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The Clearwater Mysteries #5
Bitter Bloodline
Following an accident, a schoolboy and a tattooed Romanian find themselves unexpected guests at Clearwater's country house, Larkspur Hall.
But what if their presence is no accident? What if Mr Smith is Protectori, a member of an ancient order of assassins bent on destroying anyone who sullies the name of the Szekely people of Transylvania? And what do a runaway boy and an assassin have to do with Clearwater's famed Easter dinner party and its guest of honour, the actor, Henry Irving?
Ancestral feuds, a pocket watch and a rare Romanian wine are seemingly random connections until Silas breaks into a London theatre, and James rescues a boy from drowning. Then, it's a race against time to prevent a hideous murder and Archer's ruin.
Bitter Bloodline is a no-heat mystery that sees Archer's loyal servants become their own band of Protectori. The Clearwater Mysteries are best read in order.
But what if their presence is no accident? What if Mr Smith is Protectori, a member of an ancient order of assassins bent on destroying anyone who sullies the name of the Szekely people of Transylvania? And what do a runaway boy and an assassin have to do with Clearwater's famed Easter dinner party and its guest of honour, the actor, Henry Irving?
Ancestral feuds, a pocket watch and a rare Romanian wine are seemingly random connections until Silas breaks into a London theatre, and James rescues a boy from drowning. Then, it's a race against time to prevent a hideous murder and Archer's ruin.
Bitter Bloodline is a no-heat mystery that sees Archer's loyal servants become their own band of Protectori. The Clearwater Mysteries are best read in order.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2019
17 people are currently reading
20 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 18, 2024
4.5 stars ...
Love this series SO freakin' much!!
Scratches all my places!!
And Jake is back!!! 😁
Love this series SO freakin' much!!
Scratches all my places!!
And Jake is back!!! 😁
August 31, 2024
Hmmm… I finished this one weeks ago and sat on it awhile because I wanted to let my thoughts marinate. I’m not sure waiting helped me figure my feelings out any better than if I’d just reviewed it right away 😬
I still really loved the main characters and their bonds of love and friendship and, from that perspective, I loved this story too. On the other hand, I’m tired of the villains and the way the villainy plays out. It’s been true throughout the series that the villainous plotting relies heavily on luck, coincidence, and the villains’ expectations that the heroes will figure things out in just the right ways and at just the right times. That element has always bugged me a little but because I enjoyed the bonds of love and friendship and the found family vibes so much, the niggles I had with the evil plot elements faded into the background. Unfortunately, I really didn’t buy the number of coincidences in the evil plot of this one or that the main villains could have possibly known all the minute details of the event they were trying to spoil.
Still, I loved the main characters and I adored that one of my faves from a previous book is back and in the best possible way, so I’m torn about this one. I want more! I want MORE of my lovelies! But I’m SO tired of the villain and the villainy and I’m having a hard time deciding if I want to continue. I’d hoped time would pull me in one direction or the other, to continue or to quit, but I’m no closer to deciding now than I was when I finished 2+ weeks ago.
5 stars for our intrepid heroes and the bonds of love, friendship and family that they’ve formed.
2 stars for the mystery/evil plot.
That should leave my final rating at 3.5 stars but honestly, the elements of the plot that dragged the story down are weighing more heavily; it just seems like lazy, sloppy storytelling and I can’t justify rounding up.
Final rating: 3 halfhearted stars.
I still really loved the main characters and their bonds of love and friendship and, from that perspective, I loved this story too. On the other hand, I’m tired of the villains and the way the villainy plays out. It’s been true throughout the series that the villainous plotting relies heavily on luck, coincidence, and the villains’ expectations that the heroes will figure things out in just the right ways and at just the right times. That element has always bugged me a little but because I enjoyed the bonds of love and friendship and the found family vibes so much, the niggles I had with the evil plot elements faded into the background. Unfortunately, I really didn’t buy the number of coincidences in the evil plot of this one or that the main villains could have possibly known all the minute details of the event they were trying to spoil.
Still, I loved the main characters and I adored that one of my faves from a previous book is back and in the best possible way, so I’m torn about this one. I want more! I want MORE of my lovelies! But I’m SO tired of the villain and the villainy and I’m having a hard time deciding if I want to continue. I’d hoped time would pull me in one direction or the other, to continue or to quit, but I’m no closer to deciding now than I was when I finished 2+ weeks ago.
5 stars for our intrepid heroes and the bonds of love, friendship and family that they’ve formed.
2 stars for the mystery/evil plot.
That should leave my final rating at 3.5 stars but honestly, the elements of the plot that dragged the story down are weighing more heavily; it just seems like lazy, sloppy storytelling and I can’t justify rounding up.
Final rating: 3 halfhearted stars.
July 16, 2023
** 3.5 Stars **
March 7, 2024
A bloodline forged in friendship
We're at the halfway mark in the series and everyone has relocated to Clearwater's country home of Larkspur, near Cornwall. The setting, completely different to the smoggy peasoup of gloom that is London, is expansive and open but the looming danger is closer than it has ever been. As the Easter party Archer is to host approaches, a terrible train crash brings two mysterious visitors to Larkspur house.
Thomas, who was also on the train and suffered minor injuries in the crash, returns with the two mysterious visitors to recuperate but it’s not long before Silas starts to get concerned about the 2 new guests and begins to investigate. As in the last book the team get split up as each follows a different aspect of the investigation, and a race against time ensues to stop a murder. The drama and the action take place on multiple fronts but unlike the last book, this one flows so much better as Jackson Marsh flips between locations whilst constantly pushing the drama forward at break neck speed.
One of the great things about Jackson Marsh books is the detailed historical research he puts into them. You really start to see this as you read the scenes leading up to, and following, the train crash. It is so gripping and so informative it will have you on the edge of your seat when reading it. Who knew a crash involving a steam powered locomotive could be so explosive! But it didn't end there as we are also treated to a gathering of some actual historic figures too, as Jackson Marsh blends history with fiction during Archer’s charity event. I really enjoy these aspects and was glad to see the return of Lord Tennyson after first meeting him in Book 4. But my heart leapt for joy with the return of a “fictional” character when Silas visits the Lyceum theatre and is reunited with one of our favourite backstage runners.
But these books aren’t just about solving mysteries, and mixing history with fiction. They are also about the characters and exploring them in more detail. Seeing their insecurities, seeing their growth, and the things they are dealing with. Seeing their relationships blossom and their friendships grow stronger. So it's probably worth mentioning a recurring theme that keeps popping up in these books, and that is the simmering tension bubbling under the surface between Silas and James. In each of the books so far, Silas has either flirted with James or kissed him and it's difficult to know why the author keeps nudging this issue forward. Well this book goes some way to addressing that. In the first book we could see how Silas really struggled to try to not think like a rent boy and use his sexuality as a means of communication. He kept trying not to think in innuendo or be so lascivious and more like a lorded gentry. In this book we see how he tries to show Archer how much he trusts and loves him in a rather odd way. Instead of telling him or showing him in a way like most other people might do, he falls back on his old ways of thinking and tells Archer to go off and have an affair. He tells him that he trusts him to do that and come back to him afterwards. Archer is very uncomfortable with this but can see Silas won't let it go so placates him in order to move the conversation on. So with James, the love Silas has for him keeps reverting back to sexual advances rather than simply hugging him or just telling him how he feels like most friends would. It’s as if Silas only believes the only thing he has that is of any value is his sexuality. We forget that even though he has left his horrendous life on the streets of London, the effects of what he's been through still remain. He is emotionally and mentally scarred. Something that others around him can't quite see, but we, as readers observe in the way he behaves towards those he really loves. In this book he openly admits to not knowing what his purpose is as he doesn't feel he has much to contribute and the life, as Archers consort, isn't enough. So this is why, despite Archers protests, he decides to pursue his nagging suspicion that there is something untoward with one of the visitors, and agrees to investigate some potentially leads, particularly when Thomas and James confirm similar suspicions.
So when he returns to London to carry out his investigation, Silas comes across an old friend who is down on his luck. Remembering his past and the struggles he went through Silas immediately steps in to help, and the two of them band together to hatch a plan to break into the Opera House. It's at this point we start to see Silas regain some of his old sense of purpose as he finally has something he can do rather than sit around. For me it was good to have the narrative move back to London as it felt more exciting to be moving through the city than stuck in a country house. Though these books have travelled to various locations in the country, I think Jackson Marsh excels himself more when he's writing about London in the 1880s. You always get a real sense of history, the grit, and the grime of the city. But to be fair the real excitement in this book actually does take place in the countryside. Or to be more precise, in a harbour during a violent storm.
With his atmospheric prose, Jackson Marsh whips up a fearsome storm as the drama relocates to Newquay harbour. As thunder roars overhead you feel the storm start to rise up around you, and as the waves begin to crash against your face you find yourself gasping for air with Jimmy Wright as he fights to save a drowning boy. Like so many of Jackson Marsh's action scenes, you are placed at the heart of it all as you do battle with your heroes to save the day. Five books in and we have such an emotional bond with these characters it's hard not to shed a tear as they fight against the odds to help those in need. Whether it's Silas helping Jake, or Jimmy caring for a scared little boy, your heart swells with pride at the men they've all grown in to. And all this "feeling" comes from the ink on a page and the imagination of just one man.
This it's wonderful addition to the Clearwater books and a great reminder that here is an author who is at the top of his game.
We're at the halfway mark in the series and everyone has relocated to Clearwater's country home of Larkspur, near Cornwall. The setting, completely different to the smoggy peasoup of gloom that is London, is expansive and open but the looming danger is closer than it has ever been. As the Easter party Archer is to host approaches, a terrible train crash brings two mysterious visitors to Larkspur house.
Thomas, who was also on the train and suffered minor injuries in the crash, returns with the two mysterious visitors to recuperate but it’s not long before Silas starts to get concerned about the 2 new guests and begins to investigate. As in the last book the team get split up as each follows a different aspect of the investigation, and a race against time ensues to stop a murder. The drama and the action take place on multiple fronts but unlike the last book, this one flows so much better as Jackson Marsh flips between locations whilst constantly pushing the drama forward at break neck speed.
One of the great things about Jackson Marsh books is the detailed historical research he puts into them. You really start to see this as you read the scenes leading up to, and following, the train crash. It is so gripping and so informative it will have you on the edge of your seat when reading it. Who knew a crash involving a steam powered locomotive could be so explosive! But it didn't end there as we are also treated to a gathering of some actual historic figures too, as Jackson Marsh blends history with fiction during Archer’s charity event. I really enjoy these aspects and was glad to see the return of Lord Tennyson after first meeting him in Book 4. But my heart leapt for joy with the return of a “fictional” character when Silas visits the Lyceum theatre and is reunited with one of our favourite backstage runners.
But these books aren’t just about solving mysteries, and mixing history with fiction. They are also about the characters and exploring them in more detail. Seeing their insecurities, seeing their growth, and the things they are dealing with. Seeing their relationships blossom and their friendships grow stronger. So it's probably worth mentioning a recurring theme that keeps popping up in these books, and that is the simmering tension bubbling under the surface between Silas and James. In each of the books so far, Silas has either flirted with James or kissed him and it's difficult to know why the author keeps nudging this issue forward. Well this book goes some way to addressing that. In the first book we could see how Silas really struggled to try to not think like a rent boy and use his sexuality as a means of communication. He kept trying not to think in innuendo or be so lascivious and more like a lorded gentry. In this book we see how he tries to show Archer how much he trusts and loves him in a rather odd way. Instead of telling him or showing him in a way like most other people might do, he falls back on his old ways of thinking and tells Archer to go off and have an affair. He tells him that he trusts him to do that and come back to him afterwards. Archer is very uncomfortable with this but can see Silas won't let it go so placates him in order to move the conversation on. So with James, the love Silas has for him keeps reverting back to sexual advances rather than simply hugging him or just telling him how he feels like most friends would. It’s as if Silas only believes the only thing he has that is of any value is his sexuality. We forget that even though he has left his horrendous life on the streets of London, the effects of what he's been through still remain. He is emotionally and mentally scarred. Something that others around him can't quite see, but we, as readers observe in the way he behaves towards those he really loves. In this book he openly admits to not knowing what his purpose is as he doesn't feel he has much to contribute and the life, as Archers consort, isn't enough. So this is why, despite Archers protests, he decides to pursue his nagging suspicion that there is something untoward with one of the visitors, and agrees to investigate some potentially leads, particularly when Thomas and James confirm similar suspicions.
So when he returns to London to carry out his investigation, Silas comes across an old friend who is down on his luck. Remembering his past and the struggles he went through Silas immediately steps in to help, and the two of them band together to hatch a plan to break into the Opera House. It's at this point we start to see Silas regain some of his old sense of purpose as he finally has something he can do rather than sit around. For me it was good to have the narrative move back to London as it felt more exciting to be moving through the city than stuck in a country house. Though these books have travelled to various locations in the country, I think Jackson Marsh excels himself more when he's writing about London in the 1880s. You always get a real sense of history, the grit, and the grime of the city. But to be fair the real excitement in this book actually does take place in the countryside. Or to be more precise, in a harbour during a violent storm.
With his atmospheric prose, Jackson Marsh whips up a fearsome storm as the drama relocates to Newquay harbour. As thunder roars overhead you feel the storm start to rise up around you, and as the waves begin to crash against your face you find yourself gasping for air with Jimmy Wright as he fights to save a drowning boy. Like so many of Jackson Marsh's action scenes, you are placed at the heart of it all as you do battle with your heroes to save the day. Five books in and we have such an emotional bond with these characters it's hard not to shed a tear as they fight against the odds to help those in need. Whether it's Silas helping Jake, or Jimmy caring for a scared little boy, your heart swells with pride at the men they've all grown in to. And all this "feeling" comes from the ink on a page and the imagination of just one man.
This it's wonderful addition to the Clearwater books and a great reminder that here is an author who is at the top of his game.
September 23, 2020
With almost no M-M action, this latest in the series is yet another fast-paced adventure featuring Lord Archer and his ever-growing band of merry men (household staff). Archer doesn't feature much despite the plot revolving around his holding a much advertised fund-raising dinner with famous literati and stage luminaries of the day (Tennyson, Stoker, Irving, Sullivan). The solving of the mystery (plotted murder, kidnapping) falls to Thomas (who's involved in a terrible accident), Silas (who travels to London to research sensational foreign legend) and of course my favorite Jimmy (who takes on a paternal/protective role). The bad-guys are revealed fairly early to readers so the drama comes with our MCs racing against the clock to uncover and avert the plotted murder. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
March 12, 2021
At Larkspur Hall, Silas Hawkins is struggling with what his responsibilities are as Viscount Archer’s secretary. He want’s to prove himself to be more than Archer’s lover.
Thomas Payne returning to Larkspur by way of train finds himself in a horrid accident. With the help of Archer, Andrej, and James they bring two injured passengers back to Larkspur: an adult male and a young boy.
The young boy gets attached to James Wright, but something has spooked him and he runs away. James feeling responsible, is off with Andrej trying to track down the young lad Jerry.
In meeting the male guest, Mr. Smith, Silas becomes suspicious. Unfortunately, Archer isn’t totally concerned and too pre-occupied with a very important Easter Dinner event at Larkspur. That could mean some very significant donations for the Clearwater Foundation.
Silas makes the decision to go back to Clearwater and meets Jake O’Hara who has a surprise. Thomas is trying to hold things together, especially with Archer, who is nervous and upset as Silas has not returned to Larkspur. And where are James and Andrej?
Archer’s interesting crew of men become involved in all sorts of mayhem but
there’s still the fear that Quill has been too silent and no one knows when the last move will be made.
Once again, Jackson Marsh delivers an exciting and nerve racking, tale with action, danger and the arts. “The Clearwater Mysteries” are some of the most exciting and down to the wire, twisted, tales of suspense in the Victorian, 18th century. Once again, Marsh delivers a tale of danger as the crew head off in different directions and show their expertise in solving a mystery. It always leaves me surprised how it will end, who will be believed and saved.
Marsh never disappoints as he always brings: art, theatre, music and writing of the 18th century. This novel brings together some of the most famous artists: Henry Irving, Bram Stoker, Baron Tennyson, Gilbert & Sullivan and even Shelley get’s a mention. I highly recommend “The Clearwater Mysteries” and I’m looking forward to book six “Artful Deception”!
Thomas Payne returning to Larkspur by way of train finds himself in a horrid accident. With the help of Archer, Andrej, and James they bring two injured passengers back to Larkspur: an adult male and a young boy.
The young boy gets attached to James Wright, but something has spooked him and he runs away. James feeling responsible, is off with Andrej trying to track down the young lad Jerry.
In meeting the male guest, Mr. Smith, Silas becomes suspicious. Unfortunately, Archer isn’t totally concerned and too pre-occupied with a very important Easter Dinner event at Larkspur. That could mean some very significant donations for the Clearwater Foundation.
Silas makes the decision to go back to Clearwater and meets Jake O’Hara who has a surprise. Thomas is trying to hold things together, especially with Archer, who is nervous and upset as Silas has not returned to Larkspur. And where are James and Andrej?
Archer’s interesting crew of men become involved in all sorts of mayhem but
there’s still the fear that Quill has been too silent and no one knows when the last move will be made.
Once again, Jackson Marsh delivers an exciting and nerve racking, tale with action, danger and the arts. “The Clearwater Mysteries” are some of the most exciting and down to the wire, twisted, tales of suspense in the Victorian, 18th century. Once again, Marsh delivers a tale of danger as the crew head off in different directions and show their expertise in solving a mystery. It always leaves me surprised how it will end, who will be believed and saved.
Marsh never disappoints as he always brings: art, theatre, music and writing of the 18th century. This novel brings together some of the most famous artists: Henry Irving, Bram Stoker, Baron Tennyson, Gilbert & Sullivan and even Shelley get’s a mention. I highly recommend “The Clearwater Mysteries” and I’m looking forward to book six “Artful Deception”!
January 2, 2022
In this installment of the excellent Clearwater Mysteries, Archer, his lover Silas and his loyal friends Thomas and James had to protect Archer's reputation during a dinner with several illustrious artists of the time.
I love how Jackson Marsh took real life historical figures and made them part of the story, it make all the action in the book feel so much real - like I am reading a piece of history.
Another thing, is that although it is clearly stated that Archer and Silas is a couple, as is James and Thomas, there is nothing sexual happening in the books, but the men held each other with great affection, so the book story is very satisfying on an emotional level.
Anyway, I am addicted to this series, so on to the next book.
I love how Jackson Marsh took real life historical figures and made them part of the story, it make all the action in the book feel so much real - like I am reading a piece of history.
Another thing, is that although it is clearly stated that Archer and Silas is a couple, as is James and Thomas, there is nothing sexual happening in the books, but the men held each other with great affection, so the book story is very satisfying on an emotional level.
Anyway, I am addicted to this series, so on to the next book.
July 6, 2020
A really convoluted mystery in this one.
Archer and Tom take a back seat in the investigations as James and Fecker, and Silas (who finds Jake again) go in different ways to solve the mystery - and the day.
It starts with a well described train crash, there are wild horse rides across moors, harbour rescues, hidden tunnels in London. And ancient Romanian tribes.
Archer is hosting the Garrick Club glitterati at Larkspur but a murderous plot is afoot, masterminded by that arch enemy, Quill.
A jolly good romp. The stories are getting better and more tightly composed as the series goes on.
Archer and Tom take a back seat in the investigations as James and Fecker, and Silas (who finds Jake again) go in different ways to solve the mystery - and the day.
It starts with a well described train crash, there are wild horse rides across moors, harbour rescues, hidden tunnels in London. And ancient Romanian tribes.
Archer is hosting the Garrick Club glitterati at Larkspur but a murderous plot is afoot, masterminded by that arch enemy, Quill.
A jolly good romp. The stories are getting better and more tightly composed as the series goes on.
October 2, 2024
Golden
Just when I start to think,'this is getting old,' Marsh throws in the most convoluted and unexpected plot twists. Then, I find myself sitting on the edge of my seat until I have finished the book.
Just when I start to think,'this is getting old,' Marsh throws in the most convoluted and unexpected plot twists. Then, I find myself sitting on the edge of my seat until I have finished the book.
October 6, 2024
Another episode. Preparations for a Good Friday meal at Larkspur with a star-studded guest list are underway when a disgruntled servant tries to scuttle it on the request of an associate of Quill, but it's foiled by Silas and James. Excellent read, some of which made me uncomfortable.
December 7, 2024
Preposterous story, long winded, dull snd not a mystery. The most sexless group of mismatched gay characters imaginable. Bring back Silas and Andrej the street sex workers from the early books. I’m done flipping through these books to see if anything interesting actually happens.
November 15, 2019
Another exciting mystery!
This series is getting better with each book. This one leaves you with a few questions, but that is part of what makes a great mystery series.
This series is getting better with each book. This one leaves you with a few questions, but that is part of what makes a great mystery series.
March 1, 2020
This ones really good
There’s still some parts where it stutters and you have to think about what’s going on, but for the most part this one is the best so far.
There’s still some parts where it stutters and you have to think about what’s going on, but for the most part this one is the best so far.
May 6, 2020
Very enjoyable series, well written with likeable characters. Some very interesting historical facts as well. Can't wait for more.
August 20, 2022
Fantastic drama and story. Love to see the growing trust and bromance between the characters. Very true to historical setting as well, right down to how Archer, the Viscount supposedly the main character, doesn't really do much at all (lol) but still makes his presence felt throughout. Very skilfully woven and all the pieces coming together was great fun.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews