I began reading this series long ago when it began in 1997, and now this book, #21 in 2025. The series begins in 1833 and it is now Mardi Gras time in 1841. The story takes place back and forth to 1814, when blacks are promised 160 acres if they fight against the British in the Battle of New Orleans.
If you are new to this series it is important to.understand the culture of New Orleans at the time, as the mystery surrounding this plot is of historical significance.
Benjamin January is a free black man in New Orleans. He was born a slave, his father being a dark African and his mother a mixed, lighter woman. when she is bought by Mr. Janvier to be his mistress,, he buys 7 year old Benjamin also. He brings them to New Orleans , frees them and pays for Benjamin's education. At this time, many rich men in New Orleans had black mistresses who they housed and had children by. Their wives turned a blind eye. Benjamin knew his white half brother, Dagobert.
Now, in 1841, Dagobert comes to Benjamin for help. Thus starts a very convoluted story about the Spanish government trying to pay to help defeat the Americans in the battle of New Orleans so the British would win.
The mystery is, where is the money in 1841 and who was the traitor who brokered the deal.
What I love about this series is how Hambly immerses us in the life of New Orleans. Since this takes place during Mardi Gras, the pageantry and excesses are fascinating. Benjamin is always the smartest man in the room, and his thoughts about the stupidity of others is humorous while horrible things are happening.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. I was so happy to find that the series continues after over 30 years.

Barbara Hambly writes a wonderful and critically acclaimed historical mystery series set in antebellum New Orleans starring Benjamin January, a surgeon, a musician, reluctant detective and free Black man. Hambly is able put in her stories historical details, atmosphere, great characters and the social nuances of a complex society that is New Orleans in the 1840s: French, Spanish, Americans, enslaved people, poor, rich, whites, free Blacks and where white plantation owners have families with Black mistresses that attend parties together where their white wives are in the same building.

Benjamin January for all his accomplishments and intelligence, it is a struggle to make sure he and his family have enough money to feed and house all those dependent on them. And he daily has to walk a fine line of the racial hostilities and the possibility of slavers kidnapping him into slavery once more. Things get complicated when his half-brother, the white one related to the other side of the family, asks for his help in reclaiming an inheritance an old neighbor is looking for. Knowing his brother is helpless for a woman in distress, Benjamin reluctantly helps because the money is too good. Unfortunately, some people seem determined to make sure this doesn't happen. Benjamin and his family soon find themselves in danger and it all links back to a murder that happened during a duel Benjamin attended. Benjamin will need all his wits and luck to come out of this alive.

This is an excellent series and this installment stands up to the rest of them. It isn't necessarily an easy book to read but if you want rich historical detail and a seemingly realistic portrayal of social interactions and racial hierarchy with a good story this is a series and book to delve into.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fans of this long running series will be pleased with this latest, which sees Benjamin working with Abishag Shaw to find a murderer. It's especially. notable for how Benjamin navigates between black and white families and his own history. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Always enjoy these.

A new Benjamin January story is always cause for celebration! Murder in the Trembling Lands is set during the Carnival celebrations leading up to Lent. Ben is sucked in to helping a member of his white "family" (the family of his mother's protector) assist a young woman former resident of the city in her search for documents relating to ownership of former family lands. While not my favorite of the series, this was still an interesting read, if only for the relationships between the free people of color and the white families with whom they are intertwined.

Murder, mystery, dark, gritty this is an all one in. Not forgetting how emotionally attached you will get from the get go. The writing style is enjoyable and admirable. This will take you on a journey which you will enjoy and will not want to end I guarantee you that. Mind blowing and portrays exactly how some neighbours are worldwide.