The Backlot Gay Book Forum discussion

Whyborne and Griffin are once again up to their necks in supernatural doings in Threshold, as the intrepid pair travel to West Virginia for a new investigation.

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

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

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

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

I loved the first book, and soon after completing it jumped right into the second. And I'm happy to say that this was just as enjoyable; I really love these guys, and followed the exploration and growth of their relationship with interest. Oh---and there's lots of monsters, too, so that's always a plus.

Now, some people thought the first book was a bit derivative of previous supernatural tales, most specifically "The Mummy." And I'll readily admit that this new story also has its roots in previous work---it's not too difficult to make the link between this book and any one of a dozen old 1950's sci-fi movies. I was most specifically reminded of a couple of elements from Jack Finney's Invasion of the Body Snatchers, as one of many influences. Heck, even Alexander Key's The Forgotten Door came to mind at one point. And yes, I'm afraid that when I first read about the creatures that are the primary threat in this story, an image from the 1959 film Teenagers From Outer Space crossed my mind.

But you know---for me, the fact that these old sci-fi tropes found their way into this story didn't bother me at all. There are no new ideas out there, really---what makes a good novel is the manner in which bits and pieces of familiar tales are combined to form a new plot---it's all in the storytelling. And I really enjoyed the way this one came together.

I suppose my only reservation---and perhaps it can't even be called a reservation, exactly---is this: While the first book dealt with familiar fantasy/mythology (ancient Egypt and all that), this one strays into science-fiction territory, and as such the plot seems a bit incongruous, a bit anachronistic, to the late 1890s time frame. Oh, I know that science fiction existed in the Victorian era---for instance, From the Earth to the Moon dates back to 1865, and War of the Worlds was published in 1898. But for me, the sci-fi elements in this book had more of a 1950s vibe to them, than a Victorian one.

Still---that aside, I really did enjoy this. Still love the characters, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing what will happen in Stormhaven, which will be released in less than two weeks. Woohoo!