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Banyard & Mingle #1
A Sock Full of Bones
Young private detectives, Banyard and Mingle, are out of money and out of luck when a swindled widow presents a life-changing case. As clues reveal a treacherous shipwreck and a rotting corpse in a cage, they are confronted by brutal smugglers and ghoulish gawpers in a mystery that could cost them their lives! However, in a dystopian world of slavery and greed, where silkers rule and threaders serve, it is not just the criminals they will have to fight... Can justice prevail when the law itself is corrupt? And how might a sock full of bones help bring it about?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2020
5 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Mears
10 books13 followersBorn in Cornwall, Ben first began writing high fantasy as a hobbyist, later working on a series of early-medieval whodunits before self-publishing the Young Adult Tyler May Series.
In addition to his role as an author, Ben is a published songwriter, a published illustrator and a professional graphic designer. He lives in Clevedon (UK) with his wife and daughters. His three daughters were partly responsible for inspiring the main characters of the Tyler May series.
As a visiting author, he runs Creative Writing Workshops in secondary schools, academies and sixth forms. A Sock Full of Bones is the first of his novels to be traditionally published.
In addition to his role as an author, Ben is a published songwriter, a published illustrator and a professional graphic designer. He lives in Clevedon (UK) with his wife and daughters. His three daughters were partly responsible for inspiring the main characters of the Tyler May series.
As a visiting author, he runs Creative Writing Workshops in secondary schools, academies and sixth forms. A Sock Full of Bones is the first of his novels to be traditionally published.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 27, 2020
I found this book to be an interesting holiday read with a great investigative story line that was well written, The quirky characters are very relatable and I was quickly immersed in this apocalyptic world, reminiscent of 18th/19th century, as I explored events alongside the characters; drawn in to their escapades, theories and life stories. It would make a great tv series. The author poses some interesting moral dilemmas very appropriate to the current times, which added to the story interest. I am really looking forward to the next one in the series.
May 10, 2021
A Sock Full of Bones is the first book in author B.J. Mears ‘Banyard and Mingle’ series. The two main characters, Michael Banyard and Josiah Mingle run a detective agency in a Victorian era type world, and in this tale are caught up in the swirl of nefarious activities surrounding the sinking of a cargo ship, the Dollinger.
Of the many aspects of the book that I liked, the relationship between the two main characters was my favorite. While clearly of different social classes, at the start of the story the pair are already familiar with each other and their relationship feels well balanced. Both brought different elements to the plot, and the skills and strengths of each complemented those of the other. I found the supportive aspects of their relationship relaxing and uplifting. From the start there is clearly a bond between the two, and as their backstory is revealed, we come to understand more about the nature of their friendship. The other supporting characters were also well developed, and not only acted to move the plot forward, but were portrayed with enough detail and occasional ambiguity that some of them could become the focus of a future novel.
Regarding the mystery being solved, I found the puzzle of ‘how’ Banyard and Mingle were going to prove the guilt of the culprit to be just as entertaining as the ‘who’ and the ‘why’. As the plot unwinds we get to experience what it is like for people of different classes to live in their world, both from a social and technological perspective. Mears has done an exceptional job of putting a new twist on the ‘Victorian detective and sidekick’ setup. There are sufficient hints about the nature of the world that it is easily relatable, but also enough unanswered questions from the inhabitants that it left this reader wanting to know more about the worlds history. And gawpers. Just what are gawpers? I hope we learn more about them and their nature in future books.
Banyand and Mingle’s society has upper class ‘Silkers’ and lower class ‘Threaders’, with all the expected social stigma associated with crossing the class boundary, in either direction. While this serves as a useful analogy for Victorian era class divides, I also found that aspects of the tale were not so fanciful that they couldn’t exist in an autocratic society today.
There was everything to like about this book. The story moved forward at a swift pace, the characters were interesting and their motivations clear. The use of an alternate world and society gave added colour to the narrative. This was a real page turner for me, easy to get into and engaging from start to finish. By the end, I was ready to hear what happens to these characters next, and promptly moved on to the next book in the series - ‘The Green Ink Ghost’. The third, ‘The Shadow of Grayrton Mire’ will be released on 21st May 2021.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mystery with entertaining characters and a sprinkle of humour. A definite five out of five!
Of the many aspects of the book that I liked, the relationship between the two main characters was my favorite. While clearly of different social classes, at the start of the story the pair are already familiar with each other and their relationship feels well balanced. Both brought different elements to the plot, and the skills and strengths of each complemented those of the other. I found the supportive aspects of their relationship relaxing and uplifting. From the start there is clearly a bond between the two, and as their backstory is revealed, we come to understand more about the nature of their friendship. The other supporting characters were also well developed, and not only acted to move the plot forward, but were portrayed with enough detail and occasional ambiguity that some of them could become the focus of a future novel.
Regarding the mystery being solved, I found the puzzle of ‘how’ Banyard and Mingle were going to prove the guilt of the culprit to be just as entertaining as the ‘who’ and the ‘why’. As the plot unwinds we get to experience what it is like for people of different classes to live in their world, both from a social and technological perspective. Mears has done an exceptional job of putting a new twist on the ‘Victorian detective and sidekick’ setup. There are sufficient hints about the nature of the world that it is easily relatable, but also enough unanswered questions from the inhabitants that it left this reader wanting to know more about the worlds history. And gawpers. Just what are gawpers? I hope we learn more about them and their nature in future books.
Banyand and Mingle’s society has upper class ‘Silkers’ and lower class ‘Threaders’, with all the expected social stigma associated with crossing the class boundary, in either direction. While this serves as a useful analogy for Victorian era class divides, I also found that aspects of the tale were not so fanciful that they couldn’t exist in an autocratic society today.
There was everything to like about this book. The story moved forward at a swift pace, the characters were interesting and their motivations clear. The use of an alternate world and society gave added colour to the narrative. This was a real page turner for me, easy to get into and engaging from start to finish. By the end, I was ready to hear what happens to these characters next, and promptly moved on to the next book in the series - ‘The Green Ink Ghost’. The third, ‘The Shadow of Grayrton Mire’ will be released on 21st May 2021.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mystery with entertaining characters and a sprinkle of humour. A definite five out of five!
October 21, 2020
Step aside Sherlock and John...
This is an intriguing detective novel. I've always enjoyed the interplay between Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson and on that front this book delivered. The main characters, Banyard and Mingle, are an unusual pairing and their relationship lifts the book from being a straight murder/mystery. But the comparison with Sherlock Holmes ends there. Where the former is rooted in logic A Sock Full of Bones ventures into the world of fantasy. And it works. It's a great story with well thought-out characters and I hope there will be more.
This is an intriguing detective novel. I've always enjoyed the interplay between Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson and on that front this book delivered. The main characters, Banyard and Mingle, are an unusual pairing and their relationship lifts the book from being a straight murder/mystery. But the comparison with Sherlock Holmes ends there. Where the former is rooted in logic A Sock Full of Bones ventures into the world of fantasy. And it works. It's a great story with well thought-out characters and I hope there will be more.
October 21, 2020
This is not a genre I usually read but though the brilliant writing of Mr Mears I may be converted. The characters are so believable and beautifully portrayed. The story draws you in so quickly it makes it difficult to put the book down. There are edge of the seat and fabulously tense moments throughout. I can't wait for the next book.
October 28, 2020
I loved this book. Just the right mix of detectives and suspense, with a little bit of humour mixed in. This new world B J Mears has created is fascinating and I can't wait to explore it more.
November 22, 2020
Following an earth-shattering cataclysmic event, civilisations resets minus a couple of hundred years of knowledge. Horses, steam, and clockwork drive a nineteenth-century society that has a brutal class divide between the upper-class Silkers and working-class Threaders. This is the backdrop for a superbly adventurous mystery novel featuring Michael Banyard and Josiah Mingle.
The story follows the exploits of the detective duo, and their helpers, as they seek to resolve a series of seemingly unrelated cases that gradually weave together to become one epic tangle. As well as ships, explosions, and sword-fights, there’s a supernatural element courtesy of the strange floating Gawpers that seem to ride the mist, striking fear into those who stare into their lamplight gaze.
A satisfying Famous Five itch is scratched, courtesy of a lighthouse, caves, and secret rooms; but there is no mistaking that this is a grown up novel from B. J. Mears. Amongst the action and escapades are some thought-provoking issues about class and justice. Banyard’s struggles with imposter syndrome and judges himself to fall short of his father’s standards, which helps the reader to empathise with his problematic position.
To contrast with the slick cobbles and bleak architecture, there are moments of satisfying lightness courtesy of Mingle’s strange questions and mother’s secret fish-stew recipe, all punctuated with the unhinged neighbour, Jinkers.
Unlike other detective fiction, Banyard and Mingle provide an almost non-stop action romp. The quasi-Victorian setting hits the spot for the future-past steampunk fans and the chemistry between the two main protagonists shows great promise for future books in the series.
The story follows the exploits of the detective duo, and their helpers, as they seek to resolve a series of seemingly unrelated cases that gradually weave together to become one epic tangle. As well as ships, explosions, and sword-fights, there’s a supernatural element courtesy of the strange floating Gawpers that seem to ride the mist, striking fear into those who stare into their lamplight gaze.
A satisfying Famous Five itch is scratched, courtesy of a lighthouse, caves, and secret rooms; but there is no mistaking that this is a grown up novel from B. J. Mears. Amongst the action and escapades are some thought-provoking issues about class and justice. Banyard’s struggles with imposter syndrome and judges himself to fall short of his father’s standards, which helps the reader to empathise with his problematic position.
To contrast with the slick cobbles and bleak architecture, there are moments of satisfying lightness courtesy of Mingle’s strange questions and mother’s secret fish-stew recipe, all punctuated with the unhinged neighbour, Jinkers.
Unlike other detective fiction, Banyard and Mingle provide an almost non-stop action romp. The quasi-Victorian setting hits the spot for the future-past steampunk fans and the chemistry between the two main protagonists shows great promise for future books in the series.
Read
October 21, 2020This is the first book of my new series, a tale of two very different detectives who find themselves thrown together in a dystopian, Victorian-esque world. There will be some ongoing plotlines throughout the forthcoming series, but each book will also be written so that it may be read independently. A Sock Full of Bones is an introduction to private investigators Michael Banyard and Josiah Mingle, and a telling of one of their earliest adventures, a mystery that demands they work together, despite all the challenges that it brings.
Endorsements:
“A Sock Full of Bones is a glorious mix of Victorian detective investigators, tangled web of plot, characters both nasty and do-good, and a spine-chilling dose of the supernatural. Banyard and Mingle's relationship is a complex mix of well-meant intentions, completely ridiculous ideas, serious detecting skills and a beautiful, mutual friendship that brings a warm touch to every interaction. The supporting characters including the gawpers are vivid, and the settings that surround them are evocatively eerie. The story itself is both fun and serious, with social ideals and interactions mixed into the investigation of fraud, deceit and murder. If you like your Sherlock Holmes with a heap more supernatural, a dash more social conscience and a Watson who proposes the worst ideas, this is the book for you.”
Kate Coe, Writing & Coe, fantasy author and editor.
“Mears has done for post-apocalyptic fiction what C J Sansom s Shardlake did for historical fiction. It’s an intriguing mystery, set against a backdrop every bit as convincing and mysterious as Robert Harris Second Sleep. The storytelling is compelling, and the characters draw the reader into the story which builds to a climax that is both satisfying and leaving you wanting more. I am already eagerly awaiting the next installment.”
Rev Dr Simon Woodman, author of The Book of Revelation (SCM Core Text).
"Although we are transported to a highly imaginative and intriguing world, this is still a classic thriller with a hero born from the finest traditions of doing whatever it takes to solve the case. Whatever your preferences are in a murder mystery or fantasy novel, Ben Mears delivers it, and you suspect this is just the tip of the iceberg for Banyard and Mingle. I for one can t wait for the next adventure.”
Simon Lupton, Executive Producer (Red Dwarf, Henry IX, Marley s Ghosts, Zapped - and many more).
Links:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sock-Bones-B...
https://banyardandmingle.com/
https://instantapostle.com/author/mea...
Endorsements:
“A Sock Full of Bones is a glorious mix of Victorian detective investigators, tangled web of plot, characters both nasty and do-good, and a spine-chilling dose of the supernatural. Banyard and Mingle's relationship is a complex mix of well-meant intentions, completely ridiculous ideas, serious detecting skills and a beautiful, mutual friendship that brings a warm touch to every interaction. The supporting characters including the gawpers are vivid, and the settings that surround them are evocatively eerie. The story itself is both fun and serious, with social ideals and interactions mixed into the investigation of fraud, deceit and murder. If you like your Sherlock Holmes with a heap more supernatural, a dash more social conscience and a Watson who proposes the worst ideas, this is the book for you.”
Kate Coe, Writing & Coe, fantasy author and editor.
“Mears has done for post-apocalyptic fiction what C J Sansom s Shardlake did for historical fiction. It’s an intriguing mystery, set against a backdrop every bit as convincing and mysterious as Robert Harris Second Sleep. The storytelling is compelling, and the characters draw the reader into the story which builds to a climax that is both satisfying and leaving you wanting more. I am already eagerly awaiting the next installment.”
Rev Dr Simon Woodman, author of The Book of Revelation (SCM Core Text).
"Although we are transported to a highly imaginative and intriguing world, this is still a classic thriller with a hero born from the finest traditions of doing whatever it takes to solve the case. Whatever your preferences are in a murder mystery or fantasy novel, Ben Mears delivers it, and you suspect this is just the tip of the iceberg for Banyard and Mingle. I for one can t wait for the next adventure.”
Simon Lupton, Executive Producer (Red Dwarf, Henry IX, Marley s Ghosts, Zapped - and many more).
Links:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sock-Bones-B...
https://banyardandmingle.com/
https://instantapostle.com/author/mea...
May 28, 2021
If you like the alternate worlds of Philip Pullman, Terry Pratchett or even Tolkein, you'll love this world that Ben has created. Just near enough to recognise and far enough away to create a whole new fantasy world, this is a whole new world with shades of a Dickensian Sci-Fi. It's in this world that we meet Michael Banyard and Josiah Mingle who make a tight-knit double act and play to each other's strengths and weaknesses. They are a pair of "wannabe" detectives whose lives are changed by the visit of a widow. The gripping story then takes twists and turns, introduces new characters and takes us in all directions to a conclusion that just leaves us wanting more. I loved the story, the engaging way it was written and was completely taken away to this wonderful world. I've now dived straight into the sequel (and haven't been disappointed!). Highly recommended!
January 6, 2021
This is a post apocalyptic steam punk mystery. It follows the dealings of Mr Michael Banyard who runs an investigation agency.
There are references to ‘the old people’ who no longer exists- presumably our own time- and everyone now rides horses or uses clockwork cars. There are mysterious ‘gawkers’ hiding in the mists.
Banyard is tasked with proving that a shady business man is destroying his businesses to gain the money.
This is an odd sort of book. They mystery isn’t really a mystery- apart from the gawkers- and was quickly solved. The peril came from finding the evidence needed.
It was ok. Not one I would rush out to get the sequel for.
There are references to ‘the old people’ who no longer exists- presumably our own time- and everyone now rides horses or uses clockwork cars. There are mysterious ‘gawkers’ hiding in the mists.
Banyard is tasked with proving that a shady business man is destroying his businesses to gain the money.
This is an odd sort of book. They mystery isn’t really a mystery- apart from the gawkers- and was quickly solved. The peril came from finding the evidence needed.
It was ok. Not one I would rush out to get the sequel for.
March 20, 2021
What an exciting romp! Mears has created a grimy, smelly, violent world where the characters survive on their wits!
Barnyard and Mingle are great detectives whose individual strengths made them a perfect pair.
It was a satisfying read where all the mysteries were solved but with lots of surprises along the way. Very original plot and I look forward to spending more time in their world as I be reading book 2!
Barnyard and Mingle are great detectives whose individual strengths made them a perfect pair.
It was a satisfying read where all the mysteries were solved but with lots of surprises along the way. Very original plot and I look forward to spending more time in their world as I be reading book 2!
June 25, 2023
Well written and kept the story moving along. I was impressed at how well a mystery story worked set in a steampunk world. It managed to weave together lots of elements (mystery, steampunk, silkers & threaders, multiple characters, seemingly unconnected cases).
I did feel it lost its pacing a bit towards the end but overall I enjoyed the story and the characters and look forward to reading the next one.
I did feel it lost its pacing a bit towards the end but overall I enjoyed the story and the characters and look forward to reading the next one.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews