Lady of Perdition - (Benjamin January Historical Mystery) Large Print by Barbara Hambly (Hardcover)

About the Book

Entering Texas, the "Slaveholders' Republic", in 1840 as a black man is a risky business. They are putting their life at risk, which is exactly what Benjamin January needs to do when he is tasked with locating a kidnapped girl. During his search he is saved from the noose by the wife of a wealthy ranch owner, who soon needs January's help herself.

Book Synopsis

Benjamin January heads to the "Slaveholders' Republic" of Texas to locate a kidnapped girl and help a woman who saved him from the noose.

April, 1840. Benjamin January knows no black person in their right mind would willingly go to the Republic of Texas but when his former pupil Selina Bellinger is kidnapped and enslaved, he has no choice. Once there he is saved from being hanged by Valentina Taggart, wife of the wealthy landowner of Rancho Perdition.

After Valentina is accused of the murder of her husband, she in turn calls on Benjamin for help. To do so, he must abandon the safe haven of New Orleans, where people know he's a free man, to return to the self-proclaimed "Slaveholders' Republic".

In a land still disputed between vengeful Comanche, disgruntled Mexican Tejanos, Americans who want to join the United States and those who want to keep Texas free, January must uncover what happened to Valentina's husband. Behind lies, betrayals and rising political tensions lies the answer . . . but finding it could cost Ben his life.

Review Quotes

"A riveting explorations of a little-known period of Texas history intensified by gut-wrenching depictions of people's enduring inhumanity"-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"An atmospheric, beautifully written mystery"-- "Kirkus Reviews on Cold Bayou"

"Deeply researched... Hambly's well-wrought denunciation of slavery and her skillful defense of women's rights resound from January's times to our own"-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Fascinating ... This well-researched mystery offers readers an appealing cast of characters, a suitably complex plot, and some eye-opening historical details"-- "Publishers Weekly on Murder in July"

"January is a wonderful character ... Hambly does a fine job of painting January's world realistically"-- "Booklist on Murder in July"

"Outstanding ... In addition to the slavery issue, Hambly focuses on broader social concerns, with panache and sensitivity"-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Drinking Gourd"

"Readers will learn a lot about the unique culture of antebellum Louisiana"-- "Publishers Weekly on Cold Bayou"