Review: Slippery Creatures

Slippery Creatures by K.J. Charles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Will Darling was probably what we would call a Commando in WW1, not an officer, he was nevertheless highly decorated and was adept at killing Germans in close combat/assassination. Since being demobilised, his fortunes took a turn for the worst, until he reached out to a distant uncle who not only invited him to stay with him in London but also gave him a job and ultimately, when he died a few months later, left him his chaotic second-hand book shop and all his possessions. Having gone from destitute and one step away from begging, to employed, and then to a man of property (albeit still awaiting probate to get his hands on any cash his uncle may have left), Will is feeling very lucky.

One day a strange man enters the book shop demanding 'The Information', Will eventually realises that he has been mistaken for his uncle and runs the man out of his store, not without receiving some ominous threats. Then two men from the War Office turn up, uttering similar threats and also demanding Will hand over this mysterious information.

When a thug comes in shortly thereafter throwing books around and generally trying to intimidate Will he has had enough and determines to search the bookshop from top to bottom to find out what could be so important. When a young aristocrat comes into the store and starts a conversation with Will, sparks flow and together they work together to uncover the information. But the aristo isn't all that he seems and he could be using Will for his own ends.

This is very reminiscent of that classic The 39 Steps, albeit a m/m version and I loved it. Secret Societies with code names, double-agents, spies, Bright Young Things, what's not to like?

Loved it, read it in one day and have already bought and devoured the second book.

View all my reviews