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Barker & Llewelyn #6
Fatal Enquiry
Brimming with wit, atmosphere, and unforgettable characters, FATAL ENQUIRY reintroduces private enquiry agent Cyrus Barker and his assistant, Thomas Llewellyn, and their unforgettable world of Victorian London.
Some years ago, Cyrus Barker matched wits with Sebastian Nightwine, an aristocrat and sociopath, and in exposing his evil, sent Nightwine fleeing to hide from justice somewhere in the far corners of the earth. The last thing Barker ever expected was to encounter Nightwine again—but the British government, believing they need Nightwine’s help, has granted him immunity for his past crimes, and brought him back to London. Nightwine, however, has more on his mind than redemption—and as Barker and Llewellyn set out to uncover and thwart Nightwine’s real scheme, they find themselves in the gravest danger of their lives.
Some years ago, Cyrus Barker matched wits with Sebastian Nightwine, an aristocrat and sociopath, and in exposing his evil, sent Nightwine fleeing to hide from justice somewhere in the far corners of the earth. The last thing Barker ever expected was to encounter Nightwine again—but the British government, believing they need Nightwine’s help, has granted him immunity for his past crimes, and brought him back to London. Nightwine, however, has more on his mind than redemption—and as Barker and Llewellyn set out to uncover and thwart Nightwine’s real scheme, they find themselves in the gravest danger of their lives.
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First published May 13, 2014
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About the author
Will Thomas
44 books1,079 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Will Thomas, born 1958 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is a novelist who writes a Victorian mystery series featuring Cyrus Barker, a Scottish detective or "private enquiry agent," and his Welsh assistant, Thomas Llewelyn. The Barker/Llewelyn novels are set in the 1880s and often feature historical events, people, and movements. Martial combat is a recurring theme throughout this hardboiled series.
Prior to writing novels, Will Thomas wrote essays for Sherlock Holmes society publications and lectured on crime fiction of the Victorian era.
Will Thomas' first novel, Some Danger Involved, was nominated for a Barry Award and a Shamus Award, and won the 2005 Oklahoma Book Award. In 2015, he won the Oklahoma Book Award a second time for Fatal Enquiry. Will Thomas has been featured on the cover of Library Journal, and was the Toastmaster at the 2007 Great Manhattan Mystery Conclave in Manhattan, Kansas. His fifth novel, The Black Hand, was nominated for a 2009 Shamus Award. He is married to author Julia Bryan Thomas.
Series:
. Barker and Llewelyn
Will Thomas, born 1958 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is a novelist who writes a Victorian mystery series featuring Cyrus Barker, a Scottish detective or "private enquiry agent," and his Welsh assistant, Thomas Llewelyn. The Barker/Llewelyn novels are set in the 1880s and often feature historical events, people, and movements. Martial combat is a recurring theme throughout this hardboiled series.
Prior to writing novels, Will Thomas wrote essays for Sherlock Holmes society publications and lectured on crime fiction of the Victorian era.
Will Thomas' first novel, Some Danger Involved, was nominated for a Barry Award and a Shamus Award, and won the 2005 Oklahoma Book Award. In 2015, he won the Oklahoma Book Award a second time for Fatal Enquiry. Will Thomas has been featured on the cover of Library Journal, and was the Toastmaster at the 2007 Great Manhattan Mystery Conclave in Manhattan, Kansas. His fifth novel, The Black Hand, was nominated for a 2009 Shamus Award. He is married to author Julia Bryan Thomas.
Series:
. Barker and Llewelyn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
February 16, 2014
When his arch-nemesis Sebastian Nightwine returns to town, detective Cyrus Barker and his assistant Thomas Llewellyn are on guard. But why does Nightwine have diplomatic immunity and protection from Scotland Yard? Can Barker and Llewellyn find out what Nightwine is up to without winding up in jail?
I got this from Netgalley and the fine folks at St. Martin's.
This is the sixth Barker and Llewellyn book but, as the blurb on Netgalley promised, serves to reintroduce the pair to new readers and does a fine job at that. While there were a few references to past cases, I was perfectly able to enjoy this one on its own.
When it comes to Victorian detective stories, all things start with Sherlock Holmes. While Barker and Llewellyn might be the literary great grandchildren of Holmes and Watson, they owe little to the Great Detective and his chronicler. Barker, with his keen detective skills, is the Holmes of the pair, but he's a burly world traveler known for his skill with firearms and his fists. And he's not addicted to opium or other illicit substances, which is refreshing in a Victorian era detective. Llewellyn is a young handsome former felon and widower.
Another things that separates Barker and Llewellyn from Holmes and Watson is that Holmes and Watson never took a world class shit-kicking. Barker and Llewellyn go through several wringers in this one.
The story isn't all that complex at the beginning. Sebastian Nightwine, Barker's moriarty, returns to London with a plan of conquest and some maps and gets diplomatic immunity to keep Barker off his back. Soon, Barker is framed for murder and gets a bounty put on his head. Things quickly spiral out of control with a mysterious woman thrown into the mix.
Llewellyn, idealistic young Welshman, is a great narrator since he's normally almost as in the dark as the reader. Barker is a complicated man with a complicated past, far from the Sherlock Holmes-inspired character I thought he would be before I started reading. I felt bad for poor Llewellyn, getting dragged in Barker's wake for most of the book and taking a really brutal beating for his employer.
Will Thomas's writing has a fairly serious tone but was much easier to digest than a lot of similar books. There was also a good amount of humor. I loved that there was a killer named Psmith in it, who found the need to mention the silent P, much like P.G. Wodehouse's Psmith character. Man, I really need to read another Wodehouse book sometime soon.
Anyway, despite being the sixth book in a series and the first I've read, I found Fatal Enquiry to be a very engaging mystery full of characters I want to read more about. To the bookstore! Four out of five stars.
I got this from Netgalley and the fine folks at St. Martin's.
This is the sixth Barker and Llewellyn book but, as the blurb on Netgalley promised, serves to reintroduce the pair to new readers and does a fine job at that. While there were a few references to past cases, I was perfectly able to enjoy this one on its own.
