Genre: Historical
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
“The greatest reward often lies at the end of the stoniest path.”
Lady Dorothy Marshall, March 1891
When Lord Clearwater inherits a set of enigmatic clues and a compass, it becomes clear he has the means to uncover a momentous secret. He calls upon the men of the Larkspur Academy to help with the hunt, including the latest recruit, the bewildered ex-sailor, Bertie Tucker.
The academy men investigate follies, national monuments and ancient churches, using their diverse skills to unlock a series of random messages. The men must work together to find Clearwater’s secret and ‘treasure’, but relationships threaten the status quo. Edward Hyde has turned his affections from Henry and aimed them at Bertie Tucker, opening a rift which must be mended if the hunt is to succeed.
And when two of Clearwater’s adversaries conspire to beat him to the secret, what begins as an adventure becomes a game of cat and mouse that leads to a fight for survival.
Starting with Secrets is the sixth book in the Larkspur Mysteries series. With themes of friendship, bromance, male love and revenge, the story is the first part of a two-part adventure, and combines historical fact with fiction. As with all of Jackson Marsh’s mysteries, the novel contains humour, love and action, while offering the reader the chance to solve the clues with the cast of disparate, well-drawn characters.
The Review
Two important women in Archer’s life have passed away: his mother, Lady Emily Clearwater and his godmother, Lady Dorothy Marshall. At the time of his father’s passing, both women were concerned about Archer. Knowing how much he loved riddles, they made a plan to start the revealing of clues, ten years in the future. The first clue would cause Archer to bring his most loyal friends to his side, to start on the mysterious hunt – Thomas Payne, Silas “Banyak” Hawkins, James “Tato” Wright and Andre “Fecker.”
The clues are difficult to decipher, and so Archer also meets with the men of Larkspur Academy: Frank Andino, Chester Cadman, Henry Hope, Edward Hyde, Bertie Tucker and Fleet.
Each clue leads to another. James and Bertie strike out with Archer to Stoneridge Castle in Hertsfordshire. Silas heads back to London and Clearwater to work with Joe Tanner on his clue at the museum, and gets Mrs. Norwood, Duncan Fairbairn, and Dalston Blaze involved too. But they will discover that the clues are not that simple, as they lead all of them in different directions.
As the clues become more complex, there are some spats and excitement to be had. James has to take a stand with Archer, and shows why Andrej calls him “Tato.” He gives Andrej a sound suggestion on what to do with his love interest Lucy, and has a special concern about Henry and Edwards’ relationship. And what will it accomplish, taking Bertie with him, and will Bertie ever hear from Irv?
Silas has to be careful about his dealings with Joe Tanner, and will learn that everyone has an expertise to contribute to the clues.
But while they are on the treasure hunt, Archer’s old nemesis Trip is trying to foil their plans. Trip has done some evil things in the past, and this time he gets another enemy of Archer’s involved – Earl Kingsclere. Will Trip win this time, and ruineverything that Archer has worked so hard to accomplish?
Once again, Jackson Marsh sends the Larkspur and Clearwater crews on journeys of adventure, danger, trying to decipher a host of puzzling clues. Everyone comes together to share their expertise, figuring out the mind-boggling clues. Jackson Marsh cleverly melds historic facts, interesting places and hair raising excitement.
It’s fun to see even more of the characters become involved in this hunt: Jonathan, Art, Nancarrow, Treb, David, Lucy Roberts, Jasper Blackwood and Billy Barnett, Fleet, Harvey Holt and Jake O’Hara all take part. And Dr. Markland brings his more serious side to this tale.
There’s a special message with this tale – everyone is special and contributes something important to the hunt/
The story also delves deep into Lord Archer Riddington, Earl of Clearwater and what he worked so hard to build. He wanted to give dignity, confidence, education to all that entered Larkspur and Clearwater, along with a chance to grow and explore. For so many young men whose lives were wasted on the streets of the East End, he has become a mentor who helped them meet new friends and find their true selves and loves. Archer will have to make a difficult decision, when it comes to all of these loyal men.
Once again, I want to compliment Andjela K for the cover art. I love the blue tones and the mysterious face, just like I’ve loved all of her covers.
Jackson Marsh can do no wrong in my eyes. All his stories are filled with history, danger, action and excitement. I highly recommend Starting With Secrets and the entire “Larkspur Mystery” series. There’s more to come with The Legacy of Larkspur.
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.
