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The Delamere Files #6
Grave Developments
Graverobbing, a faceless corpse, a woman dead from shock, and a woodland cemetery where men indulge their forbidden desires. What ties these to the pastor of the Stoke Newington Congregationalist Chapel, a Greek immigrant, and an affluent family? Everything is connected, but the puzzle is complex, and it’s up to Jack Merrit to solve the macabre mystery.
While Will and Ned delve into the science behind the crime, Jack’s enquiries take him deep into the dark corners of Abney Park Cemetery where men lurk in the shadows, driven there by lust and the need for secrecy. With his loyal partner, Ben Baxter, by his side, Jack walks among temptation. The dangerous thrill of anonymous sex is a powerful lure, but if he is to remain true to his lover, solve the case, and save an innocent man’s life, he must resist the beckoning darkness.
While Will and Ned delve into the science behind the crime, Jack’s enquiries take him deep into the dark corners of Abney Park Cemetery where men lurk in the shadows, driven there by lust and the need for secrecy. With his loyal partner, Ben Baxter, by his side, Jack walks among temptation. The dangerous thrill of anonymous sex is a powerful lure, but if he is to remain true to his lover, solve the case, and save an innocent man’s life, he must resist the beckoning darkness.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
9 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Jackson Marsh
43 books81 followersJackson Marsh is a British born author of novels and screenplays. He has won awards for his gay erotic writing and currently writes for several adult websites. In 2007, Jackson won an EGPA for his writing and in 2017 won awards for his screenplay writing. He is married and lives in Greece.
You can reach Jackson at his website jacksonmarsh.com
You can reach Jackson at his website jacksonmarsh.com
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 28, 2025
A great addition to this series ... having worked out the 'who' behind the dastardly deeds before the halfway point, alas the 'why' or motivation remained elusive til the very end. Previously 'secondary' character Ben gets greater investigative roles in this book and I'm beginning to appreciate his 'naughtier' side more.
December 28, 2024
Grave developments is the latest book in the Delamere series by Jackson Marsh.
This one takes us on a journey through the sorted MM encounters in Abney Park cemetery.
When the Clearwater detective team is called on to solve the mystery of a faceless corpse, things begin to get interesting. The twists and turns that confound detective Jack Merritt are compounded by the lack of who and why, in trying to solve the mystery.
The introduction of a Kodak camera and development of the film within, adds to the ever expanding intelligence of the Clearwater agency.
Assigning Ben Baxter, as Jack’s partner and “sidekick”, was a welcome addition to the story. I’ve always felt that Baxter‘s character needed to take more of part in the series. I was pleased to see that he finally is given the chance to prove himself.
Will and Ned are on the scene, learning how to develop photos, which Ned finds fascinating. The newest addition to this series has the usual witt and intelligence of Jackson Marsh that goes beyond my expectations.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading, grave developments, and highly recommended it.
As always, I am eager to read the next book in the series.
This one takes us on a journey through the sorted MM encounters in Abney Park cemetery.
When the Clearwater detective team is called on to solve the mystery of a faceless corpse, things begin to get interesting. The twists and turns that confound detective Jack Merritt are compounded by the lack of who and why, in trying to solve the mystery.
The introduction of a Kodak camera and development of the film within, adds to the ever expanding intelligence of the Clearwater agency.
Assigning Ben Baxter, as Jack’s partner and “sidekick”, was a welcome addition to the story. I’ve always felt that Baxter‘s character needed to take more of part in the series. I was pleased to see that he finally is given the chance to prove himself.
Will and Ned are on the scene, learning how to develop photos, which Ned finds fascinating. The newest addition to this series has the usual witt and intelligence of Jackson Marsh that goes beyond my expectations.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading, grave developments, and highly recommended it.
As always, I am eager to read the next book in the series.
December 27, 2024
Camera, lights, action!
With Ned’s newly acquired “Kodak”, the “red light” of a makeshift photographic lab, and Jimmy’s call to “action”, the boys set off on their next adventure to investigate the recent murder of a man who apparently died some 10 years before the murder actually happened. And after a little literary innuendo to distract us before the real case gets underway, Jackson Marsh kicks off the next investigation using his usual big opening reveal, designed to get those pages turning as he hooks you into the next chapter in the Delamere Files.
With Jimmy back at the helm in book 6 we are now in his steady hands for this next case in the series. As a seasoned general he directs his men with expert precision, as they split off to investigate different aspects of this unusual murder mystery. This has the added advantage of keeping the story moving and giving the reader numerous story threads to follow. With the two new pups now resident at Delamere House, we get plenty of comic respite from Simmy and Ronny, not to mention the grumpy non-Grose Mrs Sparks, who does raise the odd chuckle or two this time around. But it’s down to Jack to add the emotional thread that weaves it’s way through this story as the author once again uses “temptation” for his character focus… something he use to use when writing about some of the characters in the original Clearwater series. But here temptation comes in the form of cruising in the19th century, and the lure of anonymous sex. This gives the author the chance to discuss what drives men to do this, and how the temptation presents itself to Jack. This is a theme that seems to have been hanging around Jack for some time now, whether in the form of Eddy Hawkstone, sewer flirts or even Ben Baxter. It’s almost as if everyone who comes into contact with Jack is unable to resist him! But fortunately this book gives us the chance to get to know a slightly different version of Baxter, rather than just the flirty-cheeky chappie we have read about in previous books. Don’t get me wrong, the overt sexual flirt is still here, which does get a little annoying at times, but we are slowly starting to see him as a little more of a rounded person, with more to his character than just his salacious intent. With this newly painted picture of him starting to form in this book I do hope the author gives us chance to watch that side of him blossom in any future books. It’s easy to just show the sexual side, but far more interesting as a reader to explore the deeper complexity that make up the human spirit, something this author has shown he can do particularly well. Probably one of the reasons we love Jimmy so much.
What he did give us was the chance to watch the growing friendship between Will and Ned blossom. Two friends in sync but different enough in ways that they perfectly compliment one another as friends. The scene where they visit Dr Markland being a perfect example of this. The comedy here begs to be filmed as Jackson Marsh tries valiantly to describe the visual slapstick elements of the scene on the page that would no doubt illicit even more roars of laughter if this ever hit the silver screen. And it’s in this scene and the following ones where we see the two friends compliment each other’s strengths and weaknesses. An intellectual double act in the making.
As the investigation gets underway we once again see the wheels of detection begin to turn as the Clearwater boys chase down different leads. Poor Jack has to face off against some brilliantly named battle axes, and Will has an interesting encounter with Henry Hope, one of the few characters who probably exceeds him intellectually. Even the marvellous materialising Max’s makes some choice re appearances when they moment calls for it. But it’s very much Jack and Baxter we see Jackson Marsh put the majority of his focus on. Their “double act” was not as much fun to read as Simmy and Ronny’s, and there was a lot of slang that was less funny to read than I think it was intended. But it was good to have a sounding board for Jack to bounce his ideas off… even if this “sounding board” liked to talk back to him most of the time.
But for me the stand out in this book, and the last, were the new younger characters the author introduced, Simmy, Ronny and now Arthur. Three brilliantly different characters who always steel the scenes that they are in. I want to read more about them, an entire book even, but I suspect Mr Dickens has already beaten us to it. What he hasn’t written and what Jackson Marsh hints at here, is this burdening paternal relationship starting to form with Jack and the two brothers. Jack is a very “laddish” type of person, not given to waxing lyrical about emotions. More happy to meet Fecker down the local for a few tankards than cuddle up with Larkin whilst reading Byron. But Jack has such a strong paternal nature that extends beyond his brother, to Baxter and now to the boys. It makes me wonder if Jackson Marsh will attempt to square that very Victorian circle and explore how a gay man, or gay couple, could live as a family in Victorian London with two young wards. Lord Clearwater attempted this by creating a safe space for men of similar predispositions, where they could flourish, but nothing like this.
Like in previous books the case moved along at a slower, less frantic pace as the ones we use to see in the Clearwater series. But this very much suits this series of books which are primarily set in and around London. However the transition piece here serves as a relay, passing the baton of a telegram from one site to another, and amping up the pace from a trot to a gallop. A creative way to quicken the heart and get the adrenaline flowing as we hurtle towards one of Jackson Marsh’s heart stopping finales. And although this mystery, like the last, was not too difficult for the reader to solve in the end, it was an interesting journey to take and shed a little more light on some of the hidden aspects of gay life back in Victorian London.
4.5 Stars
With Ned’s newly acquired “Kodak”, the “red light” of a makeshift photographic lab, and Jimmy’s call to “action”, the boys set off on their next adventure to investigate the recent murder of a man who apparently died some 10 years before the murder actually happened. And after a little literary innuendo to distract us before the real case gets underway, Jackson Marsh kicks off the next investigation using his usual big opening reveal, designed to get those pages turning as he hooks you into the next chapter in the Delamere Files.
With Jimmy back at the helm in book 6 we are now in his steady hands for this next case in the series. As a seasoned general he directs his men with expert precision, as they split off to investigate different aspects of this unusual murder mystery. This has the added advantage of keeping the story moving and giving the reader numerous story threads to follow. With the two new pups now resident at Delamere House, we get plenty of comic respite from Simmy and Ronny, not to mention the grumpy non-Grose Mrs Sparks, who does raise the odd chuckle or two this time around. But it’s down to Jack to add the emotional thread that weaves it’s way through this story as the author once again uses “temptation” for his character focus… something he use to use when writing about some of the characters in the original Clearwater series. But here temptation comes in the form of cruising in the19th century, and the lure of anonymous sex. This gives the author the chance to discuss what drives men to do this, and how the temptation presents itself to Jack. This is a theme that seems to have been hanging around Jack for some time now, whether in the form of Eddy Hawkstone, sewer flirts or even Ben Baxter. It’s almost as if everyone who comes into contact with Jack is unable to resist him! But fortunately this book gives us the chance to get to know a slightly different version of Baxter, rather than just the flirty-cheeky chappie we have read about in previous books. Don’t get me wrong, the overt sexual flirt is still here, which does get a little annoying at times, but we are slowly starting to see him as a little more of a rounded person, with more to his character than just his salacious intent. With this newly painted picture of him starting to form in this book I do hope the author gives us chance to watch that side of him blossom in any future books. It’s easy to just show the sexual side, but far more interesting as a reader to explore the deeper complexity that make up the human spirit, something this author has shown he can do particularly well. Probably one of the reasons we love Jimmy so much.
