Twisted Tracks

The Clearwater Mysteries #2

by Jackson Marsh

Part two of The Clearwater Mysteries, this story continues directly from 'Deviant Desire.'

An intercepted telegram, a coded invitation and the threat of exposure. Viscount Clearwater must once again put his life on the line to defend his reputation. The mystery is complicated by the arrival of a new servant experiencing the confusion of first gay love, and Archer's feelings towards his recently fired footman.

Deviant forces are at work as Archer's enemies plot to expose his homosexuality and bring him down. Only the bonds of loyalty and friendship can protect him and those he loves as he struggles to protect his young lover, Silas, and his alliance of devoted servants.

A mashup of mystery, adventure and romance, Twisted Tracks takes place in an imaginary England of 1888.

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction, LGBT, Romance, M M Romance, Mystery, M M Historical Romance

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 3, 2019

About the author

Jackson 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

Reviews

[Noah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I suppose that was nice. At the end of the day, I believe that this installment is a more than worthy successor to the first book, Deviant Desire. Now, I’m sure you can tell by my general lack of enthusiasm that I didn’t quite enjoy this one as much as I was hoping. When thinking back, I think most of it has to do with the fact that this book places a much larger focus on the viscount, Archer, and his butler, Thomas (my least favorite characters), this time around. Twisted Tracks is very much Thomas’ story, where he’s given the most point-of-view chapters and he even gets a consolation love-interest because things didn't work out between him and Archer in the last book. That’d all be find and dandy... if it didn’t feel like he was taking up space from Silas and Fecker, the two best characters from the last one! I guess I still liked Thomas well enough, but I get this odd feeling like he’s taking up the narrative role that Silas should be in, no? Silas, who had such a big role last time (to the point where I consider him the main character), has been delegated to “side-character” status, and that just… sucks. I also don’t like how there’s still this weirdly sexually charged energy between Thomas and Archer, like they're still kind of into each other (shown in how Archer gets jealous of Thomas' new love-interest, or how Thomas keenly watches Archer getting dressed). And while I’m glad I was spared the agony of a love-triangle, it really seems like there’s some underlying drama that needs to be worked out between all of them! Besides, I think too many characters are too impressed with Archer. When you have a character who’s super charming and super smart and super rich, they need at least one foil who isn’t impressed by anything they do. Otherwise, they can come across arrogant and boorish. In the first book this was Silas, who’s differing background and flirtatious nature always gave Archer pause and made him question his world views, giving him a much-needed unique perspective. Because Silas is barely in this book (and trust me, my ears perked up like a dog every time he was on page), and because he and Archer are already in a relationship, there’s fewer people to keep his ego in check and question his authority.

Moving on though, I can appreciate how this series doesn’t feel the need to adhere to the “monster-of-the-week” formula typical of the mystery genre, and it’s not afraid to have story arcs blend from one to the next, making the whole thing feel more like an epic saga, which in turn makes me much more invested in these characters than I might otherwise be. The only issue with this kind of storytelling is that because of its defiance against being strictly one genre, it can sometimes lose narrative focus, and a lot of this book kind of just felt like an extended epilogue of the first. Maybe there wasn’t a clear enough cut, I don’t know. The first book had this grand scope with its sprawling story, while this one often felt like Archer and his people were just going from room to room, only to mercifully get up and then... go to the next room. See what I'm getting at? This meandering was not dissimilar to The Book of Boba Fett, a show I didn’t like where they would go from location to location without any rhyme or reason as to why they were doing the things they were doing. Wandering aimlessly like a Sim. I mean, even though this one is shorter than the first, it felt way denser and was much more of a chore to get through! You could really tell that a lot of the story was mostly padding until the big climactic scene on the train (which was pretty great, I can’t lie). This "wait-for-something-exciting-to-happen" narrative technique wasn’t dissimilar to The Book of Boba Fett, a show I didn’t like where they literally don’t do anything until the final episode, just standing around twiddling their thumbs, like they know for a fact that they can’t actually do anything substantial because they’re only on episode three. Anyway, going back to this novel, I still really love all of these characters (even if I don’t think all of them can carry their own book), so I think it’s safe to say that I’m on this train ride (har har) for the long run. Every step of the way! Well, probably more like… some steps of the way! Until I get tired at least.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars ...

Not nearly as edge-of-your-seat intense and suspenseful as the first two books of the series (much more talk and much less action) but still quite engaging. I love these characters so freakin' much and James is a delightful addition to the cast! 😊

[Gabi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, and the series in general is quite an odd one. On one hand I like the historical setting, especially in the previous book, the tone was set up so nicely. Here it wasn't present that much, but understandable, since the plot had to move forward.
On the other hand the mystery/action angle is a bit OTT, and the romance is too sweet, BUT I'm enjoying it. I even liked when Thomas showed to James what he should be doing as the new footman. It should have been tedious, but I didn't skim over it, so yay.
Thomas and James's relationship was predicable.
I hate the "His Lordship this, her Ladyship that" bulls***. And Archer, as Lord Clearwater is trying to be less THAT, but he still upholds this hierarchy for society's sake and I hate it. HATE IT! Also Archer is a contradiction. As far as I remember from book 1, he is a nice person, but then he said things in this book that were not nice. And I didn't like it, but I also found it refreshing, because he didn't say things I expected from him. He's not such a nice guy after all. I'm on the fence.
And what's with Fecker, he totally felt like a fifth-wheel. He needs a new partner in crime, since Silas abandoned him.

I think I will continue the series, but need a break first.

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Después del ascenso de Thomas, la casa Clearwater comenzó una nueva era, nuevos cambios, eso incluye la contratación de otro joven que ocupe el puesto anterior de Thomas. Para esto Thomas tiene en mente al joven mensajero (James) con el que siente atracción, cree que será perfecto para el puesto, pero que también será perfecto para él. Sin embargo, cuando se descubre que Quill todavía esta vivo y quiere asesinar a Archer, el grupo vuelve a reunirse para crear un plan que pueda eliminarlo de una vez por todas. Pero serán capaces de terminar con la amenaza esta vez? Que pasará con Thomas y James, podrá realmente haber algo entre ellos?

Este libro comienza exactamente donde termina el otro, por lo que no tenemos ninguna distancia de tiempo donde pudieran haber pasado otras cosas. Ahora conocemos el interés amoroso de Thomas, y sus cualidades, pero también la próxima trama, ahora con un enemigo mucho mas cercano a la casa.
Esta nueva aventura esta mucha mas llena de acción que la anterior, y se siente mucho mas corta que el anterior también. Y sin embargo, la rapidez con que todos los personajes ganan confianza entre si, es tan exageradamente rápida que te quedas con la sensación de que ha pasado mas tiempo que el real (aunque el autor recalca el paso del tiempo a cada rato).
Así que si, la serie esta interesante, aunque me enreda todavía los sentimientos entre los personajes, pero seguiré leyendo a ver que otra aventura nos deparan nuestros protas.

[Maryann Kafka · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being dismissed, Thomas Payne has left Clearwater and is trying to get back home. While waiting at the agents office, he once again meets James Wright, the messenger that caught his eye, while delivering a telegram to Clearwater House. Once Thomas shares his dilemma with James, James opens his home to Thomas until he can decide what to do.
Archer is livid and demands Tripp find Thomas and have him returned to Clearwater. On Thomas’ return, Archer immediately dismisses Tripp and appoints Thomas to the high position of butler. With the position of footman open, James applies for the job and becomes an addition to the staff.
Unbeknownst to Thomas and Archer, Tripp comes up with a scheme to devastate the occupants of the Clearwater House and James finds himself caught up in the devious scheme.
When a mysterious note, telegram, postcard and wording comes into play, Archer finds that James has an expertise that comes in handy. James starts to form a bond with Archer, Silas, Feck and especially Thomas and finds himself struggling with making the right decisions.

Archer Riddington is facing not only the issue of his brother Crispin, the dastardly Dr. Quill but now a new nemesis in the evil Tripp. Archer strives to break from the old staunch ways of his father. He wants to be able to live his life and hopefully open the door so others can live freely too. It’s fun to watch as Archer builds bonds with Thomas, Silas, Fecker and James. When this unique group of men put their heads together their investigative talents shine through. High marks go to Lady Marshall, Archers godmother, she doesn’t hold back and brings many humorous moments to the story.

“Twisted Tracks” picks up right where “Deviant Desire” leaves off. Jackson Marsh creates another entertaining, well plotted, action packed, triple mystery set in the imaginary, Victorian era of England 1888. The verbiage and settings are very descriptive and set the tone for the era. “Twisted Tracks” is a fun mystery read, a little bit Sherlock Homes-ish, Jack-the -Ripper-ish with a twist.
Jackson Marsh has got me hooked! I really liked the first novel “Deviant Desire” and was surprised to see “Twisted Tracks” come out so quickly. I like the growing potential “Clearwater Mystery” series presents and looking forward to book three “Unspeakable Acts”.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is addictive! The books are a splendid combination of character study, adventure/mystery and romance. Marsh not only creates a band of enticing main characters, but beyond their bubble the rest of his Victorian London struggles and thrives. This distinctive sense of place and time and Marsh's visually evocative writing style enables you to immerse yourself in this fictitious world. Furthermore, I love his characterization. He uses multiple POV, bringing to life not only the MC's but also important side-characters, like the 'villains', and he gives each character his attention and his time, which gives richness and depth to the stories. I particularly enjoy his use of dialect, which stresses the individuality of the protagonists. In this installment I adored the central couple Tommy and James, together and each on their own, and I look very much forward to seeing more of them in the future. And what a thrilling finale! I tend to loose track in intricate action scenes but this was very clearly and visually written and it was truly gripping.
On to the next part!

[QuietlyKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, clever, intriguing, captivating storytelling. As Daniel commented on my review of book 1, Deviant Desire, I don't really view these books as "romances" per se ... more as "found family" mysteries. I love the friendship/loyalty, "I'd die for you" relationships between Silas, Andrej, Archer, Thomas ... and all the others that show up in future books. I really couldn’t have said it better! That 👆 is what makes these books work so well for me.

[**KAYCEE** · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Asher now has two men causing him problems, Thomas becomes more comfortable with his sexuality, Fecker is still outlandish Fecker, Silas is still by Asher’s side, and we get to know James a lot better. Is James’ loyalty to Thomas and Asher?

I enjoyed getting to know these lads better and loved seeing them become closer friends. However the entire story was about trying to figure out where Archer’s nemesis was and how to be rid of him. It got a bit slow. There was very little action/interaction between the protagonist and antagonist.

There was little romance in this book, as well. Very little. I would have liked to have seen more romantic development between Thomas and James. There was a rift between Thomas and James for much of the story, but things did end on a positive note and headed in the right direction.

This story still had that wonderful Victorian setting with multiple British dialects, which I adore reading. But this book is not nearly as good as book 1.

[PaperMoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read like Downton Abbey meets Sherlock chasing down a mad baddie on the high moors. I appreciate the development of a secondary pair of protags; sooo glad hunky redhead Thomas gets his own love interest in this book. This was an engaging and fun read.

[Finnegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The adventures continued, and Silas and Archer were in a relationship and getting used to each other. There were a few changes in the staff of Clearwater House, with the welcome addition of James, the new footman. Tom and James were developing feelings for each other, but Jimmy's secret may put an end to that.

This book only add flames to my current fascination with Victorian England. Jackson March skillfully mix facts with fiction, resulting in a riveting tale. As with the first book, the book is about the plot and the mystery and the romances are well-developed but with almost no action in the bedrooms, although it is implied. I did not miss the sex, because the story was that good.

I've been binge reading this series, and will add reviews when I have time, because I'm reading the books one after the other. It is great that they are on Kindle Unlimited, so that helps with my book budget.

Recommended to all lovers of historical MM fiction.

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5+*
Quite a quiet start with the story more about the gents of Clearwater House and the addition of James to the mix. Tripp has gone but is pulling something off behind the scenes.
I did wonder if we would get more action and we do. A puzzle to solve initially and then hair raising action up on the Yorkshire Moors.
Once again enjoyed the capers, suspend belief and enjoy

[SebFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

And the game is afoot!

Continuing exactly where Deviant Desire left off, book 2 opens with an introduction to James Joseph Wright, the telegraph delivery boy we briefly met in book 1. This book takes a slightly different direction compared to the previous one as it focuses more on James and Thomas, their developing relationship and the roles and responsibilities of servant and master in the Clearwater household.

With this new focus the mystery element gets pushed more to the back burners while we explore more of the class structure and what it means to be a servant, restricted in freedoms both in work and in society. Indeed both master and servant suffer the same constraints, despite Archer’s desire to fight against them, if not in public then in his private life. We start to see the freedoms of Clearwater House begin to manifest themselves as Archer creates a safe haven not just for himself and Silas, but for everyone, no matter their status or position.

I really applaud what this book is trying to do and am grateful the author took the time to explore these issues rather than just barrel on with another murder or mystery for Archer and the gang to solve. Thomas and James are excellent characters and perfect eyes through which to view some of the struggles common people faced during those times. With Archer and Silas, you have two larger than life characters that make it difficult to explore more subtle aspects of life in 19th century London. Silas has just come from a world where he had to sell his body to earn enough for a scrap of bread. Archer is a Lord who wants to solve a series of murders while finding a way to live his life with his lover. With James and Thomas, Jackson Marsh has created characters who allow us to look at the minutiae of life which may not have been a concern for a street rat or a Viceroy. With James and Thomas we get to see what life was really like below stairs. The struggles that face the lower working classes. The long hours they have to toil for most of their lives just to make an honest living. How someone with no voice or little status still longs to find love, despite the threat of a lifetime of imprisonment. The fears and insecurities that anyone would have at the start of a new relationship is so much worse because of how oppressive it is for a gay man, particularly of Thomas and James’ social class.

I've read complaints in other reviews that this book felt lacking! I cannot understand that. You're reading a series set in 19th century England, looking at the plight of gay men in a repressive society with a stifling class system. Why complain when you have a book that really manages to explore all that, all whilst weaving together a sweet love story and an unfolding mystery. And this isn't your typical mystery, either. This isn't one where the detective has all the answers in his head and confidently strides into battle knowing exactly what he's going to be faced with and confidently predicting its outcome. No, this is a mystery that has complicated clues. That requires the talents of everyone in the group. That fails as much as it succeeds in its attempt to find out what lies behind it all. Much like the exploration of life in 19th century England, this mystery has also been written with a large degree of realism about it. And for that I'm extremely grateful to the author.

Don’t get me wrong, this book isn’t without adventure and intrigue, or any of the tension and humour we saw in book 1. No, that is definitely here, it is just paced differently to the first book. The main part of book 2 is taken up exploring the developing love affair between Thomas and James, and setting up James as a trusted member of Archie’s team. The real exploration of the mystery takes place in the latter part of the book. The final scene does contain a similar nail biting finale as the one we saw in the first book. However this one involves a chase scene between an out of control steam train and men on horseback - no doubt inspired by a similar scene in Back to the Future 3, but no less thrilling. For me though, I am loving the scenes when the whole team are together. Aside from seeing their intellectual strengths bouncing off one another, you are starting to see familiar camaraderie forming and some wonderfully funny comic interplay.

Book 2 is definitely a worthy successor to Deviant Desire and in my opinion a beautifully paced insight into the world these wonderful characters inhabit. As with the first book, I came away from reading this book with a little more understanding of life in Victorian England, a sense of the struggles people faced from the rigidity of the class system, but most importantly a hunger to read more about these brilliant men and ready to jump back in to another one of their thrilling adventures.

*** 4.5 Stars ***

[Suzun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad

Not as good as the first book though.

I do like the fact that the two main characters from the first book are still involved in this one and I hope that continues.

Some of this is ridiculous, which yeah that’s kind of a given with romance. It could use a lot more editing as there are several errors. It’s fun though and the endings aren’t just an easy way out.

[Tony Williamson,jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series

Note: each book does end in a bit of a cliffhanger. While not a major one, it still leads you into the next book. I still love Feck, though not a major character, he is the one that I need more of.

[Eleftheria · Rating 5 out of 5]

After getting to the know the characters the story is even more enjoyable. The action sequence was panned out like a film and it's great. Sweet romance and historically accurate setting, always a great bonus.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more complicated. They think they know who the Ripper is, but the Viscount has two more valets/footmen, one who comes from the post office. There's also a train that leaves London and makes only one stop in northern Scotland, which they take. The suspect disappears, and the book ends.

[emily curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable series, well written with likeable characters. Some very interesting historical facts as well. Can't wait for more.

[Don Bradshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This installment was alright but nowhere near as good as the first. Tom was an ass.