Thomas F. (hardtack) -
I really can't add much to what the other reviewers already said. However, this is an action packed addition to the series. After all, not everyone gets to kill someone in front of their fiance while taking tea. Lots of people are dying, but they all seem to be Baker and Llewelyn's enemies. Leaving them having to go to the trouble of making more in the next book.
R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed Blood is Blood (Barker & Llewelyn, Bk 10) on + 1452 more book reviews
The detective pair of Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn are working in their offices on a typical Monday morning when an explosion targets their very lives. Barker is injured badly and Llewelyn fears that his impending wedding will not occur. As Barker works to recover it is up to Llewelyn to determine which enemy or enemies has targets them.
In an interesting turn of plot Barker's brother, Caleb, a rogue who has not kept in touch with him, appears to "help" the duo discover who blew their offices apart. Barker does not trust his brother and tells his partner so emphasizing that Caleb probably has his own agenda. Nevertheless, Llewelyn grudgingly accepts Caleb's help. They need to find who their enemy is and thwart his plans before one or both of them die.
This is an interesting novel with Llewelyn leading the investigation, aided by a bed-ridden Barker and Caleb. The pool of culprits is large but one by one trio must eliminate the wouldbe murderers. I quite enjoyed this novel and particularly liked Caleb. His efforts added so much to the tale.
In an interesting turn of plot Barker's brother, Caleb, a rogue who has not kept in touch with him, appears to "help" the duo discover who blew their offices apart. Barker does not trust his brother and tells his partner so emphasizing that Caleb probably has his own agenda. Nevertheless, Llewelyn grudgingly accepts Caleb's help. They need to find who their enemy is and thwart his plans before one or both of them die.
This is an interesting novel with Llewelyn leading the investigation, aided by a bed-ridden Barker and Caleb. The pool of culprits is large but one by one trio must eliminate the wouldbe murderers. I quite enjoyed this novel and particularly liked Caleb. His efforts added so much to the tale.
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
With Barker in the hospital, this is the first time that young Thomas Llewelyn is in total charge of an investigation, and-- wouldn't you know it-- it's a case in which both their lives are in grave danger. He needs help, but the only help he can get is from Barker's brother, Caleb, who seems to have spent most of his time in the United States-- much of it as a Pinkerton agent. This could be good news, but Caleb has a nasty habit of disappearing all the time, and the U.S. Embassy is after him and Thomas doesn't know why.
Blood Is Blood is a very strange and complex mystery, with danger appearing unexpectedly from any and all directions. Will Thomas knows how to make readers wish they had eyes in the backs of their heads. I did enjoy the mystery very much, and it wasn't easy to determine if Caleb Barker was a good guy or a bad one. The only small problem I had with the story is that-- even after six years and everything he's been through-- I thought Thomas Llewelyn didn't perform all that well as the one in charge of the investigation. He took too many things at face value and as a result, put those closest to him in danger.
But that is a small irritation in this latest book in one of my favorite historical mystery series. Will Thomas always puts me right in the heart of Victorian London with his fast-paced, heart-thumping mysteries and strong main characters. Once again, I'm left waiting to see where he takes me next. Wherever it is, I know I will enjoy the journey.
Blood Is Blood is a very strange and complex mystery, with danger appearing unexpectedly from any and all directions. Will Thomas knows how to make readers wish they had eyes in the backs of their heads. I did enjoy the mystery very much, and it wasn't easy to determine if Caleb Barker was a good guy or a bad one. The only small problem I had with the story is that-- even after six years and everything he's been through-- I thought Thomas Llewelyn didn't perform all that well as the one in charge of the investigation. He took too many things at face value and as a result, put those closest to him in danger.
But that is a small irritation in this latest book in one of my favorite historical mystery series. Will Thomas always puts me right in the heart of Victorian London with his fast-paced, heart-thumping mysteries and strong main characters. Once again, I'm left waiting to see where he takes me next. Wherever it is, I know I will enjoy the journey.
