Fatal Enquiry: A Baker & Llewelyn Novel
Private-enquiry agent Cyrus Barker and his apprentice, Thomas Llewelyn (The Black Hand, 2011), are drawn into a diabolical cat-and-mouse game when Barker’s arch-nemesis, Sebastian Nightwine, returns to London under diplomatic protection. Although he’s warned away by Scotland Yard, Barker doesn’t consider complying; he’s certain that Nightwine murdered his brother years ago. Now Nightwine plants a witness who fingers Barker for a wealthy businessman’s murder. Barker and Llewelyn go underground to avoid arrest, leading readers on a tour of the city’s hideaways. When Nightwine draws first blood, Barker becomes more determined to orchestrate a final confrontation before his adversary can close his mysterious government deal and escape. Like Sherlock Holmes, Barker stays a step ahead of both criminals and coppers, but his methods rely on networking both underworld and society contacts, which treats readers to the full range of experiences in Victorian London. Well crafted and immersive, this a great addition to the to-be-read stacks of Thomas’ fans, as well as fans of Alex Grecian and Anne Perry. --Christine Tran