For Services Rendered by Will Thomas

On By BarbaraIn OtherLeave a comment

For Services Rendered: A Barker & Llewelyn Novel

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Series: Barker & Llewelyn #17
Publication Date: 8/18/26
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 312

It was a pleasure to sit down and listen to Anthony Ferguson’s smooth, mellifluous delivery of Will Thomas’ latest Barker & Llewelyn novel. The pacing was just right, and the distinct voices he gives each character felt almost like old friends saying, “Welcome back!”

If you’ve followed the series, you’ll know that Cyrus Barker’s missionary parents moved the family to China when he was very young. Through a tragic set of circumstances, Barker finds himself orphaned, alone, and fending for himself in China. Because of his background, Chinese characters, history, and events have been woven into many of the books in this series. This story was particularly interesting to me because it features a very young Dr. Sun Yat-Sen and incorporates a fictionalized account of some of his real-life events. He isn’t the entire focus of the story, but he is a major part of it, and I loved that aspect of the book.

I would categorize this book as more of an action/adventure than a traditional mystery because we know who the bad guys are from the very beginning. What we don’t know is how Barker and Llewelyn will outsmart them and save Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, along with several of Barker’s good friends and associates who escaped from China with him. They all have something else in common: the Chinese government has placed a sizable bounty on their heads. And yes, I mean literally—their heads!

This is probably my favorite book in the series so far. It is fast-paced and features some of the deadliest villains Barker and Llewelyn have faced. They not only have to contend with the brutish and deadly Chinese Imperial guards, but also a cunning and dangerous villain—or two—from a previous book. And imagine their shock when a dead man shows up at one of their favorite restaurants…with Prince Albert!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with strong, compelling characters, plenty of action, and a mystery that keeps Barker and Llewelyn constantly on their toes. Anthony Ferguson’s narration makes this an especially enjoyable listen.

I voluntarily read/listened to an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The Apothecary’s Poison by Lana Williams

On By TracyIn Historical Mystery, Mystery, Part of a Series, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Apothecary’s Poison (Field & Greystone, #7)The Apothecary’s Poison by Lana Williams

Tracy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: The Field & Greystone Mysteries, #7

Release Date: August 18, 2026

Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Fielding has returned to work after the bombing that nearly took his life in the previous book. He is called to the scene of a suspicious death, it quickly becomes clear that once again the victim has ties to his ladylove, widow Amelia Greystone. The victim, Theodore Crumpe died after taking a dose of “Mr. Tooley’s Special Tonic for Nervous Exhaustion”, his wife administered the dose, but swears she just bought the bottle that morning and claims the apothecary must have done something to the tonic. Henry will have to tread lightly, as the apothecary, Mr. Tooley, is a family friend to Amelia and had just helped her with an article she was writing about the effectiveness of so-called cures that are being sold. Things only get more complicated when Amelia’s own father gets pulled into the investigation.

Amelia Greystone wants nothing more than to aid Henry but knows that her connection to Mr. Tooley would make it hard for Henry to investigate the crime without anyone questioning his findings. Things only get worse when her parents show up unexpectedly, making it impossible for Henry to share too much with her. She understands that he can include her in the investigation, but that doesn’t mean she can’t glean some information on her own.

This was yet another great installment of the Field and Greystone Mysteries! The mystery was so complicated and well done, that I found myself questioning my own thoughts of “whodunit”, and I was impressed with the ending and annoyed with myself for not figuring it out sooner! I also enjoyed the gentle progression of Henry and Amelia’s relationship and fell a little in love with Henry myself. Overall, I just loved this book and think it might actually be my favorite in the series (so far) and I am looking forward to the next installment. This is the seventh book in the series, and it could easily be read as a standalone title, but I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *