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Barker & Llewelyn #15
Death and Glory: A Barker & Llewelyn Novel
"Ferguson delivers posh English accents and Cockney slang with personality for a cast of amusing characters. The sharp writing and Ferguson's narration capture all the bizarre twists and turns"—
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Heart of the Nile
In 1894, Cyrus Barker, London's premier enquiry agent, is entangled in a conspiracy to revive the American Civil War by prominent figures, long believed deceased.
Private Enquiry agent Cyrus Barker, along with his partner Thomas Llewelyn, has a long, accomplished history—he's taken on cases for Scotland Yard, the Foreign Office, and even the crown itself, fulfilling them all with great skill and discretion. None of those cases, however, are as delicate and complicated as the one laid before him by a delegation of men who, thirty years before, fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. These men want to revive the Confederacy with a warship promised to the Rebels from the British Government in 1865. To get it now, they're threatening to reveal the long-secret treaty with the Confederacy. Barker is hired to use his connections to discreetly bring their threats to the Prime Minister.
With a web of prominent, if secret, supporters throughout England ready to through their support to their efforts to wage war anew on the United States, the delegates are just waiting for the warship to begin their plans. But some of the men are not who they claim to be, and the American government has their own team watching, and waiting, for the right moment to take action.
As this fuse on this powder keg of a situation grows ever shorter, it's up to Barker & Llewelyn to uncover the real identities and plans of these dangerous men.
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.
In 1894, Cyrus Barker, London's premier enquiry agent, is entangled in a conspiracy to revive the American Civil War by prominent figures, long believed deceased.
Private Enquiry agent Cyrus Barker, along with his partner Thomas Llewelyn, has a long, accomplished history—he's taken on cases for Scotland Yard, the Foreign Office, and even the crown itself, fulfilling them all with great skill and discretion. None of those cases, however, are as delicate and complicated as the one laid before him by a delegation of men who, thirty years before, fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. These men want to revive the Confederacy with a warship promised to the Rebels from the British Government in 1865. To get it now, they're threatening to reveal the long-secret treaty with the Confederacy. Barker is hired to use his connections to discreetly bring their threats to the Prime Minister.
With a web of prominent, if secret, supporters throughout England ready to through their support to their efforts to wage war anew on the United States, the delegates are just waiting for the warship to begin their plans. But some of the men are not who they claim to be, and the American government has their own team watching, and waiting, for the right moment to take action.
As this fuse on this powder keg of a situation grows ever shorter, it's up to Barker & Llewelyn to uncover the real identities and plans of these dangerous men.
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.
Audible Audio
First published April 23, 2024
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About the author
Will Thomas
53 books1,102 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 128 reviews
November 14, 2023
Book 15 of the Barker & Llewelyn series is a bit different from the others in that it deals with a US Confederacy Treaty with Britain, and a group of individuals who want the British to turn over to them an iron-clad boat that was bought and paid for by the Confederacy prior to the end of the US Civil War, but which was never delivered due to the wars end. A group of 4 men, all who now live in exile are the alleged President and representatives of the Confederate States of America. They come to our intrepid enquiry agents to secure a meeting with the new Prime Minister of Great Britain. Barker is able to do this and they produce alleged treaties and documents to prove their claim. Barker and Llewelyn are caught in the middle as many top British officials do not trust them, nor does the Confederate delegation. Much of the book deals with trying to find out the legitimacy of the delegation, what their real purpose is to come and request the ship, and the efforts of the British & American governments to keep this ship out of the hands of the purported Confederate leaders. Filled with fascinating facts (the Trent Affair) as well as Llewelyn's certainty that alleged President of the Confederacy is none other than Jesse James, and another delegate is John Wilkes Booth, this book that is set in 1894 brings light to the conspiracy theories surrounding the deaths of those two scoundrels. While many of our favorite characters are either missing in this book or confined to cameo appearances, the book captivates and makes us wonder as to the legitimacy of the documents and the real identity of the delegation members. As with all his books, Will Thomas takes us on a whirlwind tour of Victorian London, and proves once again why he himself is the legitimate successor to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as well as the fact that Barker & Llewelyn are equal to, if not even superior to Holmes & Watson. Never a dull moment and with Book 15, Will Thomas shows there are many mor3e cases left in this wonderful Victorian mystery series.n 4.5****
April 15, 2024
Barker and Llewellyn are back with another interesting adventure. I should start by pointing out that while this is the 15th book in this long-running historical mystery/thriller series, I’ve only read one other so I feel this would be fine as a standalone or as your first foray into this series.
I was particularly interested in this book because of the idea of former members of the Confederacy still scheming and trying to get support in England in 1894 - and it was indeed a fascinating premise. The author’s note at the end was also illuminating.
There are many opportunities to smile and laugh along the way. Barker and Llewellyn have some great banter between them. With Llewellyn having married a Jewish woman, we also get small glimpses into the London Jewish community and the discrimination they face by “society.” The men who purport to represent the Confederacy are well-drawn individuals, one of whom is constantly intoxicated, either from drink or drugs or a combination of both. They have arrived with a treaty they say was signed with Britain many years ago.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient, and allowed me to continue with the story even when I could not sit down and read - or when I could not listen. The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Antony Ferguson, with many different characters and accents.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I was particularly interested in this book because of the idea of former members of the Confederacy still scheming and trying to get support in England in 1894 - and it was indeed a fascinating premise. The author’s note at the end was also illuminating.
There are many opportunities to smile and laugh along the way. Barker and Llewellyn have some great banter between them. With Llewellyn having married a Jewish woman, we also get small glimpses into the London Jewish community and the discrimination they face by “society.” The men who purport to represent the Confederacy are well-drawn individuals, one of whom is constantly intoxicated, either from drink or drugs or a combination of both. They have arrived with a treaty they say was signed with Britain many years ago.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient, and allowed me to continue with the story even when I could not sit down and read - or when I could not listen. The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Antony Ferguson, with many different characters and accents.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
February 9, 2024
When some people claiming to be representing the Confederate States of America thirty years after the Civil War is over, they prevail upon Barker to introduce them to the Prime Minister, so they can make a claim to an old battle ship the Confederacy ordered years ago.
The whole thing could have been settled merely by asking Jefferson Davis's Widow, Varina, whether her late husband signed a document as the Confederates claimed, as she was very much alive, and actually fairly well known, working as a journalist at the time.
This omission took me out of the whole book.
The whole thing could have been settled merely by asking Jefferson Davis's Widow, Varina, whether her late husband signed a document as the Confederates claimed, as she was very much alive, and actually fairly well known, working as a journalist at the time.
This omission took me out of the whole book.
May 4, 2024
The Barker and Llewelyn historical mystery series is an absolute delight. The mysteries always contain surprises. The cast of characters has depth both in number and in personality. I've been jumping around reading books in this series as I come across them and have never been disappointed.
Even among other titles in the series, Death and Glory, set in 1890s London, stands out because of its audacity. The plot is built around a group of US ex-pats, all former Confederates, come to England to demand the handover of a warship purportedly paid for by the Confederacy early on in the Civil War and never delivered. The premise may sound more like historical fantasy than historical mystery, but Will Thomas makes this hard-to-believe premise into a solid read.
Before Barker and Llewelyn know the Confederates goal, they're hired to help secure a meeting with the Prime Minister. This is something Barker and Llewelyn manage—and they are every bit as shocked as the P.M. when they realize what the group is demanding.
What follows is a complex web of Barker and Llewelyn trailing the Confederates as the Confederates trail the two detectives. Questions of identity arise. Are the Confederates who they claim to be or are the other historical figures, supposedly dead, who have taken on new identities?
If you enjoy substantial historical mysteries this is a series you shouldn't miss—and it's a series you don't necessarily have to read in order.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
Even among other titles in the series, Death and Glory, set in 1890s London, stands out because of its audacity. The plot is built around a group of US ex-pats, all former Confederates, come to England to demand the handover of a warship purportedly paid for by the Confederacy early on in the Civil War and never delivered. The premise may sound more like historical fantasy than historical mystery, but Will Thomas makes this hard-to-believe premise into a solid read.
Before Barker and Llewelyn know the Confederates goal, they're hired to help secure a meeting with the Prime Minister. This is something Barker and Llewelyn manage—and they are every bit as shocked as the P.M. when they realize what the group is demanding.
What follows is a complex web of Barker and Llewelyn trailing the Confederates as the Confederates trail the two detectives. Questions of identity arise. Are the Confederates who they claim to be or are the other historical figures, supposedly dead, who have taken on new identities?
If you enjoy substantial historical mysteries this is a series you shouldn't miss—and it's a series you don't necessarily have to read in order.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
April 22, 2024
A Confederate Challenge, 1894!
Detectives Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn have their hands full with the surfacing of a thirty year old document, a Treaty, testifying that Britain sold an iron warship to the Confederacy during the war between the North and the South.
Barker and Llewelyn find themselves ensconced in International politics. If the Treaty is legitimate, the British Government is in an unenviable position.
Survivors, ex- soldiers, have been plotting for decades to fund a war from the countries they had escaped to—Mexico, Cuba, Brazil and Columbia. The war of Northern Aggression will be redefined and the Confederacy restored.
Now they are raising money and marching on towards their goal of taking the warship which they will use as a model to build more cheaply in the countries they now reside in. An amarda of iron ships will rise and threaten the newly established United States order.
(Thomas’s research is amazing!)
We have armed insurgents hiding out in London, a group of well heeled southern gentleman pursuing ownership of the ship, a train robbery, and other measures of skullduggery. Complicit wealthy merchants and members of the ton are raising money for the cause at a by “invitation only” Ball. The Prime Minister and the shadowy parts of the government are worried! The PM has obtained the services of the partners.
Cyrus and Llewelyn have there work cut out trying to make head or tail of this politically charged investigation.
A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Detectives Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn have their hands full with the surfacing of a thirty year old document, a Treaty, testifying that Britain sold an iron warship to the Confederacy during the war between the North and the South.
Barker and Llewelyn find themselves ensconced in International politics. If the Treaty is legitimate, the British Government is in an unenviable position.
Survivors, ex- soldiers, have been plotting for decades to fund a war from the countries they had escaped to—Mexico, Cuba, Brazil and Columbia. The war of Northern Aggression will be redefined and the Confederacy restored.
Now they are raising money and marching on towards their goal of taking the warship which they will use as a model to build more cheaply in the countries they now reside in. An amarda of iron ships will rise and threaten the newly established United States order.
(Thomas’s research is amazing!)
We have armed insurgents hiding out in London, a group of well heeled southern gentleman pursuing ownership of the ship, a train robbery, and other measures of skullduggery. Complicit wealthy merchants and members of the ton are raising money for the cause at a by “invitation only” Ball. The Prime Minister and the shadowy parts of the government are worried! The PM has obtained the services of the partners.
Cyrus and Llewelyn have there work cut out trying to make head or tail of this politically charged investigation.
A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
May 24, 2024
Not the best of the series
Without giving any spoilers, this novel felt unresolved and unfinished even after reaching the very last page—and I think Will Thomas struggled with this knowledge himself, as he rather rambled and meandered through various trivialities for a few more chapters than were necessary (or particularly rewarding for the reader) at the end of the book.
Despite the story arguably being tailored to appeal to American readers, dealing as it does with events related to our Civil War, I also found the plot flat and the characters mostly lacking. Mr. Thomas spent quite a lot of time developing the character of St. Ives—though he still did not seem to capture the charm and wit other characters repeatedly ascribed to this man. Other characters introduced in this story were even less colorful or intriguing, despite being linked, somewhat speculatively, to actual historical figures.
The one saving grace of the book is that our narrator, Llewellyn, continues to entertain, with his sarcastic observations, humorous one-liners, and rather frippery dandyism shown to good effect here. Otherwise, I found this latest addition to an otherwise entertaining series floundered quite a bit, rarely rising to the level of the earlier escapades of Barker and Lewellyn.
Without giving any spoilers, this novel felt unresolved and unfinished even after reaching the very last page—and I think Will Thomas struggled with this knowledge himself, as he rather rambled and meandered through various trivialities for a few more chapters than were necessary (or particularly rewarding for the reader) at the end of the book.
Despite the story arguably being tailored to appeal to American readers, dealing as it does with events related to our Civil War, I also found the plot flat and the characters mostly lacking. Mr. Thomas spent quite a lot of time developing the character of St. Ives—though he still did not seem to capture the charm and wit other characters repeatedly ascribed to this man. Other characters introduced in this story were even less colorful or intriguing, despite being linked, somewhat speculatively, to actual historical figures.
The one saving grace of the book is that our narrator, Llewellyn, continues to entertain, with his sarcastic observations, humorous one-liners, and rather frippery dandyism shown to good effect here. Otherwise, I found this latest addition to an otherwise entertaining series floundered quite a bit, rarely rising to the level of the earlier escapades of Barker and Lewellyn.
March 21, 2024
1894 London. It is nearly 30 years since the end of the American Civil War, and four men claiming to represent the Confederacy approach Barker to arrange a meeting with the Prime Minister, claiming a have copy of a treaty between Britain and the Confederacy. But are they who they say they are and what do they really want.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2024
4+…. I had forgotten about author Will Thomas until my library advertised his newest. I will be going backward to finish those I have missed. British mystery, circa 1891 with 2 fascinating London “enquiry” agents. Great plot!
April 9, 2025
Ratings:
Writing 4
Story line 3.5
Characters 4
Impact/enjoyment 3.5
Overall rating 3.75
Writing 4
Story line 3.5
Characters 4
Impact/enjoyment 3.5
Overall rating 3.75
June 24, 2025
I really liked this new or Barker and Llewellyn book. Some interesting twists, and a surprise ending.
December 12, 2023
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
I'm a huge fan of this series because the history is good, the writing is great, and the characters are quite unique. The author always finds a piece of history to use as a starting point, and builds a fascinating plot from there.
Although this is the latest in a series, this book would read well on its own, and would probably entice you to go back and find out all about Barker and Llewelyn and their history together.
The story involves more of a puzzle than a mystery, when a group of Americans come to London and hire Barker as a liaison with the British government - they say they are the Confederate government in exile and want to revive a 35 year old treaty with Britain. Neither the reader or Llewelyn is sure what's going on until the very end.
A great addition to the previous books, would recommend to fans of solid historicals like Outlander and the Falco series. I'm always looking forward to the next instalment!
I'm a huge fan of this series because the history is good, the writing is great, and the characters are quite unique. The author always finds a piece of history to use as a starting point, and builds a fascinating plot from there.
Although this is the latest in a series, this book would read well on its own, and would probably entice you to go back and find out all about Barker and Llewelyn and their history together.
The story involves more of a puzzle than a mystery, when a group of Americans come to London and hire Barker as a liaison with the British government - they say they are the Confederate government in exile and want to revive a 35 year old treaty with Britain. Neither the reader or Llewelyn is sure what's going on until the very end.
A great addition to the previous books, would recommend to fans of solid historicals like Outlander and the Falco series. I'm always looking forward to the next instalment!
February 12, 2024
As always with this series, the historical setting is top notch, it’s well-plotted, and Thomas is snarky and you never learn as much about Barker as you want to. I was a little disappointed in the behavior of Rebecca and Philippa. They both acted out of character and for such a male-centric cast, it’s a let down to see the only women reduced to jealousy and pretty gowns. Still, the mystery was complex and satisfying. A great addition to the series and it might even be enough to entice new readers to go back to Some Danger Involved and start at the beginning.
I received an arc from NetGalley
I received an arc from NetGalley
April 6, 2024
Death and Glory AUDIO by Will Thomas is a Barker and Llewelyn mystery taking place in Victorian England where they are private inquiry agents. The two live in Barker’s home, primarily for convenience, along with Llewelyn’s wife Rebecca. This is definitely a conspiracy theory book wherein men claiming to be representative of the Confederate States of America arrive and request that Barker arrange a meeting for them with the Prime Minister. They are taken aback but do as requested only to discover that these men want to take possession of a battleship that the Confederate government had commissioned and paid for before the war ended. Since it had never been delivered, they wanted it now. The prime minister wasn’t so sure. Things escalated as it became the belief of Llewelyn that two of the men, rather than being who they claimed to be, were, in fact, John Wilkes Booth and Jesse James. They also claim to hold a treaty between England and the Confederacy which, if brought to light, would be an embarrassment and could harm relations with the United States.
Barker and Llewelyn are an odd pair, Barker having spent his life in heroic pursuits, while Llewelyn is basically a home body. Rebecca is a Jewish, a fact which bothers neither of them, but will bother the wider society. They keep a low profile. Rebecca’s mother does not like Thomas Llewelyn; she thinks her daughter could have done better. These Southerners were charming men, if dangerous. Their idea to revive the Confederacy, and along with the slavery, have gained support both in the United States and in England. They presented a huge challenge to the enquiry agents, which put them in danger, as well as leaving them confused. This “blast from the past” has proven to be a challenge, especially since much of Llewelyn’s research is coming from dime novels. They are a great pair: both well-written and interesting. The mystery of the men’s; behavior turned out to be challenging and difficult. Thanks Will Thomas! I love Barker and Llewleyn!
The Narrator is Antony Ferguson and he is an excellent choice for this book. I love Barker’s Scottish accent. Ferguson keeps a relatively serious tone, even in the most ridiculous situations. He made Death and Glory a really good listen.
I was invited to listen to Death and Glory by MacMillan Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #MacMillanAudio #WillThomas #AntonyFerguson #DeathAndGlory
Barker and Llewelyn are an odd pair, Barker having spent his life in heroic pursuits, while Llewelyn is basically a home body. Rebecca is a Jewish, a fact which bothers neither of them, but will bother the wider society. They keep a low profile. Rebecca’s mother does not like Thomas Llewelyn; she thinks her daughter could have done better. These Southerners were charming men, if dangerous. Their idea to revive the Confederacy, and along with the slavery, have gained support both in the United States and in England. They presented a huge challenge to the enquiry agents, which put them in danger, as well as leaving them confused. This “blast from the past” has proven to be a challenge, especially since much of Llewelyn’s research is coming from dime novels. They are a great pair: both well-written and interesting. The mystery of the men’s; behavior turned out to be challenging and difficult. Thanks Will Thomas! I love Barker and Llewleyn!
The Narrator is Antony Ferguson and he is an excellent choice for this book. I love Barker’s Scottish accent. Ferguson keeps a relatively serious tone, even in the most ridiculous situations. He made Death and Glory a really good listen.
I was invited to listen to Death and Glory by MacMillan Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #MacMillanAudio #WillThomas #AntonyFerguson #DeathAndGlory
March 30, 2024
"Death and Glory" is the fifteenth installment in Will Thomas' "Barker & Llewelyn" series. In 1894, the eponymous enquiry agents are approached by representatives of the Confederate States of America. The members of the group claim to be part of a secret society as well the rightful heirs to a British warship. Barker and Llewelyn are approached by persons on both sides of the Atlantic to discover the individual's true identities and determine the group's goals. Of course, as with any of this series, the job is much more complex than it seems at first glance. The title "Death and Glory" refers to the Confederates, but it could also describe the protagonists. In the ten years since they have joined forces, they have received recognition and a royal warrant. For better or worse, they are no longer anonymous. This begins to change their approach to solving the crimes. They must develop and then untangle a web of dissemblance while staying out of harm's way.
The secondary characters in their lives at home and on the job only make small appearances. Given how heavily they have influenced recent texts, this was not unwelcome. However, while the Confederates are engaging in their own right, I missed the UK focused storyline. London and its environs are still present, but given that their mystery is not inherently British, it takes a back seat. I will hope for a return to a more traditional mystery in Barker and Llewelyn's next outing.
"Death and Glory" will be released in the U.S. on April 23, 2024. Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this audio ARC given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The secondary characters in their lives at home and on the job only make small appearances. Given how heavily they have influenced recent texts, this was not unwelcome. However, while the Confederates are engaging in their own right, I missed the UK focused storyline. London and its environs are still present, but given that their mystery is not inherently British, it takes a back seat. I will hope for a return to a more traditional mystery in Barker and Llewelyn's next outing.
"Death and Glory" will be released in the U.S. on April 23, 2024. Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this audio ARC given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 25, 2024
An interesting take on both the Holmes/Watson relationship and the relationship between the UK and the Confederate government.
The underlying event here is the Trent Affair. This happened in the early months of the Civil War, nearly drawing the UK into the conflict. How that would have affected the outcome is still being argued by historians. The author uses it to launch his tale thirty years after the incident and uses it quite well.
Barker and Llewelyn are called in to secure an audience with the new Prime Minister. In it, men claiming to be representatives of the Confederate government have a signed treaty linking the UK with the Rebels. While the Civil War is long over, it still represents a very embarrassing situation for the UK and they wish to hush it all up.
Our heroes navigate a host of issues, but come out on top at the end. That does not mean they won, however. The author lays out the ending in a realistic manner, with a hint or two that there was more to cover up than even our intrepid 'enquiry agents' knew about.
Recommended for fans of the series (this is the fifteenth entry) and for those who love Holmes and Watson, detective fiction, and the Victorian Era.
Find it. Buy it. Read it!
The underlying event here is the Trent Affair. This happened in the early months of the Civil War, nearly drawing the UK into the conflict. How that would have affected the outcome is still being argued by historians. The author uses it to launch his tale thirty years after the incident and uses it quite well.
Barker and Llewelyn are called in to secure an audience with the new Prime Minister. In it, men claiming to be representatives of the Confederate government have a signed treaty linking the UK with the Rebels. While the Civil War is long over, it still represents a very embarrassing situation for the UK and they wish to hush it all up.
Our heroes navigate a host of issues, but come out on top at the end. That does not mean they won, however. The author lays out the ending in a realistic manner, with a hint or two that there was more to cover up than even our intrepid 'enquiry agents' knew about.
Recommended for fans of the series (this is the fifteenth entry) and for those who love Holmes and Watson, detective fiction, and the Victorian Era.
Find it. Buy it. Read it!
March 5, 2025
This is the 15 th. book in this mystery series. This one was more politically involved with Barker, his partner, the new Prime minister of England, and a group of delegates from Americana representing the Confederate nation. They basically use Barker’s high ranking in the Masons to get an interview with the prime minister. They have a thirty year treaty, and bill of sale for a completed, and paid for battleship from thirty years ago. They have letters from prominent people from the first delegation who entered into the agreement. This book is very different from his usual stories. It was very informative about the civil war, and what happened after. It was very interesting, and told of things never taught in school. Plus about the lives of John Wilkes Booth, Jesse James, and President Lincoln son is now Ambassador to England. Hundreds of thousands of people ready to fight again, for the south. Rubber plantation owners, tobacco, sugar, and other profitable businesses were put together by southern soldiers. The question is if any of it is real, and is the deal still valid after thirty years. Barker, and Llewelyn mean to find out what this is really about. They do. I liked it a lot. 4 stars.
February 26, 2024
The newest in the Barker & Llewelyn series (#15) has a somewhat different feel than the prior books. Will Thomas still crafts a very vivid picture of late 1800s England combining real historic events with the fictional cases the detectives investigate. And there continues to be great comradery between Barker & Thomas. Death and Glory is well-written and very absorbing, however, the plot is jarring: post-Civil War Confederate 'patriots' are plotting in England to gain money and support to continue their war against the USA. It was interesting and the author clearly researched the people and events of that time. But, well... no one really likes to be reminded of the worst parts of our history.
The conclusion of Death and Glory seemed incomplete. In prior books, all of the questions are answered, the mysteries fully solved, and the plot points all neatly tied up. At the end of this story, the reader's still left with questions.
The conclusion of Death and Glory seemed incomplete. In prior books, all of the questions are answered, the mysteries fully solved, and the plot points all neatly tied up. At the end of this story, the reader's still left with questions.
May 3, 2024
Thank you St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for allowing me to read and review Death and Glory: A Barker & Llewelyn Novel on NetGalley.
Published: 04/23/24
Stars: 3
Okay.
Over the past several months I have learned I love to watch and truly dislike reading this time period, the Victorian Era. Going forward I will do my very best to not request books set in this period.
My rating is the outlier. The dialogue was simple. The characters are too polite. These things work on PBS, but not in books for me.
If you enjoy the Victorian Era give this or any of the other 14 books in the series a try.
Published: 04/23/24
Stars: 3
Okay.
Over the past several months I have learned I love to watch and truly dislike reading this time period, the Victorian Era. Going forward I will do my very best to not request books set in this period.
My rating is the outlier. The dialogue was simple. The characters are too polite. These things work on PBS, but not in books for me.
If you enjoy the Victorian Era give this or any of the other 14 books in the series a try.
November 9, 2024
3.5 stars
November 14, 2024
I love this entire series. And this book was no disappointment. It seems as though this entire series was written for my personal enjoyment. I love the setting, time frame, even the characters, and how they are developing from book to book. The plots are complex enough to please me and the authors touch of including real people from history in unusual ways, very clever. May there be many more to come.
November 30, 2023
In the latest entry in the Barker & Llewelyn series, the enquiry agents walk a fine line between men who claim to represent the Confederate States of America —or may be conmen making that claim— and their wealthy supporters in Britain, and the British government. It’s an interesting premise, though it was at times difficult for me, a modern reader, to step back to a time when the Civil War was only thirty years ago and realize how many things we take for granted today were very different then.
That said, Barker and Llewelyn remain captivating characters, facing their own issues outside the main plot line of the Confederacy. The men who claim to represent the Confederacy are also well drawn, as is the American ambassador in London (I wish more had been done with his character).
This would be a fun entry into the series for someone who has never explored this world and is an excellent read for those looking for the next Barker & Llewelyn mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
That said, Barker and Llewelyn remain captivating characters, facing their own issues outside the main plot line of the Confederacy. The men who claim to represent the Confederacy are also well drawn, as is the American ambassador in London (I wish more had been done with his character).
This would be a fun entry into the series for someone who has never explored this world and is an excellent read for those looking for the next Barker & Llewelyn mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
April 21, 2024
Death and Glory is the 15th book in the phenomenal series Barker & Llewelyn by Will Thomas. I discovered this series shortly after I began reading historical mystery and thrillers. This series is what made me fall in love with the genre, and it is now my favorite. I started in the middle of the series, but each mystery basically stands alone, so dive in. I went back and read all I missed; I also get the audio books to savor at a later date. This review is actually for both the book and audio book; it's nice to switch to audio while driving. While this book is not my favorite of the series, it's still a solid story and definitely worth reading (and/or listening to)!
Private Enquiry agent Cyrus Barker and his partner Thomas Llewelyn have worked cases for many prominent groups - the Foreign Office, Scotland Yard and even the British Monarchy. Their newest clients, however, they never could have imagined. A group of men who fought for the Confederacy in the American Civil War thirty years ago show up at their office. Their goal? They want to revive the Confederacy with a warship promised to them from the British Government in 1865. In order to get that ship, the delegation is threatening to publicly reveal Britain's secret treaty with the Confederacy. Barker and Llewelyn are hired to bring their threats quietly to the Prime Minister. There are a number of prominent - and rich - Brits who are willing to donate funds to wage war against the United States again, and the delegates are just waiting for their warship. But are they really Confederates as they state, or grifters, or even something else? The Americans also have teams watching and waiting for the right time to strike. Barker and Llewelyn certainly have their work cut out for them with this case!
This was a fun change of pace for this series, something totally different from their previous cases. I was thoroughly without a clue as to the real identities of the delegation members. They claimed to be members of the Knights of the Golden Circle, a fraternal organization based upon the Masons in the Southern United States during the Civil War. The Ku Klux Klan was their military arm. This group wanted to repeal the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and acquire more land to increase the number of Confederate states. (This part, of course, is actual history.) I won't ruin the surprise of who the U.S. Treasury actually thought these men were! The most interesting of the delegation was St. Ives, a man who would experience every available vice. He even wore a vial of poison around his neck, just in case... He seemed quite fond of Llewelyn's company. Robert Todd Lincoln, the real oldest son of President Lincoln and a minister to Britain for the State Department, also makes an interesting appearance. The story was great, though the end seemed a bit anticlimactic to me. The series has great stories, but it's the characters that keep me coming back time and time again. Barker is a Scotsman with a mysterious past who became the premiere private enquiry agent in London. (Do NOT call him a detective !) He lived in China, is the Captain of the Osprey, teaches antagonists classes, smokes meerschaum pipes, and doesn't kid around. Oh, and he has a garden which is the envy of all. His dearest friend is Lady Philippa Ashleigh, a lovely, wealthy, connected and influential widow. She tries to keep Barker from taking everything so seriously; the key word here is "tries". My favorite character is Thomas Llewelyn, a young Welshman who was at his lowest when he was hired by Barker years ago. He is now a partner. I just adore his snark, which sometimes goes above Barker's head, as he takes things literally. And I just adore a man who loves books! He's such an endearing character, and the stories are told from his point of view. He is married to Rebecca, a pretty Jewish widow; their lives have just reached a turning point here, as they have had some extremely happy news. I'm looking forward to following their journey. Beloved supporting characters Mac the butler, Ho the restaurant owner and Harm the dog are all still here, which makes me extremely happy. This is a series you will want to devour!
This audio book, as well as the preceding books, is narrated by Antony Ferguson. I believe this talented man may be my favorite narrator ever, and that's saying a lot because I have some I really love. He perfectly embodies the characters of both Llewelyn and Barker. I also like that he doesn't attempt to make the females sound like Monty Python members impersonating women; he gives them a believable softer voice. I hope he continues to narrate the series for as long as it lasts...and I hope that will be a long, long time!
I received an ARC of this book and audio book courtesy of the publishers and NetGalley. I have received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Private Enquiry agent Cyrus Barker and his partner Thomas Llewelyn have worked cases for many prominent groups - the Foreign Office, Scotland Yard and even the British Monarchy. Their newest clients, however, they never could have imagined. A group of men who fought for the Confederacy in the American Civil War thirty years ago show up at their office. Their goal? They want to revive the Confederacy with a warship promised to them from the British Government in 1865. In order to get that ship, the delegation is threatening to publicly reveal Britain's secret treaty with the Confederacy. Barker and Llewelyn are hired to bring their threats quietly to the Prime Minister. There are a number of prominent - and rich - Brits who are willing to donate funds to wage war against the United States again, and the delegates are just waiting for their warship. But are they really Confederates as they state, or grifters, or even something else? The Americans also have teams watching and waiting for the right time to strike. Barker and Llewelyn certainly have their work cut out for them with this case!
This was a fun change of pace for this series, something totally different from their previous cases. I was thoroughly without a clue as to the real identities of the delegation members. They claimed to be members of the Knights of the Golden Circle, a fraternal organization based upon the Masons in the Southern United States during the Civil War. The Ku Klux Klan was their military arm. This group wanted to repeal the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and acquire more land to increase the number of Confederate states. (This part, of course, is actual history.) I won't ruin the surprise of who the U.S. Treasury actually thought these men were! The most interesting of the delegation was St. Ives, a man who would experience every available vice. He even wore a vial of poison around his neck, just in case... He seemed quite fond of Llewelyn's company. Robert Todd Lincoln, the real oldest son of President Lincoln and a minister to Britain for the State Department, also makes an interesting appearance. The story was great, though the end seemed a bit anticlimactic to me. The series has great stories, but it's the characters that keep me coming back time and time again. Barker is a Scotsman with a mysterious past who became the premiere private enquiry agent in London. (Do NOT call him a detective !) He lived in China, is the Captain of the Osprey, teaches antagonists classes, smokes meerschaum pipes, and doesn't kid around. Oh, and he has a garden which is the envy of all. His dearest friend is Lady Philippa Ashleigh, a lovely, wealthy, connected and influential widow. She tries to keep Barker from taking everything so seriously; the key word here is "tries". My favorite character is Thomas Llewelyn, a young Welshman who was at his lowest when he was hired by Barker years ago. He is now a partner. I just adore his snark, which sometimes goes above Barker's head, as he takes things literally. And I just adore a man who loves books! He's such an endearing character, and the stories are told from his point of view. He is married to Rebecca, a pretty Jewish widow; their lives have just reached a turning point here, as they have had some extremely happy news. I'm looking forward to following their journey. Beloved supporting characters Mac the butler, Ho the restaurant owner and Harm the dog are all still here, which makes me extremely happy. This is a series you will want to devour!
This audio book, as well as the preceding books, is narrated by Antony Ferguson. I believe this talented man may be my favorite narrator ever, and that's saying a lot because I have some I really love. He perfectly embodies the characters of both Llewelyn and Barker. I also like that he doesn't attempt to make the females sound like Monty Python members impersonating women; he gives them a believable softer voice. I hope he continues to narrate the series for as long as it lasts...and I hope that will be a long, long time!
I received an ARC of this book and audio book courtesy of the publishers and NetGalley. I have received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
June 25, 2024
I became addicted to the Barker & Llewelyn series by Will Thomas upon reading the first one, and fourteen novels later my appreciation for the writing, the settings of late 19th century London, and the great characterizations hasn’t abated. His latest, “Death and Glory” fulfilled all my expectations and I believe puts Will Thomas into the ranks as one of the great adventure-suspense writers around.
Cyrus Barker and his young partner Thomas Llewelyn, are private enquiry agents (don’t dare call them private detectives!), in late Victorian London. Think of a Sherlock Holmes with muscle, who is handy with his fists and adept with various weapons to thwart any attacker. His partner Thomas Llewelyn is a young, smart, athletic and strong Watson to his Cyrus-Sherlock. While Cyrus is certainly smart and can sit with pipe in hand and brood about the facts of a case as easily as Sherlock, Cyrus is also man of action, with a varied and most exciting past. Together the two are an intrepid pair of crime-solvers.
This caper finds them accepting a case from a small group of alleged ex-Confederate soldiers, still loyal to the Confederate cause, who seek Barker’s help in setting up a meeting with the British Prime Minister, in order to retrieve what they believe is rightly theirs - an ironclad warship purchased by the Confederacy thirty years before from the British, but never delivered due to the end of the Civil War. It develops that this strange group may not be who they claim to be, but if not, just who are they? What is their real mission? How large a group do they represent? Is war imminent between these ex-Confederates and the United States? What will this mean to relations between America and England? And what of the agreement they are seeking to enforce; is it authentic? Soon Barker and Llewelyn are dealing with not only the mysterious group who sought their help, but also with the British Prime Minister, a mysterious agent of the United States and other individuals involved in a chase where the hunters are also the hunted.
As usual, Will Thomas’ characterizations are spot on, as are his detailed descriptions of 1894 London. Its hard not to feel the fog slowly covering you as you trod down a dimly lit street toward a pub in business some 100 years, (and which is still serving in 2024). There is action aplenty, also enough mental exercises as to the who, what and why to keep the armchair detective engaged. Although perhaps lacking the mental exercises a reader of Sherlock Holmes must undergo, the action sequences and their sometimes surprising beginnings and endings, keeps the reader’s interest, and moves the story along at a solid pace.
Highly recommend. This series is for those who love Victorian-era mystery-action stories. As noted, Mr. Thomas has a firm and effective grasp of Victorian London, its pubs, streets and other local highlights which puts the reader in a “you are there” mode throughout. Action packed with some history thrown in. Five stars!
Cyrus Barker and his young partner Thomas Llewelyn, are private enquiry agents (don’t dare call them private detectives!), in late Victorian London. Think of a Sherlock Holmes with muscle, who is handy with his fists and adept with various weapons to thwart any attacker. His partner Thomas Llewelyn is a young, smart, athletic and strong Watson to his Cyrus-Sherlock. While Cyrus is certainly smart and can sit with pipe in hand and brood about the facts of a case as easily as Sherlock, Cyrus is also man of action, with a varied and most exciting past. Together the two are an intrepid pair of crime-solvers.
This caper finds them accepting a case from a small group of alleged ex-Confederate soldiers, still loyal to the Confederate cause, who seek Barker’s help in setting up a meeting with the British Prime Minister, in order to retrieve what they believe is rightly theirs - an ironclad warship purchased by the Confederacy thirty years before from the British, but never delivered due to the end of the Civil War. It develops that this strange group may not be who they claim to be, but if not, just who are they? What is their real mission? How large a group do they represent? Is war imminent between these ex-Confederates and the United States? What will this mean to relations between America and England? And what of the agreement they are seeking to enforce; is it authentic? Soon Barker and Llewelyn are dealing with not only the mysterious group who sought their help, but also with the British Prime Minister, a mysterious agent of the United States and other individuals involved in a chase where the hunters are also the hunted.
As usual, Will Thomas’ characterizations are spot on, as are his detailed descriptions of 1894 London. Its hard not to feel the fog slowly covering you as you trod down a dimly lit street toward a pub in business some 100 years, (and which is still serving in 2024). There is action aplenty, also enough mental exercises as to the who, what and why to keep the armchair detective engaged. Although perhaps lacking the mental exercises a reader of Sherlock Holmes must undergo, the action sequences and their sometimes surprising beginnings and endings, keeps the reader’s interest, and moves the story along at a solid pace.
Highly recommend. This series is for those who love Victorian-era mystery-action stories. As noted, Mr. Thomas has a firm and effective grasp of Victorian London, its pubs, streets and other local highlights which puts the reader in a “you are there” mode throughout. Action packed with some history thrown in. Five stars!
March 7, 2024
Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn are private enquiry agents in England, during the Victorian era. They take all types of cases and have developed reputations for doing good work and being honest.
They are approached by 4 men who represent the Confederate States of America. Yet, the War Between the States has been over for years. The men request that Barker and Llewelyn introduce them to the Prime Minister.
The goup includes a strong leader, a drunken dandy, a large bully and a young man who seldom speaks. The reason for the need of an introduction is the fact that Britain owes the Confederacy an ironclad ship and the men are ready to take the ship.
I have not read any of the other books in this series. But, I had no problem following the action, learning of relationships and hearing about previous events.
Thomas is the voice for the story. He is an admirer of his heroic, older partner. He is a precise story teller who has no problem describing his own shortcomings. Actually, the described shortcomings are only in his estimation of himself.
The book is action packed. The plot is well developed. The characters are complete human beings. Barker is the only character who is an enigma. Thomas understands him, but Barker is not big on sharing.
Barker and Thomas are very thorough investigators. They are smart and brave and humorous. The description of hanging on the side of a building is scary and funny at the same time.
The story includes a little about the private lives of both Barker and Thomas. But, the majority of the story is about playing cat and mouse with the Americans. There are dangers. There are mysteries within the mystery. And it is evident that taking a life is not a problem for the men from the Confederacy. After all, they were soldiers in a War.
The story introduces possibilities that the ship could cause relations between Britain and the United States government to be strained. That possibility is one of the reasons the Prime Minister wants to be kept up to date on events. In fact there are many people who are interested in the outcome.
This is a terrific story.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.
They are approached by 4 men who represent the Confederate States of America. Yet, the War Between the States has been over for years. The men request that Barker and Llewelyn introduce them to the Prime Minister.
The goup includes a strong leader, a drunken dandy, a large bully and a young man who seldom speaks. The reason for the need of an introduction is the fact that Britain owes the Confederacy an ironclad ship and the men are ready to take the ship.
I have not read any of the other books in this series. But, I had no problem following the action, learning of relationships and hearing about previous events.
Thomas is the voice for the story. He is an admirer of his heroic, older partner. He is a precise story teller who has no problem describing his own shortcomings. Actually, the described shortcomings are only in his estimation of himself.
The book is action packed. The plot is well developed. The characters are complete human beings. Barker is the only character who is an enigma. Thomas understands him, but Barker is not big on sharing.
Barker and Thomas are very thorough investigators. They are smart and brave and humorous. The description of hanging on the side of a building is scary and funny at the same time.
The story includes a little about the private lives of both Barker and Thomas. But, the majority of the story is about playing cat and mouse with the Americans. There are dangers. There are mysteries within the mystery. And it is evident that taking a life is not a problem for the men from the Confederacy. After all, they were soldiers in a War.
The story introduces possibilities that the ship could cause relations between Britain and the United States government to be strained. That possibility is one of the reasons the Prime Minister wants to be kept up to date on events. In fact there are many people who are interested in the outcome.
This is a terrific story.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.
April 4, 2024
Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Barker & Llewelyn #15
Publication Date: 4/23/24
Period: Victorian London – April, 1894
Number of Pages: 304
Thomas Llewelyn has worked with Cyrus Barker for ten years, and it has been a wonderful reading journey. Thomas has gone from a melancholy, down-on-his-luck, contemplating suicide young man to a confident, skilled enquiry agent with a wife. Thomas shows those skills in this book and even gets some excellent personal news.
It seems the south is rising again – in London. No, not the south of England, but the Southern United States. A delegation of Southern expatriates appears at the offices of Barker and Llewellyn on a lovely spring morning. They wish to hire Barker to arrange a meeting with the new Prime Minister, the Earl of Rosebery. Barker and Thomas immediately suspect their motives but feel they should play along until they discover what the Prime Minister and his government want to do about them.
What these Southern gentlemen want astounds the government and can create a huge political scandal/crisis. Whichever way the government decides, the fallout will happen. The civil war in the US has been over for thirty years, yet these people want the delivery of a warship promised to them just as the war was ending. Barker and Thomas think they want more and quickly infiltrate the group to see what they can learn. A Barker and Llewellyn case is always more complicated and convoluted than they first appear – and this one was no exception.
This excellently-written, well-plotted, fast-paced novel was action-packed and filled with interesting characters and enlightening obscure historical facts. Another thing I always enjoy is the Author’s Notes – Yes, I always read the Author’s Notes. This author’s notes are always educational and fun to read. I love Thomas’s wit as he gives us his first-person account of each case and we always learn more about him in each new entry in the series. Barker, of course, always leaves us wanting to know more. We’ve learned a lot about his history, and in this novel, he seemed more ‘human’, but still he is larger than life.
I recommend this book, this series, and this author. I hope you will love the book as much as I did. Happy reading!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Barker & Llewelyn #15
Publication Date: 4/23/24
Period: Victorian London – April, 1894
Number of Pages: 304
Thomas Llewelyn has worked with Cyrus Barker for ten years, and it has been a wonderful reading journey. Thomas has gone from a melancholy, down-on-his-luck, contemplating suicide young man to a confident, skilled enquiry agent with a wife. Thomas shows those skills in this book and even gets some excellent personal news.
It seems the south is rising again – in London. No, not the south of England, but the Southern United States. A delegation of Southern expatriates appears at the offices of Barker and Llewellyn on a lovely spring morning. They wish to hire Barker to arrange a meeting with the new Prime Minister, the Earl of Rosebery. Barker and Thomas immediately suspect their motives but feel they should play along until they discover what the Prime Minister and his government want to do about them.
What these Southern gentlemen want astounds the government and can create a huge political scandal/crisis. Whichever way the government decides, the fallout will happen. The civil war in the US has been over for thirty years, yet these people want the delivery of a warship promised to them just as the war was ending. Barker and Thomas think they want more and quickly infiltrate the group to see what they can learn. A Barker and Llewellyn case is always more complicated and convoluted than they first appear – and this one was no exception.
This excellently-written, well-plotted, fast-paced novel was action-packed and filled with interesting characters and enlightening obscure historical facts. Another thing I always enjoy is the Author’s Notes – Yes, I always read the Author’s Notes. This author’s notes are always educational and fun to read. I love Thomas’s wit as he gives us his first-person account of each case and we always learn more about him in each new entry in the series. Barker, of course, always leaves us wanting to know more. We’ve learned a lot about his history, and in this novel, he seemed more ‘human’, but still he is larger than life.
I recommend this book, this series, and this author. I hope you will love the book as much as I did. Happy reading!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 15, 2024
Currently one of five finalists for the upcoming Oklahoma Book Award in Fiction for Heart of the Nile, Will Thomas has gifted readers with yet another Barker and Llewelyn Victorian mystery, Death and Glory (#15 in the series). The book is set in 1894 London with Enquiry Agent Cyrus Barker in his fifties and partner Thomas Llewelyn thirty.
The novel’s Preface opens with what appears to be a murder—a hit and run in which a horse-drawn carriage runs down 92-year-old man, who had played a leading role in the Civil War’s Trent Affair. Although I immediately started a Google search, Will Thomas eventually explains everything readers need to know about this historic incident. Following the Preface, the story shifts to protagonists Barker and Llewelyn, contacted by a group of four former Confederate soldiers seeking an audience with the Prime Minister. Holding an old contract for a British built warship, the Confederates have arrived to collect the ship paid for thirty years earlier but never received, the war having ended before the ship’s completion.
From here, the author picks up the pace, adding a variety of characters, raising questions about the contract’s authenticity and the Confederates’ identity. Briefly telling of their lives in the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America following the Union victory, the expat Confederates have arrived in London for larger purposes than claiming the ship. The British are watching the Confederates. American officials, under the direction of United States Minister to England Robert Todd Lincoln, are watching the Confederates and the British. Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn find themselves in a tight spot as they cozy up to the Confederates in the line of duty.
Barker and Llewelyn fans and historical mystery lovers should pick up a copy of Death and Glory. Readers can easily start with this fifteenth in the series but are likely to next pick up Some Danger Involved (2004), Will Thomas’s introduction to Barker and Llewelyn, and follow up with the rest of the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur/St. Martin's Press for an advance reader copy of this highly recommended new novel.
Shared on GoodReads and Barnes and Noble
The novel’s Preface opens with what appears to be a murder—a hit and run in which a horse-drawn carriage runs down 92-year-old man, who had played a leading role in the Civil War’s Trent Affair. Although I immediately started a Google search, Will Thomas eventually explains everything readers need to know about this historic incident. Following the Preface, the story shifts to protagonists Barker and Llewelyn, contacted by a group of four former Confederate soldiers seeking an audience with the Prime Minister. Holding an old contract for a British built warship, the Confederates have arrived to collect the ship paid for thirty years earlier but never received, the war having ended before the ship’s completion.
From here, the author picks up the pace, adding a variety of characters, raising questions about the contract’s authenticity and the Confederates’ identity. Briefly telling of their lives in the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America following the Union victory, the expat Confederates have arrived in London for larger purposes than claiming the ship. The British are watching the Confederates. American officials, under the direction of United States Minister to England Robert Todd Lincoln, are watching the Confederates and the British. Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn find themselves in a tight spot as they cozy up to the Confederates in the line of duty.
Barker and Llewelyn fans and historical mystery lovers should pick up a copy of Death and Glory. Readers can easily start with this fifteenth in the series but are likely to next pick up Some Danger Involved (2004), Will Thomas’s introduction to Barker and Llewelyn, and follow up with the rest of the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur/St. Martin's Press for an advance reader copy of this highly recommended new novel.
Shared on GoodReads and Barnes and Noble
April 23, 2024
I was introduced to Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn, enquiry agents, in Some Danger Involved, the first book in this series, and I have been a fan ever since. Death and Glory is the fifteenth book in this series but can be read independently. The American Civil War has been over for thirty years when Barker and Llewelyn are approached by four men introducing themselves as Confederate officers. They have been denied an interview with the Prime Minister and ask Barker to use his influence to arrange a meeting. The Confederacy had purchased a warship from Britain, but never took delivery before the war was over. They possess a signed treaty between Britain and the Confederacy that they will publicize if the ship is not delivered, destroying relations between England and America. After their meeting, Barker offers his services to the Prime Minister to discover the extent of their plans. The four officers arrived in England with a number of followers who trail the enquiry agents and are prepared to commit murder for their plan to succeed. After the war thousands of members of the Confederacy settled in Mexico, Cuba and South America and they are now raising funds to retake the lands that they lost in the war. The warship is only the opening move in their plans. Counterfeiting, forgery, kidnapping and a train robbery keep the action moving as Barker and Llewelyn work under cover to stop them.
Llewelyn and his wife Rebecca have been living with Barker and his butler Mac, but this entry in the series brings good news to the couple and it is time to settle into their own home. Barker continues to be a man of mystery. A sea captain in China, he still finds pleasure in sailing and has introduced Llewelyn to the sea on occasion. They have worked with Scotland Yard and the British government, which has earned Barker contacts with the highest levels of government. With well developed characters, the appearance of historical figures and a desperate chase, this is Will Thomas at his best. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press - Minotaur for providing this book for my review.
Llewelyn and his wife Rebecca have been living with Barker and his butler Mac, but this entry in the series brings good news to the couple and it is time to settle into their own home. Barker continues to be a man of mystery. A sea captain in China, he still finds pleasure in sailing and has introduced Llewelyn to the sea on occasion. They have worked with Scotland Yard and the British government, which has earned Barker contacts with the highest levels of government. With well developed characters, the appearance of historical figures and a desperate chase, this is Will Thomas at his best. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press - Minotaur for providing this book for my review.
March 6, 2024
When a group of gentlemen show up wanting to speak to Barker and they claim they are not only from but leaders of the secret society that barker belongs to but also claiming to be the president of the southern states of America and oh yes they want him to set up a meeting with newly seeded Prime Minister Rosenbury. When Barker set up this meeting needless to say he Llewellyn and the Prime Minister of flabbergasted that not only the goal of these men who come representing four different countries but claiming to belong to one and wanting to be paid in full for a ship that was promised to the southern states during the Civil War even have a treaty signed with Britain in hand that not only looks authentic but they want paid in full or they will release a copy to local newspapers. The problem lies in the fact the confederate states of America has been disband since 1964 not only that some of these men are way too young to have even been a part of it… So who are they and why did they want this ship? When Barker and Llewellyn investigate the identity of some of these men it’s surprising but why they want this chip is even more amazing. There is way too much to this book to give a good brief summary just know I listen to the audio and read some of it on Kindle and I think either way you listen it’s a great read. The narrator did a great job but the story is so interesting I don’t think you need to dress it up I have never read a book from the Barker and Llewellyn mystery Siri‘s and it almost makes me sad I started at book 15. It definitely proves this book can be read as a standalone I thought the narrator did really good especially with the southern voices and the different accents in the UK this is a great book and one I definitely recommend. I love historical fiction and historical mysteries or some of my favorites. I want to thank the publisher and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
April 18, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Will Thomas for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death and Glory coming out April 23, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Private Enquiry agent Cyrus Barker, along with his partner Thomas Llewelyn, has a long, accomplished history - he's taken on cases for Scotland Yard, the Foreign Office, and even the crown itself, fulfilling them all with great skill and discretion. None of those cases, however, are as delicate and complicated as the one laid before him by a delegation of men who, thirty years before, fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. These men want to revive the Confederacy with a warship promised to the Rebels from the British Government in 1865. To get it now, they're threatening to reveal the long-secret treaty with the Confederacy. Barker is hired to use his connections to discreetly bring their threats to the Prime Minister. With a web of prominent, if secret, supporters throughout England ready to through their support to their efforts to wage war anew on the United States, the delegates are just waiting for the warship to begin their plans. But some of the men are not who they claim to be, and the American government has their own team watching, and waiting, for the right moment to take action.
I love this series! I haven’t read all of them, but I think it’s a really fun historical series. The Civil War time setting is a really fascinating time period to me. I love the detectives. I think they’re a fun duo. I also loved to see more of their home lives. The whole plot felt like espionage, so I loved it. I’m definitely excited to read more of this series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys American Civil War era murder mysteries!
Private Enquiry agent Cyrus Barker, along with his partner Thomas Llewelyn, has a long, accomplished history - he's taken on cases for Scotland Yard, the Foreign Office, and even the crown itself, fulfilling them all with great skill and discretion. None of those cases, however, are as delicate and complicated as the one laid before him by a delegation of men who, thirty years before, fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. These men want to revive the Confederacy with a warship promised to the Rebels from the British Government in 1865. To get it now, they're threatening to reveal the long-secret treaty with the Confederacy. Barker is hired to use his connections to discreetly bring their threats to the Prime Minister. With a web of prominent, if secret, supporters throughout England ready to through their support to their efforts to wage war anew on the United States, the delegates are just waiting for the warship to begin their plans. But some of the men are not who they claim to be, and the American government has their own team watching, and waiting, for the right moment to take action.
I love this series! I haven’t read all of them, but I think it’s a really fun historical series. The Civil War time setting is a really fascinating time period to me. I love the detectives. I think they’re a fun duo. I also loved to see more of their home lives. The whole plot felt like espionage, so I loved it. I’m definitely excited to read more of this series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys American Civil War era murder mysteries!
April 23, 2024
“Death and Glory,” by Will Thomas, Minotaur Books, 304 pages, April 23, 2024.
It is April of 1894. Private Enquiry agent Cyrus Barker and his partner Thomas Llewelyn have just arrived at their office when four men come to the door.
One of the men identifies himself as General James Woodson. They were members of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. They have lived in exile since the end of the war 30 years ago.
Woodson is head of the Knights of the Golden Circle of the Freemasons. They want to meet with the prime minister, but have already been turned away from Downing Street. They want Barker, who is head of the Knights Templar, to intercede. Archibald Philip, 5th Earl of Rosebery, is the new prime minister. Robert Todd Lincoln is the American ambassador to England.
Woodson has a letter supposedly written by Jefferson Davis that appoints Woodson as the new president of the Confederacy. These men want to revive the Confederacy with a warship promised to the Rebels from the British Government in 1865. They intend to take the ship to Brazil and copy the design to create a fleet of warships.
To get the warship now, they're threatening to reveal the long-secret treaty with the Confederacy. The other men with Woodson are Brigadier David St. Ives, Colonel Zebedee Beaufort and Captain Manuel Cortez. Two of the men may be rather infamous people.
There is subterfuge and deceit throughout the book. Neither Llewelyn nor the reader
is sure what's going on until the end. Will Thomas takes us on a whirlwind tour of Victorian London. This is the 15th in the highly entertaining historical mystery series.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for a review.
It is April of 1894. Private Enquiry agent Cyrus Barker and his partner Thomas Llewelyn have just arrived at their office when four men come to the door.
One of the men identifies himself as General James Woodson. They were members of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. They have lived in exile since the end of the war 30 years ago.
Woodson is head of the Knights of the Golden Circle of the Freemasons. They want to meet with the prime minister, but have already been turned away from Downing Street. They want Barker, who is head of the Knights Templar, to intercede. Archibald Philip, 5th Earl of Rosebery, is the new prime minister. Robert Todd Lincoln is the American ambassador to England.
Woodson has a letter supposedly written by Jefferson Davis that appoints Woodson as the new president of the Confederacy. These men want to revive the Confederacy with a warship promised to the Rebels from the British Government in 1865. They intend to take the ship to Brazil and copy the design to create a fleet of warships.
To get the warship now, they're threatening to reveal the long-secret treaty with the Confederacy. The other men with Woodson are Brigadier David St. Ives, Colonel Zebedee Beaufort and Captain Manuel Cortez. Two of the men may be rather infamous people.
There is subterfuge and deceit throughout the book. Neither Llewelyn nor the reader
is sure what's going on until the end. Will Thomas takes us on a whirlwind tour of Victorian London. This is the 15th in the highly entertaining historical mystery series.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for a review.
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