Genre: Mystery, Historical
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
‘No one can take away your name.’
Clearwater will lose his entire fortune unless he cracks a musical code.
If Archer’s insane brother dies, their distant cousin, the evil Count Movileşti, will inherit everything, and with the influenza pandemic threatening the brother’s asylum, the outlook is grave. The only thing that can ensure Archer’s future is a legal document left behind by his grandfather, but the clue to its location is hidden within two pieces of music. Archer has one; the other is in Movileşti’s collection at Castle Rasnov.
Archer dispatches two of his team to the Transylvanian castle, and two to the Clearwater Archives in London, leaving the rest to search every inch of his country house. The men face their pasts and decide their futures as loyalties are tested, and death stalks the corridors of Larkspur Hall. With Movileşti on his way to claim the inheritance, everyone has a vital part to play and everything to lose as they race against time.
Set during the 1890 Russian influenza pandemic, The Clearwater Inheritance is a mystery thriller that takes us from Cornwall to Transylvania, and from the cellars of Larkspur Hall to the Orient Express. A mashup of romance, mystery and adventure, the tenth book ties up previous threads, answers questions, and sets the scene for the Clearwater future. The series is best read in order, starting with ‘Deviant Desire.’ The non-mystery prequel, ‘Banyak & Fecks’ should be read before books nine and ten.
The Review
As Viscount Clearwater, Archer Camoys Riddington, faces the serious issue of the Clearwater Inheritance, the crew gathers to start putting the pieces of a musical puzzle together. Thomas Payne, Billy Barnett, Danylo and other members of the Larkspur household are searching for Archer’s grandfather’s fugue and prelude, along with the legal entail to the deed.
James Wright, Silas Hawkins and Jake O’Hara have traveled back to Clearwater and London to search the archives at the legal firm on Chancery Lane. Unfortunately, the archives are a disorganized mess, so Silas sticks to his plan. James also finds himself seeking legal advice from Sir Creswill Easterby.
Andrej Kolisychenko and Jasper “Pianino” Blackwood have the most intriguing part in the search. They are on there way to Rasnov Castle in Transylvania to search for Archer’s grandfather’s music. For Jasper, who’s a musical genius, the trip is magical. He gets to see Paris, Austria, Budapest and so much more.
As Andrej has always been an intimidating force, Jasper becomes another of the crew to see Andrej in a different light, and a new friendship is born. There are surprises for both, as by chance they meet Yakiv Blumkin, a man from Andrej’s past. As returning to Larkspur becomes urgent, they set out on the Orient Express. Andrej has always been the protector, but now Jasper finds himself in that role.
With all the chaos and time running out, Archer still waits for the inevitable news about his brother, Crispin. And a possible visit from Count Movilesti, a distant cousin, is a threat and danger to everything and everyone that Archer loves.
Jackson Marsh has always proven his hard work and devotion in the research throughout the “Clearwater Mysteries”. With this final, very well orchestrated mystery, he gives us a great education in the history of composers and music. He also manages to work in new inventions: morse code, art, and transportation modes from the 19th century.
Once again, some of the most famous and memorable characters that have been presented throughout the “Clearwater Mysteries” make an appearance. I have to give mention to the talented Andjela K, with the outstanding cover designs that added to the excitement of each novel, and Khayyam Akhtar for the map design which shows the travel route of Andrej and Jasper.
The Clearwater Inheritance is smartly written – each crew has been assigned certain investigations to perform and the different types of communication to keep everyone informed. Even with all the expertise of the crew members, the threat is overwhelming, and everyone’s lives are put in danger.
I could say so much about this novel, but I don’t want to give too much of this masterpiece away. The plot includes many secrets, surprises, legalities, and fast paced action. it’s filled with thrills, suspense and heart tugging emotion! There’s even an epic sword fight, and one of the most excellent and outstanding endings that I have ever read.
I highly recommend, the ten novel “Clearwater Mysteries” series, starting with “Deviant Desire,” and the prequel “Banyak & Fecks” is also a must read. I hated to see this series end but that’s why I have all the books, so I can read it again and again.
Jackson Marsh has more to offer, so all is not lost. There are new mysteries and adventures to come soon with “The Larkspur Mysteries”. I can’t wait!
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 piques 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.
