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Particularly Dangerous Work: At Waters' Edge
It was the spring of 1939, Francisco Franco marched triumphantly into Madrid, and Adolf Hitler plotted his invasion of Poland. The Vizconde Rodrigo Mendoza was a diplomat representing the government of Francisco Franco at the Spanish Embassy in Berlin, but when the United States recognized Franco’s regime, he was transferred to the Spanish Embassy in Washington. Rodrigo, a former Olympic champion, was a dashing and handsome example of European aristocracy in the mid-twentieth century. He was also gay. He ran afoul of the Abwehr, Nazi Germany’s intelligence agency, and found himself caught up in the seamy world of espionage and international intrigue on the eve of World War II. Particularly Dangerous Work is his story, told in three parts. The story is full of gritty action, inopportune romance, harrowing escapes, and thrilling adventure. Readers will find themselves immersed in the world of the early war years, dancing to Tommy Dorsey hits, sailing aboard classic ocean liners, and witnessing the invasion of France. Parts 2 & 3 will take readers through the remainder of the war and beyond, where Rodrigo’s adventures grow evermore dangerous. This book, and its subsequent parts, should appeal to most adult audiences. Particularly Dangerous Work is historical fiction.
318 pages, Paperback
Published June 7, 2017
1 person is currently reading
4358 people want to read
About the author
G. Russell Overton
7 books44 followersG. Russell Overton is an American author and historian, who lives in California with his partner, Jamie. He has produced a number of works, both fiction and non-fiction. He is currently writing a trilogy of historical fiction. The first part has recently been published (click on his web link for more information). He enjoys sailing, cross-country skiing, and biking. His fictional style is to create romantic adventure, unbounded by the dictates of political and cultural agendas, but his love of the Great Lakes and all things marine is an apparent influence in most of his writing. He is a member of the National Writers Union, Historical Society of Michigan, Detroit Institute of Art, Publishing Triangle, and Michigan Writers.
I no longer have a Twitter (X) profile. You can also follow me on Mastadon: https://connectop.us/@CAman
I no longer have a Twitter (X) profile. You can also follow me on Mastadon: https://connectop.us/@CAman
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 19, 2017
Genre - Historical Fiction/GLBT/Suspense/Thriller
Pages - 320
“Particularly Dangerous Work: Part 1, At Waters' Edge” by G. Russell Overton was quite a read. I would like to thank G. Russell Overton for gifting me an e-copy of this book. I must say I did not know what to expect when I got hold of this book. I’m not usually into “war” books and I find that most gay novels are filled with so much sex that I start to wonder if these guys have time to actually live a normal life. This was neither of those. Told in a journal/diary format, from the viewpoint of Vizconde Rodrigo Manuel de Mendoza y de la Cerda (Rodrigo), a diplomat with the Spanish Foreign Service and an Olympic Rowing Champion who just so happens to be gay, from May 1939 through December 1940 (these are the Journal Dates), they story goes back farther than that in the telling of his story. There is love, and yes there is sex, there is a war, but this is what is going on around the world and in the lives of the characters. From their love life to espionage, this book is full of historical references and G. Russell Overton has spun quite the fiction around those references. He deals with civil rights, politics, family, friendships, living as a gay man during this time period and their consequences.
The writing was superb, characters were believable, the plot was fast paced, and flowed with such smoothness. He travels from one scenario to the next with such ease without breaking the flow of the story-line. I find that when you read books dealing with WWII or any war for that matter, it’s hard, at least for me to get into because you pretty much know the outcome. In this book however there are so many twists and turns that it allowed you to get beyond that. This was truly a wonderful read and I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to read it. I am looking forward to the continuing story and the rest of the books in this series.
Just a little sidebar about the gay aspect of this book. The sex is not all that gratuitous, so I think it’s a read for anyone who loves historical fiction and a story about the life of maybe someone outside your normal or usual understanding. Many lessons can be learned from reading something that may be a bit uncomfortable sometimes. Highly recommend...if you get the chance, take it.
Synopsis (from back cover): It was the spring of 1939, Francisco Franco marched triumphantly into Madrid, and Adolf Hitler plotted his invasion of Poland. The Vizconde Rodrigo Mendoza was a diplomat representing the government of Francisco Franco at the Spanish Embassy in Berlin, but when the United States recognized Franco’s regime, he was transferred to the Spanish Embassy in Washington. Rodrigo, a former Olympic champion, was a dashing and handsome example of European aristocracy in the mid-twentieth century. He was also gay. He ran afoul of the Abwehr, Nazi Germany’s intelligence agency, and found himself caught up in the seamy world of espionage and international intrigue on the eve of World War II. Particularly Dangerous Work is his story, told in three parts. The story is full of gritty action, inopportune romance, harrowing escapes, and thrilling adventure. Readers will find themselves immersed in the world of the early war years, dancing to Tommy Dorsey hits, sailing aboard classic ocean liners, and witnessing the invasion of France. Parts 2 & 3 will take readers through the remainder of the war and beyond, where Rodrigo’s adventures grow evermore dangerous. This book, and its subsequent parts, should appeal to most adult audiences. Particularly Dangerous Work is historical fiction.
Pages - 320
“Particularly Dangerous Work: Part 1, At Waters' Edge” by G. Russell Overton was quite a read. I would like to thank G. Russell Overton for gifting me an e-copy of this book. I must say I did not know what to expect when I got hold of this book. I’m not usually into “war” books and I find that most gay novels are filled with so much sex that I start to wonder if these guys have time to actually live a normal life. This was neither of those. Told in a journal/diary format, from the viewpoint of Vizconde Rodrigo Manuel de Mendoza y de la Cerda (Rodrigo), a diplomat with the Spanish Foreign Service and an Olympic Rowing Champion who just so happens to be gay, from May 1939 through December 1940 (these are the Journal Dates), they story goes back farther than that in the telling of his story. There is love, and yes there is sex, there is a war, but this is what is going on around the world and in the lives of the characters. From their love life to espionage, this book is full of historical references and G. Russell Overton has spun quite the fiction around those references. He deals with civil rights, politics, family, friendships, living as a gay man during this time period and their consequences.
The writing was superb, characters were believable, the plot was fast paced, and flowed with such smoothness. He travels from one scenario to the next with such ease without breaking the flow of the story-line. I find that when you read books dealing with WWII or any war for that matter, it’s hard, at least for me to get into because you pretty much know the outcome. In this book however there are so many twists and turns that it allowed you to get beyond that. This was truly a wonderful read and I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to read it. I am looking forward to the continuing story and the rest of the books in this series.
Just a little sidebar about the gay aspect of this book. The sex is not all that gratuitous, so I think it’s a read for anyone who loves historical fiction and a story about the life of maybe someone outside your normal or usual understanding. Many lessons can be learned from reading something that may be a bit uncomfortable sometimes. Highly recommend...if you get the chance, take it.
Synopsis (from back cover): It was the spring of 1939, Francisco Franco marched triumphantly into Madrid, and Adolf Hitler plotted his invasion of Poland. The Vizconde Rodrigo Mendoza was a diplomat representing the government of Francisco Franco at the Spanish Embassy in Berlin, but when the United States recognized Franco’s regime, he was transferred to the Spanish Embassy in Washington. Rodrigo, a former Olympic champion, was a dashing and handsome example of European aristocracy in the mid-twentieth century. He was also gay. He ran afoul of the Abwehr, Nazi Germany’s intelligence agency, and found himself caught up in the seamy world of espionage and international intrigue on the eve of World War II. Particularly Dangerous Work is his story, told in three parts. The story is full of gritty action, inopportune romance, harrowing escapes, and thrilling adventure. Readers will find themselves immersed in the world of the early war years, dancing to Tommy Dorsey hits, sailing aboard classic ocean liners, and witnessing the invasion of France. Parts 2 & 3 will take readers through the remainder of the war and beyond, where Rodrigo’s adventures grow evermore dangerous. This book, and its subsequent parts, should appeal to most adult audiences. Particularly Dangerous Work is historical fiction.
June 23, 2017
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. First off, I really liked the book and the fast paced historical fiction aspect. The story was very interesting and kept this reader wanting more. However, what I found distracting was the frequent graphic sexual dalliances of the main character with just about everyone he meets in the story. I did not think it added much to the plot or the storyline after the first few times. With that being said, I liked the book's concept and intrigue. I look forward to the next installment of the trilogy and more of Rodrigo's adventures in espionage.
June 10, 2018
Particularly Dangerous Work is a particularly good read for fans of historical suspense, especially those featuring LGBT characters. Overton’s research underlies a book that pulses with action as Spanish diplomat Rodrigo Mendoza takes us through the time leading up to the launch of World War II. Sensitive portraits of gay men in love and war, forced by circumstance (and blackmail) to influence the highest levels of diplomatic action. Rodrigo is handsome and athletic (an Olympic champion) and no slouch when it comes to finding men to share his bed with. Of course, given the times, that opens him up to blackmail, and moves him from minor player on the sidelines to someone whose life and ethics are challenged constantly. A great look at how gay men, and the secrets they kept, affected our wartime diplomacy.
May 30, 2018
I agree with the other reviews that say that there is too much sex action in this book and it is not necessary for the plot. This has nothing to do with the fact that is homosexual sex - I don't care for descriptive details in any story. I have never read a book with a character who seems to go to bed with every person he encounters. I find it hard to believe that in an era where it was kept a secret to be gay, that you would have found that many guys picking up one another in such public settings.
With that being said, I did feel that the rest of story was quite enjoyable, and was told from a perspective rarely shared in WWII fiction. I can't recall ever reading something that details Spain's side of the war, or a character from Spain. It is interesting to see the war from the outside, so to speak, rather than someone in a country that is occupied by the Germans.
When the next two come out in this trilogy, I will be happy to read them and further my understanding of WWII and also of the way that homosexuality was dealt with 80 years ago.
With that being said, I did feel that the rest of story was quite enjoyable, and was told from a perspective rarely shared in WWII fiction. I can't recall ever reading something that details Spain's side of the war, or a character from Spain. It is interesting to see the war from the outside, so to speak, rather than someone in a country that is occupied by the Germans.
When the next two come out in this trilogy, I will be happy to read them and further my understanding of WWII and also of the way that homosexuality was dealt with 80 years ago.
November 13, 2017
3.5 stars - Spy Story with Suspense & History in a Straightforward Style.
[Thanks to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review]
I’m a fan of historicals and espionage thrillers with gay leads, and G. Russell Overton’s period piece certainly put me in the increasingly tense times building up to WWII, with an interestingly unique perspective of a diplomat-turned-spy from the supposedly neutral country of Spain.
The story is told from the first-person pov of Vizconde Rodrigo Manuel de Mendoza y de la Cerda. Sorry, I just had to get his full name in; it at least gives a flavor of the style. It was easy to read, with good pace and action, and presented people and events in a matter of fact, straightforward manner. The latter led to its strengths and weakest aspect.
One of the best parts of the book was the historical depictions. I felt I could trust that they were accurate due to Overton’s professional history background and his expressed desires to be true to the events. He did a good job of setting me in this place and time; and I appreciated and learned from the view of a country heavily involved, but not the typical one of an Allied or Axis power (having read several accounts that way).
I also enjoyed the cast of characters, espionage and action. Perhaps it was because before reading this, I visited the International Spy Museum in DC. I really got into all the info there, as I did in this learning about what all went on behind the scenes before the war. It made it all the more credible and engaging - from how Rodrigo became a spy, the machinations on all sides, to the various risky and political situations. I also appreciated . To move things along there was a good array of characters that were distinct and decently drawn.
All this was related by Rodrigo in a rather memoir or diary fashion, not quite a scholarly feel, but still something of this-happened-then-this-happened, without much flowery elaboration. Unfortunately, this led to times when I was not fully engaged emotionally. This included not feeling a strong attraction between the guys. It was described, I was told, but didn’t feel it. Same with the sex scenes, not passionately or erotically described; but still, they were explicit, fit in well with the story and believable of what a young gay guy would secretly be doing. I also had to keep in mind that this was through Rodrigo’s eyes. He very well might have been emotionally detached (as befit a spy), told his story so, and thus informed me of his character.
