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Stoker & Bash #1
The Fangs of Scavo
At Scotland Yard, DI Timothy Stoker is no better than a ghost. A master of arcane documents and niggling details who, unlike his celebrity-chasing colleagues, prefers hard work to headlines. But an invisible man is needed to unmask the city’s newest amateur detective, Hieronymus Bash. A bon vivant long on flash and style but short on personal history, Bash just may be a Cheapside rogue in Savile Row finery.
When the four fangs of the Demon Cats of Scavo—trophies that protect the hunters who killed the two vicious beasts—disappear one by one, Stoker's forced to team with the very man he was sent to investigate to maintain his cover. He finds himself thrust into a world of wailing mediums, spiritualist societies, man-eating lions, and a consulting detective with more ambition than sense. Will this case be the end of his career, or the start of an unexpected liaison? Or will the mysterious forces at play be the death of them both?
And just who is Hieronymus Bash?
When the four fangs of the Demon Cats of Scavo—trophies that protect the hunters who killed the two vicious beasts—disappear one by one, Stoker's forced to team with the very man he was sent to investigate to maintain his cover. He finds himself thrust into a world of wailing mediums, spiritualist societies, man-eating lions, and a consulting detective with more ambition than sense. Will this case be the end of his career, or the start of an unexpected liaison? Or will the mysterious forces at play be the death of them both?
And just who is Hieronymus Bash?
310 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2017
16 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Selina Kray
10 books50 followersSelina Kray is the nom de plume of an author and English editor. Professionally, she has covered all the artsy-fartsy bases, having worked in a book store, at a cinema, in children’s television and in television distribution, up to her latest incarnation as a subtitle editor and grammar nerd (though she may have always been a grammar nerd). A self-proclaimed geek and pop culture junkie who sometimes manages to pry herself away from the review sites and gossip blogs to write fiction of her own, she is a voracious consumer of art with both a capital and a lowercase “A”.
Having long ago realized that she was the Salieri to the lit world’s Mozarts, she has embraced her love of erotica with intricate plots, complex characters, and lots of heart. Whether she has achieved this goal is for you, gentle readers, to decide. At present, she is hard at work on future novels at home in Montreal, Quebec, with her wee corgi serving as both foot-warmer and in-house critic.
Having long ago realized that she was the Salieri to the lit world’s Mozarts, she has embraced her love of erotica with intricate plots, complex characters, and lots of heart. Whether she has achieved this goal is for you, gentle readers, to decide. At present, she is hard at work on future novels at home in Montreal, Quebec, with her wee corgi serving as both foot-warmer and in-house critic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 2, 2018
This was a cracking good example of the classic Victorian Penny Dreadful, melodramatic and evoking the era of Sherlock Holmes and yet I still didn't really get the "why's" of the plot!
However, that didn't stop me from loving the whole narrative and reading it with an ever-increasing sense of the dramatic flair being presented in the narrative.
It's a twisty plot, with multiple strands and I think, for me anyway, on occasion it got a bit too muddled trying to work out who was plotting what.
But, overall, the main characters were compelling and I loved the relationship between Stoker and Bash, as well as Han and Cassie.
I can't wait for book two later this month.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
However, that didn't stop me from loving the whole narrative and reading it with an ever-increasing sense of the dramatic flair being presented in the narrative.
It's a twisty plot, with multiple strands and I think, for me anyway, on occasion it got a bit too muddled trying to work out who was plotting what.
But, overall, the main characters were compelling and I loved the relationship between Stoker and Bash, as well as Han and Cassie.
I can't wait for book two later this month.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
June 16, 2017
Liked this, a lot
Its fun, doesn't talk down and has a satisying mystery element - full review here
Its fun, doesn't talk down and has a satisying mystery element - full review here
June 11, 2017
4.5* Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
There’s just something amazing about having all your expectations about something blown away and this book did that in spades. When I first started reading, I honestly expected Hieronymus Bash to be something like Sherlock Holmes (the Robert Downey Jr version because he was more fun) with a dash of the irreverent rogue thrown in to help tick off the officers of the Yard. What I got was so very different but so very good!
There are lots of things I could say about Hieronymus Bash but that would also be giving things away that are best left to be discovered as you read. What I will say is that Hiero is a unique, highly entertaining individual who thrives on attention and practically lives for the times he’s in the spotlight. Underneath all that, however, he’s also an incredibly caring man who can’t help but lend a hand to someone in desperate need of one. Timothy Stoker, on the other hand, is considered quite ordinary and, unlike Bash, spends his time fading into the shadows so as not to draw attention to himself. These two men, who should be all rights be on opposite sides of most everything, instead find themselves drawn together first by circumstance and then by a kind of helpless mutual regard that later blooms into more. Both men have their strengths and weaknesses but what drew me to them both as individuals and as a couple were the mysteries they’re each hiding. Bash’s back story is hinted at over the course of the book while Stoker’s own past is more blatantly put forward as an explanation into his choices. In either case, there are questions left unanswered that I’m really looking forward to delving into in future stories.
The mystery itself was fantastic; there was a great variety of characters, all of them fleshed out beautifully, that added to my enjoyment while keeping me constantly guessing as to who the antagonist was. The historical details were pretty spot on, the action scenes were a blast to read, and I found myself completely in love with the descriptions and the way everything was just presented. (Seriously, it was all really good!) By the end of the story I’d changed my mind numerous times as to who the culprit actually was and why and I’m thrilled to say that I was wrong on all counts.
This book was both a complete surprise and a complete joy to read; I was so engrossed in the story and the characters that I was super sad to see the book end. If you enjoy historical mysteries and are looking for a book that features characters that make their own way outside of the expectations of society, I’d give this one a look. I will totally be eagerly awaiting the sequel in the meantime!
There’s just something amazing about having all your expectations about something blown away and this book did that in spades. When I first started reading, I honestly expected Hieronymus Bash to be something like Sherlock Holmes (the Robert Downey Jr version because he was more fun) with a dash of the irreverent rogue thrown in to help tick off the officers of the Yard. What I got was so very different but so very good!
There are lots of things I could say about Hieronymus Bash but that would also be giving things away that are best left to be discovered as you read. What I will say is that Hiero is a unique, highly entertaining individual who thrives on attention and practically lives for the times he’s in the spotlight. Underneath all that, however, he’s also an incredibly caring man who can’t help but lend a hand to someone in desperate need of one. Timothy Stoker, on the other hand, is considered quite ordinary and, unlike Bash, spends his time fading into the shadows so as not to draw attention to himself. These two men, who should be all rights be on opposite sides of most everything, instead find themselves drawn together first by circumstance and then by a kind of helpless mutual regard that later blooms into more. Both men have their strengths and weaknesses but what drew me to them both as individuals and as a couple were the mysteries they’re each hiding. Bash’s back story is hinted at over the course of the book while Stoker’s own past is more blatantly put forward as an explanation into his choices. In either case, there are questions left unanswered that I’m really looking forward to delving into in future stories.
The mystery itself was fantastic; there was a great variety of characters, all of them fleshed out beautifully, that added to my enjoyment while keeping me constantly guessing as to who the antagonist was. The historical details were pretty spot on, the action scenes were a blast to read, and I found myself completely in love with the descriptions and the way everything was just presented. (Seriously, it was all really good!) By the end of the story I’d changed my mind numerous times as to who the culprit actually was and why and I’m thrilled to say that I was wrong on all counts.
This book was both a complete surprise and a complete joy to read; I was so engrossed in the story and the characters that I was super sad to see the book end. If you enjoy historical mysteries and are looking for a book that features characters that make their own way outside of the expectations of society, I’d give this one a look. I will totally be eagerly awaiting the sequel in the meantime!
June 7, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
The Fangs of Scavo was such a conundrum to review. I both loved certain aspects and dreaded others. Ultimately, the amazing characters and their growing relationship won me over. And it’s those characters that steal the show over and over again. Normally I start with the positives and this book has many of them, but I have one gripe to address right off the bat. Hieronymus Bosch was a European artist who lived in the early part of the 16th century. Aside from his highly interesting body of work, his name is rather unforgettable. In the mystery world there is already a character called Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch, an LA detective created by Michael Connelly. Now there is another Hieronymus and as a name it is simply too unusual to be used again without constantly thinking of another character. I know it seems silly and it may be a moot issue for some of you, but I was frequently distracted by Bash’s name. Luckily, the author shortens it to Heiro and I’m sure this distraction will ease with further volumes but it was a glaring issue for me this time around.
That said Heiro and Kip are wonderful characters. Heiro is outrageous and wild and utterly irresistible. His past is mysterious and he tends to wear a mask for everyone save his closest friends. We’re told that Heiro is only nominally detective. Those around him most often do the real work, but his charm and captivating performances tend to open doors that would otherwise remain closed. Kip is his absolute opposite. He is solid and staid and he solves cases by doing the research and paperwork that others won’t. Yet he is wonderfully passionate around Heiro and it’s evident that society and circumstance have forced him to wear a mask of his own. Both men are engaging and well drawn and their relationship is the heart of this book. Heiro’s ward, Callie, and his guard, Han, round out an excellent quartet and while we don’t know quite as much about either of them, the author has done an a great job of laying a foundation for further growth.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
The Fangs of Scavo was such a conundrum to review. I both loved certain aspects and dreaded others. Ultimately, the amazing characters and their growing relationship won me over. And it’s those characters that steal the show over and over again. Normally I start with the positives and this book has many of them, but I have one gripe to address right off the bat. Hieronymus Bosch was a European artist who lived in the early part of the 16th century. Aside from his highly interesting body of work, his name is rather unforgettable. In the mystery world there is already a character called Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch, an LA detective created by Michael Connelly. Now there is another Hieronymus and as a name it is simply too unusual to be used again without constantly thinking of another character. I know it seems silly and it may be a moot issue for some of you, but I was frequently distracted by Bash’s name. Luckily, the author shortens it to Heiro and I’m sure this distraction will ease with further volumes but it was a glaring issue for me this time around.
That said Heiro and Kip are wonderful characters. Heiro is outrageous and wild and utterly irresistible. His past is mysterious and he tends to wear a mask for everyone save his closest friends. We’re told that Heiro is only nominally detective. Those around him most often do the real work, but his charm and captivating performances tend to open doors that would otherwise remain closed. Kip is his absolute opposite. He is solid and staid and he solves cases by doing the research and paperwork that others won’t. Yet he is wonderfully passionate around Heiro and it’s evident that society and circumstance have forced him to wear a mask of his own. Both men are engaging and well drawn and their relationship is the heart of this book. Heiro’s ward, Callie, and his guard, Han, round out an excellent quartet and while we don’t know quite as much about either of them, the author has done an a great job of laying a foundation for further growth.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
June 24, 2019
I really, really enjoyed this one. the story was well done and the mystery interesting ... so why only 4,5 stars? that has different reasons
first of all, I like complex characters but here I expected something else from Hiero and Kip and I am still not sure if I got it right ... which makes it really good but on the other side also a bit confusing
I also liked the secondary cast but would have loved to get more background for them as well ... and it pains me to say it: Callie is a strong female character, which I enjoyed but I did not like her
nevertheless, I liked the story and will read the next one because this was a strong first book in this series
first of all, I like complex characters but here I expected something else from Hiero and Kip and I am still not sure if I got it right ... which makes it really good but on the other side also a bit confusing
I also liked the secondary cast but would have loved to get more background for them as well ... and it pains me to say it: Callie is a strong female character, which I enjoyed but I did not like her
nevertheless, I liked the story and will read the next one because this was a strong first book in this series
June 7, 2017
It took approximately three seconds of gawping at this book’s cover before I jumped on it. G’head and judge it, if you’d like, because what’s inside this beauty is every bit as fantastic as I hoped it would be, and now I’m salivating for the next book in the series.
Set in Victorian London, author Selina Kray introduces a mystery set in an enigma and wrapped in a conundrum—and then names him Hieronymus Bash. Hiero is many things: a thespian, a provider, a lush, a man who relies on his charisma and a flair for the dramatic, and he’s a consulting investigator for hire (although he isn’t the brains of the operation, and knows it). The author teases her readers horribly—in the most delicious way—as to who Hiero is. Or, perhaps I should say was because, from what I can tell, he’s suffered and has come out of it a different person. He’s lost his long-time lover, Apollo, the man who dragged Hieronymus from the gutter and helped him turn his life around, and now he’s built himself a family of sorts with his ward—and Apollo’s niece—Calliope Pankhurst (who is the brains of the operation), along with his manservant and muscle, Han Tak Hai, who is more than meets the eye. The mystery that Hiero and his cohorts have been challenged to solve is almost, almost, as confounding as the mystery of Hieronymus Bash himself, hiding in plain sight.
Detective Inspector Timothy Kipling Stoker is on thin ice. His job at Scotland Yard is in jeopardy after he blew the whistle on his former guv for skimming money off the top of the rewards his detectives received for solving crimes. Rather than earning Tim respect for his honesty, however, it earned him the scrutiny of his new Superintendent as well as making him the scourge of the Yard and a pariah amongst his fellow officers. Tim’s new assignment, the one that will either sink or save his career, is to investigate none other than one Hieronymus Bash and expose him as a fraud—for the small but unforgiveable sin of embarrassing the police by solving a presumably unsolvable case. And, there’s no small amount of irony that it’s Tim’s honesty and discretion that make him the perfect man for the job.
In an era known for its puritanical ideals, the Victorians sure did love their spiritualism, and there’s no shortage of it connected to the four fangs of Scavo and their disappearance. There’s too much detail to this part of the story to go into it all, and I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say that the fangs themselves are a common thread between the four who hold them, a medium whose ‘talents’ Bash would like to expose (which earns him zero popularity points), and the mystery of who’s stolen several. The story within the story of the Fangs of Scavo is Hieronymus, Callie, and Han working to discover the whereabouts of those that have gone missing, and who’s guilty of stealing them, all while Stoker is working undercover as Tim Kipling to investigate Hiero.
Tim, or Kip as he’s dubbed, and Hiero are like moth and flame, and the more Kip tries to resist (read: deny) his attraction to Hiero, the more he’s drawn into the exotic and flamboyant man’s orbit. Who is Hieronymus Bash, the man who treads the boards, keeps an unconventional household, has a steady supply of Turkish tea and coffee on hand, who powders his face to lighten the color of his skin, is cheeky and flirtatious, and is no stranger to the bottle? Kip is as perplexed and obsessed by Hiero as I am, and I can’t wait to get to know all the man’s secrets.
I loved every single thing about this book: Kray’s voice and gift for grounding the reader in the time and place; the mystery and the story of the fangs; the way she introduced and then layered her characters until they became real and fascinating and diverse people within the framework of their story. Most of all, though, I loved the evolution of Kip’s character. He’s often described as unremarkable, but so is everyone when compared to Bash, and his history is fascinating, especially when it comes to a past that haunts him. Tim’s efforts to smother and squash his attraction to Hiero was as touching as his denial that any sort of future, never mind happiness, with the beautiful and enigmatic and confounding man could be for a man such as him. This paragraph really says it all:
Kray writes with such grace and substance, which made this book a pleasure to get lost in for a while. And anyone who invokes Wilde (he had to get his inspiration from somewhere!) is doing everything right in my book.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
Set in Victorian London, author Selina Kray introduces a mystery set in an enigma and wrapped in a conundrum—and then names him Hieronymus Bash. Hiero is many things: a thespian, a provider, a lush, a man who relies on his charisma and a flair for the dramatic, and he’s a consulting investigator for hire (although he isn’t the brains of the operation, and knows it). The author teases her readers horribly—in the most delicious way—as to who Hiero is. Or, perhaps I should say was because, from what I can tell, he’s suffered and has come out of it a different person. He’s lost his long-time lover, Apollo, the man who dragged Hieronymus from the gutter and helped him turn his life around, and now he’s built himself a family of sorts with his ward—and Apollo’s niece—Calliope Pankhurst (who is the brains of the operation), along with his manservant and muscle, Han Tak Hai, who is more than meets the eye. The mystery that Hiero and his cohorts have been challenged to solve is almost, almost, as confounding as the mystery of Hieronymus Bash himself, hiding in plain sight.
Detective Inspector Timothy Kipling Stoker is on thin ice. His job at Scotland Yard is in jeopardy after he blew the whistle on his former guv for skimming money off the top of the rewards his detectives received for solving crimes. Rather than earning Tim respect for his honesty, however, it earned him the scrutiny of his new Superintendent as well as making him the scourge of the Yard and a pariah amongst his fellow officers. Tim’s new assignment, the one that will either sink or save his career, is to investigate none other than one Hieronymus Bash and expose him as a fraud—for the small but unforgiveable sin of embarrassing the police by solving a presumably unsolvable case. And, there’s no small amount of irony that it’s Tim’s honesty and discretion that make him the perfect man for the job.
In an era known for its puritanical ideals, the Victorians sure did love their spiritualism, and there’s no shortage of it connected to the four fangs of Scavo and their disappearance. There’s too much detail to this part of the story to go into it all, and I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say that the fangs themselves are a common thread between the four who hold them, a medium whose ‘talents’ Bash would like to expose (which earns him zero popularity points), and the mystery of who’s stolen several. The story within the story of the Fangs of Scavo is Hieronymus, Callie, and Han working to discover the whereabouts of those that have gone missing, and who’s guilty of stealing them, all while Stoker is working undercover as Tim Kipling to investigate Hiero.
Tim, or Kip as he’s dubbed, and Hiero are like moth and flame, and the more Kip tries to resist (read: deny) his attraction to Hiero, the more he’s drawn into the exotic and flamboyant man’s orbit. Who is Hieronymus Bash, the man who treads the boards, keeps an unconventional household, has a steady supply of Turkish tea and coffee on hand, who powders his face to lighten the color of his skin, is cheeky and flirtatious, and is no stranger to the bottle? Kip is as perplexed and obsessed by Hiero as I am, and I can’t wait to get to know all the man’s secrets.
I loved every single thing about this book: Kray’s voice and gift for grounding the reader in the time and place; the mystery and the story of the fangs; the way she introduced and then layered her characters until they became real and fascinating and diverse people within the framework of their story. Most of all, though, I loved the evolution of Kip’s character. He’s often described as unremarkable, but so is everyone when compared to Bash, and his history is fascinating, especially when it comes to a past that haunts him. Tim’s efforts to smother and squash his attraction to Hiero was as touching as his denial that any sort of future, never mind happiness, with the beautiful and enigmatic and confounding man could be for a man such as him. This paragraph really says it all:
If Tim could have this, only this, a sacred memory to conjure up on sleepless nights after his disgrace, all the shame and rejection and recrimination would have been worth it. To know that for one shining moment he was cherished, however ephemeral Hiero’s affections proved… He might very well survive the trials to come.
Kray writes with such grace and substance, which made this book a pleasure to get lost in for a while. And anyone who invokes Wilde (he had to get his inspiration from somewhere!) is doing everything right in my book.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
June 20, 2017
I LOVED this book to bits!!!
I'm a huge fan of Victorian Mysteries, in fact it's my favorite genre. Ms. Kray is without a doubt a very talented writer. Her first book Like Stars was a beautiful story, The Fangs of Scavo although very different assuredly didn't disappoint me!
The ambiance as well as ALL the characters, the complex mystery and the dialog make this novel shine. Tim and Hiero are well-written and have definitely their own distinct voices. They are layered, deeply human and a fascinating pair! I like the way they dance around their attraction and I like the tension and the undeniable chemistry between the two protagonists. The author really took the time to develop her characters, she did a beautiful job of showing, not telling.
The mystery is well-crafted, it's gripping, absorbing and highly enjoyable. You find yourself effortlessly immersed in a thoroughly Victorian atmosphere.
I'm eagerly waiting for the next Stoker & Bash Mystery and I can't wait to know more about Tim and Hiero because Ms. Kray has only scratched the surface. Highly recommended!
I'm a huge fan of Victorian Mysteries, in fact it's my favorite genre. Ms. Kray is without a doubt a very talented writer. Her first book Like Stars was a beautiful story, The Fangs of Scavo although very different assuredly didn't disappoint me!
The ambiance as well as ALL the characters, the complex mystery and the dialog make this novel shine. Tim and Hiero are well-written and have definitely their own distinct voices. They are layered, deeply human and a fascinating pair! I like the way they dance around their attraction and I like the tension and the undeniable chemistry between the two protagonists. The author really took the time to develop her characters, she did a beautiful job of showing, not telling.
The mystery is well-crafted, it's gripping, absorbing and highly enjoyable. You find yourself effortlessly immersed in a thoroughly Victorian atmosphere.
I'm eagerly waiting for the next Stoker & Bash Mystery and I can't wait to know more about Tim and Hiero because Ms. Kray has only scratched the surface. Highly recommended!
July 1, 2024
I tried to love it. At first the writing didn't seem bad but in the second part of the book the author was using words like adoring and fond while trying to assign feelings that could not have been there yet. I felt the chemistry between Tim and Hiero but nothing else. I am not sure I liked Hiero at all except for the group of misfits that he helped shelter and to an extent protect. That told me he was a man of honor and conviction. But at the same time he was just too flighty and unserious for me.
I liked Tim. He was the part of the team I think they all didn't know they were missing. I think he will fit well with them. I really liked Han and Callie. They were such singular characters who held their own in the shadow of overly dramatic Hiero.
The investigation and mystery didn't work well for me. It was too elaborate to enjoy. Half the book I didn't know if it was PNR or not. I wished for some magical elements but it didn't happen. The story just didn't grab me like I hoped it would but I will continue with the series at some point.
I liked Tim. He was the part of the team I think they all didn't know they were missing. I think he will fit well with them. I really liked Han and Callie. They were such singular characters who held their own in the shadow of overly dramatic Hiero.
The investigation and mystery didn't work well for me. It was too elaborate to enjoy. Half the book I didn't know if it was PNR or not. I wished for some magical elements but it didn't happen. The story just didn't grab me like I hoped it would but I will continue with the series at some point.
November 1, 2017
Not only did the writing take my breath away, but also the thrilling conflict and clash of characters kept me up at night. Complex characters Kip and Heiro are alive and well in my imagination—and in my heart.
June 16, 2017
So.Much.Fun!!!
Review here http://wp.me/p6pXMr-ek
Review here http://wp.me/p6pXMr-ek
September 21, 2017
4 stars
My first Selina Kray novel and this was one was a solid hit for me. The characters were absolutely the best part of this book and no one was better than the charming, foppish Hieronymus Bash. The name is as ridiculous as the man and suited him to a T.
Set in Victorian London, Hiero and his motley crew are celebrated for their prowess in solving mysteries and uncovering scams before the police can even get a look in. When DI Timothy Stoker is tasked with investigating Hiero, he ends up working with him to solve a series of thefts that are quickly turning fatal for those involved.
Naturally, a tenuous relationship forms between the two men, who couldn't be more different. Hiero is all beauty and dramatic flair while Tim is plain in both looks and words. But somehow, they find something in the other that they never knew was even missing.
While the plot is a little crazypants, I still really liked it. Moreover, I thought the side characters were skillfully rendered and interesting, which really helped make this story. But Tim and Hiero are lovely together and I enjoyed watching them fall for one another. There is barely an HFN here, but that only made me eager to read what further adventures Tim, Hiero and his crew will get up to next. I can't wait for book 2!
My first Selina Kray novel and this was one was a solid hit for me. The characters were absolutely the best part of this book and no one was better than the charming, foppish Hieronymus Bash. The name is as ridiculous as the man and suited him to a T.
Set in Victorian London, Hiero and his motley crew are celebrated for their prowess in solving mysteries and uncovering scams before the police can even get a look in. When DI Timothy Stoker is tasked with investigating Hiero, he ends up working with him to solve a series of thefts that are quickly turning fatal for those involved.
Naturally, a tenuous relationship forms between the two men, who couldn't be more different. Hiero is all beauty and dramatic flair while Tim is plain in both looks and words. But somehow, they find something in the other that they never knew was even missing.
While the plot is a little crazypants, I still really liked it. Moreover, I thought the side characters were skillfully rendered and interesting, which really helped make this story. But Tim and Hiero are lovely together and I enjoyed watching them fall for one another. There is barely an HFN here, but that only made me eager to read what further adventures Tim, Hiero and his crew will get up to next. I can't wait for book 2!
June 27, 2017
This is single-handedly the strangest book I've ever read. It has rather promising starting point, some characters are intriguing. But. It is so badly written, I don't know where to start. The logic of the characters's actions is all but absent (and they are detectives, for God's sake, they should operate with logic!), the composition is patchy, the action jumpy as hell, there are some paragraphs with no connection between them whatsoever, the reaction to the discovered information is so selective, the pace of the investigation moves conviniently to the author not to the realistic inquiry. Even the puntuaction is unbetaed. It is literally chaos. I've been muddling through the text for more than two weeks and I've never been happier to finish the book.
January 31, 2018
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book and it turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. I was sucked into the story right from the start and the twists and turns kept me entertained until the very end. I fell totally in love with Kip and Hiero and I look forward to more adventures with them in the future.
January 19, 2018
Fabulous! Such a great start to a series, I can't wait for book 2 and that cover, gah, it's gorgeous!
July 9, 2017
Review can be read at It's About The Book
3.5 stars
Colorful and dashing Hieronymus Bash is a man of many skins. He plays at being medium, actor, and sleuth, all with an air of mystery and flamboyance. Hiero has become somewhat of a celebrity in Victorian London. Somehow he’s been solving cases before the officials are able to – something which can’t be allowed to go on. I expected him to be arrogant and perhaps a true rogue, but was pleasantly surprised by how off I was on this assumption.
DI Tim Stoker – “Kip” when working undercover – is desperate to prove his worth to his wretched superiors. His very future at Scotland Yard may depend on his latest dual assignment: to break the case of a mysterious theft, and in doing so, expose the brash, meddling private detective Hiero Bash as a fraud. Kip gave off a “still waters run deep” vibe that I enjoyed getting to the bottom of. I was definitely on his side. When the Fangs of Scavo start being stolen in a freakish, brazen manner, the two men find themselves working in unison to get to the bottom of the thefts. This throws them both off stride, to say the least. No ordinary collectors items these, the Fangs are known to protect the founding members of the Society of Spiritualists from ills. Needless to say, their return is crucial, and who knows what havoc could rain down with them being in the wrong hands?
Hiero’s dashing demeanor, covey of compatriots, core kindness and bold self-assurance brand him quite the opposite of Kip, who is quietly but determinedly set on doing the best job possible while securing his place on the force. He goes the extra mile and works hard on cases that fellow offices slough off on. Both men are quite compelling in their own way, with Kip’s draw to Hiero causing him to come out of his shell, to be more demonstrative, to act with passion. Watching these two interact and develop a relationship was a real treat; in fact, their interactions are what carried me through the story.
Despite the compelling characterizations and interesting plot, I had difficulty getting into the early parts of this story. The opening struck me as drawn out, with a multitude of character introductions and references: enough to be a bit overwhelming. Rather than serving as a hook, I had to allow my curiosity about Heiro and Kip to keep me going, and I’m very glad I did. Their chemistry really took off and kept my interest when they were on page, while many of the details about the mystery, the exact movements of the bad guys, saw my attention waning.
I thought I recognized a true story associated with the stolen enchanted lion tooth relics – the Fangs of Scavo – from true history and it turns out the author did use it as a base. I love this kind of folding in of actual events with fiction. Hiero’s bodyguard of sorts, Han, and his ward, Callie, shine as important and interesting secondary characters.
I adore historical stories, and all in all, this was a fun book. The author peppers it with loads of colorful flavor and authenticity. Hiero and Kip are intriguing and make for one captivating couple. Indeed part of the mystery involves watching their layers get peeled back to find out what truly makes them tick. I’ll be picking up the next in the series to see what kind of trouble they can get themselves into – out of? 😀
3.5 stars
Colorful and dashing Hieronymus Bash is a man of many skins. He plays at being medium, actor, and sleuth, all with an air of mystery and flamboyance. Hiero has become somewhat of a celebrity in Victorian London. Somehow he’s been solving cases before the officials are able to – something which can’t be allowed to go on. I expected him to be arrogant and perhaps a true rogue, but was pleasantly surprised by how off I was on this assumption.
DI Tim Stoker – “Kip” when working undercover – is desperate to prove his worth to his wretched superiors. His very future at Scotland Yard may depend on his latest dual assignment: to break the case of a mysterious theft, and in doing so, expose the brash, meddling private detective Hiero Bash as a fraud. Kip gave off a “still waters run deep” vibe that I enjoyed getting to the bottom of. I was definitely on his side. When the Fangs of Scavo start being stolen in a freakish, brazen manner, the two men find themselves working in unison to get to the bottom of the thefts. This throws them both off stride, to say the least. No ordinary collectors items these, the Fangs are known to protect the founding members of the Society of Spiritualists from ills. Needless to say, their return is crucial, and who knows what havoc could rain down with them being in the wrong hands?
Hiero’s dashing demeanor, covey of compatriots, core kindness and bold self-assurance brand him quite the opposite of Kip, who is quietly but determinedly set on doing the best job possible while securing his place on the force. He goes the extra mile and works hard on cases that fellow offices slough off on. Both men are quite compelling in their own way, with Kip’s draw to Hiero causing him to come out of his shell, to be more demonstrative, to act with passion. Watching these two interact and develop a relationship was a real treat; in fact, their interactions are what carried me through the story.
Despite the compelling characterizations and interesting plot, I had difficulty getting into the early parts of this story. The opening struck me as drawn out, with a multitude of character introductions and references: enough to be a bit overwhelming. Rather than serving as a hook, I had to allow my curiosity about Heiro and Kip to keep me going, and I’m very glad I did. Their chemistry really took off and kept my interest when they were on page, while many of the details about the mystery, the exact movements of the bad guys, saw my attention waning.
I thought I recognized a true story associated with the stolen enchanted lion tooth relics – the Fangs of Scavo – from true history and it turns out the author did use it as a base. I love this kind of folding in of actual events with fiction. Hiero’s bodyguard of sorts, Han, and his ward, Callie, shine as important and interesting secondary characters.
I adore historical stories, and all in all, this was a fun book. The author peppers it with loads of colorful flavor and authenticity. Hiero and Kip are intriguing and make for one captivating couple. Indeed part of the mystery involves watching their layers get peeled back to find out what truly makes them tick. I’ll be picking up the next in the series to see what kind of trouble they can get themselves into – out of? 😀
October 18, 2017
I must be not the book's target audience. I have no other explanation.
Because in my understanding this was bad. It felt like a random fanfic for some reason set in Victorian era without any real research into Victorian era beyond couple names of things.
The chosen plot line (eccentric detective with couple helpers) is so common that any author going for it has to really try to make it original. I mean - sir Arthur Conan Doyle already created Sherlock. You will have to beat that!
Here the author seems to attempt to achieve this originality by characters that seem to be thrown in from a different time, because sure as hell they don't behave like lords and ladies of Victorian London. Their behavior, manners, logic - everything is so-so off.
Despite this being the next book on my bookclub and i try to finish those - i just can't.
Because in my understanding this was bad. It felt like a random fanfic for some reason set in Victorian era without any real research into Victorian era beyond couple names of things.
The chosen plot line (eccentric detective with couple helpers) is so common that any author going for it has to really try to make it original. I mean - sir Arthur Conan Doyle already created Sherlock. You will have to beat that!
Here the author seems to attempt to achieve this originality by characters that seem to be thrown in from a different time, because sure as hell they don't behave like lords and ladies of Victorian London. Their behavior, manners, logic - everything is so-so off.
Despite this being the next book on my bookclub and i try to finish those - i just can't.
October 24, 2020
Another new author, another new series, another favorite couple. ❤
Stoker & Bash, or Kip & Hiero (as they are also known as…) are an unlikely duo. They are totally opposites in pretty much every way, except for their undeniable attraction toward each other.
Hiero is a mystery and a thorn in the side of the city’s official officers of the law. His over-the-top style of sleuthing lead some to believe that he’s as much a villain as those he claims to reveal. Kip is charged with the almost impossible task of proving once and for all that Hiero is a fraud.
Hiero doesn’t trust Kip any more than Kip trusts him, but they somehow form a uneasy alliance. The more time Kip spends with Hiero and the menagerie of people he surrounds himself with, the harder it is for him to see Hiero as a villain.
It doesn’t take long for the sleuths to realize that sorting out the good guys from the bad isn’t going to be easy – especially when the list of possible bad guys keeps growing.
The Fangs of Scavo was full of colorful characters, intriguing venues, witty humor, a solid mystery and an unexpected sweet romance between two broken characters who deserved to find each other. What’s not to love?
Stoker & Bash‘s story is far from over and I can’t wait for it to continue. The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree is up next and it’s ready and waiting on my Kindle. 😉
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of The Fangs of Scavo. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Stoker & Bash, or Kip & Hiero (as they are also known as…) are an unlikely duo. They are totally opposites in pretty much every way, except for their undeniable attraction toward each other.
Hiero is a mystery and a thorn in the side of the city’s official officers of the law. His over-the-top style of sleuthing lead some to believe that he’s as much a villain as those he claims to reveal. Kip is charged with the almost impossible task of proving once and for all that Hiero is a fraud.
Hiero doesn’t trust Kip any more than Kip trusts him, but they somehow form a uneasy alliance. The more time Kip spends with Hiero and the menagerie of people he surrounds himself with, the harder it is for him to see Hiero as a villain.
It doesn’t take long for the sleuths to realize that sorting out the good guys from the bad isn’t going to be easy – especially when the list of possible bad guys keeps growing.
The Fangs of Scavo was full of colorful characters, intriguing venues, witty humor, a solid mystery and an unexpected sweet romance between two broken characters who deserved to find each other. What’s not to love?
Stoker & Bash‘s story is far from over and I can’t wait for it to continue. The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree is up next and it’s ready and waiting on my Kindle. 😉
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of The Fangs of Scavo. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 24, 2018
I liked this quite a bit. Very Victorian pulp; if not as good as (say) KJ Charles at her best, at least as good as some of her worst.
May 26, 2023
Good story just felt a little disjointed.
dnf
November 1, 2019(2018 11 17 update) I just have no desire to go back and finish this unless I find out that the author has released an updated, properly edited version. Pity, as the premise was quite enjoyable, but I'm not wading through unedited dreck to pick out the good bits. DNF @ 60%
Pre-finishing comments: somewhere around the halfway mark, the editing took a severe turn for the worse. There were occasional issues earlier, as well as the non-standard paragraph formatting throughout, but it almost feels like there wasn't even a once-over after the latter half was written. At best, this is a book ready for beta-readers and serious editing. I am currently unenthused about finishing it, though I had been enjoying it well enough up to that point. Haven't given up on it yet, but I think I need to read something else for a while before getting back to it.
Specific things that need work:
(1) Overuse of "smirk." Definition of smirk: "to smile in an affected or smug manner". I don't think this was the intended meaning, most of the time. In a few instances, "smug" might fit. Mostly, it seemed to be used as something like "silly or knowing smile".
(2) Random insertion of relevant character background well after it should have been established.
(3) Overlong and inappropriately built up sex scene in a carriage. Now, some may quibble with the "overlong," but when Bash thinks how much he's looking forward to it half a dozen times, the sensible reader expects it to be interrupted before it even begins. It doesn't fit the tone or mood of what came before. And there actually was a reason for it to have been interrupted before it began, conveniently ignored until the author got them to a convenient, near-sated stopping point.
(4) [less urgent] The paragraph formatting is not the standard formatting for an ebook. Long indents on the paragraphs and a space between each paragraph? It's not vital that it be fixed, but it would look more professional if it were.
Pre-finishing comments: somewhere around the halfway mark, the editing took a severe turn for the worse. There were occasional issues earlier, as well as the non-standard paragraph formatting throughout, but it almost feels like there wasn't even a once-over after the latter half was written. At best, this is a book ready for beta-readers and serious editing. I am currently unenthused about finishing it, though I had been enjoying it well enough up to that point. Haven't given up on it yet, but I think I need to read something else for a while before getting back to it.
Specific things that need work:
(1) Overuse of "smirk." Definition of smirk: "to smile in an affected or smug manner". I don't think this was the intended meaning, most of the time. In a few instances, "smug" might fit. Mostly, it seemed to be used as something like "silly or knowing smile".
(2) Random insertion of relevant character background well after it should have been established.
(3) Overlong and inappropriately built up sex scene in a carriage. Now, some may quibble with the "overlong," but when Bash thinks how much he's looking forward to it half a dozen times, the sensible reader expects it to be interrupted before it even begins. It doesn't fit the tone or mood of what came before. And there actually was a reason for it to have been interrupted before it began, conveniently ignored until the author got them to a convenient, near-sated stopping point.
(4) [less urgent] The paragraph formatting is not the standard formatting for an ebook. Long indents on the paragraphs and a space between each paragraph? It's not vital that it be fixed, but it would look more professional if it were.
December 4, 2017
2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Selina Kray Stoker & Bash: The Fangs of Scavo
1) The last of the books I read, and it SERIOUSLY deserves an award!!! Not only did the writing take my breath away, but also the thrilling conflict, romance, and mystery kept me up at night. Complex characters Kip and Heiro are alive and well in my imagination ... and in my heart.
2) A Victorian romp with excellent historical details, action-adventure, and engrossing characters.
3) I had the pleasure of buying the book earlier in the year and was captivated by the characters and the plot. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
1) The last of the books I read, and it SERIOUSLY deserves an award!!! Not only did the writing take my breath away, but also the thrilling conflict, romance, and mystery kept me up at night. Complex characters Kip and Heiro are alive and well in my imagination ... and in my heart.
2) A Victorian romp with excellent historical details, action-adventure, and engrossing characters.
3) I had the pleasure of buying the book earlier in the year and was captivated by the characters and the plot. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
March 12, 2018
I enjoyed this book a great deal but it was a read of two halves for me.
The central characters are absorbing - Timothy 'Kip' Stoker is a stoical presence, never happier than when he is immersed in puzzling out the most tangled clues. He is caught between his deeply unpleasant boss, who wants him out of the Police Force completely but doesn't have the moral grounds to sack him, and his closeted love of the theatre, which was the background to his childhood. Add to that, his equally closeted love for other men.
As this story is set in Victorian London, and Kip is not a gentleman of substantial means, his predilection could mean prison, or even death for him, so he has learned to play his cards very close ot his chest.
His opposite number, the flamboyant Hieronymous Bash, is anything but circumspect. Hiero, who thankfully gets abbreviated on the page more often than not, is as spectacular as the name he (almost certainly) has chosen for himself. Left a vast legacy by his former lover, who was an Admiral, Hiero uses it to provide a home for a wonderful assortment of friends who pose as his household staff, and the niece of his late beloved, the wonderful Calliope. It is Callie, and her partner Han, Heiro's imposing bodyguard, who ultimately do all the detective work in the unofficial agency that they operate. Heiro exists to provide access to places and people that most ordinary folks would not even be noticed by, and to create distractions whilst his companions dig for clues.
When these two entities collide during an investigation into the disappearance of the titular Fangs of Scavo - the teeth of a pair of savage lions that killed and ate many African villagers and a couple of members of the Belgrave Spiritualist Society of London, out in Africa on a trip - Kip and Hiero are immediately fascinated by one another.
Initially Kip suppresses his fascination because he has an ulterior motive, which is to discredit Bash on behalf of his superior. This would be easy enough to do, because it doesn't take him long to work out that Callie and Han are the brains behind the operation. Soon, though, his mission is derailed by the realisation that the meetings of the Spiritualists are a cover under which someone is stealing the fangs.
The action in this book is pacy and exciting all the time that it is focusing on the central characters and my only issue with the story is that the few times the writing becomes a bit flabby are when it tries to concentrate on what's going on behind the scenes of the mystery. I found myself getting lost once or twice with what was going on, and having to backtrack for information. There are a lot of characters to keep track of in this book and very few of them are incidental.
That said, I would not hesitate to pick up a second installment of this series. And almost certainly there must be another. Bash's identity still remains mostly mysterious, an actor to the end, he is very elusive about his heritage, even by the end of this book. I am curious to know who he really is. All in all, Selina Kray's lovely detailed settings and colourful cast have definitely found a way into my heart.
The central characters are absorbing - Timothy 'Kip' Stoker is a stoical presence, never happier than when he is immersed in puzzling out the most tangled clues. He is caught between his deeply unpleasant boss, who wants him out of the Police Force completely but doesn't have the moral grounds to sack him, and his closeted love of the theatre, which was the background to his childhood. Add to that, his equally closeted love for other men.
As this story is set in Victorian London, and Kip is not a gentleman of substantial means, his predilection could mean prison, or even death for him, so he has learned to play his cards very close ot his chest.
His opposite number, the flamboyant Hieronymous Bash, is anything but circumspect. Hiero, who thankfully gets abbreviated on the page more often than not, is as spectacular as the name he (almost certainly) has chosen for himself. Left a vast legacy by his former lover, who was an Admiral, Hiero uses it to provide a home for a wonderful assortment of friends who pose as his household staff, and the niece of his late beloved, the wonderful Calliope. It is Callie, and her partner Han, Heiro's imposing bodyguard, who ultimately do all the detective work in the unofficial agency that they operate. Heiro exists to provide access to places and people that most ordinary folks would not even be noticed by, and to create distractions whilst his companions dig for clues.
When these two entities collide during an investigation into the disappearance of the titular Fangs of Scavo - the teeth of a pair of savage lions that killed and ate many African villagers and a couple of members of the Belgrave Spiritualist Society of London, out in Africa on a trip - Kip and Hiero are immediately fascinated by one another.
Initially Kip suppresses his fascination because he has an ulterior motive, which is to discredit Bash on behalf of his superior. This would be easy enough to do, because it doesn't take him long to work out that Callie and Han are the brains behind the operation. Soon, though, his mission is derailed by the realisation that the meetings of the Spiritualists are a cover under which someone is stealing the fangs.
The action in this book is pacy and exciting all the time that it is focusing on the central characters and my only issue with the story is that the few times the writing becomes a bit flabby are when it tries to concentrate on what's going on behind the scenes of the mystery. I found myself getting lost once or twice with what was going on, and having to backtrack for information. There are a lot of characters to keep track of in this book and very few of them are incidental.
That said, I would not hesitate to pick up a second installment of this series. And almost certainly there must be another. Bash's identity still remains mostly mysterious, an actor to the end, he is very elusive about his heritage, even by the end of this book. I am curious to know who he really is. All in all, Selina Kray's lovely detailed settings and colourful cast have definitely found a way into my heart.
May 26, 2022
Au début de l'histoire, je pensais vraiment que ma note serait supérieur à 3 étoiles. Je me suis bien trompée. Je trouve premièrement que le titre en français "Les Crocs des Démons Chats" est affreux ! Pourquoi diable ce titre ?!
Bref, j'ai adoré la relation entre Stoker et Bash. Si vous aimez le Johnlock (Sherlock Holmes en couple avec John Watson) je pense que vous allez apprécier ce couple. C'est un peu la même vibes mais en un peu plus perché. J'ai eu un gros coup de coeur pour le personnage de Hiero Bash (♥️). Il me fait penser un peu à Jack Sparrow de Pirates des Caraïbes. Il a la même vibes je trouve. En tout cas, ce personnage est vraiment fun, mais à la fois touchant et identifiable. De plus, le fait qu'il soit un personnage de couleur est VRAIMENT TRÈS BIEN. C'est rare de voir des personnages de couleur dans des romances historiques, et surtout que cette thématique est abordé. Légèrement certes mais abordé.
L'énorme bémol pour moi, c'est l'enquête. Je ne me suis jamais autant ENNUYÉ devant une enquête de toute ma vie ! Elle est si inintéressante et incompréhensible ! J'ai continué cette histoire rien que pour la romance parce que je trouve qu'à part ça, il n'y a rien à sauver dans ce livre. Comment est ce que c'est possible d'arriver au climax du livre, à la résolution de l'enquête, à un moment d'émotions intenses, et de t'ennuyer à un point que t'a envie de brûler ton téléphone ? Parce que c'est exactement ce dont j'avais envie !
Pire encore, la fin n'est même pas satisfaisante ! Moi qui étais là pour la romance, il n'y avait strictement rien de satisfaisant !
Une dernière chose, le personnage de Callie est insupportable. Je trouve que c'est la représentation parfaite du féminisme caricaturale : "Je suis une femme forte donc je suis froide, je suis insupportable, je n'ai pas d'humour..." Je déteste cette représentation.
Bref, j'ai adoré la relation entre Stoker et Bash. Si vous aimez le Johnlock (Sherlock Holmes en couple avec John Watson) je pense que vous allez apprécier ce couple. C'est un peu la même vibes mais en un peu plus perché. J'ai eu un gros coup de coeur pour le personnage de Hiero Bash (♥️). Il me fait penser un peu à Jack Sparrow de Pirates des Caraïbes. Il a la même vibes je trouve. En tout cas, ce personnage est vraiment fun, mais à la fois touchant et identifiable. De plus, le fait qu'il soit un personnage de couleur est VRAIMENT TRÈS BIEN. C'est rare de voir des personnages de couleur dans des romances historiques, et surtout que cette thématique est abordé. Légèrement certes mais abordé.
L'énorme bémol pour moi, c'est l'enquête. Je ne me suis jamais autant ENNUYÉ devant une enquête de toute ma vie ! Elle est si inintéressante et incompréhensible ! J'ai continué cette histoire rien que pour la romance parce que je trouve qu'à part ça, il n'y a rien à sauver dans ce livre. Comment est ce que c'est possible d'arriver au climax du livre, à la résolution de l'enquête, à un moment d'émotions intenses, et de t'ennuyer à un point que t'a envie de brûler ton téléphone ? Parce que c'est exactement ce dont j'avais envie !
Pire encore, la fin n'est même pas satisfaisante ! Moi qui étais là pour la romance, il n'y avait strictement rien de satisfaisant !
Une dernière chose, le personnage de Callie est insupportable. Je trouve que c'est la représentation parfaite du féminisme caricaturale : "Je suis une femme forte donc je suis froide, je suis insupportable, je n'ai pas d'humour..." Je déteste cette représentation.
July 3, 2017
Detective Inspector Timothy Stoker is tasked with bringing down Hieronymus Bash, an amateur detective trying to bring down charlatans and show people taking money for nothing. The two men are thrown together when both cases become muddled and some trophies that protect the hunters for the Demon Cats of Scavo are stolen.
I liked this, it was different and different is always good in my book. I just found it a little . . . . .long winded. Both Tim, and Heiro are prone to using, for want of a better phrase, big long words that gave the impression they had swallowed a dictionary. I found myself constantly checking the meaning of words, and phrases, and it meant that I lost my flow many times, leading to the long winded feeling I'm left with.
Oh don't get me wrong, it's a really GOOD book, just not one that blew me away.
Tim and Heiro have instant and powerful chemistry, and its great watching them come together, even if what they are doing might get them hanged. Set in late Victorian times, laying with another man was highly illegal. Both men know this, yet they cannot deny their feelings.
I didn't get the whodunit til it was revealed in the book, and I did like being kept on my toes. I changed my mind many times, and each time I was proved wrong and I really did not see that one coming!
Extremely well written, in the third person, from both man's point of view, with no spelling or editing errors I spotted, I have no doubt some will love this. I'm just sorry I couldn't. I would, however, like to read any future books in the series, or something else written by Ms Kray. I liked, big long words aside, the way she spins a tale.
So, a good book, just not a brilliant one but still it gets. . . .
4 stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I liked this, it was different and different is always good in my book. I just found it a little . . . . .long winded. Both Tim, and Heiro are prone to using, for want of a better phrase, big long words that gave the impression they had swallowed a dictionary. I found myself constantly checking the meaning of words, and phrases, and it meant that I lost my flow many times, leading to the long winded feeling I'm left with.
Oh don't get me wrong, it's a really GOOD book, just not one that blew me away.
Tim and Heiro have instant and powerful chemistry, and its great watching them come together, even if what they are doing might get them hanged. Set in late Victorian times, laying with another man was highly illegal. Both men know this, yet they cannot deny their feelings.
I didn't get the whodunit til it was revealed in the book, and I did like being kept on my toes. I changed my mind many times, and each time I was proved wrong and I really did not see that one coming!
Extremely well written, in the third person, from both man's point of view, with no spelling or editing errors I spotted, I have no doubt some will love this. I'm just sorry I couldn't. I would, however, like to read any future books in the series, or something else written by Ms Kray. I liked, big long words aside, the way she spins a tale.
So, a good book, just not a brilliant one but still it gets. . . .
4 stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
June 14, 2017
Clever, clever book. I expected a MM Victorian romance with a dash (bash) of Sherlock Holmes, but this is so much more.
Heiro Bash is an investigator that "leads" a team that looks to debunk paranormal claims and solves mysteries. Tim "Kip" Stoker is a detective who partners with Heiro to solve the disappearance of the Fangs. They each have secrets.
Heiro is flamboyant and always "on", a performer. And he's so kind and witty. Kip is straight-laced, but not straight, and strives to blend in and be ordinary. He also loves to be behind the scenes, analyzing the data, conducting research. They are exact opposites, but have so much in common. So many layers! They are both hiding who they are and reveal themselves to each other over the course of the book. But, not completely...that leaves room for more books! The secondary characters, Callie and Han, pushed the story along but more from them would be awesome as well.
I enjoyed the mystery and suspense, and admit even though I am an avid reader and pride myself on figuring it all out, this book kept me guessing.
One small ding, sometimes the Victorian "slang" would trip me up, and I had to google like a manic. In all other aspects, although there was a tendency to be over-descriptive, the language fit. I am stealing the phrase "emotionally thievery" from this author, it is so perfect. It made sense for the characters, especially Heiro, and the ostentatious Victorian era.
And the romance, sigh. Heiro has the best lines. Despite all the smoke and mirrors, the sleight of hand, I "see" you Heiro. And I see Kip too.
Heiro Bash is an investigator that "leads" a team that looks to debunk paranormal claims and solves mysteries. Tim "Kip" Stoker is a detective who partners with Heiro to solve the disappearance of the Fangs. They each have secrets.
Heiro is flamboyant and always "on", a performer. And he's so kind and witty. Kip is straight-laced, but not straight, and strives to blend in and be ordinary. He also loves to be behind the scenes, analyzing the data, conducting research. They are exact opposites, but have so much in common. So many layers! They are both hiding who they are and reveal themselves to each other over the course of the book. But, not completely...that leaves room for more books! The secondary characters, Callie and Han, pushed the story along but more from them would be awesome as well.
I enjoyed the mystery and suspense, and admit even though I am an avid reader and pride myself on figuring it all out, this book kept me guessing.
One small ding, sometimes the Victorian "slang" would trip me up, and I had to google like a manic. In all other aspects, although there was a tendency to be over-descriptive, the language fit. I am stealing the phrase "emotionally thievery" from this author, it is so perfect. It made sense for the characters, especially Heiro, and the ostentatious Victorian era.
And the romance, sigh. Heiro has the best lines. Despite all the smoke and mirrors, the sleight of hand, I "see" you Heiro. And I see Kip too.
August 18, 2017
Okay so I admit, I went into this book with really rather low expectations. However, with a cheesy looking front cover and an even more cheesy title, I don't think I can be judged too harshly for making the assumption that there would be anything of any substance here. But it looked like it might be fun, so I crossed my fingers and hoped it would be written well enough that I could enjoy it. And I got a massive surprise, because this book was really very good!
The plot was intriguing, and the context of the times were obviously well researched. The characters were all well rounded and layered, each with their own secrets - some of which they kept hold of until the next book. The main underlying theme of masks that wove through everything and everyone was fascinating, and I enjoyed the premise of the two main characters' meeting.
The only reason why this is a 4 star review instead of a 5, is the prose: it often got a little too flowery, with four or five metaphors being used where only one was needed. It was a little bit too much at times, holding up the pace of the action just so one MC could describe their current feelings for three or four pages in purple prose. Not every sentence needs an adverb; not every description requires a metaphor (or five), to be properly conveyed. But although it made me skim a few times, it didn't stop my enjoyment of the story as a whole, and I'll be keeping an eye out for the next in the series to come out!
April 22, 2021
3.5 stars
A really interesting one! I quite liked a lot of things about it and was drawn to it as much by the loose reference to the Lions of Tsavo I perceived in the title as to the delightful premise of more Victorian detectives. It was not quite what I expected at all going into it, and for a bit I really struggled with deciding what to think of it.
In the end I really liked Tim, he's such a solidly enjoyable main character and I really felt for him from the beginning. Hiero also certainly grew on me. I enjoyed his mysterious nature even when it exasperated me, and I really liked them together.
The mystery was entertaining, the plot zoomed right along and I did enjoy the side characters immensely. The main plot wrapped up neatly but plenty was left over to be explored in future volumes which is always a nice place to leave a book.
My quibbles lie mainly in that the points of view weren't always easy to suss out immediately and the transitions between Hiero's and Tim's at times seemed to blur. The writing style didn't mesh for me as well in some parts as I would have liked while in other places I quite enjoyed it.
Overall, though it's a definite success for me. I was intending before I started it to binge all three in the series one after another, instead I think I'll take a small palate cleanser, but by the end it had me solidly enough to be sure I'll be coming back. I somehow fully expect to like the second one even more.
A really interesting one! I quite liked a lot of things about it and was drawn to it as much by the loose reference to the Lions of Tsavo I perceived in the title as to the delightful premise of more Victorian detectives. It was not quite what I expected at all going into it, and for a bit I really struggled with deciding what to think of it.
In the end I really liked Tim, he's such a solidly enjoyable main character and I really felt for him from the beginning. Hiero also certainly grew on me. I enjoyed his mysterious nature even when it exasperated me, and I really liked them together.
The mystery was entertaining, the plot zoomed right along and I did enjoy the side characters immensely. The main plot wrapped up neatly but plenty was left over to be explored in future volumes which is always a nice place to leave a book.
My quibbles lie mainly in that the points of view weren't always easy to suss out immediately and the transitions between Hiero's and Tim's at times seemed to blur. The writing style didn't mesh for me as well in some parts as I would have liked while in other places I quite enjoyed it.
Overall, though it's a definite success for me. I was intending before I started it to binge all three in the series one after another, instead I think I'll take a small palate cleanser, but by the end it had me solidly enough to be sure I'll be coming back. I somehow fully expect to like the second one even more.
November 12, 2020
The author Selina Kray was being featured in a Facebook M/M book fan group and there was some buzz about her work in other groups so I was compelled to see what had readers thrilled! Nosiness can be so rewarding sometimes! Following the clamor led me to the writer's Stoker & Bash stories where the third book, 'The Death Under the Dark Arches' was just recently released. I begged the writer for the honor of reading her book for review and I am so delighted that she afforded me the honor, privilege, and sheer pleasure! Selina starts the first book with a Dramatis Personae which is not only in keeping with the book's historic integrity but also serves as a teaser for the delightful characters one would hope to encounter throughout the book. She gets us anxious to be drawn into the story which is so incredibly well written with word choices that are vibrant and descriptions so crystal clear. And the book covers? My goodness! Aren't they gorgeous? We encounter an intelligent, resourceful DI Timothy Stoker of Scotland Yard that is charged with investigating the theft of two arcane artifacts and is forced to work with the exotic and flashy Hieronymus Bash, the very man her was sent to investigate--a man who sends his senses tingling. This is book one of what is, at this time, a three-book series. I'm so delighted there is a continuation of such an incredible tale!
January 25, 2021
I really, really wanted to like this more than I did...
The story (emerging queer couple running around slightly fictionalised Victorian London solving mysteries) is *bang* on point for me. The main characters felt very real, their romance wasn't forced and the side characters were fleshed out and interesting. There were some really good scenes and the constantly twisting plot kept me guessing right up until the end.
Unfortunately, their execution was not. There were several points where the emotion of a scene didn't quite fall right, meaning half the time I couldn't understand a character's motivations. It also felt a tad overwritten e.g. fight scenes with too many moving limbs, or which stop so a character can think about something completely unrelated for a paragraph. Then, there were other parts where I thought I must have skipped a scene or a chapter because a character went from chasing after the villain to being in their prison without showing them get captured!
In summary: there is a core of a really great story in here, but it just wasn't quite pulled into shape yet.
The story (emerging queer couple running around slightly fictionalised Victorian London solving mysteries) is *bang* on point for me. The main characters felt very real, their romance wasn't forced and the side characters were fleshed out and interesting. There were some really good scenes and the constantly twisting plot kept me guessing right up until the end.
Unfortunately, their execution was not. There were several points where the emotion of a scene didn't quite fall right, meaning half the time I couldn't understand a character's motivations. It also felt a tad overwritten e.g. fight scenes with too many moving limbs, or which stop so a character can think about something completely unrelated for a paragraph. Then, there were other parts where I thought I must have skipped a scene or a chapter because a character went from chasing after the villain to being in their prison without showing them get captured!
In summary: there is a core of a really great story in here, but it just wasn't quite pulled into shape yet.
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