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Snow & Winter #1
The Mystery of Nevermore
It’s Christmas in New York City, and all antique shop owner Sebastian Snow wants is for his business to make money and to save his floundering relationship with closeted CSU detective, Neil Millett. But when Snow’s Antique Emporium is broken into and a heart is found under the floorboards, Sebastian can’t let the mystery rest.
He soon finds himself caught up in murder investigations that echo the macabre writings of Edgar Allan Poe. To make matters worse, Sebastian’s sleuthing is causing his relationship with Neil to crumble, while at the same time he’s crushing hard on the lead homicide detective of the case, Calvin Winter. Sebastian and Calvin must work together to unravel the mystery behind the killings, despite the mounting danger and sexual tension, before Sebastian becomes the next victim.
In the end, Sebastian only wants to get out of this mess alive and live happily ever after with Calvin.
He soon finds himself caught up in murder investigations that echo the macabre writings of Edgar Allan Poe. To make matters worse, Sebastian’s sleuthing is causing his relationship with Neil to crumble, while at the same time he’s crushing hard on the lead homicide detective of the case, Calvin Winter. Sebastian and Calvin must work together to unravel the mystery behind the killings, despite the mounting danger and sexual tension, before Sebastian becomes the next victim.
In the end, Sebastian only wants to get out of this mess alive and live happily ever after with Calvin.
214 pages, ebook
First published August 30, 2016
About the author
C.S. Poe
41 books773 followersC.S. Poe is an author of gay mystery, romance, and speculative fiction. She is a Lambda Literary and two-time EPIC award finalist, and FAPA, Indie, and two-time e-Lit award winner.
She resides in New York City, but has also called Key West and Ibaraki, Japan, home. She loves Romanticism artwork, Gilded Age New York, the films of Buster Keaton, coffee in the morning and whiskey in the evening, true crime, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.
C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.
Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.
cspoe.com
She resides in New York City, but has also called Key West and Ibaraki, Japan, home. She loves Romanticism artwork, Gilded Age New York, the films of Buster Keaton, coffee in the morning and whiskey in the evening, true crime, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.
C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.
Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.
cspoe.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 521 reviews
October 6, 2016
The readers of this book tend to be either in the love it or hate it camp. I'm mostly in the latter.
Look, it's no secret that this book is similar to the Adrien English series by Josh Lanyon. There is even a dedication to Josh Lanyon before the start of the book. Whether C.S. Poe is simply inspired by Lanyon's work or Lanyon was a mentor to her, the influence is clear. There is also, obviously, a lot of influence from Poe's work. These details alone aren't a big deal, however, the rest of the story failed to deliver.
This book may anger some romance fans. Perhaps that is why this book is under the DSP Publications imprint versus the more traditional Dreamspinner Press one. Nevertheless, it is most definitely a romance, or at least it's trying to be. Personally, I really didn't like the romance part of the story. It isn't how the relationship developed between Calvin and Sebastian, though that was rocky, to say the least, but how it progressed from nothing to something intense with seemingly no reason. I didn't get why Calvin liked Sebastian so much and vice versa. I had no idea what their relationship was built on because they barely knew one another! It was too emotional too fast, and it read as false to me.
I have to talk a little about the similarities to Lanyon's iconic work. Part of the issue is that Lanyon's Adrien English series is so classic M/M. It is one of the most popular M/M series of all time, and most readers of M/M have at least read the first book of the series. The similarities between this book and Fatal Shadows are, frankly, staggering. Sure, some superficial details are different (type of disability, type of store that the MC owns), but many, many details nearly mirror one another. That was distracting, to say the least.
However, my main issue is that I can't stand a "too stupid to live" MC. Sebastian was constantly putting himself is insane situations that he had no business being in. I'm not a fireman, so I don't run into a blazing fire trying to be a hero. Sebastian should have stopped trying to DIE and should have used his head a bit. Sebastian is also just, well, unlikable. I thought he was irritating and whiny.
While some scenes showed promise and skill, I was too annoyed to give this book any more than two stars. I wish I had started with a different book from this author because I think there is a lot of potential there, but this book was the wrong path to take.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Look, it's no secret that this book is similar to the Adrien English series by Josh Lanyon. There is even a dedication to Josh Lanyon before the start of the book. Whether C.S. Poe is simply inspired by Lanyon's work or Lanyon was a mentor to her, the influence is clear. There is also, obviously, a lot of influence from Poe's work. These details alone aren't a big deal, however, the rest of the story failed to deliver.
This book may anger some romance fans. Perhaps that is why this book is under the DSP Publications imprint versus the more traditional Dreamspinner Press one. Nevertheless, it is most definitely a romance, or at least it's trying to be. Personally, I really didn't like the romance part of the story. It isn't how the relationship developed between Calvin and Sebastian, though that was rocky, to say the least, but how it progressed from nothing to something intense with seemingly no reason. I didn't get why Calvin liked Sebastian so much and vice versa. I had no idea what their relationship was built on because they barely knew one another! It was too emotional too fast, and it read as false to me.
I have to talk a little about the similarities to Lanyon's iconic work. Part of the issue is that Lanyon's Adrien English series is so classic M/M. It is one of the most popular M/M series of all time, and most readers of M/M have at least read the first book of the series. The similarities between this book and Fatal Shadows are, frankly, staggering. Sure, some superficial details are different (type of disability, type of store that the MC owns), but many, many details nearly mirror one another. That was distracting, to say the least.
However, my main issue is that I can't stand a "too stupid to live" MC. Sebastian was constantly putting himself is insane situations that he had no business being in. I'm not a fireman, so I don't run into a blazing fire trying to be a hero. Sebastian should have stopped trying to DIE and should have used his head a bit. Sebastian is also just, well, unlikable. I thought he was irritating and whiny.
While some scenes showed promise and skill, I was too annoyed to give this book any more than two stars. I wish I had started with a different book from this author because I think there is a lot of potential there, but this book was the wrong path to take.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
February 20, 2020
Time of death! somewhere, where i just couldn't stand everyone and everything!!
Audiobook - 3.5 stars
Story -1.5 stars
I tried, i really tried, but i just can't...
It is ME! Not the book!
The thing is, there is some quirkiness in the writing, it's such a shame it got lost in between the other stuff.
I understand that this is Adrien English hommage, but you can't just do the baby thing the way Jake does it. Jake says it in a very special way. Adrien IS BABY.. Let Seb be something else. And where the fuck is the connection? One minute Seb is a suspect, the next second Calvin is sucking his dick and calling him baby? Like WHAT? When did it happen? What did i miss? Where did all that come from?
The mystery!! Ugh!!
And then there is THIS!!!
He looked over at me and let out a breath, like he’d been holding it.
Audiobook - 3.5 stars
Story -1.5 stars
I tried, i really tried, but i just can't...
It is ME! Not the book!
The thing is, there is some quirkiness in the writing, it's such a shame it got lost in between the other stuff.
I understand that this is Adrien English hommage, but you can't just do the baby thing the way Jake does it. Jake says it in a very special way. Adrien IS BABY.. Let Seb be something else. And where the fuck is the connection? One minute Seb is a suspect, the next second Calvin is sucking his dick and calling him baby? Like WHAT? When did it happen? What did i miss? Where did all that come from?
The mystery!! Ugh!!
And then there is THIS!!!
He looked over at me and let out a breath, like he’d been holding it.
May 12, 2021
I really, and I mean really, do not want to write these words, but this was a miss for me. I even listened to the sample before I requested it! I just knew this was going to be nothing but happy, happy, joy, joy. McClain does a fine job of narrating. He varied the voices and I could hear the passion he brought to this story.
I can't say whether or not reading this would've led to a different outcome or not, but my problems pretty much began and ended with Sebastian Snow. He's the narrator of this story and I didn't like him. At all. He's annoying and petty. I'm not sure if that's McClain's interpretation of his lines or just his characterization. Regardless there's no way to unring that bell. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt because he's under a lot of pressure with the psycho Poe lover killer/stalker person and his boyfriend's a dick and whatnot but... he's a pill.
He's in a relationship with a closeted cop and they're circling the drain. Hard. Once he finds the Poe heart in his shop he meets Calvin Winter-ginger cop, ex-military, numerous medals, all around badass-and his heart starts pitter pattering you can hear Seb's relaysh with the boyfriend ding on an egg timer. Technically there is cheating because Snow and Winter get their swerve on before Seb's officially cut the boyfriend loose, though they were on a break so if a tree falls in the woods, is it really cheating?
Cal and Seb's "relationship" moves at breakneck speed. I mean the first time Calvin called Seb "baby" I looked at my phone like it had stolen money from me.
Calvin's toppiness is weird. The dirty talk is awkward. The demands to beg left me uncomfortable and grimacing, though the rimming scene was pretty hot. I'll give credit where it's due. However, show of hands, who thinks about their ex while they're getting pounded into the mattress by a monster ginger cock?
The next thing I knew Seb was angsting over their "relationship" and dropping the L word.
Where it came from I've no clue but it was jarring. They know a bit of each other and Seb seems to like all the ginger cock toppy pounding so who am I to judge? But they kinda snap at each other whenever they're not in Pound Town and Cal is cagey AF about his past and for all intents and purposes sidelines Seb. Because reasons. The pièce de résistance is Cal is in the back of the closet, behind the clothes and maybe disguising himself with your Dad's old plaid trench-coat circa 1976 and matching pork pie hat which is what caused the majority of the issues with Seb's ex-boyfriend! *smh*
I was hopeful the case would save this but I think Seb pulled one too many TSTL rabbits out of the hat in his efforts to help solve the thing that it soured the whole deal for me. And the culprit... let's just say it didn't jive in my book.
Snow and Winter's relationship standing ends on a hopeful but my no means certain footing which I'm certain is to entice people to read the next one, but considering they both annoyed me to varying degrees I think I'll call it good and stop here.
I wish it had worked out better but many others have loved this book, so I'd encourage anyone considering it to read the other reviews.
A review copy was provided.
I can't say whether or not reading this would've led to a different outcome or not, but my problems pretty much began and ended with Sebastian Snow. He's the narrator of this story and I didn't like him. At all. He's annoying and petty. I'm not sure if that's McClain's interpretation of his lines or just his characterization. Regardless there's no way to unring that bell. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt because he's under a lot of pressure with the psycho Poe lover killer/stalker person and his boyfriend's a dick and whatnot but... he's a pill.
He's in a relationship with a closeted cop and they're circling the drain. Hard. Once he finds the Poe heart in his shop he meets Calvin Winter-ginger cop, ex-military, numerous medals, all around badass-and his heart starts pitter pattering you can hear Seb's relaysh with the boyfriend ding on an egg timer. Technically there is cheating because Snow and Winter get their swerve on before Seb's officially cut the boyfriend loose, though they were on a break so if a tree falls in the woods, is it really cheating?
Cal and Seb's "relationship" moves at breakneck speed. I mean the first time Calvin called Seb "baby" I looked at my phone like it had stolen money from me.
Calvin's toppiness is weird. The dirty talk is awkward. The demands to beg left me uncomfortable and grimacing, though the rimming scene was pretty hot. I'll give credit where it's due. However, show of hands, who thinks about their ex while they're getting pounded into the mattress by a monster ginger cock?
The next thing I knew Seb was angsting over their "relationship" and dropping the L word.
Where it came from I've no clue but it was jarring. They know a bit of each other and Seb seems to like all the ginger cock toppy pounding so who am I to judge? But they kinda snap at each other whenever they're not in Pound Town and Cal is cagey AF about his past and for all intents and purposes sidelines Seb. Because reasons. The pièce de résistance is Cal is in the back of the closet, behind the clothes and maybe disguising himself with your Dad's old plaid trench-coat circa 1976 and matching pork pie hat which is what caused the majority of the issues with Seb's ex-boyfriend! *smh*
I was hopeful the case would save this but I think Seb pulled one too many TSTL rabbits out of the hat in his efforts to help solve the thing that it soured the whole deal for me. And the culprit... let's just say it didn't jive in my book.
Snow and Winter's relationship standing ends on a hopeful but my no means certain footing which I'm certain is to entice people to read the next one, but considering they both annoyed me to varying degrees I think I'll call it good and stop here.
I wish it had worked out better but many others have loved this book, so I'd encourage anyone considering it to read the other reviews.
A review copy was provided.
January 28, 2020
Audio – 4 Stars
Story – 4 Stars
I think my brain has had a reboot and reset of some kind because I really enjoyed the narration and the story.
I take back my past complaints about Derrick McClain’s narration. I’m still not crazy about the hitching and at-times-too-nasal sounds, but overall his performance is damn good. He’s got a great voice, and he does give the MCs distinctive voices.
The shocker for me about this story is that the OTT insta and Sebastian’s sometimes pathetic behavior didn’t bother me. The only thing that stopped me from rating the story 5 stars is the lack of Calvin’s POV.
Story – 4 Stars
I think my brain has had a reboot and reset of some kind because I really enjoyed the narration and the story.
I take back my past complaints about Derrick McClain’s narration. I’m still not crazy about the hitching and at-times-too-nasal sounds, but overall his performance is damn good. He’s got a great voice, and he does give the MCs distinctive voices.
The shocker for me about this story is that the OTT insta and Sebastian’s sometimes pathetic behavior didn’t bother me. The only thing that stopped me from rating the story 5 stars is the lack of Calvin’s POV.
July 2, 2020
***3.5 Stars***
Confession: I had relationship issues.
Well, not I had, but them.
Ugh, noooo, I had with theirs.
Sebastian and Calvin went from "I-can-connect-you-to-two-murders" over "I-believe-you-baby" to "We-can't-do-this" at mach 2 speed within only a few pages and gave me whiplash.
This series is meant to be a hommage to Josh Lanyon's Adrien English and although there have been a few similarities, it can't touch the original in my opinion, but overall it was still a very enjoyable read - umm, listen. It took me some time to get used to Derrick McClain's narration, since he makes a weird intonation at the end of a sentence and adds some kind of 'huh' sound to the last word, which makes him sound a bit breathless. But he gives the characters great distinctive voices which is always a big plus in my book. Right on to the next!
Confession: I had relationship issues.
Well, not I had, but them.
Ugh, noooo, I had with theirs.
Sebastian and Calvin went from "I-can-connect-you-to-two-murders" over "I-believe-you-baby" to "We-can't-do-this" at mach 2 speed within only a few pages and gave me whiplash.
This series is meant to be a hommage to Josh Lanyon's Adrien English and although there have been a few similarities, it can't touch the original in my opinion, but overall it was still a very enjoyable read - umm, listen. It took me some time to get used to Derrick McClain's narration, since he makes a weird intonation at the end of a sentence and adds some kind of 'huh' sound to the last word, which makes him sound a bit breathless. But he gives the characters great distinctive voices which is always a big plus in my book. Right on to the next!
September 16, 2016
Let me just start by saying that this book was NOT bad, the humor was great, the smexy times HOT, the mystery kept me guessing somewhat and some of the characters were really FUN.
BUT the MC Sebastian... Jeebus christ, he was really freaking hard to like. Beware this review WILL contain some spoilers (not in regards to the mystery though!)
So Sebastian owns an antique book and trinket store. And he has a lot of knowledge of really freaking weird things, which was fun. He has been in a relationship with Neil for 4 years and they live together. Neil works as a CSU and is not out at work at all, since being a cop and being out is not possible (according to him.)
Neil and Sebastian have been living together for 6 months, and yes their relationship is on the rocks, and Sebastian is not really happy, but they are still in a relationship! Sebastian himself says:
I let out an annoyed sigh and leaned down to whisper. “We had a fight. I don’t know what’s going to happen, okay?”
And then, then Sebastian sleeps with Calvin! The cop who's investigating the heart under the floorboards and other weird crimes. So for those who have this pet-peeve, beware we have a cheater!
Neil had walked out of the apartment, yes, when they had their fight, but when Sebastian is attacked and ends up in the hospital he ASKS for NEIL!! And then he turns around and sleeps with Calvin, before ending things with Neil...
UGH! How can Calvin ever trust Sebastian after this? If I started a relationship with a partner, who cheated on his old partner, I would FOREVER think, he can do that again!
Instead of talking things out, or being a decent human being and end things, he can just turn around and sleep with someone new 3 days after we meet.
In my head, this really speaks to Sebastian's character, and I didn't like it.
Also another BIG pet-peeve of mine is stupidity. And Sebastian has that in spades, even though he's supposedly a smart dude.
When a cop tells you to butt out, you freaking butt out (I know, I know for sleuthing-purposes in this genre, of course they don't butt out, BUT at least be smart about it!). But no Sebastian keeps pushing, and the scene towards the end: Jeebus fucking christ, WHY WHYYYYYYY? It makes NO sense, it is stupidity of the HIGHEST order.
Okay, on to my next problems/questions: If you're a homicide cop, you have to have an evaluation, right? They won't just let people in because they've been in the military? I mean they need to be okay, mentally?
And Calvin is decidedly NOT okay, this dude has PTSD pouring out of his ears. He gets frightened when a box drops, and startles. How can he carry a gun? How can he be allowed to chase the bad guys, which incidentally he doesn't
The rest of the book was cool, and had Sebastian not been a cheater and stupid it would have a rating of maybe 4 stars for me, but it was really hard for me to overlook a MC that I could not identify with/sympathize with/feel for, at all.
I'm not sure if I'll read the next one, as I said in the beginning; the humor, the smexy times, the mystery and some of the characters were entertaining.
BUT the MC Sebastian... Jeebus christ, he was really freaking hard to like. Beware this review WILL contain some spoilers (not in regards to the mystery though!)
So Sebastian owns an antique book and trinket store. And he has a lot of knowledge of really freaking weird things, which was fun. He has been in a relationship with Neil for 4 years and they live together. Neil works as a CSU and is not out at work at all, since being a cop and being out is not possible (according to him.)
Neil and Sebastian have been living together for 6 months, and yes their relationship is on the rocks, and Sebastian is not really happy, but they are still in a relationship! Sebastian himself says:
I let out an annoyed sigh and leaned down to whisper. “We had a fight. I don’t know what’s going to happen, okay?”
And then, then Sebastian sleeps with Calvin! The cop who's investigating the heart under the floorboards and other weird crimes. So for those who have this pet-peeve, beware we have a cheater!
Neil had walked out of the apartment, yes, when they had their fight, but when Sebastian is attacked and ends up in the hospital he ASKS for NEIL!! And then he turns around and sleeps with Calvin, before ending things with Neil...
UGH! How can Calvin ever trust Sebastian after this? If I started a relationship with a partner, who cheated on his old partner, I would FOREVER think, he can do that again!
Instead of talking things out, or being a decent human being and end things, he can just turn around and sleep with someone new 3 days after we meet.
In my head, this really speaks to Sebastian's character, and I didn't like it.
Also another BIG pet-peeve of mine is stupidity. And Sebastian has that in spades, even though he's supposedly a smart dude.
When a cop tells you to butt out, you freaking butt out (I know, I know for sleuthing-purposes in this genre, of course they don't butt out, BUT at least be smart about it!). But no Sebastian keeps pushing, and the scene towards the end: Jeebus fucking christ, WHY WHYYYYYYY? It makes NO sense, it is stupidity of the HIGHEST order.
Okay, on to my next problems/questions: If you're a homicide cop, you have to have an evaluation, right? They won't just let people in because they've been in the military? I mean they need to be okay, mentally?
And Calvin is decidedly NOT okay, this dude has PTSD pouring out of his ears. He gets frightened when a box drops, and startles. How can he carry a gun? How can he be allowed to chase the bad guys, which incidentally he doesn't
The rest of the book was cool, and had Sebastian not been a cheater and stupid it would have a rating of maybe 4 stars for me, but it was really hard for me to overlook a MC that I could not identify with/sympathize with/feel for, at all.
I'm not sure if I'll read the next one, as I said in the beginning; the humor, the smexy times, the mystery and some of the characters were entertaining.
March 12, 2017
"The Mystery of Nevermore" is an homage to Josh Lanyon's wonderful Adrien English series, beginning with a dedication (For Josh, the Master of Mystery. You gave me the courage to find my voice again) and featuring Sebastian Snow, who runs an independent business selling books and antiques in an old building, has a medical condition (he can't see colors only shades of black and white), and lives in an apartment above the store. Calvin Winter is a closeted NYPD homicide detective in his 40's with a difficult past and the two are brought together by a murder/mystery influenced by the works of Edgar Allen Poe.
This book has an embarrassment of riches - an engaging plot that will hold your interest to the final page, two intriguing main characters with a sizzling sexual chemistry, a top-notch mystery with plenty of red herrings, wonderfully developed secondary characters (especially Sebastian's father) - and best of all, it is the first book in a series, with the second book scheduled for February, 2017.
C.S. Poe does a beautiful job of introducing us to Sebastian Snow and Calvin Winter. Sebastian is at the end of a four-year relationship with Neil, a closeted cop, and has vowed to never date another closet case. However, Sebastian is drawn to Calvin from almost their first encounter and asks him:
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and hope the Snow & Winter series will have many more books to come. Read this book if you are looking for an intelligent M/M mystery series!
I received an ARC of this book from DSP Publications in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
This book has an embarrassment of riches - an engaging plot that will hold your interest to the final page, two intriguing main characters with a sizzling sexual chemistry, a top-notch mystery with plenty of red herrings, wonderfully developed secondary characters (especially Sebastian's father) - and best of all, it is the first book in a series, with the second book scheduled for February, 2017.
C.S. Poe does a beautiful job of introducing us to Sebastian Snow and Calvin Winter. Sebastian is at the end of a four-year relationship with Neil, a closeted cop, and has vowed to never date another closet case. However, Sebastian is drawn to Calvin from almost their first encounter and asks him:
"How deep in the closet are you?" He blinked and raised an eyebrow. "Come again?" "I mean, are you hanging out with the shoes, or are you so far in the back, you're with your tuxedo from junior prom and you stink of moth balls?"Calvin Winter is so deep in the closet that "I'm in the back with the prom tux. [...] I'm ... so far lost in the back I can't ... find the door" and yet the book ends with intriguing possibilities.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and hope the Snow & Winter series will have many more books to come. Read this book if you are looking for an intelligent M/M mystery series!
I received an ARC of this book from DSP Publications in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
February 20, 2020
It's an extraordinary day when Sebastian opens his store to the smell of rot and death. Anyone who has ever gotten rid of rats by poisoning knows what I mean. They die in some unreachable place and make the house smell like it was visited by Pestilence.
Sebastian is then shocked to find a heart under the floorboards. Right out of the Poe short story (and in my opinion his best) The Tell-Tale Heart and Other Writings.
Right then we learn just how much of a loveable nerd Seb is.
"Tear up the planks! Here, here!- It is the beating of his hideous heart!"
"What is that?"
"Poe," I replied.
"God, you're so weird," Max muttered.
I stan a leading man who quotes great literature in the face of danger. Sebastian also has a very rare condition called achro... acro... colour blindness where he basically sees everything in varying shades of grey. He also has light sensitivity. When the heart is found under his antique store's floorboards, he is thrust into a sleuthing adventure that seems tailor made for his mystery loving heart.
When he calls in the cops, a new man tries to take current boyfriend's place in Seb's heart. Detective Calvin Winter is an older, red headed, freckled beauty of a man who Seb falls for faster than the drop in my credit score. But they seem doomed from the start. Seb is dating Neil, a closeted cop who has been his partner for four years. They met on an investigation where Seb became a person of interest. And of course this line that shows CS Poe went to the Josh Lanyon school of mystery writing.
Snow and Winter would never be. And sure enough, too soon, the cold night greeted us and his hand slid free from mine.
I couldn't recommend this book more.
Oh wait, I can, if you haven't yet:
Sebastian is then shocked to find a heart under the floorboards. Right out of the Poe short story (and in my opinion his best) The Tell-Tale Heart and Other Writings.
Right then we learn just how much of a loveable nerd Seb is.
"Tear up the planks! Here, here!- It is the beating of his hideous heart!"
"What is that?"
"Poe," I replied.
"God, you're so weird," Max muttered.
I stan a leading man who quotes great literature in the face of danger. Sebastian also has a very rare condition called achro... acro... colour blindness where he basically sees everything in varying shades of grey. He also has light sensitivity. When the heart is found under his antique store's floorboards, he is thrust into a sleuthing adventure that seems tailor made for his mystery loving heart.
When he calls in the cops, a new man tries to take current boyfriend's place in Seb's heart. Detective Calvin Winter is an older, red headed, freckled beauty of a man who Seb falls for faster than the drop in my credit score. But they seem doomed from the start. Seb is dating Neil, a closeted cop who has been his partner for four years. They met on an investigation where Seb became a person of interest. And of course this line that shows CS Poe went to the Josh Lanyon school of mystery writing.
Snow and Winter would never be. And sure enough, too soon, the cold night greeted us and his hand slid free from mine.
I couldn't recommend this book more.
Oh wait, I can, if you haven't yet:
August 28, 2016
This book had good bones. It is basically a "cover" of the Adrien English series by Josh Lanyon. It even has a forward where the author gives tribute to Lanyon. So, really, if you've read that series, you know pretty much how this is gonna go.
There were some subtle nuances that make Calvin very different from Jake Riordan. He is not the selfish asshole that Jake was. I actually liked him, a great deal. Already, in Book 1, he's giving and thoughtful, nothing I'd ever accuse Jake of being.
This author is talented, no doubt. I really liked CS Poe's writing style. It was smooth, and I read it within one day. However, when I mentioned that Calvin was very different from Jake? Sebastian is not so different from Adrien. He was annoying with the back and forth. He wanted to stand up and demand better for himself, but he's a doormat. And his reason? The same reason everyone in an abusive, or dysfunctional, or unhealthy relationship always gives. "I love him." Gag. I don't doubt that you do, but, come on! Seb needed to grow a pair and quit being a doormat. Add to thatAdrien Seb was in a relationship, albeit one that was dying, when he started it up with Jake Calvin, and he left a bad taste in my mouth all around. I just don't like him.
This was also very insta-lovey without any real relationship development. The L word came out of left field for me.
The Edgar Allen Poe murder mystery "thing" has been done. And since it's been "done" by my all-time favorite mm couple from the Cut & Run series, this wasn't gonna be able to touch it. Not sure it's this book's fault, but it is what it is.
Bottom line, the writing was good, but because of the "cover" aspect of this book, it felt more like fan fic than gay fiction. I did enjoy it more than the Adrien English series, though, because JAKE. Couldn't stand that fucker. Fans of that series will probably like this a lot.
There were some subtle nuances that make Calvin very different from Jake Riordan. He is not the selfish asshole that Jake was. I actually liked him, a great deal. Already, in Book 1, he's giving and thoughtful, nothing I'd ever accuse Jake of being.
This author is talented, no doubt. I really liked CS Poe's writing style. It was smooth, and I read it within one day. However, when I mentioned that Calvin was very different from Jake? Sebastian is not so different from Adrien. He was annoying with the back and forth. He wanted to stand up and demand better for himself, but he's a doormat. And his reason? The same reason everyone in an abusive, or dysfunctional, or unhealthy relationship always gives. "I love him." Gag. I don't doubt that you do, but, come on! Seb needed to grow a pair and quit being a doormat. Add to that
This was also very insta-lovey without any real relationship development. The L word came out of left field for me.
The Edgar Allen Poe murder mystery "thing" has been done. And since it's been "done" by my all-time favorite mm couple from the Cut & Run series, this wasn't gonna be able to touch it. Not sure it's this book's fault, but it is what it is.
Bottom line, the writing was good, but because of the "cover" aspect of this book, it felt more like fan fic than gay fiction. I did enjoy it more than the Adrien English series, though, because JAKE. Couldn't stand that fucker. Fans of that series will probably like this a lot.
April 2, 2021
3 Stars
Told in single POV, 1st person, it’s the first installment in the "Snow & Winter" series and it’s not cliffy. This was my first read by this author and unfortunately, I was struggling to finish it as soon as possible. First of all, there wasn’t any relationship development here; it was very insta-love/lust. They didn’t know each other really and haven’t seen each other that much (and wasn't on a date even) but at once their relationship got intense and… In my opinion, their relationship was SO rushed. Second, I wish we could have had Winter’s POV too! I’d like to know about his past, about his feelings, his family among other things, and preferably from his own perspective. All in all, it was an OK read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
Told in single POV, 1st person, it’s the first installment in the "Snow & Winter" series and it’s not cliffy. This was my first read by this author and unfortunately, I was struggling to finish it as soon as possible. First of all, there wasn’t any relationship development here; it was very insta-love/lust. They didn’t know each other really and haven’t seen each other that much (and wasn't on a date even) but at once their relationship got intense and… In my opinion, their relationship was SO rushed. Second, I wish we could have had Winter’s POV too! I’d like to know about his past, about his feelings, his family among other things, and preferably from his own perspective. All in all, it was an OK read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
August 27, 2016
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and Ginger Alert!!!
Before I get into the details of why I actually loved this book so much let's just take a moment to admire the pretty cover because it's a big chunk of the reason why I decided to check this book out. It's not over the top or incredibly colorful it's just quietly subtle and once you read the book you realize it's very appropriate to the story. So overall it's a cover that does it's job and a little extra. See that guy the one right there on that cover that I'm babbling about he's totally Sebastian Snow...seriously I could maybe google around and find someone other pictures but I'm betting they'll still look like that guy on the cover. Ok, I'm done with my little tribute to good covers.
Like others who have reviewed this book I'm going to comment on what we'll call 'The Adrien English' influence. Yes, I noticed fairly early in the book that it was reminiscent of another series that I truly love Josh Lanyon's Adrien English, however, 'The Mystery of Nevermore' was also it's own strongly unique story. I'm not going to bother with a list of what was similar and what was different because I think that's something that each reader needs to decide for themselves. I'll also add here that I tend to read the author's dedication in books to see who maybe influenced or inspired them while they were writing that particular book and I think it removes a lot of doubt as to who C.S. Poe was inspired by...
Now let's discuss why I gave this book 4.5 stars because i kid you not the cover had nothing to do with it. I just really liked the cover but that works well because I really, really liked this story. So much so that I am more than anxious to read what comes next and since this is the first book in a new series by a new to me author there is definitely more to come right?
C.S. Poe is a new to me author and from the looks of things a new to publishing author as well, which really excites me because I'm hoping that it means she has a whole bunch of awesome stories to share with readers like me.
'The Mystery of Nevermore' starts out with more time invested in the mystery part of the story than the romance which for me was ok, because I love a good mystery and this one definitely was and more importantly this is why Sebastian and Calvin meet. Much of what happens involving the mystery is related to the writings of Edgar Allan Poe one of America's most notable authors and a man whose life seemed to be shrouded in mystery.
Sebastian Winter is the owner of Snow's Antique Emporium and the love interest of one very closeted cop named Neil, with whom his relationship is sinking fast...like the Titanic fast. When strange things start happening to Sebastian and other antique dealers around the city Sebastian suddenly falls under the scrutiny of Detective Calvin Winter. it's amidst the chaos of things falling apart between Neil and Sebastian and Sebastian's growing attraction to Detective Winter and all the general confusion of strange happenings and dead bodies that we see things end between Sebastian and Neil and heat up between Sebastian and Calvin and yes, even Sebastian knows he's jumping from the frying pan possibly into the fire but the heart wants what the heart wants.
I was delighted with the characters in this book. There was Sebastian's father a retired professor of literature and his dog Maggie. Max, Sebastian's employee at the antique store. Beth the bookstore owner next door to Snow's Antique Emporium and seriously folks I want to be Beth...I could be Beth we're about the same age and we both love books what more do you need...oh, I have gray in my hair and I love cats...see I am Beth plus I could totally work a cat skirt. Then there's Neil, who I'm pretty sure was so far in that closet that he had his hand on the door to Narnia. He wasn't a bad person a little self-centered and self-absorbed maybe, no to mention that he just didn't love Sebastian enough to be what he needed and last but not least Calvin Winter. I really liked Calvin. He was brave and honorable and so much more damaged than Sebastian first realized, but most of all he genuinely wanted to be the man that Calvin needed. There were also a few other minor characters who added interest to this story but these are the ones that I feel we are likely to see in future books from this series.
While I may have had my suspicions about who the culprit was it wasn't until the author took me on a merry goose chase that had me squirreling from person to person until we got close to the end that I really felt sure. As for Sebastian and Calvin did they get their happily ever after...well, to me it was more like a happy for now with a strong promise of tomorrow and I like that because at the end of the day it's often all any of us truly gets.
I'm not sure when book 2 is being released but I do know I'll drop whatever I'm doing to jump into it and go on another adventure with Snow & Winter...oops, I almost forgot for those of you who might be wondering Calvin = hot, sexy, muscular GINGER!!!! with freckles...oh yeah, he's all that (I looked for him in a suit, honest I did!)
********************
A copy of "The Mystery of Nevermore' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Before I get into the details of why I actually loved this book so much let's just take a moment to admire the pretty cover because it's a big chunk of the reason why I decided to check this book out. It's not over the top or incredibly colorful it's just quietly subtle and once you read the book you realize it's very appropriate to the story. So overall it's a cover that does it's job and a little extra. See that guy the one right there on that cover that I'm babbling about he's totally Sebastian Snow...seriously I could maybe google around and find someone other pictures but I'm betting they'll still look like that guy on the cover. Ok, I'm done with my little tribute to good covers.
Like others who have reviewed this book I'm going to comment on what we'll call 'The Adrien English' influence. Yes, I noticed fairly early in the book that it was reminiscent of another series that I truly love Josh Lanyon's Adrien English, however, 'The Mystery of Nevermore' was also it's own strongly unique story. I'm not going to bother with a list of what was similar and what was different because I think that's something that each reader needs to decide for themselves. I'll also add here that I tend to read the author's dedication in books to see who maybe influenced or inspired them while they were writing that particular book and I think it removes a lot of doubt as to who C.S. Poe was inspired by...
For Josh, the Master of Mystery.
You gave me the courage to find my voice again.
Now let's discuss why I gave this book 4.5 stars because i kid you not the cover had nothing to do with it. I just really liked the cover but that works well because I really, really liked this story. So much so that I am more than anxious to read what comes next and since this is the first book in a new series by a new to me author there is definitely more to come right?
C.S. Poe is a new to me author and from the looks of things a new to publishing author as well, which really excites me because I'm hoping that it means she has a whole bunch of awesome stories to share with readers like me.
'The Mystery of Nevermore' starts out with more time invested in the mystery part of the story than the romance which for me was ok, because I love a good mystery and this one definitely was and more importantly this is why Sebastian and Calvin meet. Much of what happens involving the mystery is related to the writings of Edgar Allan Poe one of America's most notable authors and a man whose life seemed to be shrouded in mystery.
Sebastian Winter is the owner of Snow's Antique Emporium and the love interest of one very closeted cop named Neil, with whom his relationship is sinking fast...like the Titanic fast. When strange things start happening to Sebastian and other antique dealers around the city Sebastian suddenly falls under the scrutiny of Detective Calvin Winter. it's amidst the chaos of things falling apart between Neil and Sebastian and Sebastian's growing attraction to Detective Winter and all the general confusion of strange happenings and dead bodies that we see things end between Sebastian and Neil and heat up between Sebastian and Calvin and yes, even Sebastian knows he's jumping from the frying pan possibly into the fire but the heart wants what the heart wants.
I was delighted with the characters in this book. There was Sebastian's father a retired professor of literature and his dog Maggie. Max, Sebastian's employee at the antique store. Beth the bookstore owner next door to Snow's Antique Emporium and seriously folks I want to be Beth...I could be Beth we're about the same age and we both love books what more do you need...oh, I have gray in my hair and I love cats...see I am Beth plus I could totally work a cat skirt. Then there's Neil, who I'm pretty sure was so far in that closet that he had his hand on the door to Narnia. He wasn't a bad person a little self-centered and self-absorbed maybe, no to mention that he just didn't love Sebastian enough to be what he needed and last but not least Calvin Winter. I really liked Calvin. He was brave and honorable and so much more damaged than Sebastian first realized, but most of all he genuinely wanted to be the man that Calvin needed. There were also a few other minor characters who added interest to this story but these are the ones that I feel we are likely to see in future books from this series.
While I may have had my suspicions about who the culprit was it wasn't until the author took me on a merry goose chase that had me squirreling from person to person until we got close to the end that I really felt sure. As for Sebastian and Calvin did they get their happily ever after...well, to me it was more like a happy for now with a strong promise of tomorrow and I like that because at the end of the day it's often all any of us truly gets.
I'm not sure when book 2 is being released but I do know I'll drop whatever I'm doing to jump into it and go on another adventure with Snow & Winter...oops, I almost forgot for those of you who might be wondering Calvin = hot, sexy, muscular GINGER!!!! with freckles...oh yeah, he's all that (I looked for him in a suit, honest I did!)
********************
A copy of "The Mystery of Nevermore' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2016
I loved this book and I'm glad this is a series so I can read more of Seb and Cal. They are one of my new favorite couples. Their romance was sweet and hot and the mystery was very good.
It's the love story, though, that makes this such a great book. I can't wait for the next book!
It's the love story, though, that makes this such a great book. I can't wait for the next book!
Shelved as 'do-not-read'
September 2, 2018Unprofessional professional and TSTL. Why do authors do this? WHY???
I was hopeful about this one too. *sigh*
And it's pretty much a ripoff of Adrien English. If I want to read Adrien English, I'll read Adrien English, not an "homage" to it.
I was hopeful about this one too. *sigh*
And it's pretty much a ripoff of Adrien English. If I want to read Adrien English, I'll read Adrien English, not an "homage" to it.
September 4, 2016
I absolutely adored this book. CS Poe's Sebastian Snow is a fantastic, well-developed character with quirks and intriguing motivations. I enjoyed his "home base" as an Antique dealer and his developing relationship with Detective Calvin Winter is going to be fantastic to watch in upcoming books. They had a great dynamic with enough push-pull to make things interesting. I really enjoyed reading this. I'm also very much looking forward to seeing what else CS Poe will be bringing to us in the future.
Fantastically great writer with gorgeous characters and a tight, nice plot. All the makings of a wonderful relationship between an author and readers.
Fantastically great writer with gorgeous characters and a tight, nice plot. All the makings of a wonderful relationship between an author and readers.
October 31, 2017
Not bad
This was pretty danged enjoyable. I liked Sebastian quite a bit. Yes, he was a bit TSTL but I didn't mind. The storyline could be a bit tighter and some plot threads could stand to have a bit more resolution but overall it was a good story that kept my interest. I look forward to reading book two.
This was pretty danged enjoyable. I liked Sebastian quite a bit. Yes, he was a bit TSTL but I didn't mind. The storyline could be a bit tighter and some plot threads could stand to have a bit more resolution but overall it was a good story that kept my interest. I look forward to reading book two.
September 3, 2016
Being that this book is obviously Poe-ish, I expected something a little darker, a little more melancholy, a little more . . . emo. What I got was some seriously endearing characters with great banter, a fun, if not a little simple, mystery and the setup to what looks like a great series.
Sebastian Snow is an antique dealer at a crossroads with his live in and VERY in-the-closet, cop boyfriend. Sebastian isn’t one to hide and the imbalance in their relationship is taking its toll. The author did a really good job of handling the transition from one relationship and maybe, possibly into another. It’s still very early on, but obviously Sebastian and Calvin Winter have a future a-brewing. The break up wasn’t too easy, clean or convenient and read very real. Both Sebastian and Neil (the ex/cop/closet dweller) were hurting and unhappy and while Calvin was there, he wasn’t the cause of the breakup and I appreciated how that all played out. No one was completely innocent and no one was completely at fault, just like real life, generally, and it kept the story grounded.
I really did like Sebastian. He’s extra snarky and being in his brain is a fun ride. Even when he’s doing something he shouldn’t and when he’s feeling all the feels, I just liked all his parts and how he worked through everything he had going on. Calvin, the detective on the case with all the Poe, is basically a walking wet dream for anyone with a cop/military hero fetish and especially if gingery freckles are your kink. So, yeah, I felt all the hots for Calvin along with Sebastian.
Sebastian has achromatopsia, a vision disorder rendering him completely color blind, extremely sensitive to light and with overall decreased vision. I googled. Everyday life is not always easy and his condition weaves into the story and his relationships very organically. Calvin has some real issues of his own and has kept himself walled away from relationships for a long time, so these two will really be well suited to one another in coming stories, I can feel it and I want it. Calvin is
incredibly sensual and it’s obvious he has been starved for affection, because damn, when he starts in with the sexy times, that man’s mouth is something else. I felt like this book was a tease as to what he’s capable of when he and Sebastian get to know one another even better.
The start of the “relationship” between Sebastian and Calvin was pretty abrupt. It kind of came out of left field and I was as surprised as Sebastian. I wanted it to be a thing, so I went with it, but it was a little jarring. Being that we only reads Sebastian’s perspective, Calvin obviously had the thoughts of what was happening in Sebastian’s pants since they met, but as a reader, I wasn’t privy so I had a moment of
“WTF?, seriously? We’re doing this? Well, OK, it’s pretty frickin’ hot, so I’m down. Please proceed.”/b>
The mystery wasn’t too overly complex, and the motive and villain were pretty basic, but it was still fun, especially if you’re a Poe fan. Sebastian’s dad is the bestest dad of all dads. He was supportive but empowering in that he offered advice when asked but never hedged in on Sebastian’s independence. I have to admit, I had a little daddy crush going on there too with him. I don’t think he was a ginger, so Calvin still holds my heart, but still, I dug him.
The ending was a little rushed and while Calvin is kind of all over the map with his feelings, it wasn’t like getting reading whiplash that can sometimes happen when a lot of change and momentum happens quickly. Calvin is in the closet, much like Neil, but there’s hope for them in his actions towards the end. I can tell there is going to be a lot for these two to work through in upcoming installments, but if the pace and honesty stay true like they did in this one, it will be very satisfying to read.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
Sebastian Snow is an antique dealer at a crossroads with his live in and VERY in-the-closet, cop boyfriend. Sebastian isn’t one to hide and the imbalance in their relationship is taking its toll. The author did a really good job of handling the transition from one relationship and maybe, possibly into another. It’s still very early on, but obviously Sebastian and Calvin Winter have a future a-brewing. The break up wasn’t too easy, clean or convenient and read very real. Both Sebastian and Neil (the ex/cop/closet dweller) were hurting and unhappy and while Calvin was there, he wasn’t the cause of the breakup and I appreciated how that all played out. No one was completely innocent and no one was completely at fault, just like real life, generally, and it kept the story grounded.
I really did like Sebastian. He’s extra snarky and being in his brain is a fun ride. Even when he’s doing something he shouldn’t and when he’s feeling all the feels, I just liked all his parts and how he worked through everything he had going on. Calvin, the detective on the case with all the Poe, is basically a walking wet dream for anyone with a cop/military hero fetish and especially if gingery freckles are your kink. So, yeah, I felt all the hots for Calvin along with Sebastian.
Sebastian has achromatopsia, a vision disorder rendering him completely color blind, extremely sensitive to light and with overall decreased vision. I googled. Everyday life is not always easy and his condition weaves into the story and his relationships very organically. Calvin has some real issues of his own and has kept himself walled away from relationships for a long time, so these two will really be well suited to one another in coming stories, I can feel it and I want it. Calvin is
incredibly sensual and it’s obvious he has been starved for affection, because damn, when he starts in with the sexy times, that man’s mouth is something else. I felt like this book was a tease as to what he’s capable of when he and Sebastian get to know one another even better.
The start of the “relationship” between Sebastian and Calvin was pretty abrupt. It kind of came out of left field and I was as surprised as Sebastian. I wanted it to be a thing, so I went with it, but it was a little jarring. Being that we only reads Sebastian’s perspective, Calvin obviously had the thoughts of what was happening in Sebastian’s pants since they met, but as a reader, I wasn’t privy so I had a moment of
“WTF?, seriously? We’re doing this? Well, OK, it’s pretty frickin’ hot, so I’m down. Please proceed.”/b>
The mystery wasn’t too overly complex, and the motive and villain were pretty basic, but it was still fun, especially if you’re a Poe fan. Sebastian’s dad is the bestest dad of all dads. He was supportive but empowering in that he offered advice when asked but never hedged in on Sebastian’s independence. I have to admit, I had a little daddy crush going on there too with him. I don’t think he was a ginger, so Calvin still holds my heart, but still, I dug him.
The ending was a little rushed and while Calvin is kind of all over the map with his feelings, it wasn’t like getting reading whiplash that can sometimes happen when a lot of change and momentum happens quickly. Calvin is in the closet, much like Neil, but there’s hope for them in his actions towards the end. I can tell there is going to be a lot for these two to work through in upcoming installments, but if the pace and honesty stay true like they did in this one, it will be very satisfying to read.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
August 24, 2018
I've read worse, but I've read better. The culprit was ridiculously easy to figure out. The part that lost the stars for me was the "I know I need to get out of this relationship but I don't have the courage but hey, here's a hot guy for me to do even though I'm still in that relationship." I'd consider reading the next, perhaps.
January 2, 2022
1.5 🌟 This was a total disaster in all departments, whether it was the mystery or romance, even the audiobook narration made me irritated. So, around 40%, I switched to the ebook and still didn't like the MC. Although the mystery plot based around Edger Poe's work was good, I didn't like the execution.
I know that the reviews for the next book are positive but I think I am going to pick it later or maybe never.🤣🤣🤣
P.S- I wanted to give it 1 star only because this book irritated the hell out of me.😩😩
I know that the reviews for the next book are positive but I think I am going to pick it later or maybe never.🤣🤣🤣
P.S- I wanted to give it 1 star only because this book irritated the hell out of me.😩😩
January 7, 2018
"I was about to do something stupid..."
The narration was fine overall, and Derrick McClain does a good job with easily discernible character voices and infusing a nice amount of emotion where needed. However, unfortunately for me, the plot itself was annoying to the extreme and while sometimes great narration can save a story that has moments that annoy me, if anything, Derrick does such a great job bringing the characters to life that it tipped me even more over the edge.
Now, let me start off by saying I was grateful when a friend pointed out before I started this that there is on-page cheating in this story. One of my personal no-no's is cheating. I absolutely hate cheating, but I hate being blindsided by it in a "romance" even more. So, I knew going in that there would be some moments I wouldn't like, but I was prepared for them.
And honestly? I really thought it would be the cheating that got me, but maybe it was because I was prepared for it that I didn't lose my mind about it. Instead, it was the poor impulse control and damaged decision making skills that eventually did me in.
Told entirely from the first person POV of antique dealer Sebastian Snow, he consistently makes the worst decision possible, even after thinking it through. Literally...Every. Single. Time.
I honestly don't think he even once made a safe, sane, or rational decision. Not once. It's an almost 8 hour audio - and I spent nearly all of it exclaiming, "Seriously? Seriously!?! That's what you're going to do?!"
I'm not going to lie...I was really hoping for some redemption for Sebastian, but no. In the end, all this was for me was exhausting.
The Mystery of Nevermore also contains another huge pet peeve of mine..."unbelievable healing".
Really the only things I liked about this story was Sebastian's relationship with his father and Derrick McClain's narration. I'm sorry, but this was a miss for me, maybe YMMV.
Recommended for those that like a mystery and don't have a problem with a particularly TSTL character, cheating, or requiring a little more suspension of disbelief than usual.
Story = 1 Star; Narration = 4 Stars = Total 2.5 Stars
Audio copy of The Mystery of Nevermore (Snow & Winter #1) provided by DSP Publications in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 18, 2019
When I first read the blurb for this I instantly thought: Cut & Run
But I read a couple other reviews, they said it was good and I like a good mystery-romance so I gave it a try.
I was disappointed.
I liked the idea of one of the MC ending a relationship and finding a new one. But the execution just kinda sucked. Sebastian is a pretty great character; owner of an antique oddities shop, color blind, a bit sarcastic, horribly dressed. Calvin however is too old at 42 to just drop to his knees for a cute boy. No warning, just BAM oral sexxing right there. nothing about the two of them felt romantic. And if a guy I just met starts calling me baby or sweetie I'm out and he'd probably have a bruise or two. It's not romantic it's annoying.
I won't go into details over the mystery but the whodunnit was obvious the moment you met the bad guy. Anyway, it was kinda a crap story, with a crap romance.
But I read a couple other reviews, they said it was good and I like a good mystery-romance so I gave it a try.
I was disappointed.
I liked the idea of one of the MC ending a relationship and finding a new one. But the execution just kinda sucked. Sebastian is a pretty great character; owner of an antique oddities shop, color blind, a bit sarcastic, horribly dressed. Calvin however is too old at 42 to just drop to his knees for a cute boy. No warning, just BAM oral sexxing right there. nothing about the two of them felt romantic. And if a guy I just met starts calling me baby or sweetie I'm out and he'd probably have a bruise or two. It's not romantic it's annoying.
I won't go into details over the mystery but the whodunnit was obvious the moment you met the bad guy. Anyway, it was kinda a crap story, with a crap romance.
November 26, 2022
Well, I loved it. And yeah, ok, it has some parts that are pretty similar to Adrian English series but only in the first half of the book because Sebastian does what Adrian should have done too and that is dump the douchy closeted cop lol (yeah, yeah, Jake redeems himself but it was way way towards the end). The only thing I wish this series have borrowed from Josh Lanyon’s is the slow burn, this one here is way too insta. But as I said I loved this book and as in every CS Poe’s books the writing is exceptional (though not as good as in “Memento mori” series ; excellent evolution and improvement on this author’s part , both with the writing and the slow burn, isn’t it?) . The mystery is fabulous in all her books , the research this author does is fantastic and her love for New York and its history shines through the pages. I loved Snow and Winter and it’s so easy to get lost in these books. I give 4 stars only because I got to read Memento mori first and it set the bar very high.
August 27, 2019
A Poe-themed mystery for you booknerds.
February 8, 2020
The cover of this novel has been captivating me for quite a while and I had been promising myself that I would read it. Now I wonder why I waited so long. C.S. Poe is a terrific storyteller who introduces us in this story to her principal characters, Sebastian Snow, a young antiques dealer with a flourishing shop in New York, on the outs with his closet cop boyfriend, Neil, and Caleb Winter the Detective called to investigate a bizarre break-in who also breaks his way into Sebastian's heart. The mystery unfolds around a number of incidents relating back to stories and poems by Edgar Allan Poe (the author's love of Poe is surely no mystery! :) ) Sebastian is prey to an affliction which means he cannot stand bright light and only sees the world in monochrome, hence the stunning black and white cover. I loved little touches like his fascination with Winter's ginger hair, which he will never see in all it's flaming glory and his myriad freckles.
The supporting cast is well drawn out, especially Seb's widowed father and his adorable rescue dog.
The mystery, and the romantic entanglement, was neatly resolved and I'm looking forward to starting book two
The supporting cast is well drawn out, especially Seb's widowed father and his adorable rescue dog.
The mystery, and the romantic entanglement, was neatly resolved and I'm looking forward to starting book two
August 8, 2018
I can honestly say that I enjoyed reading this book. I guess I am a bit of a fan of amateur sleuthing. This reminded me slightly of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple - an old biddy who is nosy and persistent and always knows better except that Sebastian Snow is a young good-looking man and this is happening in the middle of New York and not in an English village.
Sebastian is an owner of antique shop of diverse curiosities, he is somewhat peculiar in the way he dresses and behaves but that is because he suffers from achromatopsia - the condition that makes him light sensitive and color blind. So Sebastian's life seems to be relegated to the shadows. His current boyfriend Neil who is a forensic detective is deeply in the closet and because of that their relationship is circling down the drain. There were moments that I felt that Neil was simply using Sebastian and they were just plain wrong for each other.
Then one day strange things start happening. And the responding homicide detective Calvin Winter enters the scene. Since this book has only one POV it's hard to say in the beginning what if anything he feels for Seb. Sebastian's attraction comes gradually and is very strong but he is in a relationship so nothing will come of it. But one domestic quarrel and a frisky kitchen encounter prove that things as they are are not right and that things that happen now are possibly as they should be.
Winter and Snow establish a sort of unwilling rapport where they skirt around their mutual attraction. The problem is not Neil since that ship has sailed but the fact that Winter is too not out at work or anywhere else and Snow is reluctant and scared that he will fall in love and make the same mistakes here again. But Winter is the opposite of Neil - he is kind, gentle and loving, a steady presence, very attentive and understanding. He has his faults and troubles that only a loving man by his side can help him with but for that to happen he has to find courage to be himself. But things are escalating, people are getting hurt and Snow takes matters into his own hands.
This is not the first time that works of E.A. Poe are used as a plot for novels - his works are complex and mysterious as the man was himself. The murderer was not known up until 60% of the book to me and I enjoyed the chase, the anxiety and the action element of the story. What made it even better was Winter and what he did for Snow. That was the best thing and and the bravest. I like the writing style, the humor and all the secondary characters - some sweet and endearing and some snarky and annoying. They were a wonderful addition to the book and created a small world of shop keepers and curious onlookers that provided comic relief and stalwart support to the MCs in their time of need.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
Sebastian is an owner of antique shop of diverse curiosities, he is somewhat peculiar in the way he dresses and behaves but that is because he suffers from achromatopsia - the condition that makes him light sensitive and color blind. So Sebastian's life seems to be relegated to the shadows. His current boyfriend Neil who is a forensic detective is deeply in the closet and because of that their relationship is circling down the drain. There were moments that I felt that Neil was simply using Sebastian and they were just plain wrong for each other.
Then one day strange things start happening. And the responding homicide detective Calvin Winter enters the scene. Since this book has only one POV it's hard to say in the beginning what if anything he feels for Seb. Sebastian's attraction comes gradually and is very strong but he is in a relationship so nothing will come of it. But one domestic quarrel and a frisky kitchen encounter prove that things as they are are not right and that things that happen now are possibly as they should be.
Winter and Snow establish a sort of unwilling rapport where they skirt around their mutual attraction. The problem is not Neil since that ship has sailed but the fact that Winter is too not out at work or anywhere else and Snow is reluctant and scared that he will fall in love and make the same mistakes here again. But Winter is the opposite of Neil - he is kind, gentle and loving, a steady presence, very attentive and understanding. He has his faults and troubles that only a loving man by his side can help him with but for that to happen he has to find courage to be himself. But things are escalating, people are getting hurt and Snow takes matters into his own hands.
This is not the first time that works of E.A. Poe are used as a plot for novels - his works are complex and mysterious as the man was himself. The murderer was not known up until 60% of the book to me and I enjoyed the chase, the anxiety and the action element of the story. What made it even better was Winter and what he did for Snow. That was the best thing and and the bravest. I like the writing style, the humor and all the secondary characters - some sweet and endearing and some snarky and annoying. They were a wonderful addition to the book and created a small world of shop keepers and curious onlookers that provided comic relief and stalwart support to the MCs in their time of need.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
September 14, 2016
The blurb sounded like something I’d really want to read, unless it was completely horribly written. And the reviews were glowing. So, I didn’t expect to dislike this book so much and for so many reasons.
One thing, being inspired by Adrien English series is fine. But shouldn’t it be, like, a starting point for writing your own book? Why to borrow whole scenes?
One thing, being inspired by Adrien English series is fine. But shouldn’t it be, like, a starting point for writing your own book? Why to borrow whole scenes?
June 4, 2017
4.0 solid stars
This was my first book by C.S. Poe and l definitely be on the look out to read more. The writing was tight and the characters were engaging. Sebastian did a number of dumb things qualifying him to be TSTL but I still liked him. I felt bad for Neil even though he was a jerk and I adored Calvin even though he was unsuitable for the out-and-proud Sebastian for the same exact reason that Neil was. The mystery was a little simplistic BUT the who dunnit aspect had me guessing for most of the book.
Bottom line: When's book 2 due out?!? That's a definite pre-order for me!
This was my first book by C.S. Poe and l definitely be on the look out to read more. The writing was tight and the characters were engaging. Sebastian did a number of dumb things qualifying him to be TSTL but I still liked him. I felt bad for Neil even though he was a jerk and I adored Calvin even though he was unsuitable for the out-and-proud Sebastian for the same exact reason that Neil was. The mystery was a little simplistic BUT the who dunnit aspect had me guessing for most of the book.
Bottom line: When's book 2 due out?!? That's a definite pre-order for me!
January 6, 2018
Hated it, to me this was a poorly done fanfic relying on familiarity and affection for the characters these ones are based on. Sebastian is unlikeable, with behaviour incredibly stupid for a purported genius. Calivin is not a man to be carrying a gun!
While I bought it aware of the 'borrowed' set-up I'd hoped for some originality that wasn't a smug literature lecture. Didn't like the characters. Wasn't won over by the plot. No thanks.
While I bought it aware of the 'borrowed' set-up I'd hoped for some originality that wasn't a smug literature lecture. Didn't like the characters. Wasn't won over by the plot. No thanks.
December 28, 2020
2020 audio
Haha, so fun. I truly adore C.S. Poe's writing. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
2019 audio review
I love this series. It's been a while since I read book 1 and I noticed things this time that I either didn't the first time or didn't care enough to remember and call out in my first review. Calvin calls Sebastian baby out of the blue without warning. Like what? I don't know how it didn't irk me the first time around. Their relationship even though I know it's coming still surprises me when it starts. My original review and rating are still true though. 😊
As for the narration, I think a different narrator would have given Sebastian a better voice but overall I still enjoyed it and will listen again and again. This is a series I cannot stop wanting more of.
2016 ebook review
I was provided a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I upped my star rating to 5. I couldn't help myself.
Wow, I loved this book! It is certainly an ode to Josh Lanyon's Fatal Shadows Adrien English series, which are a favorite of mine too, but this book stood on its own. I give this a solid 4.5 stars.
The book does not end on a cliffhanger; it's a definite Happy For Now. Which I am so excited about because this book is already identified as Book One of I don't know how many!! I am sad (yet also happy, oddly enough) that this is my first C.S. Poe book, but it will NOT be my last. The writing was extremely well done, the character's were likeable (even if predictable) and I can tell we are only scratching the surface with these two. I particularly loved Sebastian's Dad - a sweet, loving, nurturing father.
The murder mystery itself was, for me, secondary to the story. Yes, I wanted to find out who the killer was, but I was TRULY interested in Sebastian and Calvin's growing attraction and eventual love affair. The push-pull between the two is very familiar (I've read a lot of in-the-closet MM romances), but is one of only a handful that successfully pulled it off.
And it's the witty sarcasm of Seb (not Sebby :) ) that makes the game so interesting and I HAD to know what was said next. I didn't want to put the story down, but life intruded, and I was easily able to dive right back into the story, never once forgetting what had taken place.
Here is a "progress report" I provided at around the 50% mark:
See, I wasn't lying.
I know I've already said the book was predictable, and in this case, that wasn't a bad thing. Just because I knew (or felt strongly that I knew) what was going to happen, didn't mean I wasn't eager to keep reading. It's the characters that make the book, and I wasn't stopping no matter what happened IRL. I knew (or felt strongly that I knew) who the killer was as soon as they were introduced; mysteries don't have to hard folks, just entertaining. And this certainly was that. I can't tell you how many times I laughed, smiled, snorted or just beamed at my kindle. Am I gushing? I feel like I'm gushing. I'll stop now.
Dare I say I may have liked this first installment by C.S. Poe better than Fatal Shadows? I liked Calvin a lot more than I did Jake Riordan from Fatal Shadows (etc.). Calvin was just a more likeable guy, even though he is a closeted Homicide Detective. He didn't seem to hate himself for it, he just wanted to keep it private. I really, truly appreciated the difference.
I highly recommend this book, and I have to assume the series to come. I just hope the next books to follow live up to the promise in this first book. I could keep going with my love for this book, but that is probably over kill at this point. I'll just go read it again instead. ;)
Haha, so fun. I truly adore C.S. Poe's writing. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
2019 audio review
I love this series. It's been a while since I read book 1 and I noticed things this time that I either didn't the first time or didn't care enough to remember and call out in my first review. Calvin calls Sebastian baby out of the blue without warning. Like what? I don't know how it didn't irk me the first time around. Their relationship even though I know it's coming still surprises me when it starts. My original review and rating are still true though. 😊
As for the narration, I think a different narrator would have given Sebastian a better voice but overall I still enjoyed it and will listen again and again. This is a series I cannot stop wanting more of.
2016 ebook review
I was provided a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I upped my star rating to 5. I couldn't help myself.
Wow, I loved this book! It is certainly an ode to Josh Lanyon's Fatal Shadows Adrien English series, which are a favorite of mine too, but this book stood on its own. I give this a solid 4.5 stars.
The book does not end on a cliffhanger; it's a definite Happy For Now. Which I am so excited about because this book is already identified as Book One of I don't know how many!! I am sad (yet also happy, oddly enough) that this is my first C.S. Poe book, but it will NOT be my last. The writing was extremely well done, the character's were likeable (even if predictable) and I can tell we are only scratching the surface with these two. I particularly loved Sebastian's Dad - a sweet, loving, nurturing father.
The murder mystery itself was, for me, secondary to the story. Yes, I wanted to find out who the killer was, but I was TRULY interested in Sebastian and Calvin's growing attraction and eventual love affair. The push-pull between the two is very familiar (I've read a lot of in-the-closet MM romances), but is one of only a handful that successfully pulled it off.
"How deep in the closet are you?”
He blinked and raised an eyebrow. “Come again?”
“I mean, are you hanging out with the shoes, or are you so far in the back, you’re with your tuxedo from junior prom and you stink of moth balls?"
And it's the witty sarcasm of Seb (not Sebby :) ) that makes the game so interesting and I HAD to know what was said next. I didn't want to put the story down, but life intruded, and I was easily able to dive right back into the story, never once forgetting what had taken place.
Here is a "progress report" I provided at around the 50% mark:
"I am seriously loving this book! Grr, I am now at work and will have to pause reading until my commute home. And I can't even say it stopped at a good part, because they are ALL good parts with this one! LOL."
See, I wasn't lying.
I know I've already said the book was predictable, and in this case, that wasn't a bad thing. Just because I knew (or felt strongly that I knew) what was going to happen, didn't mean I wasn't eager to keep reading. It's the characters that make the book, and I wasn't stopping no matter what happened IRL. I knew (or felt strongly that I knew) who the killer was as soon as they were introduced; mysteries don't have to hard folks, just entertaining. And this certainly was that. I can't tell you how many times I laughed, smiled, snorted or just beamed at my kindle. Am I gushing? I feel like I'm gushing. I'll stop now.
Dare I say I may have liked this first installment by C.S. Poe better than Fatal Shadows? I liked Calvin a lot more than I did Jake Riordan from Fatal Shadows (etc.). Calvin was just a more likeable guy, even though he is a closeted Homicide Detective. He didn't seem to hate himself for it, he just wanted to keep it private. I really, truly appreciated the difference.
I highly recommend this book, and I have to assume the series to come. I just hope the next books to follow live up to the promise in this first book. I could keep going with my love for this book, but that is probably over kill at this point. I'll just go read it again instead. ;)
Read
November 6, 2017🎃 Halloween 2017 Reading Challenge 🎃 9/10: A romance involving murder.
No rating. For now.
Having not read (and not planning to read) the Adrien English series, I cannot say that this book is derivative. What can I say? Well...
Poe is undoubtedly skilled at her craft. Sebastian isn’t exactly, um, likable (more on that later) and the story unfolds solely from his perspective. But guess what? The writing is engaging, absorbing, even addictive at times. In fact, I may or may not have snapped at my husband when I was nose deep in this and he asked me a question. Hence why he bought this for my birthday:
When all was said and done, the villain wasn’t exactly a shock. But the mystery underlying the murder and mayhem was fairly unique. Twists and turns. Character quirks. There were solid foundations for a solid story.
The sexual dynamic was smoking, but it unfolded way too swiftly. And don’t even get me started on the rushed emotional entanglement. Calvin wasn't fully fleshed out, but there was a rawness and realness that you want to uncover. Just as there was a promise to the couple, a hint of something not fully realized.
But that wasn't my problem. What was my problem? Warning: relationship spoilers abound.
Sebastian is a cheater. He cheats on his live-in boyfriend of four years with Calvin. Not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES.
I fully admit that I’m bordering-on-batshit crazy when it comes to cheating. Other readers may not be bothered. In fact, a lot of you may be going...
In that case, feel free to take this with a grain of salt. Cheating in romance does not work for ME. To ME, there is nothing romantic - in any way, shape, or form - about cheating. Had the cheating occurred between the main characters, I would have felt comfortable giving this a low rating. It doesn’t, which made some of my standard cheating-related concerns less relevant. However, I feel hypocritical giving them a pass. I'm honestly torn how to rate this, which is why I'm not.
Sure, Neil (the boyfriend) was an ass. The relationship was dying. But Sebastian had ample opportunities to end it. Not only that, he wasn’t even quite sure that he was going to end it WHILE he was cheating.
I wish Poe had made Neil an ex-boyfriend who wanted to get back together. You still could have hesitance and guilt, but you could also avoid the appalling aspects of infidelity. There are numerous ways to inject “realness” into a romance without it.
Why would Calvin EVER trust Sebastian in the future? I know that I wouldn’t. In fact, when Sebastian was discussing his “brunch date” with Duncan and how he was going to “let him down easy”, I was like:
I can think of one other book with a similar scenario – one MC has a boyfriend but has fallen for the other MC – that didn't make me rage, and that was In the Ring. There is an attraction, a kiss, and then a break-up with the boyfriend shortly thereafter. As it should be.
Also, none of this covers the absurdity of Calvin's behavior toward A POTENTIAL MURDER SUSPECT.
Alas, I think that there is much to enjoy if you can get over the aforementioned issues. I don't know if I can. While part of me wouldn't mind continuing the series, I doubt that I would have much faith in Sebastian or their relationship.
No rating. For now.
Having not read (and not planning to read) the Adrien English series, I cannot say that this book is derivative. What can I say? Well...
Poe is undoubtedly skilled at her craft. Sebastian isn’t exactly, um, likable (more on that later) and the story unfolds solely from his perspective. But guess what? The writing is engaging, absorbing, even addictive at times. In fact, I may or may not have snapped at my husband when I was nose deep in this and he asked me a question. Hence why he bought this for my birthday:
When all was said and done, the villain wasn’t exactly a shock. But the mystery underlying the murder and mayhem was fairly unique. Twists and turns. Character quirks. There were solid foundations for a solid story.
The sexual dynamic was smoking, but it unfolded way too swiftly. And don’t even get me started on the rushed emotional entanglement. Calvin wasn't fully fleshed out, but there was a rawness and realness that you want to uncover. Just as there was a promise to the couple, a hint of something not fully realized.
But that wasn't my problem. What was my problem? Warning: relationship spoilers abound.
Sebastian is a cheater. He cheats on his live-in boyfriend of four years with Calvin. Not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES.
I fully admit that I’m bordering-on-batshit crazy when it comes to cheating. Other readers may not be bothered. In fact, a lot of you may be going...
In that case, feel free to take this with a grain of salt. Cheating in romance does not work for ME. To ME, there is nothing romantic - in any way, shape, or form - about cheating. Had the cheating occurred between the main characters, I would have felt comfortable giving this a low rating. It doesn’t, which made some of my standard cheating-related concerns less relevant. However, I feel hypocritical giving them a pass. I'm honestly torn how to rate this, which is why I'm not.
Sure, Neil (the boyfriend) was an ass. The relationship was dying. But Sebastian had ample opportunities to end it. Not only that, he wasn’t even quite sure that he was going to end it WHILE he was cheating.
I wish Poe had made Neil an ex-boyfriend who wanted to get back together. You still could have hesitance and guilt, but you could also avoid the appalling aspects of infidelity. There are numerous ways to inject “realness” into a romance without it.
Why would Calvin EVER trust Sebastian in the future? I know that I wouldn’t. In fact, when Sebastian was discussing his “brunch date” with Duncan and how he was going to “let him down easy”, I was like:
I can think of one other book with a similar scenario – one MC has a boyfriend but has fallen for the other MC – that didn't make me rage, and that was In the Ring. There is an attraction, a kiss, and then a break-up with the boyfriend shortly thereafter. As it should be.
Also, none of this covers the absurdity of Calvin's behavior toward A POTENTIAL MURDER SUSPECT.
Alas, I think that there is much to enjoy if you can get over the aforementioned issues. I don't know if I can. While part of me wouldn't mind continuing the series, I doubt that I would have much faith in Sebastian or their relationship.
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