Widdershins

Whyborne & Griffin, Book 1

By: Jordan L. Hawk

Narrated by: Julian G. Simmons

Some things should stay buried.

Repressed scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne has two skills: reading dead languages and hiding in his office at the Ladysmith Museum. After the tragic death of the friend he secretly loved, he's ruthlessly suppressed any desire for another man.

So when handsome ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty approaches him to translate a mysterious book, Whyborne wants to finish the job and get rid of the detective as quickly as possible. Griffin left the Pinkertons following the death of his partner, hoping to start a new life. But the powerful cult that murdered Glenn has taken root in Widdershins, and only the spells in the book can stop them. Spells the intellectual Whyborne doesn't believe are real.

As the investigation draws the two men closer, Griffin's rakish charm threatens to shatter Whyborne's iron control. When the cult resurrects an evil sorcerer who commands terrifying monsters, can Whyborne overcome his fear and learn to trust? Will Griffin let go of his past and risk falling in love? Or will Griffin's secrets cost Whyborne both his heart and his life?

©2012-2013 Jordan L. Hawk (P)2013 Jordan L. Hawk

Gripping Erotic Suspense, Seductive Narrator!

This is one of those rare audio books that will gently push everything else out of your head, a thoroughly engrossing tale told in a voice that will soothe, seduce and excite.

The characters in "Widdershins" are very compelling, and the narrator gives each just enough nuance without intruding on my freedom to imagine. The story starts tugging at my curiosity right off the bat. Within a few pages, I am drawn to Percival Endicott Whyborne -- he has an endearing clumsiness and is so shy I really want to follow him to see why.

The mystery unfolds at a tantalizing pace. Hints are dropped every few pages: a mysterious cipher needs translating, tied to a murder of a wealthy young man “in a seedy part of town.” As it escalates, the richly woven tale incorporates elements of the occult, an ancient Egyptian curse, a secret cult, hideous carnivorous monsters and more. And it is all experienced through the very accessible perspective of our very likable hero.

In addition to the scholarly Whyborne, the book is populated by several enticing players: the dashing detective Griffin Flaherty, the feisty and loyal Dr. Christine Putnam, and a colorful cast of thugs, hookers, pompous bosses and a creepy old-world ghoul. These characters are drawn so well that I can really see them as I listen.

The narration spirals in on you. The first few pages feel aloof and have some technical problems that are unfortunate, but these glitches soon clear up and the timbre of this narrator’s voice comes through clearly. He seems just right for Whyborne: youthful, intelligent, and hesitant, at first. But as the story progresses, as the character grows in confidence, the narrator seems to come closer to the reader’s ear. It’s a pleasant sensation, soothing and familiar.

There is also another sort of suspense, even more adroitly developed. When Whyborne becomes all aflutter over Griffin, the story takes on steam, building up an erotic attraction between two men that, in the Victorian setting, would have been extremely taboo. But this is not a “gay romance” so much as a good story that just happens to include gay characters. The story is erotic, but not tawdry. This is a firstly a suspenseful mystery, then a romance and a love story. Sex comes in due course, but it is not the center of the story. I like that, and the narrator is very good at imbuing these characters with just the right amount of personality to support the carefully crafted sensuality at which Jordan L. Hawk excels.

For me, there are multiple memorable moments in the tantalizing escalation of the romantic attachment between the two lead characters (who just happen to be men). I think this would work equally well for a man and a woman, but there are also unique aspects to a gay romance that the author captures with great sensitivity. The narrator is right there, making these increasingly-erotic encounters both believable and, admittedly, a bit arousing.

I suppose my favorite moment is when Griffin and Whyborne escape hideous monsters by setting off an explosion, and are blown out of the old house and land in the snow. The masculine, muscular Griffin lands on top of the slight, delicate Whyborne, pinning him down. There is a fantastically erotic moment, when Griffin gently asks Whyborne "What am I to do with you?" And Whyborne -- stepping across a hitherto taboo threshold -- says "Whatever you want."

That, and the ending, resonate for me as perfect renditions of a love story between two men, who are perfectly matched.

"Widdershins" is breaking new ground, I think -- moving the genre of "gay fiction" several leagues forward. It's hard to find quality fiction with prominent gay characters. So often, books featuring gay characters make that gayness the center of attention, and the story is all about simplistic sex and "hot" this and "hot" that, shimmering torsos and shallow dialogue. We are beyond that. Widdershins is a gripping story by a talented writer who totally "gets" the nuances of gay romance, read by a narrator who clearly knows whereof he speaks.

Author doesn't know which genre he wants to write

This book lies somewhere between a turn of the century gay romance novel, an Indiana Jones thriller, and an out right porn magazine feature.

I was expecting a gay mystery novel. I didn't mind after a while that is was more of an adventure tale. Reminding a bit of the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

Then it becomes clear that this is a turn of the 19th century first gay romance novel. Which in itself wasn't too bad of a sub plot. Though both genres could be the major plot and the other the sub plot.

Then it turns into a downright smut porno J/Of magazine material. With graphic depictions of a young man's first gay sexual experiences. If I wanted to read that, I could have picked up a gay porno magazine. Not that I'm a prude and care about such stuff, but I didn't necessarily think it appropriate in this novel.

The entire book was divided into these three genres not even trying to weave it in together. It just jumps from one setting to another. I enjoyed the characters, but would have like to have them focusing on one particular genre with a sub plot or two thrown if for fun. If I wanted porn I would have put in a DVD and watched it or read a JO magazine. At the end I wanted to hear more of these characters but do not want to waste my credits or money on the rest of the series. Sorry author Jordan Hawk, but no more money from me for this series.

Monotone much?

The narrator was the worst part of this book. Pretty monotone and horrible at accents. Really took away from story.

The complete season is very worth your time!

Jordan L. Hawk creates a unique world full of magic, mystery, and romance that is well worth the listen. A community that brings together unlikely partnerships with a central focus given to a collection of people who choose to create family based on love, friendship, and trust - accepting of straight and gay relationships.

In the beginning of the first book, I found myself intrigued but hesitant due to what I considered a shaky performance by the narrator. By the end, I found myself really wanting to know what adventures this quirky band of characters would find themselves in next. The character development is very good and by the second full book the narrator seems to find his legs and begins to deliver a strong performance as well.

I am completely eager for the next installment! Not my normal fare, but completely enjoyable!

Interesting and fun to listen to

I am not really one of those people who gets in to "supernatural" books but this one was pretty good. The characters were well written, the storyline was interesting, and the ending had me on the edge of my seat, temporarily. Very well written with a good to great narration.

Great book, terrible audio

First, this is a great story. However, the quality of the audio is awful. Sounds like it was recorded in a tin can. Then the narrator. Slow, monotone, far too modern sounding for the content, weird pauses and simply can’t enunciate long words properly which actually matters when the MC speaks 13 languages! Franky, the entire country of Ireland should be offended by his attempt at an Irish dialect. This story really deserved better.

Terrible narration and recording quality

The story is good enough to continue...in ebook format. The narration and quality of recording (it sounded like he was in a tin can!), regrettably, detracted from the enjoyment of the story.

Very good story and hot!

If you could sum up Widdershins in three words, what would they be?

Spooky periodic mystery

What other book might you compare Widdershins to and why?

It defintely has a LoveCraft feel to it. The allusions to the old gods and Miskatonic University easily gets the reader ready for the world and the feel you're supposed to immerge yourself in

Who was the most memorable character of Widdershins and why?

I enjoyed Whybornne and Griffin both characters are well thought out and persaonable

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com

Really!!!!!

Loved the overall story, and characters. This title was in my library for over two months I am extremely upset that I didn't listen to it earlier. I can't wait for the next installment :-)

Widdershins

I loved everything about this book from Julian G.Simmons great narration to the fact that it is only book #1!
I was gifted this book free for an honest review