Genre: Mystery, Historical, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
Get It On Amazon
About The Book
“Despite your adversities, Mr Blaze, you remain unbroken because of who you are, not what you can or cannot do.”
Mrs Norwood, October 1890
Shakespeare, the Bible, Edgar Allan Poe… What could a series of random quotes have to do with a masked ball and eight unsolved murders?
Archer, Lord Clearwater, is hosting a masquerade at Larkspur Hall, and Prince Albert Victor is the guest of honour. The vitally important event is miles away from London, where Jimmy Wright has enlisted the help of Dalston Blaze and Joe Tanner in solving two mysteries: Who has been sending Archer cryptic notes, and who has murdered eight men on Bodmin Moor?
Dalston finds himself the only one who can solve both riddles, but self-doubt, his concerns for Joe, and his newly found admiration for Jimmy Wright are obstacles he must overcome if he is to prevent Lord Clearwater’s downfall.
But what if the killer isn’t after His Lordship? What if the plan is to assassinate the prince? Or worse, someone much closer to Dalston’s heart?
Agents of the Truth is the third novel in The Larkspur Mysteries, and the stories are best read in order.
The Larkspur Mysteries follow on from The Clearwater Mysteries series, and both feature gay main characters, and are set at a time when homosexuality was illegal. They are a combination of MM/romance, mystery and bromance, and are inspired by historical fact.
The Review
Agents of the Truth is the third installment in the exciting series “The Larkspur Mysteries” from Jackson Marsh. It’s a time of celebration, with a masquerade ball on October 31, 1890.
As time is running out, nerves are running high for Lord Archer’s final plans for the extravagant masquerade ball for the Clearwater Foundation and Larkspur Academy. Through the Foundation, many underprivileged young men of London’s East End have been able to grow and achieve great strides with their talents. With supporters and donators in attendance, their guest of honor will be Her Majesty’s Grandson, Prince Albert Victor. It gives Archer the chance to present the most talented of the young men that have risen from destitution with the aid of the Academy.
Tom, close friend and steward to Archer, is not thrilled with the article in the newspapers. It brings attention to the not yet confirmed guest list that includes Prince Victor. But it also hilights Joe Tanner, a deaf man, and the saving of a man from murder. Tom fears it could all destroy Lord Archers reputation.
For one peaceful moment, Archer puts all his worries aside and reflects on all those that have benefited from and found a home at Clearwater and Larkspur through the Foundation. The ball has turned into a homecoming, as many will coreturnme to Larkspur from Clearwater, especially Silas Hawkins, Jimmy Wright and Jake O’Hara.
But these peaceful moments don’t last, as Archer receives a suspicious note and tries to discover its meaning. With Jimmy’s return from London, where the Clearwater Detective Agency is established, he’s informed Archer he will be taking Dalston Blaze and Joe Tanner with him to investigate more about the “Stone Circle Killings” and the mysterious notes.
With all the chaos, Dalston Blaze is struggling with decisions on the future for him and Joe Tanner. He knows they will have to move on from Larkspur. Where will they go? Will they both find a place in the world beyond? Will he and Joe have a lasting future together? But as time runs out with the discovery of a diabolical madman, Dalston will be “who he is” and put it all on the line to save the unknown ninth victim.
Agents of the Truth is an excellent addition to “The Larkspur Mysteries’. Marsh has made this my favorite novel in the series, mainly because of the heart warming feelings expressed through Lord Archer. Archer reflects on all the people who have gained from being part of his home of Clearwater and now Larkspur. It’s like an introduction of characters from “The Clearwater Mysteries,” with memories of good times and bad.
The “Agents of the Truth” brings some very humorous moments with Joe too. He’s always lived in a world of quiet, expressing himself to only Blaze. Joe “signs” his mind and when he’s frustrated he seems to forget that Dalston’s not the only one who understands signing.
Jake O’Hara as a costume designer is a fun addition – he just doesn’t slow down. And then, there’s no one like Silas Hawkins – he always knows some interesting secrets.
On a serious note: I have concerns about James Wright and Thomas Payne, and hope they will get cleared up in a future novel.
Mrs. Norwood is outstanding in this novel. She is quite the lady, as she encourages her boys, and shows them her love, loyalty and courage. Fleet’s invention of “Scrimmage” becomes part of the mystery, bringing Edgar Allan Poe writings to Archers mysterious notes.
As for the two mysteries entwined in this book, they are twisted, puzzling, suspenseful, and edge-of-your-seat heart stopping. There are also some interesting surprises and secrets that will open doors for several of the characters.
There’s mention of many famous people that have graced Clearwater and Larkspur too – Bram Stoker, Albert Sullivan, Henry Irving, Tennyson, Sarah Bernhardt and many more. Marsh introduces some famous archeologists in this addition too: Flinders Petrie, Margaret Murray, Howard and Samuel Carter.
“The cover design sets the tone for this intriguing mystery, as always spectacularly creative from Andjela K. The illustrations by Dazzling Designs were well done too, especially Dalston “Blazey” Blaze!
I highly recommend both “The Clearwater Mysteries” and “The Larkspur Mysteries”! And don’t pass up the “Author Notes” at the end of “Agents of the Truth”. Marsh is creative and an outstanding writer, gifted at blending fact and fiction on the page. I’m looking forward to novel four, as it’s already in the works.
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.
