Genre: Historical, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
“The quiet ones have the loudest voice. Them as say most by speaking in silence.”
–Fiona Hawkins, 1881
March 1891. A parliamentary committee arrives at Larkspur Hall to assess Lord Clearwater’s suitability to become an earl. Prince Albert Victor will announce their decision at a society dinner on Archer’s thirty-second birthday.
However, the MP with the authority to advance Archer to the title is the same man who caused Edward Hyde never to speak again. When the parliamentarians arrive to inspect the Larkspur Academy, Edward comes face to face with the man he had arrested for making unnatural advances. A man who was never tried for his crime.
Silas Hawkins and the academy men band together to ensure Edward sees justice done while protecting Lord Clearwater’s reputation and each other. Using their skills in chemistry, physics and deception, they embark on a game of secrets and subterfuge where the unspoken causes the loudest outcry.
Speaking in Silence is the fifth book in the Larkspur Mysteries series, and touches on themes of victimisation and suicide. Like all books in the series, it is inspired by actual events from the late 1800s. With themes of friendship, bromance, male love and revenge, the story is more of a ‘how dunnit?’ than a ‘who dunnit?’ and like all of Jackson’s mysteries, contains humour, while mixing fact with fiction.
The Review
Henry Hope and Edward Hyde are two very similar young men. Both are extremely intelligent. and work hard in their budding careers.
Edward, at sixteen, got a job with the Brighton Railway. Even though Edward had to move to Croydon, it was well worth it. He learned quickly, and was given more responsibilities and made many friends.
Henry, fourteen and eager to learn, worked as an assistant to an apothecary. Henry did well too, but his eagerness and scientific mind got him into trouble. Both ended up living on the mean streets of Greychurch.
But Edward suffered the most. The traumatic experience that came from being truthful turned ugly, and he lost everything. Frustration, humiliation, anger, loss of family, destruction of a career and the shame of what he had to do to survive lead to him not speaking, and he was always dark, moody, and cold. If justice would never be gained, he would find a way to take revenge. Then, in his darkest moment, he was saved by Henry Hope.
As fate would have it, they both were rescued from Cheap Street and found a home and family at Larkspur Academy. With their passion for science and this amazing opportunity, they now have their own laboratory. Their one goal is to discover something to repay Viscount Clearwater’s kindness.
As Archer, aka Viscount Clearwater, has a chance at earldom, a number of high ranking visitors visit Larkspur. Not all are what they seem, and Edward suddenly needs to escape.
Edward’s departure leaves Henry to tell of his horrible experience. As the group of young men, Chester, Frank, and Clem, hear the tale, they are outraged and ready to do the unspeakable. But little do they know that someone else has overheard their discussion. They soon find they have no better ally than Silas Hawkins.
To save face for Archer and gain justice for Edward, a devious plan is put into motion.
Will Silas, along with the men of Larkspur Academy, succeed? Or will it put them all in danger of loosing those they care for and their home?
Speaking in Silence is skillfully written, amazing, outstanding, and suspenseful, and I loved everything about it. Then again, I’ve never been disappointed with a Jackson Marsh novel.
Thanks to the author for giving Silas a big part in this tale. He’s is one of the most brilliant, fun, creative and snarky characters I’ve run across – a master mind at plans and disguises. His relationship with Archer has remained as loving as it was from the very start, with Deviant Desire in the “Clearwater Mysteries”.
Henry Hope and Edward Hyde are also two very interesting characters. They’re bound to be heard from again – it will be fun to see what their scientific minds will create. Their relationship may take some time, but it seems it has a chance to blossom.
Chester Cadman is also quite brilliant in the role he plays here – the perfect choice, and the illustration of him included in the book is dynamic.
But honestly, I love the entire cast: Frank Andino, and Clem Carter; James “Jimmy” Wright, of the Clearwater Detective Agency, who I think has been hanging out with Silas too long. He has really gotten snarky! Dalton Blaze and Joe Tanner are also doing very well. And last but not least, it was so much fun to have Dr. Markland back. He’s just as eccentric and funny as ever but remains a caring doctor for the young rent boys at the Cheap Street Mission of Greychurch.
Of course, it wouldn’t be much of a story without a little evil, and Marsh knows how to bring it back with both an old nemesis and a new one in Flynn.
As always, the “Author Notes” share historical facts that Marsh has skillfully melded with his fiction, along with some famous names that add interest to the novel. Anjela K continues to thrill her beautiful covers, and the illustration by DazzlingDezigns of Chester Cadman adds to the perfect novel.
Speaking in Silence is hard to put down, with a detailed plot that’s well-worth reading more than once.
Marsh is already deep into the sixth novel of “The Larkspur Mysteries”, Starting With Secrets, and 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.
