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Tyack & Frayne #1
Once Upon a Haunted Moor
Gideon Frayne has spent his whole working life as a policeman in the village of Dark on Bodmin Moor. It’s not life in the fast lane, but he takes it very seriously, and his first missing-child case is eating him alive. When his own boss sends in a psychic to help with the case, he’s gutted – he’s a level-headed copper who doesn’t believe in such things, and he can’t help but think that the arrival of clairvoyant Lee Tyack is a comment on his failure to find the little girl.
But Lee is hard to hate, no matter how Gideon tries. At first Lee’s insights into the case make no sense, but he seems to have a window straight into Gideon’s heart. Son of a Methodist minister, raised in a tiny Cornish village, Gideon has hidden his sexuality for years. It’s cost him one lover, and he can’t believe it when this green-eyed newcomer stirs up old feelings and starts to exert a powerful force of attraction.
Gideon and Lee begin to work together on the case. But there are malignant forces at work in the sleepy little village of Dark, and not only human ones – Gideon is starting to wonder, against all common sense, if there might be some truth in the terrifying legend of the Bodmin Beast after all. As a misty Halloween night consumes the moor, Gideon must race against time to save not only the lost child but the man who’s begun to restore his faith in his own heart.
But Lee is hard to hate, no matter how Gideon tries. At first Lee’s insights into the case make no sense, but he seems to have a window straight into Gideon’s heart. Son of a Methodist minister, raised in a tiny Cornish village, Gideon has hidden his sexuality for years. It’s cost him one lover, and he can’t believe it when this green-eyed newcomer stirs up old feelings and starts to exert a powerful force of attraction.
Gideon and Lee begin to work together on the case. But there are malignant forces at work in the sleepy little village of Dark, and not only human ones – Gideon is starting to wonder, against all common sense, if there might be some truth in the terrifying legend of the Bodmin Beast after all. As a misty Halloween night consumes the moor, Gideon must race against time to save not only the lost child but the man who’s begun to restore his faith in his own heart.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2013
About the author
Harper Fox
59 books1,109 followersHarper Fox is an M/M author with a mission. She’s produced six critically acclaimed novels in a year and is trying to dispel rumours that she has a clone/twin sister locked away in a study in her basement. In fact she simply continues working on what she loves best– creating worlds and stories for the huge cast of lovely gay men queuing up inside her head. She lives in rural Northumberland in northern England and does most of her writing at a pensioned-off kitchen table in her back garden, often with blanket and hot water bottle.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 471 reviews
February 16, 2016
been saving this one for a bad day. a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency-feelz thing.
i'm so glad i did.
atmospheric, melancholy, and even a little bleak like some scandicrime thing—and then sweet as hell.
also a little creepy, but w.e. halloween.
outrageously short and nothing seemed to happen when i wanted it to—i wanted more lonely, more flirting, more investigating, more beastie on the moor—but honestly i just need to get over myself, bcuz this was quite simply nice to read.
my review of book two: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
i'm so glad i did.
atmospheric, melancholy, and even a little bleak like some scandicrime thing—and then sweet as hell.
also a little creepy, but w.e. halloween.
outrageously short and nothing seemed to happen when i wanted it to—i wanted more lonely, more flirting, more investigating, more beastie on the moor—but honestly i just need to get over myself, bcuz this was quite simply nice to read.
my review of book two: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 11, 2016
3.85 stars
A spine tingling, spooky horror story. I wasn't sure what was roaming the moors but it was enough to scare the bejeebers out of me, unsettling and creepy, I liked it a lot. The anticipation was good, sadly the romance was minimal, a tiny bit disappointed there wasn't a couple more scenes of kissing and intimacy between Lee and Gideon. Overall an enjoyable and suspenseful read, perfect for a dark and stormy night.
A spine tingling, spooky horror story. I wasn't sure what was roaming the moors but it was enough to scare the bejeebers out of me, unsettling and creepy, I liked it a lot. The anticipation was good, sadly the romance was minimal, a tiny bit disappointed there wasn't a couple more scenes of kissing and intimacy between Lee and Gideon. Overall an enjoyable and suspenseful read, perfect for a dark and stormy night.
January 30, 2016
Review written January 30, 2016
4 Stars - Stunning intriguing and beautifully written, a great serial opener
Book #1
Andrea recommended this series over a year ago. I have more than just liked those three M/M romances by Harper Fox I've read so far. They were all both different with a unique feeling and all very memorable. Great recommended reads. It shall be good to explore this 'Tyack & Frayne' series. So far six shorter (75-100 pages) novella episodes in the crime / mystery genre with a new case in every part.
~ At last to read as a Tyack & Frayne series-BR with my very best GR buddy Sofia with start this January weekend. ~
*********************************************
‘..the Beast of Bodmin Moor. ~ You feel the sound before you hear it.’
A little girl, Lorna, is still lost on the Cornwall Bodmin Moor after nearly two weeks. The local police, the "copper" Gideon Frayne is near to give up. It feels hopeless and he can't sleep. He walks the moor every night and he hear the "Beast".
Then Lee Tyack a clairvoyant man with a lot of surprising abilities arrives.
A green eyed clairvoyant stranger gives hopes..
Gideon in his 30:s is a closeted minister son. A small village copper in a still superstitious old traditional place in a corner of the big Cornwall moor. The former boyfriend gave up and left and now there is maybe a new chance. But the fog is dense and Gideon is pretty hard on himself.
...I'm not going to spoil more about this story.
*********************************************
A bit horrifying but so very well written and WOW all those beautiful views Ms. Fox makes me see just reading. I'm already in love in those characters, the dog Isolde and this Cornish place. This was a GREAT start. I'm so very eager to continue with #2-Tinsel Fish.
I LIKE - and at once want more of the moor...
4 Stars - Stunning intriguing and beautifully written, a great serial opener
Book #1
Andrea recommended this series over a year ago. I have more than just liked those three M/M romances by Harper Fox I've read so far. They were all both different with a unique feeling and all very memorable. Great recommended reads. It shall be good to explore this 'Tyack & Frayne' series. So far six shorter (75-100 pages) novella episodes in the crime / mystery genre with a new case in every part.
~ At last to read as a Tyack & Frayne series-BR with my very best GR buddy Sofia with start this January weekend. ~
*********************************************
‘..the Beast of Bodmin Moor. ~ You feel the sound before you hear it.’
A little girl, Lorna, is still lost on the Cornwall Bodmin Moor after nearly two weeks. The local police, the "copper" Gideon Frayne is near to give up. It feels hopeless and he can't sleep. He walks the moor every night and he hear the "Beast".
‘High above him on the crag, the rocks of the Cheesewring floated eerily, their impossibly balanced towers stranger than ever in the wreathing mist.’
‘For a while he could follow the hawthorn-edged track, the ceremonial way with its odd feel of safety, as if it led over shark-filled water. Leaving it, he had a sense of leaving human territory behind, of entering into the realm of...
Of what? He forced himself to analyse his fears.’
Then Lee Tyack a clairvoyant man with a lot of surprising abilities arrives.
A green eyed clairvoyant stranger gives hopes..
Gideon in his 30:s is a closeted minister son. A small village copper in a still superstitious old traditional place in a corner of the big Cornwall moor. The former boyfriend gave up and left and now there is maybe a new chance. But the fog is dense and Gideon is pretty hard on himself.
...I'm not going to spoil more about this story.
*********************************************
A bit horrifying but so very well written and WOW all those beautiful views Ms. Fox makes me see just reading. I'm already in love in those characters, the dog Isolde and this Cornish place. This was a GREAT start. I'm so very eager to continue with #2-Tinsel Fish.
I LIKE - and at once want more of the moor...
November 24, 2016
Put this on my Kindle during one of my late-night Brownian explorations on Amazon; I read the first chapter but it didn't grab me, so set it aside for quite a while. Being in the mood again for some escape reading, I gave it another go, and found it picked up in Chapter Two when the second protagonist/future love interest arrived on the scene. (Some slight distraction from reading his name as "Tyvak", which is iirc the brand name of an American insulating house wrap, but I got over that.) Paranormal mystery-m/m contemporary romance.
Gideon Frane is the local bobby in a tiny village in Cornwall, which is an alien and thus interesting landscape and people-scape to me, frantic over a missing-child case; Tyack is a clairvoyant sent down to help. (Do they really do that, officially, or only in fantasy-ish books?) Both, conveniently for speeding things up in a short work, have lately broken up with prior boyfriends. Frane is still in the closet, albeit with the door open, in part due to his upbringing, in part due to his job; natch, he doesn't start out believing in the paranormal, but after two weeks on the case is getting desperate enough to try anything. The more mysterious Lee Tyack, who does not get a viewpoint, we discover along with Gideon as the book progresses.
Well written, and I liked the setting and setup enough to go on and read the next two over the weekend. (The fascinatingly titled Tinsel Fish, and Don't Let Go, at which point I was ready for a change of pace, though I may circle back.) As is typical of such series, we have separate crime cases in each tale, with a developing relationship arc/character exploration as the real interest to follow from one stepping-stone to the next.
Ta, L.
Later: All right, I ended up reading all six of these. They held up pretty well over the story arc.
Gideon Frane is the local bobby in a tiny village in Cornwall, which is an alien and thus interesting landscape and people-scape to me, frantic over a missing-child case; Tyack is a clairvoyant sent down to help. (Do they really do that, officially, or only in fantasy-ish books?) Both, conveniently for speeding things up in a short work, have lately broken up with prior boyfriends. Frane is still in the closet, albeit with the door open, in part due to his upbringing, in part due to his job; natch, he doesn't start out believing in the paranormal, but after two weeks on the case is getting desperate enough to try anything. The more mysterious Lee Tyack, who does not get a viewpoint, we discover along with Gideon as the book progresses.
Well written, and I liked the setting and setup enough to go on and read the next two over the weekend. (The fascinatingly titled Tinsel Fish, and Don't Let Go, at which point I was ready for a change of pace, though I may circle back.) As is typical of such series, we have separate crime cases in each tale, with a developing relationship arc/character exploration as the real interest to follow from one stepping-stone to the next.
Ta, L.
Later: All right, I ended up reading all six of these. They held up pretty well over the story arc.
April 26, 2017
I loved
the book title,
the book cover,
the blurb,
the actual story,
the atmosphere,
the creepiness,
the small dark village,
the mystery of the missing little girl,
policeman Gideon and psychic Lee,
their love story,
their dog,
the time period (Halloween)
I wish it was a longer book, but still it was good.
I am reading this series.
the book title,
the book cover,
the blurb,
the actual story,
the atmosphere,
the creepiness,
the small dark village,
the mystery of the missing little girl,
policeman Gideon and psychic Lee,
their love story,
their dog,
the time period (Halloween)
I wish it was a longer book, but still it was good.
I am reading this series.
November 4, 2022
Reread November 2022
It's been a while since I read this series. I'd forgotten how much I loved it.
Oh thank goodness for backups!!
Ugh! Deleted my review dammit! I reread this April 2019. Loved it just as much as the first time and it’s just as creepy.
Originally read August 2018
Holy crap on a cracker! This book was crazy! It was creepy, suspenseful and hauntingly beautiful. I honestly don’t know what to make of it all. There’s definitely a paranormal feel to it. But, the writing itself gives it an otherworldly vibe. The descriptions and flow all add to the mystery. I stayed glued to it because I needed to know how this was going to play out. And talk about hairs standing up on my neck! Like I said, creepy!
This was definitely insta-lust/connection but given the situation and all, I could totally see it. I’m looking forward to more of these two. I think they’re going to make a great couple.
It's been a while since I read this series. I'd forgotten how much I loved it.
Oh thank goodness for backups!!
Ugh! Deleted my review dammit! I reread this April 2019. Loved it just as much as the first time and it’s just as creepy.
Originally read August 2018
Holy crap on a cracker! This book was crazy! It was creepy, suspenseful and hauntingly beautiful. I honestly don’t know what to make of it all. There’s definitely a paranormal feel to it. But, the writing itself gives it an otherworldly vibe. The descriptions and flow all add to the mystery. I stayed glued to it because I needed to know how this was going to play out. And talk about hairs standing up on my neck! Like I said, creepy!
This was definitely insta-lust/connection but given the situation and all, I could totally see it. I’m looking forward to more of these two. I think they’re going to make a great couple.
October 24, 2014
This is a very fun little book with some sexy and some spooky. Perfect Halloween read. On to book 2 Tinsel Fish!
April 25, 2017
4 Stars
Atmospheric and a little bit creepy - perfect for this time of year as the mystery is set against the backdrop of the eerie moors of Cornwall.
Small town cop, Gideon, is faced with his toughest case yet. A little girl has gone missing, and the hopelessness that surrounds the situation is slowly suffocating his sense of competence. All leads have dried up, and Gideon grudgingly accepts the help of self proclaimed psychic, Lee, because really, what does he have to lose? Lee is unlike anyone he’s met before, and his caring, easy going nature juxtaposes harshly against Gideon’s no nonsense, stalwart sensibilities. Skeptical of the veracity of Lee’s insight and visions, Gideon however, realizes that they just might be the very clues needed to save the missing child.
Nothing is overt in this sparse story, but one can still feel the desperation and suspense as time works against both Gideon and Lee. One can also see just how these two opposites come together so nicely, their stark differences complementing all that they do - making them realize just how good of a team they are, both on and off the job.
So if you like a solid mystery, intermixed with a little spooky and light romance, then this is probably perfect for you. The intriguing dynamic between Gideon and Lee definitely left me wanting for a lot more, and I eagerly look forward to uncovering their future collaborations.
Atmospheric and a little bit creepy - perfect for this time of year as the mystery is set against the backdrop of the eerie moors of Cornwall.
Small town cop, Gideon, is faced with his toughest case yet. A little girl has gone missing, and the hopelessness that surrounds the situation is slowly suffocating his sense of competence. All leads have dried up, and Gideon grudgingly accepts the help of self proclaimed psychic, Lee, because really, what does he have to lose? Lee is unlike anyone he’s met before, and his caring, easy going nature juxtaposes harshly against Gideon’s no nonsense, stalwart sensibilities. Skeptical of the veracity of Lee’s insight and visions, Gideon however, realizes that they just might be the very clues needed to save the missing child.
Nothing is overt in this sparse story, but one can still feel the desperation and suspense as time works against both Gideon and Lee. One can also see just how these two opposites come together so nicely, their stark differences complementing all that they do - making them realize just how good of a team they are, both on and off the job.
So if you like a solid mystery, intermixed with a little spooky and light romance, then this is probably perfect for you. The intriguing dynamic between Gideon and Lee definitely left me wanting for a lot more, and I eagerly look forward to uncovering their future collaborations.
October 28, 2016
4 Stars
I found myself quite enthralled by this beautifully written and mysterious little story.
The characters were engaging and wholly likeable. And although the romantic aspect of the story was fast-moving, yet low on steam or relationship development, I was still thoroughly intrigued by the interactions between Tyack and Frayne.
The mystery portion of the story was simplistic yet riveting, and I couldn't help but speed read through this story to find out what would happen next.
The backdrop of Bodmin Moor was masterfully brought to life here, too.
I'm very much looking forward to what comes next for Tyack and Frayne as a couple and as a crime solving duo. This story was just up my alley.
I found myself quite enthralled by this beautifully written and mysterious little story.
The characters were engaging and wholly likeable. And although the romantic aspect of the story was fast-moving, yet low on steam or relationship development, I was still thoroughly intrigued by the interactions between Tyack and Frayne.
The mystery portion of the story was simplistic yet riveting, and I couldn't help but speed read through this story to find out what would happen next.
The backdrop of Bodmin Moor was masterfully brought to life here, too.
I'm very much looking forward to what comes next for Tyack and Frayne as a couple and as a crime solving duo. This story was just up my alley.
December 4, 2013
This review will begin with this line: "In Vio I Should Trust"
Without her review, I would give this a pass. Simply because Harper Fox's writing makes me exhausted. But this one I really enjoyed. Vio told me that this felt more like Harper Fox's short stories -- and I think I'm good with her writing in small dosage, seeing that I seem to love her short stories better. So yep, this one, I apparently enjoyed as well.
I loved the portrayal of the disconcerting little village of Dark (what an appropriate name!) -- with the legend of the Beast of Bodmin Moor (it reminded me of M. Night Shymalan's movie, "The Village") and the case of the missing girl. Protective copper Gideon Frayne and his clairvoyant Lee Tyack were such lovely couple (the idea of a detective and a psychic also reminded me of Diana Copland's A Reason To Believe -- a favorite story of mine).
There was a very tender affection between the two men, so gentle like the sound of the wind. It made me feel like I was being caressed. I even forgot that Gordon and Lee practically only knew one another in course of short days. I guess the intense situation of the missing child and the creepy paranormal element, an idea of a Beast chasing villagers down the moor, made it all believable.
... and I loved the dog. What a great dog.
I guess I will definitely be in when the sequel is released on Dec 21st.
Without her review, I would give this a pass. Simply because Harper Fox's writing makes me exhausted. But this one I really enjoyed. Vio told me that this felt more like Harper Fox's short stories -- and I think I'm good with her writing in small dosage, seeing that I seem to love her short stories better. So yep, this one, I apparently enjoyed as well.
I loved the portrayal of the disconcerting little village of Dark (what an appropriate name!) -- with the legend of the Beast of Bodmin Moor (it reminded me of M. Night Shymalan's movie, "The Village") and the case of the missing girl. Protective copper Gideon Frayne and his clairvoyant Lee Tyack were such lovely couple (the idea of a detective and a psychic also reminded me of Diana Copland's A Reason To Believe -- a favorite story of mine).
There was a very tender affection between the two men, so gentle like the sound of the wind. It made me feel like I was being caressed. I even forgot that Gordon and Lee practically only knew one another in course of short days. I guess the intense situation of the missing child and the creepy paranormal element, an idea of a Beast chasing villagers down the moor, made it all believable.
... and I loved the dog. What a great dog.
I guess I will definitely be in when the sequel is released on Dec 21st.
August 29, 2019
Got around to listening to the audio, considering how short that is ludicrous it took me so long lol. Enjoyed it.
-- --
Still love this story, the dark chill of the Baskerville moors, characters both interesting and likeable. The strength of feelings. Onto the next :)
-- --
While Harper Fox has a wonderful way with words, I often find her longer stories get out of control, so the short length of this attracted me. Its succinct; lots of atmosphere but no wasted page, I'm torn between seeing it as a little gem and wishing there was that bit more to it. Luckily there are already two sequels so the story hasn't ended yet.
The main characters are strong and I love how it takes both of them to solve the mystery. Gideon comes a long way in this short story, accepting who he is and seeing how highly others value him. Lee is interesting and there's enough here to show he has his own story which I hope we'll get to discover. The village is interesting and I got a good feel of it, it felt real with no cute quirky characters. And the dog. Stupid, disloyal, but a plump fuzzy adorable creature who also got to show her worth. I liked the dog.
There's a mystery with a strong hint of the paranormal reminiscent of a Baskerville hound; nothing determined, which made it creepier and more real. The romance is minimum yet there's the start of a strong connection between the two men, they have lovely moments without it feeling overly sentimental. They come across as men.
A short but atmospheric read with strong characters and a mystery. Happily diving straight in to the next book.
-- --
Still love this story, the dark chill of the Baskerville moors, characters both interesting and likeable. The strength of feelings. Onto the next :)
-- --
While Harper Fox has a wonderful way with words, I often find her longer stories get out of control, so the short length of this attracted me. Its succinct; lots of atmosphere but no wasted page, I'm torn between seeing it as a little gem and wishing there was that bit more to it. Luckily there are already two sequels so the story hasn't ended yet.
The main characters are strong and I love how it takes both of them to solve the mystery. Gideon comes a long way in this short story, accepting who he is and seeing how highly others value him. Lee is interesting and there's enough here to show he has his own story which I hope we'll get to discover. The village is interesting and I got a good feel of it, it felt real with no cute quirky characters. And the dog. Stupid, disloyal, but a plump fuzzy adorable creature who also got to show her worth. I liked the dog.
There's a mystery with a strong hint of the paranormal reminiscent of a Baskerville hound; nothing determined, which made it creepier and more real. The romance is minimum yet there's the start of a strong connection between the two men, they have lovely moments without it feeling overly sentimental. They come across as men.
A short but atmospheric read with strong characters and a mystery. Happily diving straight in to the next book.
February 14, 2016
Fox's magic at it's best. A haunting well laid out short with the added benefit that I can get more Tyack and Frayne by reading the next stories in the series. These are a couple that grow on one. I like that Fox is writing an imperfect Gideon, trying to see himself, what's around him and how to go on.
At one point Gideon says:
"I don't want Dark turning into Midsomer."
I don't want that either but I have to admit that I did enjoy this like I devour and enjoy British whodunnits with that mix of dismal weather, cold light, Brits, hard headedness, mystery, love and life, mixed into a perfect cocktail.
Cave in Polperro - Cornwall
Read with Ingela - BR link
October 9, 2020
Nice, short read. Atmospheric at times. Good introduction to the series. Will be interested in reading more about Tyack and Frayne ...
Set around Samhain (Halloween) so a good time to read it.
Set around Samhain (Halloween) so a good time to read it.
Gideon had often wanted a word for the strange light of a wintry Cornish sky ...
May 26, 2021
***3.5 Stars*** for both, audiobook and story
And with that consider mehaunted hooked... ;-)
And with that consider me
January 9, 2017
Solid mystery with hints of paranormal and possessing the quintessential Romanticism of Fox's writing, this time the wild spaces of Cornwall, Bodmin Moor. Small town cop and a moderately renown psychic are thrown together during the search for a missing child. Quick read with a few twists and nicely exploring the headspace of people in a small remote location.
November 12, 2014
Beautifully written. If I was physically half as beautiful as this book was written, I'd be a super model.
I liked the story. Just liked. But liking is more than good enough.
Plus, no one can put you right in the middle of some desolate location quite like Harper Fox.
I liked the story. Just liked. But liking is more than good enough.
Plus, no one can put you right in the middle of some desolate location quite like Harper Fox.
April 5, 2020
It's a very short but nice story. I was definitely in the mood for something like that. At first I was afraid that it might be a little too dark and bloody, I don't like horror movies and I was definitely not in the mood for one. But fortunately it turned out that this is not the case.
For a fairly short story, Gideon and Lee don't appear to be paper thin. And although their relationship develops extremely fast, it is quite believable. It has some kind of star-crossed lovers vibe. And although this is a motif that I usually don't like, it works surprisingly well here. There is something very comforting in Gideon and Lee's relationship. I don't know exactly what it is, but it's a very nice feeling.
The suspense is also quite good, although I was not surprised at all who turns out to be a kidnapper. The motives behind this act are not particularly surprising either. But I like the fact that Gideon didn't suspect this person because of his feelings and psychology, and not because of the kidnapper's cunning. The whole situation, and especially Gideon, gain some depth that way.
I think Gideon and Lee can become my pair of heroes that bring me comfort. So I won't be surprised if I read another book in this series, when there will be a lot going on in my life. There is something incredibly calming about them.
For a fairly short story, Gideon and Lee don't appear to be paper thin. And although their relationship develops extremely fast, it is quite believable. It has some kind of star-crossed lovers vibe. And although this is a motif that I usually don't like, it works surprisingly well here. There is something very comforting in Gideon and Lee's relationship. I don't know exactly what it is, but it's a very nice feeling.
The suspense is also quite good, although I was not surprised at all who turns out to be a kidnapper. The motives behind this act are not particularly surprising either. But I like the fact that Gideon didn't suspect this person because of his feelings and psychology, and not because of the kidnapper's cunning. The whole situation, and especially Gideon, gain some depth that way.
I think Gideon and Lee can become my pair of heroes that bring me comfort. So I won't be surprised if I read another book in this series, when there will be a lot going on in my life. There is something incredibly calming about them.
May 28, 2018
Haunting mystery!
I loved this novella set in the Cornish Moors!! As always, the setting was a character in full force in Harper Fox’s mystery.
This one involved a missing girl. Gideon, the police constable in the small village of Dark, has been doing all he can to find her.
A psychic, Lee, offers his services, but while Gideon scoffs at his help, he uses him. Together, they solve the mystery.
I love the set up for this couple and can’t wait to see them in action in all the other books. They are sweet and sexy together.
The audiobook by Tim Gilbert rocked!
I loved this novella set in the Cornish Moors!! As always, the setting was a character in full force in Harper Fox’s mystery.
This one involved a missing girl. Gideon, the police constable in the small village of Dark, has been doing all he can to find her.
A psychic, Lee, offers his services, but while Gideon scoffs at his help, he uses him. Together, they solve the mystery.
I love the set up for this couple and can’t wait to see them in action in all the other books. They are sweet and sexy together.
The audiobook by Tim Gilbert rocked!
November 13, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect with this story. The moors were very eerie and I really enjoyed the descriptions, I've always liked that about Fox's writing. I just wish that it had been longer because I was really enjoying how the MC's interacted. That was a quietly intense romance that sneaked up between Gideon and Lee.
Even for the length I liked how Gideon wrapped things up with both the case and his personal journey.
Even for the length I liked how Gideon wrapped things up with both the case and his personal journey.
Want to read
November 27, 2019Thank you so much for the gift, Snegurka Elf!
December 16, 2019
So many thank yous to covert-ops-Elf-gifter Peaches McJingles for the gift of this really, really wonderful novella. I think you have introduced me to a new favorite series. You’re the best! Happy holidays!
I loved everything about this m/m detective novel set in the small village of Dark in present-day Cornwall. Bodmin Moor and its resident supernatural bogey, the Bodmin Beast (which may or may not be a local legend invented for tourists), are evoked with equal parts menace and enchantment. Fox does a superb job of carrying the reader into the regional specificity of the village of Dark. Indeed, her Cornwall reminded me of being ten years old again and reading, for the first time, Susan Cooper’s classic Over Sea, Under Stone and Greenwitch, novels from The Dark Is Rising cycle that permanently stamped my mental picture of Cornwall with the melancholy magic of a dreamlike past. Into the world of this “haunted moor” in whose environs a local child has gone missing, increasingly frustrated police detective Gideon Frayne stumbles and searches, accompanied by his faithful dog. As Fox expertly unfolds the mystery of the child’s disappearance (the story is extremely well-plotted), introducing us to a surprisingly crowded but always finely-drawn cast of bystanders and suspects, a new figure enters the picture: psychic Lee Tyack, who has been called in to give the police investigation and search a much-needed shot in the arm.
Lee provides Gideon with a romantic shot in the arm too. Although Gideon’s sexuality is an open secret in Dark, he remains mired in the pain of closetedness that has its roots in his Methodist childhood. Once Upon a Haunted Moor is a novel about healing and coming out of shame, themes that Fox handles with exactly the kind of compassionate delicacy that you expect from the author of the magnificent Brothers of the Wild North Sea. Ratiocination and psychic sensitivity form a complementary pairing here that promises wholeness. It is telling, for example, that Gideon initially feels professional contempt for but soon finds himself viscerally drawn to Lee, whose clairvoyant ability indexes his emotional proximity to more intuitive, boundary-breaching forms of intimacy than Gideon has so far been able to handle, having destroyed his previous relationship by remaining trapped in the closet. Gideon’s friendly dog, tellingly renamed by Lee once the men consummate their relationship, is from the beginning a symbol of Gideon’s tenuous tie to the bodily world of instinct and potential emotional connectivity. Other subtle parallels develop between Gideon’s quarry, the Bodmin Beast, and Gideon’s Methodist father.
It’s better that I don’t say anything about the mystery except that it is a good one, beautifully and atmospherically told. The men? Well, you'll fall in love with them. I will be reading the rest of the Tyack & Frayne books for sure. Have they made this into a BBC crime show yet? They should.
I loved everything about this m/m detective novel set in the small village of Dark in present-day Cornwall. Bodmin Moor and its resident supernatural bogey, the Bodmin Beast (which may or may not be a local legend invented for tourists), are evoked with equal parts menace and enchantment. Fox does a superb job of carrying the reader into the regional specificity of the village of Dark. Indeed, her Cornwall reminded me of being ten years old again and reading, for the first time, Susan Cooper’s classic Over Sea, Under Stone and Greenwitch, novels from The Dark Is Rising cycle that permanently stamped my mental picture of Cornwall with the melancholy magic of a dreamlike past. Into the world of this “haunted moor” in whose environs a local child has gone missing, increasingly frustrated police detective Gideon Frayne stumbles and searches, accompanied by his faithful dog. As Fox expertly unfolds the mystery of the child’s disappearance (the story is extremely well-plotted), introducing us to a surprisingly crowded but always finely-drawn cast of bystanders and suspects, a new figure enters the picture: psychic Lee Tyack, who has been called in to give the police investigation and search a much-needed shot in the arm.
Lee provides Gideon with a romantic shot in the arm too. Although Gideon’s sexuality is an open secret in Dark, he remains mired in the pain of closetedness that has its roots in his Methodist childhood. Once Upon a Haunted Moor is a novel about healing and coming out of shame, themes that Fox handles with exactly the kind of compassionate delicacy that you expect from the author of the magnificent Brothers of the Wild North Sea. Ratiocination and psychic sensitivity form a complementary pairing here that promises wholeness. It is telling, for example, that Gideon initially feels professional contempt for but soon finds himself viscerally drawn to Lee, whose clairvoyant ability indexes his emotional proximity to more intuitive, boundary-breaching forms of intimacy than Gideon has so far been able to handle, having destroyed his previous relationship by remaining trapped in the closet. Gideon’s friendly dog, tellingly renamed by Lee once the men consummate their relationship, is from the beginning a symbol of Gideon’s tenuous tie to the bodily world of instinct and potential emotional connectivity. Other subtle parallels develop between Gideon’s quarry, the Bodmin Beast, and Gideon’s Methodist father.
It’s better that I don’t say anything about the mystery except that it is a good one, beautifully and atmospherically told. The men? Well, you'll fall in love with them. I will be reading the rest of the Tyack & Frayne books for sure. Have they made this into a BBC crime show yet? They should.
February 27, 2018
I've given this an A- for both narration and content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up.
Once Upon a Haunted Moor is the first book in Harper Fox’s series of mysteries with a paranormal twist set mostly around Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. The setting is atmospheric and integral to the story and is beautifully evoked by the author’s wonderfully descriptive, lyrical writing; and our two protagonists – the local ‘bobby’ (policeman), Gideon Frayne and Lee Tyack, a jobbing psychic (if there is such a thing!) – are engaging and expertly drawn. New-to-me narrator Tim Gilbert does a terrific job with the local accents and his performance as a whole is excellent; the series so far runs to seven audiobooks (there is an eighth book that isn’t (yet) available in audio), all of them running for under six hours which makes them easy to gobble up in a day or so, and I’ll definitely be working my way through all of them.
Gideon Frayne, who hails from a family of hard-line Methodists, has lived and worked around the small village of Dark near Bodmin all his life. A typical village bobby, he knows everyone and everyone knows him; and his latest case, the disappearance of a little girl, has hit right at the heart of the community. It’s been days since Lorna Kemp disappeared and with no leads developing, he’s less and less optimistic that she’ll be found alive. Gideon is doing everything he can – which, he feels is less and less with each passing day – and he’s more than a bit miffed when he arrives at the Kemps’ house to discover that a TV psychic named Lee Tyack is speaking with Sarah, the girl’s mother. Determined to prevent the family from being exploited by some crackpot charlatan – and, deep down, frustrated at his own ineffectiveness – Gideon angrily barges in to find a softly-spoken, sensibly-dressed and very attractive man of about his own age who informs him that he – Lee – has been called in by the Truro Constabulary to see if he can help, as he has done in the past in similar situations. Gideon is still sceptical, but knows they need all the help they can get and resigns himself to Lee’s presence.
You can read the rest of this review at AudioGals .
Once Upon a Haunted Moor is the first book in Harper Fox’s series of mysteries with a paranormal twist set mostly around Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. The setting is atmospheric and integral to the story and is beautifully evoked by the author’s wonderfully descriptive, lyrical writing; and our two protagonists – the local ‘bobby’ (policeman), Gideon Frayne and Lee Tyack, a jobbing psychic (if there is such a thing!) – are engaging and expertly drawn. New-to-me narrator Tim Gilbert does a terrific job with the local accents and his performance as a whole is excellent; the series so far runs to seven audiobooks (there is an eighth book that isn’t (yet) available in audio), all of them running for under six hours which makes them easy to gobble up in a day or so, and I’ll definitely be working my way through all of them.
Gideon Frayne, who hails from a family of hard-line Methodists, has lived and worked around the small village of Dark near Bodmin all his life. A typical village bobby, he knows everyone and everyone knows him; and his latest case, the disappearance of a little girl, has hit right at the heart of the community. It’s been days since Lorna Kemp disappeared and with no leads developing, he’s less and less optimistic that she’ll be found alive. Gideon is doing everything he can – which, he feels is less and less with each passing day – and he’s more than a bit miffed when he arrives at the Kemps’ house to discover that a TV psychic named Lee Tyack is speaking with Sarah, the girl’s mother. Determined to prevent the family from being exploited by some crackpot charlatan – and, deep down, frustrated at his own ineffectiveness – Gideon angrily barges in to find a softly-spoken, sensibly-dressed and very attractive man of about his own age who informs him that he – Lee – has been called in by the Truro Constabulary to see if he can help, as he has done in the past in similar situations. Gideon is still sceptical, but knows they need all the help they can get and resigns himself to Lee’s presence.
You can read the rest of this review at AudioGals .
November 21, 2013
I really liked this story. The characters were well drawn, and compelling, and I could really feel their connection. I loved the setting, and the mood. It really added a lot to the story, and it made it feel almost like a classic tale rather than a modern one in some ways. I liked the paranormal touches. They weren't too heavy, or overdone, and the air of mystery added to the scare for me rather than detracting from it. An excellent read on a cold day.
December 4, 2013
Harper Fox is going to make me yearn to live in the sleepy little village of Dark, I just know it.
ETA: yep.
ETA: yep.
February 3, 2017
3.5 stars
Beautifully written, a haunting setting, a riveting mystery, and a sweet romance. This novella has a lot going for it!
I really liked the setting of the Cornwall moors. There was something desolate and mysterious about it, which set the feel of the book.
It would be hard not to feel for Gideon Frayne, the lonely Cornish policeman who's buckling under the pressure of his latest investigation. He goes through a noticeable change throughout the book from surly to hopeful.
The change, of course, is because of psychic Lee Tyack. I didn't get as good of a feel for Lee as I did Gideon, but I still liked him.
The romance is fairly low-drama. In fact, there isn't much of it. By the end of the book, Lee and Gideon are still only in the beginning stages of their relationship. Even so, the two were sweet together.
I don't want to give away too much of the mystery and paranormal aspect, but I was on the edge waiting to see what would happen next. I still have some big questions, which I'm hoping I'll get answers to in the following books!
Overall, 'Once Upon a Haunted Moor' is a great start to this paranormal MM series.
Beautifully written, a haunting setting, a riveting mystery, and a sweet romance. This novella has a lot going for it!
I really liked the setting of the Cornwall moors. There was something desolate and mysterious about it, which set the feel of the book.
It would be hard not to feel for Gideon Frayne, the lonely Cornish policeman who's buckling under the pressure of his latest investigation. He goes through a noticeable change throughout the book from surly to hopeful.
The change, of course, is because of psychic Lee Tyack. I didn't get as good of a feel for Lee as I did Gideon, but I still liked him.
The romance is fairly low-drama. In fact, there isn't much of it. By the end of the book, Lee and Gideon are still only in the beginning stages of their relationship. Even so, the two were sweet together.
I don't want to give away too much of the mystery and paranormal aspect, but I was on the edge waiting to see what would happen next. I still have some big questions, which I'm hoping I'll get answers to in the following books!
Overall, 'Once Upon a Haunted Moor' is a great start to this paranormal MM series.
June 19, 2018
Audio Rating: 4.5 Stars
Even creepier via audio, especially the bits with the Beast. *shivers* (Which, it's implied the scary-ass thing is real, right? I'm not imagining that?) Again, the setting is so well-described, so essential to the story, that it feels like a side-character on its own. I've come to expect that from Harper's books, and it's wonderful...really adds to the charm of her novels.
Original Rating: 4.2 Stars
Harper's books are always so damn beautifully written. Eerily creepy and hauntingly lovely.
(Also, LOL @ Frayne being keen to work with Lee again but not wanting Dark to turn into Midsomer. HA!)
Even creepier via audio, especially the bits with the Beast. *shivers* (Which, it's implied the scary-ass thing is real, right? I'm not imagining that?) Again, the setting is so well-described, so essential to the story, that it feels like a side-character on its own. I've come to expect that from Harper's books, and it's wonderful...really adds to the charm of her novels.
Original Rating: 4.2 Stars
Harper's books are always so damn beautifully written. Eerily creepy and hauntingly lovely.
(Also, LOL @ Frayne being keen to work with Lee again but not wanting Dark to turn into Midsomer. HA!)
July 27, 2022
I'm so glad I finally got around to this series! Love me a paranormal romance, and love me some Harper Fox, and the audiobook series is nicely performed by Tim Gilbert. What more could we want? And I've got the next book in the series already loaded up, ready to go!
June 15, 2017
I really liked this... it had a real Broadchurch feel - Scottish life on the Moors... some kind of beast that roams the night and a missing child. Gideon is the ever careful cop, in the closet, or so he thinks, who is in charge of the missing child investigation. He lives in his parents old home which gives off the vibe of a mausoleum and he is still feeling the pain of his ex leaving him. In comes Lee - the psychic from another town to help with the investigation. Of course Gideon tries to blow him off but he couldn't deny the connection.... they hook up pretty quickly and suddenly Gideon faces his fear of being outed ( yes that was a little too easy for my liking... ) but hey, the story was smooth and I enjoyed it. Book two now I think !
September 14, 2018
I really liked this. It did suffer a bit from too-short-to-have-much-depth syndrome, but other than that, it was quite an intriguing mystery romance.
Gideon Frayne is a cop in a small town. He is investigating the case of a missing child who disappeared almost two weeks ago when she was playing on the moor. Gideon is tired and is slowly losing hope.
When the mother of the missing girl asks help of a so called medium, Gideon is angry. These charlatans only give people false hope. But… Lee Tyack doesn’t seem to want anything in return for his help.
And when Lee gives Gideon information he couldn’t possibly have known, Gideon starts to doubt the fakeness of the pretty man.
The two become close pretty fast and when Gideon offers Lee a place to stay, they suddenly find themselves in bed together. But there is still the little girl to be found….
This had a wonderful blend of creepiness, mystery, and romance. I do have to say that the romance felt very underdeveloped, but I guess that’s to be expected with a book of 80 pages. And since there are 8 more books about these two I’m not that worried.
The mystery kept me entertained as well. And I loved the whole atmosphere of the dark village (the village is actually called Dark).
Yes, this was a winner, and I can’t wait to read the rest. I’m glad I bought the paperback of the first 3 books.
Thanks Meags, for bringing this to my attention!
Gideon Frayne is a cop in a small town. He is investigating the case of a missing child who disappeared almost two weeks ago when she was playing on the moor. Gideon is tired and is slowly losing hope.
When the mother of the missing girl asks help of a so called medium, Gideon is angry. These charlatans only give people false hope. But… Lee Tyack doesn’t seem to want anything in return for his help.
And when Lee gives Gideon information he couldn’t possibly have known, Gideon starts to doubt the fakeness of the pretty man.
The two become close pretty fast and when Gideon offers Lee a place to stay, they suddenly find themselves in bed together. But there is still the little girl to be found….
This had a wonderful blend of creepiness, mystery, and romance. I do have to say that the romance felt very underdeveloped, but I guess that’s to be expected with a book of 80 pages. And since there are 8 more books about these two I’m not that worried.
The mystery kept me entertained as well. And I loved the whole atmosphere of the dark village (the village is actually called Dark).
Yes, this was a winner, and I can’t wait to read the rest. I’m glad I bought the paperback of the first 3 books.
Thanks Meags, for bringing this to my attention!
January 17, 2016
4.5 stars
Omg....how had I not read this before? This was so stinking good. A cop and a psychic pair up to find a missing girl. And the thing in the moor? Scared the crap out of me. Especially when it follows you home. If you like paranormal stories this is a Must read. I can't wait to read the next one. This has the potential to become a favorite series.
Omg....how had I not read this before? This was so stinking good. A cop and a psychic pair up to find a missing girl. And the thing in the moor? Scared the crap out of me. Especially when it follows you home. If you like paranormal stories this is a Must read. I can't wait to read the next one. This has the potential to become a favorite series.
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