffin Flaherty, do yourself a favor and jump back to Widdershins. I’ll catch you down the road, along this remarkable ride. Race you to the finish??
Book UNfunk
I’m strapped in and ready for this ride, eager for more freaky fun with my new favorite guys. I’m not overwhelmed by the number of additions to this collection, quite the opposite actually. I can’t recall the last time I was this excited to submerge myself into an extraordinary world. I’m a glutton for Widdershins and my only apologies will be to you, for having to listen to me gush and carry on for the next several weeks. Whyborne and Griffin have synced into step, moving through their daily routines with a fierce connection pulsing between them. They have committed to each other and are embracing their new life as a couple, even if it must remain secluded to the privacy of their home. I hate that they have to keep their love undercover but can’t help but admire them and feel grateful they found one another. Whyborne’s father has secured Giffin’s services, hoping to get to the bottom of some mysterious activity at his coal mine down south. Whyborne is rather content to maintain his adventures within the walls of the Ladysmith but he would never abandon Griffin. Convincing Christine to accompany them, the three of them embark on a journey to Threshold Mountain. Have you been? Wanna join me?? Let’s go!
What's to like: “Yeah, I’m gonna take my horse to the old town road. I’m gonna ride ’til I can’t no more...” Awww, poor Whyborne. He’s just learning how to ride and well, horses are intimidating and majestic beasts. He’d much rather stick to his handsome detective but I certainly got a kick out of his valiant efforts. He’s hilarious out of his comfort zone, which is nearly everywhere. I was quickly roped in and found myself rapt during this adventure. Heading to the hills of West Virginia held its own special charm and I was fascinated with their travels. As experiments play out we learn some are as harmless as the breeze while others are the subject of nightmares. Hawks delivers another vivid and eloquent installment within this series and I think it’s only going to pick up speed from here.
What's to love: I loved watching them fall further into one another. A bit of a green-eyed monster showed up and although I was surprised, I was happy to see the turnabout of their fears. Shadows of the past appear and with them come a surge of possessiveness and protectiveness. *shivers* When Whybrone declares Griffin must be his and his alone, I felt goosebumps rupture along my arms. I loved witnessing strong, steady and confident Whyborne appear. I loved watching him claim his lover in more than a physical sense. Don’t get me wrong, the physical assertiveness was scorching too. But I adored how their hearts came together with chosen bindings. They are in this for the long haul and that’s the best news I’ve heard all year! Yes, the paranormal scenes were fantastic. Yes, the mystery was well played. Yes, Christine is bad-a** and I love her. Yes, the setting was entertaining. However, all of those solid components were merely the splendid finishing touches in my opinion. The crux of this story that totally dazzled me was simply…Whyborne and Griffin. I don’t particularly care where they go next, I’ll be there!
Beware of: The terrors are utterly dreadful. The emotions are hot and then hotter. And the adventures are treacherous and wild. It’s fast-paced fabulous fun!
This book is for: If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Percival Endicott Whyborne and Griffin Flaherty, do yourself a favor and jump back to Widdershins. I’ll catch you down the road, along this remarkable ride. Race you to the finish??
Book UNfunk
October 31, 2020
So I wrongly marked the first book as british, how did I miss this is all based in America?? Funny talking I suppose. Sounds very british...
Anyway, it's in America.
I give this 4.5 stars. rounded up bc I inhaled this book in a few hours and will be inhaling the next one. Maybe it's bc this one is much shorter (and all the other books in the series, it seems) and maybe bc I've now got the plot and used to the style. Moved very fast. Not enuf sex tho - I did like the relationship development and sexy times in the first book. This was very much focused on the creatures and suspense and brain/ body snatchers. Lots of adventure.
Surprisingly, I liked better than the first! Wasn't expecting it when I read the summary. Thanks to my GR friends (who were right), I spent a few hours immersed.
On to the next!
Anyway, it's in America.
I give this 4.5 stars. rounded up bc I inhaled this book in a few hours and will be inhaling the next one. Maybe it's bc this one is much shorter (and all the other books in the series, it seems) and maybe bc I've now got the plot and used to the style. Moved very fast. Not enuf sex tho - I did like the relationship development and sexy times in the first book. This was very much focused on the creatures and suspense and brain/ body snatchers. Lots of adventure.
Surprisingly, I liked better than the first! Wasn't expecting it when I read the summary. Thanks to my GR friends (who were right), I spent a few hours immersed.
On to the next!
May 30, 2025
4th re-read May 2025
__________________________
I almost forgot how much I love Whyborne :)
__________________________
I almost forgot how much I love Whyborne :)
February 15, 2018
Rating: 3.5* of five, rounded up (actually out of four because there's a cat presented as a suitable companion animal for humans, which costs the perpetrator one star automatically)
The Publisher Says: Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne wants nothing more than to live quietly with his lover, ex-Pinkerton detective Griffin Flaherty. Unfortunately, Whyborne's railroad tycoon father has other ideas, namely hiring Griffin to investigate mysterious events at a coal mine.
Whyborne, Griffin, and their friend Christine travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. A contingent of Pinkertons—including Griffin's ex-lover Elliot—already guard the mine. But Griffin knows better than anyone just how unprepared the detectives are to face the otherworldly forces threatening them.
Soon, Whyborne and Griffin are on the trail of mysterious disappearances, deadly accidents, and whispered secrets. Is Elliot an ally, or does he only want to rekindle his relationship with Griffin? And if so, how can Whyborne possibly hope to compete with the stunningly handsome Pinkerton—especially when Griffin is hiding secrets about his past?
For in a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can't afford to trust anything—including his own heart.
My Review: These stories are all in the Lovecraft Mythos. I think I wasn't au fait when I began the series. This makes my feelings about the reads quite different.
Whyborne and Griffin get invited to dinner at the home of Whyborne's much-despised daddy. He hires Griffin, thus also his son, to investigate paranormal doins at a mine that supplies his railroad. They recruit Christine Putnam, Whyborne's Egyptologist/Annie Oakley-level shot colleague at the Ladysmith Museum, as the backup muscle. (Seriously, does it matter why she's along? She has to be, so let's go with it.) They go to some ghastly little horror-movie burg in West Virginia (a state in which I say, from my own experience, there is nothing but horror-movie burgs):
And this, laddies and gentlewomen, is Whyborne's first-ever trip away from Massachusetts! I can see the setting, I can feel the depths of utter horror poor, poor Whyborne experiences as he sees this vista of how the other 99.99% live.
The town is insular, cut off from reality, and that makes it vulnerable to alien invasion by creatures from outside our dimension of reality. (Watch that linked video on the Lovecraft Mythos!) In fact, the same thing that the white folk are using the mountain for...coal...is what attracted the aliens to the site. I don't know what spidercrabscorpion aliens would want with coal, but then I wouldn't, would I, what with being human and all. The aliens are called yayhos by the humans they...get to know...and are really, really, really revolting. It's mentioned several times that they smell of ammonia. Not a favorite smell of most humans. And what they say they want, just to be left alone to pillage our planet, makes them deeply analogous to Western colonial powers using Africa in the same late-19th-century timeframe as these books are set. The yayhos have a deep-seated need to learn and explore. Check. They have a callous indifference to whom they hurt in the process. Check. Small groups of them can inflict major damage on us, the natives. Check.
So no one needs to smirk condescendingly about the one-dimensionality of the story. It is making its social commentary and coming (!) to the correct, socially progressive conclusions on many fronts. The conditions for the miners in the town are portrayed accurately and judged harshly; race relations enter into the story and are dealt with accurately and found wanting; the role of the Pinkertons, Griffin's erstwhile employers, as forces of regressive and repressive capital is presented as part of a sub-plot linking Griffin to Elliot, the Threshold Pinkerton manager and Griffin's long-ago savior when he ran away from home to go to the Big City of Chicago.
Also coming out (!) of this entry in the series is the acknowledgment and inclusion in the arc of Griffin and Whyborne's relationship are the two stonking elephants in the room: Whyborne's life of privilege vs Griffin's hardscrabble beginnings; and Griffin's horrible, nightmarish confinement to a madhouse after he first encounters the Lovecraftian side of life. That was lightly touched on in the first book, Widdershins, but here we're faced with the man who found Griffin and made him a Pinkerton in the first place in Elliot. He was also the man who, after Griffin faced the madness-inducing terrors that cost him a partner in service of a Pinkerton case, slung Griffin into a madhouse. And walked away, never looking back. Elliot and Griffin have a lot to say to each other. They say it at an inopportune moment, sadly, leading to Whyborne coming to the hotel where he, Griffin, and Christine are all staying just as Elliot is leaving Griffin's room. A fight, unsurprisingly, ensues, in which some hurtful stuff is said and much, much miscommunication is experienced.
Griffin pleads to Whyborne in defense of his libidinous history with Elliot and with his dead partner Glenn, whose wife and kids were offered up to Whyborne as misdirection when he wanted to know if Griffin freaked out about Glenn's death because they were intime. Finding out that no lie was told makes not one jot of difference, of course, to Whyborne's sense of outrage:
It was, and is, ever thus. I speak from long, long experience when I say that this is going on right now and chances are much better than even that you know a couple where one or the other of the partners is in denial about her/is sexual preference. Especially if you live in a red state, or are a member of a religious community with strong opinions about how gawd wants people to eat/dress/fuck. Almost certainly you do if you're over 50.
But the author has much more in store for us than mere social engineering. We're going on a guilt trip! Perfidy abounds; double dealing reaches art-form nicety; the irredeemable are all around us, and their fate is condign. The biggest surprise comes as Griffin and Whyborne come out to each other as lovers:
And that right there? That slayed me. What makes me read light romantic fiction, given the years and years of reading...forty-nine years since I got my own library card, fifty-two since I asked for and got my first very-own book...one might wonder. This is what: I want to believe. After almost sixty years on this wide green Earth of ours, I still want to believe that stories tell us truths we're waiting to live, show us goals we can actually achieve, let us love the loves we let go of, lost, failed, never found, just as if they were here and now.
There's not a lot of sex in these...wait...I've recently been told a book that had so little sex in it that I described it as heterosafe was, in fact, not so. I'll say this: The sex in this book is put in places and set at heat levels that match the storytelling. It's not shoved into places it shouldn't go, in other words.
I stared at that phrase for a good while before deciding to leave it there. If that double entendre makes you purse your lips, do not ever, ever buy, borrow, or gawd forbid *read* these books!
The Publisher Says: Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne wants nothing more than to live quietly with his lover, ex-Pinkerton detective Griffin Flaherty. Unfortunately, Whyborne's railroad tycoon father has other ideas, namely hiring Griffin to investigate mysterious events at a coal mine.
Whyborne, Griffin, and their friend Christine travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. A contingent of Pinkertons—including Griffin's ex-lover Elliot—already guard the mine. But Griffin knows better than anyone just how unprepared the detectives are to face the otherworldly forces threatening them.
Soon, Whyborne and Griffin are on the trail of mysterious disappearances, deadly accidents, and whispered secrets. Is Elliot an ally, or does he only want to rekindle his relationship with Griffin? And if so, how can Whyborne possibly hope to compete with the stunningly handsome Pinkerton—especially when Griffin is hiding secrets about his past?
For in a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can't afford to trust anything—including his own heart.
My Review: These stories are all in the Lovecraft Mythos. I think I wasn't au fait when I began the series. This makes my feelings about the reads quite different.
Whyborne and Griffin get invited to dinner at the home of Whyborne's much-despised daddy. He hires Griffin, thus also his son, to investigate paranormal doins at a mine that supplies his railroad. They recruit Christine Putnam, Whyborne's Egyptologist/Annie Oakley-level shot colleague at the Ladysmith Museum, as the backup muscle. (Seriously, does it matter why she's along? She has to be, so let's go with it.) They go to some ghastly little horror-movie burg in West Virginia (a state in which I say, from my own experience, there is nothing but horror-movie burgs):
The heights blocked the prevailing west-east breezes, leaving the air stagnant and still. Mosquitoes hummed above pools of water in the unpaved streets, and sweat prickled my neck beneath my collar. I longed for a bit of shade, but the lack of trees anywhere within the town made it a forlorn hope.
And this, laddies and gentlewomen, is Whyborne's first-ever trip away from Massachusetts! I can see the setting, I can feel the depths of utter horror poor, poor Whyborne experiences as he sees this vista of how the other 99.99% live.
The town is insular, cut off from reality, and that makes it vulnerable to alien invasion by creatures from outside our dimension of reality. (Watch that linked video on the Lovecraft Mythos!) In fact, the same thing that the white folk are using the mountain for...coal...is what attracted the aliens to the site. I don't know what spidercrabscorpion aliens would want with coal, but then I wouldn't, would I, what with being human and all. The aliens are called yayhos by the humans they...get to know...and are really, really, really revolting. It's mentioned several times that they smell of ammonia. Not a favorite smell of most humans. And what they say they want, just to be left alone to pillage our planet, makes them deeply analogous to Western colonial powers using Africa in the same late-19th-century timeframe as these books are set. The yayhos have a deep-seated need to learn and explore. Check. They have a callous indifference to whom they hurt in the process. Check. Small groups of them can inflict major damage on us, the natives. Check.
So no one needs to smirk condescendingly about the one-dimensionality of the story. It is making its social commentary and coming (!) to the correct, socially progressive conclusions on many fronts. The conditions for the miners in the town are portrayed accurately and judged harshly; race relations enter into the story and are dealt with accurately and found wanting; the role of the Pinkertons, Griffin's erstwhile employers, as forces of regressive and repressive capital is presented as part of a sub-plot linking Griffin to Elliot, the Threshold Pinkerton manager and Griffin's long-ago savior when he ran away from home to go to the Big City of Chicago.
Also coming out (!) of this entry in the series is the acknowledgment and inclusion in the arc of Griffin and Whyborne's relationship are the two stonking elephants in the room: Whyborne's life of privilege vs Griffin's hardscrabble beginnings; and Griffin's horrible, nightmarish confinement to a madhouse after he first encounters the Lovecraftian side of life. That was lightly touched on in the first book, Widdershins, but here we're faced with the man who found Griffin and made him a Pinkerton in the first place in Elliot. He was also the man who, after Griffin faced the madness-inducing terrors that cost him a partner in service of a Pinkerton case, slung Griffin into a madhouse. And walked away, never looking back. Elliot and Griffin have a lot to say to each other. They say it at an inopportune moment, sadly, leading to Whyborne coming to the hotel where he, Griffin, and Christine are all staying just as Elliot is leaving Griffin's room. A fight, unsurprisingly, ensues, in which some hurtful stuff is said and much, much miscommunication is experienced.
Griffin pleads to Whyborne in defense of his libidinous history with Elliot and with his dead partner Glenn, whose wife and kids were offered up to Whyborne as misdirection when he wanted to know if Griffin freaked out about Glenn's death because they were intime. Finding out that no lie was told makes not one jot of difference, of course, to Whyborne's sense of outrage:
“Believe me when I say I did a great deal more with other men, some of whom, yes, were married. It’s not unusual, you know. Many men like us have a normal family as well.”
It was, and is, ever thus. I speak from long, long experience when I say that this is going on right now and chances are much better than even that you know a couple where one or the other of the partners is in denial about her/is sexual preference. Especially if you live in a red state, or are a member of a religious community with strong opinions about how gawd wants people to eat/dress/fuck. Almost certainly you do if you're over 50.
But the author has much more in store for us than mere social engineering. We're going on a guilt trip! Perfidy abounds; double dealing reaches art-form nicety; the irredeemable are all around us, and their fate is condign. The biggest surprise comes as Griffin and Whyborne come out to each other as lovers:
The fingers of his free hand caught my chin, gently turning my face to his. His green eyes shone, and the smile on his mouth was soft and sweet. “You are my joy, Ival, and I love you more than I thought possible.”
Emotion tightened my throat. “As you are mine.”
“Even if I’m just the son of a farmer from Kansas, who happened to have a talent for mimicking his betters?”
I traced the line of his jaw, until my fingers came to rest just beside the curve of his lips. “You’re not just the son of a farmer from Kansas, or even the orphaned son of an Irishman, or anything else.”
“I’m not? Then who am I?”
“A good man. A man who wants to do what is best, by his friends and the world. But more importantly, the man I love.” His smile was like the breaking of sunshine through clouds. “I think I can live with that,” he said, and kissed me again.
And that right there? That slayed me. What makes me read light romantic fiction, given the years and years of reading...forty-nine years since I got my own library card, fifty-two since I asked for and got my first very-own book...one might wonder. This is what: I want to believe. After almost sixty years on this wide green Earth of ours, I still want to believe that stories tell us truths we're waiting to live, show us goals we can actually achieve, let us love the loves we let go of, lost, failed, never found, just as if they were here and now.
There's not a lot of sex in these...wait...I've recently been told a book that had so little sex in it that I described it as heterosafe was, in fact, not so. I'll say this: The sex in this book is put in places and set at heat levels that match the storytelling. It's not shoved into places it shouldn't go, in other words.
I stared at that phrase for a good while before deciding to leave it there. If that double entendre makes you purse your lips, do not ever, ever buy, borrow, or gawd forbid *read* these books!
June 29, 2013
Before I go into gush mode over the book Ive just got to give big props to the character of Christine. A feisty,no nonsense, brusque, would have done Mrs Pankhurst proud, kick ass female who might not always come over with the warm and fuzzies but by god if I was ever in the sort of situations these lot get into, then I know who I'd want covering my back! I think she has to be the best female leading character in any m/m romance Ive ever read. I said it in one of my updates... What a woman, and you can't help but love her more and more as the story progresses.
Anyway back to book two in the Whyborne and Griffin Series ( of which I'm frantically praying there'll be more of )
. If you've seen my review of
then you'll know I absolutely loved it and having just finished this, I'm now even more enamoured.
What a fantastic paranormal series this is turning out to be. Percival Endicott Whyborne, Griffin Flannery and Dr Christine Putnam have fast wormed their way into my heart and will be staying there for hell a long time. Another exciting, yet ultra creepy story set around strange goings on in a Western mining town and the coal mine itself. The three intrepid heroes are despatched there by Whybornes rotten father who owns the mine and when they arrive they're greeted by another Pinkerton detective who's also an ex partner of Griffins, so as well as squaring up to strange terryfying creatures and fighting sinister forces from another world Whyborne is also fighting feelings of jealousy! Even though they're more established as a couple and truly in love there are still things in the background worrying both of them about their prospective roles in the relationship, one being their cultural differences and another Percival's lack of self confidence and self esteem so of course throw a spanner in the works in the form of a handsome ex and this leads to some personal conflict. However, whereas this would normally be an eye rolling scenario in this case it really adds to the tension and edge of the seat moments of the book and I was glued as to how it would all turn out.
Everybody's character grows in this second outing and it was wonderful to see Whyborne becoming more confident as the story progressed whilst still keeping that quirky, shy repressed professor side of his persona which is so endearing and is what draws you to him in the first place and Griffin is just swoon worthy. The love scenes may not come thick and fast but when they do feature... Boy are they sexy!
Even though this is classed as historical and takes place ( I think ) in the early 20th century, it just feels different. Obviously because of the Paranormal aspect which Is a bit Indiana Jones , Lovecraftian style horrors and in this case a touch of H G Wells. Delicious! I happily admit that at this moment I'm definitely fan girling Jordan. Lol!
So another high rated review from me and if I had my way I'd be doubling my stars! Outstanding and never leaving my Kindle.
Anyway back to book two in the Whyborne and Griffin Series ( of which I'm frantically praying there'll be more of )
. If you've seen my review of
then you'll know I absolutely loved it and having just finished this, I'm now even more enamoured. What a fantastic paranormal series this is turning out to be. Percival Endicott Whyborne, Griffin Flannery and Dr Christine Putnam have fast wormed their way into my heart and will be staying there for hell a long time. Another exciting, yet ultra creepy story set around strange goings on in a Western mining town and the coal mine itself. The three intrepid heroes are despatched there by Whybornes rotten father who owns the mine and when they arrive they're greeted by another Pinkerton detective who's also an ex partner of Griffins, so as well as squaring up to strange terryfying creatures and fighting sinister forces from another world Whyborne is also fighting feelings of jealousy! Even though they're more established as a couple and truly in love there are still things in the background worrying both of them about their prospective roles in the relationship, one being their cultural differences and another Percival's lack of self confidence and self esteem so of course throw a spanner in the works in the form of a handsome ex and this leads to some personal conflict. However, whereas this would normally be an eye rolling scenario in this case it really adds to the tension and edge of the seat moments of the book and I was glued as to how it would all turn out.
Everybody's character grows in this second outing and it was wonderful to see Whyborne becoming more confident as the story progressed whilst still keeping that quirky, shy repressed professor side of his persona which is so endearing and is what draws you to him in the first place and Griffin is just swoon worthy. The love scenes may not come thick and fast but when they do feature... Boy are they sexy!
Even though this is classed as historical and takes place ( I think ) in the early 20th century, it just feels different. Obviously because of the Paranormal aspect which Is a bit Indiana Jones , Lovecraftian style horrors and in this case a touch of H G Wells. Delicious! I happily admit that at this moment I'm definitely fan girling Jordan. Lol!
So another high rated review from me and if I had my way I'd be doubling my stars! Outstanding and never leaving my Kindle.
June 16, 2013
Percival Whyborne is surprised when his father wants to hire his detective lover (not that his father knows about that!) Griffin to investigate the possibility of something otherworldly happening at Threshold Mine. Together with Christine Putnam, the spunky and headstrong archaeologist, the three of them head to Threshold.
--------------
I definitely thought it was better than book #1. Whyborne and Griffin were solid -- and I totally loved how Whyborne worked his way outside the comfort of his office and the city of Widdershins (the scene where he 'entertained' the Threshold prostitutes was one of my favorite scenes here).
Whyborne and Griffin's relationship was definitely moving forward. I was happy to learn more about Griffin's past (he was a bit mysterious for me). I also enjoyed how Whyborne's character progressed; he definitely showed bravery and determination when push came to shove. And Christine? A kick-ass woman in M/M adventure romance? That alone should be cause for celebration!
The mystery was well-plotted as well. Involving mysterious caves and dark woods, the scenes were so well-written, it would make a great mystery/horror TV movie. All the elements were there. Although, I had to admit that .
This is a series that I would love to read more. I hope Ms. Hawk returns with these three characters and adventures outside of Widdershins.
My favorite quote from Christine:
"Buck up, old fellow. If we cannot find models in our past, we must try to build a future where they can exist, and devil take anyone who tries to tell us we can't. If we grow old and gray together as companions, well, by the time we're eighty, we won't give a fig for society's rules or anyone else's."
--------------
I definitely thought it was better than book #1. Whyborne and Griffin were solid -- and I totally loved how Whyborne worked his way outside the comfort of his office and the city of Widdershins (the scene where he 'entertained' the Threshold prostitutes was one of my favorite scenes here).
Whyborne and Griffin's relationship was definitely moving forward. I was happy to learn more about Griffin's past (he was a bit mysterious for me). I also enjoyed how Whyborne's character progressed; he definitely showed bravery and determination when push came to shove. And Christine? A kick-ass woman in M/M adventure romance? That alone should be cause for celebration!
The mystery was well-plotted as well. Involving mysterious caves and dark woods, the scenes were so well-written, it would make a great mystery/horror TV movie. All the elements were there. Although, I had to admit that .
This is a series that I would love to read more. I hope Ms. Hawk returns with these three characters and adventures outside of Widdershins.
My favorite quote from Christine:
"Buck up, old fellow. If we cannot find models in our past, we must try to build a future where they can exist, and devil take anyone who tries to tell us we can't. If we grow old and gray together as companions, well, by the time we're eighty, we won't give a fig for society's rules or anyone else's."
June 7, 2017
I liked this book but it was definitely more paranormal mystery than romance as compared to the first. That being said, it still had poignant moments between the two MC's and some LOL dialogue - but just not enough. I wanted more! Regardless, an excellent addition.
October 1, 2014
What did I love about this book?
The Characters: Whyborne and Griffin are so endearing and adorable and sweet. Some may say "overly sweet", but I love them!! And I also love how Christine is always at the ready to play the beard when she needs to. Plus, I love the banter between these three.
The Progression of the Relationship: I didn't think there was as much smexy-time in this book as there was in the first; of course, they weren't exactly in the safest place to be getting hot and heavy. Don't misunderstand me, these guys are still HOT, and I could really feel how much they were in love with each other, with the hidden touches and secret smiles. My heart just fluttered every time Griffin called him "Ival". I loved how this book brought out both of their biggest insecurities: Whyborne is so insecure about is looks, and Griffin fears that he is unworthy because of his roots and his past. But they are both so very, very wrong. I liked how we got to see them overcome a pretty big quarrel. Don't worry, there was absolutely no infidelity here...I totally freaked out when I read the blurb!
The Setting: While it was completely different from the dark alleys and creepy museum we got in Widdershins, it was still just as vivid; from the coal dust to the colorful prostitutes to the scary dark woods.
The Investigation: I loved how Whyborne was really doing most of the work, even though Griffin was the hired PI. Honestly, I don't think Griffin did much of anything except for constantly rescuing Whyborne. And then there was Christine, who always had her gun at the ready.
The Bad Guys: Or should I say "bad creatures"? I never in a million years would have expected that. Even when the tales were told, I didn't believe it to be the truth. Not until I saw it, er, read it with my own eyes. Bravo, Jordan, for that creativeness. I don't want to spoiler anything, but I will say that I don't think the mystery here was as well-spun or as complicated as it was in the first book.
What do I hope to see in the future?
More Sorcery: Contrary to what Griffin wants, I would like to see Whyborne increase his skills at the spells. Not saying I want Whyborne to go all crazy and dark or anything! Just that I love those parts in the books when Whyborne uses power.
4.5 Stars
Please read my full review at The Blog of Sid Love
The Characters: Whyborne and Griffin are so endearing and adorable and sweet. Some may say "overly sweet", but I love them!! And I also love how Christine is always at the ready to play the beard when she needs to. Plus, I love the banter between these three.
The Progression of the Relationship: I didn't think there was as much smexy-time in this book as there was in the first; of course, they weren't exactly in the safest place to be getting hot and heavy. Don't misunderstand me, these guys are still HOT, and I could really feel how much they were in love with each other, with the hidden touches and secret smiles. My heart just fluttered every time Griffin called him "Ival". I loved how this book brought out both of their biggest insecurities: Whyborne is so insecure about is looks, and Griffin fears that he is unworthy because of his roots and his past. But they are both so very, very wrong. I liked how we got to see them overcome a pretty big quarrel. Don't worry, there was absolutely no infidelity here...I totally freaked out when I read the blurb!
The Setting: While it was completely different from the dark alleys and creepy museum we got in Widdershins, it was still just as vivid; from the coal dust to the colorful prostitutes to the scary dark woods.
The Investigation: I loved how Whyborne was really doing most of the work, even though Griffin was the hired PI. Honestly, I don't think Griffin did much of anything except for constantly rescuing Whyborne. And then there was Christine, who always had her gun at the ready.
The Bad Guys: Or should I say "bad creatures"? I never in a million years would have expected that. Even when the tales were told, I didn't believe it to be the truth. Not until I saw it, er, read it with my own eyes. Bravo, Jordan, for that creativeness. I don't want to spoiler anything, but I will say that I don't think the mystery here was as well-spun or as complicated as it was in the first book.
What do I hope to see in the future?
More Sorcery: Contrary to what Griffin wants, I would like to see Whyborne increase his skills at the spells. Not saying I want Whyborne to go all crazy and dark or anything! Just that I love those parts in the books when Whyborne uses power.
4.5 Stars
Please read my full review at The Blog of Sid Love
March 8, 2014
I'm so connected with this series that I can't stop reading it!
This second book has some very funny parts, but has also some really scary!!! My heart was beating so fast that I wanted to scream! I loved it!
Whyborne is amazing... he can be funny talking with whores, he can be brave dealing with aliens, he can be jealous of his lover's past or he can be romantic and sweet shy! He is complete! He is the heart of this series and I never get tired of him!
Griffin is also fantastic, not so complete as Whyborne, but he has a dark past, that we know more about in this book. His past makes him vulnerable and insecure! Whyborne is always there to support him, to give him strength,courage and love! They are perfect together!
And Christine! I think that she is one of the best female characters that I've encountered in so many books! She is funny, strong, intelligent and not at all boring!!!! She gives a bright light to this series and I hope that she keeps following Whyborne and Griffin on their adventures!!!
My conclusion is that I have to read the next book right away!!!
This second book has some very funny parts, but has also some really scary!!! My heart was beating so fast that I wanted to scream! I loved it!
Whyborne is amazing... he can be funny talking with whores, he can be brave dealing with aliens, he can be jealous of his lover's past or he can be romantic and sweet shy! He is complete! He is the heart of this series and I never get tired of him!
Griffin is also fantastic, not so complete as Whyborne, but he has a dark past, that we know more about in this book. His past makes him vulnerable and insecure! Whyborne is always there to support him, to give him strength,courage and love! They are perfect together!
And Christine! I think that she is one of the best female characters that I've encountered in so many books! She is funny, strong, intelligent and not at all boring!!!! She gives a bright light to this series and I hope that she keeps following Whyborne and Griffin on their adventures!!!
My conclusion is that I have to read the next book right away!!!
January 2, 2020
Having enjoyed the previous book I was looking forward to reading this one.
It reminded me of the B movies my friend and her husband watch.
I love both Whyborne and Griffin and Christine of course. But this story was way out there. And honestly I didn’t like it as much as the previous one.
It has a lot of good moments and do like these characters. So it’s straight onto the next book for me.
May 6, 2019
OMG, I loved this book! This time it takes Whyborne, Griffin and Christine to the mountains of Threshold where they encounter untold horror and face Griffin's past. It was equal parts fascinating and gruesome. I was in haven.
Whyborne out of his comfort zone is so adorable, so funny and at times awkward. He is no leader but for his lover and his best friend Christine he will face anything. Griffin is patient and loyal, he accepts Whyborne's quirks and loves him anyway. Christine is a force to be reckoned with. She is trustworthy and is always in the thick of things. The banter alone was hilarious and full of sarcasm only Christine can pull off.
The investigation is unpredictable, it takes them to caves and forests, dusty mines and saloon's bar in attempts to uncover just what is going on. Someone tries to split them apart, there is betrayal and jealousy, fear and horrific monsters bent on obliterating everyone on their path. Both miners and Pinkertons come together against common enemy. It's an exciting battle for their lives. My imagination was working overtime. I loved the danger, the tender moments and the despair that everyone felt, and yet they risked everything to put a stop to otherworldly creatures that haunt the mountains. It was awesome spine-chilling read, and I loved every page!!!
Whyborne out of his comfort zone is so adorable, so funny and at times awkward. He is no leader but for his lover and his best friend Christine he will face anything. Griffin is patient and loyal, he accepts Whyborne's quirks and loves him anyway. Christine is a force to be reckoned with. She is trustworthy and is always in the thick of things. The banter alone was hilarious and full of sarcasm only Christine can pull off.
The investigation is unpredictable, it takes them to caves and forests, dusty mines and saloon's bar in attempts to uncover just what is going on. Someone tries to split them apart, there is betrayal and jealousy, fear and horrific monsters bent on obliterating everyone on their path. Both miners and Pinkertons come together against common enemy. It's an exciting battle for their lives. My imagination was working overtime. I loved the danger, the tender moments and the despair that everyone felt, and yet they risked everything to put a stop to otherworldly creatures that haunt the mountains. It was awesome spine-chilling read, and I loved every page!!!
August 8, 2015
I'm really liking this series. Where the last book I read took me almost a week to finish, I gobbled this one up in less than a day. It was so entertaining! I'm loving these characters, especially Whyborne. He's just so prim and proper. He's scandalized by the thought of people walking about in their shirtsleeves. He makes me giggle like a schoolgirl. I'll be continuing this series post haste.
July 2, 2021
Whyborne & Griffin deserve a much better review from me but the tank is out of gas, I got nothing left, LOL! *side-eyes GA*
I love these guys so much already. Awkward, brilliant, soft-hearted Whyborne and worldly, gorgeous and kind Griffin, both who think they are so unworthy of the other. Then there's Whyborne's amazing colleague *and friend* Christine, who is a legit badass, both as a friend and a woman ahead of her time.
The setting feels so authentic to the time period and Jordan L Hawk's writing is outstanding without fail. The plot was just excellent with exciting, genuinely creepy moments and I loved every minute of it. This is only the second book into the series and I'm so looking forward to all the rest! 💕
I love these guys so much already. Awkward, brilliant, soft-hearted Whyborne and worldly, gorgeous and kind Griffin, both who think they are so unworthy of the other. Then there's Whyborne's amazing colleague *and friend* Christine, who is a legit badass, both as a friend and a woman ahead of her time.
The setting feels so authentic to the time period and Jordan L Hawk's writing is outstanding without fail. The plot was just excellent with exciting, genuinely creepy moments and I loved every minute of it. This is only the second book into the series and I'm so looking forward to all the rest! 💕
June 14, 2014
More supernatural shenanigans for Griffin and Whyborne to sort out with a little lot of help from Christine.
This was highly entertaining. Since less time was devoted to set up the world of Widdershins and the characters, one gets to enjoy more of the action and interaction between the characters. A nice twist as the three head out of their regular stomping grounds south to coal mining country. A couple surprises await them in Threshold and there's definitely a gruesome taint just like in the first, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Reminds me of old fashion monster movies or Sinbad the Sailor.
Loved the development in Griffin and Whyborne's relationship and learning more about Griffin in particular. There's all kinds of cute and angsty things going on to keep you on your toes.
Christine steals the show with her sharp wit and dry wisdom--and her ball busting, ain't taking no bullshit attitude. Finally, a nice zinger at the end leaves a refreshing taste in the mouth.
Favorite quote:
This was highly entertaining. Since less time was devoted to set up the world of Widdershins and the characters, one gets to enjoy more of the action and interaction between the characters. A nice twist as the three head out of their regular stomping grounds south to coal mining country. A couple surprises await them in Threshold and there's definitely a gruesome taint just like in the first, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Reminds me of old fashion monster movies or Sinbad the Sailor.
Loved the development in Griffin and Whyborne's relationship and learning more about Griffin in particular. There's all kinds of cute and angsty things going on to keep you on your toes.
“My dearest pudding pie,” I read aloud.
“Yes, my little turnip?”
“Hilarious,” I muttered. “If you ever call me anything of the sort again, we shall have words.
Christine steals the show with her sharp wit and dry wisdom--and her ball busting, ain't taking no bullshit attitude. Finally, a nice zinger at the end leaves a refreshing taste in the mouth.
Favorite quote:
"If we cannot find models in our past, we must try to build a future where they can exist, and devil take anyone who tries to tell us we can’t."
May 7, 2020
Totally enjoyable and totally creepy!
The creep factor was turned up on this follow up to Widdershins-if you can believe it!
Here we have our heroes and heroine in the middle of nowhere W. Virginia trying to uncover the source of “odd” happenings and disappearances in a small mining town owned by Whyborne’s father. Odd does not even begin to cover this creepy town and the mines.
I enjoyed listening to it-the narrator seems to have improved his differentiation between the characters and helped to create a tense and murky atmosphere.
Read it, listen to it, this series is just fun and well written!
The creep factor was turned up on this follow up to Widdershins-if you can believe it!
Here we have our heroes and heroine in the middle of nowhere W. Virginia trying to uncover the source of “odd” happenings and disappearances in a small mining town owned by Whyborne’s father. Odd does not even begin to cover this creepy town and the mines.
I enjoyed listening to it-the narrator seems to have improved his differentiation between the characters and helped to create a tense and murky atmosphere.
Read it, listen to it, this series is just fun and well written!
March 9, 2014
4.5*
Ok, first things first, I will never be a fan of m/m historicals for the reasons I mentioned in my review of Widdershins, but, and this is a big but ( NOT that kind of butt) this series is the exception and definitely worth reading and I can absolutely recommend it! ( even to historical haters like me)
I am loving these guys more and more each book and the freaky scary cases they so bravely and cleverly solve are creative and fun ( in a freaky and scary kind of way, of course).
I felt their relationship really took a turn for the better in this book, they had a crisis of faith, so to speak and some of Griffin's doubts and worries were brought up.
Whyborne is still as cute as could be. No wonder Griffin loves him and Christine ( the awesomely kickass chick that she is) is his friend.
“Forgive me, I hate to suggest it, but is it possible she came to harm at the hands of the man she went to meet?” I asked. “Threshold is no Whitechapel, but…”
“Well, ain’t you sweet!” exclaimed Miss Hatford.
How could pointing out their profession carried with it the danger of death and dismemberment possibly be “sweet?” But they all leveled fond looks at me, so I refrained from asking. Griffin would be proud.”
Gotta love him!
This book was a little bloodier than the first and whereas in book 1 Whyborne's past was brought to the front, here it is Griffin's past.
Anyway, I LOVE this couple and I love Christine and I love seeing them fighting the baddies and falling even more for each other and now I'm off to buy book 3.
Ok, first things first, I will never be a fan of m/m historicals for the reasons I mentioned in my review of Widdershins, but, and this is a big but ( NOT that kind of butt) this series is the exception and definitely worth reading and I can absolutely recommend it! ( even to historical haters like me)
I am loving these guys more and more each book and the freaky scary cases they so bravely and cleverly solve are creative and fun ( in a freaky and scary kind of way, of course).
I felt their relationship really took a turn for the better in this book, they had a crisis of faith, so to speak and some of Griffin's doubts and worries were brought up.
Whyborne is still as cute as could be. No wonder Griffin loves him and Christine ( the awesomely kickass chick that she is) is his friend.
“Forgive me, I hate to suggest it, but is it possible she came to harm at the hands of the man she went to meet?” I asked. “Threshold is no Whitechapel, but…”
“Well, ain’t you sweet!” exclaimed Miss Hatford.
How could pointing out their profession carried with it the danger of death and dismemberment possibly be “sweet?” But they all leveled fond looks at me, so I refrained from asking. Griffin would be proud.”
Gotta love him!
This book was a little bloodier than the first and whereas in book 1 Whyborne's past was brought to the front, here it is Griffin's past.
Anyway, I LOVE this couple and I love Christine and I love seeing them fighting the baddies and falling even more for each other and now I'm off to buy book 3.
November 18, 2023
Reread - Nov 2023, August 2019 - Well got through that in a day!
Review
Wonderful! Just as funny, sexy and endearing as the first one. Not as scary or intense, but still very exciting ;-)
Whyborne is one of my favourite characters ever! I just love his awkwardness!
“We m-made love the other night— during the storm— you licked my, er, that is, my a-anus,” I blurted, my face burning. Then a horrible thought occurred. “And if Christine is with you, for God’s sake, just skewer me now and be done with it!”
Christine is such an amazing female character, probably one of the few side characters I love to read about.
“Going about talking to the locals sounds dreadfully boring. But if you find you need anyone shot, send word and I’ll come at once.”
And Grffin so strong and sexy and yet so insecure and vulnerable *sighs* I just love these guys!
Review
Wonderful! Just as funny, sexy and endearing as the first one. Not as scary or intense, but still very exciting ;-)
Whyborne is one of my favourite characters ever! I just love his awkwardness!
“We m-made love the other night— during the storm— you licked my, er, that is, my a-anus,” I blurted, my face burning. Then a horrible thought occurred. “And if Christine is with you, for God’s sake, just skewer me now and be done with it!”
Christine is such an amazing female character, probably one of the few side characters I love to read about.
“Going about talking to the locals sounds dreadfully boring. But if you find you need anyone shot, send word and I’ll come at once.”
And Grffin so strong and sexy and yet so insecure and vulnerable *sighs* I just love these guys!
March 7, 2014
Poor Whyborne, he never does seem to get the quiet life he craves with Griffin does he! Whyborne has lost some of his nervousness and self doubt in this book and he's forced into taking the lead and being in control of an investigation. It does him the world of good!
The only slight quibble I have with this one is the amount of Whyborne and Griffin sexy time! It was slightly lacking, and I could have done with a little bit more. However, I'm still loving this series, it's a great mix of paranormal, romance and historical!
The only slight quibble I have with this one is the amount of Whyborne and Griffin sexy time! It was slightly lacking, and I could have done with a little bit more. However, I'm still loving this series, it's a great mix of paranormal, romance and historical!
July 21, 2024
3.5 - This has held up pretty well for being published 11yrs ago. Historical, horror/mystery, newly established couple. Easy reading with some sweet old fashioned romance.
March 14, 2016
More things that go bump in the dark...
This series is turning out to be quite the fascination for me because I really, really don't like books about things that go bump in the dark and there is a lot of bumping in the dark in this book and not of the fun kind...although there is that too. So far the 'horror' part is not overwhelming and for me detailed just enough to have my imagination working but not focusing on the parts of the story that would normally keep me lying in bed awake at night and jumping over every little noise.
Along with the horror/mystery storyline I found 'Threshold' also focused on giving us more of Griffin's background and how it impacted his relationship with Whyborne. This was done more predominantly through Whyborne's inner monologues which were at times slightly off kilter in their perspective. Also bizarrely enough I've become rather fond of Griffin calling Whyborne 'my dear'. If it was any other couple I'm pretty sure it would irritate the hell out of me but with these two it really quite endearing and cute.
Now about Christina, could this woman get any freakin' better? I love her, she's awesome. She and I are BFF's forever.
This story pretty much had it all flying uglies, aliens, abominations, bad guys, good guys doing bad things, good guys doing good things (and not just our MCs), Griffin's Ex or at least one of them...well there could be more, but for now let's talk about the one contained in this story, Elliott. The incredibly handsome seemingly perfect Elliott. For part of the book I just wasn't sure about Elliott and then I disliked him intensely and was sure that Griffin had to have taken leave of his senses to ever have been in a relationship with this jerk. But in the end Elliott proved that he was an honorable man and I'd like to think he found his redemption.
While I still hesitate over the horror factor in these stories I feel strongly enough about everything else that I know I will follow Whyborne and Griffin's story through to the end with very little doubt that I will do anything but thoroughly love every minute of it.
4.5 stars rated down for GR because...still no half stars :-(
This series is turning out to be quite the fascination for me because I really, really don't like books about things that go bump in the dark and there is a lot of bumping in the dark in this book and not of the fun kind...although there is that too. So far the 'horror' part is not overwhelming and for me detailed just enough to have my imagination working but not focusing on the parts of the story that would normally keep me lying in bed awake at night and jumping over every little noise.
Along with the horror/mystery storyline I found 'Threshold' also focused on giving us more of Griffin's background and how it impacted his relationship with Whyborne. This was done more predominantly through Whyborne's inner monologues which were at times slightly off kilter in their perspective. Also bizarrely enough I've become rather fond of Griffin calling Whyborne 'my dear'. If it was any other couple I'm pretty sure it would irritate the hell out of me but with these two it really quite endearing and cute.
Now about Christina, could this woman get any freakin' better? I love her, she's awesome. She and I are BFF's forever.
This story pretty much had it all flying uglies, aliens, abominations, bad guys, good guys doing bad things, good guys doing good things (and not just our MCs), Griffin's Ex or at least one of them...well there could be more, but for now let's talk about the one contained in this story, Elliott. The incredibly handsome seemingly perfect Elliott. For part of the book I just wasn't sure about Elliott and then I disliked him intensely and was sure that Griffin had to have taken leave of his senses to ever have been in a relationship with this jerk. But in the end Elliott proved that he was an honorable man and I'd like to think he found his redemption.
While I still hesitate over the horror factor in these stories I feel strongly enough about everything else that I know I will follow Whyborne and Griffin's story through to the end with very little doubt that I will do anything but thoroughly love every minute of it.
4.5 stars rated down for GR because...still no half stars :-(
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