What he did give us was the chance to watch the growing friendship between Will and Ned blossom. Two friends in sync but different enough in ways that they perfectly compliment one another as friends. The scene where they visit Dr Markland being a perfect example of this. The comedy here begs to be filmed as Jackson Marsh tries valiantly to describe the visual slapstick elements of the scene on the page that would no doubt illicit even more roars of laughter if this ever hit the silver screen. And it’s in this scene and the following ones where we see the two friends compliment each other’s strengths and weaknesses. An intellectual double act in the making.
As the investigation gets underway we once again see the wheels of detection begin to turn as the Clearwater boys chase down different leads. Poor Jack has to face off against some brilliantly named battle axes, and Will has an interesting encounter with Henry Hope, one of the few characters who probably exceeds him intellectually. Even the marvellous materialising Max’s makes some choice re appearances when they moment calls for it. But it’s very much Jack and Baxter we see Jackson Marsh put the majority of his focus on. Their “double act” was not as much fun to read as Simmy and Ronny’s, and there was a lot of slang that was less funny to read than I think it was intended. But it was good to have a sounding board for Jack to bounce his ideas off… even if this “sounding board” liked to talk back to him most of the time.
But for me the stand out in this book, and the last, were the new younger characters the author introduced, Simmy, Ronny and now Arthur. Three brilliantly different characters who always steel the scenes that they are in. I want to read more about them, an entire book even, but I suspect Mr Dickens has already beaten us to it. What he hasn’t written and what Jackson Marsh hints at here, is this burdening paternal relationship starting to form with Jack and the two brothers. Jack is a very “laddish” type of person, not given to waxing lyrical about emotions. More happy to meet Fecker down the local for a few tankards than cuddle up with Larkin whilst reading Byron. But Jack has such a strong paternal nature that extends beyond his brother, to Baxter and now to the boys. It makes me wonder if Jackson Marsh will attempt to square that very Victorian circle and explore how a gay man, or gay couple, could live as a family in Victorian London with two young wards. Lord Clearwater attempted this by creating a safe space for men of similar predispositions, where they could flourish, but nothing like this.
Like in previous books the case moved along at a slower, less frantic pace as the ones we use to see in the Clearwater series. But this very much suits this series of books which are primarily set in and around London. However the transition piece here serves as a relay, passing the baton of a telegram from one site to another, and amping up the pace from a trot to a gallop. A creative way to quicken the heart and get the adrenaline flowing as we hurtle towards one of Jackson Marsh’s heart stopping finales. And although this mystery, like the last, was not too difficult for the reader to solve in the end, it was an interesting journey to take and shed a little more light on some of the hidden aspects of gay life back in Victorian London.
4.5 Stars
May 16, 2025
An unexpectedly fun ride but why I started with Book 6 - who knows (I've since gone back to start with Book 1).
Fascinating cast of characters and the author has an incredible talent for describing scenes from old London so I can see it, hear it and (ugh) smell it! LOL. I really loved the scenes where the characters were learning about new 'technology' from photography to refrigeration. It reminded me not to take these things for granted.
The mystery itself was a bit hard to follow and a touch unbelievable in the end but I was so enamored with the characters, I didn't mind. Can't wait to read the whole series and get to know the large cast even better.
Fascinating cast of characters and the author has an incredible talent for describing scenes from old London so I can see it, hear it and (ugh) smell it! LOL. I really loved the scenes where the characters were learning about new 'technology' from photography to refrigeration. It reminded me not to take these things for granted.
The mystery itself was a bit hard to follow and a touch unbelievable in the end but I was so enamored with the characters, I didn't mind. Can't wait to read the whole series and get to know the large cast even better.
January 29, 2025
Jackson Marsh never fails with his found family members throughout the extensive series of adventure ,mystery. Puzzles and love. Set in Victorian England each of the novels has a back story running alongside the episode of each novel.
February 4, 2025
Loads of suspects
One of the best mysteries so far! So many suspects to choose from. I feel poor Ronny will never quit his cussing!!
One of the best mysteries so far! So many suspects to choose from. I feel poor Ronny will never quit his cussing!!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews