Genre: Historical, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
Get It On Amazon
About The Book
“Risk is the spark that ignites adventure.”
Barbary Fleet, 1891
The Larkspur Academy — Where men explore the mysteries of love and learning
Chester Cadman has been duped by unscrupulous men, ridiculed in the newspapers, and disowned by his family. Only twenty-two, he is on the verge of starvation when a Clearwater detective makes him an offer he can’t refuse: Join the Larkspur Academy and investigate a haunting that has plagued Lord Clearwater’s family for nearly four hundred years.
Mystified, but determined, Chester enlists the help of fellow academy man, Frank Andino, and is soon presented with a second mystery: his attraction to the loyal, but bawdy young Greek. Together, they unearth sinister family secrets that could destroy Clearwater’s reputation and the academy, but the truth must be known.
Faced with a double dilemma, Chester is forced to confront the past, even if it means Clearwater’s downfall and a broken heart. It’s a risk, but, as Fleet says, ‘Risk is the spark that ignites adventure, and love is the greatest adventure of them all.’
The Review
Chenzira Gamal was born to parents of Egyptian heritage while crossing the ocean. As time went on, Chenzira became an apprentice for mapmaker, Mr Cope. He was also curious about the supernatural, and was excited to attend Maskelyen & Cookes Premier Magical Entertainment at the Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly.
As a young man growing up in the new and exciting world of London, Chenzira craved to make friends. But befriending another young man after the show leads to an unfortunate situation. He changes his name to Chester Cadman, and shame, guilt, and embarrassment lead him to the streets of Greychurch.
Ozias Philimonas Andinopoulos came to London from Greece along with his family on an immigrant boat. His father established a tailoring business in the city, and taught Ozias well. Ozias learned the trade. he was good with numbers and kept the books.
When Ozais’ mother left, his father lost interest in the business and it started to fail. Ozais took over, but with his father’s shady dealings, things went quickly downhill. The business was lost, and Ozais took to the streets as a rent boy in the Greychurch district and changed his name to Frank Andino.
Frank has been a resident at Larkspur Academy for some time, but for Chester Cadman the place is all strange and new. He’s sceptic, and doesn’t understand why a man such as Lord Archer Clearwater would want to help someone like him.
Archer always has a purpose for lost young men, and there’s several things he needs from Chester, including his ability as a mapmaker and his interest in the supernatural, But most importantly, he needs Chester to be truthful.
As Chester digs deeper into the supernatural tales of Larkspur, he seeks Frank’s help, and a friendship starts to grow.
What will they discover from the compiled sources about Larkspur Hall, from Librarian Hedrek Nancarrow? Will it be more than the supernatural, something that could destroy Clearwater?
Marsh once again pens a brilliantly written novel in Seeing Through Shadows. This one was especially interesting, dealing with both the supernatural and cartography. It would have been fun to see the different maps of the Larkspur property, and the changes throughout the centuries.
The writing is nicely detailed, filled with descriptive passages. The gradual romance between Chester and Frank is beautiful, and the reports of strange supernatural events throughout the centuries add to the drama.
I like how the author makes Chester and Frank’s relationship of opposites come together. Chester is so formal in his speaking and manners, while Frank is rough around the edges and will say anything to make his point. He brings humor to the story.
Also, it’s a bit sad to say goodbye to Joe and Blaze, as they head to London and the Clearwater Mansion. I’m sure we’ll still hear from them from time to time.
There are more reveals of several new and old characters: brothers Maxwell and Arthur; Trevik Pascoe; Clem, Frank’s business partner; and Henry Hope and Edward, the two Larkspur scientists. And as always, Fleet is still there aiding everyone, with all his eccentricities.
Seeing Through Shadows is another outstanding addition to the “Larkspur Mysteries” by Jackson Marsh. Book five is in the works – I can’t wait to read it!
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.
