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ewalrath's review against another edition
3.0
This one is very different in tone and that's the only reason I don't like it as much as the others. As a work of historical fiction and a mystery it's amazing.
lacewing's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
miraclemarg's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
alesia_charles's review against another edition
5.0
This gets five stars because not only is it a fine mystery/adventure (complete with murders, gunfights, revenge, near-scalpings, boxing matches, drinking to excess, fleeing into a raging river, and being hunted by Indians), but Hambly deftly weaves in the dark grays and blacks of the historical context as well as the problem of revenge and justice and the importance of family. As with any excellent writing, then, the work as a whole is much more than a mystery/adventure story - not that there's anything wrong with those, but I'd give the average one a mere four stars.
It is also, of course, the latest installment in the adventures of Benjamin January, doctor, veteran, musician, polyglot, and free black resident (but never really, because of his race, citizen) of New Orleans. Various Indians (good, bad, and indifferent) also get important roles and speaking parts - as do Kit Carson, Jim Bridger, and others. It's set at the rendezvous of the "Mountain Men" in the 1830s - those were the fur trappers and traders who were the leading edge of the American invasion of the west.
You might, however, enjoy this book more if you go back and read the rest of the series. I think Hambly lightly sprinkles in enough background on January to make it comprehensible to newcomers, but seriously - why read just one book when you can read a whole series, hmm? It starts with A Free Man of Color ... and Hambly is currently working on the next one, in which January travels to Washington, D.C.
It is also, of course, the latest installment in the adventures of Benjamin January, doctor, veteran, musician, polyglot, and free black resident (but never really, because of his race, citizen) of New Orleans. Various Indians (good, bad, and indifferent) also get important roles and speaking parts - as do Kit Carson, Jim Bridger, and others. It's set at the rendezvous of the "Mountain Men" in the 1830s - those were the fur trappers and traders who were the leading edge of the American invasion of the west.
You might, however, enjoy this book more if you go back and read the rest of the series. I think Hambly lightly sprinkles in enough background on January to make it comprehensible to newcomers, but seriously - why read just one book when you can read a whole series, hmm? It starts with A Free Man of Color ... and Hambly is currently working on the next one, in which January travels to Washington, D.C.
archytas's review
3.0
I like Hambly's books for their exploration of social mores in a very different USA, but her plotting is mediocre, and this one, probably earns just bad. Could see most of the twists coming a mile off. And some of it was just silly.
Having said that, as an exploration of native american and settler relations, it's fascinating. Hambly builds a detailed and nuanced view of a camp where warring factions make alliances and friendships while navigating different power dynamics, prejudices and cultural differences. Chuck a good dose of gender power dynamics in there as well for good measure. Her settlers and Indians are neither cartoon villians, noble savages, or heroes. She shows a world where Native Americans negotiate with considerable power with trappers, while understanding how transitory that power is in the face of white governments. Where women trade the skills and attributes they have for power and safety - in both white and native american societies, with varying degrees of success. And where they do all this while just living lives of work, and fun, love and pettiness. The book is at its best when it is in the camp, and its worst on a ridiculous scavenger hunt-by-random-confessions for a dead mans clothes.
Having said that, as an exploration of native american and settler relations, it's fascinating. Hambly builds a detailed and nuanced view of a camp where warring factions make alliances and friendships while navigating different power dynamics, prejudices and cultural differences. Chuck a good dose of gender power dynamics in there as well for good measure. Her settlers and Indians are neither cartoon villians, noble savages, or heroes. She shows a world where Native Americans negotiate with considerable power with trappers, while understanding how transitory that power is in the face of white governments. Where women trade the skills and attributes they have for power and safety - in both white and native american societies, with varying degrees of success. And where they do all this while just living lives of work, and fun, love and pettiness. The book is at its best when it is in the camp, and its worst on a ridiculous scavenger hunt-by-random-confessions for a dead mans clothes.
nilchance's review
4.0
This book was hitting all my narrative kinks (revenge quests! Shaw backstory! Rose is pregnant! Ben refers to Shaw as his brother!) and then it ends with a freaking Columbo speech from Ben laying out the details of the case, and I am delighted. I love these books.
catevari's review
4.0
I always have so little to say about Hambly's books...largely because they're always such an abiding and deep pleasure to read. It's easy for me to get lost in the worlds she creates and dwell inside them for their duration like a princess in a spell.
With her last book I talked about the pleasure of "seeing" old faces; characters that populate the background through most of the series. With Shirt on His Back, we are outside of New Orleans, outside of those comfort zones and among an entirely new cast of characters...and yet they aren't any less detailed or vivid than those friends we've visited before.
If I have any complaint, it's that, after the promise of something delving deeper into the character of Abishag Shaw, I feel we only know him very slightly better than before. The book's blurb seems to offer a greater glimpse than what we got...and yet, it's a nitpick, such a minor complaint compared to what's been offered in return. I always recommend the Benjamin January series to anyone I think might be in the least interested and I'm so glad that Severn House has allowed Hambly to keep writing and sharing his adventures.
With her last book I talked about the pleasure of "seeing" old faces; characters that populate the background through most of the series. With Shirt on His Back, we are outside of New Orleans, outside of those comfort zones and among an entirely new cast of characters...and yet they aren't any less detailed or vivid than those friends we've visited before.
If I have any complaint, it's that, after the promise of something delving deeper into the character of Abishag Shaw, I feel we only know him very slightly better than before. The book's blurb seems to offer a greater glimpse than what we got...and yet, it's a nitpick, such a minor complaint compared to what's been offered in return. I always recommend the Benjamin January series to anyone I think might be in the least interested and I'm so glad that Severn House has allowed Hambly to keep writing and sharing his adventures.
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