Author: Barbara

Avid reader/reviewer of historical romance and historical mysteries.

For Services Rendered by Will Thomas

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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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Murder In Blackfriars by Jennifer Ashley

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Murder in Blackfriars (Below Stairs Mystery #9)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Below Stairs Mystery #9
Publication Date: 08/11/26
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 320

I started reading this book thinking it was the last in the series and was very disappointed because it didn’t wrap up a lot of things. Yes, we finally learned Daniel’s origins, but nothing else was resolved. Then, to my great delight, I learned that while this is the last book in the series from this publisher, the author will continue the series by self-publishing. GREAT NEWS! All the changes we see in this book – and those left unfinished – will make for wonderful new stories in the future.

The story opens with a murder that quickly draws us into the dark and fascinating world of Blackfriars. What initially appears to be a straightforward murder investigation becomes much more complicated as secrets begin to surface and the investigation takes our characters into the lives, relationships, and hidden motives of those around them. Jennifer Ashley does an excellent job of giving us a mystery that keeps unfolding while also allowing us to become invested in the people trying to solve it.

I really enjoyed the historical setting in this one. Ashley creates such a vivid sense of time and place, and the atmosphere adds so much to the story. Blackfriars becomes almost a character itself—dark, crowded, mysterious, and full of possibilities for both secrets and danger. I could easily picture the streets and buildings and felt completely drawn into the world she created.

But, as usual, it was the characters who really made the book for me. I particularly enjoyed watching the relationships develop throughout the story. We aren’t simply given characters who are there to solve a murder; we get to see their personalities, their strengths and weaknesses, and the ways their experiences affect how they deal with one another.

And the mystery kept me guessing. There are plenty of clues, red herrings, twists, and revelations, and Ashley does a wonderful job of keeping the answers just out of reach. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another piece of the puzzle appeared and made me reconsider what I thought I knew. The pacing worked particularly well for me because the story never seemed to drag, but it also gave enough time for the characters and relationships to develop.

This is exactly the kind of historical mystery I enjoy—a compelling murder investigation, a fascinating historical setting, characters I become invested in, and enough twists and turns to keep me turning the pages.

Jennifer Ashley has given me another book that was difficult to put down, and Murder in Blackfriars is definitely a 5-star read for me!

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

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