| Genre | Gay / Historical / Paranormal / 19th Century / Disability / Military/Former Military / Ghosts/Spirits/Hauntings / Psychic Powers / Romance / Mystery/Suspense/Thriller |
| Reviewed by | Lena Grey on 22-January-2025 |
It’s 1890, and a circus has come to Austin, Texas. When a murder steals the show, medium Thomas Carillon and his secret lover, Marshal Hadrian Burton are determined to find the killer. The circus is full of dark secrets and restless ghosts, and Thomas and Hadrian might have a bigger case than they can handle.
Visiting the circus freak show reminds Thomas that his clubfoot makes him Other to most people. Despite his better standing in the community and Hadrian’s love, he struggles with both feelings of insecurity and anger. When a handsome gay Pinkerton detective comes to town at the ringmaster’s behest, Thomas becomes jealous and his relationship with Hadrian is tested.
Hadrian, still plagued by soldier’s heart (PTSD), doubts his ability to solve this case and is grateful for the help of the Pinkerton. He’s equally glad that the Pinkerton is gay so he and Thomas don’t have to hide their relationship from his keen eye. Distracted by the case and his own troubles, he doesn’t recognize Thomas’s jealousy threatening their love.
Thomas and Hadrian must not only solve a gruesome and baffling case, they must also tend to their relationship before it’s too late.
“People of character do the right thing even if no one else does, not because they think it will change the world but because they refuse to be changed by the world”. ~ Michael Josephson
Thomas and Hadrian, of 'Carillon's Caliber' by Sionnach Wintergreen, are attending a visiting circus when a murdered man is discovered. Hadrian, as marshal, and Thomas, his partner/consultant, become embroiled in the investigation.
While they move through the circus, a man comes rushing up to Hadrian, who is the sheriff, to tell them that they have discovered the body of a dead man. They rush to the location and are immediately repulsed by the gruesome scene; the killer not only murdered his victim but mutilated the victim as well.
After Hadrian and Thomas investigate for a while, they discover that they are dealing with a serial killer. Also, all of the victims are homosexuals, perhaps explaining the mutilation. When the circus owner thinks they are moving too slowly, he hires a Pinkerton detective. Thomas is upset, but Hadrian figures it's his money to waste.
The Pinkerton man is handsome and attracted to Hadrian, who is oblivious and does not even notice. Still, Thomas bristles, making his disdain known while secretly feeling insecure and, once again, wondering why Hadrian would want to be with him. Thomas desperately needs to find a way to regain his self-confidence concerning their relationship, or it may fail.
‘Carillon’s Caliber’ is my favorite of the ‘Men of the Shadows’ series. Sionnach has created a fascinating story of murder, mystery, and the power of love. Thanks, Sionnach, for the great read. I can hardly wait to see what Thomas and Hadrian get up to next.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.
| Format | ebook and print |
| Length | Novel, 277 pages |
| Heat Level | |
| Publication Date | 11-November-2024 |
| Price | $3.99 ebook, $12.99 paperback |
| Buy Link | https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DJMS57V5 |
