Threshold

Whyborne & Griffin, Volume 2

By: Jordan L. Hawk

Narrated by: Julian G. Simmons

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Book 2 in the Whyborne & Griffin series

Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne wants nothing more than to live quietly with his lover, ex-Pinkerton detective Griffin Flaherty. Unfortunately, Whyborne's railroad tycoon father has other ideas, namely hiring Griffin to investigate mysterious events at a coal mine.

Whyborne, Griffin, and their friend Christine travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. A contingent of Pinkertons - including Griffin's ex-lover Elliot - already guard the mine. But Griffin knows better than anyone just how unprepared the detectives are to face the otherworldly forces threatening them.

Soon, Whyborne and Griffin are on the trail of mysterious disappearances, deadly accidents, and whispered secrets. Is Elliot an ally, or does he only want to rekindle his relationship with Griffin? And if so, how can Whyborne possibly hope to compete with the stunningly handsome Pinkerton - especially when Griffin is hiding secrets about his past?

For in a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can't afford to trust anything - including his own heart.

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

What a great follow up

Compared to the first book, this much tamer.

There's less romance and steamy moments and a bigger focus on story and mystery.

There are a few quick steamy moments and some romantic tension but it did noticeable take a back seat compared to the first book.
I didn't mind though at all because the story felt so fulfilling.

Its a self contained story, you dont technically need to read the first book to enjoy this. Just like the first book the mystery resolves itself at the end and wraps up with no loose ends.

I enjoyed the narrator this time around more too. Think its just from getting used to his style of narration but i feel like he's definitely giving some great distinct voices to both the main characters that its now instantly recognizable when they talk. Still recommend listening at 1.35x speed.

Fun follow-up, mostly great performance

I just started this series and I'm rather enjoying it. the characters are interesting and I feel like the story is well formed. The narrator is most great, tho I get confused as to who's speaking occasionally and notice small mistakes. But I do enjoy the voice.

Great book

I loved this book and the characters. The narrator did one of my favorite series justice. I love the attention to the historical details and the way the characters interact. The social commentary weaves through the narrative on issues ranging from women's rights to labor to race to mental health and LGBT people in a subtle and real way. And it doesn't detract at all from the monster story.

thank you for a beautiful story beautifully told

superb story superbly read. i think i am in love but am not sure if i love whyborne or julian..

I'm addicted!

Percival Endicott Whyborne is happy. He's living with the man he loves, has a job that he also loves and best of friends that knows him inside and out. He doesn't need anything else. But say the happiness that lasts. Trouble arrives in the form of a letter from his father. A letter sent not to Whyborne, but to Griffin. One of his coal mines is having some issues with people mysteriously disappearing and deadly accidents - that might not be accidents. So Whyborne, Griffin and Christine set off to Threshold to investigate. An investigation that soon leads to the paranormal, myths and legends. To make matters worse, Griffin's former partner from his Pinkerton days is also involved in the events taking place and it causes some tension between our two men.

For the most part I'm not really a fan when an ex turns up on the scene to cause trouble. But in this case I think it was necessary. I'm not saying that I in anyway liked Elliot or how he deliberately tried to cause trouble, but his appearance made them face some truths that weren't really addressed before. Whyborne and Griffin comes from two vastly different worlds. Whyborne coming from a wealthy family with all the privileges that entails. Prior to going to Threshold he'd never left Widdershins and is perfectly happy pouring over books to learn its secrets. Introverted he never had a romantic relationship before Griffin and have one true friend in Christine. Griffin on the other hand grew up in an orphanage before being adopted by a farmer, before being thrown out by said family when he was caught with the neighbouring boy. He's travelled the world and seen and been through things Whyborne can only imagine. Their experiences have shaped them and they look at things differently. And from that longwinded rambling what I’m trying to get at was that Elliot shed some light on their different takes on the world, shed some light on things they need to talk about.

I really like Whyborne and Griffin together. Vastly different yet they still fit together. Griffin reminding Whyborne that there is a world outside of the books, a world meant to be lived in. Whyborne grounding Griffin and keeps him from cracking in the seam by the weights and trails from the past. They aren't perfect, but they work, and I think that the further along in the series we get the more united they both get. But I guess time will tell that.

Julian Simmons really fits narrating for this era. A bit reserved in his performance, at least in the way that it's not as passionate as it could have been and leaning towards the monotone. There was one scene that really stood out to me, and it was when Whyborne was surrounded and talking to three prostitutes Simmons really delivered on that one, I could really see the scene before me, see Whyborne squirming, so out of his depth. It was funny and adorable at the same time.

I really enjoy the world that Hawk has created. Love the feel of it and the uncertainty of in which direction things will go. I'm hoping they keep it up going forward.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review for Love Bytes.

Better, but still has room to improve

I like these characters, and I am driven to read each offering in the series as it is released. The narrator's best voice is that of Christine, which makes it hard to listen to his less-than-good attempts at Griffin and Whyborne. I think the author misses opportunities to make the relationship more compelling - but that doesn't mean I won't be buying the next in the series when it is released.

Fantastic read!

What did you love best about Threshold?

I loved the lyrical writing style that brought the characters to life in this exciting tale. The author's storytelling talent had me sitting on the edge of my seat, anxious to hear more.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dr. Whyborne is my favorite because I can really relate to him. His personality is close to my own and his experiences in life mirror my own.

Another good addition to the series.

A bit fantastic but fun. Some of the "just in the nick of time" rescuing got to be repetitive. Still adore the character of Christine. Glad they got a change of scenery. Looking forward to reading the next in the Series. Narrator is ok - not great.

Whyborne leaves Widdershins!

And its as awesome as you'd think. Perfect interplay with Christine and all the best of new relationship insecurities between him and Griffin, with great action in between the great emotion and sex. The whole series is essential.

Whybourne gets bolder

Another great story, and great narration. Percival Whyborne's father hired Griffin Flaherty to investigate why workers keep going missing at his mine located at Threshold Mountain. He had already hired a bunch of security, including Griffin's ex lover Elliot. Whyborne began experiencing insecurity in his relationship with Griffin as Elliot began disrupting their relationship and the investigation. What is lurking in that cave and are the missing people dead or alive?

I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this series because this isn't a romance series. It's mystery, supernatural, thriller with romance as a side dish. But I like how Whyborne is growing a pair and starting to act with more confidence. I like him and Griffin and that mouthy Christine. They are a trio, but not a menage and it works well as an investigation partnership.