Book Review: A Free Man Of Color

Reviewed By: Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM

A Free Man Of Color     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Barbara Hambly
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Thriller
Series: Benjamin January Mysteries # 1
1997, 412 pages

This is the first in the Benjamin January series, although I didn't read it first. It is much lighter in mood than the second one. I would nearly label it a cozy, if anything dealing with slavery in the American south could allow one to feel cozy. It at least fits the definition of the mystery cozy genre.

Benjamin January, French trained physican, returns to the New Orleans of his childhood, leaving his safer life in France for the always dangerous world of the free colored in Louisiana in the tumultuous 1830's. There he makes his livelihood as a musician. Against his best instincts he becomes entangled in solving the circmstances of the death of a woman acquaintance at one of the Mardi Gras balls, thereby endangering himself and his family.

This is a stunning first in a series. The setting, a nearly unexplored part of the American past way of life, is generously and richly painted. The plot, unique to the setting, filled with multilayered characters, and complex relationships, both intrigues and seduces the reader. This is not a 300 page formula mystery. It resonates with depth and breadth of storytelling.

Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM