Fallen Splendour

The Clearwater Mysteries #4

by Jackson Marsh

"We have his sisters. Involve your catamite, and they will die before the shortest day."

A kidnapping, a threat and a deadly showdown force Lord Clearwater and his coachman, Andrej, on a secret mission to save two innocent girls. But where are they? The clue to the location is wrapped up in a Tennyson poem, and time is fast running out.

Left at Clearwater House to crack the code, James finds himself with another ominous responsibility when Inspector Adelaide makes an arrest. With his master missing, it falls to the footman to crack the code, fight a court case, and save Archer's reputation.

With only three days to find the answers, all evidence points to a location known only to Tennyson himself, and an enemy thought dead.

But what if James is wrong?

An interconnected double mystery, Fallen Splendour is the fourth in the Clearwater Mysteries series. The books are best read in order.

Genres: Historical, M M Romance, M M Historical Romance

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 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

[QuietlyKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good I’m almost afraid to keep going 😅 If I want to be sure the series ends in perfection, I should stop now. I won’t, but damn if I’m not tempted. I just don’t see how anything that follows could possibly live up to the standard set by Fallen Splendor. The plot was engaging and the mystery compelling but what really pushed this one to the top tier is the way Marsh grew the bonds of love, dedication and devotion between this band of friends and lovers. LOVED it!

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apenas un par de semanas después de la trampa en la Opera, Archer, Silas, Thomas y James tendrán que enfrentarse a un nuevo misterio, uno que los separara y que los obligará a ver realmente quienes son sus amigos y en quien pueden confiar. Sin embargo, Archer deberá aprender a confiar de verdad en los demás, y Silas deberá aceptar que no tiene que ser el mártir.
Pero no solo es descubrir quien esta detrás de todo esto, sino es también evitar que se salgan con la suya y puedan dañar la reputación de Clearwater. Podrán descubrir la trampa antes de la fecha prevista? Como podrán comunicarse entre si estando cada uno tan lejos? Será posible que tengan una vida tranquila por fin?

Este, hasta ahora, ha sido el mejor de los libros de esta serie. Tiene de todo, desde grandes misterio, profundas reflexiones, grandes héroes y batallas legales. Sin embargo, el comienzo es bastante enredado, los protagonistas siguen siendo enredados en algunos casos y tontos en otros. Siento como que la personalidad de Archer comenzará a madurar en los libros anteriores, y aquí de golpe, vuelve a ser un niño malcriado. Pero, me gusto mucho la historia de Andrej, y como el hombre es mucho mas que un empleado, y su forma de ver la vida. Me cansa la insinuadera de que puede haber una relación sexual entre los 4 protas, y siempre hay 2 que lo rechazan.
En fin, la serie esta muy interesante, y me gustaría saber un poco mas de lo que van a pasar, pero por ahora la voy a dejar hasta aquí, mas adelante, retomare la serie.

[PaperMoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never underestimate the power of a few good men they say - and this becomes ever so clear to dashing, take-charge Viscount Clearwater (MC Archer) in this latest series offering. A cryptic letter from a familiar deranged mind is delivered in the late post at the very start ... hinting at the awful reality of two innocents being kidnapped and/or worse - sending Archer hurtling into the snowy night on a desperate rescue mission.

Although Archer leaves clear instructions for his faithful retainers (Footman James and Butler Thomas) to carry through for him, it is James' initiative, incredible 'smarts' and defiant loyalty that takes my breath away (and literally saves the day in the end!) as he faces down multiple obstacles/hurdles thrown his way in carrying through with his mission (i.e. to deliver Silas safely to the Clearwater country manor in Cornwall by Christmas eve). A two & half-pronged plot-line diverges for the first half of the book - with Archer and his Groomsman Andrej battling cross-country blizzards, James and Silas ensnared in dire criminal accusations and imprisonment back in London, and poor Thomas sent alone on a mission to see if Archer's nemesis is actually dead/buried (or alive and pulling his Machiavellian strings). The plot threads dovetail nicely together for an incredibly amusing and detailed public court hearing with Silas in the dock and Archer called up as the sole witness for the defence. I couldn't put the book down if my life depended on it!

There are a couple of truly moving emotional moments which moved me to tears, a couple of hot M-M action scenes plus a few interesting new secondary characters who I hope will recur in subsequent books. I'm very partial to James as a character; the author has given him a starring role in this book and the man did burn oh so brightly. I also very much appreciated Andrej/Fecker's backstory being unfolded ... and await with baited breath to see where the author takes this. A few editorial/typo errors aside, this is the best book in the series to date IMO - 5 stars!

[Finnegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Clearwater and his lover Silas, and the butler Thomas and his lover the footman James, are involved in another adventure in Victorian England. James is proving to be an excellent detective/lawyer and is of immeasurable help. I think he is my favourite character in the series. I love this series to bits, and can't wait for book 5.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 4.5 Stars **

[Maryann Kafka · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the promise to spend Christmas at Larkspur grows closer for Silas and Archer, excitement is in the air. Now with a fierce snow storm that has reared down on Clearwater, Viscount Archer receives a strange message from a dead man. He plans his travel to go on a mission to save two girls. He takes James Wright into his confidence and makes him swear not to tell his lover, Silas Hawkins. With a deadly snow storm hindering every mod of travel Archer sets out with Andrej Borysko Yakiv Kolisnychenko, (aka Fecker), to save Silas’ sisters.

With Thomas already at Larkspur, it leaves James and Silas alone at Clearwater. James has to do all he can to try and figure out this twisted poetic message before lives are lost. Even though Archer left a brief message for Silas, one word has left Silas feeling hurt, abandoned and depressed. Unbeknownst to James and Silas there is even a greater problem to come.

With Archer and Andrej on their mission and Thomas in search of a dead man. Silas is facing a danger of his own. It all boils down to a race against time for James who searches for the key to Tennyson’s poem “The Princess”.

So many lessons learned by Archer in this novel. Even though Archer has declared Silas, Thomas, James and Andrej his friends, he realizes he really doesn’t know them. His journey with Andrej is an eye-opener and he now sees Andrej is more than just a loyal friend to Silas and an expert horse handler.

As more pieces of the puzzle from the poem “The Princess” come to light, James’ race against time takes him on a mission that brings him face to face with Lord Alfred Tennyson. I got so wrapped up in this mystery that I downloaded the poem that brings fantasy into the story. “The Clearwater Mysteries” has become one of my favorite historical mystery series. I love this group of men that have come together to form a special bond.

As this story comes to a close it may give off the feeling HFN. There’s still evil lurking and the revenge to destroy Archer, Silas and the men of Clearwater.

Jackson Marsh is a talented writer and delivers another well plotted, chaotic mystery from the 1800’s of England. Besides the action, danger, and moments of emotion, he brings a little fantasy and terror.

I first ran across The “Clearwater Mysteries” on QRI and reviewed the first book “Deviant Desires” and got totally hooked. The second book is “Twisted Tracks”, and third is “Unspeakable Acts”. Besides being exciting mysteries from historical times in 1888, the characters each have taken the spotlight and we get to see them grow. I have to mention the cover art on this one is fantastic.
There’s a “no title” book five in the works and I’m excited to see what Jackson Marsh comes up with. As for me, I will follow the Clearwater Mystery series until the last word is written!

[SebFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

All rise for the Honourable Lord Clearwater and his happy breed of men

After a bit of shaky start with fragmented story telling and odd plot narratives, this book eventually finds its footing as the Clearwater men take on another mystery.

Whilst Thomas is setting up house at Larkspur, Archer and Fecker travel through the snow on a desperate rescue mission leaving James behind fighting to get Silas freed from prison. Just looking at that basic story outline the plot already feels like there is a little too much going on, especially with our team spread thinly across the country and scenes constantly switching between different locations. Add to that sub plots of Archer trying to build a friendship with Fecker, and Silas kissing James in the fit of despair, and you already feel the story's narrative is starting to fracture. Then if you factor in themes of police brutality and childhood bullying you find your vision blurring as you struggle to keep everything in focus. Now normally I wouldn't complain about multiple plot lines as Jackson Marsh is usually very good at weaving them altogether. But the problem I had was that all these different elements impacted quite heavily on the mystery part. Particularly the parts when James and Archer were trying to decipher the clues. These parts became really tedious and repetitive. Something that doesn't normally happen in a Jackson Marsh book. Thank goodness Sir Creswell makes an appearance because the book suddenly springs to life and pulls you back in to the story telling, making it all feel like a typical Clearwater mystery once more.

But despite the addition of another brilliantly written character, it's actually James who takes up the mantle from this point on and brings this story home. He somehow manages to shine in all of this confusion and character interplay, and becomes the star of this story if not the whole series. When he's not on the page I find myself eagerly awaiting his next appearance. And when he's there I feel in safe hands knowing he'll get us home safely in one piece. He may not be strong or as brave as Fecker, or as quick minded as Silas. Neither might he be as authoritarian and commanding as Archer or as clear thinking and logical as his beloved Thomas. But what he is, is a brilliant detective and when needed, he can channel all four of the others and achieve the impossible. And that's what he does, and quite possibly manages to save this book from the confusion it was falling into... sorry Mr Marsh.

But to give Jackson Marsh his much deserved credit, the others do play an important role too. Each one, in their own particular way, helps decipher some of the clues that lie at the heart of this mystery of distraction and misdirection. We also get to hear about some of Fecker's past and learn more about what makes this amazing man tick. We see all the hardship he's had to endure whilst growing up. The losses he has suffered, and the rejection from his own countrymen and those in his new home. Learning all this means that when Jackson Marsh gives us a chapter from Fecker's point of view, it's all feels so much more emotional. He cleverly does this by retaining Fecker's broken English when writing his internal monologue, but writes the descriptive narrative in normal English so as not to interrupt the flow of the text. The scene is quite emotional whilst remaining true to a character we have all grown to love.

In the end though, this is a book that is more about character development than the underlying mystery. In fact I would go so far as to say the mystery really isn't that important in this book. We know from the start who the culprit really is, so there's not much to guess there. It is more about how the characters uncover everything and the way their minds work during the whole deduction process. But while achieving this Jackson Marsh still manages to retain his trademark humour and adrenaline fuelled action sequences. I particularly like the scene where James explains to Archer what's behind the whole mystery, but tries to leave the final reveal for Archer to work out for himself. And of course Archer still gets it completely wrong with James having to point out the glaringly obvious. But its the nail biting finale that set this book apart from the others. Rather than having another "chase scene" as the main crescendo to the story, Jackson Marsh turns the final courtroom scene into the book's nail biting finale. Full of twists and turns and shock reveals. It felt like an episode of Dynasty but so much more masterfully pulled off, as only Jackson Marsh can.

This is a wonderfully emotional book, with a heart warming Christmasy feel to it. Definitely one to loose yourself in on a dark winters night.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars ...

It is so very rare that a series starts great ...
and continues to get better!😲
How does such a thing happen?!? 🤯

Mr. Jackson Marsh ...
you are a true marvel, sir!
Thank you for sharing your genius! 😊

It was a heart-warming sight, but Archer’s heart was warmed more by the secret touch of Silas’ fingers in his, hidden by the balustrade. Beside him, Fecker stood tall and proud offering the rare sight of a tear on his cheek above his broad smile, and beside Archer, Thomas’ strong shoulders brushed with his as if reassuring the viscount that he would always be there. James’ eyes twinkled at the sight, as if he, too, couldn’t believe he was a part of this world.

‘Comrades,’ Archer said. ‘Lord Tennyson was right. With friends like you beside me, the splendour will never fall.’

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series that has to be read in order, as there is an underlying theme but also one that gets better each time.
This time, the gang is all split up.
Archer and Fecker are off north to rescue Silas’ sisters, learning much about each other along the way, though mostly it is Fecker educating Archer about himself as well as Fecker’s history.
Thomas is off in the west country setting up the country estate ready for Christmas.
James and Silas are in London, closing down the town house.
The attacks on the group are well planned to divide, and nearly conquer. Each group has it’s perils and each work with the other, doing emergency dashes by horse or steam train (speedy it is not!).
All comes well, even with the help of a mortal enemy, but he will not lie quiet for long!

[Eleftheria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ensemble cast is amazing and it's really good to see their continued character and friendship development. This is my fav so far in the series yet. Archer and Fecker's exchange which in turn impacts Archer's personal development is really well done. Really atmospheric as well. I had fun trying to figure out which real life locations gave the author inspirations -- Westerpool is obviously Liverpool as Greychurch, Whitechapel etc. Where is the Long Light Lighthouse? Talacre? Penmon, South Stack? Somewhere deeper in Snowdonia? Either way the master penmanship conjures vivid imagery and of course the period appropriateness of the splendour and poverty across social classes are very well researched and extensively displayed. Much kudos to the author.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

the first rule of clearwater house (honesty) was just thrown out the window in this one, eh?

i don't know why but i found them all lying to silas way more of an issue than silas lying to archer as in previous book. there, i felt that silas had pretty good reason for not telling archer what he was up. here, it just felt patronising. didn't help they pretty much kept lying to him the entire book. and also that, by lying to him, they played right into the villain's hands. but okay.

that being said, i read this in a day.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely loving this series. Jackson Marsh is a new author for me and I don’t know why it took so long to find him.

There is a perfect balance of mystery and character development. You can definitely see the amazing amount of affection these men have for each other. I can’t wait to see what is next for Archer and his crew.

[JM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Speaking of the entire series I’ve read so far, I’m getting frustrated by mistakes such as “one in the same” rather than “one and the same,” or “ball him out” when it should be “bawl him out.” In the good old days there would have been editors and proofreaders to correct such nonsense, but then, this is the era of dictation and self publishing, so I might as well suck it up.

[Suzun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good series

The books are all quite entertaining. I like the action and the fact that we get to stay with the same characters. I thought the court part was a little too easy but other than that the book was a lot of fun. There’s enough action and suspense to keep you interested.

[Ravelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesomeness and Thrilling Adventure

[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.

[K.J.Purves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling

I've thoroughly enjoyed all four books but this one in particular had me desperate to get to the end of the story. I hope there is more to come

[Bill]

Best yet.

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

Wow! Most excellent read!

This one had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! These books are best read in order and each feeds into the next. I am ready for book 5!