Fortunately, as the story picked up, I found myself liking and rooting for the MC and getting caught up in the action. I appreciated that focus, making this a gay fiction, not “romance,” but still naturally reflecting Rodrigo’s gay and romantic life as part of who he was. Overall, the suspense was built nicely within and across scenes - with the build up of war, the spying, and the dangers of his sexual orientation and dalliances. A good mix making for a good read.
[Thanks to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review]
I’m a fan of historicals and espionage thrillers with gay leads, and G. Russell Overton’s period piece certainly put me in the increasingly tense times building up to WWII, with an interestingly unique perspective of a diplomat-turned-spy from the supposedly neutral country of Spain.
The story is told from the first-person pov of Vizconde Rodrigo Manuel de Mendoza y de la Cerda. Sorry, I just had to get his full name in; it at least gives a flavor of the style. It was easy to read, with good pace and action, and presented people and events in a matter of fact, straightforward manner. The latter led to its strengths and weakest aspect.
One of the best parts of the book was the historical depictions. I felt I could trust that they were accurate due to Overton’s professional history background and his expressed desires to be true to the events. He did a good job of setting me in this place and time; and I appreciated and learned from the view of a country heavily involved, but not the typical one of an Allied or Axis power (having read several accounts that way).
I also enjoyed the cast of characters, espionage and action. Perhaps it was because before reading this, I visited the International Spy Museum in DC. I really got into all the info there, as I did in this learning about what all went on behind the scenes before the war. It made it all the more credible and engaging - from how Rodrigo became a spy, the machinations on all sides, to the various risky and political situations. I also appreciated . To move things along there was a good array of characters that were distinct and decently drawn.
All this was related by Rodrigo in a rather memoir or diary fashion, not quite a scholarly feel, but still something of this-happened-then-this-happened, without much flowery elaboration. Unfortunately, this led to times when I was not fully engaged emotionally. This included not feeling a strong attraction between the guys. It was described, I was told, but didn’t feel it. Same with the sex scenes, not passionately or erotically described; but still, they were explicit, fit in well with the story and believable of what a young gay guy would secretly be doing. I also had to keep in mind that this was through Rodrigo’s eyes. He very well might have been emotionally detached (as befit a spy), told his story so, and thus informed me of his character.
Fortunately, as the story picked up, I found myself liking and rooting for the MC and getting caught up in the action. I appreciated that focus, making this a gay fiction, not “romance,” but still naturally reflecting Rodrigo’s gay and romantic life as part of who he was. Overall, the suspense was built nicely within and across scenes - with the build up of war, the spying, and the dangers of his sexual orientation and dalliances. A good mix making for a good read.
August 23, 2017
This is an engrossing story of love and espionage set in various important locales during the early days of World War II. The pace of the story gains momentum as the pace of the war grows. The parallel between the protagonist's private life and the political climate of the time makes the work doubly exciting.
While there are a few typos and a couple questionable cultural references, the only peculiarity is that the "voice" of the aristocratic Spanish diplomat is distinctively American (at least in my head!) While the author attempts to recreate "appropriate" speech patterns of the redneck Southern pro-Nazi sympathizer, the French bureaucrat at the border, and the Nazis who are following him, there is nothing in the writing that creates the image of a suave gay Spaniard in the narration.
While there are a few typos and a couple questionable cultural references, the only peculiarity is that the "voice" of the aristocratic Spanish diplomat is distinctively American (at least in my head!) While the author attempts to recreate "appropriate" speech patterns of the redneck Southern pro-Nazi sympathizer, the French bureaucrat at the border, and the Nazis who are following him, there is nothing in the writing that creates the image of a suave gay Spaniard in the narration.
February 7, 2018
I like the story and the way the period of time has been described.
But the sexual scenes to frequent and a bit strong sometimes. The main character a bit too promiscuous. And all this do not add much to the whole story which is very good in itself.
Anyway is has been a very pleasant reading.
But the sexual scenes to frequent and a bit strong sometimes. The main character a bit too promiscuous. And all this do not add much to the whole story which is very good in itself.
Anyway is has been a very pleasant reading.
September 11, 2018
Book one starts with a bang and doesn't let up. This dramatic tale of WWII tells the story of its sexy gay protagonist as he wades through the intrigues of becoming a spy in a very dangerous world.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews