Dance with Death: A Barker and Llewelyn Novel - Historical Mystery Thriller for Book Clubs & Crime Fiction Lovers

The twelfth Barker and Llewellyn novel is a brilliant mix of history, fiction and detective thriller. Set in 1903, Barker and Llewlleyn - "private inquiry agents"- find themselves working to protect the impudent young Tsarevitch Nicholas II visiting his look-alike cousin, the soon-to-be-wed George IV from anarchist assassins. Wether the target of the assassination is George, Nicholas and who is employing the mysterious 'La Sylphide' is the crux of the investigation. But there is much more than unravelling a well-crafted investigation.As with his previous work, Thomas' familiarity with London generally, and landmarks that existed at the turn of the last century (and that are still extant in one form or another) make the storytelling more real, as does his ability for his characters to grow in terms of depth and complexity - in this instance, Llewellyn is (and Barker) are faced with a complicated offer by the Crown that, on the one hand would raise the social status of their agency (particularly attractive in late-Victorian Britain) but which would simultaneously negatively impact their effectiveness as inquiry agents. In a similar vein, Thomas drops a narrative bombshell on his characters that will leave readers on tenterhooks for his next story.For readers who are unfamiliar with Will Thomas' series, there is much to recommend here: vivid writing, well-rounded characters, thoughtfully plotted stories and remarkable historical detail. An enthusiastically recommended writer and tremendously enjoyable series of books.