Review: Tinsel Fish by Harper Fox
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 5, 2014
When we think about frightening stories, we usually associate them with Halloween, but in this mystery, it's Christmastime in which Gideon and Lee, of 'A Tinsel Fish' by Harper Fox are not confronted with spirits of good cheer. In this story, a bad kind of spirit is afoot and it's adversely affecting everyone with whom it comes into contact. Lee is particularly vulnerable to its influence and Gideon, even though he doesn't truly understand what's happening, fights with all he has to keep Lee safe.The story takes off from where the first one started. Many of the kinks between Gideon and Lee have been worked out as far as their relationship goes, but there's a lot more to both of them, especially Lee, that remains to be seen. Although a bit uncertain about the reception he will have, Gideon misses Lee and decides to pay him a surprise visit for the Christmas season. Gideon immediately sees that there's something wrong with Lee. He's not his cheerful, witty self. There's something bothering him which Lee will not disclose. When he is attacked by an unseen force during a séance, Gideon goes into protective mode. He's bothered by Lee's distance, but determined to stay by his side and face whatever this entity is whether Lee wants him to or not. When he realizes that Lee is being followed and tormented he explodes with anger.  “…Something’s coming into my house and – scaring you, harming you. I won’t have it.” He's determined to help him even though Lee doesn't think he can do so. I love that Gideon begins to open up and be more demonstrative and true to his real nature, which allows him to love Lee even more.Lee is a bewildered mess when he loses his clairvoyant powers and strikes out at everyone. The lack of constant voices in his head is driving him mad. He's torn between being relieved to have a break from them and being terrified that they will never return. They have always been a part of his life and he's come to rely on them in so many ways. It's not that he wants Gideon gone, it's that he doesn't know what he's dealing with and wants to protect Gideon from being exposed to its obvious malevolence. He has not put into words how deeply he feels about the man. The time hasn't been right and now his life is in turmoil. How can he expect anyone to want him? What ensues is some very unLee-like behavior, i.e., getting drunk, starting a fight, and walking away from helping someone with a haunting. Possession is one of the scariest paranormal events for me and Lee's predicament chilled me to the bone, but the silver lining in this dark cloud is that he and Gideon reach a new level of closeness and understanding. I love the way their relationship has developed into such tenderness and respect without being mushy or feeling unrealistic.The mystery part of this book almost takes a backseat to the development of the relationship between Gideon and Lee, but Harper blends the two very different elements effectively into one well-balanced frightening and loving tale. I love the way she uses the elements around her to enhance the mood of the action whether it be a cold, dark walk or a hot, steamy love scene. Her words are characters within themselves taunting, comforting, teasing, and bring resolution. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a good mystery which also shows the many sides of humanity and how it exists with otherworldly elements which we are fortunately usually unaware of. It's excitement, intensity, horror, intrigue, sex, and love all rolled up in one. Thank you, Harper, for the wild, but wonderful literary ride  Originally published by Rainbow Book Reviews.