What do you think?
Rate this book
Barker & Llewelyn #2
To Kingdom Come
When a bomb destroys the recently formed Special Irish Branch of Scotland Yard, all fingers point to the increasingly brazen factions of Irish dissidents seeking liberation from English rule. Volunteering their services to the British government, Barker and Llewelyn set out to infiltrate a secret cell of the Irish Republican Brotherhood known as the Invisibles. Posing as a reclusive German bomb maker and his anarchist apprentice, they are recruited for the group's ultimate to bring London to its knees and end the monarchy forever.Their adventures take them from a lighthouse on the craggy coast of Wales to a Liverpool infested with radicals, and even to the City of Light, where Llewelyn goes undercover with Maire O'Casey, the alluring sister of an Irish radical. Llewelyn again finds himself put to the test by his enigmatic employer, studying the art of self-defense and the brutal sport of hurling -- and, most dangerous of all, being schooled in the deadly science of bomb making.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2005
199 people are currently reading
1365 people want to read
About the author
Will Thomas
48 books1,095 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Will Thomas, born 1958 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is a novelist who writes a Victorian mystery series featuring Cyrus Barker, a Scottish detective or "private enquiry agent," and his Welsh assistant, Thomas Llewelyn. The Barker/Llewelyn novels are set in the 1880s and often feature historical events, people, and movements. Martial combat is a recurring theme throughout this hardboiled series.
Prior to writing novels, Will Thomas wrote essays for Sherlock Holmes society publications and lectured on crime fiction of the Victorian era.
Will Thomas' first novel, Some Danger Involved, was nominated for a Barry Award and a Shamus Award, and won the 2005 Oklahoma Book Award. In 2015, he won the Oklahoma Book Award a second time for Fatal Enquiry. Will Thomas has been featured on the cover of Library Journal, and was the Toastmaster at the 2007 Great Manhattan Mystery Conclave in Manhattan, Kansas. His fifth novel, The Black Hand, was nominated for a 2009 Shamus Award. He is married to author Julia Bryan Thomas.
Series:
. Barker and Llewelyn
Will Thomas, born 1958 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is a novelist who writes a Victorian mystery series featuring Cyrus Barker, a Scottish detective or "private enquiry agent," and his Welsh assistant, Thomas Llewelyn. The Barker/Llewelyn novels are set in the 1880s and often feature historical events, people, and movements. Martial combat is a recurring theme throughout this hardboiled series.
Prior to writing novels, Will Thomas wrote essays for Sherlock Holmes society publications and lectured on crime fiction of the Victorian era.
Will Thomas' first novel, Some Danger Involved, was nominated for a Barry Award and a Shamus Award, and won the 2005 Oklahoma Book Award. In 2015, he won the Oklahoma Book Award a second time for Fatal Enquiry. Will Thomas has been featured on the cover of Library Journal, and was the Toastmaster at the 2007 Great Manhattan Mystery Conclave in Manhattan, Kansas. His fifth novel, The Black Hand, was nominated for a 2009 Shamus Award. He is married to author Julia Bryan Thomas.
Series:
. Barker and Llewelyn
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
July 3, 2023
The 2nd book of this series deals with the Irish Rebels who bombed Scotland Yard back in 1884. Barker volunteers he and Llewelyn to go undercover to discover who is behind that bombing and the bombings that were scheduled to destroy much of London only 30 days later. As with all things in this series, this is a based on historical events and Author Will Thomas does a wonderful job of taking us into the Irish factions, and the entire bomb making process, as Barker and Llewelyn take on the personas of two leading bomb makers. This book is a bit slower that Book 1, but by the time things heat up you cannot put the book down (I delayed eating dinner by over 30 minutes just to finish the book!). One reason for my lower rating was that I knew who the leader of the Irish faction was very early on, despite many possible candidates one just stood out to me. Nonetheless, this is a good 2nd book in the series as Thomas now has all the main characters introduced to the reader and there are 12 more left in this series, with more on the way!!! Glad I read this book, but probably the least favorite of the 3 books in the series I have read (14, 1, & 2). But I have already begun Book 3 and it looks like another rip snorting adventure for my favorite Enquiry Agents!
Give this a final rating of 3.5***
Give this a final rating of 3.5***
March 16, 2015
2.5 stars, rounded up
This series has the potential to be everything that I love in a light-read: it's a mystery novel, it's historical and the setting and characters are believable Victorians, it's well written, and it doesn't skirt around "politics" as most mystery novels do: it tackles the actual issues of the times without apology (first novel: discrimination against Jews in Europe in 19th century; second novel: Irish fight for independence, terrorist methods of the IRA and related factions). Sadly, it suffers from a MAJOR flaw: Thomas simply does not know how to write believable, understandable people.
Basically, the series follows a detective and his sidekick. The sidekick is generic to the utmost degree; one cannot identify with him because there's nothing that makes him his own person. The detective, on the other hand, is a mash of every positive human quality and its complement: he is patient, confident, restrained yet forceful, he is physically strong yet emotionally gentle and unassuming; he is an avid Baptist and yet he is a student of Chinese philosophy and martial arts; he bathes Japanese style (in a bathhouse); he has traveled the world and knows how to make explosives, how to infiltrate terrorist groups, and how to play politics; he is everything, all at once, in such a way that one cannot identify with him or predict what he will do next because one cannot know which persona a certain situation will elicit (will he be the unruffled fighter, ready to punch somebody out? or the confident talker, ready to dissuade? or the avid Baptist, ready to judge? Or the Chinese impersonator, ready to patiently wait and hold his tongue? Or the cunning detective, ready with a plan to trap the perpetrators?...)
Also, the dialogue in this book is atrocious (another indication Thomas just doesn't get people). Basically, the detective and his sidekick show up, ask questions, and people answer them. There's no resistance from anyone in any kind of situation, everyone always reveals all and answers all questions truthfully. There is no instance of any person lying in these murder investigations (other than just by omission, but no straight-up lies) - that's more than just a bit ridiculous. It's also absurd that everyone would just reveal everything they know - no one refuses to answer questions, and no one dodges questions or tries to interpret them in their own ways.
This flaw is one that sadly ruins the series, yet I am inclined towards rounding up on this one, because the historical setting is excellently portrayed, and I love just getting lost on the streets of Victorian London, as much as I can't identify with any of the characters.
This series has the potential to be everything that I love in a light-read: it's a mystery novel, it's historical and the setting and characters are believable Victorians, it's well written, and it doesn't skirt around "politics" as most mystery novels do: it tackles the actual issues of the times without apology (first novel: discrimination against Jews in Europe in 19th century; second novel: Irish fight for independence, terrorist methods of the IRA and related factions). Sadly, it suffers from a MAJOR flaw: Thomas simply does not know how to write believable, understandable people.
Basically, the series follows a detective and his sidekick. The sidekick is generic to the utmost degree; one cannot identify with him because there's nothing that makes him his own person. The detective, on the other hand, is a mash of every positive human quality and its complement: he is patient, confident, restrained yet forceful, he is physically strong yet emotionally gentle and unassuming; he is an avid Baptist and yet he is a student of Chinese philosophy and martial arts; he bathes Japanese style (in a bathhouse); he has traveled the world and knows how to make explosives, how to infiltrate terrorist groups, and how to play politics; he is everything, all at once, in such a way that one cannot identify with him or predict what he will do next because one cannot know which persona a certain situation will elicit (will he be the unruffled fighter, ready to punch somebody out? or the confident talker, ready to dissuade? or the avid Baptist, ready to judge? Or the Chinese impersonator, ready to patiently wait and hold his tongue? Or the cunning detective, ready with a plan to trap the perpetrators?...)
Also, the dialogue in this book is atrocious (another indication Thomas just doesn't get people). Basically, the detective and his sidekick show up, ask questions, and people answer them. There's no resistance from anyone in any kind of situation, everyone always reveals all and answers all questions truthfully. There is no instance of any person lying in these murder investigations (other than just by omission, but no straight-up lies) - that's more than just a bit ridiculous. It's also absurd that everyone would just reveal everything they know - no one refuses to answer questions, and no one dodges questions or tries to interpret them in their own ways.
This flaw is one that sadly ruins the series, yet I am inclined towards rounding up on this one, because the historical setting is excellently portrayed, and I love just getting lost on the streets of Victorian London, as much as I can't identify with any of the characters.
September 7, 2020
The blurb says it all and says it well.
This was good fun; all very exciting and with a nail-biting climax.
I will say that poor Thomas ends up physically damaged, again! Poor boy might not survive too many more stories at the rate the author is beating him up.
This was good fun; all very exciting and with a nail-biting climax.
I will say that poor Thomas ends up physically damaged, again! Poor boy might not survive too many more stories at the rate the author is beating him up.
September 7, 2021
Overall, I found that this book gave me what I wanted. That being said, I found that the author really skirted around a truly thorough analysis and perhaps a more empathetic understanding of the ~villainous Irish~ in this story. Many historical mysteries have books that focus on the Irish independence movement seen through the lens of London-based (though not always ethnically English) detectives or police. I always think it is a travesty that the characters do not reflect on the situation more than saying something along the lines of "well, violence is bad and they can just continue to beg for independence for the next 100 years or so like good people would. Heck yeah gotta keep them under control." Similar things can be said about the portrayal of suffragists, labor organizers, leftist political movements, immigrant communities, etc. in these books. I think it is not only a disservice to those who fought so hard to change the world around them, but also to the readers who may have this as their introduction to these movements or moments in history.
Additionally, I think one major character hole was the lack of thorough investigation of Barker and Llewelyn's views on working this case (and the political and social movements related to it). I thought this was not only a massive hole in the story but also slightly disrespectful to the Welsh Llewelyn and Scottish Barker as it pertains to the history of their land, families, and communities under English rule (occupation, domination, etc.). This is absolutely necessary to understand these characters deeply and the author totally dropped the ball. Maybe it is because he is an American? If that is the case, he should have more respect for the characters he creates and the way that their identities interact with the situations he puts them in. Big bummer.
Additionally, I think one major character hole was the lack of thorough investigation of Barker and Llewelyn's views on working this case (and the political and social movements related to it). I thought this was not only a massive hole in the story but also slightly disrespectful to the Welsh Llewelyn and Scottish Barker as it pertains to the history of their land, families, and communities under English rule (occupation, domination, etc.). This is absolutely necessary to understand these characters deeply and the author totally dropped the ball. Maybe it is because he is an American? If that is the case, he should have more respect for the characters he creates and the way that their identities interact with the situations he puts them in. Big bummer.
December 16, 2015
Another excellent book in the Barker & Llewelyn series.
This time there is a terrorist attack on Scotland Yard. Cyrus and Thomas go undercover for the Home Office to infiltrate and destroy a band of rabid Irish.
Set at a time when London was being targeted by the Irish, indeed, the attacks by Irish homerulists resulted in the setting up of the Special Irish Branch, which later simply became Special Branch, "To Kingdom Come" is a thought provoking read in many ways. Especially now when the world is still facing terrorism to one degree or another.
"To Kingdom Come" bounces along at a fearsome pace, with all the verve and wit I have come to expect from Will Thomas' novels.
Highly recommended.
This time there is a terrorist attack on Scotland Yard. Cyrus and Thomas go undercover for the Home Office to infiltrate and destroy a band of rabid Irish.
Set at a time when London was being targeted by the Irish, indeed, the attacks by Irish homerulists resulted in the setting up of the Special Irish Branch, which later simply became Special Branch, "To Kingdom Come" is a thought provoking read in many ways. Especially now when the world is still facing terrorism to one degree or another.
"To Kingdom Come" bounces along at a fearsome pace, with all the verve and wit I have come to expect from Will Thomas' novels.
Highly recommended.
February 26, 2021
3.5 Stars
*Less of a Mystery than the first book but more suspenseful*
I enjoyed the first book in the Barker & Llewelyn series and was looking forward to continuing on with the series. I was told that the series gets better as it goes. In some ways I do agree that the sequel is an improvement, but it still feels like the series lacks that special spark.
Part of the dampening of my enthusiasm is still due to how much of a Sherlock Holmes knock-off the story is. Barker’s character in particular still hasn’t managed to grow beyond Sherlock wannabe in my mind. There are too many similarities. As much as I enjoy the general set-up of Sherlock style historical mysteries, I do want more originality and individuality from the characters. And I was hoping to find more of that in the sequel.
That being said, it did feel like Llewelyn had better character development in this book. His likeability and steady, down-to-Earth narration of the story was a big part of what I enjoyed.
I won’t say much about the plot other than that To Kingdom Come isn’t really a whodunit. It’s more of Suspense. So although the story kept me engaged, I didn’t get that solve-along-at-home fix that my nerdy brain was hoping for. But like the first book, the story was well-researched and dealt with the complexities of social issues of that time. I did still enjoy it even though it was slow-burn and not as Mystery focused as I’d hoped.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 2 Stars
*Less of a Mystery than the first book but more suspenseful*
I enjoyed the first book in the Barker & Llewelyn series and was looking forward to continuing on with the series. I was told that the series gets better as it goes. In some ways I do agree that the sequel is an improvement, but it still feels like the series lacks that special spark.
Part of the dampening of my enthusiasm is still due to how much of a Sherlock Holmes knock-off the story is. Barker’s character in particular still hasn’t managed to grow beyond Sherlock wannabe in my mind. There are too many similarities. As much as I enjoy the general set-up of Sherlock style historical mysteries, I do want more originality and individuality from the characters. And I was hoping to find more of that in the sequel.
That being said, it did feel like Llewelyn had better character development in this book. His likeability and steady, down-to-Earth narration of the story was a big part of what I enjoyed.
I won’t say much about the plot other than that To Kingdom Come isn’t really a whodunit. It’s more of Suspense. So although the story kept me engaged, I didn’t get that solve-along-at-home fix that my nerdy brain was hoping for. But like the first book, the story was well-researched and dealt with the complexities of social issues of that time. I did still enjoy it even though it was slow-burn and not as Mystery focused as I’d hoped.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 2 Stars
June 2, 2023
I'll give this 3.5 stars; I liked it, but not as much as many other books I normally read. It kept my interest, and I liked the contrasts between life in later 19th century GB compared to today. I also learned a little bit about dynamite, not that it is something I can use in my day to day life - unfortunately, at times.
Overall, it was an interesting story about the people and the times, but the plot itself wasn't really very strong, in my opinion. The destination wasn't that great, but the journey was interesting. A bit of romance, a bit of fighting, and lots of dialog, most of which was interesting but not as humorous as I remember from the first book.
I got a bit of a kick out of one exchange near the end. Llewelyn had gotten a beating in a fight, and had two black eyes. When they went to the barber later to get their hair cut, the barber applied leeches to the bruises under his eyes. After that, the barber asks "Would you like any teeth pulled while you're here?"
Overall, it was an interesting story about the people and the times, but the plot itself wasn't really very strong, in my opinion. The destination wasn't that great, but the journey was interesting. A bit of romance, a bit of fighting, and lots of dialog, most of which was interesting but not as humorous as I remember from the first book.
I got a bit of a kick out of one exchange near the end. Llewelyn had gotten a beating in a fight, and had two black eyes. When they went to the barber later to get their hair cut, the barber applied leeches to the bruises under his eyes. After that, the barber asks "Would you like any teeth pulled while you're here?"
May 26, 2014
I really enjoyed the first book of this series with the introduction of all the unique and appealing characters (Some Danger Involved). The set of problems requiring resolution in the first book was really interesting to me. Perhaps I had higher than normal expectations as I opened this second book, but I just couldn't get into the extensive bomb making theme and found the Irish "radicals" rather unbelievable. Cyrus Barker certainly comes up with dangerous schemes for an enquiry agent, so it serves him well that he is a master of all things martial. Yes, I will dive into the third book and take it for a spin because the narrator has won my affection (Thomas Llewelyn). This book reminded me of an action script for a television series with shallow characters. The first book exploring Judaism and its challenges in London was far richer and rang authentic. On to the third to see what is on offer!
April 12, 2019
I was distracted by the narrator in this audiobook and may have enjoyed the story more if I wasn't thinking about accents. I think I will read the next books in the series in print.
I like how the relationship between Barker & Llewelyn is growing. I think Llewelyn is coming into his own as he builds confidence.
I like how the relationship between Barker & Llewelyn is growing. I think Llewelyn is coming into his own as he builds confidence.
September 13, 2018
This was spectacular! The characters are all quirky and unique. No cookie cutters here! Sure, Mr. Barker seems a little over-the-top sometimes, but he has a remarkable human side. Plus, as we learned in the first novel, his childhood required him to learn some kind of unusual survival skills. The plot here is tight and fast-paced! This case deals with Ireland's fight for independence. I haven't glanced ahead, but I am guessing that each book is going to deal with a different unique aspect of life in England in the early 1880s. The England of this time was much more diverse, interesting, and dangerous than a lot of historical fiction would have us think. I stumbled on this series by accident, and I'm so glad I did. Perfect get-out-of-my-head reading that still makes me think.
January 14, 2018
When charged with infiltrating the Irish our intrepid heroes are tested in ways they never fought possible. This old fashioned detective/ historical/ mystery/ has all the puzzle pieces and then some, to keep the reader fascinated and yet confused till the very end.
January 16, 2020
I enjoyed this second story of Mr. Barker and his assistant Mr. Llewelyn. Based on historical bombings of the time, this story was an undercover tale of the two detectives foiling the Irish cadre setting bombs in London in 1884.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Anthony Ferguson.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Anthony Ferguson.
June 26, 2018
The promise of the first book is most definitely realized here in the 2nd one, as Barker and Llewelyn go undercover to help investigate the bombing of Scotland Yard by learning bomb making and joining the Irish terrorists.
While I don't have the knowledge of the details of the Irish independence movement of this time, the details and heart shown here seemed perfectly correct to me. One could find themselves liking, fearing and hope they lose, all at the same time.
Barker seemed a bit less perfect in this one, which was good, and Llewelyn a bit more like an emotional young man at a dangerous new job, which was nice. Thomas does a great job making his pair completely unique.. one could certainly compare them to Holmes and Watson, being set in the same era, but that is really where it stops. (incidently, the Strand was mentioned in passing while the characters were undercover, I half expected them to run into Conan Doyle himself!) Heck, they even dialed by the emphasis on food (though there was still enough meal talk to get annoying).
Overall, an excellent period thriller that I would highly recommend.
While I don't have the knowledge of the details of the Irish independence movement of this time, the details and heart shown here seemed perfectly correct to me. One could find themselves liking, fearing and hope they lose, all at the same time.
Barker seemed a bit less perfect in this one, which was good, and Llewelyn a bit more like an emotional young man at a dangerous new job, which was nice. Thomas does a great job making his pair completely unique.. one could certainly compare them to Holmes and Watson, being set in the same era, but that is really where it stops. (incidently, the Strand was mentioned in passing while the characters were undercover, I half expected them to run into Conan Doyle himself!) Heck, they even dialed by the emphasis on food (though there was still enough meal talk to get annoying).
Overall, an excellent period thriller that I would highly recommend.
March 16, 2025
Oh my, was this audio hard to turn off! This is only the second book in the series, but I'm quickly becoming a fan of both Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn. Barker is a cryptic man who is set in his ways, and his behavior is often puzzling, but in the end, he gets the job done. Llewelyn is learning as he goes, often in a trial by fire, but he's beginning to come into his own a bit more.
The action starts in the very first chapter, with an explosion doing severe damage to Scotland Yard and surrounding buildings. Everyone knows what organization is behind the bombing, but Barker & Llewelyn volunteer to help the British government discover the specific individual/s responsible. There are several members of the dissident cell who could be the brains behind all the scheming, and I kept changing my mind about who that might be. Although the motive was obvious throughout nearly the entire book, I was surprised - but not shocked - when the mastermind was revealed in a heart-pounding confrontation scene.
The next several books in this series are part of my audio library, and I'm eager to listen to the next one.
The action starts in the very first chapter, with an explosion doing severe damage to Scotland Yard and surrounding buildings. Everyone knows what organization is behind the bombing, but Barker & Llewelyn volunteer to help the British government discover the specific individual/s responsible. There are several members of the dissident cell who could be the brains behind all the scheming, and I kept changing my mind about who that might be. Although the motive was obvious throughout nearly the entire book, I was surprised - but not shocked - when the mastermind was revealed in a heart-pounding confrontation scene.
The next several books in this series are part of my audio library, and I'm eager to listen to the next one.
December 14, 2020
What a great series! This is an excellent story that keeps up a good pace, interesting historical setting and situation. The narrator, Barker's assistant Llewellyn, throws in an occasional enjoyable note of humor. To top it off , the writing is wonderful. I'm sorry I returned it to the library before I wrote this, or I will add a quote or two to give examples. Right now I am sorry I have to read my book group book next, or I would grab number 3 in the series!
Read
September 17, 2020DNF. I had forgotten I DNFed the previous one of this series. Once I realized, I gave this one less time to win me over than I have the first one. The story is less developed, dimensional, or credible than I would like, even for a lighter or more casual mystery read.
July 13, 2022
"To Kingdom Come" - written by Will Thomas and published in 2005 by Touchstone, Simon & Schuster. "What think you, Anderson? Shall we trust Mr Barker and his mad scheme to hoodwink the Irish?" Along with his assistant Thomas Llewelyn, enquiry agent Cyrus Barker does indeed embark on his mad scheme, this time to thwart an impassioned group of Irish dissidents in their quest to further their hopes of Home Rule for Ireland. Although the plans could result in havoc in 1880s London and there's the expected violence, the book itself seems somewhat low-key, which was just fine with me. I like the relationship between Barker and Llewelyn (teacher-student? father-son?) and look forward to continuing the series.
April 6, 2024
I have just read the next in this series and looking back on Goodreads can find no review or mark from myself on this, the second.
I can't explain why or remember much about it but the precis rang bells as I learnt about the Irish problem of Victorian London.
Reading through my notes on the first of the series and knowing how I feel now about the third, I have no doubt that I would have awarded this one a 4* too.
Please accept my apologies.
I can't explain why or remember much about it but the precis rang bells as I learnt about the Irish problem of Victorian London.
Reading through my notes on the first of the series and knowing how I feel now about the third, I have no doubt that I would have awarded this one a 4* too.
Please accept my apologies.
February 27, 2014
To Kingdom Come is the second book in Will Thomas's Barker and Llewellyn historical mystery series set in Victorian England. Thomas Llewellyn has been in the employ of enquiry agent Cyrus Barker for a mere two and a half months--only one month has passed since the events in their debut novel, Some Danger Involved, and already the stakes have gone up dramatically.
Two bombs have gone off in London--destroying a portion of Scotland Yard and the Junior Carlton Club. Members of the Irish Republic Brotherhood claim responsibility and threaten more attacks to come if Parliament does not grant Ireland liberation from English rule within a month. Barker offers his service to the Home Office and comes up with a plan to discover and infiltrate the cell of the IRB responsible for the bombings. He and Llewellyn pose as explosive experts in order to win the group's confidence. But will they be able to maintain their cover long enough to allow Scotland Yard to arrest the dissidents without actually blowing up Parliament and the Prince of Wales?
Once again Thomas gives us an interesting, believable historical mystery set in the Holmsian period with far more action than most of the Holmes stories. The writing and description are up to par, but I have to say that I did not find the mystery or the story overall to be nearly as captivating as the debut. I still enjoy the interactions between Barker and Llewellyn...as well as with the other supporting characters and Thomas portrays the Irish resistance with just as much flair. But the first story was a more authentic mystery--the hunt for the killer of a young Jewish scholar with all the suspects and clues to follow of a standard detective novel. That is far more to my taste than the cloak of espionage that covers our heroes. Infiltrating the IRB and spending time manufacturing bombs just really didn't interest me as much. It also didn't help that the mastermind behind the group was obvious from about the midpoint of the book
However, slight misgivings about the topic aside, Thomas has produced a lively second novel--one that is a quick read and full of atmosphere and historical detail. I will definitely continue the series. Three and a half stars.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
Two bombs have gone off in London--destroying a portion of Scotland Yard and the Junior Carlton Club. Members of the Irish Republic Brotherhood claim responsibility and threaten more attacks to come if Parliament does not grant Ireland liberation from English rule within a month. Barker offers his service to the Home Office and comes up with a plan to discover and infiltrate the cell of the IRB responsible for the bombings. He and Llewellyn pose as explosive experts in order to win the group's confidence. But will they be able to maintain their cover long enough to allow Scotland Yard to arrest the dissidents without actually blowing up Parliament and the Prince of Wales?
Once again Thomas gives us an interesting, believable historical mystery set in the Holmsian period with far more action than most of the Holmes stories. The writing and description are up to par, but I have to say that I did not find the mystery or the story overall to be nearly as captivating as the debut. I still enjoy the interactions between Barker and Llewellyn...as well as with the other supporting characters and Thomas portrays the Irish resistance with just as much flair. But the first story was a more authentic mystery--the hunt for the killer of a young Jewish scholar with all the suspects and clues to follow of a standard detective novel. That is far more to my taste than the cloak of espionage that covers our heroes. Infiltrating the IRB and spending time manufacturing bombs just really didn't interest me as much. It also didn't help that the mastermind behind the group was obvious from about the midpoint of the book
However, slight misgivings about the topic aside, Thomas has produced a lively second novel--one that is a quick read and full of atmosphere and historical detail. I will definitely continue the series. Three and a half stars.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
August 27, 2007
TO KINGDOM COME (Private Investigators-Europe-1884) – VG
Thomas, Will – 2nd in series
A Touchstone Book, 2005- Hardcover
The Irish Republican Brotherhood has blown up part of Scotland Yard and the blast does damage to the offices of Investigator Cyrus Barker and his young Welsh assistant, Thomas Llewelyn. Barker volunteers their services to the British government, and they infiltrate a branch of the IRB whose aim is to blow up the main sites in London and the citizens around them.
*** A very interesting book in light of the times in which we live. The story is told by Llywelyn, which gives it a humanity and personal view as he talks about his fears and insecurities. Barker is an enigmatic, but we learn about him as does Llywelyn. I very much enjoy developing relationship between the two characters. The author has clearly done his research of the time and includes a literary figure as a secondary character. The writing is excellent with some of the best first lines, in the prologue and first chapter, I've read in a long time. I would read the series in order but this was a very good read in, what looks to be, a wonderful new historical mystery series.
Thomas, Will – 2nd in series
A Touchstone Book, 2005- Hardcover
The Irish Republican Brotherhood has blown up part of Scotland Yard and the blast does damage to the offices of Investigator Cyrus Barker and his young Welsh assistant, Thomas Llewelyn. Barker volunteers their services to the British government, and they infiltrate a branch of the IRB whose aim is to blow up the main sites in London and the citizens around them.
*** A very interesting book in light of the times in which we live. The story is told by Llywelyn, which gives it a humanity and personal view as he talks about his fears and insecurities. Barker is an enigmatic, but we learn about him as does Llywelyn. I very much enjoy developing relationship between the two characters. The author has clearly done his research of the time and includes a literary figure as a secondary character. The writing is excellent with some of the best first lines, in the prologue and first chapter, I've read in a long time. I would read the series in order but this was a very good read in, what looks to be, a wonderful new historical mystery series.
August 20, 2019
So far I’ve read the first two books of this series. I know there is much to critique but I accept the series for what it is... a light and entertaining read. It’s a fun page turner and keeps me interested. Do I wish Thomas and the other characters were fleshed our more, yes. But it serves its purpose while I’m lying on the beach or sitting poolside, it keeps me entertained and relaxed.
November 28, 2021
Pleasant story to listen to while driving, doing chores. Not a page-turner or highly suspenseful, but a light, enjoyable read/listen.
December 17, 2023
Barker & Llewelyn are off on another adventure, this time to stop the Irish nationalists from setting off a greater bomb in London in their quest for freedom.
I guess one of my big problems with this book is [lowers voice to whisper] I…am on the Irish faction’s side? Oh sure, killing a bunch of people is bad and all, but we have Llewelyn try to get into a pub with them and be kicked out solely for being Irish and it doesn’t really help me NOT see their side.
Also Llewelyn has GOT to stop thinking with his dick. I figured the girl would be the brains behind it and she was, and Llewelyn didn’t grasp that because 1) he figured she couldn’t have even wanted to be there and shouldn’t be there even though she told him to the contrary and 2) he just really wanted to be with her. Buddy you’re a spy!! You gotta be savvier than that or one of these days you’ll get both yourself and Barker killed.
I’ll keep reading this series, but I assume Llewelyn is gonna look at a woman in the next one and immediately be head over heels for her, too. It’s just in his nature. Wish this book had more Barker; I was trapped alone with Llewelyn’s mooning and was frantically looking for an escape hatch.
I guess one of my big problems with this book is [lowers voice to whisper] I…am on the Irish faction’s side? Oh sure, killing a bunch of people is bad and all, but we have Llewelyn try to get into a pub with them and be kicked out solely for being Irish and it doesn’t really help me NOT see their side.
Also Llewelyn has GOT to stop thinking with his dick. I figured the girl would be the brains behind it and she was, and Llewelyn didn’t grasp that because 1) he figured she couldn’t have even wanted to be there and shouldn’t be there even though she told him to the contrary and 2) he just really wanted to be with her. Buddy you’re a spy!! You gotta be savvier than that or one of these days you’ll get both yourself and Barker killed.
I’ll keep reading this series, but I assume Llewelyn is gonna look at a woman in the next one and immediately be head over heels for her, too. It’s just in his nature. Wish this book had more Barker; I was trapped alone with Llewelyn’s mooning and was frantically looking for an escape hatch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2019
"Victorian Enquiry agent Cyrus Barker and his young assistant Thomas are back with a new mission in 'To Kingdom Come'.
When a bomb destroys the Special Irish Branch of Scotland Yard, all fingers point to the increasingly brazen factions of Irish dissidents seeking liberation from English rule. Volunteering their services to the British government, Barker and Llewelyn set out to infiltrate a secret cell of the Irish Republican Brotherhood known as the Invisibles. Posing as a reclusive German bomb maker and his anarchist apprentice, they are recruited for the group's ultimate plan: to bring London to its knees and end the monarchy forever.
Their adventures take them from an abandoned lighthouse on the craggy coast of Wales to the City of Light, where Llewelyn goes undercover with Maire O'Casey, the alluring sister of an Irish radical. Llewelyn again finds himself put to the test by his enigmatic employer as he is schooled in the deadly science of bomb making.
When a bomb destroys the Special Irish Branch of Scotland Yard, all fingers point to the increasingly brazen factions of Irish dissidents seeking liberation from English rule. Volunteering their services to the British government, Barker and Llewelyn set out to infiltrate a secret cell of the Irish Republican Brotherhood known as the Invisibles. Posing as a reclusive German bomb maker and his anarchist apprentice, they are recruited for the group's ultimate plan: to bring London to its knees and end the monarchy forever.
Their adventures take them from an abandoned lighthouse on the craggy coast of Wales to the City of Light, where Llewelyn goes undercover with Maire O'Casey, the alluring sister of an Irish radical. Llewelyn again finds himself put to the test by his enigmatic employer as he is schooled in the deadly science of bomb making.
July 1, 2021
Although the first book in the Barker and Llewelyn series, Some Danger Involved, was a firecracker of a series debut, this second book is no slouch.
The series is set in London in the 1880s and does a good job of bringing the atmosphere of that time to life. Mr. Barker is a self-described "agent of enquiry" rather than a private detective, likely because at that time little respect was given to private eyes. His newly-hired assistant, Thomas Llewelyn, is a man in his early 20s who, previous to his employment by Barker, had been imprisoned for a short time and was well down on his luck when he snagged the position with Barker.
I imagine each book in the series could be read as a stand-alone, but I think the most reading enjoyment will come from reading the titles in order to best appreciate the learning curve and development that Llewelyn demonstrates.
The series is set in London in the 1880s and does a good job of bringing the atmosphere of that time to life. Mr. Barker is a self-described "agent of enquiry" rather than a private detective, likely because at that time little respect was given to private eyes. His newly-hired assistant, Thomas Llewelyn, is a man in his early 20s who, previous to his employment by Barker, had been imprisoned for a short time and was well down on his luck when he snagged the position with Barker.
I imagine each book in the series could be read as a stand-alone, but I think the most reading enjoyment will come from reading the titles in order to best appreciate the learning curve and development that Llewelyn demonstrates.
December 13, 2018
In this outing, Barker and Llewelyn infiltrate a group of Irish terrorists whose mission is to bomb key spots in London. Barker takes on the persona of a famous German bomb maker with Llewelyn as his apprentice which means Llewelyn has a crash course in bomb making. There's also an Irish woman who sends his heart all a flutter. Interesting take on happenings in 19th century London when there was indeed bombings perpetrated by Fenian groups, including one at Scotland Yard. This book was a little drier than the first in the series, but still enjoyable for the well constructed historical setting.
December 6, 2017
To Kingdom Come by Thomas is the second installment in the Barker & Llewelyn myseteries. A quiet morning in the harder is suddenly interrupted by an explosion. Barker and Thomas follow the smoke to the Scotland Yard office near their own. Believed to be the work of an unknown radical Irish faction, Barker is hired to impersonate a German bomb maker to infiltrate and stop the group.
Another intriguing mystery. 4 stars
Another intriguing mystery. 4 stars
December 29, 2019
Great mystery!
I never saw the “whodunit” coming! This is the second Llewelyn and Barker mystery. Irish radicals have bombed Scotland Yard and our heroes figure it is their duty to find the culprit or culprits. As with the first novel, characters, scenery and plot form an amazing triad and the author had me guessing right to the end. For British mystery lovers, atmospheric stories set in London, and those that like a good story.
I never saw the “whodunit” coming! This is the second Llewelyn and Barker mystery. Irish radicals have bombed Scotland Yard and our heroes figure it is their duty to find the culprit or culprits. As with the first novel, characters, scenery and plot form an amazing triad and the author had me guessing right to the end. For British mystery lovers, atmospheric stories set in London, and those that like a good story.
July 17, 2018
This one didn't keep my attention the way the first did, but it's still a nice, somewhat Holmesian detective series.
April 30, 2020
The series continues to be solidly enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews