What do you think?
Rate this book
Abel Jones #1
Faded Coat of Blue
Veteran of Queen Victoria's wars and recent immigrant to America, Abel Jones believed he had left his days in uniform behind. Now, firmly rooted on the shores of his adopted land-where American has taken up arms against American in this most terrible of conflicts-he has signed on as a confidential agent to General George McClellan, the man touted as the savior of the Union. Within hours Jones finds himself in a dark and unexpected world, where questions lead not to answers, but to other deaths
Set against the backdrop of battles and bordellos, of the intrigues of war-time Washington and the elegant mansions of old Philadelphia, FADED COAT OF BLUE reaches behind the myths and heroics to paint a ravishing, disturbing and deeply moving portrait of the United States in the midst of our harshest trial. A determinedly moral man in a troubled age, Abel Jones triggers a drama involving greedy immigrants and impassioned patriots, vicious politicians and the greatest president the country has ever known. His investigation draws him into a web of sinister relationships that reveals a hidden side to Fowler's life and a shocking secret the youth may have died for. As a nation begins its long march into war-and as President Lincoln agonizes over the coming carnage-Abel Jones discovers that good and evil are easily intertwined, while heroes may be betrayed by those who cherished them the most.
Vividly told, rich in history and compelling authentic detail, Faded Coat of Blue is a riveting tale of crime and punishment set amid the blood and tumult of the American Civil War; a startlingly original work of fiction that introduces Abel Jones, a most unusual crime-solver, a true American hero, and a keen observer of a world on fire.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
64 people are currently reading
852 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 10, 2024
“Battle is an intoxicating thing.”
I picked up FADED COAT OF BLUE when I literally stumbled across it in the library. A mystery set in the Civil War…sure, I’ll give it a go.
What an excellent find I made!
This is one of the most historically rich and atmospheric novels I have read in a while. It feels and reads like it was written in the late 1800s. The era breathes. Author Owen Parry took pains to convey accuracy and rich atmosphere. It shows. I was immersed in the world.
Mr. Parry has created for the novel’s protagonist a recent Welsh immigrant to America, a veteran of Queen Victoria’s’ armies in India, and just an all around decent and very human man named Abel Jones. Jones is a noble man, who sees his weaknesses, who has made terrible mistakes, but is still a good principled man. His narrative voice is so Welsh in its construction, so funny in its observations, and so true to life. Jones repeats himself, has predictable patterns of speech, reveals his prejudices through the things he thinks and says, and is just so darn real I could have lifted a pint with him. If Abel Jones drank, which he does not, he “signed the pledge”. He has an immigrant’s love of America and its possibilities. I really liked him, its as simple as that.
The story takes place in 1861, in the early days of the Civil War, mostly in Washington DC. A joy of the text are remarks that characters make that are clever allusions that we who know (or should know) the coming events appreciate. The mystery in the text is an interesting one, and plausible considering the time period, but for me, it was really secondary to the excellent writing.
The novel is unflinching in its portrayals of the attitudes of the time, but it does not use them gratuitously, or in a ‘see how superior we are now’ manner. It just incorporates them as the everyday facets of the time. Without comment or notice. The author trusts the reader to know those views are not standard or correct.
Some lines I liked…there are many I could have chosen:
* “What man with a brain in his head would waste his breath on politicians?”
* “There is decency in men, and goodness, and we must never forget that.”
* “…the softness of the old and the callous brutality of the present, the drabness and the beauty so
mixed up you soon stopped trying to make sense of it all and just lived.”
* “I knew enough of their heads to know there is more in them than sense.”
* “There is a quality of fear that makes a man run toward the object of his terror.”
* “It’s a terrible thing to be without hope.”
* “Men without Faith must substitute a dream, and mad dreams there are in plenty.”
* “…but we cannot hold the Irish to the same standards we apply to civilized people.”
* “But his voice that night was full of what we men are, of loneliness and the mix of bitterness and
conviction that pushes us from one day to the next.”
* “You had to stop to see the picture whole, to feel that bigness of unspoken hopes.”
There are lots more I could choose. All I will say is that their context makes lines like these even richer.
Even the author’s afterward in this book is good reading!
FADED COAT OF BLUE is the first in a series that deal with Abel Jones and the American Civil War, and I will continue reading them. I guess that says it all.
I picked up FADED COAT OF BLUE when I literally stumbled across it in the library. A mystery set in the Civil War…sure, I’ll give it a go.
What an excellent find I made!
This is one of the most historically rich and atmospheric novels I have read in a while. It feels and reads like it was written in the late 1800s. The era breathes. Author Owen Parry took pains to convey accuracy and rich atmosphere. It shows. I was immersed in the world.
Mr. Parry has created for the novel’s protagonist a recent Welsh immigrant to America, a veteran of Queen Victoria’s’ armies in India, and just an all around decent and very human man named Abel Jones. Jones is a noble man, who sees his weaknesses, who has made terrible mistakes, but is still a good principled man. His narrative voice is so Welsh in its construction, so funny in its observations, and so true to life. Jones repeats himself, has predictable patterns of speech, reveals his prejudices through the things he thinks and says, and is just so darn real I could have lifted a pint with him. If Abel Jones drank, which he does not, he “signed the pledge”. He has an immigrant’s love of America and its possibilities. I really liked him, its as simple as that.
The story takes place in 1861, in the early days of the Civil War, mostly in Washington DC. A joy of the text are remarks that characters make that are clever allusions that we who know (or should know) the coming events appreciate. The mystery in the text is an interesting one, and plausible considering the time period, but for me, it was really secondary to the excellent writing.
The novel is unflinching in its portrayals of the attitudes of the time, but it does not use them gratuitously, or in a ‘see how superior we are now’ manner. It just incorporates them as the everyday facets of the time. Without comment or notice. The author trusts the reader to know those views are not standard or correct.
Some lines I liked…there are many I could have chosen:
* “What man with a brain in his head would waste his breath on politicians?”
* “There is decency in men, and goodness, and we must never forget that.”
* “…the softness of the old and the callous brutality of the present, the drabness and the beauty so
mixed up you soon stopped trying to make sense of it all and just lived.”
* “I knew enough of their heads to know there is more in them than sense.”
* “There is a quality of fear that makes a man run toward the object of his terror.”
* “It’s a terrible thing to be without hope.”
* “Men without Faith must substitute a dream, and mad dreams there are in plenty.”
* “…but we cannot hold the Irish to the same standards we apply to civilized people.”
* “But his voice that night was full of what we men are, of loneliness and the mix of bitterness and
conviction that pushes us from one day to the next.”
* “You had to stop to see the picture whole, to feel that bigness of unspoken hopes.”
There are lots more I could choose. All I will say is that their context makes lines like these even richer.
Even the author’s afterward in this book is good reading!
FADED COAT OF BLUE is the first in a series that deal with Abel Jones and the American Civil War, and I will continue reading them. I guess that says it all.
October 17, 2012
At first I commended the author on how well he mimicked the prejudices and small mindedness of the average 19th Century person. Then I found out who he is in real life and realized that those are his actual opinions today and it's no great stretch. Books are still entertaining, though. He's a talented writer.
But don't BUY them if you're a liberal. Get them from the library. You don't want your money going to this Fox News contributor who has vilified captured servicemen in uniform, called for the boundaries of the Middle East to be redrawn and for the political assassination of Julian Assange.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Pe...
But don't BUY them if you're a liberal. Get them from the library. You don't want your money going to this Fox News contributor who has vilified captured servicemen in uniform, called for the boundaries of the Middle East to be redrawn and for the political assassination of Julian Assange.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Pe...
