She’s a former socialite desperately seeking work. She didn’t expect a boss who bursts into flames, a partner with a vendetta, or a little dog with a BIG secret.New York, 1955. Former socialite Henrietta (“Rhett”) Bishop, desperately seeking work, gets hired by Redclaw Security. But Redclaw is no ordinary operation. Part detective firm and part enforcement agency, Redclaw regulates matters … Redclaw regulates matters involving the growing population of shifters who have emerged since the onset of the nuclear age.
Peter Knight is a nuclear scientist shattered by the death of his wife. Blacklisted by the government and scientific organizations, he drowns his sorrows while searching for the people behind his wife’s murder.
Together they form an unlikely partnership to search for a missing cache of mysterious technology stolen from Redclaw. But when a dangerous person from the past turns up to start a bidding war on the artifacts, Bishop and Knight wind up in a fight for their very lives.
If you like Gini Koch’s “Kitty” Katt alien series, you’ll love Bishop Takes Knight! It’s Bringing up Baby meets WH-13!
Named a Top Pick by The Romance Reviews. Awarded a Crowned Heart of Excellence by InD’Tale Magazine. Voted Best Paranormal/SFF Romance in the 2020 New England Reader’s Choice Awards. PRISM Award winner. RONE Award nominee. Semi-finalist in the 2020 Royal Palm Literary Awards.
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I enjoyed this book a lot.
The author has written this very well and kept me gripped from start till finish.
The plot and storyline is very original and intriguing. Its action-packed and exciting.
I love the characters and their development in the story is very riveting to read
Disgraced socialite Rhett Butler is at her wit’s end. She needs a job where she can use her skills without her boss getting handsy. When she arrives at Redclaw Security for a job interview, she talks her way into an entry-level position. The first few weeks are pretty normal but all that changes, when Rhett takes down an intruder with claws while rummaging around in the files. Yes, claws. Once she’s briefed on Redclaw’s true business, they give her an assignment: bring in nuclear scientist Peter Knight. He’s grieving the loss of his murdered wife and vows to do anything to bring her killers to justice. Teaming up, Rhett and Peter are a good pair, complete with chemistry. When a cache of artifacts in Redclaw Security’s possession goes missing, Rhett and Peter head to the Hamptons to get them back. Rhett’s in over her head, what with her life endangered and more people after them than she can shake a stick at, she’ll have to use all her skills and talents to protect Peter and retrieve the artifacts. Will she and Peter stay one step ahead of the shifters after them or has the Queen called checkmate?
Bishop Takes Knight is a rip-roaring good time with plenty of witty dialogue, suspenseful scenes, a spirited heroine and a surprisingly quick-thinking, handsome hero. This is a paranormal romance with a nice array of shifters including a phoenix. Yes, a phoenix! I love that McKenna Dean added one of my favorite mythical creatures in her shifter universe. I connected with Rhett immediately and her plight. Her best friend, Em, is a great contrast to Rhett with some of the best lines in the book. The suspenseful sub-plot kept me glued to my e-reader as I whipped through the pages. The romance between Rhett and Peter is classic screwball comedy with subtle flirting and subtext. The ending took me by surprise but in a good way. Bishop Takes Knight is a blend of Nick and Nora Charles from The Thin Man series and Alias . I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5+ stars
What a fantastic read! Bishop Takes Knight is unlike anything I’ve read before. Not only does it have a fun, banter-filled romance, it has paranormal elements and shape shifters, as well as lots of humor and excitement. It’s set in 1955. Heroine Rhett is heading to a job interview that will change her life…and expose her to a world she never knew existed. It will also introduce her to Dr. Peter Knight, a dishy scientist who is being pursued by various forces. I just loved these characters, and can’t wait to read the next book. Oh, and doggie “Delilah” is the best book pet I’ve ever encountered!
This is an amazing book. I love the originality of the plot with it’s action, adventure and twists. This magical world is peppered with historical asides that really made me smile and sometimes even laugh. The characters are wonderful, I love the strength and rebel nature of Bishop. The juxtaposition of readers’ modern knowledge, historical detail and fantasy make for a very clever and witty book.
This was among my favorite books in the past year, a new author for me.
(1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= Yes, it was Ok; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= A favorite, THIS WAS GREAT!)
BISHOP TAKES KNIGHT, by McKenna Dean – an entirely delightful, witty, and clever story with characters that made me smile, swoon, and root for. BISHOP TAKES KNIGHT is a mystery/romantic suspense/adventure with a paranormal twist (not dark or with vampires or witches), characters I loved, a detailed 1950’s setting, a unique story and a HEA. The lovely cover initially caught my attention, I heard the book had won awards, and I was not disappointed. BISHOP TAKES KNIGHT read quickly, keeping my attention the entire time. There were sections of humor, clever dialogue, a hilarious puppy (IMO), and that surprising & believable para “extra.” I loved BISHOP TAKES KNIGHT. There is a second book; I plan to pick it up today.
1955 – post war
The socialite – Rhett Bishop/FMC, in her late 20’s-early 30’s, is from an old and prestigious East Coast family. Her father recently gambled away his fortune and then shot himself. Suddenly alone, Rhett finds herself dealing with the loss of her beloved father, knowing everything else she knew and treasured is also gone. Rhettt manages to find employment and quickly discovers that her employer is Not as it pretends. She is intrigued and although hired for clerical duties, is determined to do and discover more.
The British scientist – Peter Knight/MMC, 33, is an extremely intelligent and intuitive man who was recruited immediately from Oxford to work with a group of other atomic scientists toward developing nuclear power as part of the Manhattan Project. When political opinions arose in the nation’s capitol, Peter becomes a scapegoat. Suddenly person non grata – Peter’s brilliant reputation is lost; his confidence in himself and the work in which he labored is all gone; then he loses his young and cherished bride. Peter is experiencing the lowest period of his life when his and Rhett’s paths cross. Bishop is willing to grab the new challenges before her, but has no experience. Knight has the intellect and experience, but he lacks the heart. Yet together they are a force to be reckoned with when unforeseen enemies gather to hunt them down.
READER CAUTIONS –
PROFANITY – Very limited profanity (once?).
VIOLENCE – No, shootings but not graphic. PG
SEXUAL SITUATIONS – No. I believe, just kisses and lots of adventure.
Unless I am forgetting something, I believe BISHOP TAKES KNIGHT would be appropriate for any reader of romantic suspense who enjoys a light para (shifter) twist. Fun & different (no “mating”/steamy intimacy scenes).
It’s official, I’m in love with Peter Knight – Intelligent, charming, elegant and funny. So I’m sorry Rhett Bishop, I don’t care if you are the heroine, how good you look in a sheath dress or how feisty and amazing you are – hands off!
This is a cracking mystery set in the 1950’s that twists and turns at the speed of a bullet or should that be a shifter. Great fun read.
This is a rollicking fun read with a lot of suspense, intrigue, romance, and more. The main character, Rhett Bishop, is witty, quick-thinking, daring (maybe a little too much for her boss’s comfort!), and doesn’t take gruff from anyone. The back and forth between Bishop and Peter Knight is amazing. I haven’t enjoyed a book this much in a long time. Her best friend, Em, is a perfect background to compare what Bishop was at one time (a rich socialite) to who she is now—poor and determined. In some ways, Bishop reminded me of a combination of Peggy Carter (from the Avengers, Captain America) and Phryne Fisher (Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries) – she’s just that perfect. I couldn’t put the book down, it was just that good.
What I liked: I love that the shifters are varied – from wolves to bears, owls, and even a phoenix! I love the gadgets and especially the way some of them react to Bishop. And the way Knight keeps showing up to cook dinner for Bishop – perfect! And her boss, Ryder, is a very interesting character.
What I didn’t like: absolutely nothing!
Recommendation: Highly recommended. For a rollicking good read with mystery, intrigue, romance, and interesting gadgets and shapeshifters, this is one to buy. I’m definitely looking for more by this writer.
Disclaimer: ARC provided by the author in hopes of an honest review. All opinions are my own.
What a great story! This shows the origin of the Redclaw Agency in the 1950’s, working to protect and conceal shifters from the unknowing public. There are also alien gizmos, a kickass heroine, a brooding love interest, and a whole lot of strange and wonderful co-workers. I’m not much for shifter stories, but this is pretty well grounded in reality, with honorable and courageous people trying to do the right thing. The minor arc of this story ended just fine, but I’m really looking forward to reading more about the Redclaw Agency and Rhett and Peter as they grow closer.
I loved the premise of this story, and picked up it after seeing it recommended by a friend. I’m so glad I did! It grabbed me from the first page and kept me hooked until the end. I love the mix of genres, and the tone of the narrative is fabulous, and very much sets the atmosphere of the time. It feels very real, yet tongue in cheek, which is very much at home for the 1950s, with a bit of social commentary thrown in especially in regard to women’s expected place in society.
The characters are interesting and flawed. I liked that although Rhett is kick arse, she makes mistakes and has to prove herself. I really felt for Knight when his past catches up with him. I like him as a character too. The banter between the two is wonderful, and I hope we see more of them.
Ryker is an interesting character and I definitely would like to learn more about him as well, especially his relationship with his half brother. The dog is cute and….wow. What a clever original idea.
The technology is very inventive, and works perfectly alongside the story.
The setup is great, and I like how the world building is introduced a bit at a time as it relates to the story so the reader is trying to figure everything out and everyone’s place in this world at the same time. I loved how atomic energy figured into the appearance of shifters. It works perfectly with the time period, especially with the movies being made at the time. I wasn’t expecting some of the shifters who appeared in this, and one in particular made me very happy. I loved the twist when he got shot, although I was half expecting it. Brilliant!
I highly recommend this story, and can’t wait for more.
This book wowed me from the very beginning with the cover and title; glad to report that the well-written story itself did not disappoint.
Rhett is a modern woman of the 1950’s – which means she needs to get a job and fast. Her new job as a clerk for a security firm quickly exposes to alien changes to the normal world. Very Men-in-Black-esque.
If you loved screwball comedies, the girl Friday stories, and want something like (but not the same) as Gini Koch, grab this book!
Totally intriguing, with plenty of humor and wit. Lots of twists and turns will keep you turning those pages. Well written and some awesome characters. Set in the 1950s this is a tale well worth reading.
this was a first book of yours i read and i really liked it! she had to get a job after her father lost the families money. this job is really different. her first job is to find someone. only now there lives are both in danger. so many different shifters in this one.
Bishop was down on her luck, out of money, no job and was on her last try for an interview from the job agency. A mishap on the way to this interview, however, landed her the strangest job she ever had. At first she was just an office clerk typing and filing then she discovered the true nature of her employers work and took on a more active role. Her first assignment was to locate a missing scientist Mr Knight. Fortunately for her on a previous occasion she had literally run into him. Once he has located the high jinx that occurs will keep you entertained until the very last page. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes action, fantasy, mystery, romance, or science fiction. This book is without a doubt a checkmate in my opinion the characters are believable and the plot is fast paced and full of action an mystery. Not only was this book enjoyable the first time through when reducing it as a reference for this review, I was so caught up in the plot I reread half of it without even realizing it.
Do you enjoy a slow burn paranormal romance story with the flavor of a noir detective action-adventure? Then you’ll adore McKenna Dean’s Bishop Takes Knight!
Rhett Bishop is a gutsy woman dealing with finding her way in life after her father gambles away the family fortune. Not willing to settle for the standard secretarial role assigned to working women in the 1950s, she takes a job at Redclaw Security, where her wit, intellect and assertiveness soon land her a special assignment: recruit a nuclear scientist shattered by the death of his wife.
What Bishop doesn’t know, but will soon find out: Redclaw Security is one of three factions of shapeshifters who are fighting over alien tech. They need the scientist—Peter Knight—to help decipher the strange devices.
The story is inventive, fun and fast-paced, and the slow burn romance along with unexpected plot twists kept me reading into the late-night hours. I can’t wait to read more stories about Bishop and Knight’s budding romance—and their adventures together!
This book is before the first book ( The Panther’s Lost Princess ….Redclaw Security book 1) It tells of how the Rhett finds out that it’s more than “just” a detective/security firm.
Rhett has been a social outcast and has been ever since her father lost the family fortune, (well he didn’t really lose it, he was laundering money, and when found out, he committed suicide) and other jobs haven’t lasted long, so she needs this and will type all day long if she has to.
Rhett (or Henrietta) comes to terms with the fact there are things out there that the “humans” don’t need to know about. (After seeing a few odd things, and then rescuing her co-worker from a “snarling and hairy man” her boss Ryker tests her and declares her a success!! And so Rhett becomes an agent.
So Rhett’s first assignment is to find (and possibly recruit) the nuclear scientist, Peter Knight. Redclaw has worked out that the nuclear age is triggering dormant genes in humans (causing mutations, werewolves, and artifacts to act strange.)
Peter wants nothing more than to find his wife’s killer. But he can’t get any answers he’s been blacklisted and thrown out of the organisations he worked for. Peter feels like he had nothing more to give, nothing to lose, he’s given up. His only comfort is the bottle of alcohol.
The plot moves at a steady pace, Rhett and Knight both have an agenda, both don’t want to fall for one another. But as a rival organisation try to obtain (by fair or foul means) Knight, each will see the other in a different light. It’s a slow blooming romance, but with a strong storyline, you don’t always need endless amounts of sex.
It was good to find out more of the origins of Redclaw. And how it started from it’s humble beginnings. If knight and bishop are in the next book, then count me in.
BISHOP TAKES KNIGHT is the first book in the Redclaw Origins series. Now, I have read two books of the Redclaw Security series, and thoroughly enjoyed them. So I was intrigued by the thought of going back to see where it all began. I was NOT disappointed.
This book takes you back to the 1950s, with socialites, and women trying to find their way into work now the men are back. There is so much glamour in this book. I loved it! The story is twisted and intriguing, with plenty of humour and wit to keep you going.
Rhett Bishop is full of sass, determined to make her own way and not rely on friend’s handouts. Peter Knight thinks he has reached the bottom, only to discover things aren’t as bad as he thought. These two end up working together and taking advantage when life hands them opportunities.
There are no steamy moments in this book, but don’t you worry. There is tension aplenty and you just know they will end together with fireworks. You just don’t see anything apart from one kiss. Trust me, this is absolutely perfect, and exactly as it should be in this book.
This book was the ‘living end’ that I devoured in one sitting. Between Delilah and the flaming chicken, I couldn’t put it down. I really can’t recommend this highly enough, and I can’t wait for the next book.
Just read it. You’ll see what I mean!
This book was utterly delightful from start to finish, and I am going to be raving about it to everyone I know, forever. Charming, snarky, and action-packed, with a sexy nerd hero and gutsy heroine. A historical urban-fantasy masterpiece. Can’t wait to see where the series goes from here!
Loved this story
“Marriage is a contract one enters with good intentions. It helps if you like the other person involved, though.” So said Em, during her lunch with Rhett; a lunch that would prove to be the catalyst for a drastic change in the trajectory of Rhett’s life.
It’s clear once Rhett arrives in the Redclaw offices that something is off. Hired despite the fact that she’d shown up for her interview at the wrong place, a place that had no intention of hiring anyone; Rhett wastes no time in learning that Redclaw is not at all what it seems. Hurtling into her first “assignment” with the agency, Rhett soon learns just what it is about Redclaw that’s different.
Dean’s story is compelling and masterful. With characters that are not only interesting but captivating, she ensures that you’re invested in their stories. And are hooked until the very last page. It’s a bumpy ride for sure, full of twists; but it’s a ride you won’t want to miss. Bishop Takes Knight is an unputdownable tale that takes the paranormal and makes it matter of fact. I’m glad I took a chance on this book – it’s a bit of a departure for me. But 2020 is all about expanding my horizons in reading. I highly recommend you pick this one up too.
[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book, in conjunction with the Winter Games Reader Challenge. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.]