Death and Hard Cider
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- USD 9.99
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- USD 9.99
Descripción editorial
Musician, sleuth and free man of color Benjamin January gets mixed in politics, with murderous results.
"The historical backdrop is vivid, and the writing is exquisite. One of the best in a not-to-be-missed series" - Booklist Starred Review
September, 1840. A giant rally is being planned in New Orleans to stir up support for presidential candidate William Henry Harrison: the Indian-killing, hard-cider-drinking, wannabe "people's president". Trained surgeon turned piano-player Benjamin January has little use for politicians. But the run-up to the rally is packed with balls and dinner parties, and the meagre pay is sorely needed.
Soon, however, January has more to worry about than keeping his beloved family fed and safe. During an elegant reception thrown by New Orleans' local Whig notables, the son of a prominent politician gets into a fist-fight with a rival over beautiful young flirt Marie-Joyeuse Maginot - and, the day after the rally is over, Marie-Joyeuse turns up dead. The only black person amongst the initial suspects is arrested immediately: January's dear friend, Catherine Clisson.
With Catherine's life on the line, January is determined to uncover the truth and prove her innocence. But his adversaries are powerful politicians, and the clock is ticking . . .
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Set in 1840, Hambly's superb 19th mystery featuring free Black surgeon and musician Benjamin January (after 2021's House of the Patriarch) unfolds in New Orleans during the presidential campaign between Whig William Henry Harrison and the Democratic incumbent, Martin Van Buren. January and his small orchestra play for both sides' cider-fueled rallies, allowing him to witness political and romantic chicanery. Senator Henry Clay is in town to support Harrison, along with his 23-year-old son, James. Though James is already engaged to the daughter of the wealthiest man in Kentucky, he flirts with 16-year-old Marie-Joyeuse Maginot, a prominent Democratic planter's daughter, who's already adept at inflaming duels between young fools smitten with her. When Marie-Joyeuse is found shot to death, January and his white policeman friend, Abishag Shaw, investigate. Could the senator, as some believe, have killed the girl to prevent his son from marrying her? Hambly dramatically juxtaposes January's bitter anger at the injustices inflicted upon enslaved people with the love he feels for his family and friends. This masterly portrayal of smoldering racial tensions deserves a wide readership.
