Synopsis: 1810s— Visited by Lady Jameson, English barrister William Snopes, who has sworn off political cases, begins investigating criminal charges against Captain Tuttle of the Padget. Accused of piracy, Tuttle claims innocence on the grounds of a letter of marque, a legal order to intercept smugglers. Unfortunately, the letter is nowhere to be found, and neither is Tuttle.

Recommendation: Highly Recommended; see Content notes

One of my favorite aspects of reviewing is having the opportunity to become acquainted with new (and new to me) authors. After all, public libraries don’t usually have a Christian fiction section, which makes the genre pretty hard to locate. As a result, I actually haven’t read many adult books, since I prefer Christian fiction. With that said, having just finished my first book by Todd M. Johnson, I can definitely see myself enjoying more of his works.

Why I Chose It

One of the advanced acclaims (Jocelyn Green) wrote that the novel “combines the intrigue of John Grisham, the vibrant world of Charles Dickens, and a mystery worthy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.”

While I wouldn’t have expected a novel about a lawyer (barrister) to fall into the genre of detective stories, I was intrigued by this review, and it was one of the reasons I decided to read the book. Having completed the novel, I can honestly and happily say that the novel delivers exactly what Green describes (minus the Grisham part, because I haven’t read him). This was not only a highly enjoyable read, but also one that was refreshingly clean.

What I Liked

This is one of those happy instances where I have the challenge of isolating my favorite parts of the novel, since it was all so good!

Writing
Johnson seamlessly integrates details into the narrative, demonstrating his keen observational skills. For example, I noted one description about being shielded from the rain, while running, when stepping under an overhang. Even the fashion trends are well-documented when appropriate, but seamlessly incorporated, lending historical credence. Such observations demonstrate Johnson’s artful sophistication and attention to detail.
Structure
Johnson incorporates numerous characters and settings. Although I wasn’t sure, at first, if I’d be able to keep track of the varied perspectives, the numerous characters contributed different elements of plot, slowly teasing out the mystery. Plus, changes in setting are clearly noted at the beginning of sections.
Sections, as well as chapters, are on the shorter side. This keeps the action fast-paced, while creating built-in stopping points (if you are disciplined enough to stop).
Plot
There were quite a few delicious plot twists, surprises and unexpected events. I found myself exclaiming (internally) at multiple points in the story.
Author’s Background
An attorney with thirty years of experience under his belt, Johnson has a background in law— and it shows. I’m sure Johnson’s personal experiences lent to the characterization of Snopes, who executed some clever courtroom tactics.
On a similar note, I really enjoyed reading about Snopes’ times in trial, because I didn’t know what he would do next, but he did it brilliantly!
Message(s):
There were several meaningful lines I bookmarked. Good stuff!
Spiritual Elements

Although spiritual elements were very light, I did not feel like this book was a stranger to the genre. There were truths, messages and character growth embedded throughout, along with an occasional philosophical/spiritual conversation between Snopes and Father Thomas.

Content Concerns

Overall, this was one of the cleaner books I’ve read lately, and I don’t consider the below items to be prohibitive to a high recommendation:

Several uses of the pejorative term “gypsy,” sometimes in conjunction with the word “tinkerer.”
The Lord’s name is used in vain at least once; characters occasionally use “Garn” as an exclamatory.
The novel is set during England’s colonization of India, which is reflected in the narrative’s references to tea, as well as deportment of criminals to other countries. Just wanted to note that I endorse neither colonization nor its lingering effects.

Overall Impression

Highly enjoyable mystery; I would gladly recommend the novel and wouldn’t mind reading more from the author!

Note: I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is set in early 1800s England, and was written by Todd M. Johnson.

Summary: Barrister William Snopes is nothing if not a creative lawyer, and does what is needed to protect the weak and poor-anyone needing a voice against the rich and powerful.

He has no intention of getting involved in anything related to the upper classes and the life he left behind.

But when a strange case passes over his desk involving a lady in distress, he feels compelled to break his own rules and help. Something is not right, and as he delves into the case, he finds there are those that are willing to stop him and his team-at any cost.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It is set during my favorite time period, is full of action and suspense, and there is a really great mystery. There are so many twists and turns, and I was wondering the whole time how they were going to figure out what was going on. It was a very fun and interesting read.

If you like historical fiction, and/or you enjoy mysteries with interesting courtroom dramas, you will probably enjoy this book as much as I did.

It’s worth buying in my opinion, and I know I would enjoy reading it again (something I don’t often do, so that’s saying a lot .)

I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Enjoyable story not too accurate in historical details
The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is an enjoyable read combining three of my favorite subgenres of fiction. First of all, there is the historical setting in the early nineteenth century that provides a background of interesting elements like controversy over international trade and piracy and the social structure in England in that era. There are nice details, like the “penny dreadfuls” that were popular during the nineteenth century, but the setting just provides background for the story, so do not expect a history lesson takeaway. “Penny dreadfuls”, for example, were not a phenomenon until the 1830s, after the events of this book. Some real-life historical figures play roles in the book also that were purely fictional. The lack of accuracy of historical detail was my biggest disappointment in the book. It reminded me of my annoyance when I read a modern-day novel set in an era the 1990’s that has characters making widespread use of cell phones. Many people can recognize that inaccuracy today, not most do not know enough about the nineteenth century to identify the kinds of errors in this book. I am sure I did not see all of them.
Second, although it is set in a period somewhat earlier than Dickens novels . there is a nice Dickensian flavor to the characters, such as the “canon” of young street children who pick pockets and undertake other illegal activities under the direction of a harsh taskmaster.
Third, there is the barrister protagonist William Snopes, a worthy precursor of modern figures like Perry Mason, John Grisham’s lawyer characters, and even Andy Carpenter. His unusual techniques are quite effective at winning the case for his clients but do not make him popular with the judges or opposing barristers. On the other hand, William’s clever ruse early in the book to gain acquittal for his client, a young tinkerer accused of theft, made me chuckle and is sure to make him popular with other readers.
At bottom, though, what matters is the plot, and Todd Johnson has woven an interesting story with nice plot twists. The reader soon learns that you never know who is telling the truth. There are some harsh events that seem, alas, appropriate to the society, but no graphic violence. And there is some light romance. Overall, it is a good story.
I would read more from this author but would want more attention to accuracy of historical details.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher.

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is a book full of mystery, suspense, twists, and unforgettable characters with just a hint of romance. I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down. I really had no idea how it would end and it was a very satisfying end with I hope more books to follow. This is by a new to me author and I will definitely be reading his backlist.
*I was given a copy of this book by Bethany Publishers and this is my honest opinion.

“Just ink and parchment, but with the seal of the English Crown, a source of power for a captain of only thirty-three years to act with the authority of the greatest empire on earth. Such was a Letter of Marque.”

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson is a legal thriller set in London during the Regency era. Barrister William Snopes is an advocate for the downtrodden he usually defends. Lady Madeleine Jameson is trying to save her estate and her cousin, Captain Harold Tuttle. Tuttle is the captain of the Padget, a ship that had a Letter of Marque to take cargo from French traders operating illegally in the Indian Sea.

Lady Jamison is heavily in debt and the profits from the Padget’s successful voyage were going to be the answer to solving her family’s money problems. Unfortunately, the Letter of Marque is nowhere to be found, her cousin is in jail, and her creditors are wanting answers. Lady Jameson desperately needs help.

Barrister William Snopes reluctantly accepts this complicated case. He has very little time to sort through the facts and prepare for his day in court.

As I read this action packed read, I had a wonderful time trying to solve the mystery right along with Barrister Snopes. I was on the edge of my seat right up until the end. The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is a well written and exciting read that I highly recommend.

I was thrilled to receive a copy from NetGalley and Bethany House Publisher and the opinions in this review are my own.

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.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to read an advanced eGallery copy of THE BARRISTER AND THE LETTER OF MARQUE.

Rich historical details. I found myself googling after many discoveries in the historical novel.

Highly recommended for readers who are fans of Regency England and historical fiction. It was interesting for me to read about people who led ordinary lives in England in another century.

This book reads like a John Grisham novel set in the 1800s. In the first few chapters the reader meets the various detailed characters and learns of Lady Jameson’s dilemma. Snopes, the only barrister she can find who has an honest heart, decides to take her case which will put him back in the arena of the wealthy which he left without a backward glance when he was eighteen. While the cards of the defense are laid on the table, the mounting tension comes from the prosecution who will stoop to murder, slander, and wily tactics to win their case. The fate of an innocent man, the reputation of a lady, and a barrister’s future waver in the judicial balance of a system more concerned with propriety and underhanded influences than truth.

If you’re in the mood for a riveting courtroom drama that extends beyond the court, The Barrister and the Letter of Marque will have you searching for ways to prove the truth alongside the barrister.

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson has a great deal to recommend it. I was particularly interested to read it, both because I’ve written historical fiction myself and because I was a paralegal for many years. It’s a compelling, well-written novel, and often conveys the feeling of early nineteenth century London. Unfortunately, when one writes historical fiction, it’s necessary to be careful about the details. That’s why I can only give it three stars, even though I’d recommend it as a good read. There are a number of errors which demonstrate lack of adequate research about basic background, and a couple of very peculiar decisions regarding characters. One example of the problems that led me to rate it lower than I would otherwise do: one of the characters is referred to variously as “Lady Madeleine Jameson”, “Lady Jameson”, and “Miss Jameson”. They are not interchangeable.

Thanks to Bethany House for advanced reader copy of this enjoyable Regency adventure introducing us to a principled barrister with a fine challenge on his hands. I have read countless Regency books, but this one manages to surprise and bring a smile imagining Beau Brummel involved with Princess Charlotte devising decidedly criminal schemes for profit. Will all be revealed in a court of law? You must read this book to find out.
I will look for more books by this author starring the barrister William with the promise of more in store on a personal level with the lady who hired him to resolve a rather large legal mess featured in this book.

This was offered by Net Galley email offering several books I might enjoy. Thank You Net Galley!

Enjoyed this story with the ambience of Patrick O'Brien. Piracy, courtroom drama, corrupt players, class warfare and an intriguing mystery. Wonder if we'll be hearing more from William Snopes, the protagonist.

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque
by Todd M. Johnson
Back of the Book: “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.”
Impressions: This is my first time reading this author. I felt the beginning of this novel was a bit of a challenge to process as the perspectives jumped around a bit with little context to their importance. The story improved however once I understood who everyone was.
Rated: Murder
Liked: What’s not to enjoy when a book has suspense, mystery, and a little romance. I think this was a fun mystery. It was more interesting to discover how William and his team were going to solve and present their case.
Disliked: The beginning was a bit challenging as I was unable to read it in larger chunks and as it was changing perspectives it was difficult to make sense of what was happening. I also felt like the ending punishment was weak. The scandal involved in this story was quite vicious and shocking. I didn’t care for the ending as the reader didn’t get any confrontation or justice from the rogues who created this scheme. The author just gave a summary of what would happen through another character. It was a bit disappointing but it was still a good ending.
Quotes: Nothing inspirational worth quoting but a fun read to get carried away in.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

"I don't like attorneys, whatever their specialization or background. I've seen them cheat and grasp and it's been my conclusion that, beneath a very thin veneer, they're in the business of serving themselves more than their clients."

Lady Madeleine Jameson seeks out William Snopes, an attorney known for his defense of the poor. Her cousin, Harold Tuttle, has been arrested on the merchant brig she has invested in. His charge? Piracy. The captain swears he has a Letter of Marque, authorizing him to seize cargo from French traders operating illegally in the Indian Sea. But the letter disappears and Harry is arrested, along with his crew being detained on the ship.

The lady's distress invites William to study the case, deciding whether or not he will defend the captain. But as he does, he earns himself some powerful enemies.

I have loved Mr. Johnsons novels. They are always full of mystery and an unexpected ending. This story is so different then previous books. The story line has a lot of back and forth and many characters to keep up with. A high profile court case, clean reading.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

William Snopes is a barrister in Regency London. He reluctantly takes the case of Lady Malissa Jameson,who has made some investments that are being threatened by dishonest players. There is lots of delicious historical information here as well as some genuine "who dunnit aspects". There are lots of twists and turns and hold your breath moments -- action in abundance. I love the characters and I love how this turned out. I'd love to hear more about these folks in a future work.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson is a Victorian era lawyer procedural novel. The story starts with setting the background for the novel, then jumps right into the action leading up to the climactic moment where the court proceeding occurs. The Barrister, William, ran away from his families fortune to pursue the career in law. The skills from this time period versus today is different, but with less technology. This story does prove how smart the lawyers aka barristers actually had to be in order to solve the mystery. The plot was pretty lengthy. There were moments that progressed the story alone, but then there were moments where the story stood still, and the plot didn't advance. While the mystery and the court proceedings captured my attention, I wanted a little more mystery to make it feel like a Victorian style mystery like Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes. Overall, if readers enjoy lawyer and court stories, then this might be right up their alley.

I received a complimentary copy of The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

THE BARRISTER AND THE LETTER OF MARQUE by TODD M JOHNSON is an intriguing historical romance novel which takes us into the legal world in England in the early 1800's. I love the descriptions of London in all her vibrancy, with the underlying elements of corruption and crime.
In 1797, at the age of eighteen, William Snopes leaves his privileged life behind and sets off to fulfill his dream of becoming a barrister. He becomes acquainted with Father Thomas Neal who plays an important role in his life and in the lives of William's two assistants, Edmund Shaw and Obadiah Cummings, orphans who William rescued. I like this Christian element running through the book. I also like William's love of music that helps sustain him through the pressures of life, and his determination to help those others would see as undesirables rather than seeking to ingratiate himself with the aristocracy.
Lady Madeleine Jameson's cousin, Harold Tuttle, is arrested on his arrival home on his ship Padget and faces the gallows, due to the disappearance of the Letter of Marque he was given before he set out.
Madeleine, who borrowed money to help fund the Padget's journey, approaches William to take on Harold's case.
That is all I am going to tell you as I do not want to spoil things for you.
It is an interesting, inspirational and exciting read, full of intrigue and twists and turns, and one I cannot recommend highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.