These Honored Dead
A Lincoln and Speed Mystery
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- $20.99
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- $20.99
Publisher Description
Inspired by actual events from the American frontier, Jonathan Putnam's thrilling debut brings renewed verve and vigor to the historical mystery genre, perfect for readers of Caleb Carr's The Alienist.
Joshua Speed, the enterprising second son of a wealthy plantation owner, has struck off on his own. But before long, he makes a surprising and crucial new acquaintance—a freshly minted lawyer by the name of Abraham Lincoln.
When an orphaned girl from a neighboring town is found murdered and suspicion falls on her aunt, Speed makes it his mission to clear her good name. Of course, he'll need the legal expertise of his unusual new friend. Together, Lincoln and Speed fight to bring justice to their small town. But as more bodies are discovered and the investigation starts to come apart at the seams, there's one question on everyone's lips: does Lincoln have what it takes to crack his first murder case?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Trial lawyer Putnam's well-researched first novel, a series launch, does a fine job presenting a recognizable young Abraham Lincoln. In 1837, Lincoln moves to Springfield, Ill., where he finds lodging with merchant Joshua Speed, a historical figure, who was to become one of the future president's best friends. Despite their closeness, Speed conceals from Lincoln his recent affair with Rebecca Harriman, who runs a general store in a nearby town, a relationship that she broke off two months earlier to forestall gossip that could harm her business. Rebecca reenters Speed's life unexpectedly when her teenage niece, Lilly Walker, is stabbed to death in her barn, a tragedy that she delayed reporting to the authorities for some reason. Two more murders follow, apparently connected. Convinced of the prime suspect's innocence, Lincoln takes up the man's defense, despite the lack of time to prepare his case and to gather exonerating evidence. The courtroom scenes are nicely dramatic, and the final reveal a plausible surprise.