April 16, 2019
I really enjoyed the style or writing, the speech pattern of the characters and even the plot, until the final 40 or 50 pages that is. The end of the book read like a script from a bad '70s cop movie, a needlessly long and unbelievable chase sequence. Worse than the showdown with the culprit was the wrap-up secret meeting with a very important person. Until that point I thought I'd found a new (for me) series to read but after that ridiculous ending I'm thinking this might be my first and last Abel Jones book.
September 1, 2016
Enjoyed this Civil-war mystery. Clearly the best part for me was the voice of the 1st POV narrator and main character. The author has created a delightful character in Abel Jones. I would have enjoyed it even if he were reciting a recipe for ham and beans.
to-read-owned
October 4, 2017I've read the first four of these, but apparently longer ago than I have kept track on Goodreads, so I must reread them!
Abel Jones series:
#1 Faded Coat of Blue
#2 Shadows of Glory
#3 Call Each River Jordan
#4 Honor's Kingdom
#5 Bold Sons of Erin
#6 Rebels of Babylon
Abel Jones series:
#1 Faded Coat of Blue
#2 Shadows of Glory
#3 Call Each River Jordan
#4 Honor's Kingdom
#5 Bold Sons of Erin
#6 Rebels of Babylon
March 20, 2019
This is a Civil War mystery set in the fall of 1861 as the Union army tries to regroup after the defeat in first Bull Run. The protagonist is a Union captain who was wounded at Bull Run and can no longer fight. He finds a job as a clerk and later is tasked by General McClellan to solve the murder of a young man. During his adventures he get to see Philadephia and Washington DC both the scenes of wealth and utter degradation. This is the first in a series where he will become a problem solver for Lincoln, and it often felt much of the material was really setting up future volumes. I am undecided whether to continue with the series.
April 6, 2014
I found this book at Goodwill for $1.00 and it looked interesting, so what could I lose? Absoltuly noting. Parry has a keen eye for detail and extensive knowledge of the Civil War. And language. I'm sure he's a fan of Miss Ravenel's Conversion, one of my all-time favorite books written just post-Civil War. Anyway, it's a great mystery, I felt like I was in Civil War Washington. I plan to read more in the series.
September 1, 2014
I'm usually not a fan of mysteries, however, I loved this mystery set in the civil war era. The protagonist, Abel Jones, is such a humble and likeable guy. I can't wait to read more books by Owen Parry.
June 13, 2020
What a rollicking, fascinating murder mystery set at the beginning of the Civil War in Washington, DC and Philadelphia. In this first in a series, we are introduced to Welshman Abel Jones, a recent immigrant to the US, after fighting wars in India for the British. He is on the Union side in this war, but after being severely injured at Manassas, he has a desk job overseeing the purchase and distribution of coats and other necessary outerwear for the Union Army.
Jones comes to the attention of newly appointed General McClellan, to look into the suspicious killing of a young Union soldier, who was also a strong abolitionist. Jones investigations, even though he is not a professional policeman, exposes him to the underbelly of war, especially this one. He uncovers massive corruption and fraud, going back to high levels, and of course is then instructed to keep what he discovers quiet.
Parry, a pseudonym for Ralph Peters, does an admirable job of describing what DC and Philadelphia were like during the early days of the war. And his bringing in real historical characters at the right moment, adds to the believability and accuracy of this tale. The only thing that was a little jarring was Captain Abel Jones’ prejudices against other people, which I guess was normal for the times but still a little jarring to hear him diminish other cultures.
Overall, a good book and I look forward to reading more about Abel Jones.
Jones comes to the attention of newly appointed General McClellan, to look into the suspicious killing of a young Union soldier, who was also a strong abolitionist. Jones investigations, even though he is not a professional policeman, exposes him to the underbelly of war, especially this one. He uncovers massive corruption and fraud, going back to high levels, and of course is then instructed to keep what he discovers quiet.
Parry, a pseudonym for Ralph Peters, does an admirable job of describing what DC and Philadelphia were like during the early days of the war. And his bringing in real historical characters at the right moment, adds to the believability and accuracy of this tale. The only thing that was a little jarring was Captain Abel Jones’ prejudices against other people, which I guess was normal for the times but still a little jarring to hear him diminish other cultures.
Overall, a good book and I look forward to reading more about Abel Jones.
February 29, 2024
A Civil War mystery
I love period mysteries and am a huge fan of the Civil. I read the books by Michael Killian and have been searching for more. This one was written in 1st person and the narrator was of Welsh background. It was difficult to get through some of the narrator's personal beliefs and as to how these are relevant. However, the mysterious murder he had to solve was very well defined and twisted every direction. The suspects were plentiful, each with their own story. The conclusion was at first unsatisfying and then it was "OMG". Definitely will read the next in the series. A 4.6 out of 5 rating.
I love period mysteries and am a huge fan of the Civil. I read the books by Michael Killian and have been searching for more. This one was written in 1st person and the narrator was of Welsh background. It was difficult to get through some of the narrator's personal beliefs and as to how these are relevant. However, the mysterious murder he had to solve was very well defined and twisted every direction. The suspects were plentiful, each with their own story. The conclusion was at first unsatisfying and then it was "OMG". Definitely will read the next in the series. A 4.6 out of 5 rating.
December 31, 2020
Abel Jones is a Welsh ex-soldier who emigrated to the US and ended up enlisting for the Union during the Civil War. When a charming young abolitionist is killed, General McClellan asks Jones to investigate. I loved the setting towards the beginning of the Civil War, the gritty details of the soldiers' lives and the streets of Washington, and the mystery itself wasn't half bad. The narrator's voice is well written with all the prejudices and beliefs that a man like that would have had. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series!
December 22, 2022
This book is the first in a series about Welshman Abel Jones, a veteran of Queen Victoria's wars and a recent immigrant to America, He finds himself in yet anotherr was as the Civil War unfolds. He is an agent for General George McClellan.
Intigue abounds in the North, particularly Washington and Philadelphia. Jones' investigation of a young man's death draws him into a web of sinister relationships that reveals a hidden side to the youth's life and a shocking secret he may have died for. This is a great period piece mystery series, good until the next to last book.
Intigue abounds in the North, particularly Washington and Philadelphia. Jones' investigation of a young man's death draws him into a web of sinister relationships that reveals a hidden side to the youth's life and a shocking secret he may have died for. This is a great period piece mystery series, good until the next to last book.
September 25, 2023
This was a surprisingly fun book. I found this author on Apple’s iBooks library. He’s written a series of civil war stories (the battle hymn cycle) which were quite good. Having finished them, I didn’t see any of his other books as appealing. So I took a several year break from him. Then, I went back and picked through his stuff again and found this.
I was skeptical: a Scotsman turned American civil war vet becomes a detective for the Union. But, the protagonist is a likable, fun, character. His disdain for the English, French, Irish….pretty much everyone except his wife, comes out in outrageous opinions and quotes. And his wife is a real character in her own right.
This, his first mystery, is good.
I’m a fan…I’ll try another.
Read on iPad
Note: Owen Parry (author of this book) is a pseudonym for Ralph Peters (author of the civil war books previously mentioned).
I was skeptical: a Scotsman turned American civil war vet becomes a detective for the Union. But, the protagonist is a likable, fun, character. His disdain for the English, French, Irish….pretty much everyone except his wife, comes out in outrageous opinions and quotes. And his wife is a real character in her own right.
This, his first mystery, is good.
I’m a fan…I’ll try another.
Read on iPad
Note: Owen Parry (author of this book) is a pseudonym for Ralph Peters (author of the civil war books previously mentioned).
February 14, 2021
A marvelous novel. Owen Parry (really Ralph Peters) is a master story teller. This Civil War mystery was the first of a half dozen mystery novels of the "Abel Jones" series. All books of the series were wonderful.
June 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this. Abel's voice is clear and amusing, and he doesn't feel wildly anachronistic, just stubborn and naive. I usually hate when narrators tell me about something that will happen later, but it felt appropriate here so I'll let it bide.
December 17, 2016
Struggled through 2/3 of this but truth be told, I do not care who killed the young officer and have grown weary of the protagonist's voice.
December 17, 2018
This was a slow read to me at first however the last 100 pages were amazing! The writing was very detailed and the story line played out well.
February 17, 2019
really enjoyed this civil war murder mystery, I certainly want to follow further exploits of cap jones and the gang
March 21, 2022
The first in the series of entertaining mysteries set in the period of the American Civil War.
June 7, 2022
Those who enjoy historical fiction and spy/mystery novels will enjoy this one—especially if you are keen to place your imagination in Civil War era America.
January 5, 2024
An easy read & a real page-turner. I'll read book 2 of the series soon.
January 22, 2025
2.5- interesting mystery set during the beginning of the Civil War. Writing is a bit over done- too descriptive.
January 5, 2009
This book hit the bestseller list quite quickly, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a great historical mystery, and those seem to be all the rage now. This first of two novels featuring Abel Jones, a captain of volunteers in the Union Army, is set during the early part of the Civil War. Jones has been asked by General McClellan to investigate the death of Anthony Fowler, a well-known abolitionist, son of a prominent Philadelphia family. Jones soon discovers that Fowler’s death-- he was found shot close to the Union lines, and the first assumption was he was killed by a sentry in error-- was murder. Fowler had not been killed where he was found, and he had been shot with a pistol. Abel Jones is a very interesting character. Born in Wales to a very poor family, he is sent to live with a reverend who beats him regularly, but he falls in love with the minister’s daughter, Mary MyFanwy. He takes assorted jobs, but when the two are seen innocently kissing, Mary is sent away and Abel is so distraught he joins the British army. He is sent to India where the natives are being put down with horrible violence, especially after the mutiny, and when Abel is ordered to use several prisoners for bayonet instruction he just can’t go on and refuses to fight any more. Sent back to England, he finds Mary and they emigrate to Pennsylvania where they hope rumors of his mutinous behavior won’t follow, and he assumes he won’t have to fight again.
Unfortunately, the Civil War erupts and, taking pity on a group of volunteers who clearly know absolutely nothing of military maneuvering, he winds up as a captain of volunteers. Parry’s description of Abel’s company at Bull Run is astonishing authentic. It reminded me of Stephen Crane’s Red Badge of Courage capturing the chaos of battle. His company manages to hold until a fleeing battery of union artillery overrun their line and Abel is trampled by panicked horses pulling a cannon. His leg is broken and does not heel properly, and that’s how he winds up doing administrative duty in Washington and is picked by McClellan for the investigation into Fowler’s murder. McClellan doesn’t realize the tenacious nature of Jones, who is soon poking about in business the general would perhaps leave covered up.
Jones goes undercover in the War Department and unearths a mountain of fraud, seemingly unrelated to Fowler’s murder, but inevitably pieces begin to fall into place and Jones is warned off. Parry has done his homework, and the book concludes with a bibliographical and historical essay --always very welcome in a novel that purports to recreate historical events. Parry explains just which episodes were changed chronologically. Obviously, the tête-à-tête with Lincoln at the end never occurred, and seems unlikely even in the context of the story. One does get a very strong sense of what it was like to live in Washington during the early Civil War: not nice. Immigrants were held in considerable disrepute and constantly brutalized. A large majority were inducted into the military, and many died before they mastered English. Prostitution, illness (particularly typhoid) and wartime corruption were endemic, and fortunes were made quickly at the expense of many. A good story and welcome leavening of the American myth. There is a sequel that, contrary to the note at the end of Faded Coat of Blue, is not titled The Vacant Chair. An editor must have preferred Shadows of Glory
Update: It’s my understanding that this series has been discontinued by the publisher.
Unfortunately, the Civil War erupts and, taking pity on a group of volunteers who clearly know absolutely nothing of military maneuvering, he winds up as a captain of volunteers. Parry’s description of Abel’s company at Bull Run is astonishing authentic. It reminded me of Stephen Crane’s Red Badge of Courage capturing the chaos of battle. His company manages to hold until a fleeing battery of union artillery overrun their line and Abel is trampled by panicked horses pulling a cannon. His leg is broken and does not heel properly, and that’s how he winds up doing administrative duty in Washington and is picked by McClellan for the investigation into Fowler’s murder. McClellan doesn’t realize the tenacious nature of Jones, who is soon poking about in business the general would perhaps leave covered up.
Jones goes undercover in the War Department and unearths a mountain of fraud, seemingly unrelated to Fowler’s murder, but inevitably pieces begin to fall into place and Jones is warned off. Parry has done his homework, and the book concludes with a bibliographical and historical essay --always very welcome in a novel that purports to recreate historical events. Parry explains just which episodes were changed chronologically. Obviously, the tête-à-tête with Lincoln at the end never occurred, and seems unlikely even in the context of the story. One does get a very strong sense of what it was like to live in Washington during the early Civil War: not nice. Immigrants were held in considerable disrepute and constantly brutalized. A large majority were inducted into the military, and many died before they mastered English. Prostitution, illness (particularly typhoid) and wartime corruption were endemic, and fortunes were made quickly at the expense of many. A good story and welcome leavening of the American myth. There is a sequel that, contrary to the note at the end of Faded Coat of Blue, is not titled The Vacant Chair. An editor must have preferred Shadows of Glory
Update: It’s my understanding that this series has been discontinued by the publisher.
March 9, 2017
amazing combination of creative writing and erudition, outstanding read!
Currently reading
June 14, 2012In the beginning of the book "Faded Coat of Blue", there was a murder at a training camp and the body of a man named Anthony Fowler was found. Next the story switches to a man named Captain Abel Jones of the Volunteer army. Many people respect this man. He soon found out in the newspaper about the young Fowler's death “the golden youth”. Abel was soon called on by General McClellan to investigate the murder. Now he is first going to meet the mother of Anthony Fowler who lives in Philadelphia. She is an interesting character. Her name is Letitia Fowler and she is a completely a god fearing character. But the information that she gave was not useful. Abel feels likes he's getting known where so he decides to go to where the body was found. As he is doing all of this he sees corruption in the people he's supposed to trust (Mr. Cawber). Any way at the camp he meets a colonel who felt extremely guilty for the death of Fowler. "It was a foul and disorderly camp". He goes around and ask question but only gets small details of the night. But luckily he meets Dr. Tyrone to find out that the body was moved, they know this because there was no blood found at that scene where the body was located. Abel goes to report to the General but the General decides that his reports should be kept secret. The General was trying to keep the inquiry in the “family” instead of going to the police. And on the information that Abel has given the General it has been decided that it was a murder. He get sent to Fowler's work place. Mislead Abel thinks it Mr. Cawber who had been stealing money from the military, but it turned out that it wasn't true. Luckily he had some interesting information about the Fowler family and was later enlisted to help with Abel's mission. Deceit is being seen everywhere. It turns out that the mother knew all along about the way her son had died and hid it from Abel. It seems as though it was really a man called Trenchard, who killed young Fowler because of pride. Anthony was about to marry a colored girl and they he didn't like that, said a man called Livingston. To keep this a secret Livingston shot himself in the head. Tracking down Trenchard but a confrontation arises and he gets away. Then he meet's Lincoln and he gets enlisted to be a secret agent of some sort for him to make the country better.
This was an interesting book full of detail and strong language. Throughout the book all I saw was suspense and the actual things that happened during the war. I would only recommend this book to people who like history though.
This was an interesting book full of detail and strong language. Throughout the book all I saw was suspense and the actual things that happened during the war. I would only recommend this book to people who like history though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2013
Faded Coat of Blue by Owen Parry/Ralph Peters was recommended to me by a friend and he wasn't wrong about it. It's a fast paced read with lots of twists and turns. I like historical fiction because it provides details of eras that the reader may not know all that much about. This tale is during the Civil War and I think the author did a good job of catching the flavor of the time period. I had no idea that corruption then was so widepread and rampant, so some of what I found contained within the book's covers was shocking.
The story is about Captain Abel Jones, a Welsh immigrant and his tenacious sense of duty and honor. He must solve the mysterious murder of a young man named Anthony Fowler. Fowler was from a well-heeled Philadelphia family filled with its own dark secrets. Young Fowler was not only an abolitionist, but an extreme activist who traveled the countryside preaching about it to the Northern masses who turned out to listen to his kind of gospel. He was a handsome and appealing character who was adored, especially by women, so when he was found shot to death it created quite a stir. It also threatened to become a big problem for the Union because the crime was not easily pinned on the Rebels. Captain Jones was chosen to investigate the murder by General George McClellen, who, in fact, hoped Jones was too stupid to solve the case.
This author is a good story teller and he did well developing his characters. In a few spots, I thought he got a little ahead of himself, but overall, it was wonderful reading. The ending was surprising,too.
I highly recommend this one.
The story is about Captain Abel Jones, a Welsh immigrant and his tenacious sense of duty and honor. He must solve the mysterious murder of a young man named Anthony Fowler. Fowler was from a well-heeled Philadelphia family filled with its own dark secrets. Young Fowler was not only an abolitionist, but an extreme activist who traveled the countryside preaching about it to the Northern masses who turned out to listen to his kind of gospel. He was a handsome and appealing character who was adored, especially by women, so when he was found shot to death it created quite a stir. It also threatened to become a big problem for the Union because the crime was not easily pinned on the Rebels. Captain Jones was chosen to investigate the murder by General George McClellen, who, in fact, hoped Jones was too stupid to solve the case.
This author is a good story teller and he did well developing his characters. In a few spots, I thought he got a little ahead of himself, but overall, it was wonderful reading. The ending was surprising,too.
I highly recommend this one.
December 24, 2014
This is a page turning work of fiction by Ralph Peters written under his pen name, Owen Parry. A golden boy of the Union Anthony Fowler, has been murdered. He was a volunteer captain and a famed abolitionist. He was found, deceased, along the picket lines outside of Washington leading everyone to believe it was a southern assassin. It is up to the hero of the story, Captain Abel Jones, to discern the truth. His pursuit of justice takes him from Washington to Pottsville where he interacts with a host of characters, some straight out of our history books. The plot twists and turns and you are guessing until the last page.
I picked up this book because I really enjoyed Ralph Peters’ books, “Cain at Gettysburg” and “Hell or Richmond”. Both are hard hitting stories about battles in the Civil War and I had assumed that this was also about the battles. Although it does tell of the Battle of Bull Run, it is primarily a mystery set in early 1861. It is a well written, who done it filled with facts from that time era. It is historically correct and when he deviates from history, he notes this at the end of the book.
I highly recommend this. It is one in a series of six books and because I found it so enjoyable, I will be reviewing the other five eventually. Mr. Peters is a master at telling a great story woven around the historical events of that time period. For anyone who enjoys historical fiction set in the Civil War era, these are must read books.
I picked up this book because I really enjoyed Ralph Peters’ books, “Cain at Gettysburg” and “Hell or Richmond”. Both are hard hitting stories about battles in the Civil War and I had assumed that this was also about the battles. Although it does tell of the Battle of Bull Run, it is primarily a mystery set in early 1861. It is a well written, who done it filled with facts from that time era. It is historically correct and when he deviates from history, he notes this at the end of the book.
I highly recommend this. It is one in a series of six books and because I found it so enjoyable, I will be reviewing the other five eventually. Mr. Peters is a master at telling a great story woven around the historical events of that time period. For anyone who enjoys historical fiction set in the Civil War era, these are must read books.
June 26, 2013
NOTE: others will have provided a summary of the story.
For me, it was a combination of interesting characters and twisting plots all painted on a wonderful canvas of 1861 America. The sights, the sounds, the smells - what a wonderful job. The author Owen Parry puts you right there!
I will admit I am a little biased because I'm part Welsh (the protagonist Capt Abel Jones is originally from Wales). Love the Welsh dialect the Parry uses.
Also his new American home is in Pottsville, PA - home of the famous Yuengling & Son Brewery - I've had a few of those as I drove south for my Civil War reenactments. Unfortunately Capt Jones has taken the pledge - no alcohol for him (more for us!) By the way the brewery opened in 1829 - it had been in operation 32 years by the time of the story.
You combine all of this with a really good mystery and you have, in my humble opinion, an exciting story.
I was very pleased and have ordered up the rest of the Able Jones novels..
For me, it was a combination of interesting characters and twisting plots all painted on a wonderful canvas of 1861 America. The sights, the sounds, the smells - what a wonderful job. The author Owen Parry puts you right there!
I will admit I am a little biased because I'm part Welsh (the protagonist Capt Abel Jones is originally from Wales). Love the Welsh dialect the Parry uses.
Also his new American home is in Pottsville, PA - home of the famous Yuengling & Son Brewery - I've had a few of those as I drove south for my Civil War reenactments. Unfortunately Capt Jones has taken the pledge - no alcohol for him (more for us!) By the way the brewery opened in 1829 - it had been in operation 32 years by the time of the story.
You combine all of this with a really good mystery and you have, in my humble opinion, an exciting story.
I was very pleased and have ordered up the rest of the Able Jones novels..
January 26, 2016
Owen Parry in Faded Coat of Blue introduces the reader to Captain Abel Jones a recent immigrant from Wales who serves his new country during the civil war as a way of to express his gratitude. Although injured he continues to work as a clerk until General McClellan asks him to investigate the murder of a prominent young abolitionist.
We find Washington D.C. during this time to be a seedy, dirty place where schemers are profiting from the war. At this time there are already dangerous areas of the city which the solid citizen should avoid to remain healthy, wealthy and alive.
Characters in this book are interesting and well defined. Jones is a man who believes strongly in honor. He befriends Dr. Mick Tyrone, another man of integrity and meets up again with an old comrade from India Jimmy Molloy, a roguish sort who will delight the reader
This is an entertaining read and a good historical mystery for those who are fond of the genre.
We find Washington D.C. during this time to be a seedy, dirty place where schemers are profiting from the war. At this time there are already dangerous areas of the city which the solid citizen should avoid to remain healthy, wealthy and alive.
Characters in this book are interesting and well defined. Jones is a man who believes strongly in honor. He befriends Dr. Mick Tyrone, another man of integrity and meets up again with an old comrade from India Jimmy Molloy, a roguish sort who will delight the reader
This is an entertaining read and a good historical mystery for those who are fond of the genre.
February 12, 2012
One of my favorite political commentators and authors is Lt. Col. Ralph Peters. His commentary on world events is always spot-on and I read everything I can from him. He also happens to be the fiction writer, Owen Parry. Having just read the first in Parry's (Peters') Abel Jones mysteries I have to say that his historical fiction is just as good as his current events books. This book---as do all the Abel Jones books---take place during the time around the Civil War. Parry has managed to really capture the nuances of the day. The book just drips with authenticity for this time period. It's obvious that he in an incredible student of the history of this period.
What a great book! Very well-written and the story is very engaging. I have the other books in this series sitting on my nightstand. I will be getting to them soon.
What a great book! Very well-written and the story is very engaging. I have the other books in this series sitting on my nightstand. I will be getting to them soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews