Nights With the Murder Club
A book review of Band Sinister by KJ Charles
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Guy and Amanda Frisby are on the cusp of a new beginning. Amanda’s debut Gothic novel is about to be published, and while Guy is immensely proud of her, he can’t help fretting a bit. Amanda didn’t try terribly hard (read: hardly tried at all) to hide the true identities of the caricatures in her novel. Namely, their next door neighbor Sir Phillip Rookwood and his closest friends.
The feud between their families, and Phillip’s general contempt for the society in their town, have kept him and the Frisby’s entirely separate. However, they’re unable to remain unacquainted when Amanda gets injured on Phillip’s land and must recuperate in his home in order to lessen the risk to her life.
Guy has always been as adamant as anyone else that Phillip Rookwood is the worst sort and no one decent would associate with him. Except once they’re in the same house together, Guy begins to realize that maybe Phillip isn’t as bad Guy had always imagined. However, society’s views of Phillip haven’t changed in the slightest. Guy has to decide whether maintaining a relationship with Phillip is worth society’s aggressive censure.
Guy and Amanda have an amazing sibling relationship. Guy practically raised Amanda himself, protecting her and lavishing her with love. As a result, Amanda has a certain confidence and self-possession that Guy lacks, despite the fact that she is arguably more criticized by society. As the story progresses, Guy realizes that he’s used his role as Amanda’s older brother to cut himself off from others, and he has to learn that his love for his sister doesn’t need to cost him his own happiness.
Coincidentally, Guy has found happiness in someone he never would have expected: Phillip Rookwood. They both grew up under society’s condemnation because of the behavior of their parents. Phillip is understanding, kind, and patient. He encourages Guy to form his own ideas, express them, and defend them fearlessly. He never makes Guy feel ashamed for any of his inexperience or newly discovered desires.
Although there is initially tension between Guy and Phillip, it’s dissolved through communication, a theme which is one of my favorite things about this book. Through their conversations they learn of their similar childhoods and start to build the trust that forms the basis of their intimate relationship.
5 stars! Recommended for anyone who wouldn’t mind sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G.
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