3 stars

A charming young enquiry agent recounts his adventures with his gruff business partner on a case to defend the tsarevich, the future Nicholas II, from assassination during a visit to Victorian Era London. The plot is a bit slow, but both MC’s are endearing & interesting characters.

[What I liked:]

•The 1st person narrator has a charming, rather snarky voice. It’s a very laid back style of storytelling, which actually reminds me of those Nate The Great books (I mean the tone is similar, not that it’s childish). Anyway, the style is very conversational, which makes the story feel a bit slow (maybe lazy or meandering would be better descriptions), but that’s a stylistic choice rather than a flaw imo.

•There are some great historical details worked into the story, including real events, historical figures, famous places, institutions, etc. Well researched & well constructed.

•There is a character named Inspector Plankton. I just really like that name!


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•My fault because I jumped in mid-series with this book, but I was quite lost at several points. How was it at all logical for the Templars to hire an assassin? Why is Munro okay with Barker but not Thomas? Why do they all live together?

•Perhaps a petty quibble, but it’s inaccurate that the MC expresses surprise that a ballet dancer is “curvaceous”. A full figure was not unusual for ballet dancers in the 19th C; the slim, long-limbed body type preferred for ballet dancers today came into vogue in the mid-20th C. Dance history is important to me 😬 (Also, did he really need to casually comment on her weight like that?)

•I really don’t like Rebecca. She’s annoying, jealous, petty, suspicious, controlling, & I’ve no clue why Thomas likes her. I also really dislike all Thomas’ comments about how he’ll never understand women, & how incomprehensible they are. It’s almost like Rebecca’s character is written to fit that “difficult, contrary, nonsensical women” sexist stereotype.

•The whole plot point at the end with the child & Rebecca leaving seemed over the top, unnecessary, & very unclear in the motivations of the people involved. I don’t think it belonged in the story, it felt sort of slapped on at the end.

CW: mistreatment of a mentally ill patient, murder, physical assault

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

This is the 12th installment of the excellent Barker and Llewellyn series by Will Thomas. They are private enquiry agents and are tasked with protecting the Tsesarevich Nicholas while he is in England for a royal wedding. The story is set in 1893, during the Victorian age...my favorite time for historical mysteries. Barker and Llewellyn are well written, interesting characters that were a joy to spend time with. I really Enjoyed this book and look forward to reading some of the previous books that I've missed.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Dance With Death by Will Thomas is a Barker and Llewelyn mystery. Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn are enquiry agents in London; Barker is the more senior in the firm and the story takes place in 1893. Both had led interesting lives before arriving at this place and time. Llewelyn and his wife live in the same home as Barker, although separately and Thomas carries the wallet when the two are out and about. They get a mysterious visitor in their chambers (office), a American Negro working as a bodyguard for the tsarevich Nicholas, who is in London for the wedding of Prince George, Duke of York, and Mary, Princess of Teck. Nicholas is immature and careless, not mindful of his own safety. Jim Hercules feels he needs assistance as the people assigned to the tsarevich are not to be trusted. Everyone gets involved here, Scotland Yard, the Home Office, the Russians, the Anarchists, even Karl Marx' daughter. There are surprises at every turn, for everyone.

Thomas has been writing these books for years; this is the 12th in the series. They are formal, in many ways reminiscent of Anne Perry. Barker is a brilliant and clever investigator who does things his own way, despite what others think. He has little respect for authority but they appear to have great respect for him. Thomas is maturing into a competent sidekick, husband, and investigator on this own. The mystery is a good one and the solution a clever one, Barker's idea of course. There is much history revealed in this book about the way general society in England felt at the time and Socialists and Anarchists and such. It was also interesting to read about the number of exiled Russians about and why they had left Russia to begin with. The royalty of Europe was all inbred and cousins to one another, as was exemplified by the guest list for the wedding. All-in-all it was at terrific historical mystery; one which should be read.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Dance With Death by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dancewithdeath

A Plot to Murder the Tsarevitch in Victorian London

The royal wedding of Victoria’s son George to Mary of Teck has the city in turmoil. Some are fascinated by the spectacle of a royal wedding, others think the money would be better spent feeding the poor. It’s a time when Europe was ripe for revolution. Wedding guests include the Tsarevitch along with his mistress as well other Russians.

The city abounds with plots either to attack the Russian heir, or perhaps George is the target. The country’s security forces are on the job, but Jim Hercules doesn’t think they’re sufficient. He’s a friend the Tsarevitch, and is employed by the Russian royal family, but has no official role in protecting the Tsarevitch.

Jim is American, an ex-boxer and a black man. He takes it on himself to visit Barker and Llewelyn to enlist their help. Interested by the unusual situation, Barker and Llewelyn take the case and find that it’s more dangerous than it appeared on the surface with numerous would be assassins loose in the city.

This is an excellent addition to the Barker and Llewelyn Victorian mystery series. As usual the pace is fast, and the characters interesting, including the several historical personages who make and appearance. The Afterward contains additional history on the real characters. I recommend reading it.

Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. If you enjoy historical mystery fiction with realistic background, this is a great book.

I received this book from NetGalley for this review.

This is #12 in a series. Even though it was mentioned that not reading the previous 11 books would not be necessary I feel like I was missing something in the book. The mystery was pretty good. Barker and Llewelyn are assigned to protect the tsarevich who is in London to attend the marriage of his cousin. I found Barker and Llewelyn interesting but I feel I will understand them more after I go back and read the previous books.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy to read.

In this 12th book of the series, the author takes us back to Victorian England with his enquiry agents Baker and Llewelyn to solve another crime. Tzar Nicholas is in London for a royal wedding, but an attempt is made to kill him so the detectives get involved trying both to protect the tzar and find the assassin. Entertaining and interesting with the addition of Russian royalty.

I am a longtime fan of Will Thomas's Barker & Llewelyn historical mystery series set in Victorian London. These books are a marvelous blend of history, characterization, action, and humor. Thomas always does his homework when dealing with historical figures, and Dance With Death has a few. For those readers who don't like real people in their fiction, I'd just like to say that the author uses these historical figures as a framework for his story. They are not main characters, and that's a good thing because he already has a marvelous cast of fictional ones.

As always, the story is told by twenty-eight-year-old Thomas Llewelyn, and I love his narration. Through the course of the series, readers have seen this young man grow and learn, and thankfully the years have honed his fine sense of humor and quick tongue. Barker is the strong, silent type, more like a Victorian James Bond than anything else, although he does play a good straight man to Thomas. As the two investigate further, two secondary characters are brought in: female detective (and typist) Sarah Fletcher, and habitue of the British Museum's reading room, Liam Grant. They have appeared in previous books, and I was glad to see them in Dance With Death. I hope Will Thomas continues to bring them both into future books because I love watching their stories unfold.

The mystery is a good one, and Thomas's setting of Victorian London is hard to beat. I always learn something about that city when I read one of these books. If you like historical mysteries set in London, you really can't go wrong with a Barker & Llewelyn novel. You can read Dance With Death as a standalone, but I've enjoyed the unfolding of Thomas's story so much that I hope you'll think about starting at the beginning with Some Danger Involved. This is a consistently high-quality series that shouldn't be missed.

Dance with Death is the twelfth book in the Barker & Llewelyn series by Will Thomas. An intriguing story that is sure to transport the reader to Victorian England. A well-written story that left me wanting more.  Dance with Death an excellent addition to the Barker and Llewelyn series.

In 1893, private enquiry agent Cyrus Barker and his partner, Thomas Llewelyn, are hired to protect a visiting dignitary, the future tsar, Nicholas Romanov. The heir apparent is in England with his entourage to attend the wedding of Prince George, Duke of York, and Princess Mary of Teck. Nicholas, who is young, arrogant, and careless, would make an easy target for a skilled assassin. As it turns out, the quick-thinking and courageous Cyrus and Thomas are on the scene when an attempt is made on Nicholas's life. Thereafter, Barker and Llewelyn have their hands full trying to safeguard a spoiled young man who lacks common sense and self-discipline.

"Dance with Death," by Will Thomas, has some basis in fact and, in the back of the book, the author fills us in on the fate of the people who make an appearance in the novel. The plot centers on an attempt to find out who is targeting Nicholas and why. Along the way, we encounter Eleanor Marx, the daughter of Karl, who is carrying on her father's work in promoting the Communist cause; William Morris, a famous painter, poet, and Socialist; Russian anarchists who loathe monarchs and all that they represent; and members of the Okhrana, the secret police of the Russian tzars.

It is delightful to observe the inimitable Cyrus Barker in action. In spite of all the violent altercations that he has endured, Barker, who has mentored Thomas for almost ten years, remains mentally sharp and physically strong. Llewelyn, who has finally married his beloved Rebecca, is intent on keeping her happy, but there are areas of friction that may prove troublesome for the couple. Although "Dance with Death" is not the most entertaining installment in the Barker/Llewelyn series, it has passages of lively humor and offers an interesting perspective on the political, social, and economic conditions in Europe during the late nineteenth century. It is weakened, however, by its sluggish pace, long-winded dialogue, and an overly large cast of thinly-drawn characters. Still, fans who have grown fond of Barker and Llewelyn will be eager to see how they handle this sensitive and dangerous investigation.

1893 Barker and Llewelyn are approached to protect tsarevich Nicholas from an assassination attempt by an assassin called La Sylphide. Circumstances change when an attempt in made on Prince George, as he is mistaken for Nicholas. Unfortunately for the agency potential suspects abound and not all Russian.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to the series. The book can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

With royalty descending on London for the marriage of Prince George, Barker and Llewelyn, private enquiry agents, are approached by a guard for the young tsarevich Nicholas to protect him from assassination. Nicholas is a young man who is impulsive and unprepared for his future as the tsar and someone has hired La Sylphide to remove him from the line of succession. One of the Queen’s objectives during his visit is to arrange a suitable marriage to Alexandra, but he shows little interest in Alix. He has arranged for his mistress to come to London and she has threatened his life if he accepts the arrangement. There are also the Socialists and former Russian citizens driven from Russia by the pogroms who pose a threat to Nicholas.

Passing by Kensington Palace, Llewelyn thwarts an attempt on Prince George’s life. When Nicholas appears on the scene, Barker and the palace guards see him to safety. These acts serve as an introduction to Nicholas and give Barker and Llewelyn further access to The tsarevich and Kensington. With the wedding only days away they must move quickly to discover the assassin’s identity and keep Nicholas safe.

Will Thomas’ Dance With Death involves an intriguing cast of characters. Young Nicholas has little guidance and even though he leaves London unscathed his tragic ending is well known. His guard, Jim Hercules, was originally from Tortola and raised in Alabama. He has become a friend to the tsarevich, but who is he really working for? Finally, La Sylphide is an assassin and the daughter of a former nemesis who has a connection to Llewelyn. Thomas ends with a chase through London that ends with a devastating twist and will have readers counting the days until Barker and Llewelyn return. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin Press for providing this book for my review.

3.75 stars

This entertaining historical mystery series features Holmesian enquiry agent and former sea captain Cyrus Barker and his partner Llewelyn. One of the best things about these books is that they usually give a glimpse into some current events of the time, late 19th century London. In this outing, Barker and Llewelyn are asked to help the headstrong and impulsive young Russian tsarevitch Nicholas avoid political assassins while in town for a royal wedding.

The fast paced narrative, the interplay between the two main characters, and the history tidbits combine to make this an enjoyable series. One gripe: I am not a fan of the bombshell ending which clearly will take at least the next book to resolve. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest review.

DANCE WITH DEATH is the newest addition to the Barker & Llewelyn series by Will Thomas. Set in the late 1800’s, the book uses real figures from the time to create a plausible mystery with the future Czar of Russia. The place and scene setting is good and the characters themselves are engaging. This was my first book in the series; one that shares many features with other Victorian era mysteries, most notably the many authors’ versions of Sherlock Holmes or his sister. For devoted lovers of Holmes and his original times, this book will be a joy. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Set in 1893, this historical mystery features enquiry agents Baker and Llewelyn who have been asked to provide protection for Tsarevich Nicholas while he is in London attending his cousin's wedding. Baker isn't keen on providing protection, but his interest is peaked after attempts are made to injure Nicholas. Will they be able to figure out who is after Nicholas and keep him safe?

Interesting characters and storyline. I enjoyed how the author had real historical figures interacting with the fictional characters. I did ok without having done so, but I kind of wish I had read at least the first book before I read this one, just for backstory.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

Assassins, anarchists, and a royal wedding drive the newest Barker & Llewelyn novel. I especially like the way Will Thomas incorporates real people and events into the storyline without making it look forced or awkward. Highly enjoyable! Thanks to #NetGalley and #DanceWithDeath for an advanced digital copy.

Dance with Death is the 13th novel in the series featuring Barker and Llewelyn. It is 1893 in this historical mystery. The two enquiry agents are tasked with helping to keep Tsar Nicholas safe while he is in London for a wedding, accompanied by his mistress. In a case of mistaken identity, a British prince is attacked. Will the Tsar remain safe from those who wish him harm? What will happen along the way? Read this engaging story to find out. While readers are at it, they will enjoy spending time with the real life personages who make appearances in the novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This is an excellent example of a well-written historical mystery. Set in Victorian England, the long-running series features Barker and Llewelyn, who have created a niche as private enquiry agents (a notch above a mere private detective.)

Dance with Death is also a great example of how to write a series. This, the 12th installment, is the first I've read, yet there were never any frustrating moments of confusion. The plotting and pace are tight, the characters are well-rounded and believable, the dialogue is, again, exemplary -- filled with that formal but dry and sly British wit.

A slew of actual historical figures appear and interact with our fictional pair. I'm looking forward to catching up with the earlier segments of the Barker & Llewelyn saga.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance readers copy.

Dance With Death is a historical mystery set in 1892 London. Tsarevich Nicholas is in London to attend his cousin’s marriage when one of his bodyguards hears of a plot to assassinate the Tsarevich.
Dance With Death is the only book I have read in this series, and I don’t think I will read another. I do think that the author is a good writer and gives us quite a few twists along the way. I wonder if I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read the entire series.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this ARC.

The Royal wedding of Prince George and Princess Mary in 1893 is the springboard for this romp of a mystery featuring cameos from numerous real personages and the smarts of Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn. They're private inquiry agents who are somewhat an odd couple but their differences make them a strong team. Here, in their latest outing (fine as a standalone), they are protecting the Tsarevich Nicholas who is being threatened by an assassin known as La Sylphide. Nicholas has a mistress he's in love with (well, in his way), and he's not a cooperative subject, even knowing there are any number of people who want him gone. There's lots of plotting and who to trust? But wait- there's also the fun of the personal lives, including the drama a new marriage can bring, Thomas has a way of sketching a character with just the right words. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Fans of the series (and newbies too) will find this a satisfying read.

Private enquiry agents Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewellyn are called into protect Tsesarivich Nicholas from nefarious forces that want to take a pop shot at him as the future Nicholas II arrives in London for the wedding of his cousin the future King George IV.

There are plenty nefarious forces to go around the back alley ways and gaslights of Victorian England. The author does an excellent job of making the reader guess on each page as the twist and turns abound with each suspect is encountered by the curmudgeon Cyrus Barker and married Thomas Llewellyn.