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Overview
Harrison Grenville Raines was born and raised on a Virginia plantation, but he does not share his family's sentiments on slavery - or war. Now, making his home in Washington City, Harrison earns his living as a gambler, horse trader, and investor - and avoids the politics that are dividing a nation." "British actress Caitlin Howard asks Harrison to escort her to the Manassas battlefield to witness the first clash between the Blue and the Gray, which ends in a Confederate victory... A Northern major, thought to have been killed fleeing the Rebels in cowardice, was in fact murdered - and Harrison was one of the last people to see him alive. To satisfy the major's widow, Harrison is pressed into service to solve the crime and clear the officer's name. And crossing the battle lines between North and South to gather clues will place Harrison's own life in jeopardy as he tries to catch a murderer while war rages around him...Editorials
Tracey Bromberg
Michael Killian, writer of the Dick Tracy comic strip, has come up with the idea of a mystery series centering on the major battles of the civil war and Murder at Manassas is the first entry. The story line is strong and the research is impeccable so this is bound to please fans of mysteries and historical novels as well.— Romantic Times
Publishers Weekly -
The first battle of the Civil War provides background and theme for this debut novel in a projected series that will combine mystery with the history of the period. Southern-bred gambler and horse trader Harrison Raines provides reluctant escort for an actress friend from Washington who wishes to observe the fighting at Manassas. Instead of the quick, decisive Union victory expected, however, there comes a panicky retreat, then rout, of federal forces. As the escaping troops overtake the observers, Harry watches a yellow-haired officer valiantly try to stem the retreat and rally the soldiers. Later he learns that the same officer has been slain and is being branded a coward who led the retreat. The convolutions of the plot, as Harry's efforts are enlisted, preempted and resisted by various interests concerned with the officer's death, allow Kilian to introduce a slew of historical figures from Clara Barton to Abraham Lincoln. Some, like Allan Pinkerton, play large roles; others, such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, make cameo appearances. The plot strains as it navigates some very strange turns, and the narrative never seems to find a pace it's comfortable with. Perhaps like the federal troops who wilted in the first combat, Kilian will rally to more valiant efforts in future battles. Meanwhile, Ann McMillan's Civil War series (Angel Trumpet, etc.) remains a better bet for those who like their mysteries colored in blue and grey. (Jan.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.KLIATT
Harrison Raines, born in the South and raised on a plantation, does not share his family's views on slavery. Hoping to avoid the Civil War, he goes back and forth from the South to the North, making his living as a gambler. When an actress asks him to escort her to the Battle of Bull Run, he finds a Confederate victory but also gets involved in a mystery about a Northern general who is shot on the battlefield. It is assumed that he was a coward fleeing the action, but Raines thinks it was a murder and sets out to prove it. There are many interesting historical people featured—President Lincoln; nurse Clara Barton; photographer Matthew Brady—who add to the story and the history of the war. History buffs will enjoy this mystery series planned to be set battle by battle in the Civil War. (A Harrison Raines Civil War Mystery). KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2000, Berkley, 306p, 18cm, $5.99. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Barbara Jo McKee; Libn/Media Dir., Streetsboro H.S., Stow, OH January 2001 (Vol. 35 No. 1)Book Details
Published
November 1, 2000
Publisher
Berkley Publishing Group
Pages
320
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780425177433