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Benjamin January #17
Lady of Perdition
Benjamin January heads to the "Slaveholders' Republic" of Texas to locate a kidnapped girl and help a woman who saved him from the noose.
April, 1840. Benjamin January knows no black person in their right mind would willingly go to the Republic of Texas but when his former pupil Selina Bellinger is kidnapped and enslaved, he has no choice. Once there he is saved from being hanged by Valentina Taggart, wife of the wealthy landowner of Rancho Perdition.
After Valentina is accused of the murder of her husband, she in turn calls on Benjamin for help. To do so, he must abandon the safe haven of New Orleans, where people know he's a free man, to return to the self-proclaimed "Slaveholders' Republic".
In a land still disputed between vengeful Comanche, disgruntled Mexican Tejanos, Americans who want to join the United States and those who want to keep Texas free, January must uncover what happened to Valentina's husband. Behind lies, betrayals and rising political tensions lies the answer . . . but finding it could cost Ben his life.
April, 1840. Benjamin January knows no black person in their right mind would willingly go to the Republic of Texas but when his former pupil Selina Bellinger is kidnapped and enslaved, he has no choice. Once there he is saved from being hanged by Valentina Taggart, wife of the wealthy landowner of Rancho Perdition.
After Valentina is accused of the murder of her husband, she in turn calls on Benjamin for help. To do so, he must abandon the safe haven of New Orleans, where people know he's a free man, to return to the self-proclaimed "Slaveholders' Republic".
In a land still disputed between vengeful Comanche, disgruntled Mexican Tejanos, Americans who want to join the United States and those who want to keep Texas free, January must uncover what happened to Valentina's husband. Behind lies, betrayals and rising political tensions lies the answer . . . but finding it could cost Ben his life.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2019
31 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Hambly
204 books1,582 followersaka Barbara Hamilton
Ranging from fantasy to historical fiction, Barbara Hambly has a masterful way of spinning a story. Her twisty plots involve memorable characters, lavish descriptions, scads of novel words, and interesting devices. Her work spans the Star Wars universe, antebellum New Orleans, and various fantasy worlds, sometimes linked with our own.
"I always wanted to be a writer but everyone kept telling me it was impossible to break into the field or make money. I've proven them wrong on both counts."
-Barbara Hambly
Ranging from fantasy to historical fiction, Barbara Hambly has a masterful way of spinning a story. Her twisty plots involve memorable characters, lavish descriptions, scads of novel words, and interesting devices. Her work spans the Star Wars universe, antebellum New Orleans, and various fantasy worlds, sometimes linked with our own.
"I always wanted to be a writer but everyone kept telling me it was impossible to break into the field or make money. I've proven them wrong on both counts."
-Barbara Hambly
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 3, 2019
Lady of Perdition does a very good job of being exactly what it is: one volume in a mystery series that simultaneously offers a puzzle that needs solving and a glimpse of life in a particular historical moment. The puzzle(s) (actually, there are two of them) aren’t particularly compelling, but the context the author sets them in makes for engrossing reading. The dcentral character, Benjamin January, is a free black man living in New Orleans in 1840, but he finds himself in the Republic of Texas, also known as the “Slaveholders’ Republic.” January continually walks a fine line—he can’t appear too intelligent, to independent, too anything. And he knows that he could easily be abducted and sold into slavery—free papers are easy enough to burn if a potential slave merchant has the financial motivation. We see a place and a time full of tensions: between Catholics and Protestants, between free and enslaved Blacks, between women and the demands of the male-controlled world, between Mexicans and Texans.
This is a book that keeps one going because of the strength of its characters and the challenges they face because of their own identities, rather than by virtue of a particularly complex mystery. Read it for the picture it offers of the time, not for its central “mystery.”
This is a book that keeps one going because of the strength of its characters and the challenges they face because of their own identities, rather than by virtue of a particularly complex mystery. Read it for the picture it offers of the time, not for its central “mystery.”
September 22, 2019
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
Do not let the blurb on the back cover deter, you do not have to have read the other books in the series to understand what is going on in the book. While there are two non-central characters from other books in the series, a detailed back story is not given nor needed. Therefore, if you are new to the adventures of Ben January, you can start here and not be lost.
The book is at first a basic search and rescue Western as Ben, Hannibal, and Shaw struggle to save a young woman. This part of the novel is told with a great deal of vigor, and highlights the need for someone to produce a television series based on this excellent series. Hambly’s know ledge of history serves her in good stead, and the details of Texas before Union as well as the reactions of the characters. Things get complicated quickly and Ben and Hannibal find themselves at a center of a mystery involving an old acquittance and the death of her husband.
What makes the series so good is that Hambly captures the confront that Ben undoubtedly feels. He is an educated man who must pretend, time and again to be something other than what he is because he risks death. But it makes him more sympathetic to the nuances that exist in relationships, in particular to how those play out with women.
And that is what at the heart of the novel. It isn’t just Valentina who finds herself accused of murder, but also her in-laws and the young woman who is the original target of Ben’s quest. While the book addresses the lack of option available to women in the 1840s, much of the subject matter is also closely related to women of today and highlights aspects of the MeToo Movement. The plot directly addresses how different people, let alone genders, respond to and see rape. It is those different responses to sexual assaults -both on men and women (though the men get shorter shift in the book) as well as the long-lasting damage that such assaults can cause.
The book also works very well as a thriller western and is particularly gripping when it comes to the pursuits. The plot also makes good use of the historical Texas political situation, with the conflict of total independence or joining the United States. The use of historical detail and the humanness of the characters is a hallmark of this series.
Do not let the blurb on the back cover deter, you do not have to have read the other books in the series to understand what is going on in the book. While there are two non-central characters from other books in the series, a detailed back story is not given nor needed. Therefore, if you are new to the adventures of Ben January, you can start here and not be lost.
The book is at first a basic search and rescue Western as Ben, Hannibal, and Shaw struggle to save a young woman. This part of the novel is told with a great deal of vigor, and highlights the need for someone to produce a television series based on this excellent series. Hambly’s know ledge of history serves her in good stead, and the details of Texas before Union as well as the reactions of the characters. Things get complicated quickly and Ben and Hannibal find themselves at a center of a mystery involving an old acquittance and the death of her husband.
What makes the series so good is that Hambly captures the confront that Ben undoubtedly feels. He is an educated man who must pretend, time and again to be something other than what he is because he risks death. But it makes him more sympathetic to the nuances that exist in relationships, in particular to how those play out with women.
And that is what at the heart of the novel. It isn’t just Valentina who finds herself accused of murder, but also her in-laws and the young woman who is the original target of Ben’s quest. While the book addresses the lack of option available to women in the 1840s, much of the subject matter is also closely related to women of today and highlights aspects of the MeToo Movement. The plot directly addresses how different people, let alone genders, respond to and see rape. It is those different responses to sexual assaults -both on men and women (though the men get shorter shift in the book) as well as the long-lasting damage that such assaults can cause.
The book also works very well as a thriller western and is particularly gripping when it comes to the pursuits. The plot also makes good use of the historical Texas political situation, with the conflict of total independence or joining the United States. The use of historical detail and the humanness of the characters is a hallmark of this series.
May 24, 2020
Ever since discovering the Benjamin January novels, I've eagerly awaited each new release. Then, I wind up devouring the novel and being alternately delighted that it was such a brilliant read and sorry that it's over.
The same applies to "Lady of Perdition." This time, Benjamin and Hannibal have gone to the Republic of Texas to retrieve one of Rose's mixed-ethnicity students. Selina had believed the lies of a handsome man and ran away with him ... only to wind up being sold into slavery. While they're in Texas, they run into Valentina, who was a character in another book. She's remarried, and is having problems with her husband's family. She asks for Benjamin and Hannibal's help.
Not too long after they arrive at Rancho Perdition, Valentina's husband is murdered ... and the evidence points to her, even though she claims to have an alibi.
This plot is complicated by the fact that "free man of color" is not a status that exists in the Republic of Texas. Benjamin must pretend to be Hannibal's slave ... and also be on constant lookout against being kidnapped and sold.
We get a good look at the workings of early Texas politics; one of the central events is based on a real incident, in which the Republic's entire archives are stolen. And, of course, it's a bang-up "whodunnit." It's a fair play puzzle, with clues hidden in plain sight and brought together at the end in such a way that the reader is both surprised and nodding along saying "Oh, yes. *Now* that makes sense."
Highly recommended.
The same applies to "Lady of Perdition." This time, Benjamin and Hannibal have gone to the Republic of Texas to retrieve one of Rose's mixed-ethnicity students. Selina had believed the lies of a handsome man and ran away with him ... only to wind up being sold into slavery. While they're in Texas, they run into Valentina, who was a character in another book. She's remarried, and is having problems with her husband's family. She asks for Benjamin and Hannibal's help.
Not too long after they arrive at Rancho Perdition, Valentina's husband is murdered ... and the evidence points to her, even though she claims to have an alibi.
This plot is complicated by the fact that "free man of color" is not a status that exists in the Republic of Texas. Benjamin must pretend to be Hannibal's slave ... and also be on constant lookout against being kidnapped and sold.
We get a good look at the workings of early Texas politics; one of the central events is based on a real incident, in which the Republic's entire archives are stolen. And, of course, it's a bang-up "whodunnit." It's a fair play puzzle, with clues hidden in plain sight and brought together at the end in such a way that the reader is both surprised and nodding along saying "Oh, yes. *Now* that makes sense."
Highly recommended.
January 12, 2024
I'm a Barbara Hambly stan from way back. Been reading her books since I was, well, for over 35 years. And her ability to portray the conditions and emotions and nuanced situations of historical settings never fails to astound and touch me. The razor fine balance Benjamin January must keep as a free man of colour in the South of the late 1800's is heartbreaking and terrifying. Journeying into the "Republic of Texas," is even worse. But to save a kidnapped girl who has been sold into slavery, he does just that, leaving behind his wife and two small boys. What happens as a consequence is a fascinating look at early American history in all it's audacity and ugliness. That she can write so beautifully and so tragically at the same time is one of the reasons I will continue to read Ms. Hambly for as long as she will write.
February 20, 2020
Another solid addition to the Benjamin January mystery series. Set in the days of the Texas republic, in addition to a rescue attempt and two mysteries which may or may not be related, the plot embroils January in Texan politics and the danger of being a free man of color in a "nation" that recognizes no such thing. The mysteries are serviceable but not amazing, but the narrative is well done and provides insight into the various relationships in the "Slaveholders Republic": those who favor independence, those who want to join the US, and those who still view Texas as a rebellious Mexican province; whites, blacks and Mexicans; Protestants and Catholics; pro-slavery and abolitionists. Excellent blend of history and fiction. Lady of Perdition also has connections to earlier books in the series: Days of the Dead (Valentina de Castellon) and Drinking Gourd (Cornelia Passmore). 3.5 stars.
April 21, 2023
This is one of my favorite series. I was overdue for this one. Once again an excellent job Ms. Hambly.
December 31, 2025
Usually I love this series, but for whatever reason, this entry often felt like a slog. There were too many info-dumps regarding the history of the area. I feel like usually the author does a better job of weaving the history into the story, but this time it felt like the story wasn’t big enough to contain everything she wanted to convey about the history of the region.
Ah, well. Hopefully the next volume will see things back on track. I also hope that it will bring us more Rose, who has been missing for two books now. I love Ben, but Rose is delightful in a different way and I miss reading about her.
Ah, well. Hopefully the next volume will see things back on track. I also hope that it will bring us more Rose, who has been missing for two books now. I love Ben, but Rose is delightful in a different way and I miss reading about her.
February 22, 2020
A new Benjamin January novel is an occasion of delight. I’ve loved the series since the very first volume, Free Man of Color. In pre-Civil War New Orleans, the French-influenced culture viewed race in a very different, nuanced way than their slave-holding American neighbors to the north. Benjamin, born a slave of an African father, has studied medicine in Paris, yet finds the only way to earn a living in the New World is as a pianist at balls and other social events. This, of course, is the perfect combination of skills with which to solve a murder. Now, many mysteries and adventures later, he’s married, with connections in both the white and the many gradations of colored communities. When a spoiled, rebellious young student at his wife’s school runs off with a man of dubious character and even more problematic intentions, Ben goes after her, ably assisted by his white friends, a Yankee lawman and a consumptive, classically educated fiddler.
As Ben feared, the girl has been sold into slavery, then beaten and raped into submission. Getting her free will be tough enough, but she’s been taken into the Republic of Texas, which which prides itself on being a slave-holding nation. Ben himself is now at risk of being captured and claimed as a slave, for papers can be destroyed as easily as they can be forged. Texas itself is in turmoil, with those who want to join the US coming to (literal) blows with those who want to remain independent. In an escapade based on historical incident, one party steals the official State Archives.
That’s just the initial set-up, the action that gets him and his friends to Texas. Once there, he runs into an old nemesis, Valentina de Castellón, now Valentina Taggart (from Days of the Dead), who lands in a serious mess when her rancher husband is found murdered and she is the most likely suspect. Her husband’s family wants the title to her land rights, inherited from an original Spanish land grant, and her allies are few, so she turns to Ben as a skilled detective, able to gather information from “invisible” witnesses, such as servants and slaves.
Hambly effortlessly weaves vibrant characters, dramatic tension, and history – with all its quirks and dangers – into a murder mystery. This is the 17th Benjamin January adventure, and like its predecessors, it stands well on its own. The series remains fresh and captivating as American history and social history unfold into a panorama that informs and shapes each new mystery. Reading Lady of Perdition makes me want to get the previous stories off the bookshelf and reread them all.
As Ben feared, the girl has been sold into slavery, then beaten and raped into submission. Getting her free will be tough enough, but she’s been taken into the Republic of Texas, which which prides itself on being a slave-holding nation. Ben himself is now at risk of being captured and claimed as a slave, for papers can be destroyed as easily as they can be forged. Texas itself is in turmoil, with those who want to join the US coming to (literal) blows with those who want to remain independent. In an escapade based on historical incident, one party steals the official State Archives.
That’s just the initial set-up, the action that gets him and his friends to Texas. Once there, he runs into an old nemesis, Valentina de Castellón, now Valentina Taggart (from Days of the Dead), who lands in a serious mess when her rancher husband is found murdered and she is the most likely suspect. Her husband’s family wants the title to her land rights, inherited from an original Spanish land grant, and her allies are few, so she turns to Ben as a skilled detective, able to gather information from “invisible” witnesses, such as servants and slaves.
Hambly effortlessly weaves vibrant characters, dramatic tension, and history – with all its quirks and dangers – into a murder mystery. This is the 17th Benjamin January adventure, and like its predecessors, it stands well on its own. The series remains fresh and captivating as American history and social history unfold into a panorama that informs and shapes each new mystery. Reading Lady of Perdition makes me want to get the previous stories off the bookshelf and reread them all.
December 31, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Lady of Perdition is the 17th (!!) Benjamin January novel by Barbara Hambly. Due out 7th Jan 2020 from Severn House, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats (ebook available now).
These books are superbly well written. The author manages to convey the very real peril of living as a person of color in the southern USA in the 1840s. Despite being a European trained physician and gifted musician, Dr. January is continually at risk of being kidnapped and forced into slavery. In this installment, January, along with his loyal friends Abishag Shaw and Hannibal Sefton venture deep into Texas to try to rescue a young kidnapped girl, a student of his wife's girls' school.
This book works well as a standalone, the mystery (less of a murder mystery and more of a 'how will they get out of this alive') and parallel plots work very well without previous familiarity with the series. I do recommend reading the series, however, for the consistently high quality of the plotting and characterizations as well as the meticulous historical research. The books are full of the casual racist and sexist violence which was endemic to that part of the world, and they could have been relentlessly depressing. The author manages to imbue the characters with nobility, grit, purpose, honesty, and even a touch of humor and whimsy (especially Hannibal and Rose, whom I adore).
I love these books and truly look forward to every installment with anticipation.
Five stars for this one, and five stars for the series.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Lady of Perdition is the 17th (!!) Benjamin January novel by Barbara Hambly. Due out 7th Jan 2020 from Severn House, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats (ebook available now).
These books are superbly well written. The author manages to convey the very real peril of living as a person of color in the southern USA in the 1840s. Despite being a European trained physician and gifted musician, Dr. January is continually at risk of being kidnapped and forced into slavery. In this installment, January, along with his loyal friends Abishag Shaw and Hannibal Sefton venture deep into Texas to try to rescue a young kidnapped girl, a student of his wife's girls' school.
This book works well as a standalone, the mystery (less of a murder mystery and more of a 'how will they get out of this alive') and parallel plots work very well without previous familiarity with the series. I do recommend reading the series, however, for the consistently high quality of the plotting and characterizations as well as the meticulous historical research. The books are full of the casual racist and sexist violence which was endemic to that part of the world, and they could have been relentlessly depressing. The author manages to imbue the characters with nobility, grit, purpose, honesty, and even a touch of humor and whimsy (especially Hannibal and Rose, whom I adore).
I love these books and truly look forward to every installment with anticipation.
Five stars for this one, and five stars for the series.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 30, 2021
This story seemed to be composed of two stories in one and the synopsis of the book indicated that which was good thinking for the publisher, editor, or author. The one criticism I have of the story was that there was no closure of the first story line that brought Benjamin out to Texas in the first place and it would have been nice from the reader's perspective to have had the reassurance that it was resolved. Who knows maybe Barbara is saving that for the next book and wanted to leave that open in case she wanted to add a new character to the series. The other story line involved a character from a previous book that I'd tried to read long ago, but just had trouble following it and keeping up with what was happening. From what I remember reading about that story, other readers faced the same challenge. This returning character caused me to order that previously unfinished read from Amazon because no library in the area had a copy. I desperately want to read the next book in the series, but want to pace out my reading of the Benjamin Bunny books as David calls them. Sometimes I feel that January's life can be a downer if taken in too large a dose at one time and I doubt that the character ever would live to see the Civil War come and go and all of the good things that have happened for his people since then, but then knowing what I know of the character's personality, it wouldn't be enough for him. He would still tell me there was systemic racism in the US, and I'm beginning to see it too and it's disturbing that I've been so blind to it all this time.
January 7, 2020
Barbara Hambly's superb series of historical mysteries featuring ex-slave Benjamin January, a superb musician and Paris-trained physician, continues here with Ben far from his beloved New Orleans. Texas in 1840 is a brutal slavery-centered economy often violent turmoil over whether to join the United States or form a separate country, and is definitely not a place a free person of color would choose to be. Nevertheless, there Ben must travel if he is to recover beautiful young Selina, a pupil at his wife's academy who has been abducted and sold west. Ben makes his way to this dangerous ground disguised as a slave and accompanied by series regulars Hannibal Sefton, the brilliant but down-and-out musician (and forger) who will pose as Ben's master, and New Orleans police officer Abisheg Shaw, who will take the lead in returning Selina to Louisiana if the rescue is successful. But saving Selina turns out to be only the beginning of Ben's challenges after he is drawn into the sinister family intrigues -- and political machinations -- of the inhabitants of Rancho Perdition when a former acquaintance is accused of her husband's murder. As always, the author's extensive research provides a solid and believable sense of place to support the tense plotting and fascinating characters. Note: The publisher supplied an advance reading copy via Net Galley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
October 17, 2019
Another great title in the Benjamin January series. And yes, you can read this as a stand-alone, although knowing the characters from previous novels does add a layer of enjoyment. Central to this series is the portrayal of people of color and women in a period of history that was fraught with dangers for both groups. As a free person of color, January is constantly in danger of being seized and sold into slavery if he leaves the city of New Orleans and immediate environs. Thus, when he goes to the rescue of a young woman who has been seduced, kidnapped, and sold into slavery in Texas, January is accompanied by his friends Hannibal Sefton, who will pretend to be January's master, and Abishag Shaw, a white New Orleans policeman.
Although January and company find and rescue the young woman, January and Sefton then become involved in the case of another woman who is accused of killing her husband.
I find that the mystery element of the novels in this series, while enjoyable, is never as compelling as the characters and the manner in which they are required to manipulate circumstances in order to survive. I really would like to see this series of novels become a PBS series.
Although January and company find and rescue the young woman, January and Sefton then become involved in the case of another woman who is accused of killing her husband.
I find that the mystery element of the novels in this series, while enjoyable, is never as compelling as the characters and the manner in which they are required to manipulate circumstances in order to survive. I really would like to see this series of novels become a PBS series.
September 9, 2020
I think I am slowly falling out of love with this series, which is a shame given how much I used to love it. Hambly continues to tell her stories in one of history's most interesting periods, with a highly engaging protagonist. Here, Benjamin travels to Texas, newly rebelling against Mexico. The puzzle at the heart of the plot drew together a wide array of elements - sexist inheritance laws, the various Texian factions of the time, the culture of ranch owning and contested land laws. I found my concentration frequently drifting - an issue with the last couple of installments in the series. The human stories at the heart of the world don't seem to singing to me, reducing the series more to a whodunnit with (increasingly thin) side lashings of history. I'm not going to stop reading the books (in the time this has been sitting on my to-read, another has been published) but my anticipatory enthusiasm is waning.
December 23, 2019
An unusual hero and setting makes this a great read, especially for those interested in the state of race relations in 1840s Texas. Benjamin January is a free man and he's safe in New Orleans, but not in Texas where he goes to rescue Selina, who has been kidnapped and made a slave. Luckily, he has good friends in Hannibal Sefton and Abishag Shaw, white men who are willing to travel with him and help with his quest. Once in Texas, January finds himself wrapped into an odd and difficult situation involving Valentina, who is accused of killing her husband. Although you can be sure that Selina will be saved, the mystery involving Valentina is more complicated. This is a well written and interesting historical mystery that I found informative as well. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Don't worry of you haven't read the earlier books, this is fine as a standalone.
March 26, 2020
When one of the girls in his wife's school is essentially kidnapped and taken to Texas, Benjamin sets out in pursuit. But as a black man, he isn't safe there without a white master, so he enlists his friend Hannibal to serve in that role. In Texas they encounter young Valentina Taggart, who they met several years earlier in Mexico. And before they know it they become deeply enmeshed in a murder plot. Will they be able to solve the mystery and return safely to New Orleans? Excellent, evocative, and extremely fast-paced. Highly recommended.
October 17, 2021
I usually greatly enjoy these books, but I found this novel of Benjamin January to be too convoluted. However you do learn a great deal of Texas history and the many factions of the period. It does reinforce the extremely fine line that blacks of the 1840s had to walk. Benjamin January travels to the Republic of Texas to try and free a teenage "free" black girl who was captured and sold into slavery. He must himself travel as a slave under the protection of this white friend, Hannibal Sefton. The historical aspect of the book I found more better than the actual story line.
January 10, 2020
I like Barbara Hambly and I like this series. This is an excellent instalment and it kept me hooked till the last page.
I love the world building, the character development and the well crafted plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I love the world building, the character development and the well crafted plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
December 30, 2021
Texas during its Republic days makes quite an interesting setting for a Benjamin January novel. I always enjoy the living history Ms. Hambly creates in drawing in the characters we know from the past and giving them life. Additionally, encountering a character from the past made me want to reread past books in the series.
March 13, 2020
Always a good read by Hambly. Set in the 1830s, the main character a free black man who is also a physician, it gives one a new look at how hard it is to just live like a person. Also a cracking mystery with a pretty young thing to rescue.
March 18, 2020
The Benjamin January books are always a good read. The characters remain fully formed, and the plots fresh. I always learn a little history along with the story.
The author has wisely taken a turn away from New Orleans in this story, keeping things fresh.
The author has wisely taken a turn away from New Orleans in this story, keeping things fresh.
June 13, 2021
Another great Benjamin January novel
The story line is most interesting from a historical perspective and of course the mystery perspective.the writing is vey good. I not only get to enjoy a complicated mystery, but learn so much about life in that horrible historical time period.
The story line is most interesting from a historical perspective and of course the mystery perspective.the writing is vey good. I not only get to enjoy a complicated mystery, but learn so much about life in that horrible historical time period.
January 24, 2022
It was a good read as most of the BJ series is but a bit junky. By that I mean the crucial characters were a bit confusing and perhaps too many in number. There was too much other junk that did not enhance the storyline at all but made it confusing. Despite that, I enjoyed it.
May 25, 2023
It’s been a long time between Benjamin January books. Well-written and researched as usual, this tale reflects as much on the limitations and hazards of being a woman as well as the horrors of slavery.
January 17, 2020
I just love this series...the voice of Benjamin January is so strong...amazing characters, setting, atmosphere and plot twists...looking forward to the next book.
February 7, 2020
Such an interesting series.
April 8, 2020
I've liked others in this series better, but still a good book by Hambly.
January 1, 2021
Man, that Cornelia's a stinker.
July 7, 2022
I love a good Benjamin January novel and this is no exception. It's a good mystery that actually kept me guessing until toward the end.
January 26, 2024
Always enjoy stories of Benjamin January. Mystery and a little history.
June 24, 2024
I've been dipping in and out of this series as other books come off my list at the library. I had to break down and buy these three books, but buy them I did. And they didn't disappoint! Barbara Hambly continues to turn out compelling adventures for our man January, surgeon, musician, husband, father, friend and worthy foe of criminals near and far to his native New Orleans.
Book #15 kept us in NOLA, but saw the return of a British spymaster from a few books back, who wants January to freelance for him. Our somewhat patriotic but mostly pragmatic hero demurs, but jumps into the case anyway when a friend of his sister Olympe is falsely accused of a related crime. This book also features a flashback to January's life in Paris and a tragic look into the July Revolution of 1830.
In Book #16, almost every regular character in the series ends up at an isolated plantain down the river from New Orleans to celebrate the scandalous nuptials of an older relative of Rose's. January, Rose and Hannibal work to unmask threats and solve a murder, while negotiating family drama around the distribution of land and the use of enslaved people to pay off debts. In addition to a swiftly moving plot, we are treated to how white French Creole families interacted socially with their Black family members when their family trees crossed through the practice of placage. The relationship of January and his sister Dominique with Henri, Dominique's "protector" and his wife Chloe is idealized in a way not much else in these books are. But having at least a few sympathetic white characters other than Hannibal helps move the plot along and provides a contrast to the historically accurate bleakness of the majority of the interactions across race and gender lines in the series.
Book #17 was one of my favorites so far because of the look into the republic of Texas before it joined the Union. The central crime also featured a real-life theft (no spoilers beyond that), a January-Hannibal adventure and insight into Texas politics at a time when statehood was hotly debated and not-at-all guaranteed. The legacy of that conservative, deeply pro-slavery independent streak remains to this day.
Only three more books remain in the series as written so far! I will likely break down soon and buy those too...
Book #15 kept us in NOLA, but saw the return of a British spymaster from a few books back, who wants January to freelance for him. Our somewhat patriotic but mostly pragmatic hero demurs, but jumps into the case anyway when a friend of his sister Olympe is falsely accused of a related crime. This book also features a flashback to January's life in Paris and a tragic look into the July Revolution of 1830.
In Book #16, almost every regular character in the series ends up at an isolated plantain down the river from New Orleans to celebrate the scandalous nuptials of an older relative of Rose's. January, Rose and Hannibal work to unmask threats and solve a murder, while negotiating family drama around the distribution of land and the use of enslaved people to pay off debts. In addition to a swiftly moving plot, we are treated to how white French Creole families interacted socially with their Black family members when their family trees crossed through the practice of placage. The relationship of January and his sister Dominique with Henri, Dominique's "protector" and his wife Chloe is idealized in a way not much else in these books are. But having at least a few sympathetic white characters other than Hannibal helps move the plot along and provides a contrast to the historically accurate bleakness of the majority of the interactions across race and gender lines in the series.
Book #17 was one of my favorites so far because of the look into the republic of Texas before it joined the Union. The central crime also featured a real-life theft (no spoilers beyond that), a January-Hannibal adventure and insight into Texas politics at a time when statehood was hotly debated and not-at-all guaranteed. The legacy of that conservative, deeply pro-slavery independent streak remains to this day.
Only three more books remain in the series as written so far! I will likely break down soon and buy those too...
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