The Master of Seacliff

Max Pierce has woven a wonderful Pastiche of a time honored art form, the Gothic Romance, and given it a modern twist.

The year is 1899. Andrew Wyndham is a 20 year old aspiring artist. Raised by parsimonious relatives, he has never had the where with all to pursue his dreams. But when a friend arranges a position as tutor for the son of a wealthy patron of the arts, Andrew is sure his dreams are coming true; at least now, they have a chance.

But the world of Seacliff is not a simple one. Master Tim is a precocious child, at once engaging, and troubled. And his father, Duncan Stewart, awakens feelings in young Andrew that he has trouble reconciling.

Drawn into a web of privilege and station, Andrew finds himself entangled in a web of relationships, both straight and gay, murders, suicides and lies and prejudice. One of the servants, he none the less finds himself a pawn in a game between "his betters". And how can he find happiness, if all his heart desires is the love of another man, a man who may very well be a murderer? How can he discover the truth, and if he does, will it destroy him?

Max Pierce has managed to weave a solid mystery with all the elements of the Gothic Romance without devolving into maudlin silliness. The fact that the heroine is a hero in no way detracts from the tale; if anything, the secrecy and social repression adds a delicious thrill of spice to the tale.

Mixing windswept cliff tops and dank crypts, this book delivers all one can expect from the Gothic Romance, with considerably better character development. Andrew Wyndham is a plucky protagonist, much more sympathetic than the wan and fainting heroines of yore. And Duncan Stewart is a more full bodied (literally and figuratively) object of his affections. His brooding humors are better managed, less pathological than his heterosexual predecessors. All in all, the hybrid child of Gothic and Gay proves to be heartier than either parent strain.

This novel is perfect for a dark and stormy night, so lay a fire in the hearth, and curl up with the Master of Seacliff. It's an evening you won't regret.