gave a taste of new Orleans in the period-story was basically good-characters also-will try another -no real surprises but an enjoyable read
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I delayed starting this book, even though it was highly recommended. I dislike historical novels, mysteries, and books involving historical slavery. So this wasn't a good bet. The historical setting was new for me, I know next to nothing about the intricacies of a French/Spanish/American New Orleans, or about the life of freed blacks in the South (hint: not that secure). It also cleared up why little old ladies think it's a compliment to call me colored instead of black. Having an unfamiliar "small" historical setting, unlike books which follow large well-known events (American revolution etc.), allowed me the same knowledge of the future as the character. Rather then reading it from the point of view of an all-knowing history god.
The mystery, which I'm usually uninterested in as a plot device (why would I care about the death of a random person?) had such staggering consequences for remaining unsolved that I was deeply invested in the outcome. The slavery aspects were well-handled and not simply placed for shock value. The setting also felt genuine and utterly necessary. Not one of those, "This is N.O. because it is cool, and look! French Quarter."
At the end of book there's a thank you for Octavia Butler who was a reader/commentator on the final manuscript. Honestly, if they had put that in the forward, I would have read the book much sooner.
In short, I enjoyed it even though it was atypical of my usual reading. And I plan to read the rest of the series, as well as other books by Hambly. ( )

First book about Benjamin January, set in 1830s New Orleans. Back from training as a surgeon in Paris after the death of his wife, Benjamin uses his skills as a musician, his knowledge as a doctor, his familiarity with the customs of the different parts of New Orleans society, and his intelligence, to try to figure out who killed a woman at a ball before those in power could conveniently blame him for her death. The uncouth American policeman is a surprising ally. Gripping and grim, but with interesting, likable people.
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Loved the setting, LOVED the history, but gave it only three stars because I felt unnecessary as a reader, towards the end. I like a mystery that I have half a chance of solving -- but Hambly has too many reveals in the last 20 pages or so. I felt a little bit duped.

Loved the history of early New Orleans, though... ( )

https://tamaranth.blogspot.com/2021/10/2021128-free-man-of-color-barbara-hambly.... ( )