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sparklingreader's review
4.0
Thoughts: I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but I will be looking for them. The story takes place in 1893 London and reminds me—vaguely—of a Sherlock Holmesian type story with two detectives (enquirers). Llewelyn is Watson to Barker’s Sherlock with Llewelyn being the note taker and Barker the enigmatic genius. Though this is not the first book in the series, it is not hard to get to know all the characters and where they fit in the story/series. Though a fictional story, the historical facts about Nicholas were mostly correct. He was related to a lot of European royalty; he did travel to London in this time period; he did marry Alexandra; there was a lot of unrest concerning the Russians, anarchists, socialists, communists, etc. I will note that I found the story slow, and yet I couldn’t put it down because it was fascinating at the same time.
What I liked: the characters of Llewelyn and Barker are fascinating, especially Llewelyn—who is telling the story. The supporting characters are well-done and interesting—especially Hercules, a Black man guarding Nicholas who is forced to wear bizarre clothing ala “genie”. It is noted at the end of the book that this character is actually based on a real person.
What I didn’t like: This was an ARC so I expected some minor editorial gaffs, but there were more than a few which put me off. I assume they’ll be corrected in the final proofread. Also, as noted above, the story was a bit slow to read, but at the same time, I couldn’t put it down.
Recommendation: If you’re looking for a decent historical mystery in the style of Sherlock, I’d definitely pick this one up. Or even start at the beginning of the series so you don’t miss anything and go from there.
I received this from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press and thank them for allowing me to read this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
What I liked: the characters of Llewelyn and Barker are fascinating, especially Llewelyn—who is telling the story. The supporting characters are well-done and interesting—especially Hercules, a Black man guarding Nicholas who is forced to wear bizarre clothing ala “genie”. It is noted at the end of the book that this character is actually based on a real person.
What I didn’t like: This was an ARC so I expected some minor editorial gaffs, but there were more than a few which put me off. I assume they’ll be corrected in the final proofread. Also, as noted above, the story was a bit slow to read, but at the same time, I couldn’t put it down.
Recommendation: If you’re looking for a decent historical mystery in the style of Sherlock, I’d definitely pick this one up. Or even start at the beginning of the series so you don’t miss anything and go from there.
I received this from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press and thank them for allowing me to read this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
okiegirl4's review
4.0
I have enjoyed all of the Barker and Llewelyn books. Thomas Llewelyn is my favorite; although I do like Cyrus Barker as well, but he seems to perfect. I love how Thomas grows his character in each book. He is never perfect and always makes mistakes but is continually learning and growing. This book is no different. It is another great adventure for the two.
“Dance with Death” is the 10th book in the series. In this book the enquiry agents are visited in their office by an American named Jim Hercules who works for the heir to the Russian throne, Nicholas II. Nicholas who is young, bored, and spoiled is in London to attend his cousin George’s wedding. Jim Hercules wants to hire Barker and Llewelyn to find the person that would like to assassinate the heir. The next day the action begins. There are lots of twists and turns until the assassin is located and named as well as the person who hired that person.
There are some possible changes for Thomas Llewelyn in this book....some things from his past come up in this book: one thing helps him, one thing may destroy him.
I am already looking forward to the next one in the series. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
“Dance with Death” is the 10th book in the series. In this book the enquiry agents are visited in their office by an American named Jim Hercules who works for the heir to the Russian throne, Nicholas II. Nicholas who is young, bored, and spoiled is in London to attend his cousin George’s wedding. Jim Hercules wants to hire Barker and Llewelyn to find the person that would like to assassinate the heir. The next day the action begins. There are lots of twists and turns until the assassin is located and named as well as the person who hired that person.
There are some possible changes for Thomas Llewelyn in this book....some things from his past come up in this book: one thing helps him, one thing may destroy him.
I am already looking forward to the next one in the series. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
annieb123's review
4.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Dance with Death is the 12th Barker & Llewelyn Victorian historical mystery by Will Thomas. Released 13th April 2021 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a well established series and the characters are quite finely drawn in a well written whole. The background research is impressive and the descriptions really do call up Victorian London. The story is fictionalized but written around a real historical framework and intertwined so skillfully that it's not always easy to tell where real history shades over into fiction.
The denouement and resolution are well done and satisfying. My only quibble (and it's a fairly minor one) is that the dialogue feels anachronistic in some places. It isn't clunky or awkward, but there is some modern vernacular.
The books are self contained stand-alones, so it's not necessary to have read the books in order to understand what's going on.
High quality historical mystery. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Dance with Death is the 12th Barker & Llewelyn Victorian historical mystery by Will Thomas. Released 13th April 2021 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a well established series and the characters are quite finely drawn in a well written whole. The background research is impressive and the descriptions really do call up Victorian London. The story is fictionalized but written around a real historical framework and intertwined so skillfully that it's not always easy to tell where real history shades over into fiction.
The denouement and resolution are well done and satisfying. My only quibble (and it's a fairly minor one) is that the dialogue feels anachronistic in some places. It isn't clunky or awkward, but there is some modern vernacular.
The books are self contained stand-alones, so it's not necessary to have read the books in order to understand what's going on.
High quality historical mystery. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
hpstrangelove's review
4.0
Audiobook review. Narrator: Antony Ferguson
Listened to this one right after book 11. Another interesting historical case. I was educated in the US so of course have a weak background in world history, so I have no idea how accurate the history is in most of these books, but that doesn't take away from my enjoyment.
Although once again, Llewelyn and wife just get on my nerves, so only giving it four stars.
Listened to this one right after book 11. Another interesting historical case. I was educated in the US so of course have a weak background in world history, so I have no idea how accurate the history is in most of these books, but that doesn't take away from my enjoyment.
Although once again, Llewelyn and wife just get on my nerves, so only giving it four stars.
naluju's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
scribe391's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Set in 1893 London, and narrated by Thomas Lewelyn, when Prince Nicholas and his entourage arrive for a wedding, an attempt on his life is made.
Thomas fills his mystery with actual historical figures.
Thomas fills his mystery with actual historical figures.
lommelun's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
sydneyholmes3010's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
shakeyfan's review against another edition
3.0
I don't know. The Thomas cliffhanger makes absolutely no sense.