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I Knew Him
Harry George Alexander Not necessarily an infamous name in the annals of gay fictional characters…yet. But readers of Erastes’ newest historical novel should prepare themselves for many pages of suspenseful intrigue as the miscreant Bircham, a man of Wildean excesses and humours, will do anything it takes to bend Fate to his will. And that sinister will is to keep the affections and attentions of another young English lad. If accidents, if murder, are necessary, then Bircham is just the villain. Or anti-hero, as he is quite the early twentieth century charmer.
“If there can be such a thing as too much fun, this is probably it. It’s Hamlet in white tie and flapper dresses, relocated to the country-house circuit between the wars; but nobody quite acts out the roles laid down for them. This is just too good to miss.” —Chaz Brenchley, winner of the August Derleth Award and author of Blood Waters
“If there can be such a thing as too much fun, this is probably it. It’s Hamlet in white tie and flapper dresses, relocated to the country-house circuit between the wars; but nobody quite acts out the roles laid down for them. This is just too good to miss.” —Chaz Brenchley, winner of the August Derleth Award and author of Blood Waters
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First published August 5, 2014
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About the author
Erastes
33 books292 followersBorn in Essex, England in 1959, Erastes attended Southend High School for Girls.
Erastes is the penname of a female author who lives in Norfolk, UK. She drew her inspiration to write historical fiction from works such as Gaywyck by Vincent Virga and the novels of Mary Renault. Erastes was the Director of the Erotic Authors Association for two years and is an active member of the Historical Novel Society. She is the moderator of Speak Its Name, an influential blog dedicated to gay historical fiction.
Erastes has been writing since 2003, and details of all her books and short stories can be found on her website.
Her second novel, "Transgressions," was one of the flagship releases by Running Press in their M/M Historical Romance line which is being marketed directly at the existing romance market and was shortlisted for a Lambda award in 2010.
Her releases for 2011 are:
Mere Mortals - Lethe Press in April
Muffled Drum - Carina Press in July
Junction X - Cheyenne Press in November
Erastes is represented by The Schiavone Literary Agency, Inc.
Bibilography
Novels/Novellas
Mere Mortals - to be published by Lethe Press in March 2011
Muffled Drum - to be published by Carina Press in July 2011
Tributary - published in Last Gasp by Noble Romance Publishing (novella)
Transgressions - published by Perseus Books (novel)
Frost Fair - published by Cheyenne Publishing(novella)
Hard & Fast - published in "Speak Its Name" by Cheyenne Publishing (novella)
Chiaroscuro - published in "Night Moves" by Aspen Mountain Press December 2007 (novella)
Standish - published by PD Publishing November 2006 (novel)
Short Stories
Right Hand Man - published in Unmasked II, more erotic tales of gay superheroes by STARbooks.
Whatever the Risk - published in the Queer Dimensions anthology by Queered Fiction
The Snow Queen - published in the I DO anthology by MLR Press
If you can't stand the Heat - to be published by Cleis press
Drug Colours - published by Lethe Press in "Best Gay Short Stories"
Show Don't Tell - published in MEN Magazine March 2008
Fire & Ice - published by Cleis Press in their Erotic Alphabet series "J is for Jealousy"
Lifeline - published in Alyson Book's "Cruising" anthology
Drug Colours - published in Cleis Press's "Where the Boys are: Urban Gay Migrations" Anthology
Ribinks - published by The Drabbler
The Bird - published in Alyson's "Fast Balls" Baseball Anthology
Matelotage - published in Alyson's "Treasure Trails" Pirate Anthology
Lucky - published in "Love in a Lock up" by Starbooks
In the Dark - published in "Ultimate Gay Erotica 2007" by Alyson Books
Ten Kisses - published in "Connections" by Iris Print
My Best Customer - published in "Travelrotica" by Alyson Books
Petard - published by Clean Sheets
His Story Teller - runner up in Torquere Press' "Do it yourself" competition
Bright Souls - published by Alyson Books in Ultimate Gay Erotica 2005
Sin of the Tongue - published by Torquere Press
Lifeline - published by Torquere Press
Bright Souls published by Torquere Press
Erastes is the penname of a female author who lives in Norfolk, UK. She drew her inspiration to write historical fiction from works such as Gaywyck by Vincent Virga and the novels of Mary Renault. Erastes was the Director of the Erotic Authors Association for two years and is an active member of the Historical Novel Society. She is the moderator of Speak Its Name, an influential blog dedicated to gay historical fiction.
Erastes has been writing since 2003, and details of all her books and short stories can be found on her website.
Her second novel, "Transgressions," was one of the flagship releases by Running Press in their M/M Historical Romance line which is being marketed directly at the existing romance market and was shortlisted for a Lambda award in 2010.
Her releases for 2011 are:
Mere Mortals - Lethe Press in April
Muffled Drum - Carina Press in July
Junction X - Cheyenne Press in November
Erastes is represented by The Schiavone Literary Agency, Inc.
Bibilography
Novels/Novellas
Mere Mortals - to be published by Lethe Press in March 2011
Muffled Drum - to be published by Carina Press in July 2011
Tributary - published in Last Gasp by Noble Romance Publishing (novella)
Transgressions - published by Perseus Books (novel)
Frost Fair - published by Cheyenne Publishing(novella)
Hard & Fast - published in "Speak Its Name" by Cheyenne Publishing (novella)
Chiaroscuro - published in "Night Moves" by Aspen Mountain Press December 2007 (novella)
Standish - published by PD Publishing November 2006 (novel)
Short Stories
Right Hand Man - published in Unmasked II, more erotic tales of gay superheroes by STARbooks.
Whatever the Risk - published in the Queer Dimensions anthology by Queered Fiction
The Snow Queen - published in the I DO anthology by MLR Press
If you can't stand the Heat - to be published by Cleis press
Drug Colours - published by Lethe Press in "Best Gay Short Stories"
Show Don't Tell - published in MEN Magazine March 2008
Fire & Ice - published by Cleis Press in their Erotic Alphabet series "J is for Jealousy"
Lifeline - published in Alyson Book's "Cruising" anthology
Drug Colours - published in Cleis Press's "Where the Boys are: Urban Gay Migrations" Anthology
Ribinks - published by The Drabbler
The Bird - published in Alyson's "Fast Balls" Baseball Anthology
Matelotage - published in Alyson's "Treasure Trails" Pirate Anthology
Lucky - published in "Love in a Lock up" by Starbooks
In the Dark - published in "Ultimate Gay Erotica 2007" by Alyson Books
Ten Kisses - published in "Connections" by Iris Print
My Best Customer - published in "Travelrotica" by Alyson Books
Petard - published by Clean Sheets
His Story Teller - runner up in Torquere Press' "Do it yourself" competition
Bright Souls - published by Alyson Books in Ultimate Gay Erotica 2005
Sin of the Tongue - published by Torquere Press
Lifeline - published by Torquere Press
Bright Souls published by Torquere Press
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 12, 2016
The less you know, the better. Just take my word for it and not read the rest of my review. To make it short: well-crafted and most intriguing characters, England in the 1920th, love and murder, an homage to Shakespeare’s HAMLET, and gorgeously written.
Shame on me, but I haven’t read HAMLET. This didn’t take away from my joy of reading this book, but maybe, people who do know it, will marvel in it even more. There are similarities in the plot and premise, characters who play the roles of their Shakespearean counterparts—or do not do that.
The Britishness—yes, I have not spent a single day in England, but it’s how I imagine it to be ;-P—is palpable. The country-house flair, the language and behaviour of the characters, it all appeared to be very authentic.
I enjoyed reading this book immensely and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended!
Shame on me, but I haven’t read HAMLET. This didn’t take away from my joy of reading this book, but maybe, people who do know it, will marvel in it even more. There are similarities in the plot and premise, characters who play the roles of their Shakespearean counterparts—or do not do that.
The Britishness—yes, I have not spent a single day in England, but it’s how I imagine it to be ;-P—is palpable. The country-house flair, the language and behaviour of the characters, it all appeared to be very authentic.
I enjoyed reading this book immensely and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended!
November 23, 2014
Turn of the 20th Century and there are more downright evil machinations and family revelations going on in the Holland household than you would think possible. However, if you have Harry Bircham as your house guest then maybe a little murder isn’t out of the question either just to move or help your relationship along a little bit.
OK guys, the first problem I have is how the hell to review this book without giving anything away. It was a great murder but with a slant I really liked. More about the slant later.
First of all this book was a total delight to read. I would like to start with the writing style. Erastes through her writing provokes a wonderful scene of early twentieth century England. The dialogues are a joy to read and almost have a modern day E. M. Forster quality about them but not that they are archaic or difficult to understand. Apart from the wonderfully descriptive writing you get a real feel of the atmosphere of the historical period, setting the scene brilliantly. Through the dialogues you get the characters come alive, also the times and attitudes that existed during this time too. Therefore, everything is set for Harry Bircham and his devious machinations…….and oh my, devious machinations is exactly what Harry Bircham is about. He is positively Machiavellian, taking charm and manipulation to another plane.
Harry Bircham and Charles Holland are a couple of Cambridge University toffs and Charles asks Harry to spend the summer with him at his mother’s house. They are already what you could call “boyfriends” in a “Brideshead Revisited” kind of way, maybe be a little more intense, but obviously all completely under wraps due to the period of history. He gets to meet the family and then Charles’s mother drops a bombshell for news on her son and guests with an announcement that shocks him to his very core. Well, Charles doesn’t take the news well and is beside himself with anger. As far as one would show anger in a very British society at that time.
“Let’s not discuss anything unpleasant in public, because we’re English and that’s not what we do.”
Harry is very sympathetic to Charles’s plight but obviously has to remain polite as he is a guest. Where do I begin to describe Harry? He is such a complex character and Erastes has really created for me a character that just leapt off the pages. He is intelligent, very eloquent, he delights in shocking and annoying people on purpose by being openly effeminate at times, but he also uses this in a very premeditated way to get the irritate certain people he does not like.
Claude took a position by the fireplace next to Mrs Holland. “So, I hear you hark from Scotland?”
Hark? Who says hark? I had a sudden vision of myself being pursued by kilt-clad lovelies across a purple-heathered landscape. Lucky me.
This is what got me hooked was the psychology of Harry. On the outside he appears to be caring, especially in Charles’s case although this is genuine, he is charming and extremely eloquent. However, he is extremely calculating and has a dark side.
“I’m good at mingling. I dislike it a great deal, holding much loathing for the human race in general – with one or two notable exceptions – but I am good at it. I treat it as a skill like any other.”
His love for Charles is all encompassing, but how far would you go to make sure the affections and wishes of the one you love are guaranteed? Murder maybe? Now we get to that slant that I really loved. The story is told through Harry’s viewpoint in first person. So you know who the murderer is and you get to experience Harry’s reasoning behind the murders. In actual fact I could totally understand him, found him totally likable to be honest and empathised with him entirely. Harry got right under my skin and then I started to question my own morals of should I be finding a murderer to be likable? Well sorry, but I did and I loved the way that Harry got into my psyche. What a mind bender. He even took a morbid delight in the murders, all in the name of love for Charles and took me with him on his evil little trip. It was like dancing with the devil. His love for Charles is all encompassing and he sees the murders more as a quest to make sure Charles stays with him and to ensure Charles’s happiness. Charles the poor bloke has been through hell and back, especially after his father who he loved dearly went missing in action during the war and never returned. Charles spent a time in an asylum or psychiatric institute as he would not believe or accept his father was dead. Is he crazy? Well, maybe not. That’s the other underlying mystery next to the murders. Therefore Charles is a very sensitive person and leans on Harry for support and comfort.
Most of the story is set in and around the house and grounds of Charles’s mother’s house. What did the aristocracy do then? Yes, play tennis all day, lounge around, indulge in the daily gossip, go to the odd polo game and basically see to the running of the house and village. To be honest all very Downton Abbey on a small scale as the family is not titled. I loved it!! So the whole story has a very parlour room, Cluedo, feeling to it. I just love this period and Erastes portrays it in all it’s detail and finery. Fantastic! Oh and then there is Polonius. I just loved this! What a great name!! Want to know who Polonius is? – then read the book – haha!
The cops are called in on the second successful murder, as the attempt before didn’t go quite according to plan and Harry gets away with both scot-free as everyone assumes they were unfortunate accidents. The second is not so easily covered up and you start to feel the noose tightening around Harry. Harry however remains cool in the face of it all which got my adrenaline going on whether he would get away with it or not? Did he? Well, that would be telling too.
The only small personal criticism I have was the book felt like it was in two distinct parts. The first half I really felt wasn’t going anywhere. It was important to set the scene of course, but at a certain point I was asking myself where exactly is this story going and is anything going to happen soon? The one thing that kept me going was the fantastic writing style and my utter investment, curiosity and morbid fascination in Harry. Yes, sorry but Harry again. Loved this character. However, in the second part of the book things start to happen and then I was hooked. Another read where I was sneaking in extra loo breaks at work to read some more. The police get involved in the investigation and it comes to trial, but it felt like it was all in the last 20% of the book. This is where it left me with the impression like it was all wrapped up a little too quickly and could have been a bit better paced or spread out. Having said all this the book was still brilliant and it is really worth staying for the whole ride for sure.
This is my second read from Erastes and once again loved every minute of it. Intelligent, a world class writing style, characters that just get right under your skin, a depth of understanding both historically and character wise, it’s exactly this that makes Erastes for me a must read every time.
OK guys, the first problem I have is how the hell to review this book without giving anything away. It was a great murder but with a slant I really liked. More about the slant later.
First of all this book was a total delight to read. I would like to start with the writing style. Erastes through her writing provokes a wonderful scene of early twentieth century England. The dialogues are a joy to read and almost have a modern day E. M. Forster quality about them but not that they are archaic or difficult to understand. Apart from the wonderfully descriptive writing you get a real feel of the atmosphere of the historical period, setting the scene brilliantly. Through the dialogues you get the characters come alive, also the times and attitudes that existed during this time too. Therefore, everything is set for Harry Bircham and his devious machinations…….and oh my, devious machinations is exactly what Harry Bircham is about. He is positively Machiavellian, taking charm and manipulation to another plane.
Harry Bircham and Charles Holland are a couple of Cambridge University toffs and Charles asks Harry to spend the summer with him at his mother’s house. They are already what you could call “boyfriends” in a “Brideshead Revisited” kind of way, maybe be a little more intense, but obviously all completely under wraps due to the period of history. He gets to meet the family and then Charles’s mother drops a bombshell for news on her son and guests with an announcement that shocks him to his very core. Well, Charles doesn’t take the news well and is beside himself with anger. As far as one would show anger in a very British society at that time.
“Let’s not discuss anything unpleasant in public, because we’re English and that’s not what we do.”
Harry is very sympathetic to Charles’s plight but obviously has to remain polite as he is a guest. Where do I begin to describe Harry? He is such a complex character and Erastes has really created for me a character that just leapt off the pages. He is intelligent, very eloquent, he delights in shocking and annoying people on purpose by being openly effeminate at times, but he also uses this in a very premeditated way to get the irritate certain people he does not like.
Claude took a position by the fireplace next to Mrs Holland. “So, I hear you hark from Scotland?”
Hark? Who says hark? I had a sudden vision of myself being pursued by kilt-clad lovelies across a purple-heathered landscape. Lucky me.
This is what got me hooked was the psychology of Harry. On the outside he appears to be caring, especially in Charles’s case although this is genuine, he is charming and extremely eloquent. However, he is extremely calculating and has a dark side.
“I’m good at mingling. I dislike it a great deal, holding much loathing for the human race in general – with one or two notable exceptions – but I am good at it. I treat it as a skill like any other.”
His love for Charles is all encompassing, but how far would you go to make sure the affections and wishes of the one you love are guaranteed? Murder maybe? Now we get to that slant that I really loved. The story is told through Harry’s viewpoint in first person. So you know who the murderer is and you get to experience Harry’s reasoning behind the murders. In actual fact I could totally understand him, found him totally likable to be honest and empathised with him entirely. Harry got right under my skin and then I started to question my own morals of should I be finding a murderer to be likable? Well sorry, but I did and I loved the way that Harry got into my psyche. What a mind bender. He even took a morbid delight in the murders, all in the name of love for Charles and took me with him on his evil little trip. It was like dancing with the devil. His love for Charles is all encompassing and he sees the murders more as a quest to make sure Charles stays with him and to ensure Charles’s happiness. Charles the poor bloke has been through hell and back, especially after his father who he loved dearly went missing in action during the war and never returned. Charles spent a time in an asylum or psychiatric institute as he would not believe or accept his father was dead. Is he crazy? Well, maybe not. That’s the other underlying mystery next to the murders. Therefore Charles is a very sensitive person and leans on Harry for support and comfort.
Most of the story is set in and around the house and grounds of Charles’s mother’s house. What did the aristocracy do then? Yes, play tennis all day, lounge around, indulge in the daily gossip, go to the odd polo game and basically see to the running of the house and village. To be honest all very Downton Abbey on a small scale as the family is not titled. I loved it!! So the whole story has a very parlour room, Cluedo, feeling to it. I just love this period and Erastes portrays it in all it’s detail and finery. Fantastic! Oh and then there is Polonius. I just loved this! What a great name!! Want to know who Polonius is? – then read the book – haha!
The cops are called in on the second successful murder, as the attempt before didn’t go quite according to plan and Harry gets away with both scot-free as everyone assumes they were unfortunate accidents. The second is not so easily covered up and you start to feel the noose tightening around Harry. Harry however remains cool in the face of it all which got my adrenaline going on whether he would get away with it or not? Did he? Well, that would be telling too.
The only small personal criticism I have was the book felt like it was in two distinct parts. The first half I really felt wasn’t going anywhere. It was important to set the scene of course, but at a certain point I was asking myself where exactly is this story going and is anything going to happen soon? The one thing that kept me going was the fantastic writing style and my utter investment, curiosity and morbid fascination in Harry. Yes, sorry but Harry again. Loved this character. However, in the second part of the book things start to happen and then I was hooked. Another read where I was sneaking in extra loo breaks at work to read some more. The police get involved in the investigation and it comes to trial, but it felt like it was all in the last 20% of the book. This is where it left me with the impression like it was all wrapped up a little too quickly and could have been a bit better paced or spread out. Having said all this the book was still brilliant and it is really worth staying for the whole ride for sure.
This is my second read from Erastes and once again loved every minute of it. Intelligent, a world class writing style, characters that just get right under your skin, a depth of understanding both historically and character wise, it’s exactly this that makes Erastes for me a must read every time.
May 27, 2015
This book. THIS BOOK. There was a surprise. Followed by a shock. Followed by shock, after shock, after shock.
To say more would be to spoil the book.
To say more would be to spoil the book.
August 31, 2014
One of my Saturday Recommendations.
Read the rest of the review here
Young Harry Bircham, up at Cambridge, seems at first sight to be our traditional historical hero. He’s handsome, intelligent and is desperately in love with his best friend. But there’s SO much more to Harry than that. Perhaps his wit is a little vicious? Well it was the fashion of the time. Perhaps he’s a little possessive? One can excuse his anxiety when one reflects that the object of his devotion doesn’t seem quite as into Harry as Harry is into him.
Read the rest of the review here
April 18, 2024
A perfectly immoral 'Shakespearean-flavor' tale, brilliantly written, a mix of charm and cold calculation. Exhilarating read!
September 16, 2014
Wow, that book was a bit of a trip and I’m a bit at loss how to review it. Almost everything I could say would be spoilerish and lot of the appreciation I have for this book stems from the fact that I wasn’t spoilered before. Tricky.
Okay, so I’ll start with simple things. This is not m/m romance. I’m just saying that for people who expect that from this author. It’s not. It’s a very good book, make no mistake but romance? No. Yes, there is a gay relationship but if you go in with the expectation of a m/m romance you will be disappointed.
Did I enjoy it? Yes, definitely. It is cleverly done, it is definitely well written and at times funny. It is also kind of… shocking.
Did I like it? I’m not sure. The narrator is such a clever, seductive SOB that it is hard not to like him (though, of course you want to smack him) – until you find out that you are spending your time in the head of a sociopath. I think I can say that much because the blurb already alluded to it. Everything he does, he does because of love (or so he claims) but witty, clever Henry, utterly British Henry does not possess a single shred of conscience. Everything he does is just a logical consequence of things that have happened before or that may happen in the future. Eggs, omelettes, you know, that sort of thing. I think I just quoted him. And that is probably the single, most shocking thing about this book. Seriously, there is no gore, no blood, no real violence in this story. The most shocking thing about this book is that you have to break eggs to make omelettes and that the eggs he breaks are just the eggs that make perfect sense for him to break – no matter what the cost. That is probably the reason I don’t really like that book (I’m pretty sure I’m not supposed to, btw) because I don’t want to be in that head-space.
Then again, it is so very well done and I couldn’t tear my eyes away.
So, I’m probably not going to read it again, and I can’t say in all honesty say that I’m glad that I read it but then again, I kind of am. It’s really, seriously, freaking good.
Okay, so I’ll start with simple things. This is not m/m romance. I’m just saying that for people who expect that from this author. It’s not. It’s a very good book, make no mistake but romance? No. Yes, there is a gay relationship but if you go in with the expectation of a m/m romance you will be disappointed.
Did I enjoy it? Yes, definitely. It is cleverly done, it is definitely well written and at times funny. It is also kind of… shocking.
Did I like it? I’m not sure. The narrator is such a clever, seductive SOB that it is hard not to like him (though, of course you want to smack him) – until you find out that you are spending your time in the head of a sociopath. I think I can say that much because the blurb already alluded to it. Everything he does, he does because of love (or so he claims) but witty, clever Henry, utterly British Henry does not possess a single shred of conscience. Everything he does is just a logical consequence of things that have happened before or that may happen in the future. Eggs, omelettes, you know, that sort of thing. I think I just quoted him. And that is probably the single, most shocking thing about this book. Seriously, there is no gore, no blood, no real violence in this story. The most shocking thing about this book is that you have to break eggs to make omelettes and that the eggs he breaks are just the eggs that make perfect sense for him to break – no matter what the cost. That is probably the reason I don’t really like that book (I’m pretty sure I’m not supposed to, btw) because I don’t want to be in that head-space.
Then again, it is so very well done and I couldn’t tear my eyes away.
So, I’m probably not going to read it again, and I can’t say in all honesty say that I’m glad that I read it but then again, I kind of am. It’s really, seriously, freaking good.
August 8, 2018
Boy, did this turn out to be different than what I was expecting. When it 'turned' I had to go back and read it again to make sure I'd read it right! I'll say no more so as not to spoil anything, but I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I was going to and it certainly gives you things to think about!
October 3, 2014
"It's not just his body, although I sound like
the worst of hedonists, but he can capture
stillness whilst radiating more energy
than most men can when running.
Don't ask me to explain it. He glows."
It all begins with Harry, an oh-so-British young man thoroughly infatuated with his long-time roommate and sexual partner Charles as they plan a summer trip to Paris. Unfortunately, Charles is summoned home by his widowed mother and Harry accompanies him. Once at the country home, an announcement serves as the catalyst that unleashes our charming, lethal villain. And between tea, tennis, dinner and drinks, a Shakespearean-style tale unfolds.
I Knew Him by Erastes is a cleverly written historical thriller with fabulous between-wars British atmosphere. The thriller part comes from a sharp, quick-witted narrative and cold intent instead of physical violence that serves to magnify the shocking conclusion. Characters rule in this tale, but none more than Erastes' narrator Harry whose ingenious mind and allure enfold the reader into a plot that builds gradually but relentlessly. I Knew Him is a strangely fun read. Erastes' writing skills are at full force as is evident by the tight plot execution and her creation of Harry's character. Highly recommended.
"It annoyed me that screen villains had to be unattractive, and that only the hero was allowed to be handsome."
Grade: B+ (4.5/5.0 stars)
Review originally posted at Impressions of a Reader
December 17, 2014
It all begins with Harry, an oh-so-British young man thoroughly infatuated with his long-time roommate and sexual partner Charles as they plan a summer trip to Paris. Unfortunately, Charles is summoned home by his widowed mother and Harry accompanies him. Once at the country home, an announcement serves as the catalyst that unleashes our charming, lethal villain. And between tea, tennis, dinner and drinks, a Shakespearean-style tale unfolds.
I Knew Him by Erastes is a cleverly written historical thriller with fabulous between-wars British atmosphere. The thriller part comes from a sharp, quick-witted narrative and cold intent instead of physical violence that serves to magnify the shocking conclusion. Characters rule in this tale, but none more than Erastes' narrator Harry whose ingenious mind and allure enfold the reader into a plot that builds gradually but relentlessly. I Knew Him is a strangely fun read. Erastes' writing skills are at full force as is evident by the tight plot execution and her creation of Harry's character. Highly recommended.
I Knew Him by Erastes is a cleverly written historical thriller with fabulous between-wars British atmosphere. The thriller part comes from a sharp, quick-witted narrative and cold intent instead of physical violence that serves to magnify the shocking conclusion. Characters rule in this tale, but none more than Erastes' narrator Harry whose ingenious mind and allure enfold the reader into a plot that builds gradually but relentlessly. I Knew Him is a strangely fun read. Erastes' writing skills are at full force as is evident by the tight plot execution and her creation of Harry's character. Highly recommended.
"It annoyed me that screen villains had to be unattractive, and that only the hero was allowed to be handsome."
June 29, 2015
This is a story of the things one does for love. The question is who's "doing the doing?" and who's "doing the loving?" Even though I pretty much knew the answers I still couldn't put this down. The characters were well written and the story was intriguing, definitely piqued my interest from the beginning and kept me interested to the very end.
November 9, 2018
This is my first Erastes novel; it definitely won’t be my last. Are they all this good?
The book was pure joy to read for the writing style alone.
Harry Birchman — despite his class and race consciousness — is the most irresistible sociopath you’re likely to encounter in a novel (let alone real life).
Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.
The book was pure joy to read for the writing style alone.
Harry Birchman — despite his class and race consciousness — is the most irresistible sociopath you’re likely to encounter in a novel (let alone real life).
Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.
July 3, 2018
This is not a typical historical romance. You need to know that before you read it. You also need to know that it’s a bit dark - not deep or heavy, but far from being all sweetness and light. It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but its really well done - the kind of thing people either love or hate. Don’t read this if you’re looking for something like Ava March, Cat Sebastian, or K.J. Charles (this is even more off the beaten track than Jackdaw). This book is not the same genre.
And that’s all you need to know. I went into it blind, not even having read the description, and that’s the best way to read it. It benefits from the element of surprise.
I’d give this 5 stars for execution of the premise, but the premise was not to my taste. The fact that I liked it anyway shows how well done it was.
I should also mention that there are no sex scenes in this book. Characters have sex but it fades to black.
I’d recommend reading this rather than listening to the audiobook because the reader sucks. He often obviously reads a different word than what’s written, e.g. tenements when it should be tenants, mispronounces lots of words, and gets the sentence stress wrong.
And that’s all you need to know. I went into it blind, not even having read the description, and that’s the best way to read it. It benefits from the element of surprise.
I’d give this 5 stars for execution of the premise, but the premise was not to my taste. The fact that I liked it anyway shows how well done it was.
I should also mention that there are no sex scenes in this book. Characters have sex but it fades to black.
I’d recommend reading this rather than listening to the audiobook because the reader sucks. He often obviously reads a different word than what’s written, e.g. tenements when it should be tenants, mispronounces lots of words, and gets the sentence stress wrong.
April 25, 2022
★★★
A retelling of hamlet but like 100% more gay and unhinged.
A retelling of hamlet but like 100% more gay and unhinged.
July 29, 2016
This is really a different kind of book from Erastes and I'm not sure how to review it without giving too much away. It's almost a Hamlet pastiche, with a bizarre twist. In the end, it's a story about the lengths one will go to for love.
April 21, 2016
3.75 stars
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