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Benjamin January #18
House of the Patriarch
No one can talk to the dead . . . can they? Free man of color Benjamin January gets caught up in a strange, spiritual world that might lead to his own demise, as he hunts for a missing teenager in this gripping, atmospheric historical mystery.
New Orleans, 1840. Freshly home from a dangerous journey, that last thing Benjamin January wants to do is leave his wife and young sons again. But when old friends Henri and Chloe Viellard ask for his help tracking down a missing girl in distant New York, he can't say no.
Three weeks ago, seventeen-year-old Eve Russell boarded a steam-boat - and never got off it. Mrs Russell is adamant Eve's been kidnapped, but how could someone remove a teenager from a crowded deck in broad daylight? And why would anyone target Eve?
The answer lies in New York, a hotbed of new religions and beliefs, of human circuses and freak shows . . . and of blackbirders, who'll use any opportunity to kidnap a free man of color and sell him into slavery. January's determined to uncover the truth, but will he ever be able to return to New Orleans to share it?
New Orleans, 1840. Freshly home from a dangerous journey, that last thing Benjamin January wants to do is leave his wife and young sons again. But when old friends Henri and Chloe Viellard ask for his help tracking down a missing girl in distant New York, he can't say no.
Three weeks ago, seventeen-year-old Eve Russell boarded a steam-boat - and never got off it. Mrs Russell is adamant Eve's been kidnapped, but how could someone remove a teenager from a crowded deck in broad daylight? And why would anyone target Eve?
The answer lies in New York, a hotbed of new religions and beliefs, of human circuses and freak shows . . . and of blackbirders, who'll use any opportunity to kidnap a free man of color and sell him into slavery. January's determined to uncover the truth, but will he ever be able to return to New Orleans to share it?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2020
21 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Hambly
205 books1,596 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 45 reviews
July 11, 2020
* 3.5 stars *
New Orleans 1840, and former slave, 47 year old Benjamin January, described as a man of colour, is now a ‘free man’, though make no mistake, a ‘free man’ was still considered inferior. He’s intelligent, - a physician and musician, who also teaches piano to the daughters of the wealthy, and as if that isn’t enough to keep him busy, he’s also a detective, specialising in finding missing persons. His wife Rose runs a school for girls, teaching subjects such as science, history, and mathematics, way beyond what young girls were customarily taught at that time.
Benjamin’s latest case takes him to New York in search of missing teenager Eve Russell. He’s not too happy about leaving his wife and young sons again, having only recently returned from a very dangerous assignment, but, when asked, he feels obliged to help some old friends. The case will also bring him into contact with the spiritual world, where a woman who claims to communicate with the dead, gives him quite a scare!
The author has really done her homework, descriptions of the wharves of New York, circa 1840, the surrounding streets and the eclectic seething masses is wonderful - the river pirates, the slave stealers, the confidence tricksters, the whores, the sights, sounds and smells. It’s a cruel place, overcrowded, filthy and distressingly noisy, but the author paints such a vivid picture that you almost feel a part of the scene.
This was an interesting plot that was extremely well written, and very well researched. I particularly enjoyed the chapters relating to Ben’s attempted kidnapping, and his determination to avoid capture, turning him into a wanted fugitive, with the baying masses after his hide. It created much fear and tension that made for an exciting read. I loved Benjamin January, however, I do wish I’d read at least some of the previous books in the series, as it would have given me a better ‘feel’ for this one. That said, I’d be happy to read the next in the series, as it appears to be a really worthwhile one.
* My thanks to Severn House Publishing for an ARC, for which I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
New Orleans 1840, and former slave, 47 year old Benjamin January, described as a man of colour, is now a ‘free man’, though make no mistake, a ‘free man’ was still considered inferior. He’s intelligent, - a physician and musician, who also teaches piano to the daughters of the wealthy, and as if that isn’t enough to keep him busy, he’s also a detective, specialising in finding missing persons. His wife Rose runs a school for girls, teaching subjects such as science, history, and mathematics, way beyond what young girls were customarily taught at that time.
Benjamin’s latest case takes him to New York in search of missing teenager Eve Russell. He’s not too happy about leaving his wife and young sons again, having only recently returned from a very dangerous assignment, but, when asked, he feels obliged to help some old friends. The case will also bring him into contact with the spiritual world, where a woman who claims to communicate with the dead, gives him quite a scare!
The author has really done her homework, descriptions of the wharves of New York, circa 1840, the surrounding streets and the eclectic seething masses is wonderful - the river pirates, the slave stealers, the confidence tricksters, the whores, the sights, sounds and smells. It’s a cruel place, overcrowded, filthy and distressingly noisy, but the author paints such a vivid picture that you almost feel a part of the scene.
This was an interesting plot that was extremely well written, and very well researched. I particularly enjoyed the chapters relating to Ben’s attempted kidnapping, and his determination to avoid capture, turning him into a wanted fugitive, with the baying masses after his hide. It created much fear and tension that made for an exciting read. I loved Benjamin January, however, I do wish I’d read at least some of the previous books in the series, as it would have given me a better ‘feel’ for this one. That said, I’d be happy to read the next in the series, as it appears to be a really worthwhile one.
* My thanks to Severn House Publishing for an ARC, for which I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
January 1, 2021
This latest “Benjamin January” mystery begins with yet another commission to find a missing daughter. In this case, the lost girl is a young lady from a modestly well-to-do white family, recently introduced into society but given to fanciful questions. The last thing Ben wants is to leave his family and put himself at risk of being nabbed by slave-catchers, or worse. But the fee will mean his family’s security during a long lean season.
That said, House of the Patriarch stands apart in its depiction of the social experiments that flourished at the time. Spiritualism (séances, communicating with the dead), communal living, charismatic leaders, all abounded. The Mormon church and others trace their beginnings to this time. The “House” to which Ben ventures is the resident of one such leader. Since the leader has also a reputation for helping escaped slaves on their route to Canada, Ben disguises himself as such and quickly infiltrates the hidden areas of the house. Needless to say, plot twists and dark secrets abound.
Hambly marries her knowledge of history and social customs to a pitch-perfect story of human fears and longing. Highly recommended.
That said, House of the Patriarch stands apart in its depiction of the social experiments that flourished at the time. Spiritualism (séances, communicating with the dead), communal living, charismatic leaders, all abounded. The Mormon church and others trace their beginnings to this time. The “House” to which Ben ventures is the resident of one such leader. Since the leader has also a reputation for helping escaped slaves on their route to Canada, Ben disguises himself as such and quickly infiltrates the hidden areas of the house. Needless to say, plot twists and dark secrets abound.
Hambly marries her knowledge of history and social customs to a pitch-perfect story of human fears and longing. Highly recommended.
September 3, 2020
There are a few book series for which I eagerly await the next installment; this is one of them.
This time, Ben is asked by family friends Chloe and Henri to help find the missing daughter of *their* family friends. Eve Russell has become enamored of some new Second Great Enlightenment beliefs and has disappeared in upstate New York.
Eve's parents offer Ben a substantial reward, and include an advance. So, against his better judgment, he departs for upstate New York himself, in the guise of Chloe's slave.
The book is peppered with historical situations, although the Shining Herald cult under investigation is fictional. Joseph Smith founded his religion during this same period, in the same region ... and is referenced. We also get to meet P.T. Barnum, who is deeply enmeshed in this particular "whodunnit."
The book is a fair-play puzzle, with all of the clues and information laid out ... but it also has a tinge of the thriller to it. Ben has to deal with "black-birders" (slave catchers who are more than happy to abduct a free man, destroy his papers, and sell him down-river), threats to his loved ones, and more. "Will he find Eve in time" is always lingering around the edges.
Part of what I love about these books is how well-researched they are. It's possible to learn a great deal while simultaneously being entertained.
Each book in this series may be read as a stand-alone, but I do recommend reading them from the beginning to see how much Ben has grown as a person and an investigator.
This time, Ben is asked by family friends Chloe and Henri to help find the missing daughter of *their* family friends. Eve Russell has become enamored of some new Second Great Enlightenment beliefs and has disappeared in upstate New York.
Eve's parents offer Ben a substantial reward, and include an advance. So, against his better judgment, he departs for upstate New York himself, in the guise of Chloe's slave.
The book is peppered with historical situations, although the Shining Herald cult under investigation is fictional. Joseph Smith founded his religion during this same period, in the same region ... and is referenced. We also get to meet P.T. Barnum, who is deeply enmeshed in this particular "whodunnit."
The book is a fair-play puzzle, with all of the clues and information laid out ... but it also has a tinge of the thriller to it. Ben has to deal with "black-birders" (slave catchers who are more than happy to abduct a free man, destroy his papers, and sell him down-river), threats to his loved ones, and more. "Will he find Eve in time" is always lingering around the edges.
Part of what I love about these books is how well-researched they are. It's possible to learn a great deal while simultaneously being entertained.
Each book in this series may be read as a stand-alone, but I do recommend reading them from the beginning to see how much Ben has grown as a person and an investigator.
July 26, 2020
Benjamin January, a free man of color and physician in 1940 New Orleans spends more time, it seems on the road finding missing persons than he does with his wonderful wife Rose. He's also a musician, by the way. He's asked to find out what happened to 17 year old Eve, who was kidnapped off a steam boat. Who took her and why? The answers lie in New York, which opens up a while new atmospheric setting for this wonderful series. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier ones- Hambly gives you the perfect amount of background. Much of the novel is set in the miasma which was 1840 New York, complete with corruption, gangs, and other things. Ben is a terrific character- he's smart, wily, and tough. And soft hearted about all the right things. No spoilers from me. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This was an excellent read - perfect for fans of historical fiction.
December 28, 2020
Set mostly in New York City and Upstate New York, this Benjamin January mystery also involves the Underground Railroad, 19th Century religious radicalism, and the spiritualist movement. Naturally, Hambly's history is excellent and there is suspense, intrigue, and desperate action aplenty. In addition, this is one of the rare books of this series that has some inexplicable (at least by normal means) elements. P.T. Barnum features prominently in the story. Solid 4 stars. I strongly recommend this series.
July 6, 2020
I arrived late to Barbara Hambly's Benjamin January historical mystery series. I've only read volumes 17 and 18. Seventeen (Lady of Perdition) was good, but was set up as a Western, which just isn't my genre of choice, so while I enjoyed it, I wasn't sure if I was sold on the series. Volume 18 (House of the Patriarch) has answered that question. I'm going back to read the series from the beginning.
Benjamin January is a free man of color living in pre-Civil War New Orleans. Trained as a surgeon, but also a fine musician, he makes his living giving music lessons, since it is impossible for him to work as a surgeon as a black man. When he does offer medical advice, he has to couch it in phrases like "I was once the valet for a surgeon, and he...." He gets angry a lot. There's no way to take the treatment he faces with equanimity. His wife, a scientist, runs their home as a boarding school for young women of not-quite-top-tier young women whose families are willing to give them an education beyond dancing and embroidery and provides special effects for a local theatre.
The plots are good. But what I most appreciate—if that's the world—is spending time in January's shoes. As a free black man, his freedoms are very limited. He cannot testify in court. If he attacks a white man, that's a hanging offense, regardless of what preceded the attack. And any time he travels away from home, he must be continuously on the lookout for "blackbirders." Toughs who make their money seizing blacks from the street—free or not—and selling them into (or back into) slavery. With many clients, he also has to do a lot of work to meet the social norms of the time. Even with clients who privately treat him as an equal, he has to pass as a slave in public. As I said, he gets angry.
I recommend this series for anyone who reads historical mysteries. It will pull you into a time and a role that can change the way you see the world. Particularly now, when we are living in the era of Black Lives Matter, we need to see what life is like when one is marked and treated as inferior on a daily basis.
I received a free electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
Benjamin January is a free man of color living in pre-Civil War New Orleans. Trained as a surgeon, but also a fine musician, he makes his living giving music lessons, since it is impossible for him to work as a surgeon as a black man. When he does offer medical advice, he has to couch it in phrases like "I was once the valet for a surgeon, and he...." He gets angry a lot. There's no way to take the treatment he faces with equanimity. His wife, a scientist, runs their home as a boarding school for young women of not-quite-top-tier young women whose families are willing to give them an education beyond dancing and embroidery and provides special effects for a local theatre.
The plots are good. But what I most appreciate—if that's the world—is spending time in January's shoes. As a free black man, his freedoms are very limited. He cannot testify in court. If he attacks a white man, that's a hanging offense, regardless of what preceded the attack. And any time he travels away from home, he must be continuously on the lookout for "blackbirders." Toughs who make their money seizing blacks from the street—free or not—and selling them into (or back into) slavery. With many clients, he also has to do a lot of work to meet the social norms of the time. Even with clients who privately treat him as an equal, he has to pass as a slave in public. As I said, he gets angry.
I recommend this series for anyone who reads historical mysteries. It will pull you into a time and a role that can change the way you see the world. Particularly now, when we are living in the era of Black Lives Matter, we need to see what life is like when one is marked and treated as inferior on a daily basis.
I received a free electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
January 2, 2021
A solid entry in the series that takes Benjamin January out of New Orleans as he travels to New York in search of a missing girl.
March 16, 2021
I read my first Benjamin January book (#1) years ago and have really liked all of them ever since. They're good mysteries, but they're also educational; you learn about the lives of the free people of color in New Orleans (and in some books, about the Black experience out of New Orleans). If you are ever in NOLA, go to the Museum of the Free People of Color; it's well worth the visit. In this one, January travels to New York to help a British family search for their missing daughter. His travels take him to the very dangerous streets of lower New York and to the western part of the state, to an (apparent) utopian colony, the Blessed Land. As always, January has to watch out for "blackbirders," who kidnap Black people to sell into slavery, and he must pretend to be far less educated and intelligent than he really is. This is a very good book.
March 29, 2021
A stellar addition to this never-disappointing series. Benjamin January is a flat-out fabulous character.
February 7, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
House of the Patriarch is the 18th outing for Dr. Benjamin January in Barbara Hambly's historical series. Released 6th Jan 2021 by Severn House, it's 256 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.
I've been with this series from the beginning and can't think of many other series in any genre which have maintained strength and, frankly, still have remarkably insightful things to say after almost twenty books. This series hasn't ever disappointed. The characterizations are astute and the dignity, intelligence, and humor of Dr. January are inspiring and (to me, a middle class white woman who is also a medical professional) humbling. I really like these characters and feel invested in them. His family and relationships with his wife, children, and colleagues/friends shine with compassion and love.
Ms. Hambly is a gifted and prolific author with several series in several genres. All of her books which I've read are well plotted and written and House of the Patriarch is no exception. It seems to be meticulously and accurately researched and the portrayals of the brutality and casual cruelty and racism are stark (and often distressingly echoed in the current day, sadly). The appearance of showman and entrepreneur PT Barnum and a plot that turns as always on deeper (maybe less salubrious) truths of human nature were unexpected but so well wrought. The language is mild (hell, damn, and such). This is a dark and melancholy book, but so well written and the denouement resonated with me for a long while after turning the last page.
I sincerely hope that the author has many more stories for us.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
House of the Patriarch is the 18th outing for Dr. Benjamin January in Barbara Hambly's historical series. Released 6th Jan 2021 by Severn House, it's 256 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.
I've been with this series from the beginning and can't think of many other series in any genre which have maintained strength and, frankly, still have remarkably insightful things to say after almost twenty books. This series hasn't ever disappointed. The characterizations are astute and the dignity, intelligence, and humor of Dr. January are inspiring and (to me, a middle class white woman who is also a medical professional) humbling. I really like these characters and feel invested in them. His family and relationships with his wife, children, and colleagues/friends shine with compassion and love.
Ms. Hambly is a gifted and prolific author with several series in several genres. All of her books which I've read are well plotted and written and House of the Patriarch is no exception. It seems to be meticulously and accurately researched and the portrayals of the brutality and casual cruelty and racism are stark (and often distressingly echoed in the current day, sadly). The appearance of showman and entrepreneur PT Barnum and a plot that turns as always on deeper (maybe less salubrious) truths of human nature were unexpected but so well wrought. The language is mild (hell, damn, and such). This is a dark and melancholy book, but so well written and the denouement resonated with me for a long while after turning the last page.
I sincerely hope that the author has many more stories for us.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
September 18, 2020
Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on January 5th, 2021.
Another meticulously researched and vivid historical fiction / mystery in Barbara Hambly’s Benjamin January series. January is a free man of color in New Orleans, 1840. He is also a musician and a surgeon (certified in Paris). He wants to save everybody and is painfully aware of how few he can actually help.
In this episode, he heads to New York City to help find a young (white) woman who disappeared without a trace. In order to find her, he must slip into the Children of the Light — a religious community in upstate New York run by the charismatic abolitionist Reverend Broadaxe.
Bursting with historical detail, Hambly brings to life the social and political climate of the day — the various religious communities, the occult (and associated scams), the “blackbirders” who catch escaped slaves (or anyone they can) in the North for return to the South, the presence and use of opiates, etc. Real-life characters PT Barnum and David Ruggles play an integral and plausible role in the proceedings.
Plenty of action for those who enjoy action — personally I was far more interested in the history which was detailed and full of dialog, characters, and the rich inner world of January’s thoughts. The portrait of the time and place is full of comprehensive perceptions from a variety of perspectives — the sights, sounds, smells, and the ever present tumult of conflicting ideas.
No need to read previous books — I’ve probably read four out of the seventeen and had no problem understanding the context.
Another meticulously researched and vivid historical fiction / mystery in Barbara Hambly’s Benjamin January series. January is a free man of color in New Orleans, 1840. He is also a musician and a surgeon (certified in Paris). He wants to save everybody and is painfully aware of how few he can actually help.
In this episode, he heads to New York City to help find a young (white) woman who disappeared without a trace. In order to find her, he must slip into the Children of the Light — a religious community in upstate New York run by the charismatic abolitionist Reverend Broadaxe.
Bursting with historical detail, Hambly brings to life the social and political climate of the day — the various religious communities, the occult (and associated scams), the “blackbirders” who catch escaped slaves (or anyone they can) in the North for return to the South, the presence and use of opiates, etc. Real-life characters PT Barnum and David Ruggles play an integral and plausible role in the proceedings.
Plenty of action for those who enjoy action — personally I was far more interested in the history which was detailed and full of dialog, characters, and the rich inner world of January’s thoughts. The portrait of the time and place is full of comprehensive perceptions from a variety of perspectives — the sights, sounds, smells, and the ever present tumult of conflicting ideas.
No need to read previous books — I’ve probably read four out of the seventeen and had no problem understanding the context.
August 14, 2022
I took a break from the other books I was reading to read this and I think finished it within a few days it seemed. At first, I was worried that the plot was too similar to the Lady of Perdition story that I'd previously read. When I started reading it, I found the plot a bit far fetched and felt a bit disappointed. What I found unrealistic was that this white couple wanted Benjamin January to find their daughter that had gone missing. The couple were friends or acquaintances of January's sister's "husband" or lover. I found this plot set-up to be unrealistic given the time period and I thought that surely the couple would have instead spent their money on hiring a professional detective to perform the search. However, thankfully, the author considered things and added a bit about how the couple wasn't actually that well off and so this did explain a bit more. I didn't enjoy the presence of the historical figure, PT Barnum in this story, but was happy that he was so devoted to January's safety when he was arrested towards the end of the story that he made a point of bribing the police at the station and visiting January everyday to prevent the sheriff from just selling him back into slavery. The story was interesting from the standpoint of learning about what New York state was like in 1840, since I have genealogical research from that time and place there. It was a good story, but I wish that the author would return to writing about January solving mysteries and crimes in New Orleans instead of making him traipse all of the country.
April 15, 2024
3.5 stars. This is my favorite of the last several entries in this series, even though I missed Rose, Sefton and Shaw, who are largely absent.
January makes a dangerous trip to rescue yet another missing teen-aged girl. This one has been lured away by spiritualists in New York who claim to be able to speak to the dead. (I enjoyed the examination of some of the weird religious cults which sprang up in this area in the early 1800's.) January takes the job mostly because if the girl isn't found quickly her parents will offer a reward which will trigger searches which may endanger slaves who are escaping via the underground railroad.
In New York he meets David Ruggles, the famous abolitionist, which is reasonable. Then he teams up with P.T. Barnum, a pairing which requires significant suspension of disbelief but was pretty entertaining.
These are not supposed to be fantasy novels, so I was irritated that January's spooky experience was left unexplained.
January makes a dangerous trip to rescue yet another missing teen-aged girl. This one has been lured away by spiritualists in New York who claim to be able to speak to the dead. (I enjoyed the examination of some of the weird religious cults which sprang up in this area in the early 1800's.) January takes the job mostly because if the girl isn't found quickly her parents will offer a reward which will trigger searches which may endanger slaves who are escaping via the underground railroad.
In New York he meets David Ruggles, the famous abolitionist, which is reasonable. Then he teams up with P.T. Barnum, a pairing which requires significant suspension of disbelief but was pretty entertaining.
These are not supposed to be fantasy novels, so I was irritated that January's spooky experience was left unexplained.
February 6, 2021
You have to wonder if there was something in the water in Upstate New York, because in the 1800s it gave rise to some exotic cults and religions in American history (some of which are still with us, in fact, although settled down into mature and sober form.)
So perhaps it's not surprising that Eve Russell, a young lady of respectable background might be lured to running away to join one of these cults. But 'might' seems doubtful the more Benjamin January, surgeon, musician, occasional detective, and also free man of color from New Orleans, looks into her disappearance, he'll come across scoundrels and true believers, find help in unexpected places, and scoundrelry and murder of the darkest sort.
As is not unusual for a Benjamin January adventure, we get to meet a couple historical figures, including one of the most famous and amusing humbugs in American history
So perhaps it's not surprising that Eve Russell, a young lady of respectable background might be lured to running away to join one of these cults. But 'might' seems doubtful the more Benjamin January, surgeon, musician, occasional detective, and also free man of color from New Orleans, looks into her disappearance, he'll come across scoundrels and true believers, find help in unexpected places, and scoundrelry and murder of the darkest sort.
As is not unusual for a Benjamin January adventure, we get to meet a couple historical figures, including one of the most famous and amusing humbugs in American history
January 18, 2021
Hambly’s Benjamin January series never disappoints. Her knowledge of New Orleans and American history circa 1840s is astounding. The world that Ben inhabits in all its beauty and vileness keeps me wanting more. Each book in the series highlights an aspect of life for a former slave, the constant danger, and the shifting American social structures. The House of the Patriarch gives the reader an insider view of what the religious cults of the time were like as well as the racism that has been long embedded in our history. Ben is a remarkable and memorable character who has moved me to tears, anger, laughter, and hope. A bonus in this particular book is the character of P.T. Barnum before his fame or infamy became widespread.
August 2, 2022
Hambly gets better and better!
I loved this mystery! In it, Benjamin January takes on a missing person case in upstate New York in the midst of the area's crazy outbreak of new religions. With every book of Hambly's, I learn so much about the anti-bellum period in America's past. Ben January is a kind of perfectly moral and upstanding musician/physician, who by himself wouldn't be so interesting, just a really smart and brave guy with no flaws. But what's wonderful is that he is surrounded by such vivid characters! I thought I'd be sorry that the New Orleans characters would not be in the book, but then who shows up but P. T. Barnum, as a young, broke confidence trickster flim-flam man. So much fun.
I loved this mystery! In it, Benjamin January takes on a missing person case in upstate New York in the midst of the area's crazy outbreak of new religions. With every book of Hambly's, I learn so much about the anti-bellum period in America's past. Ben January is a kind of perfectly moral and upstanding musician/physician, who by himself wouldn't be so interesting, just a really smart and brave guy with no flaws. But what's wonderful is that he is surrounded by such vivid characters! I thought I'd be sorry that the New Orleans characters would not be in the book, but then who shows up but P. T. Barnum, as a young, broke confidence trickster flim-flam man. So much fun.
January 11, 2022
The Benjamin January books ought to be read in every high school and college. They portray a good man in an evil world that is historically accurate for the United States in the 1840s. Born a slave, January is a surgeon unable to practice in his own country and always in fear of being kidnapped back into slavery. Despite this, he is called upon to risk his life and freedom again and again, often for white people who understand little and care less about the slavery they benefit from. These books show how such a system perverts the whole of society, while being at the same time a gripping read and exciting mystery story. These are books I treasure and re-read. Hurrah for Barbara Hambly!
February 18, 2022
A very good historical mystery set in the 1840s. The hero is a well-educated free man of color--however to be a free man of color does not come with the rights and privileges given to a white man.. He is still considered inferior. Ben goes north where you might think things would be easier--but alas it is not true. Slave catchers abound and they have no trouble in pushing FOC's back into slavery. I've learned a great deal while reading this series. Most are set in Louisiana and New Orleans. This one also involves religious scams and the advent of religious communities and cults in New England during this time.
