Bitter Legacy

De: Dal MacLean

Narrado por: Gary Furlong

London.

Detective Sergeant James Henderson's remarkable gut instincts have put him on a three-year fast track to becoming an inspector. But the advancement of his career has come at a cost. Gay, posh and eager to prove himself in the Metropolitan Police, James has allowed himself few chances for romance.

But when the murder of barrister Maria Curzon-Whyte lands in his lap, all that changes. His investigation leads him to a circle of irresistibly charming men. And though he knows better, James finds himself enticed into their company.

Soon his desire for photographer Ben Morgan challenges him to find a way into the other man's lifestyle of one-night stands and carefree promiscuity. At the same time his single murder case multiplies into a cruel pattern of violence and depravity.

But as the bodies pile up and shocking secrets come to light, James finds both his tumultuous private life and coveted career threatened by a bitter legacy.

Contains mature themes.

©2016 Dal Maclean (P)2019 Tantor

So happy I read this

First time with this author, but Gary Furlong is a favorite so I dove in. so glad I did! I love some mystery, danger and drama mixed with my love stories. Well paced, colorful characters and such a whirlwind of emotions. Excited to move to the next up In series.

Just wow

This story wasn’t what I expected and everything I needed. To be clear this is not a romance. It has a relationship theme ish throughout but it’s really about the main male protagonist finding himself while searching for a killer. There is a HEA although what that looks like isn’t really clear until the end. The mystery is great. It’s not hugely predictable and unfolds. It is possible to guess the killer given what you know which I always like. It’s beautifully written and beautifully narrated. I’m looking forward to starting the next in the series!

Thrilling and Beautiful Romantic Mystery

I could not put this book down. It literally and figuratively kept me up several nights. The book is beautifully crafted with a plot that’s overflowing with exciting, romantic, sexy, gut wrenching and heartbreaking moments. The narration is exquisite. I’m excited to read Books Two and Three next.

Excellent book

I couldn't put the book down, it was interesting, puzzling and romantic. My only serious disappointment was the ending. The character who should have learned to withstand the siren's call never did. The writing is of excellent quality. the author shows well, instead of telling.
Maclean's plot, mystery, writing style and language surpass those of most established authors of gay male novels.
I'll read the rest of this series and look forward to all her future works.

Complex and deeply flawed characters well-worth a listen

First and foremost: performed by Gary Furlong. If nothing else, listen to this amazingly gifted actor.

Second: this isn’t your run-of-the-mill romance story with straightforward and plodding characters. The characters are complex and extremely frustrating, but those frustrations and the strong plot all make the angst worth it.

Two remarks: 1) I’d call this a HFN and 2) There are intimate scenes but they aren’t gratuitous and cringeworthy 😅

Indecisive

I am not sure how I feel after this book. James is a sweetheart but makes some poor decisions. Ben is nothing but toxic and a likable unlikable person. The murder mystery is good but doesn’t really pick up until half way through. I’m not sure I will continue the series. The romance mad me feel angry and frustrated and even hurt. I would never trust Ben. And shame on James for compromising his principle for someone who would not do the same and deliberately hurts you.

Fantastic

I have read and listened to a lot of gay mysteries and romances. This one was fantastic! The story was exceptional with twists and turns. The characters were developed and exceedingly rich in personality and background. I actually cared about all the characters right to the end! I listened to this book in the car, on the beach, in the gym! Couldn’t put it down!

One of the best!

Of my 1000’s deep library, this one stands out. It has a LBGTQ story basis among the characters, and it is a great story, but the characterization, plot, pace, everything, was excellent! One of the best ‘who-dunnits” I’ve ever listened to/read, regardless of genre. Thanks Mr,(?) Maclean for an excellent read! Already downloaded book 2! I listen almost non-stop during most of the day and can hardly remember them a week later, but I’m actually excited to start book two! I never leave written reviews, so sorry if it’s too ‘fan-boy” sounding!

Slow start. Methodical Storyline. Super Conclusion

First, the UK/English accent will take some adjustment for listeners. The first chapter's exposition of the story is a bit confusing as is getting acquainted with the characters. After the slow start, the story of Detective Sargent Jamie gets a nice rhythm ... and the twists and turns are magnificent despite best efforts to figure it out.

Highly recommend for readers that enjoy challenge in figuring out the story's whodunit. The author is good at convincing us that DS Jamie got the murderer before introducing new elements of doubt.

Unexpected and captivating

This is a mystery thiller. It happens to have a romance-adjacent subplot, but the mystery is the center - so don't go in expecting this to read like a romance. Reads very much like a British police procedural. The characters are fantastic and fully realized with realistic flaws, the story is truly compelling, and the end moved me to tears. One of my favorite books in the genre, it's a totally unexpected thrill ride with some delicious angst thrown in for good measure. 5 enthusiastic stars. Gary Furlong was the perfect choice of narrator. The emotions he lends to the dialogue really brings everything to life.