Home › Review › The Salisbury Key

The Salisbury Key

Review 59
, , ,

Title: The Salisbury Key
Author: Harper Fox
Publisher: Samhain
Buy Link: Amazon.com
Genre: Contemporary M/M
Length: Novel (219 PDF pages)
Rating: 5+ stars out of 5 DIK

A guest review by Tj

Summary Review: Harper Fox has once again given us a truly fine work of literature. Releases Feb 22

The Blurb: Can love repair a shattered life in time to save the world?

Daniel Logan is on a lonely quest to find out what drove his lover, a wealthy, respected archaeologist, to take his own life. The answer—the elusive “key” for which Jason was desperately searching—lies somewhere on a dangerous and deadly section of Salisbury Plain. The only way to gain access, though, is to allow an army explosives expert to help him navigate the bomb-riddled military zone. A man he met once more than three years ago, who is even more serious and enigmatic than before.

Lieutenant Rayne has better things to do than risk his life protecting a scientist on an apparent suicide mission. Like get back to Iraq and prove he will never again miss another roadside bomb. Yet as he helps Dan uncover the truth, an attraction neither man is in the mood for springs up against their will. And stirs up the nervous attention of powerfully placed people—military and academic alike. First in conflict, then in passion, Rayne and Dan are drawn together in a relationship as rocky and complicated as the ancient land they search. Where every step leads them closer to a terrible legacy written in death…

The Review: It’s very rare to discover a writer who is as talented as Harper Fox. Her work is consistently very well written, her characters complex and engaging and the plots of her stories draw us forward without awareness of the spell being cast. These facts alone would make for a very accomplished author, but put in the perspective of Ms. Fox’s fairly recent arrival on the scene, makes it all quite honestly… amazing. Here once again in The Salisbury Key, Ms. Fox has woven some wonderful magic.

Archeologist Daniel Logan is struggling with the fact of his lover’s recent suicide, so shocking to him that he was initially certain that it must have been murder. Daniel had been together with Jason Ross, a well respected professor of Archeology, for 3 years when Jason suddenly ended his life. Now, Daniel was scrambling for some meaning in Jason’s death, and was left with only one outlet for his grief. Jason had been obsessed with getting access to Britain’s Salisbury Plain, containing a veritable cornucopia of archeological finds; from Neolithic, Bronze Age and Roman cultures. But these treasures fell under the military’s watchful eye as they all lie in an extremely hazardous area that is riddled with unexploded mines.

Ironically, shortly after Jason’s passing, an opportunity presents itself for Logan to continue where Jason left off and gain access to Salisbury, with one concession on Logan’s part – that he must work with Lieutenant Rayne, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) expert. Still reeling from his grief and barely functioning, Logan sets off with Rayne to try and find some answers. Rayne, who Logan had met three years prior, by sight only, was not at all happy to be babysitting some academic on a wild goose chase. And Logan was truly unfit company for anyone.

The characters of Logan and Rayne are both beautifully drawn, with interesting tidbits of their lives coming to the surface when you least expect it. At first, they grate on each other’s nerves, and are barely civil, seemingly unable to say anything that won’t completely annoy the other. But very gradually things start to warm up and Logan finds himself feeling good being with Rayne, enjoying the warmth of his body and actually laughing at times. But Logan is also conflicted and angry and feeling very guilty that he could be attracted to someone new, so soon after Jason’s death. As you can imagine, this causes a fair amount of suffering on Logan’s part, but it all feels right, considering the death of his partner was less than a week prior.

The story was in parts quite suspenseful, as Logan and Rayne dig deeper into the mystery of the Salisbury Key and find that there’s so much more to be uncovered than simple archeological finds. The plot was so well crafted that I couldn’t anticipate the outcome. The details kept me intrigued, and were very well integrated with the developing relationship between Logan and Rayne, making for an interesting, and well paced journey.

And of course any review of a Harper Fox novel would be remiss if it did not mention her wonderful use of the English language. The prose was beautifully descriptive, almost poetic at times and evoked such wonderful images, bringing the Salisbury Plain to life. Here’s a sample to whet your appetites:

“We both turned, and there were the ancient trilithons of Stonehenge, dreaming their circle of unbroken dreams in the sun.”

