Genre: Mystery, Historical
LGBTQ+ Category: Historical, Mystery
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Stiles Long and Michael O’Leary were asked to join two agents from the Secret Service to break up a counterfeiting ring. They didn’t usually work with other agents, but since several Secret Service agents had been killed, the president wanted the Pinkertons in on the job.
Reginald McCullough did not want to be anywhere near his uncle, but this was a chance for him to move up in the ranks. His new partner, Rochelle Warrant, was a stranger, but he’d do whatever it took to do a good job. When he entered his uncle’s office in St. Louis, he was shocked to see his old lover, Michael O’Leary there as well.
The assignment would take them on a new Pullman train across several states and cities. Death seemed to be at every turn. Stiles, Michael, Reginald, and Rochelle; all had attempts made on their lives. Every clue seemed to lead to a dead end.
Could Reginald pull Michael away from Stiles? Could they discover who the head of the counterfeit ring was before the end of the line in Santa Barbara, or would they end up just another dead agent riding the Death Train?
The Review
After too many close calls in a short time, Michael O’Leary is ready to leave the Pinkerton business behind. He just wants to stay home in St. Louis with his lover, Stiles. But once again, their life is put on hold.
Martin Collins had contacted Stiles and Michael before they left New York. The Secret Service was in need of the expert Pinkerton agents for an assignment. The information had been relayed to head agent James McCullough, in St. Louis. They’re pleasantly welcomed back by Lawrence Whitley, assistant to James. When they enter James’s office, they find him in a heated phone conversation about the Secret Service agents being sent to work the case.
After the Civil War, counterfeit money was being produced in large volumes and caused issues, but most of the criminals were caught. With a political race for the Presidency heating up, counterfeit money was being circulated again, and this time a great number of the Secret Service had lost their lives in the pursuit. When Woodrow Wilson became President, he brought the Pinkerton’s and Secret Service in to work the case and a had rivalry developed.
Many of the agents were murdered on the same train route. Michael and Stiles are justified in being suspicious of the two Secret Service agents – Rochelle Warrant and the annoying Reginald McCullough, nephew to James and someone Michael had history with.
Stiles knows something is bothering Michael, as he had gone silent, but he won’t push him on it. It’s been a long day, and Michael decides to take Stiles to Louie’s, his favorite place. Things are awkward between them, and Michael knows he will have to come clean with Stiles. Their suspicions are heightened when they see Rochelle Warrant in the company two unsavory men.
Michael finally tells Stiles about his connection to Reginald. Stiles trusts Michael, and makes it very clear Reginald had better watch his step. But they are both wondering what Reginald is up to. The four agents face danger on the same train route where the previous six agents lost their lives. As Stiles gives Michael, Reginald and Rochelle their assigned cars to investigate, bodies once again start to drop, and Michael has to wonder if he won’t be next.
Is Reginald trying to divide them? It seems Rochelle is always nearby when other agents are murdered. Just who is Dr. Lydia Combs? And will this be this the last ride for Stiles Long and Michael O’Leary?
Baty brings her Pinkerton agents Stiles Long and Michael O’Leary back for another suspenseful assignment in a tale that’s filled with nostalgia for the early 1900’s. The story flows well, chugging along with the 19th century train – another exciting, dangerous and complex case that has Michael and Stiles baffled.
I really love Baty’s writing, especially the wonderful intimate scenes between Michael and Stiles – a breath of fresh air. Their relationship has really grown, but Michael sometimes still has doubt. Still, they have a forever love that is built on trust.
I highly recommend Death Train and the entire “Pinkerton Man” series. This one is a little bit of a heartbreaker, as this may be the last Stiles and Michael mystery. I loved the cover too – it features Stiles Long, who has often appeared on other covers throughout the series.
Hopefully, the author will have them popping in to other tales, just to see how they’re doing, and maybe to share their expertise on cases. For those who follow the “Pinkerton Man” series, there is more to come in 2025!
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.
