Small-time crook Cesare Donati has the perfect getaway: a transatlantic cruise ship. When Brady turns up at his cabin door, Cesare knows he is out of options until they reach England.
Will London be a safe haven or a place of reckoning?
Chris Quinton knows how to write a short story.
It’s really hard to believe this book is listed as 32 pages because it struck me with the same impact as a novella at minimum. The author managed to build a world, introduce me to amazing characters and complete a mystery in those scant 32 pages.
John, the earnest and lonely Pinkerton detective and Cesare, the dreamy bad boy with a heart of gold are a great match. Their attraction to one another was instant but not rushed and moved forward as the mystery did. The mystery and evolution of the relationship paced well together and made the whole story flow.
Both characters had a ton of appeal in their own ways and I loved getting to know both of them. The writing showed me the men, their lives and enough of their backstories to understand their motives in everything they did. John is a stand up guy from the moment he’s introduced, he’s someone you wish you could know more of and Cesare’s questionable reputation makes him the perfect foil for John. Their differences could have led to a wealth of angst, but instead the two have a common goal in saving a young woman and honestly, only good guys do that, regardless of their history.
The language and pace read authentically for a historic tale, the balance was well done. Too much would have been campy but this was just enough to be fun to read.
Everything was wrapped up rather quickly and the bow it was tied in was a little too neat (especially considering we’re talking about two gay men in the 1920’s), but, the tidiness of it all was necessary considering the length of the story. So, while not high on the realistic side, it was still completely satisfying.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
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