Title: Unspeakable Acts
Series: The Clearwater Mysteries Book Three
Author: Jackson Marsh
Genre: Mystery
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Publisher: Self
Pages: 263
Reviewer: Maryann, Paranormal Romance Guild
Get It On Amazon
About The Book
“Death will come da capo, suddenly silent, and you will not hear your final applause. Fail us, and you die.”
Blackmail, a death threat and an opera. The Clearwater Foundation is to be launched with a charity gala at the City Opera House where Archer’s old friend, Cadwell Roxton, is to star. But Roxton has a dark secret. He will be murdered during his performance unless he exposes Lord Clearwater’s homosexuality.
Archer’s lover, Silas enlists the help of the new footman, James to unlock the mystery and save Roxton, the performance and the viscount’s reputation — without raising suspicion. With only three days to go before the gala, it’s a race against time that takes us from the notorious Cleaver Street brothel to the Royal Opera House and a thrilling climax with love, liberty and lives at stake.
While in the background, enemies old and new plot Clearwater’s ultimate downfall.
Part three of the Clearwater Mysteries, ‘Unspeakable Acts’ follows on from ‘Twisted Tracks.’ The series is best read in order.
“Another entertaining, well plotted, action-packed, triple mystery set in the imaginary, Victorian era of England 1888. Jackson Marsh has got me hooked!” Amazon review.
The Review
Silas Hawkins and James Wright find themselves caught up in a mystery of blackmail that they will have to solve themselves. Cadwell Roxton a close friend to Archer and talented countertenor is performing in town and Archer would like his help in promoting his charity. When Roxton comes to Clearwater for dinner Silas takes in the reaction of Archer. But for Silas there’s something about Roxton that jars his memory of the past.
As Silas decides to investigate, his memories take him back to a life that he has now left behind. He finds himself at the Cleaver Street brothel where it becomes more sordid than he remembers. With the help of James and Feck, Silas rescues Roxton but he can’t be sure Roxton will let the blackmail destroy Archer.
All Silas knows if Roxton is being blackmailed into destroying Archer he has to stop it any way he can. This takes him backstage in the world of theatre, and it proves not all is what it seems. Silas’ main obstacle is to tell or not to tell Archer what he’s discovered. He fears loosing Archer and watching him be destroyed.
There’s still a culprit out there that’s bound and determined to expose Archer, Silas and their close friends for what they really are. And a dead man keeps haunting their every move.
“The Clearwater Mysteries” has become one of my favorite historical mystery series. I love this group of men that have come together to form a special bond. In this third installment, Marsh gives Silas and James the opportunity to be the stars of the story. It shows Silas’ ability to put together a plan along with Jim to investigate. Silas has to take a big step outside himself to save Archer’s reputation and his cause. Marsh also gives us a very descriptive tour as to what goes on backstage at the theatre during the 1800’s.
Jackson Marsh is a talented writer and really brings this period of history alive.
I’m excited to see Marsh continue with the Clearwater Mystery series. “Fallen Splendor” is the next installment to this intriguing series and the cover art on this one is fantastic.
The “Clearwater Mysteries” starts with “Deviant Desires” and the second book is “Twisted Tracks”, which I highly recommend reading before “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.
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