Genre: Historical, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
“The greatest gift one man may give another is his trust.” –Barbary Fleet, 1890.
Standing stones, messages written in symbols, and the language of the deaf. It falls to Lord Clearwater to unlock the mystery of Dalston Blaze and his deaf friend, Joe Tanner, two young men arrested for committing ‘unnatural offences’ at the Hackney workhouse.
Dalston hopes for a prison sentence. It’s the only way to save his life. Instead, he is bailed to the Larkspur Academy on Lord Clearwater’s Cornish estate, where there is only one rule: honesty above all else. For Dalston, this means confronting his past, learning to trust, and admitting his secrets. Joe is the key, but Joe is missing, and his location is locked deep inside a memory seen in sign language, and clouded by eighteen years of workhouse life.
If Dalston remains silent, the immoral workhouse master and his sadistic schoolteacher will continue to inflict pain and suffering on all inmates of the Hackney workhouse. If he tells the truth, he and Joe will die.
The Guardians of the Poor is a combination of mystery, adventure and male romance, set in 1890. It draws on first-hand accounts of workhouse life at the time, and is the first of a new series of mysteries set in the Clearwater world.
The Review
Lord Clearwater – Archer – has a vested interest in the court trial of Dalston Blaze and Joseph “Joe” Tanner. The case involves unnatural symbols drawn by the accused, and also revolves around some ugly revelations about the Hackney Workhouse.
Archer relies on several of his crew of the Clearwater Detective Agency to investigate – James Wright, organizer and master detective; Silas Hawkins, master of voices and disguises; and the Scotsman, Duncan Fairbairn, researcher and historian of the archives.
The crew also has the aid of barrister Sir Easterby Creswell. Creswell brings his expertise and a new point of view that helps them obtain a postponement in the hearing.
Dalston finds himself overwhelmed as he’s taken on a journey to a new and wonderful place – Larkspur Academy. Dalston still fears for Joe, being alone in a world that can be very harsh and cruel. Archer knows he has his work cut out for him as he tries to earn Dalston’s trust. The importance of the symbols and the situation of the workhouse have Archer revealing the truth and significance of the ‘crew’ to Dalston.
“Guardians of the Poor” is a magnificent start to Marsh’s new “Larkspur Academy” series. I am amazed with Jackson Marsh – he just finished book ten of the “Clearwater Mysteries” plus a prequel, and he’s jumped right back into this new series. Just when I think it can’t get any better, it does, and I savored every word!
Marsh never fails at bringing interesting subject matter to his readers. From, theater, music, “new” inventions and now, with “Larkspur Academy” art, symbology, homophones, and a little twist in some classic phrases. He makes me curious enough that I always find myself researching and learning more about the era. Marsh’s writing is excellent, as he clearly delineates each character’s background, from the proper English to Scottish to the common “street” language.
Marsh’s story of Dalston Blaze, Joseph “Joe” Tanner and the Hackney Workhouse is very heartbreaking, but it also shows the endurance and intelligence of two young men trying to communicate and survive. Archer is, as always, amazing, he continues his fight for his charities and to help the unfortunate. His truth, honesty and curiosity always brings something new to the table. There’s also an interesting mystery her with on-the-edge suspense, romance, humor and colorful descriptions, as Dalston takes in the beauty of Larkspur.
It was a delight to have Archer, Silas, James, and Andrej returning, along with so many other characters from the “Clearwater Mysteries”. I like how Marsh also includes some of the strong and powerful women of that time, including Mrs. Norwood and Mrs. Kevern.
Dr. Markland, Sir Easterby Creswell, and Professor Barbary Fleet (who knows something about everything), bring their own expertise to the novel, along with their eccentricities that add just the right amount of humor. Dalston also makes friends with Clem and Frank. As always there are a few evil characters too: Edward Capps, Avery and Skaggot.
For those that may not follow Jackson Marsh’s blog, please read the “Author Notes” for more information about this new series and his historical world. Marsh shares more about his research of the workhouses, British Sign Language, and the Colvannick stone, details that provide ideas for his amazing novels.
I highly recommend “Guardians of the Poor”! I loved it, and can only say that I’m excited to see what Jackson Marsh brings us next. And once again, the cover design by Andjela K is stunning!
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.
