Genre: Mystery, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
How far would you be willing to go to keep a secret?
When writer Malcolm Tull is discovered dead at his writing desk, all signs point to suicide. But Malcolm’ s editor isn’ t so sure. There’ s the matter of the man’ s missing computer, a mislaid manuscript and the fact that he didn’ t seem the type to take his own life.
Declan Hunt and Charlie Watts are called into action and make their way to the mysterious Hoodoo House nestled on the edge of the Badlands of Alberta. Soon they are embroiled in a case involving blackmail, gay tricks and possibly even murder.
As the secrets of Hoodoo House come to light, Charlie discovers that his boss has been keeping a few secrets of his own, secrets that could impact their romantic relationship outside of the office. And before this investigation is done, Charlie will have to get to the truth, even if it means this might be his final case for Declan Hunt Investigations.
The Review
Charlie Watts has been working for Declan Hunt’s Investigations for some time now. He was brought in to run the business more effectively, and it looks like his efforts are paying off, as finances have been improving. When feelings started to get in the way, he and Declan came to an agreement – no mixing business with pleasure.
The Alberta LGBTQ+ Business Association has chosen Declan for their Annual Local Hero Award. Well, sort of – because of an incident with their first choice, a city council member, he won by default. Declan is not to keen on the idea of attending the ceremony, but Charlie talks him into it. Not only would Declan help the Association, but it’s also a great way to get publicity for the business. Charlie provides the details on the black tie event at the Lambda Ball at the Palliser Hotel, and mentions that the honoree should bring a date. After a little teasing, Declan invites Charlie to go with him.
Charlie is more than excited, but Declan still is cautious about getting involved with his business partner.
On the evening of the ceremony, Charlie finds himself helping Declan through his heartfelt speech and running interference for him. It seems that Roger Honeyfield can’t resist Declan.
Then Declan is approached by a Sinclair Yamada from Mount Temple Press, an important Canadian Publisher. The Mount Temple Press provides a charitable trust at a retreat, Hoodoo House. The publisher provides a support service and stipends for worthy writers who generate novels But there’s been trouble at Hoodoo House – Mr. Tull, one of the writers, has been found dead and there’s a missing manuscript. Other than the new investigation, Charlie thinks the evening is ending well, and then it doesn’t.
Declan finds himself at Bar-None as he starts to sabotage himself. He believes he doesn’t deserve good things. He even winds up at the Greek – Calgary’s biggest gay bathouse. Charlie doesn’t know what to do and it leads to jealousy and suspicion.
As Charlie and Declan dig deeper into their investigation, who of the the former and current residents of Hoodoo House are hiding secrets? What of Declan’s secrets? Even Charlie has one of his own.
I’m excited that Fenton brought Charlie and Declan back with Hoodoo House, the second installment of “The Declan Hunt Mysteries”. The story is filled with suspense and danger, with ghostwriters, authors past and present, love affairs that can’t be revealed, and many surprises.
Besides the rocky relationship between Charlie and Declan. there’s a host of characters that kept me reading. Henry Quill is a very vibrant and enthusiastic character, and I really liked him. And there are some very special women too: Carol Cameron, Charlie’s best friend Carrie, Sgt. Kaci Bowen of the Drumheller RCMP ,and Declan’s Stepmother Gwen, as well as some I won’t mention because it would spoil the secrets.
Hoodoo House is an excellent mystery, set in a creepy old house with a young boy that knows all of its secret places. I was thoroughly entertained with both books in this series, and can’t wait for more from Charlie and Declan! Well done.
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.
