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The Barrister and the Letter of Marque
As a barrister in 1818 London, William Snopes has witnessed firsthand the danger of only the wealthy having their voices heard, and he's a strong advocate who defends the poorer classes against the powerful. That changes the day a struggling heiress, Lady Madeleine Jameson, arrives at his door.
In a last-ditch effort to save her faltering estate, Lady Jameson invested in a merchant brig, the Padget. The ship was granted a rare privilege by the king's regent: a Letter of Marque authorizing the captain to seize the cargo of French traders operating illegally in the Indian Sea. Yet when the Padget returns to London, her crew is met by soldiers ready to take possession of their goods and arrest the captain for piracy. And the Letter--the sole proof his actions were legal--has mysteriously vanished.
Moved by the lady's distress, intrigued by the Letter, and goaded by an opposing solicitor, Snopes takes the case. But as he delves deeper into the mystery, he learns that the forces arrayed against Lady Jameson, and now himself, are even more perilous than he'd imagined.
In a last-ditch effort to save her faltering estate, Lady Jameson invested in a merchant brig, the Padget. The ship was granted a rare privilege by the king's regent: a Letter of Marque authorizing the captain to seize the cargo of French traders operating illegally in the Indian Sea. Yet when the Padget returns to London, her crew is met by soldiers ready to take possession of their goods and arrest the captain for piracy. And the Letter--the sole proof his actions were legal--has mysteriously vanished.
Moved by the lady's distress, intrigued by the Letter, and goaded by an opposing solicitor, Snopes takes the case. But as he delves deeper into the mystery, he learns that the forces arrayed against Lady Jameson, and now himself, are even more perilous than he'd imagined.
412 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2021
38 people are currently reading
3364 people want to read
About the author
Todd M. Johnson
4 books120 followersTodd M. Johnson has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years. Todd's passion for writing blends well with his legal career, and his novels are drawn closely from his personal experiences as a trial lawyer.
A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, Todd taught for two years as an adjunct professor of International Law, and has served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.
The Deposit Slip, Johnson's first novel, debuted in 2012. His second novel, Critical Reaction, was released in October 2013.
A third novel, Fatal Trust, is set in Todd's hometown of Minneapolis, and released in early summer 2017.
A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, Todd taught for two years as an adjunct professor of International Law, and has served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.
The Deposit Slip, Johnson's first novel, debuted in 2012. His second novel, Critical Reaction, was released in October 2013.
A third novel, Fatal Trust, is set in Todd's hometown of Minneapolis, and released in early summer 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
July 31, 2021
I finished this book last week and really enjoyed. It was a quick, light read with a page-flipping suspenseful ending. I am a little confused as to why this is considered Christian Fiction since you don't need to have religion to have good values. There is a Priest in the book who shows up here and there and contributes a bit but not much (no disrespect intended). The book is also categorized as historical fiction, and that is spot on. TBLM is a British legal courtroom drama/suspense novel circa late 1700's and can also be categorized as YA/Juvenile Lit. It is reminiscent of Garrow's Law - one of my favorite BBC One television series. William Snopes, like William Garrow (1760-1840), champions the downtrodden have-nots, especially those who are thrown under the bus by the Aristocratic can-never-have-enoughs.
The expensive war with the French is over, everyone is trying to replenish their coffers. Lady Jameson enlists the help of Barrister Snopes, his grudging Junior, Edmund, and Solicitor Obadiah to save her cousin (Captain Tuttle) from the noose, after being charged with piracy. Tuttle claims that he was enlisted to confiscate illegal tea cargo from French ships by authority of a Letter of Marque. The Jameson Estate is mortgaged to the hilt. The final remnants of the family's assets are used as security against monies to be begged or borrowed from ruthless usurers so that Jameson can invest in Tuttle’s voyage of the Padget for a percentage of the return on the cargo to be confiscated. But, just as Tuttle brings home the bacon (er, tea), the ship is seized by Order of the Realm and Tuttle is arrested for Piracy. When he attempts to provide the Letter of Marque to prove his innocence, the letter has vanished.
What follows is an exciting tale of deception scaling the very highest reaches of the Kingdom. There is danger, intrigue, and romance. We see that Lady Jameson is strong and resilient to the end. Snopes, on the other hand, is totally besotted and sees himself as her savior, swooping down to release her bonds and rescue Lady Jameson from the train tracks, milliseconds before the train passes over her, thereby thwarting Snideley Whiplash’s evil plans to do away with her and claim the Jameson Estate. (OK – I MADE THAT LAST PART UP, but it could have happened that way if Snidely hadn’t been penned by a different author, and practiced his evil about two hundred years later on the other side of the Atlantic).
My pet peeve is always the epilogue. Rarely do I feel a need for this overused literary device. It seems like more than half the books I read today, tag on an epilogue after ending. This book actually had an excellent (unlabeled) epilogue before the titled epilogue, whereby the most important issues were resolved to Snopes’ satisfaction and according to his resolute moral and ethical compass. Alas, I fear I am the (l)onely person on the planet who thinks that epilogues are meant for wowing and not just for tying up loose ends.
TBLM is a great book and I would like to thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the ARC, and the opportunity to read and review, It was a fun read and I loved it!
The expensive war with the French is over, everyone is trying to replenish their coffers. Lady Jameson enlists the help of Barrister Snopes, his grudging Junior, Edmund, and Solicitor Obadiah to save her cousin (Captain Tuttle) from the noose, after being charged with piracy. Tuttle claims that he was enlisted to confiscate illegal tea cargo from French ships by authority of a Letter of Marque. The Jameson Estate is mortgaged to the hilt. The final remnants of the family's assets are used as security against monies to be begged or borrowed from ruthless usurers so that Jameson can invest in Tuttle’s voyage of the Padget for a percentage of the return on the cargo to be confiscated. But, just as Tuttle brings home the bacon (er, tea), the ship is seized by Order of the Realm and Tuttle is arrested for Piracy. When he attempts to provide the Letter of Marque to prove his innocence, the letter has vanished.
What follows is an exciting tale of deception scaling the very highest reaches of the Kingdom. There is danger, intrigue, and romance. We see that Lady Jameson is strong and resilient to the end. Snopes, on the other hand, is totally besotted and sees himself as her savior, swooping down to release her bonds and rescue Lady Jameson from the train tracks, milliseconds before the train passes over her, thereby thwarting Snideley Whiplash’s evil plans to do away with her and claim the Jameson Estate. (OK – I MADE THAT LAST PART UP, but it could have happened that way if Snidely hadn’t been penned by a different author, and practiced his evil about two hundred years later on the other side of the Atlantic).
My pet peeve is always the epilogue. Rarely do I feel a need for this overused literary device. It seems like more than half the books I read today, tag on an epilogue after ending. This book actually had an excellent (unlabeled) epilogue before the titled epilogue, whereby the most important issues were resolved to Snopes’ satisfaction and according to his resolute moral and ethical compass. Alas, I fear I am the (l)onely person on the planet who thinks that epilogues are meant for wowing and not just for tying up loose ends.
TBLM is a great book and I would like to thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the ARC, and the opportunity to read and review, It was a fun read and I loved it!
August 24, 2021
*Warnings*
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.
Stars: 4
Synopsis: William Snopes could have been a barrister with all the prestige due his talents...but he vowed long ago not to represent the upper class he came from. Until an enigmatic woman, an alleged pirate, and a missing Letter of Marque challenge him to break that vow and put his career and life in jeopardy.
Favorite Quote: “Father Thomas will tell you from his profession that it’s God’s most fundamental trait. The essence of who He is. In the courtroom, truth is tool and brick: powerful to wield and the only foundation for real justice.”
I think we all know that I like historical fiction, and some of y’all know that I, upon occasion, enjoy a well-written mystery. What no one, not even I, had the foggiest notion of, was that I would actually really like, of all things, legal thrillers.
I’m not surprised, though. The Barrister and the Letter of Marque (which I will henceforth shorten to The Barrister for convenience purposes) was an exemplary novel that spoke to the Nancy Drew and John Grisham in me. It was the perfect balance of history, mystery, intrigue, suspense, and romance. Well, I wouldn’t have minded a little more romance, but I honestly didn’t expect any, so I’m not complaining!
From page one, this novel kept me on my toes! The way Johnson crafted the mystery was artful and careful—and seriously, the next time someone gives me a spoiler-ridden prologue and I totally forget about it halfway through the book, I’m going to kick myself! There were so many red herrings, unseen clues, and hidden motives that kept me guessing.
Without a doubt, the mystery and suspense elements of The Barrister were perfect. But there was more to the novel, which I was exceedingly grateful for. Most of the time, mysteries and suspenses tend to focus only on the main plot, never on the characters, the message, or any subplots.
Not so with this novel. Nope. Johnson made each character so vibrant and brought them to life with quirks and patterns and quick glimpses into their minds—from William’s affinity for music, which created a score for the entire book, to Sergeant Rhodes’ love of Byron. William was a great hero—even-tempered and logical, almost morally grey at times but still possessing a moral compass and a sense of justice that drove him throughout the book. Obadiah, Edmund, and Father Thomas made a lovely supporting cast that truly fit the description by supporting William, from a technical standpoint as their characters complimented and contrasted with his and from a story standpoint, as they all stood by him and helped him with the case and all the trials (no pun intended) that came along with it. And Madeleine.
Y’all, I actually have good things to say about Madeleine. Which is weird, because I know from experience that no living man can accurately write a woman. (And by living, I mean that the generation of writers that seemed to somewhat grasp the female mind has since passed on.)
Except for Todd M. Johnson.
He actually wrote Madeleine’s character better than I think even Madeleine could—or at least any of the many female authors of this genre. She was strong and stubborn, but she didn’t overtake the story. She was genuine and heartfelt, but never overly emotional or whiny. She wasn’t a James Bond girl—there only to look pretty—but she certainly wasn’t a feminist-style character who tried to run the show. There was nothing excessive about her, and that’s what I liked the most. She was simple, uncomplicated, a refresher for William and me after all the secrecy and intrigue. And at the same time, she had substance. Oh, I know none of that makes sense, but once you read it, you’ll understand. Madeleine was a character that seemed real and was expertly written...especially considering it was a guy doing the writing. (No offense to guys; there are plenty of fantastic male authors out there...but they do just as fine a job of writing women as we women do men.)
(Although, if you catch me at the right time, you might hear me argue that women are better at writing men...but we won’t go there today.)
Not only were Johnson’s characters lovely, but the dialogue was perhaps even better. He truly captured the era with the dialogue, which perhaps provided the most authenticity to the Regency setting of anything in the entire novel, and I loved reading every interaction between the characters.
Unfortunately, the narrative did lack some of the color and style the dialogue did. By no means was it bad, but it didn’t bear the same unique tone...which was kind of sad. I always love reading narrative that emulates the setting of the story. Laura Frantz’s prose is so and such a pleasure to read.
In the end, though, it was the trial scenes that captivated me. They were, of course, the true essence of the novel, weren’t they? There’s something about trials that are so interesting. I don’t understand a lick of all the legal nonsense (although I do, of course, fully understand the concepts of privateering and piracy...this is me we’re talking about, you know), but once we enter the courtroom and start playing tennis with questions and accusations, everything falls into place. If I ever took up a sport, it’d definitely be word tennis.
William was truly a genius, and it’s always fun to read from the point-of-view of someone who knows what they’re doing, what’s going on, and how to react to it.
I do have to mention the small messages and spiritual truths Johnson interwove into the story—thanks to our dear Father Thomas. Every time the man opened his mouth, I applauded his wisdom. I really wish that there had been some softening of William’s heart toward the end of the novel toward God, though—perhaps if that meant he began seeing law and justice through His eyes, took the steps toward forgiving his father and the rest of the aristocracy, or simply started living as God had commanded him.
Either way, Johnson did have a lovely theme of truth and justice, and once you put that with vibrant characters, engaging trial scenes, and perfect dialogue, you’ve got quite the novel on your hands. I’m certainly glad I got the chance to read it, even though I’d no idea how much I would enjoy it!
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.
Stars: 4
Synopsis: William Snopes could have been a barrister with all the prestige due his talents...but he vowed long ago not to represent the upper class he came from. Until an enigmatic woman, an alleged pirate, and a missing Letter of Marque challenge him to break that vow and put his career and life in jeopardy.
Favorite Quote: “Father Thomas will tell you from his profession that it’s God’s most fundamental trait. The essence of who He is. In the courtroom, truth is tool and brick: powerful to wield and the only foundation for real justice.”
I think we all know that I like historical fiction, and some of y’all know that I, upon occasion, enjoy a well-written mystery. What no one, not even I, had the foggiest notion of, was that I would actually really like, of all things, legal thrillers.
I’m not surprised, though. The Barrister and the Letter of Marque (which I will henceforth shorten to The Barrister for convenience purposes) was an exemplary novel that spoke to the Nancy Drew and John Grisham in me. It was the perfect balance of history, mystery, intrigue, suspense, and romance. Well, I wouldn’t have minded a little more romance, but I honestly didn’t expect any, so I’m not complaining!
From page one, this novel kept me on my toes! The way Johnson crafted the mystery was artful and careful—and seriously, the next time someone gives me a spoiler-ridden prologue and I totally forget about it halfway through the book, I’m going to kick myself! There were so many red herrings, unseen clues, and hidden motives that kept me guessing.
Without a doubt, the mystery and suspense elements of The Barrister were perfect. But there was more to the novel, which I was exceedingly grateful for. Most of the time, mysteries and suspenses tend to focus only on the main plot, never on the characters, the message, or any subplots.
Not so with this novel. Nope. Johnson made each character so vibrant and brought them to life with quirks and patterns and quick glimpses into their minds—from William’s affinity for music, which created a score for the entire book, to Sergeant Rhodes’ love of Byron. William was a great hero—even-tempered and logical, almost morally grey at times but still possessing a moral compass and a sense of justice that drove him throughout the book. Obadiah, Edmund, and Father Thomas made a lovely supporting cast that truly fit the description by supporting William, from a technical standpoint as their characters complimented and contrasted with his and from a story standpoint, as they all stood by him and helped him with the case and all the trials (no pun intended) that came along with it. And Madeleine.
Y’all, I actually have good things to say about Madeleine. Which is weird, because I know from experience that no living man can accurately write a woman. (And by living, I mean that the generation of writers that seemed to somewhat grasp the female mind has since passed on.)
Except for Todd M. Johnson.
He actually wrote Madeleine’s character better than I think even Madeleine could—or at least any of the many female authors of this genre. She was strong and stubborn, but she didn’t overtake the story. She was genuine and heartfelt, but never overly emotional or whiny. She wasn’t a James Bond girl—there only to look pretty—but she certainly wasn’t a feminist-style character who tried to run the show. There was nothing excessive about her, and that’s what I liked the most. She was simple, uncomplicated, a refresher for William and me after all the secrecy and intrigue. And at the same time, she had substance. Oh, I know none of that makes sense, but once you read it, you’ll understand. Madeleine was a character that seemed real and was expertly written...especially considering it was a guy doing the writing. (No offense to guys; there are plenty of fantastic male authors out there...but they do just as fine a job of writing women as we women do men.)
(Although, if you catch me at the right time, you might hear me argue that women are better at writing men...but we won’t go there today.)
Not only were Johnson’s characters lovely, but the dialogue was perhaps even better. He truly captured the era with the dialogue, which perhaps provided the most authenticity to the Regency setting of anything in the entire novel, and I loved reading every interaction between the characters.
Unfortunately, the narrative did lack some of the color and style the dialogue did. By no means was it bad, but it didn’t bear the same unique tone...which was kind of sad. I always love reading narrative that emulates the setting of the story. Laura Frantz’s prose is so and such a pleasure to read.
In the end, though, it was the trial scenes that captivated me. They were, of course, the true essence of the novel, weren’t they? There’s something about trials that are so interesting. I don’t understand a lick of all the legal nonsense (although I do, of course, fully understand the concepts of privateering and piracy...this is me we’re talking about, you know), but once we enter the courtroom and start playing tennis with questions and accusations, everything falls into place. If I ever took up a sport, it’d definitely be word tennis.
William was truly a genius, and it’s always fun to read from the point-of-view of someone who knows what they’re doing, what’s going on, and how to react to it.
I do have to mention the small messages and spiritual truths Johnson interwove into the story—thanks to our dear Father Thomas. Every time the man opened his mouth, I applauded his wisdom. I really wish that there had been some softening of William’s heart toward the end of the novel toward God, though—perhaps if that meant he began seeing law and justice through His eyes, took the steps toward forgiving his father and the rest of the aristocracy, or simply started living as God had commanded him.
Either way, Johnson did have a lovely theme of truth and justice, and once you put that with vibrant characters, engaging trial scenes, and perfect dialogue, you’ve got quite the novel on your hands. I’m certainly glad I got the chance to read it, even though I’d no idea how much I would enjoy it!
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read
April 8, 2021The Barrister and the Letter of Marque combines the intrigue of John Grisham, the vibrant world of Charles Dickens, and a mystery worthy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. With as many twists and turns as a crooked London alley, this novel held me captive from the first page to the last. This richly historical and lively-paced story has all the makings of a modern classic. I’m ready to join Barrister William Snopes for his next adventure!
July 30, 2021
1818 London
Todd M Johnson shows his versatility with this release. The prior three novels I've read have been set in the present day. His talent is equally good in both.
While I was engaged the entire novel, my need to turn virtual pages picked up dramatically about midway through as the plot started to become more clear.
This historical mystery includes all the elements that I look for in this type of novel: the story line is plausible, historical details included, the characters likeable and the mystery interesting. I especially loved Mr Snopes heart for teenage orphans.
This was a rather twisted tale and one I would recommend for fans of historical mysteries.
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel.
Todd M Johnson shows his versatility with this release. The prior three novels I've read have been set in the present day. His talent is equally good in both.
While I was engaged the entire novel, my need to turn virtual pages picked up dramatically about midway through as the plot started to become more clear.
This historical mystery includes all the elements that I look for in this type of novel: the story line is plausible, historical details included, the characters likeable and the mystery interesting. I especially loved Mr Snopes heart for teenage orphans.
This was a rather twisted tale and one I would recommend for fans of historical mysteries.
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel.
September 5, 2021
4.5 stars
Wow! This twisty legal suspense set in the Regency era had me riveted to the page, never quite knowing what would happen next. It took a few chapters for me to get fully enthralled by the story, but there was enough that intrigued me to keep me reading. And boy… once William Snopes begins investigating the case (even before he completely agrees to take it) you won’t be able to put this book down until you’ve read the last word.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot because it’s so masterfully and intelligently drawn that you need to experience it for yourself, but I will say this: Very little is as it first appears, and no certain outcome is guaranteed. There are things we know that we know… and then there are things we think that we know… and then there are things that we don’t know at all. The same can be said about poor William & the rest of his legal team but, thanks to the various perspectives we are privy to during the narrative, often the things we think we know are things he doesn’t know yet. This adds to the overall mood of suspense that the story wears well and left me completely unsure how the case would turn out. Just about the time I thought I finally knew, something else would happen to upend all my assurances. Gah! This novel is so twisty and turny and atmospheric – it’s fabulous!
Bottom Line: The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson is a riveting story that would do the great British mystery masters proud. The Regency setting contributes greatly to the suspenseful tone of the novel, as do the moments when we experience the story through a character other than our main hero, Barrister William Snopes. Johnson skillfully allows the tenets of the case to unfold with few hints as to how it will all play out, and in so doing he creates a handful of key players that we become deeply invested in. A dash of romance fed my love-story-loving heart, and I for one hope we get to spend more time in this world with these characters. Brilliantly done!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Wow! This twisty legal suspense set in the Regency era had me riveted to the page, never quite knowing what would happen next. It took a few chapters for me to get fully enthralled by the story, but there was enough that intrigued me to keep me reading. And boy… once William Snopes begins investigating the case (even before he completely agrees to take it) you won’t be able to put this book down until you’ve read the last word.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot because it’s so masterfully and intelligently drawn that you need to experience it for yourself, but I will say this: Very little is as it first appears, and no certain outcome is guaranteed. There are things we know that we know… and then there are things we think that we know… and then there are things that we don’t know at all. The same can be said about poor William & the rest of his legal team but, thanks to the various perspectives we are privy to during the narrative, often the things we think we know are things he doesn’t know yet. This adds to the overall mood of suspense that the story wears well and left me completely unsure how the case would turn out. Just about the time I thought I finally knew, something else would happen to upend all my assurances. Gah! This novel is so twisty and turny and atmospheric – it’s fabulous!
Bottom Line: The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson is a riveting story that would do the great British mystery masters proud. The Regency setting contributes greatly to the suspenseful tone of the novel, as do the moments when we experience the story through a character other than our main hero, Barrister William Snopes. Johnson skillfully allows the tenets of the case to unfold with few hints as to how it will all play out, and in so doing he creates a handful of key players that we become deeply invested in. A dash of romance fed my love-story-loving heart, and I for one hope we get to spend more time in this world with these characters. Brilliantly done!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
June 23, 2023
By all my standards, I wouldn’t like this book. But I absolutely loved it! It’s a slow read due to the nature of our MC’s profession, but it is so intriguing to take a deep dive into a Regency era courtroom. The stakes are high (treason on penalty of execution) and the time is short — only 10 days to prepare for an already proven unfair trial.
I’m loving the musical references in this book. I would love to know if the author actually had a playlist he listened to while writing.
Read if you:
• prefer minimal romance
• like legal thrillers
• are a Sherlock Holmes fan
• are interested in regency era judicial proceedings
• want to broaden your classical music playlist 🎶
Highly Recommend!
I’m loving the musical references in this book. I would love to know if the author actually had a playlist he listened to while writing.
Read if you:
• prefer minimal romance
• like legal thrillers
• are a Sherlock Holmes fan
• are interested in regency era judicial proceedings
• want to broaden your classical music playlist 🎶
Highly Recommend!
August 2, 2021
Intrigue in high places!
1818 London docks. A ship under guard, the captain, Harold Tuttle, disappeared and rumours of piracy abound. Lady Madeline Jameson has invested family money in one last throw for solvency when her cousin obtains a Letter of Marque from the Regent. The Padgett returns triumphant to England with a valuable cargo of smuggled tea wrested from a French ship. In direct contravention of the law as it pertains to the East India Company and the tea trade.
William Snopes is a barrister, the son of a Lord, who turned away from his heritage due to the despicable behaviour of his father.
When Madeline visits to plead her case he little understands that the trail of breadcrumbs he has to follow will lead from the dangerous underbelly of society to the even more treacherous heights of society.
Both Madeline and William are fascinating characters. Madeline in her passionate defence of the people and land she’s responsible for, William for his determination to rise to the challenge of defending cases in order to make a difference.
Some illuminating forays into justice and the laws of the time plus the mystery of the situation made this a provocative read.
A Bethany House ARC via NetGalley
1818 London docks. A ship under guard, the captain, Harold Tuttle, disappeared and rumours of piracy abound. Lady Madeline Jameson has invested family money in one last throw for solvency when her cousin obtains a Letter of Marque from the Regent. The Padgett returns triumphant to England with a valuable cargo of smuggled tea wrested from a French ship. In direct contravention of the law as it pertains to the East India Company and the tea trade.
William Snopes is a barrister, the son of a Lord, who turned away from his heritage due to the despicable behaviour of his father.
When Madeline visits to plead her case he little understands that the trail of breadcrumbs he has to follow will lead from the dangerous underbelly of society to the even more treacherous heights of society.
Both Madeline and William are fascinating characters. Madeline in her passionate defence of the people and land she’s responsible for, William for his determination to rise to the challenge of defending cases in order to make a difference.
Some illuminating forays into justice and the laws of the time plus the mystery of the situation made this a provocative read.
A Bethany House ARC via NetGalley
July 2, 2021
Thanks to Bethany House for advanced reader copy of this enjoyable Regency adventure introducing us to a principled barrister with a fine challenge on his hands. I have read countless Regency books, but this one manages to surprise and bring a smile imagining Beau Brummel involved with Princess Charlotte devising decidedly criminal schemes for profit. Will all be revealed in a court of law? You must read this book to find out.
I will look for more books by this author starring the barrister William with the promise of more in store on a personal level with the lady who hired him to resolve a rather large legal mess featured in this book.
This was offered by Net Galley email offering several books I might enjoy. Thank You Net Galley!
I will look for more books by this author starring the barrister William with the promise of more in store on a personal level with the lady who hired him to resolve a rather large legal mess featured in this book.
This was offered by Net Galley email offering several books I might enjoy. Thank You Net Galley!
September 14, 2021
I read a review somewhere that this was a little Charles Dickens and a little Sherlock Homes and I feel like that is a fairly accurate description.
This is historical fiction meets mystery with a whisper -- a mere WHISPER of romance. If you've seen the show "Amazing Grace" this also reminded me of that vibe as well. And if you haven't seen Amazing Grace I highly suggest you remedy that.
William Snopes is a man who defends the poor and the fallen against the rich and powerful. When a desperate heiress comes calling with a case involving a wrongly convicted relative he picks up the case. I enjoyed going deeper into the regency era and learning about it in a way I previous had not in books. It was well researched and scripted according to this period.
There is smuggling, and mystery, legal courtroom drama, and found family. This is everything that would make a good masterpiece movie. Its definitely not the book you want to pick up when searching for a "light" read, but in the hands of the right audience I believe it is incredibly well done.
This is historical fiction meets mystery with a whisper -- a mere WHISPER of romance. If you've seen the show "Amazing Grace" this also reminded me of that vibe as well. And if you haven't seen Amazing Grace I highly suggest you remedy that.
William Snopes is a man who defends the poor and the fallen against the rich and powerful. When a desperate heiress comes calling with a case involving a wrongly convicted relative he picks up the case. I enjoyed going deeper into the regency era and learning about it in a way I previous had not in books. It was well researched and scripted according to this period.
There is smuggling, and mystery, legal courtroom drama, and found family. This is everything that would make a good masterpiece movie. Its definitely not the book you want to pick up when searching for a "light" read, but in the hands of the right audience I believe it is incredibly well done.
August 16, 2021
Not only was this my first Christian fiction book by a male author, it was also my first time reading a legal drama. It was utterly fascinating! This is not your average Regency novel! I found myself being disappointed everytime I had to pause reading because I needed to eat or sleep etc. I really enjoyed learning about the different aspects of the legal system and the varying layers of society and how it often affected how justice was carried out. I really liked Williams Snopes and thoroughly enjoyed his intelligence and his verbal sparring in court. I'm a big romance buff but I was so hooked by the story that I didn't even notice or mind the lack of romance in the storyline. There was a teeny tiny bit of romance at the end which made me happy. The mystery, suspense, crime and drama of this book will draw you in from the begining and hold your attention to the very last page! I sincerely hope that this book becomes a series and this isn't the last we'll hear of William Snopes and his team!
I was gifted a copy of the story but all views and opinions expressed are my own.
I was gifted a copy of the story but all views and opinions expressed are my own.
August 2, 2021
Crusaders come in all shapes and forms and some don’t even realize they are such a person until they face down injustice at the expense of reputation, career, and even life to see a wrong is righted. The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson, a historical mystery that balances Regency backdrop with legal thriller, captivated me from page one.
A Regency period barrister, William Snopes, who champions the commoner in his clever and cunning way finds himself faced with a conundrum. Does he take a case that goes against his principle of never representing someone from the upper classes and particularly a case that has far reaching ramifications for all involved or tell the desperate woman, Lady Madeleine, he cannot?
To help make up his mind, he has his well-trained, staunch junior barrister, Edmund, his solicitor, and other reliable sources help him determine if the lady is telling the truth about her cousin, his ship, his crew, and goods being seized for piracy because the Letter of Marque he was carrying has disappeared. No reports in the newspapers, no stirring in the legal community, and certainly no hint of the other mysterious backers of the ship have surfaced, but slowly he discovers that Madeleine is telling the truth and someone in great power doesn’t want any of it to come out even as they are prepared for a captain and crew and maybe Madeleine and her father to take the fall.
Madeleine has staked everything on this shipping venture and owes loans to some dangerous people even an American smuggler who, along with the greedy family lawyer, want their money. Her father’s mind is gone, the family estate is in shambles, and every friend, it seems, has turned their back on her. In desperation, she turns to a ‘blood-sucking’ lawyer to help her cousin survive the hangman’s noose and for her and her father not to be left destitute. Slowly, she realizes William is unlike any barrister she has heard of and he might be the only one who can fight in spite of all the disappearing evidence and witnesses while taking pressure from the judge, the prosecutor, unknown adversaries, and society itself for pursuing the case. The threats grow more dangerous. Many lives are at stake and the corruption behind the situation comes from powerful sources who can’t afford for the truth to get out.
I’ve always been fond of underdog characters and historical mysteries that include courtroom drama. This one got pretty dire for those on the side of good and there was a formidable group of villains ranged against them. The camaraderie among William and his investigation team was a great additional element.
The Barrister and the Letter of Marque starts slow as it introduces the characters, the world, and the mystery, but then it gains steady momentum until near the end when the pace is feverish and the suspense is ratcheted up pretty tight. This was not a mystery where the perpetrators and their motives were hidden so much as it was how to thwart the villains’ conniving, well-laid plans and powerful resources. Though, that said, there are surprise twists including a big one in the end to liven up the tale.
The author did a sensational job developing the character of William who is at the center of it all. Madeline and the others including some of the villains, as well, are deftly drawn and with depth so character, motives, and emotions give layers to the story. I enjoyed getting to know and spending time with these characters and would happily see them return in a series.
The historical background and setting of post Napoleonic War Regency England was brought to rich, colorful life. The author made London and, particularly the dockside and East End, a sensual experience so that dark dank alleys, smoky aromatic wharfside pubs, trading ships, and even Madeleine’s crumbling, impoverished estate easy to imagine. It was obvious the author did his homework on the era and also infused the story with his own legal expertise so that William, descriptions of his work, and the courtroom drama all rang true.
To wrap it up, I was well-enamored with The Barrister and the Letter of Marque. It hit all the right notes leaving me satiated, but yearning for more mysteries and courtroom battles for William and his friends to solve. Though not gritty, the book isn’t exactly light and cozy either so it would appeal to anyone from historical cozy to mild historical thriller fans.
A Regency period barrister, William Snopes, who champions the commoner in his clever and cunning way finds himself faced with a conundrum. Does he take a case that goes against his principle of never representing someone from the upper classes and particularly a case that has far reaching ramifications for all involved or tell the desperate woman, Lady Madeleine, he cannot?
To help make up his mind, he has his well-trained, staunch junior barrister, Edmund, his solicitor, and other reliable sources help him determine if the lady is telling the truth about her cousin, his ship, his crew, and goods being seized for piracy because the Letter of Marque he was carrying has disappeared. No reports in the newspapers, no stirring in the legal community, and certainly no hint of the other mysterious backers of the ship have surfaced, but slowly he discovers that Madeleine is telling the truth and someone in great power doesn’t want any of it to come out even as they are prepared for a captain and crew and maybe Madeleine and her father to take the fall.
Madeleine has staked everything on this shipping venture and owes loans to some dangerous people even an American smuggler who, along with the greedy family lawyer, want their money. Her father’s mind is gone, the family estate is in shambles, and every friend, it seems, has turned their back on her. In desperation, she turns to a ‘blood-sucking’ lawyer to help her cousin survive the hangman’s noose and for her and her father not to be left destitute. Slowly, she realizes William is unlike any barrister she has heard of and he might be the only one who can fight in spite of all the disappearing evidence and witnesses while taking pressure from the judge, the prosecutor, unknown adversaries, and society itself for pursuing the case. The threats grow more dangerous. Many lives are at stake and the corruption behind the situation comes from powerful sources who can’t afford for the truth to get out.
I’ve always been fond of underdog characters and historical mysteries that include courtroom drama. This one got pretty dire for those on the side of good and there was a formidable group of villains ranged against them. The camaraderie among William and his investigation team was a great additional element.
The Barrister and the Letter of Marque starts slow as it introduces the characters, the world, and the mystery, but then it gains steady momentum until near the end when the pace is feverish and the suspense is ratcheted up pretty tight. This was not a mystery where the perpetrators and their motives were hidden so much as it was how to thwart the villains’ conniving, well-laid plans and powerful resources. Though, that said, there are surprise twists including a big one in the end to liven up the tale.
The author did a sensational job developing the character of William who is at the center of it all. Madeline and the others including some of the villains, as well, are deftly drawn and with depth so character, motives, and emotions give layers to the story. I enjoyed getting to know and spending time with these characters and would happily see them return in a series.
The historical background and setting of post Napoleonic War Regency England was brought to rich, colorful life. The author made London and, particularly the dockside and East End, a sensual experience so that dark dank alleys, smoky aromatic wharfside pubs, trading ships, and even Madeleine’s crumbling, impoverished estate easy to imagine. It was obvious the author did his homework on the era and also infused the story with his own legal expertise so that William, descriptions of his work, and the courtroom drama all rang true.
To wrap it up, I was well-enamored with The Barrister and the Letter of Marque. It hit all the right notes leaving me satiated, but yearning for more mysteries and courtroom battles for William and his friends to solve. Though not gritty, the book isn’t exactly light and cozy either so it would appeal to anyone from historical cozy to mild historical thriller fans.
April 2, 2022
This was a touching atmospheric twist of my senses. Todd M. Johnson is a new to me author but he weaves his words with practice and power.
William Snopes has rendered me guilty. Of...LOVING HIM TOO MUCH. Applause is in order for this character. He has such depth and character. And layers of curt replies with bland sharp humor that makes the evil doers and readers breathless. I love how we also saw him softening towards God and a certain woman throughout the story. And the romance is made all the better because it's not in any way the focus. Never have a read such a fantastic male character. I could rant forever. And Lady Jameson was perfect too. Well, no character was bad in this book! (Sighs and clutches book) Many POV's are in this story. It kept me ahead of the game and yearning more for Snopes to prevail. I have yet to read a multiple POV I haven't liked. Everything seems to come full circle more. (By multiple I mean 3, since most books how have 2)
The mystery of this regency was so entangled I wasn't sure how it would connect or even end. Ever. And if I say anything else I fear my love of the story will spoil the mystery. Just great. All my senses were in tune to the story. Moving and again, atmospheric. It had me laughing out loud, mouth hanging open for flies, and more! Seldom does a book treat me in this way.
I plead a continuance for these characters. They each deserve more page time. Thank you, Mr. Johnson.
(Reviewed also on BookBub under Payton Tilley)
William Snopes has rendered me guilty. Of...LOVING HIM TOO MUCH. Applause is in order for this character. He has such depth and character. And layers of curt replies with bland sharp humor that makes the evil doers and readers breathless. I love how we also saw him softening towards God and a certain woman throughout the story. And the romance is made all the better because it's not in any way the focus. Never have a read such a fantastic male character. I could rant forever. And Lady Jameson was perfect too. Well, no character was bad in this book! (Sighs and clutches book) Many POV's are in this story. It kept me ahead of the game and yearning more for Snopes to prevail. I have yet to read a multiple POV I haven't liked. Everything seems to come full circle more. (By multiple I mean 3, since most books how have 2)
The mystery of this regency was so entangled I wasn't sure how it would connect or even end. Ever. And if I say anything else I fear my love of the story will spoil the mystery. Just great. All my senses were in tune to the story. Moving and again, atmospheric. It had me laughing out loud, mouth hanging open for flies, and more! Seldom does a book treat me in this way.
I plead a continuance for these characters. They each deserve more page time. Thank you, Mr. Johnson.
(Reviewed also on BookBub under Payton Tilley)
August 4, 2021
The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is a thrilling Regency tale with Dickensian flair that matches characters in a battle of wits both in and out of a courtroom setting. Combining societal expectations with a compelling and smartly spun mystery, it paces itself with an immersive setting and many threads at the beginning only to rush into a gallop midpoint as the high stakes become clear and the suspense heightens.
This is the first novel I’ve read by Todd M. Johnson. It is clearly well-researched with its London setting, especially, shining as a character itself. The points of view are used cleverly as the hero, William Snopes, gets most of the page time, but his surrounding friends, Lady Jameson, and even more sinister side characters have points of view that complicate the story. This sometimes leaves the reader with a greater sense of suspense as he or she is privy to the mysterious goings on moreso than Barrister Snopes.
I really enjoyed the strong themes of justice that shine through in this novel, and the fortitude of the characters as they contend with unseen opponents to ferret out the truth. Personal convictions and an empathetic hero who stands for the truth add emotional notes to the story. I was particularly interested in his backstory as it was expounded and fully invested in his success. I hope to see more historical legal thrillers in this vein from Johnson — hopefully more with Barrister William Snopes!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy. This is my honest review.
This is the first novel I’ve read by Todd M. Johnson. It is clearly well-researched with its London setting, especially, shining as a character itself. The points of view are used cleverly as the hero, William Snopes, gets most of the page time, but his surrounding friends, Lady Jameson, and even more sinister side characters have points of view that complicate the story. This sometimes leaves the reader with a greater sense of suspense as he or she is privy to the mysterious goings on moreso than Barrister Snopes.
I really enjoyed the strong themes of justice that shine through in this novel, and the fortitude of the characters as they contend with unseen opponents to ferret out the truth. Personal convictions and an empathetic hero who stands for the truth add emotional notes to the story. I was particularly interested in his backstory as it was expounded and fully invested in his success. I hope to see more historical legal thrillers in this vein from Johnson — hopefully more with Barrister William Snopes!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy. This is my honest review.
August 8, 2021
***4.5 stars***
I love historical fiction that is full of intrigue and mystery. The Barrister and the Letter of Marque carried the perfect amount of both that left me anticipating the turning of the page as I dove into the world that Todd M. Johnson created.
Lady Jameson made an unfortunate financial decision that took her and her family to the point of ruin. Their ship was seized in port for piracy, even though a Letter of Marque had been obtained. The letter disappeared the moment it was needed the most. Leading to the retaining of a barrister, William Snopes. Snopes is not just any barrister, he is exceptional. He uses frowned upon techniques to bring about a favorable verdict for his clients. His cunning, style, confidence, and tenacity lead Lady Jameson to his office to seek his help.
The book is reminiscent of the classics. Snopes is willing to hunt down the evidence to determine why the Padget has been seized. Why was a family at the point of bankruptcy targeted? Why was the captain thrown into prison without a trace to his whereabouts? So many pieces of the puzzle did not fit. Snopes could tell that the case of the Crown would not bear up to scrutiny.
The plot is intricate with many players. I loved how Johnson was able to bring them together in a near-seamless fashion. It was an intricate story that was easy to follow along and interesting to read.
The story contains non-graphic violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I love historical fiction that is full of intrigue and mystery. The Barrister and the Letter of Marque carried the perfect amount of both that left me anticipating the turning of the page as I dove into the world that Todd M. Johnson created.
Lady Jameson made an unfortunate financial decision that took her and her family to the point of ruin. Their ship was seized in port for piracy, even though a Letter of Marque had been obtained. The letter disappeared the moment it was needed the most. Leading to the retaining of a barrister, William Snopes. Snopes is not just any barrister, he is exceptional. He uses frowned upon techniques to bring about a favorable verdict for his clients. His cunning, style, confidence, and tenacity lead Lady Jameson to his office to seek his help.
The book is reminiscent of the classics. Snopes is willing to hunt down the evidence to determine why the Padget has been seized. Why was a family at the point of bankruptcy targeted? Why was the captain thrown into prison without a trace to his whereabouts? So many pieces of the puzzle did not fit. Snopes could tell that the case of the Crown would not bear up to scrutiny.
The plot is intricate with many players. I loved how Johnson was able to bring them together in a near-seamless fashion. It was an intricate story that was easy to follow along and interesting to read.
The story contains non-graphic violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 6, 2021
Wonderful legal thriller that follows a new barrister to the bench in this beautifully atmospheric setting of post-Napoleonic War England. The economic hardships suffered during the war were strongly felt during this time of empty royal coffers and struggling estates. With charges of piracy, and hints of espionage that reach from the London underworld to the highest levels of society, the author has the perfect ingredients to concoct a masterfully penned historical legal thriller.
The joy in reading this novel is like peeling the many layers of an onion as the plot is slowly and expertly revealed with each turn of the page. The author’s detailed historical research, knowledge of the law and talent with the pen has crafted a memorable story. I hope to meet barrister William Snopes again.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The joy in reading this novel is like peeling the many layers of an onion as the plot is slowly and expertly revealed with each turn of the page. The author’s detailed historical research, knowledge of the law and talent with the pen has crafted a memorable story. I hope to meet barrister William Snopes again.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 12, 2021
The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is a book full of mystery, suspense, twists, and unforgettable characters with just a hint of romance. I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down. I really had no idea how it would end and it was a very satisfying end with I hope more books to follow. This is by a new to me author and I will definitely be reading his backlist.
*I was given a copy of this book by Bethany Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by Bethany Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
Want to read
June 30, 2021I very rarely read books about lawyers, and I never read Christian fiction. This book would never appeal to me, except the synopsis sounded very interesting and Bethany House Publishers sent me a free copy without my even asking.
We shall see.
We shall see.
September 21, 2021
I honestly did not know what to expect with this book. The cover right away drew me in and I am so glad it did. Mr. Johnson's passion exudes through the book and it's evident by the details in the story. The characters were engaging and well written. William definitely is the main character but we also get to meet Lady Jameson and some other sinister characters.
The story is full of suspense and the themes of justice are the brightest points throughout the story. The book reminded me of the classic mysteries. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more from this author. If you enjoy mysteries that are based on legal issues and have a strong historical background then this is the book for you!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House publishers. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The story is full of suspense and the themes of justice are the brightest points throughout the story. The book reminded me of the classic mysteries. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more from this author. If you enjoy mysteries that are based on legal issues and have a strong historical background then this is the book for you!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House publishers. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
October 19, 2022
This was a very enjoyable read for me. The steady pace, snappy dialogue, and complex mystery made for a story that I was always happy to pick back up, and I stayed up too late reading it when I should have been writing instead. Oh well. Reading good books is part of writing good books…
Poor William. I really felt for him as he faced one roadblock after another. Now, at times I disagreed with his methods, and at times he behaved rather like a dunce, but he was trying, and I loved that he was the sort of man who would apprentice two orphan boys with a history of troublemaking. Madeleine was also an enjoyable character—strong in all the right ways, though she would have been in a lot less trouble if she had avoided so much debt altogether. I kept wanting to point out to her that offering more interest in exchange for more loans or more time was not going to behoove her in the long run. There was plenty of complexity about the other characters as well, and I was highly pleased that the lawsuit, not the romance, was the focus of the book. Speaking of the lawsuit, it was a fascinating case—not one that could pop up in just any era or setting. I love setting-specific historical fiction.
I wouldn’t say this was necessarily Christian fiction; the Christian content was limited to the lessons that the local Anglican priest repeatedly tried to teach a recalcitrant William. The book seemed more like an old British mystery where characters wrestle with the notion of a higher power but keep their faith at a fashionable distance. I very much enjoyed the British setting, however. It was easy to picture the England of William Wilberforce’s era.
My main objection to this book seems minor but is rather important to a history-loving reader and writer who likes her facts in order. Some of the villains were real people who (a) probably were not nearly as nasty as presented here and can’t defend themselves, and (b) were not historically accurate to the story—one would have already fled to France at the time of the story, and the other would have been dead. It seemed rather unnecessary to use these historical figures as villains at all, but a historical note admitting the discrepancies would at least have made it palatable. I like my fiction to bow to the facts, not the other way around.
Taken altogether, this was the sort of book where no one thing was specifically exceptional, but all the parts made a very satisfactory whole that was just the sort of book I wanted this week. I definitely recommend it to fans of historical fiction and legal thrillers. Just don’t take the historical figures at face value.
Poor William. I really felt for him as he faced one roadblock after another. Now, at times I disagreed with his methods, and at times he behaved rather like a dunce, but he was trying, and I loved that he was the sort of man who would apprentice two orphan boys with a history of troublemaking. Madeleine was also an enjoyable character—strong in all the right ways, though she would have been in a lot less trouble if she had avoided so much debt altogether. I kept wanting to point out to her that offering more interest in exchange for more loans or more time was not going to behoove her in the long run. There was plenty of complexity about the other characters as well, and I was highly pleased that the lawsuit, not the romance, was the focus of the book. Speaking of the lawsuit, it was a fascinating case—not one that could pop up in just any era or setting. I love setting-specific historical fiction.
I wouldn’t say this was necessarily Christian fiction; the Christian content was limited to the lessons that the local Anglican priest repeatedly tried to teach a recalcitrant William. The book seemed more like an old British mystery where characters wrestle with the notion of a higher power but keep their faith at a fashionable distance. I very much enjoyed the British setting, however. It was easy to picture the England of William Wilberforce’s era.
My main objection to this book seems minor but is rather important to a history-loving reader and writer who likes her facts in order. Some of the villains were real people who (a) probably were not nearly as nasty as presented here and can’t defend themselves, and (b) were not historically accurate to the story—one would have already fled to France at the time of the story, and the other would have been dead. It seemed rather unnecessary to use these historical figures as villains at all, but a historical note admitting the discrepancies would at least have made it palatable. I like my fiction to bow to the facts, not the other way around.
Taken altogether, this was the sort of book where no one thing was specifically exceptional, but all the parts made a very satisfactory whole that was just the sort of book I wanted this week. I definitely recommend it to fans of historical fiction and legal thrillers. Just don’t take the historical figures at face value.
July 23, 2021
I have to say I’ve never read a book quite like this one. Admittedly, the beginning was a bit slow and tedious. I know it was nevesssry to set the scene for the court case, but if I hadn’t gotten the book off Netgalley, I might have set it aside. I’m glad, however, that I stuck with it because as I kept turning pages I became more intrigued and invested.
Read
April 11, 2021from endorsement:
With shades of Patrick O'Brian and Charles Finch, The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is an intelligent and cerebral mystery set in a fully flourished Regency London. At once atmospheric and gripping, Johnson's latest is a luminous and refreshing new offering in inspirational historical fiction. I enjoyed meeting William Snopes who is a blend of vulnerable, indomitable and whip-smart and as complex as my favourite varietal of Earl Grey. I cannot wait to see where he leads us next.
With shades of Patrick O'Brian and Charles Finch, The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is an intelligent and cerebral mystery set in a fully flourished Regency London. At once atmospheric and gripping, Johnson's latest is a luminous and refreshing new offering in inspirational historical fiction. I enjoyed meeting William Snopes who is a blend of vulnerable, indomitable and whip-smart and as complex as my favourite varietal of Earl Grey. I cannot wait to see where he leads us next.
July 16, 2021
The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is an excellent cozy mystery, with a tiny bit of romance thrown in. Let me start by sharing what I like about a good mystery. First, the characters need to be rich. Checkmark there. The plot line should not be predictable (the whole point of a mystery is to gradually assemble the pieces, not quite knowing how it all comes together in the end). Checkmark here too. The setting has a huge impact on the mood of the story. In this case it was historic London (early 1800s). Checkmark here as well. Todd M. Johnson does an excellent job with this entertaining read. His legal background comes through but in a way that any lay-person can easily follow and enjoy. I'd recommend this novel to historical fiction readers in the mood for a cozy, well drawn out mystery that maintains your interest right to the end.
I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.
August 12, 2021
Disclaimer : I received e-copy of this book as a part of blog tour via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Laurel @Austen Prose for tour invite and publisher, author, NetGalley for review copy.
It was intriguing and complex historical fiction that revolved around barrister William Snopes defending the case of piracy and the mystery of Letter of Marque.
The story was about greed, exploitation, deceit, corruption, determination, courage, social differences, ethics, loyalty, and friendship.
Setting of post Napoleonic War Regency England was atmospheric.
William was fantastic throughout the book. The way he gathered information and fought the case with no evidence and only based on his assumptions and keeping the final hearing at bay until he actually could prove something was commendable.
There was hint of romance and light spiritual and philosophical elements that was written through William’s verbal sparring with Father Thomas which was interesting to read.
Best part of the book was court room drama, William and his team’s investigation, and villains’ plan.
Overall, The Barrister and the Letter of Marque was intriguing, gripping, and well written legal historical fiction with complex plot and interesting characters.
I highly recommend this if you like,
courtroom drama
early 1800s regency era
Unpredictability
Well written main character
complex plot
full review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
It was intriguing and complex historical fiction that revolved around barrister William Snopes defending the case of piracy and the mystery of Letter of Marque.
The story was about greed, exploitation, deceit, corruption, determination, courage, social differences, ethics, loyalty, and friendship.
Setting of post Napoleonic War Regency England was atmospheric.
William was fantastic throughout the book. The way he gathered information and fought the case with no evidence and only based on his assumptions and keeping the final hearing at bay until he actually could prove something was commendable.
There was hint of romance and light spiritual and philosophical elements that was written through William’s verbal sparring with Father Thomas which was interesting to read.
Best part of the book was court room drama, William and his team’s investigation, and villains’ plan.
Overall, The Barrister and the Letter of Marque was intriguing, gripping, and well written legal historical fiction with complex plot and interesting characters.
I highly recommend this if you like,
courtroom drama
early 1800s regency era
Unpredictability
Well written main character
complex plot
full review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
January 28, 2022
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
Most of this book was intriguing and kept me riveted. I didn’t guess many of the reveals, so in that way, it was superb. My favorite thing was the bombshell twist at 89%. It was such a shocker of a twist to me. I loved it!
The middle third was a muddle for me, mostly due to the politics. I’m not a fan of high-status folks railroading the common person—who just wants to eke out a living for themselves, to take care of their family—all for the sake of money and power.
There were some scenes that slowed down the pace for a different reason. Sometimes there seemed to be no forward progression of the story, because those scenes only repeated the same thing: that the case was doomed.
I didn’t understand why the leading man was touted to be some whiz at lawyering, as his “antics” seemed a lot like bumbling around without a clue. I lost interest in rooting for him or believing the opposition’s claims of his competence because of his cluelessness for the majority of the story. I didn’t see very many of the claimed courtroom “antics” either.
There wasn’t enough page time for the romance, so it felt stilted and awkward and incredibly unnecessary. Some of those no-progress scenes could have easily been swapped out for romance development.
I did not appreciate the leading man’s flippancy concerning God and the genuine faith of other characters in the story. This felt highly disrespectful and was never resolved.
On the subject of faith, having a priest drink beer in a pub rubbed me the wrong way.
The complex plot surrounding the piracy charges was intriguing and kept me guessing. Wanting to find out what would happen to the poor, innocent captain was what kept me coming back to this story in that slumpy middle.
The opening of the story was very gripping. The suspenseful tone was kept fairly strong throughout, aided by a plethora of good plot twists and surprises.
A web of supporting cast members was well developed and quite fascinating. It was fun trying to peel back all the layers, and I enjoyed the various reveals along the journey.
The role of the penny dreadfuls was fantastic! I’ve never seen a story incorporate them in this way before.
Content: rape implied, alcohol, pubs, tobacco, gambling, partial profane phrase, profanity, swearing by “everything holy to me,” swearing on a person’s life, expletives, crude sexual term, marital affairs mentioned
Most of this book was intriguing and kept me riveted. I didn’t guess many of the reveals, so in that way, it was superb. My favorite thing was the bombshell twist at 89%. It was such a shocker of a twist to me. I loved it!
The middle third was a muddle for me, mostly due to the politics. I’m not a fan of high-status folks railroading the common person—who just wants to eke out a living for themselves, to take care of their family—all for the sake of money and power.
There were some scenes that slowed down the pace for a different reason. Sometimes there seemed to be no forward progression of the story, because those scenes only repeated the same thing: that the case was doomed.
I didn’t understand why the leading man was touted to be some whiz at lawyering, as his “antics” seemed a lot like bumbling around without a clue. I lost interest in rooting for him or believing the opposition’s claims of his competence because of his cluelessness for the majority of the story. I didn’t see very many of the claimed courtroom “antics” either.
There wasn’t enough page time for the romance, so it felt stilted and awkward and incredibly unnecessary. Some of those no-progress scenes could have easily been swapped out for romance development.
I did not appreciate the leading man’s flippancy concerning God and the genuine faith of other characters in the story. This felt highly disrespectful and was never resolved.
On the subject of faith, having a priest drink beer in a pub rubbed me the wrong way.
The complex plot surrounding the piracy charges was intriguing and kept me guessing. Wanting to find out what would happen to the poor, innocent captain was what kept me coming back to this story in that slumpy middle.
The opening of the story was very gripping. The suspenseful tone was kept fairly strong throughout, aided by a plethora of good plot twists and surprises.
A web of supporting cast members was well developed and quite fascinating. It was fun trying to peel back all the layers, and I enjoyed the various reveals along the journey.
The role of the penny dreadfuls was fantastic! I’ve never seen a story incorporate them in this way before.
Content: rape implied, alcohol, pubs, tobacco, gambling, partial profane phrase, profanity, swearing by “everything holy to me,” swearing on a person’s life, expletives, crude sexual term, marital affairs mentioned
August 16, 2021
Slow start, great progression, amazing ending
This is a new to me author. I love historical mysteries, so when I heard about this, I was instantly intrigued. I first picked up this book about two weeks ago and tried to read it. I only got about the first two chapters read, and then had to lay it down. Finally, yesterday, I picked it up and began reading it again. I actually had to re-read parts just to remember what was going on.
But...let me tell you, in spite of the seemingly slow start of this book, once you're in it, you do NOT want to stop. I kept reading. And reading....and finally realized I'd have to just keep on until I would finish. (I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep with this story hanging over in my brain...lol)
I enjoyed the characters, William, Edmund, and Obadiah. I liked seeing their methods of pursuing and solving this mystery.
The whole plot line is really intriguing. A ship captain has a letter from the king giving him rights to take over other ships and bring home their spoils...only when he gets to the dock, his letter is mysteriously missing...??!!
I had lots of ideas of what might have happened.
I will not give any spoilers, because the book is absolutely amazing. I will say that my mind was going down some of the right tracks. But the journey of getting to the resolution was captivating and really fun to read.
I would love to see more books in this series. I will definitely be finding more mysteries from this author!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This is a new to me author. I love historical mysteries, so when I heard about this, I was instantly intrigued. I first picked up this book about two weeks ago and tried to read it. I only got about the first two chapters read, and then had to lay it down. Finally, yesterday, I picked it up and began reading it again. I actually had to re-read parts just to remember what was going on.
But...let me tell you, in spite of the seemingly slow start of this book, once you're in it, you do NOT want to stop. I kept reading. And reading....and finally realized I'd have to just keep on until I would finish. (I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep with this story hanging over in my brain...lol)
I enjoyed the characters, William, Edmund, and Obadiah. I liked seeing their methods of pursuing and solving this mystery.
The whole plot line is really intriguing. A ship captain has a letter from the king giving him rights to take over other ships and bring home their spoils...only when he gets to the dock, his letter is mysteriously missing...??!!
I had lots of ideas of what might have happened.
I will not give any spoilers, because the book is absolutely amazing. I will say that my mind was going down some of the right tracks. But the journey of getting to the resolution was captivating and really fun to read.
I would love to see more books in this series. I will definitely be finding more mysteries from this author!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
August 30, 2021
This was an interesting read for me. The synopsis and cover caught my eye before it released and I added it to my TBR. The book started off with some elements that I wasn't fond of, and it is a bit slow in the beginning. I kept with it, and enjoyed it more the farther I got in it. The ending was excellent. Some of the things I didn't like early on were more than satisfactorily resolved in the end, which helped me to like the book even more. All things considered, glad I took a chance on this book! It was worth the read!!
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
August 20, 2021
This is the first historical book by this established author. He has described his protagonist, William Snopes as a bit Sherlock Holmes and a bit Rumpole of the Bailey. I think that is spot on. It even had me re-reading a few Sherlock stories and remembering how Rumpole and his creative ways of defense.
Told from a Christian World View, Mr. Johnson immersed me in Regency London. He spun an intriguing tale of manipulation in high places. The barrister, Snopes, is an honorable man although somewhat unorthodox when defending a client. He has a heart for the underdog and shuns his noble beginnings. He hesitates to take a case from Lady Madeleine Jamison but accepts and investigates what he perceives as a great injustice. The mystery takes us to all walks of life from seedy Whitechapel to the inner workings of Royal Government. Great historical information.
I liked the dynamic between Snopes and his Junior barrister, Edmund and his solicitor, Obadiah, lads he has mentored. The way his mind is always humming a classical piece adds to his character.
There is a hint of romance for good measure and also a possibility of more mystery stories in the future.
I enjoyed this tale immensely and cannot wait for more.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and BPH Open Book. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Told from a Christian World View, Mr. Johnson immersed me in Regency London. He spun an intriguing tale of manipulation in high places. The barrister, Snopes, is an honorable man although somewhat unorthodox when defending a client. He has a heart for the underdog and shuns his noble beginnings. He hesitates to take a case from Lady Madeleine Jamison but accepts and investigates what he perceives as a great injustice. The mystery takes us to all walks of life from seedy Whitechapel to the inner workings of Royal Government. Great historical information.
I liked the dynamic between Snopes and his Junior barrister, Edmund and his solicitor, Obadiah, lads he has mentored. The way his mind is always humming a classical piece adds to his character.
There is a hint of romance for good measure and also a possibility of more mystery stories in the future.
I enjoyed this tale immensely and cannot wait for more.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and BPH Open Book. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
August 7, 2021
This book was pretty good! I hadn’t heard of Todd M. Johnson before this book. I loved this mystery that he came up with. The beginning was a little slow and it did take me a little bit to get into the book. Once the story started picking up, it really took off. I liked all the different characters since it added depth to the story and let you see all the angles as you try to solve the mystery. I would definitely recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
July 12, 2021
3+
Enjoyable story not too accurate in historical details
The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is an enjoyable read combining three of my favorite subgenres of fiction. First of all, there is the historical setting in the early nineteenth century that provides a background of interesting elements like controversy over international trade and piracy and the social structure in England in that era. There are nice details, like the “penny dreadfuls” that were popular during the nineteenth century, but the setting just provides background for the story, so do not expect a history lesson takeaway. “Penny dreadfuls”, for example, were not a phenomenon until the 1830s, after the events of this book. Some real-life historical figures play roles in the book also that were purely fictional. The lack of accuracy of historical detail was my biggest disappointment in the book. It reminded me of my annoyance when I read a modern-day novel set in an era the 1990’s that has characters making widespread use of cell phones. Many people can recognize that inaccuracy today, not most do not know enough about the nineteenth century to identify the kinds of errors in this book. I am sure I did not see all of them.
Second, although it is set in a period somewhat earlier than Dickens novels . there is a nice Dickensian flavor to the characters, such as the “canon” of young street children who pick pockets and undertake other illegal activities under the direction of a harsh taskmaster.
Third, there is the barrister protagonist William Snopes, a worthy precursor of modern figures like Perry Mason, John Grisham’s lawyer characters, and even Andy Carpenter. His unusual techniques are quite effective at winning the case for his clients but do not make him popular with the judges or opposing barristers. On the other hand, William’s clever ruse early in the book to gain acquittal for his client, a young tinkerer accused of theft, made me chuckle and is sure to make him popular with other readers.
At bottom, though, what matters is the plot, and Todd Johnson has woven an interesting story with nice plot twists. The reader soon learns that you never know who is telling the truth. There are some harsh events that seem, alas, appropriate to the society, but no graphic violence. And there is some light romance. Overall, it is a good story.
I would read more from this author but would want more attention to accuracy of historical details.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher.
Enjoyable story not too accurate in historical details
The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is an enjoyable read combining three of my favorite subgenres of fiction. First of all, there is the historical setting in the early nineteenth century that provides a background of interesting elements like controversy over international trade and piracy and the social structure in England in that era. There are nice details, like the “penny dreadfuls” that were popular during the nineteenth century, but the setting just provides background for the story, so do not expect a history lesson takeaway. “Penny dreadfuls”, for example, were not a phenomenon until the 1830s, after the events of this book. Some real-life historical figures play roles in the book also that were purely fictional. The lack of accuracy of historical detail was my biggest disappointment in the book. It reminded me of my annoyance when I read a modern-day novel set in an era the 1990’s that has characters making widespread use of cell phones. Many people can recognize that inaccuracy today, not most do not know enough about the nineteenth century to identify the kinds of errors in this book. I am sure I did not see all of them.
Second, although it is set in a period somewhat earlier than Dickens novels . there is a nice Dickensian flavor to the characters, such as the “canon” of young street children who pick pockets and undertake other illegal activities under the direction of a harsh taskmaster.
Third, there is the barrister protagonist William Snopes, a worthy precursor of modern figures like Perry Mason, John Grisham’s lawyer characters, and even Andy Carpenter. His unusual techniques are quite effective at winning the case for his clients but do not make him popular with the judges or opposing barristers. On the other hand, William’s clever ruse early in the book to gain acquittal for his client, a young tinkerer accused of theft, made me chuckle and is sure to make him popular with other readers.
At bottom, though, what matters is the plot, and Todd Johnson has woven an interesting story with nice plot twists. The reader soon learns that you never know who is telling the truth. There are some harsh events that seem, alas, appropriate to the society, but no graphic violence. And there is some light romance. Overall, it is a good story.
I would read more from this author but would want more attention to accuracy of historical details.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher.
July 30, 2021
Gripping from the very beginning, this novel takes interesting twists and turns that held my attention during the entire novel. This is my first book by this author, but I found that I greatly enjoyed his writing and his ability to create a complex plot with lots of components that tied together well. I liked that there were multiple voices (or point of views) in the novel, which allowed for a more complete overall picture of this very fascinating story. I thought the plot developed well and took the reader on quite a journey. The book shines with its focus on mystery. There are only hints of romance in the story. There are a few historical errors, but I could tell the author researched how courtrooms and law worked during Regency London. I liked this book a lot and will definitely read more by this author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from an Austen Prose tour with Laurel Ann Nattress. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from an Austen Prose tour with Laurel Ann Nattress. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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