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Whyborne & Griffin #1-3

Whyborne and Griffin #1-3

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Books 1-3 in the Best-Selling Whyborne & Griffin Series, now in one convenient download.

Includes: Widdershins, Threshold, and Stormhaven


Widdershins: A reclusive scholar. A private detective. And a book of spells that could destroy the world.

When handsome ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty approaches Dr. Percival Endicott Whyborne to translate a mysterious book, Whyborne wants to finish the job and get rid of Griffin as quickly as possible. Instead, he’s drawn into the hunt for a merciless cult bent on resurrecting an evil necromancer from the dead...and finds himself falling in love with the impertinent detective. But will Griffin’s secrets cost Whyborne not only his heart but his life?

Threshold: Whyborne’s railroad tycoon father hires Griffin to investigate mysterious events at a coal mine. The two men and their friend Christine must travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. In a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can’t afford to trust anything—including his own heart.

Stormhaven: When one of Whyborne’s colleagues is accused of murdering a man, Whyborne and Griffin are on the case. Along with their friend Christine, the two men become ensnared in a sinister web of conspiracy, magic, and murder. But first, they must survive their greatest challenge yet: a visit from Griffin’s family.

Novel collection: 221,079 words.

801 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2014

91 people are currently reading
218 people want to read

About the author

Jordan L. Hawk

84 books2,623 followers
Jordan L. Hawk is a trans author from North Carolina. Childhood tales of mountain ghosts and mysterious creatures gave him a life-long love of things that go bump in the night. When he isn’t writing, he brews his own beer and tries to keep the cats from destroying the house. His best-selling Whyborne & Griffin series (beginning with Widdershins) can be found in print, ebook, and audiobook.

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5 stars
328 (61%)
4 stars
160 (30%)
3 stars
33 (6%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Gaby.
339 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2015
4.5 Stars

So, this is a pack that includes the first three books.

I really like this series, and I've been BR-ing them with Bucletina.

I'm not writing a review for this one, not for the story, anyway. I'd just like to say that I liked the format. The books are divided, and it's marked where they begin/end. I've read compilations that don't have that, and the fact that this one does, it's really appreciated.

The review for Stormhaven, which is the last of the three books in this version will be written separately.

Ps. I love Whyborne and Griffin <3
Profile Image for Lata.
4,830 reviews256 followers
August 30, 2021
2021-08: Widdershins: 3.5 stars
I had not realized that author Jordan L. Hawk was playing with the Lovecraftian myths when I began this historical romance. What intrigued me about this take on old H.P.'s myths was its Victorian setting.
The romance worked, though I did find Whyborne kind of irritating for about half the book. Griffin was easy to like, but my favourite was Christine, Whyborne’s only friendly colleague at the museum they both work at. I dearly wished for a lot more Christine by the time I reached the end of this book.
Profile Image for Philippa Lodge.
Author 20 books240 followers
September 28, 2019
I love this series

It's my second time reading it and it's as much a delight as the first. Really a great way to spend time
Profile Image for Britton Epps.
364 reviews40 followers
May 3, 2016
I have fallen in love with these two men. Their banter, whit, and humor is so in sync. I felt while reading these books that they were my best friends as well and I was along on their journey. The dynamic between them and all the secondary characters ... Christine ❤️, is brilliantly portrayed. These two are danger magnets and I can't wait to read more and see their relationship grow. Five stars
Profile Image for Pépin Pomme.
128 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2016
Awesome. The characters are all great, it's very fun and very dramatic too, with a great plot in each book. I am so in love with Christine, and with all the weird people at the museum. I want the best for Whyborne and Griffin.
The only "bad" point, but it's not really important, is the way the chapters are cut. It doesn't make sense. But hey, the books are great enough.
59 reviews
April 15, 2021
If you like lovecraftian body horror and really tender, loving, and explicit m/m erotica, these are the books for you. The story is creepily captivating and well paced, with interspersed longing and an excellent badass woman best friend to provide the common sense and shooting.
Profile Image for Gail Overholt.
541 reviews
March 16, 2025
Inspired by Jordan L. Hawk's book of short stories and novellas Tales from Widdershins, I decided to revisit the series. Although I read the books several years ago, apparently I forgot to review them. So, let's correct that mistake.

1. Widdershins ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nothing good ever happened in basements.
Understatement!

Part mystery, part romance, part supernatural, with a lovably gawky hero and a cast of extraordinary characters. What's not to love?

Whyborne, for all his accomplishments, is shy and insecure. When he meets the affable, outgoing Griffin Flaherty, he's smitten. And the fearless Christine adds a delightful dose of common sense for the sensitive Whyborne.

I had forgotten how much more this story is. I remember the action and adventure, the mystical events, and the budding romance. But the book is filled with feeling—longing, guilt, and insecurity. The story of Leander and his father Addison is heartbreaking. Years later, Whyborne still grieves, and Addison's love for him just adds to his guilt.
I would have given anything to get him back. But I wouldn’t give everything. “I’m sorry, Leander,” I said. “I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough then. And I’m sorry I’m not weak enough now.”
There’s even humor. Regarding Christine:
“We have been friends for a long time, and she…well, she notices things. It’s one of the reasons she’s good at her job. She would have made a fine detective.”
“Don’t be daft. She’d be a terrible detective. No subtlety whatsoever.”
The charming Griffin has his own demons—a rough past has given him the equivalent of PTSD, But Whyborne is there to help him.
I didn’t want him to hurt, or to be afraid, no matter how bad things looked. Because I wanted him to be happy. Because I loved him.
Even at the beginning of the series, you know this is going to be a romance for the ages.

2. Threshold ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Threshold expands the series from fantasy & paranormal to sci-fi. All the elements are here: magic, strange creatures, !

Whyborne is slowly becoming a sorcerer. He learned to manage fire in Widdershins. Here he learns to master wind—with hilarious results. Perhaps not hilarious for the attendees of an event at the Ladysmith Museum. but certainly for me!

Griffin is hired by Whyborne's father to check out mysterious doings in the mining town of Threshold, WV. Whyborne agrees to go with him, even though he'd rather stay at home. (A man after my own heart!) And of course, Christine must go as well.
“Don’t be absurd. Do you think I’m going to sit here in Widdershins while you go haring off? One or both of you would end up kidnapped, or eaten, or God knows what. Then who would I talk to at those dreadful formal affairs? Far better I come along.”
She's not wrong!

The doings are indeed mysterious in Threshold. Mysterious deaths and disappearances, at least one mysterious resurrection, and sightings of "abominations." Add to that a former "friend" of Griffin's, who stirs Whyborne's jealousy.

Threshold is a tragedy.

Perhaps the best thing about the book is the appearance of Whyborne's mother at dinner.
She’d done this for me, hadn’t she? Dressed formally, fixed her hair, put on jewelry, and forced her aching, weak body to navigate the long stairs, just to meet Griffin.
How can you not love Heliabel?

Or Griffin's seldom seen insecurity?
“I’m just a farmer’s son from Kansas, who’s spent the last decade pretending he’s someone better, and you’re so far above me. I knew it even before I saw your house, knew I didn’t have anything to offer a man like you, but I love you so much,
Oh, Griffin!

3. Stormhaven ⭐⭐⭐

When I first read Stormhaven, I was completely confused. I didn't understand Whyborne's underwater dreams. Nor could I follow Whyborne's mind slipping from flooding water to "normal" conditions. It makes more sense now that I know what happens in future books.

Two things marred this book for me. The addition of Griffin's family annoyed me. Wasn't Griffin put through enough trauma with a case involving an insane asylum? Did he have to juggle a multi-player charade to appease his family? At the expense of Whyborne and Christine, no less! Perhaps Jordan L. Hawk felt this was the appropriate time to put Griffin through the wringer.

Secondly, it's not nice to introduce likable characters and then drop them for the story. We got one line about Allan Tambling's fate, but it was unsatisfying. Ernest just disappears half-way through the story. I would have preferred a story with more Tambling brothers and less of Griffin's family drama.

In sorcery news, Whyborne adds water to his wind and fire abilities. It's a good thing, because water plays an important role in the story.

On a positive note:
1. Christine none-too-nicely chastises Griffin for not telling his family the truth and dealing with the fallout

2. Whyborne in a woman's frock! Ha!
Profile Image for Heather.
2,705 reviews19 followers
September 25, 2018
When handsome ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty approaches Dr. Percival Endicott Whyborne to translate a mysterious book, Whyborne wants to finish the job and get rid of Griffin as quickly as possible. Instead, he’s drawn into the hunt for a merciless cult bent on resurrecting an evil necromancer from the dead...and finds himself falling in love with the impertinent detective. But will Griffin’s secrets cost Whyborne not only his heart but his life?
Threshold: Whyborne’s railroad tycoon father hires Griffin to investigate mysterious events at a coal mine. The two men and their friend Christine must travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. In a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can’t afford to trust anything—including his own heart.
Stormhaven: When one of Whyborne’s colleagues is accused of murdering a man, Whyborne and Griffin are on the case. Along with their friend Christine, the two men become ensnared in a sinister web of conspiracy, magic, and murder. But first, they must survive their greatest challenge yet: a visit from Griffin’s family.
I read the first two almost back to back, it took me a little longer to get to the third one. I really enjoyed all 3. I like Whyborne and Griffin's relationship. I enjoy Christine as well. I will probably continue this series.
Profile Image for Finnegan.
1,246 reviews60 followers
October 25, 2023
This is only about one of my favourite series, ever that I reread for probably the 3rd time in 3 years, so there is that. It is still great. Books 1 and 3 were really really good, but book 2 was my second least favourite book in the whole series, so therefore a good 4 stars. Not that book 2 is bad, it is just really triggering for me, but other readers will definitely feel different about it. I love Whyborne, he is so clever and introverted and socially awkward and SHY! that it is a absolute delight to see him come into his power over the course of the series. I love how Griffin see the passion and the light in him and how they totally complement each other. Griffin is extroverted and charming and incredibly attractive, but he hides a deep vulnerability that probably only Whyborne gets to see.
Then there is the found family part of the series that I love to read about. In the beginning of book 1, Whyborne is alone and lonely. He loves his mother and she him but she is sickly, confined to her room and they have limited interaction. He do not get along with his father, his brother is a horrible POS, and his only friend is the archaeologist Christine, that is often away on expeditions to Egypt. During the course of the series that change, of course, and during the course of this 3 books, Whyborne found the love of his life, and he is no longer alone.

Love love love this books.
Profile Image for Kaye.
2 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2019
I feel like the description doesn't do this justice. It sounds like a romance novel with a little mystery, but it is far more. The relationship is really well written, but the rest of the story stands on its own full of mystery and magic and murderous intent. This is one of my favorite series. It has horror elements, a little Lovecraftian at times, all told in a really riveting way. So far the series hasn't jumped the shark, and has only gotten better. I love the back and forth between Whyborne and Griffin, and the way their relationship develops as the characters grow. There's a lot of nuance, little things that suddenly become important two books in, that were seeded so early and with great care. I don't give 5 stars often. But this series more than earns it.

Often I find m/m romance books focus solely on the romance aspect, which is fine, but it's so nice to find something that is a gripping story that just happens to have two male characters who fall in love. The supporting characters are well fleshed out, and the city feels real. Outstanding work, hands down one of the best I've ever read.
32 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2020
Having completed the first six Whyborne and Griffin novels, I have mixed feelings about the writer. The tales are exciting and well structured, the characters well drawn, constrastive, and ever growing. Each new novel builds not only upon the one before it but upon the entire history before it, the challenges growing in magnitude and significance.
The sexual dimension is handled with frankness, with variety, and with taste that stops short of cheap pornography although there may be a trifle more sex scenes than in most popular novels today.
The author needs an editor or at least an educated proof-reader. There are lots of missing words, repeated words, and misspellings (homonyms that a spell-checker will not discover). We read of people “pouring” over books (poring), and when they take part in an event (participate in it), we are always told that they “partake in it” (“partake of it”=eat it). Examples of such offenses are too numerous to list.
Profile Image for Deena.
1,459 reviews10 followers
August 21, 2017
I'd been meaning to try this for a while. I liked Hawk's writing when I sampled the SPECTR series, but the series itself didn't grab me, so I thought I'd try another, and since I know that eventually Whyborne & Griffin will meet Robert & Simon, this one made sense.

I liked all three stories, although I must say these are closer to horror than the paranormal stuff I usually read - and that's not an improvement, for me. The third story, Stormhaven, also strayed into one-damn-thing-after-another - also not a good thing for me. That being said, I enjoyed these. I think I need a break, because the constant reminders of the respective brokenness of the characters got a bit tedious eventually. I'll certainly read more of the series at some point.
253 reviews
September 9, 2023
Book 1 : I thoroughly enjoyed the new paranormal mystery gay characters, light/romantic/erotica. (If your an Ace you might find these scenes uncomfortable) (I read every page)I enjoy a mystery about 1 out of every 8 to 10 books That I read and even less on the erotica, being Ace myself but this was wonderfully done and I was not eaked out by them - on average they happen 2-5 times per book. The story line was solid and the world building elegant - Worked great for my mind movies.
While books @ and # have great story lines as well I - didn't give them my full attention and skipped around a bit as I wasn't as interested in the mystery so I should have returned it t the library for the next time I was craving a mystery so I could give it the review it deserves.
1 review
September 14, 2018
Has Everything a Good Book Should

If you like Sherlock, Indiana Jones, Supernatural(the show and the genre), adventure and romance, then this is for you! I say that a lot of books I read should be made into TV/movie adaptations, but this is definitely one I feel would be most successful if it were to happen. I love reading about the adventures of Whyborne, Griffin and their friend Christine(who gives a great nod women who step outside "traditional" roles that society tries to stuff them in). I've already purchased the next set of books and I look forward to to seeing what waits in store for my new favorite team.
Profile Image for Karen.
2,681 reviews
November 23, 2019
This review is technically only for the second and third stories since I read and own book one before I even thought about buying any of the others. I had mixed feelings about the third story. I really enjoyed the second story but had a harder time getting into the third story. I gave these two stories a 4 star since I felt like story 2 was a good 4.5 but story three was more 3.5 for me. I most say that I spent most of the third story feeling more 2.5 but as it got closer to the end I felt more 3.5 so I decided I that. I am looking forward to the next box set. I am happy though that they are cheaper then buying them individually.
Profile Image for Todd A..
3 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2023
Couldn’t Put This Down

I found this series through Bookbub and started with book 1. Immediately had to purchase the rest of the series because I read the first book in a day.

The story lines, the characters, the passion, and even the steamy bits kept me hooked! I cannot wait to start the next boxed set after I finish typing this out!

Jordan, you have gained another fan! Thank you for sharing this wonderful work with the world!
Profile Image for Megan.
58 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2018
Thoroughly Enjoyable

5 stars as I look forward to re reading it. A real page turner. Wonderful mix of mystery, horror, Loftcraft tribute and romance. Whyborne and Griffin are one of the great Victorian mystery solving duos. I loved the development of their relationship. The difficulties of bring gay in those times are addressed and woven into the stories.
Profile Image for Gabbo Parra.
Author 32 books66 followers
July 19, 2018
It took me a while to get here... but
Oh boy this series is amazingly delicious
with each book you love the characters more and more

You can read detailed reviews somewhere else
just know that I recommend it with fireworks and interpretative dances and champagne fountains!!!
Profile Image for Dray.
1 review
June 19, 2019
Good read, the characters are charming and can be a bit irritating. The stories are well put together, even though the second story in the series was a bit much. This is a fantasy book so you should make allowances.
Profile Image for Imogen Cassidy.
24 reviews
February 4, 2025
An absolutely delicious ride. Love, lust, cosmic horror and history delivered through compelling characters with some poignant explorations of what it meant to be queer in the past. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Chelsey Nixon.
531 reviews11 followers
August 20, 2018
#SpoilerWarrior

I love Whybourne and Griffin! Christine is such a strong side character. This world is beautifully written. Gay Sherlock Holmes is my favorite Sherlock Holmes.
Profile Image for James.
183 reviews21 followers
July 8, 2019
The author tells a really good paranormal thriller in this trio of M/M romance stories, throwing in a few erotic bits for those who need that sort of thing.
10 reviews
June 28, 2020
Ah, just finished books 1-3 and am going to purchase 4-6 next! I’m definitely falling in love with the main characters!
20 reviews
December 31, 2020
Very well-written, enjoyable read, but much darker than you think it will be. The story will grip you before the darkness comes through, so be careful about starting as it well be difficult not to finish.
Profile Image for Jenson.
1 review
February 2, 2021
Loved these stories, they are on my most certain to re-read list!!
Profile Image for Dion Cassidy.
445 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2021
Three books for the price of one.

There is monsters and love throughout the books.

Each one an individual story and part of a larger world.

I adored Whyborne and Griffin
Profile Image for Julie Yates.
650 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2025
Utterly addicted to this. (LOL at myself!) Quick reading, paranormal romance with a high body count. (But not horror) The novellas from Griffin's POV are critical to understanding the relationship!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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