The Barrister and the Letter of Marque
About
Winner of 2022 Daphne du Maurier Award in Overall Published Division and Mainstream Suspense/Mystery
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.
"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
"Todd M. Johnson draws on his background as a trial lawyer to introduce us to the legal world of Regency Britain. . . . Nineteenth-century London and environs come to life--from gambling halls, wharfside pubs, and the dank, gruesome interior of Newgate Prison, to the printed pages of "penny dreadfuls" and the high drama of courtroom action within the Old Bailey. A historical mystery with smart writing, developed characters, and unexpected plot twists makes for an entertaining read."--Historical Novel Society
"The Barrister and the Letter of Marque combines the intrigue of John Grisham, the vibrant world of Charles Dickens, and 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, 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
Endorsements
"The Barrister and the Letter of Marque combines the intrigue of John Grisham, the vibrant world of Charles Dickens, and a mystery worthy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. With as many twists and turns as a crooked London alley, this novel held me captive from the first page to the last. This richly historical and lively paced story has all the makings of a modern classic. I'm ready to join Barrister William Snopes for his next adventure!"
Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of Shadows of the White City
"With shades of Patrick O'Brian and Charles Finch, The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is an intelligent and cerebral mystery set in a fully flourished Regency London. At once atmospheric and gripping, Johnson's latest is a luminous and refreshing new offering in inspirational historical fiction. I enjoyed meeting William Snopes, who is a blend of vulnerable, indomitable and whip-smart, and as complex as my favorite varietal of Earl Grey. I cannot wait to see where he leads us next."
Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration and The Mozart Code
"Brilliantly intricate, The Barrister and the Letter of Marque is a fascinating glimpse into a Regency London readers seldom see but will find utterly intriguing."
Roseanna M. White, bestselling author of Edwardian-era fiction
The Author
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Photo by: Emily Stephenson Todd M. Johnson
Todd M. Johnson (www.authortoddmjohnson.com) has practiced as an 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...
Continue reading about Todd M. Johnson
Reviews
"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
"Todd M. Johnson draws on his background as a trial lawyer to introduce us to the legal world of Regency Britain. . . . Nineteenth-century London and environs come to life--from gambling halls, wharfside pubs, and the dank, gruesome interior of Newgate Prison, to the printed pages of "penny dreadfuls" and the high drama of courtroom action within the Old Bailey. A historical mystery with smart writing, developed characters, and unexpected plot twists makes for an entertaining read."
Historical Novel Society