Brian Longo

David Dean Barrett’s 140 Days to Hiroshima: The Story of Japan’s Last Chance to Avert Armageddon is a masterful contribution to World War II historiography, offering a gripping, meticulously researched, and balanced account of the pivotal months leading to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Published to coincide with the 75th anniversary of these cataclysmic events, Barrett’s debut work stands out for its innovative structure, compelling narrative, and nuanced exploration of the decision-making processes on both sides of the Pacific. This book is a must-read for military history enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of strategy, politics, and human drama that shaped the end of the Pacific War. Barrett, a military historian with a master’s degree from the University of Colorado, Denver, brings a fresh perspective to a topic that remains both sensitive and controversial. His extensive research, drawing on pr...

Gary Krist’s Empire of Sin: A Story of Sex, Jazz, Murder, and the Battle for Modern New Orleans is a masterful work of narrative nonfiction that transports readers to the sultry, chaotic, and utterly captivating world of early 20th-century New Orleans. Published in 2014 by Crown, this meticulously researched book chronicles the rise and fall of Storyville, the city’s infamous red-light district, while weaving together a tapestry of colorful characters, cultural revolutions, and societal upheavals. Krist’s ability to blend historical rigor with storytelling flair makes Empire of Sin a standout, earning it accolades as one of the top books of 2014 by outlets like The Washington Post and Library Journal. For anyone fascinated by history, jazz, or the gritty underbelly of urban America, this book is a must-read. A City Like No Other From the opening pages, Krist paints New Orleans as a city of contradictions—a vibrant gumbo of cultures where French, Spanish, Creole, African, and Anglo-...

Al Rose’s Storyville, New Orleans: Being an Authentic, Illustrated Account of the Notorious Red-Light District is a masterful exploration of one of the most fascinating and misunderstood chapters in American history. Published by the University of Alabama Press, this meticulously researched book offers a vivid, unflinching, and thoroughly engaging portrait of Storyville, the infamous red-light district of New Orleans that operated legally from 1898 to 1917. For anyone with an interest in New Orleans history, jazz music, or the social dynamics of the early 20th century, this book is an absolute treasure, blending rigorous scholarship with captivating storytelling that brings the era to life. A Rich Historical Tapestry Rose sets out with a clear mission: to provide “a reasonable true-to-life impression of ‘The District’—its people, its music, its press, its rise and decline, its ways” (Rose, 1). He achieves this with remarkable success, crafting a narrative that is as informative as ...

Chris Wiltz’s The Last Madam: A Life in the New Orleans Underworld is a mesmerizing dive into the vibrant, shadowy, and utterly captivating world of New Orleans’ French Quarter, brought to life through the extraordinary story of Norma Wallace, the city’s last great madam. This nonfiction masterpiece, published in 2001, combines meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and a deep love for New Orleans to deliver a biography that is as thrilling as it is insightful. It’s a book that doesn’t just recount history—it resurrects a vanished era with such color and texture that readers feel transported to the sultry streets of the Crescent City. At its heart, The Last Madam is the story of Norma Wallace, a woman who rose from a poverty-stricken childhood to become a legendary figure in New Orleans’ underworld. Born in 1901, Wallace began her career as a streetwalker at the tender age of 15, but her intelligence, charisma, and unyielding ambition propelled her to the role of “landlady”—a euphe...

C.S. Harris’ Why Mermaids Sing, the third installment in the Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series, is a masterful blend of historical fiction, gripping mystery, and richly developed characters that transports readers to the gritty yet glamorous world of Regency-era London. Set in September 1811, this novel delivers a chilling and suspenseful tale that hooks you from the first page and refuses to let go. With its evocative prose, intricate plotting, and a protagonist who is as compelling as he is complex, Why Mermaids Sing is a standout in the historical mystery genre and a testament to Harris’ skill as a storyteller. The story centers on Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, a dashing and unconventional nobleman with a knack for detection. When the mutilated bodies of young men from London’s elite families are discovered in public places, each with strange objects stuffed in their mouths, Sebastian is called upon by magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy to unravel the mystery. What follows is a dar...

C.S. Harris’s When Gods Die, the second installment in the Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery series, is a captivating blend of historical fiction, political intrigue, and gripping mystery that transports readers to the decadent and turbulent world of Regency England in 1811. This novel is a masterful showcase of Harris’s ability to weave a complex, fast-paced narrative with richly developed characters and a vivid historical backdrop, making it an unmissable read for fans of historical thrillers and mysteries alike. Set in Brighton, England, the story opens with a scandalous and shocking scene: the young, beautiful wife of an aging marquis, Guinevere Anglessey, is found murdered in the arms of the notoriously indulgent Prince Regent at a lavish party in the Royal Pavilion. The discovery of a mysterious necklace around her neck—rumored to have been worn by Druid priestesses and last seen on Sebastian St. Cyr’s mother before her presumed death at sea—propels Viscount Sebastian St. Cyr into a da...

Murder at the Mill, the third installment in Irina Shapiro’s captivating Redmond and Haze Mysteries series, is a delightful blend of Victorian-era charm, intricate plotting, and richly developed characters that will keep readers enthralled from start to finish. Set in the quaint village of Birch Hill, England, in December 1866, this cozy historical mystery delivers a gripping tale that perfectly balances suspense, emotional depth, and historical authenticity. With its evocative prose, compelling character dynamics, and a plot that unfolds with just the right amount of twists, this novel is a must-read for fans of C.S. Harris, Anne Perry, or anyone who loves a well-crafted whodunit. A Gripping Mystery with a Vivid Setting The story begins with a chilling and unforgettable image: a man’s naked corpse is found strapped to the waterwheel of a deserted mill. This shocking discovery sets the stage for Inspector Daniel Haze and his trusted companion, American surgeon Captain Jason Redmond...

Irina Shapiro’s Murder at the Abbey, the second installment in the Redmond and Haze Mysteries series, is a captivating blend of historical fiction, cozy mystery, and character-driven storytelling that transports readers to the atmospheric Victorian countryside of 1866 England. With its richly drawn characters, immersive setting, and an intriguing murder case, this novel is a delightful page-turner that will appeal to fans of classic whodunits and historical dramas alike. From the moment I opened the book, I was swept away by Shapiro’s evocative prose and her ability to weave a compelling narrative that balances suspense, emotion, and historical detail. Set in the quaint village of Birch Hill, the story begins with a chilling discovery: the body of a young woman, Elizabeth Barrett, is found near the ruins of a haunted Benedictine abbey. Initially, locals assume she died of fright, but a postmortem examination conducted by the skilled and deductive Captain (Lord) Jason Redmond reveals ...

Murder at the Foundling Hospital, the third installment in Irina Shapiro’s captivating Tate and Bell Mystery series, is a masterfully crafted historical mystery that immerses readers in the fog-laden, gaslit streets of Victorian London. Published on October 21, 2024, this novel delivers a gripping narrative, richly developed characters, and an evocative setting that transports readers to the heart of 1858. With its blend of suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists, this book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and classic whodunits, particularly those who enjoy authors like Andrea Penrose, Deanna Raybourn, and Anna Lee Huber. A Compelling Premise and Immersive Setting Set in the grim yet fascinating world of London’s Foundling Hospital, a 19th-century orphanage, the novel opens with a heart-wrenching tragedy: the murder of a young girl within the institution’s walls. Nurse Gemma Tate, a compassionate and tenacious protagonist who trained under Florence Nightingale...

Irina Shapiro’s Murder at Traitors' Gate, the second installment in the Tate and Bell Mystery series, is a masterclass in historical crime fiction that transports readers to the fog-laden, gaslit streets of Victorian London with breathtaking vividness. Published on June 24, 2024, this novel delivers a gripping, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant tale that seamlessly blends intricate plotting, rich historical detail, and deeply human characters. As someone who cherishes historical mysteries that balance suspense with character-driven storytelling, I found this book to be an utterly compelling read that kept me turning pages late into the night. Set in the bitter winter of 1858, the story follows Scotland Yard Inspector Sebastian Bell and former Crimean War nurse Gemma Tate as they investigate the brutal murder of Jacob Harrow, a journalist found hanging from a meat hook at the infamous Traitors’ Gate. The gruesome discovery sets the stage for a complex mystery that weaves toget...

Irina Shapiro’s The Highgate Cemetery Murder, the first installment in the Tate and Bell Mystery series, is a masterfully crafted historical mystery that transports readers to the gritty, atmospheric streets of Victorian London in 1858. This gripping novel combines a meticulously plotted murder investigation with richly developed characters and a vivid portrayal of a bygone era, making it an absolute must-read for fans of historical fiction and detective stories. With its blend of suspense, intrigue, and a touch of potential romance, this book is a stellar introduction to what promises to be an enthralling series. From the opening pages, Shapiro hooks readers with a chilling scene: a young woman’s body is discovered in Highgate Cemetery, displayed on a cross with a pig’s heart hanging around her neck. This gruesome discovery sets the stage for a complex dual murder mystery that unfolds with relentless momentum. The narrative introduces Gemma Tate, a determined and unconventional nurs...

K.J. Charles has long been celebrated for her masterful historical romances, weaving tales of love, intrigue, and richly detailed settings that transport readers to another time. With Death in the Spires, she steps boldly into the realm of historical mystery, and the result is nothing short of mesmerizing. This novel, set against the gothic backdrop of Oxford University in the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, is a triumph of storytelling that blends a gripping whodunit with profound emotional depth, nuanced character development, and a keen exploration of societal issues. It’s a book that lingers in the heart and mind long after the final page is turned. A Haunting Premise and Immersive Setting Death in the Spires opens in 1905, a decade after the brutal murder of Oxford student Toby Feynsham, a charismatic figure at the center of a tight-knit group of friends known as the "Seven Wonders." The unsolved crime shattered the lives of those who loved him, none more so than ...

K.J. Charles has once again woven a spellbinding tale in Rag and Bone, a novel that seamlessly blends historical romance, paranormal intrigue, and gripping mystery within her richly imagined Charm of Magpies universe. Published in 2016, this first full-length novel in the Rag and Bone series (following the novella A Queer Trade) is a triumph of storytelling that captures the heart and imagination with its vibrant characters, evocative setting, and deft exploration of complex themes. For readers who crave a story that balances emotional depth, thrilling stakes, and meticulous world-building, this book is an absolute must-read. A Compelling Cast of Characters At the heart of Rag and Bone are Crispin Tredarloe and Ned Hall, two protagonists whose chemistry and authenticity elevate the narrative to new heights. Crispin, an accidental warlock struggling to master his magical abilities the “right” way after a traumatic apprenticeship under a corrupt mentor, is a wonderfully layered chara...

K.J. Charles’ Jackdaw is a masterful addition to the A Charm of Magpies world, a historical fantasy romance that weaves together heart-wrenching emotion, complex characters, and a richly imagined alternate Victorian setting. Published in 2015, this standalone novel follows the story of Jonah Pastern and Ben Spenser, two deeply flawed and human characters whose journey from betrayal to redemption is as compelling as it is emotionally resonant. With its blend of romance, magic, and moral ambiguity, Jackdaw is a testament to Charles’ skill in crafting stories that are both thrilling and profoundly moving. A Gripping Premise and Complex Characters The story centers on Jonah Pastern, a magician, windwalker, and professional thief, and Ben Spenser, a former police constable whose life was shattered by Jonah’s betrayal. For six months, they shared a passionate and secret love, only for Jonah’s actions—using his windwalking abilities to commit crimes and escaping custody by exploiting Ben’...

K.J. Charles’ Flight of Magpies, the third and final installment of the A Charm of Magpies trilogy, is a triumphant conclusion to a series that masterfully blends historical romance, paranormal intrigue, and sharp-witted character dynamics. This novel is a testament to Charles’ skill as a storyteller, delivering a heady mix of emotional depth, thrilling suspense, and a richly imagined world that feels both fantastical and grounded. For readers who have followed the journey of Lucien Vaudrey, Lord Crane, and magical law enforcer Stephen Day through the previous books, this finale is a deeply satisfying payoff that ties up loose ends while leaving room for the imagination to linger in its vibrant universe. Set in Victorian England, Flight of Magpies picks up with Stephen Day under immense pressure. His role as a justiciar, tasked with investigating horrifying occult murders, stretches him to the breaking point, while a wayward student adds to his burdens. This professional strain seeps...

A Case of Possession, the second installment in KJ Charles’s A Charm of Magpies series, is a dazzling continuation of the magical, romantic, and suspenseful journey begun in The Magpie Lord. This historical paranormal romance, set in Victorian London, delivers a heady mix of intrigue, magic, and heartfelt emotion, centered around the evolving relationship between Lord Lucien Crane and magician Stephen Day. With its fast-paced plot, richly developed characters, and a perfect balance of romance and mystery, this book is a must-read for fans of queer romance, historical fiction, and paranormal adventures. A Compelling Plot Brimming with Magic and Danger The story picks up shortly after the events of The Magpie Lord, plunging readers back into the gritty, fog-laden streets of Victorian London. Stephen Day, a justiciar tasked with policing magical malpractice, is investigating a chilling plague of giant, man-eating rats sweeping through the city. This grotesque supernatural threat is bo...