The Nubian's Curse

Benjamin January Historical Mysteries, Book 20

By: Barbara Hambly

Narrated by: Ron Butler

December 1840. Surgeon turned piano-player Benjamin January is looking forward to a peaceful holiday with his family. But the arrival of an old friend brings unexpected news—and unexpected danger.

Persephone Jondrette has found Arithmus: a Sudanese man with extraordinary mental abilities who January last saw in France, nearly fifteen years ago, during a ghost-hunting expedition to a haunted chateau. January and his friends survived the experience . . . but Arithmus's benefactor, the British explorer Deverel Wishart, did not. He was discovered dead one morning, his face twisted in horror, and shortly afterwards Arithmus vanished, never to be seen again.

Did Deverel succumb to the chateau's ghosts—or did Arithmus murder him and run away? January is determined to uncover the truth about the tragic incident from his past, and clear his old friend's name—but even he isn't prepared for what happens next . . .

©2024 Barbara Hambly (P)2024 Tantor Media

Exciting and intriguing Story

Another great story in the series. I especially loved the Egyptian history weaved into a ghost story as well. looking forward to the next book.

A vivid trip into 1830s New Orleans and 1820s Paris

I’m a big fan of Barbara Hambly’s books, and this one is a favorite.
Her writing is so vivid and evocative that you can really feel like you are wading through the bayou, or listening to the fiddles playing at a Mardi Gras party—she brings the world alive.
And Benjamin January is so complex and real, as are Rose, Hannibal and Lieutenant Shaw, that it’s a pleasure to spend time with them.
Ron Butler does an excellent job of bringing each character to life and telling the exciting story.