Review: Widdershins by Jordan L Hawk

Synopsis:
The year is 1897 and it's a chilly winter in the coastal town of Widdershins.  Percival Endicott Whyborne is a brilliant but shy comparative philologist who is defensive about his past and his 'inclinations'. Given a choice about anything, Whyborne would stay hidden away in his office translating dead languages.  But things don't exactly go as Whyborne would like.

A private detective, Griffin Flaherty, requires help translating a text in cipher and Whyborne is the most qualified man for the job in Widdershins.  It's not long until Whyborne ends up being Griffin's reluctant sidekick.

Even as they investigate the monstrous, Whyborne finds himself becoming more and more attracted to Griffin.  But many things stand in his way: his past, the law, and social mores.  Can Whyborne relinquish his memories and love again? Can Griffin, after all he's been through, trust anyone?  And most importantly: can they save the goddamn world?

Review:
This paranormal-historical-romance had me on the edge of my seat for the entire book.  It took next to no time for me to become totally invested in the two heroes as well as their kickass friend, Dr. Christine Putnam.

Whyborne, whose point of view we follow, is utterly utterly lovable as the main character.  He is very introverted and tries to avoid being noticed or being the centre of attention.  His social ineptitude was at times cringe-worthy, but totally sympathetic.  As he becomes more relaxed around friends, he becomes even more loveable.

Griffin, the hero, by contrast to Whyborne, has a certain ease about him. He balances out Whyborne's introverted nature well.  His kindness is really what makes him lovely and drives home many of the 'squee' moments throughout the book.  And were there many 'squee' moments? Oh yes! Many!

Dr. Christine Putnam deserves more than an honorable mention for being a badass female presence.  A female archaeologist at a time when women were not supposed to be doing such things, she is powerful, assertive, smart, and knows her way around guns. And the two heroes would probably be dead without her.

The liberal smattering of classical allusions were very welcome by this reader.  Latin and the ancient world provided excellent embellishments to the paranormal elements.  Jordan L Hawk's background in archaeology is most certainly an asset to this story.

Hawk's language is rich and rewarding.  Her ability to capture the nervousness of new love and mesh that in a story filled with monstrous gore should be commended.

I feel like I've come to the party late on this one - but I'm sure glad I arrived at all.  I'll be starting on Threshold as soon as possible because I just cannot get enough of Whyborne and Griffin.

Seriously, all the squees.

Title: Widdershins
Author: Jordan L. Hawk
Publishing Date: Dec 3, 2012
Length: Novel (85k)
Genre: Paranormal/Romance/Historical
Type: m/m