When it comes to Victorian detective stories, all things start with Sherlock Holmes. While Barker and Llewellyn might be the literary great grandchildren of Holmes and Watson, they owe little to the Great Detective and his chronicler. Barker, with his keen detective skills, is the Holmes of the pair, but he's a burly world traveler known for his skill with firearms and his fists. And he's not addicted to opium or other illicit substances, which is refreshing in a Victorian era detective. Llewellyn is a young handsome former felon and widower.
Another things that separates Barker and Llewellyn from Holmes and Watson is that Holmes and Watson never took a world class shit-kicking. Barker and Llewellyn go through several wringers in this one.
The story isn't all that complex at the beginning. Sebastian Nightwine, Barker's moriarty, returns to London with a plan of conquest and some maps and gets diplomatic immunity to keep Barker off his back. Soon, Barker is framed for murder and gets a bounty put on his head. Things quickly spiral out of control with a mysterious woman thrown into the mix.
Llewellyn, idealistic young Welshman, is a great narrator since he's normally almost as in the dark as the reader. Barker is a complicated man with a complicated past, far from the Sherlock Holmes-inspired character I thought he would be before I started reading. I felt bad for poor Llewellyn, getting dragged in Barker's wake for most of the book and taking a really brutal beating for his employer.
Will Thomas's writing has a fairly serious tone but was much easier to digest than a lot of similar books. There was also a good amount of humor. I loved that there was a killer named Psmith in it, who found the need to mention the silent P, much like P.G. Wodehouse's Psmith character. Man, I really need to read another Wodehouse book sometime soon.
Anyway, despite being the sixth book in a series and the first I've read, I found Fatal Enquiry to be a very engaging mystery full of characters I want to read more about. To the bookstore! Four out of five stars.
November 1, 2023
Anthony Ferguson does a fantastic job of narrating the Audio version of this book and each character is distinct and comes alive. Sebastian Nightwine is the villain and has plans to invade Tibet. I have skipped around the series, and I believe he may have been in a previous book that I have not read. Barker's backstory is told and why there is such hatred between them. The plotting of Barker and Llewelyn being set up for crimes they haven't committed, the blackmail and murders show Nightwine to be a man beyond redemption. Nightwine's daughter plays an important role and is threaded throughout the book and is a splendid side character. I felt the last part of the book started to drag as the author struggled to tie all the loose ends together.
August 27, 2017
More like 3.5 stars.
May 21, 2014
Will Thomas is back with my favorite 1880's London detectives(Enquiry Agents),Cyrus Barker and his partner and narrator, Welshman Thomas Llewellyn after a 6 year absence. The first 5 books in this exceptionally entertaining crime fiction series were very good, especially "Some Danger Involved", the first book in the series that introduces these wonderfully complex characters with imaginatively captivating back stories. "Fatal Enquiry" is absolutely the best book in the series and well worth the wait. Barker and Llewellyn are faced with an old adversary that Barker knew years before in China and believes murdered his brother during the Taiping Rebellion. The dastardly villain of the book, Sebastian Nightwine, frames Barker and Llewellen for murder in his quest to destroy his old enemy and defraud the British government with a bogus plan to invade Tibet.
This is an extremely well written, fun read with richly drawn characters interacting with each other with well mannered wry humor, heart, courage and unique insights into life in Victorian London. I highly recommend it to all my GR crime fiction friends. You won't be disappointed but should probably read Book #1 "Some Danger Involved" first. .............Ed
This is an extremely well written, fun read with richly drawn characters interacting with each other with well mannered wry humor, heart, courage and unique insights into life in Victorian London. I highly recommend it to all my GR crime fiction friends. You won't be disappointed but should probably read Book #1 "Some Danger Involved" first. .............Ed
June 25, 2024
Loved book 6 of the series. The complex and enjoyable characters only get better with each installment. In this book, the theme is about an old adversary who'd become more than just an enemy and one who'd proved capable of stymying Barker. His lies and machinations send Llewelyn and Barker on the run and without money when their accounts were frozen, things became interesting for them both. This enemy,
Nightwine, also has a beautiful daughter who Llewelyn naturally falls in love with, even when she's doing her father's bidding. One of Barker's dearest friends is sacrificed by Nightwine, and the running theme of loss throughout the story makes the ending even better. Highly recommended.
Nightwine, also has a beautiful daughter who Llewelyn naturally falls in love with, even when she's doing her father's bidding. One of Barker's dearest friends is sacrificed by Nightwine, and the running theme of loss throughout the story makes the ending even better. Highly recommended.
April 2, 2014
First Sentence: It is a truth universally acknowledged, at least among private enquiry agents, that the most momentous of cases, the real corkers, begin on the blandest, most ordinary of days.
Cyrus Barker has a long history with Sebastian Nightwine going all the way back to their years in China. Was Nightwine responsible for the death of Barker’s brother? Yet now, years later, not only is Nightwine coming to London, he has received immunity from the British government and is about to do a major deal with him. Nightwine recognized Barker will try to stop him and, in turn, is determined to destroy Barker. The two are locked in a desperate game of wits and violence; Barker with his assistant Thomas Llewelyn at his side and Nightwine with an unanticipated ally. Will anyone survive?
There is a wonderful sense of time and place from food, to clothes, to technology to the city of London itself. Even without introduction, the voice of the narrator and the wry humor is so engaging--The Gov’s brows furrowed. “You’ve been hired to protect someone from me?” “You’ve been known to take a man apart like a watch.” Barker considered this. “Not unless he deserved it.”--one is immediately captivated. The case which is presented to Barker is unexpected and compelling.
Cyrus Barker is a fascinating character; a man of many skills and particular tastes. We learn a good deal about his childhood and understand that much of what made him as he is. Llewelyn, Barker’s assistant, has grown as a character. For those who have been following the series, an interesting change is that Llewelyn takes the lead in much of this story.
Particular credit goes to the author for his secondary characters. These are not cardboard figures but fully realized and developed characters. Because of that, the reader becomes much more invested in the story and events.
Thomas skillfully inserts actual historical figures into the story but only in ways which would fit with their real lives. He also educates us on a number of interesting subjects; including the use of ricin, information on the Knights Templar, Knights Hospitaller and the Freemasons; and the creation of the ambulance service. Rather than ever slowing the story down, the information serves to weaves the story together. Some authors are so good you want to read sentences or passages aloud to someone else. Will Thomas is so good, you want to read the entire book aloud to someone else just to ensure they experience the same high quality of storytelling as did you.
“Fatal Enquiry is excellent on every level. In addition to those qualities already mentions, it has a cleverly constructed, gripping plot with excellent suspense, and a wonderful “Ah-ha!” moment. It’s hard to wait for the next book in this marvelous series.
FATAL ENQUIRY (Hist Mys-Barker/Llewelyn-London-Victorian) – Ex
Thomas, Will
Minotaur Books, 2014
Cyrus Barker has a long history with Sebastian Nightwine going all the way back to their years in China. Was Nightwine responsible for the death of Barker’s brother? Yet now, years later, not only is Nightwine coming to London, he has received immunity from the British government and is about to do a major deal with him. Nightwine recognized Barker will try to stop him and, in turn, is determined to destroy Barker. The two are locked in a desperate game of wits and violence; Barker with his assistant Thomas Llewelyn at his side and Nightwine with an unanticipated ally. Will anyone survive?
There is a wonderful sense of time and place from food, to clothes, to technology to the city of London itself. Even without introduction, the voice of the narrator and the wry humor is so engaging--The Gov’s brows furrowed. “You’ve been hired to protect someone from me?” “You’ve been known to take a man apart like a watch.” Barker considered this. “Not unless he deserved it.”--one is immediately captivated. The case which is presented to Barker is unexpected and compelling.
Cyrus Barker is a fascinating character; a man of many skills and particular tastes. We learn a good deal about his childhood and understand that much of what made him as he is. Llewelyn, Barker’s assistant, has grown as a character. For those who have been following the series, an interesting change is that Llewelyn takes the lead in much of this story.
Particular credit goes to the author for his secondary characters. These are not cardboard figures but fully realized and developed characters. Because of that, the reader becomes much more invested in the story and events.
Thomas skillfully inserts actual historical figures into the story but only in ways which would fit with their real lives. He also educates us on a number of interesting subjects; including the use of ricin, information on the Knights Templar, Knights Hospitaller and the Freemasons; and the creation of the ambulance service. Rather than ever slowing the story down, the information serves to weaves the story together. Some authors are so good you want to read sentences or passages aloud to someone else. Will Thomas is so good, you want to read the entire book aloud to someone else just to ensure they experience the same high quality of storytelling as did you.
“Fatal Enquiry is excellent on every level. In addition to those qualities already mentions, it has a cleverly constructed, gripping plot with excellent suspense, and a wonderful “Ah-ha!” moment. It’s hard to wait for the next book in this marvelous series.
FATAL ENQUIRY (Hist Mys-Barker/Llewelyn-London-Victorian) – Ex
Thomas, Will
Minotaur Books, 2014
July 30, 2018
I was a little worried while I was waiting or this book to come in from the library... I noticed the large gap in time between the previous book coming out, and saw the object of the story, Barker's nemesis, Sebastian Nightwine, was the main villain. Had Thomas given up making his story unique, and decided it was time for Barker to plunge into the falls?
Happily, Nightwine is nothing like Moriarty... in fact, Thomas doubles down on my previous opinion that Barker and Llewelyn are more 'Batman and Robin' than Holmes and Watson. Nightwine, rather than being a criminal mastermind, instead uses politics, influence, and a daughter trained as an assassin to try to conquer a country for himself... not just a little like Ra's al Ghul and his daughter Talia. Soho Vic is reminding more more of Jason Todd in every episode... Mac gets out and gets to be a butler/adventurer, even.
Unlike the previous books that focused on a particular section/minority in London, this one was just a duel between Barker and Nightwine... it wouldn't surprise me to find that it was intended to be the last book of the series. While it did lack the development of Victorian London the other books have, it made up for it in action and suspense, there was really just no one one isn't going to read the majority of this book in one sitting.
We also got treated to Llewelyn on his own, which was really entertaining, and showed a good logical progression since the beginning of the series. He had some really impressive one liners in this one too... most lf Llewelyn wit in the past has seemed forced, but here it flowed much better, like he was suddenly comfortable in his life, which really worked on alot of levels.
If I was going to complain about anything, it would be the sudden, 180 degree turn the Yard made in terms of Barker and his reputation... it was far to sudden to make logical sense this side of the Marvel or DC universe, but, hey, they just reinforces the 'Victorian Batman and Robin' theme, right?
Happily, Nightwine is nothing like Moriarty... in fact, Thomas doubles down on my previous opinion that Barker and Llewelyn are more 'Batman and Robin' than Holmes and Watson. Nightwine, rather than being a criminal mastermind, instead uses politics, influence, and a daughter trained as an assassin to try to conquer a country for himself... not just a little like Ra's al Ghul and his daughter Talia. Soho Vic is reminding more more of Jason Todd in every episode... Mac gets out and gets to be a butler/adventurer, even.
Unlike the previous books that focused on a particular section/minority in London, this one was just a duel between Barker and Nightwine... it wouldn't surprise me to find that it was intended to be the last book of the series. While it did lack the development of Victorian London the other books have, it made up for it in action and suspense, there was really just no one one isn't going to read the majority of this book in one sitting.
We also got treated to Llewelyn on his own, which was really entertaining, and showed a good logical progression since the beginning of the series. He had some really impressive one liners in this one too... most lf Llewelyn wit in the past has seemed forced, but here it flowed much better, like he was suddenly comfortable in his life, which really worked on alot of levels.
If I was going to complain about anything, it would be the sudden, 180 degree turn the Yard made in terms of Barker and his reputation... it was far to sudden to make logical sense this side of the Marvel or DC universe, but, hey, they just reinforces the 'Victorian Batman and Robin' theme, right?
September 28, 2014
Master criminal and aristocratic sociopath Sebastian Nightwine, returning to London in a blaze of glory as a guest of the British government, has convinced the powers that be to bankroll an invasion of Tibet with him in charge - and plans to destroy his nemesis Cyrus Barker while he's in town. This exciting adventure also gives us longtime fans of this wonderful series a great deal of long-anticipated background and insight into mysterious enquiry agent Barker; Thomas Llewelyn, his young assistant and narrator of the series, has been an "open book" from the beginning. Now we get to finally learn more about Barker! This was so much fun, and I am so glad to see Barker and Llewelyn back in the saddle again! I hope there will be many adventures in the future.
Author Will Thomas starts the action off at a cracking pace from the beginning with Barker and Llewelyn forced to go on the lam as wanted men, victims of Nightwine's twisted machinations to destroy their reputations. The action sputtered in a few places, not irretrievably so, while Barker was curiously absent for a span of time in the last third of the book; Llewelyn was on his own and stumbled about getting into trouble which was funny but seemed to slow things down a bit. Thomas is a very likeable character, however, and he is the narrator, so I guess the author wanted to give him a bit of the limelight. I did feel as if the ending dragged a bit, as if the author wasn't sure how to wind things up; I assume Sofia, Nightwine's daughter, will resurface some day, as will Barker's brother Caleb, who is apparently alive after all (we find out in the last sentence of the book, but I don't think it's a vital spoiler). Anyway, I would highly recommend this wonderful series to fans of historical mysteries with a dose of humor and fascinating characters.
Author Will Thomas starts the action off at a cracking pace from the beginning with Barker and Llewelyn forced to go on the lam as wanted men, victims of Nightwine's twisted machinations to destroy their reputations. The action sputtered in a few places, not irretrievably so, while Barker was curiously absent for a span of time in the last third of the book; Llewelyn was on his own and stumbled about getting into trouble which was funny but seemed to slow things down a bit. Thomas is a very likeable character, however, and he is the narrator, so I guess the author wanted to give him a bit of the limelight. I did feel as if the ending dragged a bit, as if the author wasn't sure how to wind things up; I assume Sofia, Nightwine's daughter, will resurface some day, as will Barker's brother Caleb, who is apparently alive after all (we find out in the last sentence of the book, but I don't think it's a vital spoiler). Anyway, I would highly recommend this wonderful series to fans of historical mysteries with a dose of humor and fascinating characters.
May 2, 2015
I didn't enjoy this book nearly as much as the earlier books in the Barker and Llewelyn series. One thing I have always loved about this series is the way the author stages his mysteries within a larger historical context, whether it be the Irish independence movement, the rise of Italian organized crime, or a supposed secret society of satanists. I have always come away with a greater understanding of the political and social climate of Victorian London. That element was sadly missing from this book. I didn't get the strong sense of setting that I have come to expect from this series, which was disappointing. This story could almost have been set anywhere. I will read the next book when it is published and hope that perhaps with this book the author just needed to get back into the swing of things after a 6 year hiatus from this series.
May 16, 2014
Barker's life-long enemy has arrived in London and has plans to destroy Barker while enriching himself unless Barker and Llewelyn can stop him.
I have enjoyed every book in this series to date. The novels are well written and display a tremendous amount of research on the author's part to maintain a certain level of historical accuracy. Thomas has created a interesting enquiry agent and surrounded him with an equally interesting cast of support characters.
4 STARS
I have enjoyed every book in this series to date. The novels are well written and display a tremendous amount of research on the author's part to maintain a certain level of historical accuracy. Thomas has created a interesting enquiry agent and surrounded him with an equally interesting cast of support characters.
4 STARS
July 21, 2014
Will Thomas has written another great Barker and Llewelyn novel. This time we learn more about Barker's life in China but as Barker is forced into hiding, Llewelyn carries the plot. As usual excellent writing, great characters and well thought out plot.
October 30, 2023
While the idea of a private enquiry agent in Victorian London may seem cliché’, the adventures of the team of Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn, detective and apprentice respectively, are anything but cliché’. Fatal Enquiry is the sixth (6th) novel I’ve read in the series which began with Some Danger Involved. A disgraced university student who spent time in prison for theft, Thomas Llewelyn is not exactly Doctor Watson. He brings, initially, few skills to the partnership with the mysterious Cyrus Barker, but discovers that Barker sees plenty of potential in him and that it is worthwhile to experience the painful and dangerous life lessons Barker is providing as a curriculum for his new life.
Cyrus Barker, like Sherlock Holmes, doesn’t seem to need to work to survive. We find out more (but not all) about his source of funding in Fatal Enquiry. Like Holmes, Barker has an amazing network of sources and potential allies. These allies cut across social classes and, as Llewelyn observes throughout the books, often seem incongruous with his image of Barker. But Fatal Enquiry provides new insight into some of these connections, along with the demise of at least one significant friend and ally. Barker is much more likely to engage in combat than Holmes, despite his brilliant autodidactic mind. And, even though Barker runs into the same sort of police obstruction as any other detective in the genre (historical or modern), he has at least one loyal ally on the force who stands by him.
Fatal Enquiry pits the “derring-duo” against their “Moriarty,” Sebastian Nightwine. Barker’s, at times, almost irrational, near feral emotional response to Nightwine is a matter of both consternation and mystery to Llewelyn until he finds out (some from Nightwine himself) a bit of the history between his employer/mentor and the blackguard aristocrat. Indeed, things end up quite chaotic when the two “agents” are forced to go on the lam as a result of being framed by Nightwine taking advantage of previous carelessness provoked by an emotional response by Barker. It’s not the first time a protagonist in the mystery genre has been framed for a murder and wanted by police, but it may be the most interesting cat and mouse game that I’ve read about in the genre.
I also generally learn a few things about the historical era from these books and Fatal Enquiry is not an exception to the rule. At one point, Llewelyn is waiting (pacing) anxiously on Pall Mall. During the Restoration period, Charles II had developed an affection for paillemaille, think of it as a game played with wooden balls as in croquet but where one must “chip” the ball through the hoop like a golf shot and where one aggressively tries to knock opponents’ balls out of contention by striking them violently. I mention this because Pall Mall (which inspired a cigarette brand when I was growing up) is known only as “The Mall” in today’s London and because it is used in the book to set up a delightful pun when Llewelyn as he observes a character running swiftly across the mall and remembers the term “pell-mell” (to run swiftly and often chaotically) also came from that game (p. 221).
Naturally, those who read my reviews know that I also like to cite some of my favorite lines. There are many good ones in these books, but I favored one particular line in this one. When Llewelyn quotes a line from “The Charge of the Light Brigade” to Barker’s obvious displeasure, it sets up the following explanation from Llewelyn. “Barker believes that all poets should have the decency to be dead at least a century or two. I feel the same way about politicians.” (p. 245)
Fatal Enquiry has all of the ingredients of which I’ve become fond in this series. I wasn’t the most emotionally bound to the story that I have been in the series, but I was close to that point. I rate it very highly, though not perfect since some revelations were quite predictable.
Cyrus Barker, like Sherlock Holmes, doesn’t seem to need to work to survive. We find out more (but not all) about his source of funding in Fatal Enquiry. Like Holmes, Barker has an amazing network of sources and potential allies. These allies cut across social classes and, as Llewelyn observes throughout the books, often seem incongruous with his image of Barker. But Fatal Enquiry provides new insight into some of these connections, along with the demise of at least one significant friend and ally. Barker is much more likely to engage in combat than Holmes, despite his brilliant autodidactic mind. And, even though Barker runs into the same sort of police obstruction as any other detective in the genre (historical or modern), he has at least one loyal ally on the force who stands by him.
Fatal Enquiry pits the “derring-duo” against their “Moriarty,” Sebastian Nightwine. Barker’s, at times, almost irrational, near feral emotional response to Nightwine is a matter of both consternation and mystery to Llewelyn until he finds out (some from Nightwine himself) a bit of the history between his employer/mentor and the blackguard aristocrat. Indeed, things end up quite chaotic when the two “agents” are forced to go on the lam as a result of being framed by Nightwine taking advantage of previous carelessness provoked by an emotional response by Barker. It’s not the first time a protagonist in the mystery genre has been framed for a murder and wanted by police, but it may be the most interesting cat and mouse game that I’ve read about in the genre.
I also generally learn a few things about the historical era from these books and Fatal Enquiry is not an exception to the rule. At one point, Llewelyn is waiting (pacing) anxiously on Pall Mall. During the Restoration period, Charles II had developed an affection for paillemaille, think of it as a game played with wooden balls as in croquet but where one must “chip” the ball through the hoop like a golf shot and where one aggressively tries to knock opponents’ balls out of contention by striking them violently. I mention this because Pall Mall (which inspired a cigarette brand when I was growing up) is known only as “The Mall” in today’s London and because it is used in the book to set up a delightful pun when Llewelyn as he observes a character running swiftly across the mall and remembers the term “pell-mell” (to run swiftly and often chaotically) also came from that game (p. 221).
Naturally, those who read my reviews know that I also like to cite some of my favorite lines. There are many good ones in these books, but I favored one particular line in this one. When Llewelyn quotes a line from “The Charge of the Light Brigade” to Barker’s obvious displeasure, it sets up the following explanation from Llewelyn. “Barker believes that all poets should have the decency to be dead at least a century or two. I feel the same way about politicians.” (p. 245)
Fatal Enquiry has all of the ingredients of which I’ve become fond in this series. I wasn’t the most emotionally bound to the story that I have been in the series, but I was close to that point. I rate it very highly, though not perfect since some revelations were quite predictable.
May 29, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Liked the time period that
it takes place.
It seemed to me to be very much like reading
a Nero Wolfe & Archie Goodwin.
This book had some twists that surprised me.
it takes place.
It seemed to me to be very much like reading
a Nero Wolfe & Archie Goodwin.
This book had some twists that surprised me.
April 9, 2020
I don’t know how but the stories just keep getting better.
December 19, 2019
Cyrus Barker has a long history with Sebastian Nightwine going all the way back to their years in China. Was Nightwine responsible for the death of Barker’s brother? Yet now, years later, not only is Nightwine coming to London, he has received immunity from the British government and is about to do a major deal with him. Nightwine recognized Barker will try to stop him and, in turn, is determined to destroy Barker. The two are locked in a desperate game of wits and violence; Barker with his assistant Thomas Llewelyn at his side and Nightwine with an unanticipated ally. Will anyone survive?
June 21, 2024
I'm begging Thomas to stop thinking with his dick for just one book.
July 18, 2023
*** This review, which does not re-tell the story or have spoilers, can be found on my blog "The Body on the Floor" at http://goo.gl/LFlv9s . If you enjoy historical mystery series, than it's the blog for you. ***
A Fatal Enquiry, Will Thomas' first entry into the Barker and Llewelyn series after a multi-year hiatus, is at once a relief and a disappointment.
First, the good: Llewleyn returns in fine form, his narrative voice as clear as ever and, though a bit wizened from several years of working with Barker, still shows all the affability, cockiness and impetuousness of his 21 years.
Thomas' Victorian London is also still intact, redolent with historical places that range from cafes attached to Masonic lodges to Westminster Abbey to shabby Thames waterfronts.
The plot of this installment, during which Barker and Llewelyn are on the run from various parties after Barker is framed for murder by his Moriarty-esque nemises, is well-thought out and interesting enough to keep on turning pages.
But.
There was something desperate about this installment, and Thomas kept intruding on the story with unnecessary recaps of action of which there was a bit much. This felt like an advertisement for the previous installments and a mad grab for the American action mystery set. Which is fine, after all, martial arts is very much a part of who Barker is, for very legitimate reasons. And it makes sense he would train Llewelyn and that training would be necessary in their roles as enquiry agents. But it just never felt to tedious in the previous books.
Thomas has also developed an exasperating habit of unnecessarily recapping what happened in the last few pages. If I just read about how three Scotland Yard officers were thwarted from capturing the pair while they're running on a bridge, don't begin the next chapter with a summary. It all felt a bit like a not-so-subtle humblebrag, as though Thomas were playing at bashfully saying, “Look at what in immensely entertaining scene I just wrote! Aren't you glad you're reading this?”
Well, I was. Until the fourth time that happened.
Adding to the narrative disruption, beloved characters and places from previous novels were gratuitously shoved into this story. It's as though Thomas felt if he didn't have Llewelyn go to the Barbados for a mocha and smoke the pipe with his name above it, all while philosophizing with Israel Zangwill, his fan base would disappear (we won't). Likewise, Barker's ward and partner were both shoehorned in as well and, though the latter served well to shed some light on Barker's mysterious past, (which was heartbreakingly predictable; hint: a woman fueled the animosity between Barker and his nemesis; I really expected more from Thomas).
On one hand, I get it. Readers like me return to mystery character series precisely because of the characters we come to know and love. I look forward to seeing Billy in every Maisie Dobbs mystery and of course enjoy it when Ian Rutledge's sister makes an appearance.
But here, Dummolard and Israel and even Mac to some degree just got in the way of, you know, the actual plot.
And, while Barker's nemesis Nightwine was great when he first appeared, in this he felt like a rather lazy Moriarty rip-off, and the femme fatal wasn't much more compelling, either. Of course she's a stunning blonde, and of course she's kinda-sorta-not-really a victim of circumstance. Yawn.
How I wish just once a femme fatal could be frumpy or have a poor sense of fashion or wear sensible shoes because walking around London to reconnoiter a target must be hell on one's feet.
In short, I wish Thomas would have just let the story he was trying to tell be the story. We'll come back to see Mac or Dummolard another day, we promise.
A Fatal Enquiry, Will Thomas' first entry into the Barker and Llewelyn series after a multi-year hiatus, is at once a relief and a disappointment.
First, the good: Llewleyn returns in fine form, his narrative voice as clear as ever and, though a bit wizened from several years of working with Barker, still shows all the affability, cockiness and impetuousness of his 21 years.
Thomas' Victorian London is also still intact, redolent with historical places that range from cafes attached to Masonic lodges to Westminster Abbey to shabby Thames waterfronts.
The plot of this installment, during which Barker and Llewelyn are on the run from various parties after Barker is framed for murder by his Moriarty-esque nemises, is well-thought out and interesting enough to keep on turning pages.
But.
There was something desperate about this installment, and Thomas kept intruding on the story with unnecessary recaps of action of which there was a bit much. This felt like an advertisement for the previous installments and a mad grab for the American action mystery set. Which is fine, after all, martial arts is very much a part of who Barker is, for very legitimate reasons. And it makes sense he would train Llewelyn and that training would be necessary in their roles as enquiry agents. But it just never felt to tedious in the previous books.
Thomas has also developed an exasperating habit of unnecessarily recapping what happened in the last few pages. If I just read about how three Scotland Yard officers were thwarted from capturing the pair while they're running on a bridge, don't begin the next chapter with a summary. It all felt a bit like a not-so-subtle humblebrag, as though Thomas were playing at bashfully saying, “Look at what in immensely entertaining scene I just wrote! Aren't you glad you're reading this?”
Well, I was. Until the fourth time that happened.
Adding to the narrative disruption, beloved characters and places from previous novels were gratuitously shoved into this story. It's as though Thomas felt if he didn't have Llewelyn go to the Barbados for a mocha and smoke the pipe with his name above it, all while philosophizing with Israel Zangwill, his fan base would disappear (we won't). Likewise, Barker's ward and partner were both shoehorned in as well and, though the latter served well to shed some light on Barker's mysterious past, (which was heartbreakingly predictable; hint: a woman fueled the animosity between Barker and his nemesis; I really expected more from Thomas).
On one hand, I get it. Readers like me return to mystery character series precisely because of the characters we come to know and love. I look forward to seeing Billy in every Maisie Dobbs mystery and of course enjoy it when Ian Rutledge's sister makes an appearance.
But here, Dummolard and Israel and even Mac to some degree just got in the way of, you know, the actual plot.
And, while Barker's nemesis Nightwine was great when he first appeared, in this he felt like a rather lazy Moriarty rip-off, and the femme fatal wasn't much more compelling, either. Of course she's a stunning blonde, and of course she's kinda-sorta-not-really a victim of circumstance. Yawn.
How I wish just once a femme fatal could be frumpy or have a poor sense of fashion or wear sensible shoes because walking around London to reconnoiter a target must be hell on one's feet.
In short, I wish Thomas would have just let the story he was trying to tell be the story. We'll come back to see Mac or Dummolard another day, we promise.
June 23, 2024
I have read all but one of this series so far and enjoyed them. This is unusual as I am not particularly attracted to that period of our history in literature.
Its a while since I read the last and I had forgotten why I had been drawn to them -until I started reading again. A very brief resume written into this story soon reminded me of the Welsh lad's , almost cheeky chappie, style of narrative.
However, not long into the novel, I wondered if I really did want to read on as it seemed to take a darker turn.
This is undoubtedly what the skilful author had intended as various twists in the story quickly brought it back and it became a real page turner.. Twist follows twist and the reader is finally left wondering what was the truth.
The last book I commented on had a review of the main characters at the end- which I said should have been at the beginning. Here the compact biography of some of the historical characters at the end, somehow rounded off the story.
It is not my style to precis a book as there are many such already out there and some are better than mine could ever be.
However, if you enjoy a well written story, set around the turn of the century which catches the 'feel' of the period with atmosphere, some great charactorisations, excitement and more twists than Harm's Pekingese tail, give this one a go. I am looking for the next already.
Its a while since I read the last and I had forgotten why I had been drawn to them -until I started reading again. A very brief resume written into this story soon reminded me of the Welsh lad's , almost cheeky chappie, style of narrative.
However, not long into the novel, I wondered if I really did want to read on as it seemed to take a darker turn.
This is undoubtedly what the skilful author had intended as various twists in the story quickly brought it back and it became a real page turner.. Twist follows twist and the reader is finally left wondering what was the truth.
The last book I commented on had a review of the main characters at the end- which I said should have been at the beginning. Here the compact biography of some of the historical characters at the end, somehow rounded off the story.
It is not my style to precis a book as there are many such already out there and some are better than mine could ever be.
However, if you enjoy a well written story, set around the turn of the century which catches the 'feel' of the period with atmosphere, some great charactorisations, excitement and more twists than Harm's Pekingese tail, give this one a go. I am looking for the next already.
April 9, 2023
Years ago in China, fighting in a war that wasn't his own, Cyrus Barker thought Sebastian Nightwine was his friend. Then Nightwine proved how treacherous he could be by sending Barker brother's on a mission he knew would fail. Cyrus vowed to make the man pay for his brother's death. Later in England, Barker exposed Nightwine's villainy which forced the colonel to flee England. But now the disgraced soldier has returned and has somehow earned the respect of the government and the right for police protection...from Barker.
Nightwine has secret maps and a plan that will allow Britain to expand her already vast empire and not even Cyrus Barker will be allowed to interfere with the scheme. It isn't long before Barker is framed for murder and he and his "Watson," Thomas Llewelyn are on the run from both the police and Nightwine and his henchmen. When a hefty reward is offered for their capture even long-time allies are tempted to turn them in. And, of course, Nightwine has a highly skilled assassin on their their trail as well--just to make certain sure that Barker won't mess up his plans, now or in the future.
Barker is just as determined to stop Nightwine--for good this time. He knows, as does Nightwine, that the twenty-five-year feud will come to end...because one of them will be dead at the end of this last confrontation. But he needs time to gather the evidence of the colonel's perfidy and time isn't a luxury that he and Llewelyn have.
So...once upon a time in 2014 I received this as an advanced reader copy. And somehow managed to not read and review it as planned. I think I wanted to read the two previous books first and then got sidetracked from my mission (soooo many books, too little time). But how on earth did almost ten years go by?
Anyway...on to the review: Barker is in fine form as a far more mobile Nero Wolfe style detective. Highly intelligent, far ahead of the coppers, and always right. It was interesting to learn more of Barker's back story in this one--previously his past had been wrapped in mystery. But we learn a great deal about his early days in China. A past that very much informs the present adventure. It was also nice to see Llewelyn on his own for a bit. He isn't quite up to Barker's standard yet, but he acquits himself well--especially in his encounter with the spymaster. I was a bit dismayed at the number of victims who fell under the assassin's hand--and one victim in particular. I do see the point of the deaths, but still.
This isn't a whodunnit--we know who the bad guy is from the beginning. The mystery lies in how Barker will prove his innocence and how he and Llewelyn will be able to bring Nightwine to justice (of a sort). I am intrigued by the last chapter and wonder what might come of the news Barker is given at the end. ★★★ and 1/2 (rounded up)
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
Nightwine has secret maps and a plan that will allow Britain to expand her already vast empire and not even Cyrus Barker will be allowed to interfere with the scheme. It isn't long before Barker is framed for murder and he and his "Watson," Thomas Llewelyn are on the run from both the police and Nightwine and his henchmen. When a hefty reward is offered for their capture even long-time allies are tempted to turn them in. And, of course, Nightwine has a highly skilled assassin on their their trail as well--just to make certain sure that Barker won't mess up his plans, now or in the future.
Barker is just as determined to stop Nightwine--for good this time. He knows, as does Nightwine, that the twenty-five-year feud will come to end...because one of them will be dead at the end of this last confrontation. But he needs time to gather the evidence of the colonel's perfidy and time isn't a luxury that he and Llewelyn have.
So...once upon a time in 2014 I received this as an advanced reader copy. And somehow managed to not read and review it as planned. I think I wanted to read the two previous books first and then got sidetracked from my mission (soooo many books, too little time). But how on earth did almost ten years go by?
Anyway...on to the review: Barker is in fine form as a far more mobile Nero Wolfe style detective. Highly intelligent, far ahead of the coppers, and always right. It was interesting to learn more of Barker's back story in this one--previously his past had been wrapped in mystery. But we learn a great deal about his early days in China. A past that very much informs the present adventure. It was also nice to see Llewelyn on his own for a bit. He isn't quite up to Barker's standard yet, but he acquits himself well--especially in his encounter with the spymaster. I was a bit dismayed at the number of victims who fell under the assassin's hand--and one victim in particular. I do see the point of the deaths, but still.
This isn't a whodunnit--we know who the bad guy is from the beginning. The mystery lies in how Barker will prove his innocence and how he and Llewelyn will be able to bring Nightwine to justice (of a sort). I am intrigued by the last chapter and wonder what might come of the news Barker is given at the end. ★★★ and 1/2 (rounded up)
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
June 7, 2014
Closer to 31/2 stars. Another good book in the series.
July 11, 2020
The Julia character was brilliant. She did really well on her final!
February 4, 2022
This is a Victorian era mystery series modeled after Sherlock Holmes but with some interesting twists. The characters are compelling. If you like Victorian era novels and you're into mysteries this series is a good bet. The writing style is appealing and less 'old fashioned' than the actual Sherlock Holmes books.
February 20, 2024
The best of the series so far!!!
September 11, 2016
It's been a very long six years since the last book in this marvelous historical mystery series, and I was thrilled when I learned of Fatal Enquiry. Barker and Llewelyn are two of my favorite characters, a sort of Victorian Era John Ceepak and Danny Boyle (wonderful characters created by Chris Grabenstein). More of Cyrus Barker's mysterious past is unveiled in this book, and although young Thomas Llewelyn is still a bit naive-- and still has an eye for the pretty girls-- he gets the chance to have some control over the investigation this time around. Has he learned anything? That's up to you to find out.
Author Will Thomas certainly hasn't lost his ability to bring Victorian London to life with its various ethnic neighborhoods and colorful characters. Following Barker and Llewelyn through these mean streets is a feast for the eyes, the ears, and the nose. If you enjoy books with atmosphere, look no further.
Nightwine's schemes are just the sort of magic that overconfident government officials would line up for, and it was a treat to watch Barker and Llewelyn dodge Scotland Yard, informants, and paid assassins in order to learn what the man was up to-- and to come up with a plan to stop him.
Characters, atmosphere, action, and humor. I was so pleased to be back in Barker and Llewelyn's London, and I think you'd enjoy spending some time there as well. Although it would be better to start at the beginning of the series to get all the nuances of the characters and their relationships, it's not necessary. Fatal Enquiry stands alone very well. Now that I've read the latest adventure of these private enquiry agents, my only question is-- when's the next one?
Author Will Thomas certainly hasn't lost his ability to bring Victorian London to life with its various ethnic neighborhoods and colorful characters. Following Barker and Llewelyn through these mean streets is a feast for the eyes, the ears, and the nose. If you enjoy books with atmosphere, look no further.
Nightwine's schemes are just the sort of magic that overconfident government officials would line up for, and it was a treat to watch Barker and Llewelyn dodge Scotland Yard, informants, and paid assassins in order to learn what the man was up to-- and to come up with a plan to stop him.
Characters, atmosphere, action, and humor. I was so pleased to be back in Barker and Llewelyn's London, and I think you'd enjoy spending some time there as well. Although it would be better to start at the beginning of the series to get all the nuances of the characters and their relationships, it's not necessary. Fatal Enquiry stands alone very well. Now that I've read the latest adventure of these private enquiry agents, my only question is-- when's the next one?
December 8, 2014
Well that's it. Now I must begin the long wait for the next installment in Will Thomas' brilliant Barker & Llywellyn series.
The latest, "Fatal Inquiry", finds our favorite enquiry agents once more facing Barker's bete noir, Sebastian Nightwine, a cold and calculating sociopath who we've met previously and who has returned to London seeking a final showdown with Barker, with whom he shares a violent past. Barker has good reason to hate this man but there is also another killer in their midst who has bloodlessly murdered Barker's best friend and others besides.
Nightwine, meanwhile, when not bent on ruining Barker's good name and discrediting him with the public, has insinuated himself with the Foreign Office because the British government, believing they need Nightwine’s help, has granted him immunity for his past crimes, and brought him back to London. Nightwine, however, has more on his mind than redemption—and as Barker and Llewellyn set out to uncover and thwart Nightwine’s real scheme, they find themselves in the gravest danger of their lives.
Can Barker and Llywellyn bring down Nightwine, find an elusive killer and restore Barker's good name throughout London without either man getting killed - or worse?
For those of you who haven't attempted this series, you're missing out. As for me, I'll miss my two favorite enquiry agents until their next appearance - which I hope is soon.
The latest, "Fatal Inquiry", finds our favorite enquiry agents once more facing Barker's bete noir, Sebastian Nightwine, a cold and calculating sociopath who we've met previously and who has returned to London seeking a final showdown with Barker, with whom he shares a violent past. Barker has good reason to hate this man but there is also another killer in their midst who has bloodlessly murdered Barker's best friend and others besides.
Nightwine, meanwhile, when not bent on ruining Barker's good name and discrediting him with the public, has insinuated himself with the Foreign Office because the British government, believing they need Nightwine’s help, has granted him immunity for his past crimes, and brought him back to London. Nightwine, however, has more on his mind than redemption—and as Barker and Llewellyn set out to uncover and thwart Nightwine’s real scheme, they find themselves in the gravest danger of their lives.
Can Barker and Llywellyn bring down Nightwine, find an elusive killer and restore Barker's good name throughout London without either man getting killed - or worse?
For those of you who haven't attempted this series, you're missing out. As for me, I'll miss my two favorite enquiry agents until their next appearance - which I hope is soon.
June 26, 2014
Sixth in the series. This is the first of these books about private enquiry agents Barker and Llewelyn of Victorian London to come out in a few years. The first part of the book I found slow plodding, and was a bit annoyed at how much time was spent on referencing and re-establishing what happened in the first five books. I recognize the need for some exposition for those readers who have not read the series in order (I'm a bit anal, perhaps, but it seems to me that is the appropriate way to read in such a genre), but for those of us who have, it takes some craft to integrate the information so it does not bog those of us down who already know it. I liken this a bit to the art of product placement in a film or television show. Once you start noticing it, and it becomes a distraction, it pulls you out of the flow more and more every time you spot it.
Llewelyn does not learn a new martial art this time around; instead we are treated to the art and finesse of a duel, thanks to Barker. There is a mysterious Russian beauty as the femme fatale to melt the heart of young Llewelyn, and most of the tale is the rising intrigue and calamities for our heroes due to the machinations of Barker's lifelong arch-nemesis, his version of Moriarty, Sebastian Nightwine, evil genius nonpareil.
Llewelyn does not learn a new martial art this time around; instead we are treated to the art and finesse of a duel, thanks to Barker. There is a mysterious Russian beauty as the femme fatale to melt the heart of young Llewelyn, and most of the tale is the rising intrigue and calamities for our heroes due to the machinations of Barker's lifelong arch-nemesis, his version of Moriarty, Sebastian Nightwine, evil genius nonpareil.
July 15, 2014
A detective story set in Victorian London, Fatal Enquiry takes it's readers on an adventure through the underbelly of London's streets. Cyrus Barker and his assistant Thomas Llewellyn, run an enquiry service to help people who Scotland Yard has been unable to help. Barker finds out that his arch nemesis Sebastian Nightwine is back in London. Nightwine could only have devious intentions in mind. Barker and Llewellyn must use all of their talents to stop Nightwine from completing his plans. I really enjoyed this book. The heroes are resourceful and the villains are artfully manipulative. Full of adventure, close calls, street gangs, secret societies, swindling, murder, assassins, and scandal. It was an adventure that I was delighted to lose myself in.
Originally Published at:
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Originally Published at:
http://cozycornerandcafebookreviews.b...
August 31, 2014
The best part of a Barker and Llewelyn novel is the sense of time and place. These books are firmly set in Victorian London and these men are products of their time. Thomas Llewelyn is a failed scholar, once imprisoned for stealing and Cyrus Barker is a private enquiry agent with a mysterious past in the exotic Far East. Sebastian Nightwine, Barker's mortal enemy, appears in London, under the protection of the Crown. Barker is frustrated by Nightwine's ability to pull the wool over everyone's eyes. Nightwine is accompanied by his daughter, Sofia Ilyanova, a beautiful girl he has trained to be an assassin. The battle is engaged. We learn a lot more about Barker's mysterious past, including the fact he has a brother. I hope I don't have to wait quite so long for the next installment.
December 2, 2016
I had lost track of this series after reading the first five, not knowing that there were more, until Goodreads invited me to enter a contest for book #8 (which I won!), so I have to catch up. I borrowed this from my wonderful mother-in-law who introduced me to the series. I love, love, love these books. The characters are so colorful and descriptive and wonderfully flawed and imperfect. The historical backdrop with the author works so hard to weave his stories into (even going so far as to feature real historical figures mixed in with the story). If you are a mystery fan, if you are a historical fiction fan, if you are a reader, you must try this series.
June 3, 2016
This fifth entry in the Barker and Llewelyn series is a real humdinger.
The police warn Barker to stay away from a certain ship coming into London. Of course, Barker boards the ship, and finds his old enemy, Sebastian Nightwine is back, and is the toast of society. Before you know it, Barker is framed for murder, and the cops and the crooks are after him for a large reward.
We learn more about Barker's past than ever before. Llewelyn, as usual, falls for a femme fatale he should definitely stay away from.
A great comeback for the this series, which went silent for a couple of years.
The police warn Barker to stay away from a certain ship coming into London. Of course, Barker boards the ship, and finds his old enemy, Sebastian Nightwine is back, and is the toast of society. Before you know it, Barker is framed for murder, and the cops and the crooks are after him for a large reward.
We learn more about Barker's past than ever before. Llewelyn, as usual, falls for a femme fatale he should definitely stay away from.
A great comeback for the this series, which went silent for a couple of years.
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