August 14, 2021
In this thriller where Ben is asked to find Eve Russell a friend of his friends
Chole and Henri Viellard he goes to New York where she disappeared.
The time is the 1840’s and there is a lot to deal with there- new beliefs,
Freak shows, blackbirders who use people and sell them into slavery, and
In general trouble. Will he find Eve and will he be able to return to New
Orleans again. It is fast paced, well written and gives you an insight into
The occurrences in this period. A different kind of mystery.
Chole and Henri Viellard he goes to New York where she disappeared.
The time is the 1840’s and there is a lot to deal with there- new beliefs,
Freak shows, blackbirders who use people and sell them into slavery, and
In general trouble. Will he find Eve and will he be able to return to New
Orleans again. It is fast paced, well written and gives you an insight into
The occurrences in this period. A different kind of mystery.
September 7, 2022
I really look forward to reading all of this series about a free black man in New Orleans in the first half of the 19th century. In this episode, Ben goes to upstate NY to investigate a possible kidnapping, and finds himself entangled with one of the many bizarre sects/cults that flourished there. There is an interesting depiction of the life of an intelligent young girl whose parents expect her to be a brainless, proper little lady. However, the interjection of possible "real" mindreading was my only down moment.
April 13, 2024
1840. When a young English girl disappears in New York City, her parents, who are visiting New Orleans, hire Ben to find her. The author does an excellent job of portraying the perils of Ben's situation — he is a free person of color, but is travelling as a "servant" to a white couple. Another fascinating topic is the proliferation of religious sects that sprang up in New York state during the early 1800s, and just what to believe about some of their practitioners. In addition, Ben is helped by none of than (the not-yet-famous) P.T. Barnum. Recommended.
December 4, 2020
I'm always excited to see a new title in the Benjamin January series. I think the author does an excellent job of drawing attention to some aspects of history that may be overlooked, at a time of rapid social change. I do hope that after two titles in a row where Ben was sent far from home that the next installment will take place back in New Orleans.
August 8, 2022
Another good story in this series. This time Benjamin January is asked to find a young woman who has gone missing from her visiting British parents while on a trip to America. Ben finds out that a religious leader and Underground Railroad "conductor" might not be what he seems as Ben tries to find the missing teenager.
November 27, 2022
One of Benjamin January's better adventures, this book explored the niche/cultish Second Awakening as it swept through the Northeastern United States. The question of why a girl was taken was not answered until the very end of the book, and when all the pieces fell into place, I didn't feel as if I needed to immediately reread the book to understand it, as I sometimes do with this series.
January 27, 2024
I’ve loved this series for quite a while, but lost track of it recently. I was surprised to find two new books in the series that I hadn’t read. Ben January is the most well-traveled black man in the 19th century. The vast amount of terrror, and suspense, in these books really keeps you reading. That, and you learn a bit of history in the process. It’s a great series, and highly recommended.
August 15, 2020
I'm a big fan of Barbra Hambly and of this series. This book was an excellent addition to this series, gripping and entertaining.
I can't wait to read the next instalment, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I can't wait to read the next instalment, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 26, 2020
A solidly enjoyable outing focused on the Great Awakening, with a delightful pastiche of sects, performers and abolitionists. There's still a retread feel, but the surrounds were interesting enough to care less.
January 14, 2021
Somehow I missed the two latest Benjamin January books by one of Historical Fiction’s top Author’s. I finished both books over the last 10 days. The most recent The Patriarch’s House is amazing. Hambly’s gift of narrative, setting and plot are on full display.
January 21, 2021
Interesting setting and story based on 19th century New York religious communities that formed The Church of Latter Day Saints. Love the character of Benjamin January...hope that there are more to come.
January 28, 2021
Woo, creepy and fascinating
It was so fascinating to see more of the wild religious beliefs back then, and I loved the historical characters. Not that current beliefs are any less weird, or all that different, which was really part of the point.
It was so fascinating to see more of the wild religious beliefs back then, and I loved the historical characters. Not that current beliefs are any less weird, or all that different, which was really part of the point.
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