Max Pierce’s first work, THE MASTER OF SEACLIFF, is a lush gothic gay romance that also doubles as a whodunit in the style of Agatha Christie. Andrew is a young, timid artist who accepts a position as a tutor at Seacliff, an eerie fog-enshrouded mansion that is perhaps even haunted by the ghost of its murdered owner. Duncan, the son and current master is the number one suspect and also a potential mate for Andrew.

Pierce meticulously creates all the details of the gothic genre. The romantic aspect is beautifully restrained and slowly drawn out, a refreshing change from most current gay romantic fiction that jumps into the sex scenes in the first chapter. As a murder mystery it is well plotted and will keep you guessing all the way up to the final twists at the end.

The cover art is beautiful with its spooky, gothic design, but the bare-chested, Fabio-type model doesn’t match the author’s description of the somewhat frail, slender Andrew.

Pierce has done the gothic romance genre proud. ( )

My review as posted on Amazon:
This book came up in my Amazon recommendations list based off my wish list and purchased items, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Other reviewers and the book's website mention the "classic" TV show Dark Shadows (which we watched faithfully and even had a board game) as well as comparisons to "Rebecca" by Daphne Du Maurier. (not my usual "erotica" reads with explicit sex, but a return to the more traditional Gothic romance mystery).

Andrew at 20 years of age accepts a post as a tutor to further his dreams as an artist. His natural talent as a teacher becomes apparent. Duncan was perfect as dark and mysterious lord-of-manor type. But the romance between Andrew and Duncan wasn't easy, as other dashing and experienced men try to court Andrew's affections as well as the unresolved mysteries surrounding the cast of characters.

I was surprised by the plot twists and turns, and was not expecting the conclusion. I loved the dual cover art, and the image of Andrew fit exactly! This was a very enjoyable read, curled up on the couch, on a rainy afternoon!!! ( )

Frankly, I expected more of a gay smutfest, but that's not what the book is about. Instead, this is a good, solid mystery story amid a mild gay romance.

Set in 1899 America, Andrew is an aspiring artist who takes a job as a tutor for a wealthy man's errant son. He starts to uncover deaths of mysterious circumstances that seem centered on his employer and on his employer's estate of Seacliff.

Usually, mysteries aren't too hard to figure out, but this one kept me guessing longer than most. I found it enjoyable and satisfying. The historical touches were well-done, too. I plan to look for more of Max Pierce's work. ( )

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