Anatomy of Evil: A Barker & Llewelyn Novel

The seventh Barker and Llewelyn novel has the pair temporarily working with Scotland Yard on the Ripper murders of the summer and fall of 1888. For readers familiar with the murders, Thomas' treatment of the crimes is faithfully retold and historically accurate. (In the previous novels, Thomas is similarly accurate in his historical details, one of the reasons I am such a fan.) While the investigation of the Whitechapel murders is the focus of the plot, the details of life inside Scotland Yard - office politics, the hierarchy of rank and rank and the minute of investigation - made the story believable, as were the portrayals of Detectives Abberline, Andrews and Swanson and the Vigilance Committee organizer, Lusk. As Barker, Llewelyn and the Yard dig deeper in their investigation, the usual suspects (Leather Apron, Montague Druitt, Michale Ostrog, Aaron Kosminski, John Pizer, James Sadler, Francis Tumblety) are questioned, alibis looked into, and theories are advanced - as the body count rises and residents of Whitechapel demand answers. Thomas' resolution of the murders is plausible (and fits the conclusions of several contemporary investigators); the method in which the crime is solved is a little far-fetched, but given the strength of his writing, it is easily overlooked. Writing historical fiction is a whole other animal from detective fiction, and as such is not without its pitfalls. Thomas walks the line between the two brilliantly, writing another riveting mystery. _Anatomy of Evil_ is another great addition to the series. For fans of the series, I also recommend Alex Grecian's _The Yard_ (whose stories pick up in Scotland Yard just after the Whitechapel murders.)

I am only about 7 or 8 chapters in and Cyrus and Thomas are back at it again. This time trying to solve one of the greatest mysteries of Victorian England, while working alongside Scotland Yard, the hero's are embarked on what might be their most difficult case. Will Thomas has done it again with great historical detail and wonderful intrigue.

I have loved Will Thomas' "Barker and Llewelyn" novels since the first one, but I think this one is the best. Thomas did an incredible job of research into all the various theories of the identity of Jack the Ripper as well as the reason it seems that no one was apprehended. He came up with a logical and interesting conclusion based on this research. Though there is no graphic description of violence there is some mention of the condition of the victims corpses when found, but it doesn't linger on it. Really brilliant writing and the characters are so likable,appealing and intelligent. I especially liked how they deduced that the whole "Jack the Ripper" persona was more or less made up by the press at the time to stir up the public and sell newspapers and that is why it has lingered over times, not unlike the sensationalizing of "news" today. He does an excellent job in describing the competition between various factions of the police, their failure to work together or disclose facts to each other and the subsequent delay in stopping the murders until after 5 victims had been brutally murdered. I had trouble putting this down from beginning to end and will probably read it again another time.

This is one of the best, if not THE best series I've ever read. Will Thomas keeps each story going and describes everything as if you're looking at it. He is extremely consistent throughout the series and you really get to know the main characters. The series takes place in England but as an American reader, I am able to totally understand the dialog. I was recently asked which of the series was the best and I responded that they are ALL good and well written but you should start with the first in order to get the fullest descriptions of the main characters and the places they frequent. You won't be disappointed.

Great read at bedtime or at the pool, anytime. Lovely relationships and very well done. Super likable. Great vocabulary. Wonderful story. Super well done timelines. And you always learn something about the late 1800's. Anyone can like this book.

I have read nine of this series and this is the best book ever. The author, Will Thomas, appears to be getting much more readable.

This was a thoroughly satisfying read. It hooked me right away--the first I'd read by Will Thomas and I quickly went through everything he's written. His characters are likeable without being sweet, tough without being muscle heads. There is a complementary respectful affection between the two main characters that is entertaining and refreshing--absolutely zero sexual overtones between them (it's rather more paternal)--which makes the story the primary focal point; there's no room for tawdry sidelines. The Victorian setting is well described in faithful detail but it doesn't pervade the story with didactic teachy leanings. There is a moral code that's upheld without feeling preachy either. Overall, what's not to love about this entertaining new series? Love live Mr. Will Thomas; keep them coming please!

If you're wondering how Thomas has managed to come up with two new novels after such a long delay between #'s 5 and 6, it's because 6 isn't great and 7 is worse. The novel isn't horrible, but I think that's mostly from pre-existing interest that I have in the characters. This story, though, is weak. Thomas pulls out the Jack the Ripper card - seemingly inevitable in Victorian detective series - but adds nothing new, interesting or different. As a result, B & L are seen acting completely out of character, their back stories are not advanced, it is completely predictable, and leaves one with a feeling of "meh."

This was by far the most chilling Will Thomas book. The fear that man is able to do such things, then and now, not for love or money. But because that unknown land of our mind, has gotten out of what little control we have. Insane, who can we are not all a little insane, from time to time, that is the scary part.

So happy I found this author

Thomas's best yet. If you're a fan of the Victorian detective novel you can't do better than Will Thomas. The characters are lively and believable and grow in nuance as the books go on. They are old friends to me now and Thomas is one of my favourite authors.