“Just beyond the settlement’s outskirts the road took a gentle curve…The curve was like an embracing arm, stilling the breeze, capturing sunlight to a golden quintessence, filled with lark song and the scent of warm turf. A cluster of gorse bushes flourished here, their flowers bright as the little Adonis butterflies that flickered among them.”

Can’t you just picture Stonehenge, feel the sun on your back and the breeze in your hair? Just beautiful.

I highly recommend that you go to Samhaim on February 22 and get this wonderful adventure for yourselves. It is literature at it’s finest.

Author

Tj

Related Posts

59 comments

  • I personally don’t need to read blurbs or reviews for Harpers books. She is an auto buy for me. She never disappoints. Harper could be/should in my opinion found in mainstream. She writes beautifully.

    • I agree Lisa – Harper is an auto buy for me too. Funny, I was also thinking that Harper’s books should be in mainstream as I was reading this.

  • February 22! Dying to read this.

    Many thanks for the thoughtful review. Harper Fox has become one of my must reads, and each book seems to stretch her sense of craft and risk. She has this real gift for honoring the form without descending into fomula… Dig!

    • Hi Damon – I almost felt bad posting the review this week with the book releasing on the 22nd. I know that I always want Harper’s books immediately. “The Salisbury Key” is just beautifully written, with the best characters.

      “She has this real gift for honoring the form without descending into fomula.”

      That’s exactly why I love Harper’s work Damon. Very insightful. Thank you.

  • Tj
    Wonderful, insightful, thoughtful review of another terrific book by Harper Fox. I have always been impressed by her sense of time and place and, of course, her beautiful prose.

    Great job Tj.

    • Thank you Wave! I don’t think my words even did this justice. It’s another wonderful, beautiful, heart breaking, heart warming story from Harper. The sense of place is very vivid – I could smell the warm turf and feel the sun on my back as I read. As I said to Lisa, Harper should be writing in mainstream. This book is better than many mainstream books that I have read.

  • TJ, wonderful review. Harper manages to mix up her settings, her characters, and her plots with each of her books. There is always something new to discover in her writing. I love her books; I have to plan out the rest of my reading week so I finish with a story just in time for the release of The Salisbury Key. 🙂

    • Thank you Patty! I can’t say enough about this book. I agree with everything that you say. Harper is not predictable – every book has some new location (that she always takes full advantage of) and new and interesting characters that she brings to life for me. You’re in for a real treat!

  • TJ – your review has just added to my anticipation of this book. I wholeheartedly agree with your comments about Harper Fox’s talent as a writer. I only wish this story were out this week so it could be one of my vacation reads starting tomorrow 😀

    • Sorry about the wait Dianne. But now you’ll have something really great to read when you come home! It’ll make the post vacation blahs easier. 🙂

    • I know, I know. I’m sorry Helena! At least it’s only 6 days away. That gives everyone time to finish what they’re currently reading, because you’re all gonna want to stop everything to read this.

  • Sounds like a good story 😉
    Sadly I never read a book by Harper Fox, but after reading this review I surely will give it a try!

    • Gasp! You must correct this oversight immediately Julie! LOL You could try one of Harper’s other books as well. Both “Driftwood” and “Life After Joe” were really great books that Wave reviewed. You won’t be disappointed.

  • Great review, TJ – thanks!

    I’ve only read Driftwood so far but thought it was beautifully written, even if somewhat angsty and melodramatic for my usual tastes. I definitely want to read something else by Harper Fox, though, as she’s clearly a very talented writer. This sounds ideal. I live really near Salisbury Plain and I’ve always been intrigued by this huge area no one’s allowed to venture into – just what have they really got there?

    • Thanks Josephine! If you live near Salisbury Plain then this should really be enjoyable for you. Harper brings it all to life with her beautifully descriptive prose. As I mentioned, there is some angst with Logan’s grief over Jason’s suicide, but it was okay for me since it just happened. And Rayne has his own story that I really liked. I think that I may like him even more than Logan. They’re just two really good characters.

    • Sorry Feliz! And I had to read it twice. The things that I endure to bring these reviews to you all! There’s lots of fun stuff packed into this little book. As you say, what’s not to like.

  • Hello, TJ, Wave, and all the lovely people who have commented on this review. Needless to say I’m overwhelmed and completely delighted. Thank you very much indeed. Re my career in the mainstream: this made me smile, because I do keep trying – I have a giant novel about the history of Hadrian’s Wall gathering dust under the sofa – but so far the UK market shows no signs of wanting to gobble me up. All these kind remarks of yours give me great hope, however, and in the meantime I’m just basking in the joys of the moment. Think of me basking now, like a lizard on a rock, even as we speak. Thank you again, TJ, for such a terrific review.

    Best
    Harper

    • You, Ms Harper Fox, are simply amazing! You’re quite welcome, and all praise is well deserved. I love hearing that you are trying to go mainstream as this book proves once again that you have the talent. I look forward to seeing your success in that. Thank you sincerely for this wonderful book and I look forward to whatever you have planned next.

      • Oh, thanks, TJ. Means the world to me. I’ve got plenty of things simmering away in the back of my brain and a new novel almost – almost! – ready to emerge from that cavernous dark oven. At the moment it’s called Seize The Fire, tentative Loose Id release date 31 May. I’m pretty excited. And tired. 😀

    • Hey Larissa – I think you’ll really like this one. If you’re already a fan of Harper’s, then you know just what to expect – and she doesn’t disappoint.

  • This review is just right – it teases, it’s pointing to all the good things in the book and it isn’t revealing anything. Do I want the book? Damn right I do! Thank you, Tj!

    • Whew! That’s so good to hear – thank you LadyM! It’s always a bit of a juggling act to get the right mix in a review. You are sure to enjoy The Salisbury Key. And you’re welcome – it was my pleasure!

  • I cannot WAIT for this book. I’m skimming over the review (sorry! will read it properly again after I read the book), but just the images of the setting is driving me insane with anticipation – and of course, the gorgeous prose that automatically comes from Harper Fox’s books. *g*

    Thanks for the review.

    • Hi S – I don’t mind your skimming the review. Sometimes I don’t want to read too much about a book before I read it myself. There are some really beautiful images in the book and the prose is stunning. Enjoy!

      • I finally read your review without skimming. This was a very lovely review of an equally stunning story. You managed to draw in the readers with enticing events without actually spoiling the book or the characters. I especially loved how you highlighted parts of her gorgeous prose.

        After finishing the story, I just can’t let go of these characters. I hope there is a sequel – they have a lot of adventuring potential 😛

        • Thank you S! I try very hard to give readers a feel for the book without giving too much away. The characters in The Salisbury Key do just stay with you after you finish reading. That is one of the things that I look for in a really great book. Thank you for coming back to let us know how the story was for you. I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed it as much as I did.

  • Okay, I admit that I haven’t read anything by this author. *ducksforcover* I am hyped for this, though. Fab review, TJ, it;s going on my TBB list for the 22nd.

    • Lynn, Lynn, Lynn! What are we gonna do with you? All the great reviews weren’t enough incentive? LOL 😉 You are in for a great experience when you get this book. Happy reading!

  • I do hope Harper tries the UK mainstream market again – her M/M romances have been wonderful. Not only have they been brilliant stories, but it has been so good to read about places I know here in the UK.

    I’ve been looking forward to the Salisbury Key and know the area a bit. Your review has made the anticipation even more keen. Thank you.

    • I’m with you Rachel! With the talent that Harper has, I’m very sure she will break into mainstream one day soon. One of the things that I really enjoy about Harper’s writing is how well she uses her setting in the story. She is so descriptive, but not overly so, that the surroundings are like another character. I also find that she engages all of my senses while I’m reading – a very rare accomplishment. And you’re welcome of course!

  • Can’t wait to read the book! But I’ve noticed these guys on the book cover are smooth?

    I always picture the men in M/M books to have at least a small dusting. With just a little sneaky bit reaching out of the shirt?

    Ms. Fox will these kind of thoughts be aloud??

    • Hi Thomas – That’s part of the fun of reading M/M – you get to make up the bits that the author leaves to your imagination! Harper isn’t overly descriptive on specific body characteristics, like chest hair, so we readers get to have a little fun picturing the guys. I hope you enjoy the story!

  • Love this author! She sucks me so deeply into the lives and times of her endearing and slightly flawed characters that I don’t want to stop reading and ruin the flow. I’m just finishing her “Edinburgh” novel and can’t wait to read this one. By the way, love the cover too!

    • Me too MaDonna! Once I pick up one of Harper’s books, I have to struggle to put it down. Her characters always feel very real to me, with their struggles and flaws, but are also, as you say, very endearing. Well said. And yeah, great cover. Thanks for commenting.

  • Read it ! Loved every dramatic, romantic, angstful moment of it.

    I wouldn’t read the review before, but it certainly did the book complete justice.

  • TJ,
    I havent read any of this authors work but looking thru this site, for the most part all of her books have been rated well. I have to jump in somewhere, I’ll start with this one or Driftwood.
    Thanks for the review.

    • Hi Hannah, I don’t think you could choose a bad Harper Fox book, so I’d say go with the blurb that most appeals to you. This book is very well done, but Driftwood is equally good. Please let us know how you like your choice.

    • Hi Rachel – Yes, I agree – it is just brilliant. I had the same reaction to it. I’m so glad to hear that you’re enjoying the book.

  • I am afraid I cannot agree TJ. I liked till about halfway the book. Then the plot took such a turn that I was like huh?? To me it did not fit with what I read before.

    • Don’t feel bad Ingrid. That’s the great part of us talking about books – we get to hear each other’s perspectives. It would be pretty boring if we all liked the same thing and just agreed all the time! Thank you for coming back to let us know how you felt.

  • I loved this story – actually it’s my favourite Harper Fox so far which is saying a lot.

    And by no means only because every time we go to England and anywhere near Salisbury (we have a lot of friends in the area), I make my husband drive along the A303 so I can see Stonehenge lying there so peacefully in the middle of fields, not crowded by houses or anything else younger than it is. The ticket office/visitors’ centre had to be hidden in a ditch (more or less) to help keep that tranquility (as stipulated by English Heritage). And even the tourists walking along the circular path around Stonehenge, well away from it, listening to their tour guide headphones cannot destroy it.

    And of course our trips down the A303 have to be east-to-west, otherwise the view just isn’t right. Good thing my husband loves me.

    • Of course, the bizarre thing is that whenever I admire the Stonehenge tranquility from the A303, it’s while I’m driving along a very much 20th century dual carriageway, with cars whizzing along, most of their drivers not even noticing Stonehenge to their right/left.

      And I fully admit that one of the main reasons I love Stonehenge is because I can see it while I’m heading full speed somewhere else, whithout having to crawl along one-lane roads, hedged on both sides. Even though I love those lanes, too …

      It’s a mystery

      • I completely get that Lia. I’ve been to many of the states by car and have had a similar experience. There’s just something about approaching some monumental sight, especially if it is something quite old, and here you are in your 21st century auto.

    • Hey Lia – This is one of my top favorite Harper Fox books as well. I really enjoyed the wonderful descriptions, especially of all the local scenery. You are very lucky to be close enough to see Stonehenge on a regular basis. That one line of Harper’s kept repeating in my head : “dreaming their circle of unbroken dreams in the sun”. Such fantastic imagery. And you’re also lucky that your husband is such a patient man. 😉

      • You are very lucky to be close enough to see Stonehenge on a regular basis.

        I think I’m lucky, too.

        Close enough: hmm, just round the corner in US terms, yes, but I actually live in Germany (married to a Brit).

        I really enjoyed the wonderful descriptions, especially of all the local scenery

        So do I, every time, regardless of where the scenery actually is. I always prefer to read stories set in a real place (UK, US, anywhere), not just in some generic-presumably-US place as so many m/m stories seem to be. Even some by Brit writers.

        Location isn’t just important for estate agents, and I think writers should make use of it.

        • So true Lia. I’m always so surprised and disappointed when an author fails to take advantage of a beautiful location in their book.

  • Just finished this book yesterday. Every aspect of Harper’s writing is sheer gorgeousness. She not only has the ability to place her readers smack into the scenes she creates, but she manages to put this reader right into the body and mind of her characters. Brilliant. More please 🙂

Comments are closed.