Picture an American storyteller who whisks you to the fog-drenched streets of Victorian London, where mysteries unravel with a punch—meet Will Thomas! Born in 1958 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Thomas is the mastermind behind the acclaimed Barker and Llewelyn series, a historical mystery saga that blends gritty crime with rich historical detail. His novels, starring the rugged Scottish detective Cyrus Barker and his sharp-witted Welsh assistant Thomas Llewelyn, have captivated readers with their thrilling plots and vivid settings.
With a knack for weaving martial arts, Victorian culture, and real historical events into his tales, Thomas has carved a unique niche in the historical mystery genre. Ready to step into his world of shadowy alleys and clever sleuthing? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this literary gem!
The Making of Will Thomas
Will Thomas’s journey to becoming a celebrated author began in Pennsylvania, where his Scottish heritage and love for Victorian literature took root. As a teenager, he devoured Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations, sparking a lifelong fascination with the era’s grit and grandeur. Before penning novels, Thomas was a librarian at the Tulsa City-County Library System, where he honed his research skills. He also wrote essays for Sherlock Holmes societies and lectured on Victorian crime fiction, laying the groundwork for his storytelling prowess. His deep dive into Bartitsu and Hung Gar, Victorian martial arts, added an authentic edge to his action-packed narratives.
Will Thomas’s Unforgettable Stories
Thomas’s Barker and Llewelyn series, launched in 2004 with Some Danger Involved, is a love letter to Victorian London’s underbelly. The debut novel follows Cyrus Barker, a private enquiry agent, and Thomas Llewelyn, a down-on-his-luck ex-convict, as they solve a gruesome murder in London’s Jewish ghetto. Praised for its vivid characters and historical depth, it snagged the 2005 Oklahoma Book Award and nominations for Barry and Shamus Awards.
Subsequent novels like To Kingdom Come (2005) tackle Irish nationalism with a bombing at Scotland Yard, while The Limehouse Text (2006) dives into London’s Chinese district, unraveling a deadly martial arts secret. Heart of the Nile (2023), the 14th installment, explores Egyptian lore and a ruby hidden in a mummy, earning a Shamus Award for Best Novel. Thomas’s style—hardboiled yet humorous, with Llewelyn’s witty narration—brings Victorian London to life, from opium dens to royal courts. His meticulous research and knack for blending fact with fiction make each book a thrilling time machine.
Why Will Thomas Matters
Will Thomas has redefined historical mysteries by grounding his tales in social issues like anti-Semitism, terrorism, and class divides, making them resonate with modern readers. His dynamic duo, Barker and Llewelyn, offers a fresh take on the detective-assistant trope, distinct from Sherlock Holmes yet equally compelling. Fans and critics alike laud his ability to craft immersive worlds, with The Wall Street Journal calling his leads ‘fascinating to watch.’ His influence extends to inspiring readers to explore Victorian history and martial arts, cementing his status as a genre trailblazer.
- Born: 1958, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Some Danger Involved, To Kingdom Come, Heart of the Nile
- Awards: 2005 Oklahoma Book Award, 2023 Shamus Award
Snag Some Danger Involved and dive into Will Thomas’s thrilling world of Victorian sleuthing—you won’t want to leave London’s foggy streets!