Step into the fog-shrouded streets of Victorian London with the Barker & Llewelyn series, where danger, wit, and history collide! Penned by Will Thomas, this historical mystery saga follows the enigmatic Scottish detective Cyrus Barker and his plucky Welsh assistant, Thomas Llewelyn, as they unravel gritty crimes in a city teeming with intrigue. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes with a hardboiled twist, this series blends meticulous research with pulse-pounding storytelling that keeps you guessing.
From seedy opium dens to the glittering halls of power, Barker and Llewelyn tackle cases that expose the underbelly of 1880s London. With a cast of quirky characters and a knack for weaving real historical events into fiction, Thomas crafts a world that’s as educational as it is thrilling. Ready to dive into this captivating duo’s adventures? Let’s explore!
How Barker & Llewelyn Began
Will Thomas, a Pennsylvania-born librarian and Sherlock Holmes enthusiast, launched the Barker & Llewelyn series in 2004 with Some Danger Involved. Inspired by Victorian crime fiction and his studies of the era’s martial arts like Bartitsu, Thomas created Cyrus Barker, a private enquiry agent modeled after explorers like Richard Francis Burton. Thomas’s deep dive into Victorian London’s underworld and social issues shaped a series that’s both authentic and gripping, earning nominations for Barry and Shamus Awards.
Thomas’s background as a lecturer on Victorian crime fiction shines through, with each novel reflecting his passion for history and storytelling. He envisioned Barker as a larger-than-life figure, with Llewelyn as the relatable everyman, their dynamic echoing yet distinct from Holmes and Watson. This unique pairing hooked readers, sparking a series that now spans over a dozen books.
The Heart of Barker & Llewelyn
The series kicks off with Some Danger Involved, where Barker hires Llewelyn, a down-on-his-luck ex-Oxford scholar, to solve a scholar’s crucifixion in London’s Jewish ghetto. The case probes anti-Semitism and immigrant tensions, setting the tone for the series’ blend of mystery and social commentary. To Kingdom Come follows, tackling Irish-English conflicts as the duo thwarts a bombing plot against Scotland Yard, showcasing Thomas’s knack for historical stakes.
The Black Hand dives into London’s Italian mafia, with Barker and Llewelyn untangling a web of vendettas marked by ominous notes. Later, Heart of the Nile (2023) takes them to the British Museum, unraveling a murder tied to a mummy and a priceless ruby, earning a Shamus Award. Themes of justice, cultural divides, and resilience run deep, with Victorian London’s multicultural tapestry—Chinese districts, Jewish ghettos, and more—as a vivid backdrop. Thomas’s hardboiled style, laced with martial combat and witty banter, keeps the pace brisk and the stakes high.
The series stands out for its unflinching look at social issues like terrorism, child safety, and discrimination, woven seamlessly into page-turning plots. Readers praise the immersive setting, with London itself a character—its cobblestone alleys and gaslit pubs pulsing with life. Fans of Anne Perry or Charles Finch will find Barker and Llewelyn’s adventures a gritty, refreshing take on the genre.
Why Barker & Llewelyn Resonates
The Barker & Llewelyn series has carved a niche in historical mystery, lauded for its rich characters and vivid portrayal of Victorian London. Critics, like Library Journal, call it a must-read for Sherlockians and Anglophiles, while fans on Goodreads rave about the duo’s chemistry and Thomas’s humor. Its blend of historical accuracy and modern relevance—exploring themes like immigration and justice—keeps it fresh, appealing to readers who crave both entertainment and insight.
The series’ staying power lies in its ability to balance action with heart. Barker’s enigmatic charm and Llewelyn’s growth from rookie to seasoned sleuth create a dynamic that evolves with each book, keeping fans hooked. With awards and a growing fanbase, Barker & Llewelyn continue to shine as a gem in historical fiction.
- First Book: Some Danger Involved (2004)
- Latest Book: Heart of the Nile (2023)
- Number of Books: 14
- Awards: Shamus Award for Heart of the Nile, Oklahoma Book Awards
Grab Some Danger Involved and plunge into Barker & Llewelyn’s thrilling Victorian world! Whether you’re a mystery buff or a history nerd, this series promises a wild ride through London’s darkest corners.