Genre: Mystery, Paranormal
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
The year is 1895.
A disgruntled detective is looking for meaning in his life. A psychotic young man wants to make his darkest fantasies come true. A secretive society searches for hidden wisdom in ancient manuscripts.
When these three meet, a series of events is set in motion which leads to a horrific crime.
A Glimpse of Heaven is a thrilling, page-turning mystery about spiritualism, the occult… and the quest for magic.
The Review:
Olivier Bosman creates a new career for former Detective Sergeant from Scotland Yard, John Billings. The first time Billings was heard of was in the novella “Death Takes a Lover” and from there it grew to a four novel series the “D.S. Billings Victorian Mysteries” based in London in the 1800’s. Bosman centers Billings new career around the society of “The Sons of Cain and Daughters of Lilith” and ancient Hebrew text from the Bible. It will take him into the world of the occult and magic which he had dealings with at Scotland Yard.
Since Billings departure from Scotland Yard he struggles to make a new start as a private investigator. He hasn’t even advertised his new endeavor and has hopes that clients just may find him.
He does get and an assistant who wants to be a private detective, Bartholomew Trotter. Trotter has a very different personality and demeanor from Billings. He’s organized which is a plus for Billings but Trotter is reluctant about taking Billings job offer.
With not even an advertisement Billings mysteriously finds himself with two cases that lead him into the world of the occult and magic. With one minor mistake and a case of a dead women cross, Billings finds the newly promoted, D.S. Samuel Clarkson at his door. Even though, they work together on the case is this really a healthy decision made by Billings. He has two vices: one is morphine and the other Clarkson. Billings is overly enthusiastic and can now feel free to work cases the way he want’s, but Clarkson takes his time and is by-the-book. As the case becomes more bizarre and horrific Billings finds himself in danger and face to face with a strange and vile villain.
Olivier Bosman brings an excellent tale of horror, shock and intriguing subject matter to these pages. Along with Billings, there are some returning characters from the “D.S. Billings Victorian Mysteries”. Clarkson is still a puzzle to me. He’s a sharp detective but seems naive at times. Even though he admits he knows Billings secret, I still think he’s totally clueless about Billings. A new character, Wolf Augustus is interesting. As a scholar of ancient languages and hunter of manuscripts he’s sure to keep Billings intrigued. I can’t go without mentioning Tilly who’s such a great comfort and companion to Billings.
“A Glimpse of Heaven” was a page-turner for me – just as entertaining as the “D.S. Billings Victorian Mysteries”. Olivier Bosman doest disappoint with this fresh and exciting new undertaking. I’m excited to to see what Bosman may have in store for Billings, and I’m craving the next installment to “A John Billings Mystery” series!
The Reviewer:
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.