Title: Twisted Tracks
Series: The Clearwater Mysteries Book two
Author: Jackson Marsh
Genre: Mystery
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Publisher: Self
Pages: 257 Pages
Reviewer: Maryann
Get It On Amazon
About The Book
Part two of The Clearwater Mysteries, this story continues directly from ‘Deviant Desire.’
An intercepted telegram, a coded invitation and the threat of exposure. Viscount Clearwater must once again put his life on the line to defend his reputation. The mystery is complicated by the arrival of a new servant experiencing the confusion of first gay love, and Archer’s feelings towards his recently fired footman.
Deviant forces are at work as Archer’s enemies plot to expose his homosexuality and bring him down. Only the bonds of loyalty and friendship can protect him and those he loves as he struggles to protect his young lover, Silas, and his alliance of devoted servants.
A mashup of mystery, adventure and romance, Twisted Tracks takes place in an imaginary England of 1888.
The Review
After being dismissed, Thomas Payne has left Clearwater and is trying to get back home. While waiting at the agents office, he once again meets James Wright, the messenger that caught his eye, while delivering a telegram to Clearwater House. Once Thomas shares his dilemma with James, James opens his home to Thomas until he can decide what to do.
Archer is livid and demands Tripp find Thomas and have him returned to Clearwater. On Thomas’ return, Archer immediately dismisses Tripp and appoints Thomas to the high position of butler. With the position of footman open, James applies for the job and becomes an addition to the staff.
Unbeknownst to Thomas and Archer, Tripp comes up with a scheme to devastate the occupants of the Clearwater House and James finds himself caught up in the devious scheme.
When a mysterious note, telegram, postcard and wording comes into play, Archer finds that James has an expertise that comes in handy. James starts to form a bond with Archer, Silas, Feck and especially Thomas and finds himself struggling with making the right decisions.
Archer Riddington is facing not only the issue of his brother Crispin, the dastardly Dr. Quill but now a new nemesis in the evil Tripp. Archer
strives to break from the old staunch ways of his father. He wants to be able to live his life and hopefully open the door so others can live freely too. It’s fun to watch as Archer builds bonds with Thomas, Silas, Fecker and James. When this unique group of men put their heads together their investigative talents shine through. High marks go to Lady Marshall, Archers godmother, she doesn’t hold back and brings many humorous moments to the story.
“Twisted Tracks” picks up right where “Deviant Desire” leaves off. Jackson Marsh creates another entertaining, well plotted, action packed, triple mystery set in the imaginary, Victorian era of England 1888. The verbiage and settings are very descriptive and set the tone for the era. “Twisted Tracks” is a fun mystery read, a little bit Sherlock Homes-ish, Jack-the -Ripper-ish with a twist.
Jackson Marsh has got me hooked! I really liked the first novel “Deviant Desire” and was surprised to see “Twisted Tracks” come out so quickly. I like the growing potential “Clearwater Mystery” series presents and looking forward to book three “Unspeakable Acts”.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read. I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors. My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book! As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb peaks my interest I will read the book. My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading. I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended. But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
