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Fever Season

The Benjamin January Mysteries, Book 2

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About this listen

Benjamin January made his debut in best-selling author Barbara Hambly’s A Free Man of Color, a haunting mélange of history and mystery. Now he returns in another novel of greed, madness, and murder amid the dark shadows and dazzling society of old New Orleans, named a Notable Book of the Year by the New York Times.

The summer of 1833 has been one of brazen heat and brutal pestilence, as the city is stalked by Bronze John - the popular name for the deadly yellow fever epidemic that tests the healing skills of doctor and voodoo alike. Even as Benjamin January tends the dying at Charity Hospital during the steaming nights, he continues his work as a music teacher during the day.

When he is asked to pass a message from a runaway slave to the servant of one of his students, January finds himself swept into a tempest of lies, greed, and murder that rivals the storms battering New Orleans. And to find the truth he must risk his freedom - and his very life.

©1998 Barbara Hambly (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing Historical Mystery Thriller & Suspense Crime New Orleans Fiction Emotionally Gripping Murder Suspense
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The story based on true events is difficult to listen to in parts. Well read and written would recommend.

A wonderful 2nd book

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It's a long time since I enjoyed listening to an audio book as much - this was a rare treat. The story, based around real events, was fascinating in itself, the descriptions of life in fever-ridden New Orleans in the early 1800s were vivid. Barbara Hambly researched her facts but then added colour and characters that put you right there in the midst of it all.
Special mention must be made of Rob Butler whose narration is - to my ear - flawless, beautifully paced, using distinct voices for each of the characters in the tale just brings it all to vivid life.

Excellent!

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This hard hitting story is rooted in real events. Like the other Benjamin January stories, it is hard for the modern reader to understand the culture of keeping slaves and the minute social stratifications of New Orleans society. The books, however, give the reader a powerful insight into that society through Benjamin’s eyes.
The variation of the voices is excellent and supports the writing throughout.

Powerful story, very well read

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I actually even liked this better than the first book in this series - A Free Man of Color. Really great historical fiction.

Excellent story and reading

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