Baltimore in 1875 is the setting for this story about two con men in over their head, mostly based on their stupidity, misplaced bravado, and lack of realism. With the psychically talented men from Club Raven playing a significant role, it is not just a very entertaining historical tale, but also an interesting look at the interaction between the paranormal world and reality as it might have been about 140 years ago. This second story in the ‘Club Raven’ series also gives insight into one of the three owners of the club, and I really enjoyed finding out about Tony’s background, motivation, and his plan to prove that “anyone”, no matter how much of a hoodlum, can be rehabilitated and rise above his humble beginnings. Tony certainly has his hands full with the men he picks.

Neither Bull nor Dandy are even remotely interested in walking the straight and narrow. All they see when Tony uses his special talent to “convince” them to come to Baltimore with him is a golden opportunity to steal everything they can from the rich members of Club Raven. They proceed to more lucrative prospects when they are done, and come up with a crazy plan to blackmail a well-regarded member of society. All without considering the consequences or even thinking through how to handle the situation once they expose themselves as the blackmailers. I was shaking my head as I watched them dig a deeper and deeper hole for themselves, but I also couldn’t help but laugh at their antics. They are quite the pair.

Tony may have good intentions, and I see why he wants to show the others that not everyone from the “lower class” is a criminal. After all, he escaped that fate himself and now owns one-third of a prosperous and profitable gentlemen’s club that secretly investigates paranormal events. But Tony is remarkably naïve about how difficult it is to change someone who has always had to beg and steal for survival. Unless they want to better themselves or are interested in improving their lives, why should they suddenly become paragons of virtue just because Tony suggests it might be a good idea?

Luckily a detective by the name of Thomas is there to help. Well, not originally, since he is the guy the blackmailed man asks to “make the thieving blackmailers” disappear. Thomas quickly grasps the situation and he is the man who drives the rest of the story and all of its developments – leading to a resolution I thoroughly approve of and some very unexpected, very kinky fun.

If you like stories about the struggles of the less educated and the trouble they can get into when they try to take advantage of others, if you think they can learn and improve their lives and want to find out how they do it, and if you’re looking for an entertaining take on paranormal powers in times past, then you might like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by Indigo Marketing Designs for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )