What do you think?
Rate this book
The Blake Inheritance
"Let us go then you and I, to the place where the wild thyme grows."
An inheritance, a ring and a church organ; three clues to the Blake family mystery.
Twenty-five and fleeing a stale relationship, Ryan Blake returns home to find some answers. What he discovers is the impish twenty-two-year-old, Charlie Hatch, a homeless scamp who has a way with words, a love of mysteries, and a very cute arse.
As the two set about unlocking the Blake family secrets, Ryan finds himself falling for the younger guy. But is he ready to commit again? And can Charlie learn to accept that someone loves him?
An inheritance, a ring and a church organ; three clues to the Blake family mystery.
Twenty-five and fleeing a stale relationship, Ryan Blake returns home to find some answers. What he discovers is the impish twenty-two-year-old, Charlie Hatch, a homeless scamp who has a way with words, a love of mysteries, and a very cute arse.
As the two set about unlocking the Blake family secrets, Ryan finds himself falling for the younger guy. But is he ready to commit again? And can Charlie learn to accept that someone loves him?
- GenresMysteryContemporary
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2018
10 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Jackson Marsh
40 books78 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 21, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I know a lot of people think of “summer reads” as books that involve fun in the sun at the beach and steamy romances. Those appeal to me and remind me of my own summer reads as a kid–but then, I also appreciate the Japanese philosophy that ghost stories are good for summer (the chills of a ghost story will cool you down). In that regard, I thought this was the perfect summer read since there is a lot of “gothic” sensibilities to the story. What I mean by that is the weather is often depicted as rainy, cold, and dreary (it’s actually late fall-ish in the story), the characters are first introduced to us and each other in a graveyard, they play the Suite Gothique*, and a lighthouse! I really enjoyed this setting and as an American, I’ll probably always associate British/UK things with a sense of mystery and awe.
As much as I loved the setting, I had more of a mixed reaction to the main characters. Ryan came across as, well, overwhelmingly bland. He’s sort of defined by Charlie with the exception of the bad romance that sent him running back to Kingsdown. While we get snippets of how horrible Ryan’s defunct relationship is, I didn’t feel it was substantial enough to build more than a polite sympathy. What he does have going for him is that he’s attentive to Charlie–and it doesn’t really stop or change when he realizes what Charlie’s situation at home is. Ryan is quick to get over the surprise of knowing someone has dedicated significant time into researching the Blake family (it helps the Blakes aren’t the only ones Charlie’s super sleuthed) and supports Charlie in his determination to solve the mystery of the Blake inheritance. I also liked the idea that Ryan is willing to go at Charlie’s pace, even if it doesn’t seem like he’s showing much restraint on that front at every turn.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
I know a lot of people think of “summer reads” as books that involve fun in the sun at the beach and steamy romances. Those appeal to me and remind me of my own summer reads as a kid–but then, I also appreciate the Japanese philosophy that ghost stories are good for summer (the chills of a ghost story will cool you down). In that regard, I thought this was the perfect summer read since there is a lot of “gothic” sensibilities to the story. What I mean by that is the weather is often depicted as rainy, cold, and dreary (it’s actually late fall-ish in the story), the characters are first introduced to us and each other in a graveyard, they play the Suite Gothique*, and a lighthouse! I really enjoyed this setting and as an American, I’ll probably always associate British/UK things with a sense of mystery and awe.
As much as I loved the setting, I had more of a mixed reaction to the main characters. Ryan came across as, well, overwhelmingly bland. He’s sort of defined by Charlie with the exception of the bad romance that sent him running back to Kingsdown. While we get snippets of how horrible Ryan’s defunct relationship is, I didn’t feel it was substantial enough to build more than a polite sympathy. What he does have going for him is that he’s attentive to Charlie–and it doesn’t really stop or change when he realizes what Charlie’s situation at home is. Ryan is quick to get over the surprise of knowing someone has dedicated significant time into researching the Blake family (it helps the Blakes aren’t the only ones Charlie’s super sleuthed) and supports Charlie in his determination to solve the mystery of the Blake inheritance. I also liked the idea that Ryan is willing to go at Charlie’s pace, even if it doesn’t seem like he’s showing much restraint on that front at every turn.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
May 28, 2018
I liked this novel almost in defiance of its plotting, which seemed to fall on the weak side (I am not the kind of reader who feels awe for wild goose chases or who is ever glad to pertake in massive leaps of faith, so Charlie's justifications for cannonballing into Ryan's life, his painfully contrived presence at the cemetary at the exact same time as Ryan is paying his respect to the grave of his twice-removed grandfather, or his shallow grounds for remaining the local tramp instead of migrating to greener pastures, to mention but a few red herrings, left me entirely unmoved), and ignorance of gemmology (unless I am proven wrong with hard, creditable evidence, there is no such native thing as a diamond inside an amethyst, only what has been known since the Middle Ages as the Eaglestones or Aetites, pretty yet utterly valueless hollow geode stones) and English inheritance law (whenever immoveable property and / or estate is concerned, by and large in the specific instance of aristocratically-owned lands, the whole of it cannot be alienated nor divided between the heirs, and it goes straight to the older son, along with the noble title; under these grounds, Ryan's great-great-grandfather, being head of a family who had hold recta via the lands in and around the village for several centuries, would have been forbidden by law to cut off his son from his will and transmit his wealth to three generations down the family tree, and no sollicitor worth their salt would have registered his last will under such lines). Thankfully, the writing was extremely strong, the narrative never lost its spunk, and Charlie soon gained on me, so I was ready to forgive a lot of outlandishness, be it reflected in the stilted or rudimentary character building, the unsophisticated management of the variegated casting, or the mushy writing of the two lads' love story. Not enough for a four stars rate, though.
April 19, 2018
This is a well-written mystery, with a few twists and turns. Charlie is such a delightful character, I enjoyed reading how, after years of hero worship of Ryan, his dreams eventually came true. He and Ryan worked well together in an attempt to solve the mystery, which was cleverly written as a treasure hunt. It was interesting to learn more about the pair of them and see them develop, both as individuals and a couple. The story was fluid and drew me in, wanting to discover the answers to Ryan's questions.
April 27, 2018
5 stars
I enjoyed this book immensely. The mystery of Blake family was fascinating . I loved Ryan and Charlie because they were so different but together they felt like two matching puzzle pieces.
The relationship between Ryan and Charlie started fast but was interesting to unfold. The way they took their time and how sweet and romantic they were added to the fabulousness of the book for me. I had to reread the unveiling part in the end twice it was so cleverly done. Mr Marsh must have done a lot of research and the inclusion of organ made it somehow into a separate character.
I would love to get to know Charlie and Ryan more and see the romance blossom and hope this will be a series. They are both smart, snarky and funny. They would have such great adventures together. I highly recommend it!
I enjoyed this book immensely. The mystery of Blake family was fascinating . I loved Ryan and Charlie because they were so different but together they felt like two matching puzzle pieces.
The relationship between Ryan and Charlie started fast but was interesting to unfold. The way they took their time and how sweet and romantic they were added to the fabulousness of the book for me. I had to reread the unveiling part in the end twice it was so cleverly done. Mr Marsh must have done a lot of research and the inclusion of organ made it somehow into a separate character.
I would love to get to know Charlie and Ryan more and see the romance blossom and hope this will be a series. They are both smart, snarky and funny. They would have such great adventures together. I highly recommend it!
April 18, 2018
Ryan Blake is the beneficiary of the family estate and has decided to return home after a long absence to find out more about his family. While wandering around the graveyard looking for his grandfather's grave he meets Charlie Hatch who decides to help him look for the family 'treasure'. Charlie has always hero-worshipped Ryan since school although Ryan does not remember him being in different years.
I really enjoyed reading this mystery/ romance. It was interesting to follow their journey and learn more about the two characters. The story flowed well and the treasure hunt was engaging and surprising. Well worth reading.
I would deduct half a star for that cover as the front character's jacket does appear to chop the other person's body in half.
I really enjoyed reading this mystery/ romance. It was interesting to follow their journey and learn more about the two characters. The story flowed well and the treasure hunt was engaging and surprising. Well worth reading.
I would deduct half a star for that cover as the front character's jacket does appear to chop the other person's body in half.
June 9, 2019
The writing was smooth but left me indifferent. I can see that author was heavily influenced by Jane Eyre and I applaud the nod to the British classics with the prophetic sleep revelations.
I was not engrossed enough to suspend disbelief on 2 major points:
Inheritance laws
Diamond within Amethyst
Quite possible it's me and not the author since it seems everyone else loves it.
I was not engrossed enough to suspend disbelief on 2 major points:
Inheritance laws
Diamond within Amethyst
Quite possible it's me and not the author since it seems everyone else loves it.
April 24, 2018
Awesome read. First time author for me so I was excited to get into this book and know more. Ryan and Charlie are two characters you will want to know more about. They had struggles and a lot things to work on to be together. Their chemistry will hold your attention and leave you wanting more. Loved the unique story line and trying to solve these mysteries myself. Can't wait for the next. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.
April 8, 2021
Loved this romance with a mystery-twist. Again Jackson Marsh creates characters that feel real and unique. The locations he chooses for the action in this novel are unique too and take this to a level beyond 'just another romance'. Furthermore, the reader feels he knows what he talkes about when it comes to music, which adds to the convincing nature of his writing. Recommended!
April 29, 2018
Fun, quirky, adventurous with an old family mystery or two to solve. Add in some wild attraction and some past baggage. you have a good read. Thanks to Jackson Marsh for this story.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2019
I hope this becomes a series!
Charlie and Ryan are great together. They figure out a large part of a family mystery. The 2 are very different personalities but work together nicely.
Charlie and Ryan are great together. They figure out a large part of a family mystery. The 2 are very different personalities but work together nicely.
March 2, 2021
Good Read
This book popped up as a recommendation after I finished a Josh Lanyon book and I am glad it did. It was a nice mystery and sweet romance. Although I thought for sure Barry was going to put in an appearance.
This book popped up as a recommendation after I finished a Josh Lanyon book and I am glad it did. It was a nice mystery and sweet romance. Although I thought for sure Barry was going to put in an appearance.
July 18, 2024
captivating story, great characters, is this the start of a series?
My first read from this author. The magic of Charlie was beautifully created and shared in this book. Brilliant, now looking for a PI series featuring these two characters, hope you’ve written one
My first read from this author. The magic of Charlie was beautifully created and shared in this book. Brilliant, now looking for a PI series featuring these two characters, hope you’ve written one
April 24, 2018
I liked reading this book
May 14, 2018
I enjoyed the book it was a little slow moving going over n over the same things reminding is one thing but alittle to repetitive. I kinda wanted not finish the book but I did and I did enjoy it.
April 3, 2019
Liked the characters and the story, despite a sneaky feeling of knowing things ahead of time.
August 22, 2020
Pretty good
I’ve read the Clearwater mysteries and loved them so I thought I’d try some other stuff. This was really good. I enjoy this writer quite a bit!
I’ve read the Clearwater mysteries and loved them so I thought I’d try some other stuff. This was really good. I enjoy this writer quite a bit!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews