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Fever Season (Benjamin January, Book 2)

4.5 out of 5 stars (193)
4.1 on Goodreads
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Book details

  1. Print length
    416 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Bantam
  4. Publication date
    May 4, 1999
  5. Dimensions
    4.2 x 1.1 x 6.87 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0553575279
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0553575279
  8. See all details
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Book overview

Benjamin January made his debut in bestselling 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.

Review

"Superb. Exciting and compelling."—King Features Syndicate

"Stunning. From the highborn Creoles to the uncivilized Americans, Hambly knows all their secrets and brings them all to life."—The New York Times Book Review

"Fever Season reaffirms Hambly's claim to be a notable writer of mystery fiction."—Washington Times

About the author

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Barbara Hambly
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"Barbara Hambly (b. 1951) is a New York Times bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction, as well as historical novels set in the nineteenth century. After receiving a master’s degree in medieval history, she published The Time of the Dark, the first novel in the Darwath saga, in 1982, establishing herself as an author of serious speculative fiction. Since then she has created several series, including the Windrose Chronicles, Sun-Cross, and Sun Wolf and Starhawk, in addition to writing for the Star Wars and Star Trek universes.

Besides fantasy, Hambly has won acclaim for the James Asher vampire series, which won the Locus Award for best horror novel in 1989, and the Benjamin January mystery series, featuring a brilliant African-American surgeon in antebellum New Orleans. She lives in Los Angeles."

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
193 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the storytelling excellent, descriptive, and compelling. They describe the pacing as wonderful and the writing quality as well-written.

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StorytellingPacingWriting quality
11Customers mention
11Positive
0Negative

Customers find the storytelling excellent, descriptive, and compelling. They say the book provides a rich sense of place and time. Readers also mention the book is realistic and exotic.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...I found this a compelling story, and a terrifying look into the past, and how our ancestors lived with illness, sickness, plagues, and the quacks..." Read more

"...I love Ms. Hambly's fantasy books and this one is a more realistic books." Read more

"...The ambiance of early 19th century New Orleans is delectably exotic and Ms. Hambly does a great job of fleshing out quirky and endearing characters...." Read more

"...job of weaving New Orleans 1830s culture, true myth and glorious storytelling into this book...." Read more

6Customers mention
6Positive
0Negative

Customers find the pacing of the book wonderful and fascinating.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...This one is not my favorite but is still excellent. I have reread it numerous times and recommended it to my friends...." Read more

"Great book! Hambly does an amazing job of weaving New Orleans 1830s culture, true myth and glorious storytelling into this book...." Read more

"...It's a wonderful series, and I highly recommend this second book in it." Read more

"A fascinating series of books...." Read more

5Customers mention
5Positive
0Negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book fascinating and well-written. They also say there is never a dull paragraph.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...Never a dull paragraph." Read more

"...Fascinating and well written." Read more

"...Beautifully written like all Barbara Hambly's books." Read more

"The writing is turgid. The history fascinating and compelling. Mystery is not mysterious." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

DRRD
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Horrible things come of plagues.
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2020
Thick with the horror of a plague, add to that the lack of knowledge in the medical fields about what even causes them, along with the aggravation of the local politics that wants to sweep the deaths under the rug to keep visitors from being scared away, and you have New... See more
Thick with the horror of a plague, add to that the lack of knowledge in the medical fields about what even causes them, along with the aggravation of the local politics that wants to sweep the deaths under the rug to keep visitors from being scared away, and you have New Orleans in high heat and many deaths. And Benjamin Janurary doing his best to keep life and limb together, not only for himself, but for his family as well.

I found this a compelling story, and a terrifying look into the past, and how our ancestors lived with illness, sickness, plagues, and the quacks who come to make their money on the victims, selling snake oil and false hope.

Benjamin January does his best to help those stricken, even if it only means giving them the comfort of someone there when they die. No one is immune, and January's fear for his family and friends is platable.

The mystery actually takes a back seat to the real horror of the times, but adds more pressure on January to solve the case, or see things get worse for those he cares about, even if they survive the plague season.
2 people found this helpful
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Diane B. Bracken
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Chilling view of the Old South
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2009
The second story of Benjamin January continues to document the life of a very black freeman of New Orleansin the 1830s. In this novel, much is learned about the days of summer illness, illnesses that even the best trained men know little about and less about treatment of... See more
The second story of Benjamin January continues to document the life of a very black freeman of New Orleansin the 1830s. In this novel, much is learned about the days of summer illness, illnesses that even the best trained men know little about and less about treatment of yellow fever and cholera. Added to this is the kidnapping of free black men and women and a mysterious Creole woman who cares for the sick as well as a cruel and evil master of her own children and slaves. OF course, January must face fear for his family, his reputation and even his freedom, as the plot works its way to an unexpected conclusion.
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Milton
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Eye opening on historical fiction
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2023
It is a more intelligent view of what this time period offered to people of color. It gives more a snap than a mystery. I love Ms. Hambly's fantasy books and this one is a more realistic books.
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avidreader
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Mozart, mud and murder
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2014
Benjamin Janvier (January) is one of my favorite detectives/musicians/pseudo=historical characters. I love all the books he appears in. This one is not my favorite but is still excellent. I have reread it numerous times and recommended it to my friends. The ambiance of... See more
Benjamin Janvier (January) is one of my favorite detectives/musicians/pseudo=historical characters. I love all the books he appears in. This one is not my favorite but is still excellent. I have reread it numerous times and recommended it to my friends. The ambiance of early 19th century New Orleans is delectably exotic and Ms. Hambly does a great job of fleshing out quirky and endearing characters. Never a dull paragraph.
3 people found this helpful
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Josephine
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Historical Fiction at it's Best
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2013
Great book! Hambly does an amazing job of weaving New Orleans 1830s culture, true myth and glorious storytelling into this book. As always, Benjamin January does not disappoint as a morally justified Free Man. The introduction of Rose Vitrac and the ever opium laden but... See more
Great book! Hambly does an amazing job of weaving New Orleans 1830s culture, true myth and glorious storytelling into this book. As always, Benjamin January does not disappoint as a morally justified Free Man. The introduction of Rose Vitrac and the ever opium laden but gentle Hannibal are characters to visit again and again. Highly recommend this great series of books.
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Joe H
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Great New Orleans History
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2015
You have to be interested in historical New Orleans to appreciate this series. This is the second in the series, although you could probably follow everything fine without reading the first one. I love the historical accuracy, and actually enjoy how many words I check the... See more
You have to be interested in historical New Orleans to appreciate this series. This is the second in the series, although you could probably follow everything fine without reading the first one. I love the historical accuracy, and actually enjoy how many words I check the dictionary for. It helps to know some New Orleans history, because there are several real people sprinkled throughout Ms. Hambly's books. Even though I knew the history behind Delphine Lalaurie, the ending was truly terrifying. There are a few places where the details are so, well, DETAILED, that I got a bit lost, but generally I was fascinated. I've already purchased the next in the series.
5 people found this helpful
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Costume geek
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Rich sense of place and characters
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2019
From the first page I got a rich sense of the place and time. Hambly's attention to detail gives the reader a vivid picture of the intricacies of the class systems in 1830s New Orleans and what feels like a first-person account of the horrors and humiliations of slavery.... See more
From the first page I got a rich sense of the place and time. Hambly's attention to detail gives the reader a vivid picture of the intricacies of the class systems in 1830s New Orleans and what feels like a first-person account of the horrors and humiliations of slavery. I'm grateful to the friend who pointed me to this series and delighted to learn that there are so many books in it.
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Barbara Hambly
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Misleading as to what I'm getting
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2020
I bought this under the impression that "Audiobook" meant I'd get a hard copy - disks. I do not want a subscription to Audible. Instead, it appears that I got an Audible account, which I intend to cancel, so presumably the book (which I very much enjoyed in print) will... See more
I bought this under the impression that "Audiobook" meant I'd get a hard copy - disks. I do not want a subscription to Audible. Instead, it appears that I got an Audible account, which I intend to cancel, so presumably the book (which I very much enjoyed in print) will disappear at that time. I wish Amazon would make it a little more clear what I was buying.
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Top reviews from other countries

Sh_B
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Well researched novel of a New Orleans legend
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 13, 2019
This historical mystery novel of cruelty, madness and murder conjures up the deadly, suffocating atmosphere of 19th century New Orleans during an outbreak of Yellow Fever. The real-life historical characters such as Creole socialite Marie Delphine LaLaurie, and reigning...See more
This historical mystery novel of cruelty, madness and murder conjures up the deadly, suffocating atmosphere of 19th century New Orleans during an outbreak of Yellow Fever. The real-life historical characters such as Creole socialite Marie Delphine LaLaurie, and reigning voodoo queen Marie Laveau are well researched, though the author acknowledges the difficulty in separating rumour from fact. The description of the LaLaurie attic is particularly harrowing. New Orleans' complex social system is portrayed well, and it is interesting to see an often overlooked era explored. Lovers of Gothic fiction will enjoy this journey back in time.
This historical mystery novel of cruelty, madness and murder conjures up the deadly, suffocating atmosphere of 19th century New Orleans during an outbreak of Yellow Fever.

The real-life historical characters such as Creole socialite Marie Delphine LaLaurie, and reigning voodoo queen Marie Laveau are well researched, though the author acknowledges the difficulty in separating rumour from fact. The description of the LaLaurie attic is particularly harrowing.

New Orleans' complex social system is portrayed well, and it is interesting to see an often overlooked era explored. Lovers of Gothic fiction will enjoy this journey back in time.

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poussinette
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Intrigue policière sur fond d'épidémie
Reviewed in France on June 2, 2010
Ce roman est la suite de A Free Man of Color du même auteur. Toujours un excellent roman historique, situé la Nouvelle-Orleans, cette fois en plein été 1833. L'atmosphère est fétide, la ville ravagée par une...See more
Ce roman est la suite de A Free Man of Color du même auteur. Toujours un excellent roman historique, situé la Nouvelle-Orleans, cette fois en plein été 1833. L'atmosphère est fétide, la ville ravagée par une épidémie de fièvre jaune. Benjamin January, qui a une formation de médecin, travaille dans une clinique, en tremblant pour ses proches restés en ville (tous ceux qui peuvent se le permettre ont fui vers les villes voisines, plus saines). Une esclave en fuite lui demande de l'aide (elle est accusée d'avoir empoisonné son maître), et il va accepter. Je ne révèlerai rien de ce qui en découle, j'ai été ravie d'avoir la surprise ! Dans un commentaire du précédent roman, je reprochais à l'auteur la faiblesse de l'intrigue policière. Pour cet opus, j'applaudis, c'est bien mieux construit, un roman passionnant.
Ce roman est la suite de A Free Man of Color du même auteur.

Toujours un excellent roman historique, situé la Nouvelle-Orleans, cette fois en plein été 1833. L'atmosphère est fétide, la ville ravagée par une épidémie de fièvre jaune. Benjamin January, qui a une formation de médecin, travaille dans une clinique, en tremblant pour ses proches restés en ville (tous ceux qui peuvent se le permettre ont fui vers les villes voisines, plus saines).

Une esclave en fuite lui demande de l'aide (elle est accusée d'avoir empoisonné son maître), et il va accepter. Je ne révèlerai rien de ce qui en découle, j'ai été ravie d'avoir la surprise !

Dans un commentaire du précédent roman, je reprochais à l'auteur la faiblesse de l'intrigue policière. Pour cet opus, j'applaudis, c'est bien mieux construit, un roman passionnant.

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Nifty Girl
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Excellent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2016
Soooo good. As a budding author on the same subject, I'm envious! Beautifully written and good twists and turns.
Soooo good. As a budding author on the same subject, I'm envious! Beautifully written and good twists and turns.

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Miezekatze
2.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Zäh wie Kaugummi
Reviewed in Germany on November 22, 2010
Der erste Band, "A Free Man of Color", hat mich nach kurzer Eingewöhnungsphase begeistert. Bei "Fever Season" hingegen habe ich mich bis zum Ende hin schwer getan. Die Story dümpelt vor sich hin und hat es nicht geschafft, mich mitzureißen. Da hilft es nichts, dass sich die...See more
Der erste Band, "A Free Man of Color", hat mich nach kurzer Eingewöhnungsphase begeistert. Bei "Fever Season" hingegen habe ich mich bis zum Ende hin schwer getan. Die Story dümpelt vor sich hin und hat es nicht geschafft, mich mitzureißen. Da hilft es nichts, dass sich die Autorin an einen tatsächlichen Kriminalfall angelehnt hat. Vielleicht ist einfach der Zeitrahmen für die Geschichte zu lang; es zieht sich alles wie ein Kaugummi. Ich hoffe sehr, dass der nächste Band der Reihe etwas spritziger ist. Diesem kann ich leider nur 2 Sterne geben.
Der erste Band, "A Free Man of Color", hat mich nach kurzer Eingewöhnungsphase begeistert. Bei "Fever Season" hingegen habe ich mich bis zum Ende hin schwer getan. Die Story dümpelt vor sich hin und hat es nicht geschafft, mich mitzureißen. Da hilft es nichts, dass sich die Autorin an einen tatsächlichen Kriminalfall angelehnt hat. Vielleicht ist einfach der Zeitrahmen für die Geschichte zu lang; es zieht sich alles wie ein Kaugummi. Ich hoffe sehr, dass der nächste Band der Reihe etwas spritziger ist. Diesem kann ich leider nur 2 Sterne geben.

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