The author takes a deep look at the American Civil War era, not shrinking away from the more despicable parts.
This is the first installment in the Abel Jones series. Jones is a Welsh immigrant who enlists as a Union soldier in the Civil War and is chosen by General McClellan to investigate the death of an abolitionist. An interesting plot, good historical details, and well-drawn characters combine with terrific writing to make this a truly entertaining book. Highly recommended.
Excellent book.
I read this book by Owen Parry after reading some other Civil War mysteries by other authors. This author appealed to me because he presents his hero, Abel Jones, as a humble Christian man who is running away from bad memories and trying to live a simple life for God. Because of this world view, I know I can read Parry's books without insult to my Christian ethics, i.e. no inappropriate sex scenes, vulgar conversations or sinister out of control evil. Jones finds himself drawn back into uniform after serving too many bloody years for the Queen of England in India. His memories of these horrors are interspersed with his current life and recent efforts to train and lead young farmers and miners into battle. Seriously wounded at the Battle of Bull Run, his wound relegates him to a desk job in Washington, D.C. His companions mock him for his limp and his scrupulous habits which gain him the assignment of finding out who murdered a young officer behind Union lines and why? He is drawn into a web of Washington intrigue and Philadelphia greed which reveals the less than moral lives of the rich and powerful. How can a simple man stand up against such influence? Along the way Abel makes friends in high places - the highest being President Lincoln. His pursuit of evil and defense of good is thwarted in every way imaginable but dedication and loyalty persevere and he finds the dark secrets that no one wants revealed. The author's descriptions of characters and places are colorful and riveting. He writes with such love of the English language that it is pleasant just to see how he puts words together. The Civil War will never be the same after seeing it through Abel Jones' eyes.
