Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
After a year back on the cop squad, Dirk Black is again on forced leave. But this time around, it’s because he’s earned a holiday—and his Detective Inspector is determined he’ll take it. When Dirk returns once more to the Shetlands where he met Stephan Tavish, the circumstances have changed. Stephan is recuperating faster than even he could have imagined, with the dedicated help of his father Peter. His lover’s once-alienated son Jamie, who’s agreed to reunite with his family, is posing his own set of challenges. And a massive storm has hit, hard.
Being under the covers with his unique lover is just what Dirk’s been needing. But he soon finds that the storm has also brought a maelstrom of trouble for him and the entire Tavish family—all of them have been swept into a tempest of crime and passion that threatens to leave only heartbreak in its path.
When Jamie disappears, Dirk is forced into seeing from a different perspective. From the secrets hidden in a boy’s school, to crimes committed in a stone-cold basement, even to a final horrendous crash—he learns that getting out alive is only part of the challenge.
Aye, pagan Dirk is forced to call on the “damned father, son and holy ghost” to set the world upright again on Fate’s storm-ravaged playing field.
The Review
Dirk Black’s life has changed since meeting the Tavishes. With the closing of two serious crimes and the support of his boss, DI Ainsley, he’s now been promoted to Senior Detective at the Dundee CID in Scotland.
He hasn’t been to see Stephan in a long time – leaving was the best decision to make. Stephan has his hands full with his business, rehabilitation, and trying to make amends with Jamie, his son.
Dirk has been given a week off, and heads to Peter’s house in Glasgow. He finds Jamie there – Jamie is continuing his education at Uni, and staying at Peters. Dirk tries to work things out with him, but Jamie is still dealing with his mother’s and her boyfriend’s deceit and crimes.
Finally, Peter picks up Dirk, and they are on the Seagull heading to the underground on Fathaland. Dirk is amazed with Stephan’s progress, and the spark between them is stronger than ever.
The time spent with Stephan is everything to Dirk, but trouble soon follows. Peter receives an alert from Jamie.
Making it back to Peters house, Dirk goes into search mode to find Jamie’s phone, hoping there will be a clue as to what happened to him. He’s rudely interrupted by ninja Jonah. Who is this Jonah and what does he have to do with Jamie? Unfortunately, old enemies still have a way to reach out and cause chaos for the Tavishes. Dirk will do anything to bring it to an end, along with Jonah.
When it’s all said and done, will Dirk still feel like a loner and crave the danger that comes with being a cop? Or will he believe in Stephans’ love? And will Stephan feel the same?
O’Quinn brings a Scottish flair to the story, especially through that Scottish accent. I love it and I want more! I also love the relationship between Dirk and Stephan, but it’s heartbreaking at times. Dirk still craves the adrenaline rush that comes with being a cop. Will he ever give it up? What will happen with their long-distance relationship?
Jamie and Jonah are great characters too – they’re supportive and will protect each other at all times using their ninja skills. They both form a gradual connection to Dirk and hopefully it will bring Dirk closer to them all. And Jamie and Stephan are rebuilding a solid father/son relationship.
I love Peter Tavish too – he now has grandson and son to spend his life with. He’s also got a special connection with Dirk. Peter is a man of wisdom and willing to do anything for his family.
DI Ainsley is quite the character too. Dirk is a pain in the ass for him, but he would do anything for him.
Lighthouse Keeper’s Holiday is another good mystery – entertaining, suspenseful, action packed, and once again very steamy. I highly suggest reading Wanted: Lighthouse Keeper first – it introduces Dirk Black and the Tavishes.
As they say in Scotland, “dinnae fash” (don’t worry), Erin O’Quinn already has a third book in the works for Dirk Black and Stephan Tavish!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
