Bitter Legacy

By: Dal MacLean

Narrated by: Gary Furlong

Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

London.

Detective Sergeant James Henderson's remarkable gut instincts have put him on a three-year fast track to becoming an inspector. But the advancement of his career has come at a cost. Gay, posh and eager to prove himself in the Metropolitan Police, James has allowed himself few chances for romance.

But when the murder of barrister Maria Curzon-Whyte lands in his lap, all that changes. His investigation leads him to a circle of irresistibly charming men. And though he knows better, James finds himself enticed into their company.

Soon his desire for photographer Ben Morgan challenges him to find a way into the other man's lifestyle of one-night stands and carefree promiscuity. At the same time his single murder case multiplies into a cruel pattern of violence and depravity.

But as the bodies pile up and shocking secrets come to light, James finds both his tumultuous private life and coveted career threatened by a bitter legacy.

Contains mature themes.

©2016 Dal Maclean (P)2019 Tantor

Fantastic

I have read and listened to a lot of gay mysteries and romances. This one was fantastic! The story was exceptional with twists and turns. The characters were developed and exceedingly rich in personality and background. I actually cared about all the characters right to the end! I listened to this book in the car, on the beach, in the gym! Couldn’t put it down!

So happy I read this

First time with this author, but Gary Furlong is a favorite so I dove in. so glad I did! I love some mystery, danger and drama mixed with my love stories. Well paced, colorful characters and such a whirlwind of emotions. Excited to move to the next up In series.

Just wow

This story wasn’t what I expected and everything I needed. To be clear this is not a romance. It has a relationship theme ish throughout but it’s really about the main male protagonist finding himself while searching for a killer. There is a HEA although what that looks like isn’t really clear until the end. The mystery is great. It’s not hugely predictable and unfolds. It is possible to guess the killer given what you know which I always like. It’s beautifully written and beautifully narrated. I’m looking forward to starting the next in the series!

Excellent book

I couldn't put the book down, it was interesting, puzzling and romantic. My only serious disappointment was the ending. The character who should have learned to withstand the siren's call never did. The writing is of excellent quality. the author shows well, instead of telling.
Maclean's plot, mystery, writing style and language surpass those of most established authors of gay male novels.
I'll read the rest of this series and look forward to all her future works.

Complex and deeply flawed characters well-worth a listen

First and foremost: performed by Gary Furlong. If nothing else, listen to this amazingly gifted actor.

Second: this isn’t your run-of-the-mill romance story with straightforward and plodding characters. The characters are complex and extremely frustrating, but those frustrations and the strong plot all make the angst worth it.

Two remarks: 1) I’d call this a HFN and 2) There are intimate scenes but they aren’t gratuitous and cringeworthy 😅

Mystery and sex

Well written gay mystery, interesting characters, complicated plot. lots of twist and turns. Excellent narration. It was a little difficult for me at first. Had to pay close attention but I stayed with it and I'm very glad I did. And no, I didn't figure out the ending ahead of time.

Best series ever

What a great series. Let’s start with the narration. Best ever!!! I love this team macLean and Furlong. Damn I just can’t say enough. Like a dope i bought the last book first then second book now this one. I’ve never been disappointed with all three books. There’s so much mystery and romance(sexy romance) damn Dal can write and Damn Gary can act. I can’t wait for the duo to work together again. Definitely worth the credit. You won’t be disappointed I promise. Now to start the three over again in order. So good so worth it. Perfect 5 stars on all three.

Audio book hangover

This was just as good as the ebook was. Loved the story and the narration.

Astoundingly good

Not since starting Josh Lanyon's Adrien English series have I been this excited about an author. This book was a revelation, both for the twists and turns the central mystery took and those of the protagonist's personal relationships.

I don't want to spoil anything so I'll only say that it was a breath of fresh air that the characters in this novel actually act and react like intelligent, rational people, particular the main character, James. A rarity in fiction, James is innocent but not naive or stupid, and when things don't go his way he doesn't descend into hysterics or dramatics.

It's also refreshing to read a M/M mystery novel that is focused on the mystery and just happens to have a gay protagonist who has a personal life, and doesn't use the mystery as merely a framing device for relationship drama. There really isn't a single flaw I could point to in this book, I give it my highest recommendation and I'm waiting eagerly for more from this author.

A revelation!

A new author for me, and what a revelation! This is one of those series that gives you a massive book hangover.

It starts slowly and rather conventionally, with a crime and an apparently run-of-the-mill police detective. But then, everything starts to unfold...

Characters are complex and revealed to the listener in layers. At first, they seem generic - a detective, a playboy, some police officers, the usual suspects. Then, more is revealed, and they become completely incongruous. Then you start to see motivations and reasons and background, and the puzzle becomes a complete image.

There's a bit of a controversy, and here's my 2 cents: is James a doormat or not? At first glance, yes - so much so, that one can't fail to draw parallels between him and Eve Kelly's slavish accolytes. Anyone's knee jerk reaction is to wish James packed his bags and hightailed it out of there. But the situation is more nuanced than that - I think he recognizes something in Ben that doesn't go with Ben's playboy persona, something that could be a game changer.

It's also a book that raises a lot of big questions and makes you think: are criminals, and people in general, redeemable? (except for Eve Kelly, who is on a separate shelf, all by herself)? The old controversy about "nature vs. nurture". Physical beauty, and how it really means nothing and how it hides the rot beneath (Ben's photos come to mind!). What a big hand pure chance and the decisions of others have in people's lives. Yeah, it's one of those books.

The actual murder plot was brilliant and left me in tears at the conclusion.

5 very well deserved stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 from me.