Book 1 of the Declan Hunt Mysteries Series
Mystery Novel of the Year (2024)
How far would you be willing to go to finish the job?
Declan Hunt is having a bad week. His kidnapping case is showing little progress, his office assistant has left him on short notice, and his latest investigation has left him literally battered and bruised. But things change when he hires twenty-four year old Charlie Watts to help out at the office. They form an unlikely partnership trying to solve two seemingly unrelated cases whose threads begin to weave together when the missing person case turns to murder.
The investigation takes them from the dark alleys, gay bars and bath houses of Calgary, to the richest parts of the city during the world-famous Calgary Stampede.
But will they be able to discover who the killer is before another life is lost? And will Declan be able to solve the mystery of his relationship with Charlie who is clearly attracted to him — especially since it is evident that the attraction is becoming mutual?
Selected Reviews
“Peter’s second book, and the first in his new mystery trilogy, is exceptional. His voice is unique. He writes from a multi-person point of view, which is unique in the romance genre. It’s a super interesting way to move the story forward and works especially well for a mystery story.”
-Heather Duff (Not Guilty Of Books Blog)
“Mystery, Suspense, murder, and romance … I’m in love!”
-MM Romance Reviewed
“…a quick and delicious read. I gobbled it up all in one sitting! I enjoyed being introduced to the various characters in the first few chapters – I felt like I really had a fix on so many interesting players, and Declan and Charlie: both so cool and appealing in their own way … what’s not to love? A spark kindled? Simmer-y scenes that invite you to wonder about … mmm, possibilities to come? (looking forward to this slow-burn/sexual tension building in the next book!)
And the mystery! Terrific plotting and clues dropped that kept me guessing – and re-guessing! – all the way through. Neat descriptive passages and great humour made reading super-satisfying.“
— P. Beaven (Goodreads Review)
“What is sleep when you are drawn into an amazing book? I can’t praise Mann Hunt enough, I have read The Woodcarver’s Model which was a 5-star read and a book that I couldn’t put down.
Mystery, Suspense, Slow Burn romance, Banter which is glorious, Kidnapping …The Investigation is written superbly, did I discover who was the culprit ! Not saying!
The main characters Declan Hunt PI, and his office assistant Charlie Watts make a formidable team, completely different souls but kindness and caring seep from them both.
The writing is magnificent with wonderful descriptions giving me visions of all that was happening. The evidence of attraction between Declan and Charlie is evident. Both guys are extremely complex but they are more than interesting… There is fabulous humour plus the beginning of a romance that is written exceedingly well, I will wait patiently for books two and three.
An excellent book! Highly recommended!“
— Pat (Amazon Review)
“If you enjoy a good mystery, you will enjoy this novel. This author’s literary style was a cross between those of Gregory Ashe and Joseph Hansen. The tale flowed well, and the characters had depth.“
— Georgette B (Goodreads Review)
“Fantastic first book in the series! I really enjoyed this book and didn’t figure out the killer until it was revealed. Well written story and characters. Looking forward to more in the series.”
— Shawn (Goodreads Review)
“One of my favourite books I’ve read this year. I really loved Declan and Charlie. Can’t wait to read more in the series.”
— Chelle (Goodreads Review)
“It’s definitely going to be a series that keeps you wanting to come back more. This is a definite recommendation from me; I can’t wait for more stories from this great pairing.”
-Bayou Book Junkie Blog
“Mann Hunt is a fast-paced whodunit with solid writing.”
-Joyfully Jay LBGTQ Romance Reviews and More
“... the plotting is superb. If you like mysteries and want a little steam and longing on the side, definitely check this out.”
— Chris Z (Goodreads Review)
“Mann Hunt is quite wonderful. The characters are fully developed for your interest or distaste. There is sufficient sex, but not so much as to exhaust the reader or the main characters – it ain’t quite that kind of book. The plot’s tension is constructed to keep us turning the pages, as it gyres tightly to its conclusion. As a plus, clearly more adventures will be at hand (or some more endearing body parts?) in subsequent books in this series.”
-Rainbow Book Reviews
Peter E. Fenton 