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Fiction. Literature. Mystery. Historical Fiction. An atmospheric debut novel set on the gritty streets of Victorian London, Some Danger Involved introduces detective Cyrus Barker and his assistant, Thomas Llewelyn, as they work to solve the gruesome murder of a young scholar in London's Jewish ghetto. When the eccentric and enigmatic Barker takes the case, he must hire an assistant, and out of all who answer an ad for a position with "some danger involved," he chooses downtrodden Llewelyn, a show more gutsy young man with a murky past. As they inch ever closer to the shocking truth behind the murder, Llewelyn is drawn deeper and deeper into Barker's peculiar world of vigilante detective work, as well as the heart of London's teeming underworld. Brimming with wit and unforgettable characters and steeped in authentic period detail, Some Danger Involved is a captivating novel that introduces an equally captivating duo. show lessTags
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DNF at 45%
I have a well-manicured peeve garden. I nurture them. This book touched way too many for me to enjoy it. If my peeves weren't touched, and I could suspend disbelief a little more, I'm sure it could be an enjoyable read. The below is really just some basic thoughts that I had, honestly, I don't care enough to right a full review.
This is a Sherlock Holmes adaptation, except it misses the most interesting parts of a Sherlock Holmes tale, which is, in my opinion: good writing; a tight plot; and an understanding of the setting.
The first thing that really took me out of the story is the author's little pipe tobacco rant. Sherlock Holmes' character famously wrote a treatise on being able to identify what was smoked by the color and show more composition of ashes. Llewellyn, the off-brand Dr. Watson, complains that calling a pipe-tobacco "an aromatic with Latakia" is the kind of gibberish that sommeliers of wine get into. This is the equivalent of saying there isn't a difference between red and white wine. Like, it is quite literally a matter of composition. In other words, the author acts like he knows a lot about stuff and really has no clue what's going on. This is an issue because 1. Holmesian plotting requires detailed knowledge, and 2., this is a pedantic historical fiction.
The author takes every liberty to flex his historical knowledge of the time period, gets really heavy-handed, and then biffs the historical lessons.
The language (literally the word usage) is greatly out of place. The book is set in 1884, and the characters make frequent use of the word antisemitism, which was first used in English in 1881. It wasn't even included in the first Oxford English Dictionary because of its infrequent use. There are plenty of contemporary antisemitic smears available to Thomas, but he chooses to use a street preacher and associate Jewish immigrants from 'Eastern Europe' with communism. Like, both of these stereotypes aren't major issues until the 20th century. Eastern Europe wasn't bandied about as common phrase until, really, the Second World War.
The characters are not interesting, Barker is clearly an extract of Holmes, Llewelyn of Dr. Watson. Lots of telling, very little showing. The plot is all over the place. Highly boring all-in-all. show less
I have a well-manicured peeve garden. I nurture them. This book touched way too many for me to enjoy it. If my peeves weren't touched, and I could suspend disbelief a little more, I'm sure it could be an enjoyable read. The below is really just some basic thoughts that I had, honestly, I don't care enough to right a full review.
This is a Sherlock Holmes adaptation, except it misses the most interesting parts of a Sherlock Holmes tale, which is, in my opinion: good writing; a tight plot; and an understanding of the setting.
The first thing that really took me out of the story is the author's little pipe tobacco rant. Sherlock Holmes' character famously wrote a treatise on being able to identify what was smoked by the color and show more composition of ashes. Llewellyn, the off-brand Dr. Watson, complains that calling a pipe-tobacco "an aromatic with Latakia" is the kind of gibberish that sommeliers of wine get into. This is the equivalent of saying there isn't a difference between red and white wine. Like, it is quite literally a matter of composition. In other words, the author acts like he knows a lot about stuff and really has no clue what's going on. This is an issue because 1. Holmesian plotting requires detailed knowledge, and 2., this is a pedantic historical fiction.
The author takes every liberty to flex his historical knowledge of the time period, gets really heavy-handed, and then biffs the historical lessons.
The language (literally the word usage) is greatly out of place. The book is set in 1884, and the characters make frequent use of the word antisemitism, which was first used in English in 1881. It wasn't even included in the first Oxford English Dictionary because of its infrequent use. There are plenty of contemporary antisemitic smears available to Thomas, but he chooses to use a street preacher and associate Jewish immigrants from 'Eastern Europe' with communism. Like, both of these stereotypes aren't major issues until the 20th century. Eastern Europe wasn't bandied about as common phrase until, really, the Second World War.
The characters are not interesting, Barker is clearly an extract of Holmes, Llewelyn of Dr. Watson. Lots of telling, very little showing. The plot is all over the place. Highly boring all-in-all. show less
This is the first I've read from this author & I really enjoyed it. Set in victorian London, it begins a series featuring an eccentric enquiry agent (don't call him a private detective) & his assistant, a down on his luck Welshman. Full of period details, real life characters & wry humour, it makes for a quick & entertaining read.
Cyrus Barker is an enigmatic renaissance man who may well be the best enquiry agent in London. It begins with him interviewing for the recently vacated position of assistant. Unfortunately, his last side kick took a bullet between the eyes so it's important prospective applicants realize there will be "some danger involved". After three days, he meets Thomas Llewelyn. Thomas is a young man who has lost it show more all....his wife, his reputation & maybe his future. With three shillings in his pocket & few possessions, he has decided that if he doesn't get the job, his only option is a swan dive into the Thames.
But Cyrus sees something in the small, dark man & before Thomas knows it, he has a job, a home, a wardrobe & three square meals a day.
They catch a new case. A promising Jewish student has been murdered & left hanging from a light pole in a disturbing recreation of the crucifixion. Anti-semitism or something more personal? Sir Moses, a prominent & influential english Jew fears the possibility of a pogrom like those that have occurred in other European cities & wants this nipped in the bud. Cyrus & Thomas begin an investigation that will take them into neighbourhoods that are affluent & poor, Jewish & Christian.
Cyrus is an interesting man who seems to know every hidden doorway, back alley & trapdoor in London. Raised in the far east, he has an appreciation & profound knowledge of all things Asian, reflected in his practice of Tai Chi, an ornamental garden & Harm, a cantankerous Pekinese who doesn't hesitate to go for the ankles of any intruder. He's surrounded himself with odd characters: Mac (the Jewish valet/housekeeper/bodyguard), Etienne (a temperamental French chef who knows how to hold a grudge) & John Racket (the ever present cab driver).
Thomas is a sympathetic character who has known only poverty, hardship & heartbreak 'til now. Under Cyrus' employ, his world expands as he's exposed to people & places he never knew existed & he has to learn on his feet. It's not going too badly & it takes a full week before someone attempts to kill him. Huh, maybe he should have read the help wanted ads more carefully.
There are lost of twists & turns in this smart & amusing who-done-it. I know other reviewers have made comparisons to Holmes & Watson & there are similarities but this is much more fun. Cyrus has his secrets but is much less arrogant than Holmes, not as cold & supercilious. The book is narrated by Thomas so we get his take on everything that happens plus his witty impressions of the colourful cast they encounter during the investigation. Through his eyes, we experience the simmering struggles between different ethnic groups set against the age old British class system. Dialogue is lean & smart & the tension slowly builds as we reach the action packed finale. Like a good Conan Doyle or Agatha Christie mystery, only with hindsight do you realize the significance of earlier comments that seemed inconsequential at the time.
There is a huge variety of characters & the author's descriptions bring them to life ("Her hair was pulled back so severely, it would have won approval from the Spanish Inquisition as a method of torture."). And there is a compelling murder(s) mystery to be solved. But at its' heart is the budding relationship between the two main protagonists. Many of the passages I enjoyed the most took place under Cyrus' roof during conversation between the boss, Thomas, Etienne & Mac. And Harm, of course (I don't want to risk pissing off the tiny terror).
Clever, witty & atmospheric, this is a book that keeps you chuckling as you follow the intrepid agents on their current case & I will definitely pick up the next one to see where it takes them. show less
Cyrus Barker is an enigmatic renaissance man who may well be the best enquiry agent in London. It begins with him interviewing for the recently vacated position of assistant. Unfortunately, his last side kick took a bullet between the eyes so it's important prospective applicants realize there will be "some danger involved". After three days, he meets Thomas Llewelyn. Thomas is a young man who has lost it show more all....his wife, his reputation & maybe his future. With three shillings in his pocket & few possessions, he has decided that if he doesn't get the job, his only option is a swan dive into the Thames.
But Cyrus sees something in the small, dark man & before Thomas knows it, he has a job, a home, a wardrobe & three square meals a day.
They catch a new case. A promising Jewish student has been murdered & left hanging from a light pole in a disturbing recreation of the crucifixion. Anti-semitism or something more personal? Sir Moses, a prominent & influential english Jew fears the possibility of a pogrom like those that have occurred in other European cities & wants this nipped in the bud. Cyrus & Thomas begin an investigation that will take them into neighbourhoods that are affluent & poor, Jewish & Christian.
Cyrus is an interesting man who seems to know every hidden doorway, back alley & trapdoor in London. Raised in the far east, he has an appreciation & profound knowledge of all things Asian, reflected in his practice of Tai Chi, an ornamental garden & Harm, a cantankerous Pekinese who doesn't hesitate to go for the ankles of any intruder. He's surrounded himself with odd characters: Mac (the Jewish valet/housekeeper/bodyguard), Etienne (a temperamental French chef who knows how to hold a grudge) & John Racket (the ever present cab driver).
Thomas is a sympathetic character who has known only poverty, hardship & heartbreak 'til now. Under Cyrus' employ, his world expands as he's exposed to people & places he never knew existed & he has to learn on his feet. It's not going too badly & it takes a full week before someone attempts to kill him. Huh, maybe he should have read the help wanted ads more carefully.
There are lost of twists & turns in this smart & amusing who-done-it. I know other reviewers have made comparisons to Holmes & Watson & there are similarities but this is much more fun. Cyrus has his secrets but is much less arrogant than Holmes, not as cold & supercilious. The book is narrated by Thomas so we get his take on everything that happens plus his witty impressions of the colourful cast they encounter during the investigation. Through his eyes, we experience the simmering struggles between different ethnic groups set against the age old British class system. Dialogue is lean & smart & the tension slowly builds as we reach the action packed finale. Like a good Conan Doyle or Agatha Christie mystery, only with hindsight do you realize the significance of earlier comments that seemed inconsequential at the time.
There is a huge variety of characters & the author's descriptions bring them to life ("Her hair was pulled back so severely, it would have won approval from the Spanish Inquisition as a method of torture."). And there is a compelling murder(s) mystery to be solved. But at its' heart is the budding relationship between the two main protagonists. Many of the passages I enjoyed the most took place under Cyrus' roof during conversation between the boss, Thomas, Etienne & Mac. And Harm, of course (I don't want to risk pissing off the tiny terror).
Clever, witty & atmospheric, this is a book that keeps you chuckling as you follow the intrepid agents on their current case & I will definitely pick up the next one to see where it takes them. show less
This first book in the Barker and Llewelyn mystery series introduces the pair who will go on to star in at least 15 titles. The book is narrated by Thomas Llewelyn who is a young man down on his luck when he is hired by Barker to be his assistant.
Llewelyn is Welsh and a product of a poor family who is sponsored to public school and then on to Oxford where he falls in love with a poor young woman dying of consumption and then is accused of theft and imprisoned for eight months. When he gets out of prison, his wife has died and he doesn't see much of a future for himself. He's on the verge of suicide when Barker plucks him out of the bunch vying to become his assistant.
Barker is a man with a mysterious past and a huge variety of show more contacts in London. He's been hired to discover who murdered a young Jewish man and stage his death to look like a crucifixion. England is being flooded with a series of Jewish refugees from pogroms elsewhere in Europe which bring the usual resentments from those who feel that the refugees are taking resources that would be better given to them.
As Barker, trailed by Llewelyn, travels throughout London to visit people he feels might be able and willing to set up a united front against the Jews, we get a chance to see Victorian London and the variety of viewpoints among the populace.
This was an engaging mystery well narrated by Thomas who is a clear observer with a retentive memory and a sense of humor. I enjoyed meeting the variety of characters who are satellites of the mysterious Barker and look forward to more adventures in this series. show less
Llewelyn is Welsh and a product of a poor family who is sponsored to public school and then on to Oxford where he falls in love with a poor young woman dying of consumption and then is accused of theft and imprisoned for eight months. When he gets out of prison, his wife has died and he doesn't see much of a future for himself. He's on the verge of suicide when Barker plucks him out of the bunch vying to become his assistant.
Barker is a man with a mysterious past and a huge variety of show more contacts in London. He's been hired to discover who murdered a young Jewish man and stage his death to look like a crucifixion. England is being flooded with a series of Jewish refugees from pogroms elsewhere in Europe which bring the usual resentments from those who feel that the refugees are taking resources that would be better given to them.
As Barker, trailed by Llewelyn, travels throughout London to visit people he feels might be able and willing to set up a united front against the Jews, we get a chance to see Victorian London and the variety of viewpoints among the populace.
This was an engaging mystery well narrated by Thomas who is a clear observer with a retentive memory and a sense of humor. I enjoyed meeting the variety of characters who are satellites of the mysterious Barker and look forward to more adventures in this series. show less
While both the seasoned "enquiry agent" and his new assistant have fascinating back stories, and the setting is distinct, the murder and investigation are not compelling. Mysterious and exotic Cyrus Barker and desperate, young Thomas Llewelyn plod along by foot or carriage, interviewing potential suspects, while the only interesting revelations are Thomas's discoveries about Barker and the reader's insight into the likable narrator. Fans of historical fiction may enjoy information about the influx of Jews into Victorian London but I hope author Will Thomas finds more exciting cases for this potentially-entertaining duo in subsequent installmens.
Victorian England — Thomas Llewelyn has three pence to his name and a pasteboard suitcase with what little he owned. Homeless and desperate for a job, an ad in The Times intrigued him.
“Assistant to prominent enquiry agent.
Typing and shorthand required. Some danger involved in performance of duties. Salary to commensurate with ability.”
Passing an unusual and detailed interview and testing, Llewelyn is hired. He finds it isn’t a usual job and there are demands involved.
Cyrus Barker, Llewelyn’s employer, is an unusual personality with an exceptional knowledge and connection to London’s highest society and its lowest underworld.
Along with being provided with lodging, meals and a new wardrobe, Llewelyn is also assigned a series show more of book to read and be discussed. Barker requires his assistant to be versed in subjects required for his work.
A gruesome death of a Jew, who is murdered and his body then crucified in the middle of the Jewish section, is the case that introduces Llewelyn to Barker’s work.
Who did it and why? There is tension against the Jewish community. Feelings that jobs have been taken from the Brits by the immigrants, and the lack of understand of the Jewish culture. Is this the reason?
Step by step, pieces of the puzzle come together as Barker and Llewelyn work their way through the mystery, interviewing a variety of people in strange and dangerous places. Llewelyn is introduced to a variety of people from a variety of society’s levels.
The characters are interesting and the action keeps you reading. show less
“Assistant to prominent enquiry agent.
Typing and shorthand required. Some danger involved in performance of duties. Salary to commensurate with ability.”
Passing an unusual and detailed interview and testing, Llewelyn is hired. He finds it isn’t a usual job and there are demands involved.
Cyrus Barker, Llewelyn’s employer, is an unusual personality with an exceptional knowledge and connection to London’s highest society and its lowest underworld.
Along with being provided with lodging, meals and a new wardrobe, Llewelyn is also assigned a series show more of book to read and be discussed. Barker requires his assistant to be versed in subjects required for his work.
A gruesome death of a Jew, who is murdered and his body then crucified in the middle of the Jewish section, is the case that introduces Llewelyn to Barker’s work.
Who did it and why? There is tension against the Jewish community. Feelings that jobs have been taken from the Brits by the immigrants, and the lack of understand of the Jewish culture. Is this the reason?
Step by step, pieces of the puzzle come together as Barker and Llewelyn work their way through the mystery, interviewing a variety of people in strange and dangerous places. Llewelyn is introduced to a variety of people from a variety of society’s levels.
The characters are interesting and the action keeps you reading. show less
*Sherlock with a Twist*
I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a Victorian mystery as much as I did this one. What talent the author has to evoke the reader's feelings of being right there with the characters of the time and landscape of London's turn-of-the-century era. This first installment's plot has a Jewish theme to it and I can honestly say that I found it all very interesting. I learned a lot about Jewish culture and customs that I had not known before. I believe that the author's true talent lies in character development. Great detail and slow build up of information has the reader absolutely loving the two key players of Cyrus Barker the investigator, and his new assistant Llewelyn. Barker is sort of a Sherlock-like character show more only not so serious, and is a man with an interesting background and unique hobbies and penchants. His love for zen gardening, gourmet food, weapons, books and an adorable Pekinese dog will have the reader spellbound of his character alone. To accompany this investigating duet is a colorful menagerie of background players that we will see in future installments as regulars. We have a Jewish Butler with an attitude, a Chinese gardener, a persnickety French chef, restaurant owners, snitches, Scotland Yard's finest and that cute little attack dog named Harm. This array of characters and blend of superior murder mystery plot, combined with action, romance, and humor, leaves this book ready to be unwrapped like a gift to enjoy from start to finish. I read this in one day and can't wait to pick up book two. This is a very promising series in the making. Hats off to the author for an outstanding performance! show less
I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a Victorian mystery as much as I did this one. What talent the author has to evoke the reader's feelings of being right there with the characters of the time and landscape of London's turn-of-the-century era. This first installment's plot has a Jewish theme to it and I can honestly say that I found it all very interesting. I learned a lot about Jewish culture and customs that I had not known before. I believe that the author's true talent lies in character development. Great detail and slow build up of information has the reader absolutely loving the two key players of Cyrus Barker the investigator, and his new assistant Llewelyn. Barker is sort of a Sherlock-like character show more only not so serious, and is a man with an interesting background and unique hobbies and penchants. His love for zen gardening, gourmet food, weapons, books and an adorable Pekinese dog will have the reader spellbound of his character alone. To accompany this investigating duet is a colorful menagerie of background players that we will see in future installments as regulars. We have a Jewish Butler with an attitude, a Chinese gardener, a persnickety French chef, restaurant owners, snitches, Scotland Yard's finest and that cute little attack dog named Harm. This array of characters and blend of superior murder mystery plot, combined with action, romance, and humor, leaves this book ready to be unwrapped like a gift to enjoy from start to finish. I read this in one day and can't wait to pick up book two. This is a very promising series in the making. Hats off to the author for an outstanding performance! show less
Some Danger Involved by Will Thomas is the first mystery set in the Victorian East End of London and featuring Private Enquiry Agent Cyrus Barker and his assistant, Thomas Llewelyn.
Thomas could have those guys from "Hee Haw" singing an endless chorus of "If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all". Raised in poverty in Wales, Thomas showed a keen intelligence in school. So much so that Lord Glendinning paid for a year's tuition at Oxford. He fell in love and married in secret, since it was against university rules. Wrongly accused of theft, Thomas spent eight months in Oxford Prison. Newly released and a widower, Thomas cannot find work with his sort of résumé. He sees an ad in a London newspaper calling for an assistant, show more "some danger involved", packs his cardboard suitcase and finds himself standing in a long line outside Barker's offices. If he gets the job, fine. If he doesn't, well...he's going to jump off the nearest bridge.
Luckily for us, he gets the job. Barker is definitely an "odd duck". A big man, he wears dark-lensed spectacles even indoors. He has an Oriental garden, a Japanese bathhouse, and teaches martial arts when he's not out on a case. He has a Jewish butl er and a French chef. He is a bibliophile who owns thousands of books. And Barker has just been called in on a new case involving the death by crucifixion of a young Jewish scholar.
I knew nothing about Will Thomas. By reading the book, I would've thought he was an experienced British writer, for I felt as if I were living in the East End of London as I turned each page. He's not British. Will Thomas is a librarian from Oklahoma, and Some Danger Involved is his first book! He immersed me in the Jewish culture of Aldgate in London as thousands of refugees flood into the city from European pogroms. He teased me with glimpses into the strange life and behavior of Cyrus Barker. He had me puzzling over whodunit. And he had me laughing at an ill-tempered Pekingese named Harm and the dry wit of Thomas Llewelyn as he tried to survive his on-the-job training. show less
Thomas could have those guys from "Hee Haw" singing an endless chorus of "If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all". Raised in poverty in Wales, Thomas showed a keen intelligence in school. So much so that Lord Glendinning paid for a year's tuition at Oxford. He fell in love and married in secret, since it was against university rules. Wrongly accused of theft, Thomas spent eight months in Oxford Prison. Newly released and a widower, Thomas cannot find work with his sort of résumé. He sees an ad in a London newspaper calling for an assistant, show more "some danger involved", packs his cardboard suitcase and finds himself standing in a long line outside Barker's offices. If he gets the job, fine. If he doesn't, well...he's going to jump off the nearest bridge.
Luckily for us, he gets the job. Barker is definitely an "odd duck". A big man, he wears dark-lensed spectacles even indoors. He has an Oriental garden, a Japanese bathhouse, and teaches martial arts when he's not out on a case. He has a Jewish butl er and a French chef. He is a bibliophile who owns thousands of books. And Barker has just been called in on a new case involving the death by crucifixion of a young Jewish scholar.
I knew nothing about Will Thomas. By reading the book, I would've thought he was an experienced British writer, for I felt as if I were living in the East End of London as I turned each page. He's not British. Will Thomas is a librarian from Oklahoma, and Some Danger Involved is his first book! He immersed me in the Jewish culture of Aldgate in London as thousands of refugees flood into the city from European pogroms. He teased me with glimpses into the strange life and behavior of Cyrus Barker. He had me puzzling over whodunit. And he had me laughing at an ill-tempered Pekingese named Harm and the dry wit of Thomas Llewelyn as he tried to survive his on-the-job training. show less
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Some Danger Involved
- Original publication date
- 2004-05-18
- People/Characters
- Cyrus Barker; Thomas Llewelyn; Sir Moses Montefiore; Israel Zangwill
- Important places
- London, England, UK (Aldgate, East End of London)
- Dedication
- To Julia
You are all fair, my love, and their is no spot in you.
— Song of Solomon 4:7 - First words
- If someone had told me, those many years ago, that I would spend the bulk of my life as assistant and eventual partner to one of the most eminent detectives in London, I would have thought him a raving lunatic. (Prologue)
Assistant to prominent enquiry agent. Typing and shorthand required. Some danger involved in performance of duties. Salary commensurate with ability. 7 Craig's Court.
So ran the advertisement in the "Situat... (show all)ions vacant" column of The Times for the fourth day straight. (Chapter 1) - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)His pipe went out.
- Blurbers
- Perry, Anne; Brown, Sandra; Bernas, Ron; Orr, John; Stasio, Marilyn
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- Members
- 929
- Popularity
- 28,559
- Reviews
- 47
- Rating
- (3.76)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 7
- ASINs
- 8
