Emily Flynn
- Aug 7, 2021
- 4 min read

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque Blog Tour - Review Post

QUICK FACTS

· Title: The Barrister and the Letter of Marque: A Novel

· Author: Todd M. Johnson

· Genre: Historical Mystery, Suspense, Inspirational Fiction

· Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (August 3, 2021)

· Length: (416) pages

· Hardcover ISBN: 978-0764239137

· Trade Paperback ISBN: 978-0764212369

· eBook ASIN: B08LG91Y95

· Audiobook ASIN: B0983VZ6XZ

· Tour Dates: August 2 – 15, 2021

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Johnson debuts with a tense story of powerful interests teaming up to thwart a legal challenge in Georgian-era England…Johnson steeps his story in legal maneuvering, layers of intrigue, midnight chases, and even a hint of romance. While faith elements are subtle, this enthralling novel will appeal to fans of both legal thrillers and historical inspirationals.”— Publishers Weekly

“… a mystery worthy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This richly historical and lively paced story has all the makings of a modern classic.”— Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of Shadows of the White City

“At once atmospheric and gripping, Johnson's latest is a luminous and refreshing new offering in inspirational historical fiction.”— Rachel McMillan, bestselling author of The London Restoration, and The Mozart Code “A fascinating glimpse into a Regency London readers seldom see.”— Roseanna M. White, bestselling author of Edwardian fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

As a barrister in 1818 London, William Snopes has witnessed firsthand the danger of only the wealthy having their voices heard, and he's a strong advocate who defends the poorer classes against the powerful. That changes the day a struggling heiress, Lady Madeleine Jameson, arrives at his door.

In a last-ditch effort to save her faltering estate, Lady Jameson invested in a merchant brig, the Padget. The ship was granted a rare privilege by the king's regent: a Letter of Marque authorizing the captain to seize the cargo of French traders operating illegally in the Indian Sea. Yet when the Padget returns to London, her crew is met by soldiers ready to take possession of their goods and arrest the captain for piracy. And the Letter—-the sole proof his actions were legal—has mysteriously vanished.

Moved by the lady's distress, intrigued by the Letter, and goaded by an opposing solicitor, Snopes takes the case. But as he delves deeper into the mystery, he learns that the forces arrayed against Lady Jameson, and now himself, are even more perilous than he'd imagined.

MY REVIEW

4/5 Stars

The depth of writing and the twists and turns in this novel were epic, In The Barrister and the Letter of Marque, Todd M. Johnson has woven a tale of intrigue and mystery that reached from the lowliest to the highest parts of London. Equally intriguing was the Barrister who left behind his family and his inheritance in the quest for something more and being more than his father was.

Along the way we meet an intriguing cast of characters that each play a part in the grand scheme of the story. It is best to pay attention as you might miss a detail here and there. Also, remember, all is not what it seems.

I did find the detail and story somewhat slow in it's telling. The subject matter was fascinating, but it seemed to hold me back from my usual ability to read a story quickly and be entertained. So it may have literally been not my speed, that being said, the story was unlike anything I have read recently. It held elements of Regency as well as mystery which might have been the change of pace I needed.

I am grateful for the opportunity to read an early copy that I was able to obtain through netgalley.

AUTHOR BIO

Todd M. Johnson is the author of three legal thrillers: The Deposit Slip (2012), Critical Reaction (2013), and Fatal Trust (2017), and The Barrister and the Letter of Marque (2021), his first foray into historical mystery. He has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as adjunct professor of International Law and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong. He lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife and daughter.

THE TOUR

Join the virtual book tour of THE BARRISTER AND THE LETTER OF MARQUE, Todd M. Johnson’s highly acclaimed historical mystery, August 2-15, 2021. Over twenty-five popular on-line influencers specializing in historical mystery, suspense, and inspirational fiction will join in the celebration of its release with an interview, spotlights, exclusive excerpts, and reviews of this new Regency-era novel set in London, England.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Aug 02 The Readathon(Review)

Aug 02 From Pemberley to Milton(Excerpt)

Aug 02 Austenprose—A Jane Austen Blog(Review)

Aug 03 Life of Literature(Review)

Aug 03 Captivated Reading(Spotlight)

Aug 04 Laura's Reviews(Review)

Aug 04 The Green Mockingbird(Review)

Aug 05 My Jane Austen Book Club (Spotlight)

Aug 05 Reading is My Superpower(Review)

Aug 06 Among the Reads(Excerpt)

Aug 06 The Blue Stocking (Review)