Genre: Historical, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Michael O’Leary is devasted by the loss of his beloved Stiles Long. The thought of returning to their home in St. Louis is more than he can bear. Having received the news that, he has inherited a Manor in England, he decides to go there. Hoping that he can find a way to begin his life anew.
What he finds are secrets. So many secrets, he can’t determine who is friend and who is foe. He is now Lord Whit. The owner of a vast amount of land, a village named Whitcomb, employees on the manor grounds, a vicarage, land tenants and villagers who all look to him for guidance.
Michael also finds family. His cousins George, who is nearly his double, and Evaline, whose personality changes with the wind. There’s also, Vicar Joseph Williams, a man who isn’t what he appears.
A visit from his dear friend, Lizzie Ferguson, leaves him missing his old life even more. Just before the new year, he receives a haunting telegram from Lizzie, promising the new year was going to bright for him.
Without Stiles his life seems lost, then New Year’s Day 1912 arrives and…
Be sure to read the last page AND THE STORY CONTINUES…
The Review
Michael O’Leary is trying to move on, after the loss of Stiles Long. He has decisions to make about his inheritance of Whitcomb Manor in England. Every day is a struggle for Michael.
He’s now in England, learning a new business and the running of Whit Village and the Manor. At times he almost finds that he hasn’t thought about Stiles for days, but the painful memories always find their way back to him.
He meets his cousins George and Evaline Whit, who have worked diligently to keep the Manor running as smoothly as possible. But even with all the new business to deal with and new people to meet, he misses St. Louis, Lizzie and especially Stiles.
Lizzie is a life saver. She comes to Whit Manor for a much needed visit with Michael, and sees how much he’s still grieving for Stiles.
As days go by, Michael deals with temptation, unwanted advances, accidents and murder. But are they truly accidents? He puts his Pinkerton expertise to work to uncover the truth beneath all these strange goings on. But he will find he’s not alone, and will have someone by his side through all the chaos.
Baty has crafted another excellent and exciting tale in the “The Pinkerton Man” series. The Secrets of Whitcomb Manor is the best story in the series so far, filled with suspense, danger, secrets, surprises, temptation, love, heartbreak and joy. Amidst all the goings-on, Baty also delivers a love that lasts forever.
Of course, no Pinkerton Man story is complete without Lizzie Ferguson, with her enthusiasm and magnetism. Themes of loyalty, love, friendship, determination emanate from Lizzie.
We also get an in-depth look into the odd relationship between Michael’s parents, and his inheritance. And the mystery and secrets pile up with a lineup of new and suspicious characters: Michael’s cousins George and Evaline Whit; Reverend Joseph Williams; brother and sister Annie and Lyle Cumbersome; and Peter.
The entire “The Pinkerton Man” series is high entertainment, and there are not one but two two surprises at the end. I’m excited about the change in venue that CJ Baty has planned for the near future. The Secrets of Whitcomb Manor is a spectacular murder mystery with a shocking ending, and I highly recommend it.
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.
