Through a Gold Eagle

Glynis Tryon #4

by Miriam Grace Monfredo

As the 1850s come to a close, Glynis Tryon returns to her hometown of Seneca Falls, New York, where she helps defend the celebrated abolitionist, John Brown, against politically motivated charges of counterfeiting

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Adult Fiction, Fiction, Historical

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Miriam Grace Monfredo, a former librarian and a historian, lives in Rochester, New York. This is the seventh Seneca Falls Mystery. A previous Seneca Falls Mystery, The Stalking-Horse, was chosen by the Voice of Youth Advocacy as one of 1998's best adult mysteries for young adults and received a "best" review in Library Journal's young adult section.

Reviews

[Dennis Fischman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. The history, the settings and the character of librarian and feminist Glynis Tryon keep me coming back for more. This book was partly well plotted, and the addition of Glynis’ niece Emma, a budding fashion designer and seamstress, adds new possibilities for intrigue.

I’m not sure whether the idea that the British might have funded John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry is well founded, and the author displays a bias against him, which makes me skeptical.

It’s also a little much to believe that Cullen, Jacques, a federal agent, and a British spy would all be so struck by a 41-year-old spinster who has repeatedly declared her intention to remain independent and single. (They can’t all love her as I do!)

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is compelling, growing more intimate and powerful with each book. I like that the heroine isn't a wilting violet who hides in her drawing room. Instead, she's an unmarried lady by choice who is actively helping women who have been beaten or discarded by their husbands. In those days, a woman lost all rights to her property as soon as she married. This meant that a man could marry a woman, inherit her estate including her family home upon the death of her parents, and then dessert the woman, leaving her in poverty and facing starvation for her children and herself. He could sell her family home and keep the money for his new life, and often his new love. It is while helping several of these women that the heroine stumbles across a plot so complex and so evil that she knows she has to risk everything to stop its success. Never has her life, and her heart, been more in danger.

[Sarah Morenon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't express enough how wonderful these historical novels are. The details are amazing, but even better is how important events like John Brown's raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry were developed, what sort of fellow John Brown was, personal points of view as people in Seneca Falls NY viewed the events unfolding. The characters are great. Vanessa Unger, yikes! So, Harpers Ferry is a side story, with its own trajectory, the only connection being one of the Seneca Falls characters being swayed into joining John Brown. If you haven't been to Harpers Ferry, I recommend a visit.
I'm starting Book 5 now!

[Annalinda Ragazzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

#4 in the Glynis Tryon/ Seneca Falls series and only 2 more books left. ( sob) Continuing the subtext of women's rights (`this time focused on domestic abuse and women's
shelters) and abolition ( John Brown's raid at Harper'sFerry), this book brings in the added dimension of counterfeiting.
With well chosen quotes from a variety of sources and historical notes, Monfredo combines a well written mystery novel with a history lesson. Well done.

[Sara Snarr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. It's one of a series of a murder mysteries set in Seneca Falls, NY. The spirited and independent librarian heroine meets John Brown, toys with romance, and tracks down counterfeiters in this installment. More engaging than the first 3 in the series although all are fun. This one delves a bit more deeply into history.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always like books set in New York state. I wasn't aware of what a big issue money counterfeiting was in the mid 1800's. As one can imagine, countefeiters went to great lengths not to be caught. When a small town librararian gets wind of what's going on it doesn't bode well for them.

[Beverley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction that actually teaches a few things. I am enjoying this series by Miriam Grace Monfredo.

[Lori Jacobsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the historical aspect of the pre civil war era and the upper NY state area references! I liked the independence of the women characters.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel I've visited a friend and also learned more American history. The only thing missing from this book is a bibliography (the Historical Notes are greatly appreciated).

[Leezie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as the last three!

[BeParticular · Rating 3 out of 5]

I keep reading this series because I love Monfredo's attention to detail. She paints such a rich portrait of time and place that you really get the "you are there" feeling. I also like the Glynis Tryon character and the mystery in this one is quite good. Learning about the huge counterfeit problem that existed in the U.S. during the time covered in the novel was interesting. The reason I only give it 3 stars is because Monfredo tries to cover too many story lines and it gets more than a bit distracting. That aside, it is an enjoyable read.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the others in this series, this is interesting on many levels. The characters themselves are three dimensional (for the most part - I still can't figure out the attraction to the main male in the series, other than that he is a constable and, therefore, serves the function of getting the main character close to the action) and the very human glimpse into an historical event. This book covers John Brown and Harper's Ferry in a tender way, through the eyes of John Brown's daughter, Annie.

[Jan C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was interesting on a couple of levels. Fascinating duscussion on counterfeiting money in the 1850s and how just about everybody was doing it.

Also blends in John Brown and his family and the attack on Harpers Ferry. Takes into consideration that his family was just about destitute and hopping to his every command.

[Nell · Rating 3 out of 5]

My shelves need some revamping, since I have no category for historical mysteries. I am still enjoying this series, though one wonders how long the relationship between Glynis and Cullen can go on. They're starting to bicker as if they were married, although it's understandable why Glynis doesn't want to lose the few rights and the life she leads by tying the knot.

[Diane Wachter · Rating 4 out of 5]

HB-B @ 1996, 2/99. Seneca Falls Historical Mystery, Book 4. Counterfeiting in Seneca Falls, NY in 1859; murder, antislavery, abolitionist sentiments and John Brown's uprising at Harpers Ferry Virginia. Very good.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is great; I love the historical references! However, like most murder series, they're coming quite predictible. I guess we read them for the fun of it though!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery series. Uses John Brown's daughter's diary as part of backdrop for additional insight into John Brown. Fascinating.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this series. Had to order them on-line as unable to find this author in stores, even the major bookstores.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a very surpring climax between the heroine and the villian, but was fairly ordinary otherwise.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one, too.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

About counterfeit coins and bills.
1/3 of U.S. was counterfeit $ at the time.