Kalorama Shakedown

The Harry Reese Mysteries #3

by Robert Bruce Stewart

Boodlers, and pikers, and slyboots… oh my! It’s December 1901, when the paths of three of the era’s notable characters cross in the nation’s capital: the Wizard of Oz, the Countess von Schnurrenberger und Kesselheim, and Harry Reese, insurance investigator. Harry has come to Washington in order to solve a string of jewelry thefts. But first he must match wits with a throng of thirsty newspapermen, a pack of rapacious lobbyists, and a young devotee of the Wizard’s. And as is usual, his dear wife Emmie has her own agenda.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Amazon, Cozy Mystery, Ebooks

ebook

First published June 13, 2013

About the author

Finding himself misplaced in the 21st century, Robert Bruce Stewart has opted to retire to what he hopes will be a more congenial era for a person of his sensibilities by means of fiction writing. Meanwhile, his temporal self lives with his wife and cat in a small-town hermitage in western Massachusetts where he spends his idle hours tending to the needs of tadpoles and keeping his ill-mannered bamboo grove in check.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Having read 'Crossings' (also part of The Harry Reese Mysteries), I was eager to see if the author could maintain that same level of satirical humour and suspense. Well Mr Stewart you've done that in spades! It was so entertaining.

The year is 1901 and Harry (an insurance investigator) and his sidekick Emmie, investigate a mystery involving precious jewellery thefts and murder, and (as usual) there were a lot of suspects, but I was kept guessing right up until the end, and I think that's a skill in itself.

I have quickly become a fan of Harry and Emmie, I love the historical setting, the humour, and the fact that the culprits aren't quite so obvious. Look forward to future mysteries.

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*This hasn't influenced my thoughts in any way.

[Aisling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure pleasure. Hard to believe that a book about an insurance investigator would be captivating but this one is. Harry Reece and his wife Emmie--who have a wonderful entertaining relationship--go to Washington in 1901 to investigate jewelry thefts. The mysteries to be solved include not only the honesty of the insurance claims, but also murder and blackmail. The author does an excellent job of making a complex mystery unravel logically and in a satisfying manner. But there is also a lot of laugh out loud humor and a lot of cleverness in the writing (really--this is up there with Wodehouse in my mind for the wit and intelligence in word choice and humor). And if that wasn't enough, the author does a smashing job of portraying turn of the century Washington, race relations and a few subplots. This was thoroughly enjoyable and I will be getting the rest in the series!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book was set at the turn of the century it is sadly still true of the powers that be in Washington today. For a country that has made so many advancements in the last one hundred years we seem to still be stuck in a mire of corruption that is committed by those who are supposed to protect and lead us.

[Cheryl Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Kalorama Shakedown' is the wonderful third installment of the Harry Reese Mysteries and the second one I received from the author after entering the Goodreads First Reads contests. I will confess, I have become an unabashed fan! This series is getting better and better.

Married sleuths, Harry and Emmie Reese, move the action to turn-of-the-last-century Washington D.C., where Harry is investigating several jewel thefts. Emmie meets up once again with her beautiful and fascinating friend, Elizabeth, and it becomes clear that, as usual, Emmie has her own agenda. Elizabeth, it seems, recently entered the employ of a Countess rumored to have sticky fingers. Of course, eventually, there are also murders to solve, and Emmie is all over it.

I really can't overstate the rather amazing juggling act Stewart pulls of in these mysteries. The utterly sophisticated and unique relationship between Harry and Emmie is often confounding to the reader without losing its wit or fascination. The secondary characters always ring true and often seem interesting independent of the story, which is fitting in a novel where everyone has an agenda. The period setting and details are informed and transporting without ever being heavy-handed.

As I said, this series is getting better with each installment, and I hope there will be new Harry Reese Mysteries for years to come!

[Debbie Carnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical mysteries, Kalorama Shakedown is set in Washington, DC in 1901. It has great detail into what life was like then and the characters are charming and full of life.

This book goes one step further then just a historical mystery, it has a lot of great dry humor to round it out.

Great book, a must read.

[Diana Eberhardt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, just a little too lightweight for my taste.

[Patricia Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love good writing and great research, just two reasons why I am enchanted by this adventure of Harry Reese, insurance fraud investigator and his wife Emmie. At the turn of the century..er, the 1900's.. Harry is in Washington D.C. investigating a multitude of jewelry thefts. To Emmie's delight, murder, blackmail, political intrigue are added to his investigation. Another factor in my enjoyment of this writer is the subtle and not so subtle thread of humor that he sprinkles in Harry's narration of events. From his discussion of Emmie as his 'secretary' in the beginning of the book " Hardly trained at all, she was just released from the reformatory a few weeks ago. They do their best, of course , but.... " to statements about the political system "they give the poor man his vote..they have to go to the bother of taking it way from him again..They let the poor man have a say in who gets sent to Washington, but then corrupt the fellow the moment he gets off the train. A good number come pre corrupted...etc.", humor is woven in intricate detail. Sometimes I would read and go back , mentally saying to myself "DID I read what Harry just said???" and then mentally saying to myself "OH MY he could be investigating D.C.today and make identical remarks that would be ever so applicable. " Harry does solve the thefts, blackmail, the murders but only after you have been led to a very clever solution which may or may not be the solution...

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

1901, Washington, DC. Elizabeth is now a secretary for Countess von Schnurrenberger.
Brooklyn, NY. Emmie McGinnis & Harry Reese were working on some burglary cases.
The victims were: George Easterly, Senator William Merrill & General Thomas Sachs (Sachs & Leutz military equip.).
Julius Chappelle (colored) operates an employment office that employed the 3-colored help to for the individuals.
Could he be the culprit?

Will Emmie & Harry solve the burglary mysteries?
Fabulous old time mystery book.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Street Car Mysteries; Autographed; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was written in an "old style". The banter between the husband and wife was amusing, and reminded me of the old Burns & Allen shows I've seen. It seems the wife always got the better of the husband, somehow.
Burglaries of a similar nature had the insurance investigator husband snooping around and his wife came along, because, apparently, she's good at these things. (?)
It all became a bit confusing at times, and if I wasn't paying close attention, I'd have to go back to see who said something, or who just left the room, things like that.
Anyway, it was a good enough story and it seemed he kept to the 1910-ish date and things available, and not, pretty well.

[Argum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Harry is still dealing with Emmie's antics. This time she has found a jewel thief. Her old friend Elizabeth has become secretary to a Countess, a diplomat's wife stationed in DC. Oh that Countess just happens to be the Madame B from the jewel thief manual Harry wrote. So when Emmie invents a friend to visit in DC Harry is justifiably worried. A bunch of threads combine in quite a rollicking tale. Emmie is quite a woman who only maybe is insane. Enjoy this series but less for the mystery and more for the oh my what next.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book of Insurance investigator Harry Reese and his wife Emmie are trying to discover why three robberies in Washington DC. Seem so similar. They discover a world of Oz and a lot of deception. Interesting book.

[Olatz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had an appealing premise and a great sense of humor, but I struggled with the writing style, finding it a bit challenging to follow. The plot became overly complex, and the ending was just okay. Perhaps my expectations were too high.

[Debbe May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming book

Sometimes the terminology of the time period was jarring but accurate. Cleverly written, will be a challenge for the author to keep up with his main female character.

[Bob Blanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are a lot of fun.

[Carolyn Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read, but confusing at times. Don't snooze or you'll lose track of the characters and their scams

[Douglas Fugate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light entertainment. A bit of confusing wrap-up at the end.

[Cate's Book Nut Hut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written with more than a discreet nod at Hammett and a dash of P.G. Wodehouse this novel, the third in a series, is a great and engrossing little read. It is a mystery, with more than a little satire and three murders thrown in for good measure. Also, like its two predecessors it is completely able to stand firmly on its own merits.

Our main protagonist is the man the series is named after, and with his wife, he adds body and humour to this absorbing novel. He is dry, precise and engaging and is the perfect foil to his wife who wilful, secretive and independent, worryingly so for the era in which the novel is set. The Author does an outstanding job of making his main character not only the perfect gentleman for his time, but one who is well aware of the ‘flaws’ others may like to point out his wife possesses, and he deals with them all in a gracious manner. He is very likeable and this makes the reader want to know more about him and his world as the novel progresses. His wife is also well written, to such a degree that she could almost be billed up there with her Husband, and the novel could be said to have duel main protagonists. I thoroughly enjoyed this strong Lady, and actually felt myself warming more to her than I did her Husband; maybe it is because I could visualize myself in her role if I were transplanted back to that time period.

The book is written in the first person narrative, with Mr. Reese being our narrator and, in this manner the story is told through his experiences, emotions and reactions to everything and everyone he meets, including some very humourous asides about his wife and her friends. However, rather than being a dry read as is sometimes the case with novels written in this manner, it just makes the storyline seem more realistic and interesting. I did wonder from the title of the book if the Author was giving a small nod to the Kalorama Guest House in Woodley Park D.C, as a lot of the action and events in the book do take place in Washington D.C. it is apparent that extensive research was done to ensure the descriptive portions of the book concerning the nation’s capital, were correct for the time and a great deal of care was taken to ensure no buildings appeared where there were none. Through a deft use of words and writing style, the Author transports the reader back to a time when there were still vast expanses of greenery to be see around Washington, and society was governed by strict rules and layers; he also fleshes out the storyline with wonderfully witty dialogue, a slew of literary references and some very engaging and entertaining relationships, a couple of whom I hope will make further appearances.

I would strongly recommend this novel and others in the series to lovers of the mystery genre and those who like a side order of humour and satire with their murders.


Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2013/10/04...



This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

[Hasib · Rating 3 out of 5]

its a nice book.

[Marion Grassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kalorama Shakedown
I was given this book by the author in exchange for a review. Many thanks to Robert Bruce Stewart! That being said, the following is my considered review of the book.
I enjoyed reading this little novel which is rather humorous and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It is an unusual combination of mystery and comedy set in the USA during the turn of the last century. It involves several alleged thefts of jewellery and one or two deaths thrown in for good measure. The tale is based around Harry Reese, insurance investigator and his wife Emmie (repsonsible for much of the comic relief), who together, are working to solve the crimes. They face dodgy politicians, swindling newspapermen, gamblers, blackmailers and policemen of dubious integrity. There are a multitude of characters and suspects and, as the reader, you are never quite sure who to believe or trust right up to the end. The reader is drawn into the historical setting as the story progresses through a multitude of twists and turns.
The website (link provided in the opening pages) was wonderful – it contained details of the Streetcar Mystery novels, all the characters and a vast amount of background information on the places involved and their historical settings. It provided a vast glossary of the words and terms used in the novel for authenticity. Links were provided for further investigation. It is clear the author has gone to a great deal of background research to produce the historical detail found in these books in order to present an authentic setting.
I have only one slight grumble: The first 50 or so pages contained a great deal of dialogue and, while amusing and witty, I found it a little difficult at times to stay with the story – referring back on several occasions to check on the plot and who was who. After this, the narrative picked up and I feel the book flowed much more smoothly.
Nevertheless, the novel is highly entertaining with its lively, tongue-in-cheek, witty style. The characters are vibrant and memorable. The banter between to two main characters is a delight – Emmie is rather emancipated for the times - leading to a constant battle of wills! Even those characters not entirely likeable are still rather colourful and intriguing.
The author states: “It’s my aspiration to write historical mysteries that are humorous in a sophisticated way, yet faithful to the genre and the period.” I would have to say that in this endeavour he has undoubtedly succeeded.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a review, I read the earlier novels and stories in the series first, because I always prefer to read a series in order whenever possible. Having been impressed with the series to this point, I was looking forward to this one, and I'm happy to say, I enjoyed this book a lot. This is the latest Harry Reese mystery novel, and I think it's the best and funniest one yet.

It's December of 1901, and the Reeses are in Washington this time, Harry to investigate some jewel heists, and Emmie ... well, Emmie's not saying exactly, but she's got something up her sleeve as usual.

Mindful of Emmie's weakness for the horses, and with the help of a flamboyant Countess, Harry makes sure to keep her well away from Mrs. Spinks' "literary salons", where Washington's movers and shakers seem to congregate, and where the victims of the jewel robberies just happen to be regular visitors.

The robbery investigation soon leads to the possibility of insurance fraud, some hilarious late-night escapades, and (much to the satisfaction of Emmie) there is a murder or two as well.

Those of us who are familiar with the Harry and Emmie Reese mysteries will be thoroughly entertained by this book, and pleased by the reappearance of Emmie's old friend Elizabeth and Detective Sergeant Tibbitts of the NYPD. The rest of you -- well, what are you waiting for?
If you like really well-written, ingeniously-plotted mysteries that take you back in time and give you a good laugh doing it, you really can't go wrong with Harry and Emmie Reese.

Highly recommended.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book through Goodreads, and read it out of order from the other Harry Reese mysteries.

Harry Reese is an insurance claims investigator, and his wife Emmie is a not-so-reformed gambler, bordering on confidence woman from time to time. I love Stewart's portrayal of Harry and Emmie's relationship - Harry has long since giving up on keeping Emmie in line or understanding her. The two always have a playful banter going, and it seems at times like maybe Harry married Emmie because you need to keep the closest eye on those you know you can't trust. Emmie, for her part, admits to parading Harry around to show some of her unmarried more free-spirited friends that marriage really isn't that cumbersome.

The mystery aspect of the story reminds me a little of an Hecule Poirot type story - a sort of dry wit to it. It involves Harry investigating a string of insurance claims among wealthy families in the same city. He is convinced the burglaries are contrived and the claims part of a fraudulent scheme. There are several players moving through the investigation, and i think the are all very well-drawn. When the dead bodies begin to add up, Harry must navigate the schemes of not only the conspirators and murderers, but even his own wife's agenda, and that of her conniving friend Elizabeth, and her employer, the head-strong Countess who is pulling the strings for the entire story in more ways than one.

Overall, an enjoyable, well-paced mystery read.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insurance claims investigator Harry Reese and his wife Emmie have come to Washington DC to investigate jewelry heists at the homes of three prominent citizens. Things take an interesting turn with the appearance of Emmie’s friend Elizabeth who is now secretary to a German countess. Elizabeth and the Countess have rather mysterious reputations, and since their arrival in Washington coincided with the break-ins Emmie decides to do a little snooping of her own.

Kalorama Shakedown is an enjoyable cozy set in the early 20th century. The local police aren’t given much credit for intelligence and Harry comes across as the more intuitive and creative thinker. Most intriguing, though, is that the women in this book are even smarter, more manipulative, and downright devious than the men. They aren’t victims (as is so often portrayed in this time period), but are very much in control of their lives. I have to say, though, that none of these women are in working class, poverty-stricken situations.

Some of the plotting was a bit confusing at times, but the fraud aspects became clearer over time. Harry and Emmie are a delightful couple. In fact, Emmie is quite something in her own right. She’s under twenty-five, clever, and working hard to control a love for gambling. She is a born strategist who keeps plenty of behind-the-scenes activity to herself, to her husband’s bafflement. It would be fun to read more in this series just to see what Emmie gets up to next.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't just a story about a by-gone era, it was written in the style and verbiage as well. Using first person, Harry Reese and his wife, Emmie, travel to Washington to investigate a string of burglaries on which insurance claims had been filed. Investigating insurance claims was not new to him, though encountering a homicide or two connected with the case was. With the burglaries being expensive jewelry and involving upper crust society, it wasn't long before they were meeting and mingling with the movers and shakers. Seems money, names and titles will get you anywhere! Emmie has her own agenda and keeps herself likewise engaged, but together they manage to solve not only the burglaries, but garner their usual percentage while satisfying the insurance companies and keeping the rich out of prison (no surprise there). Interesting dynamic between husband and wife, early Washington society, and entertainment activities of the time. I gained the novel through free Bookbub download, but enjoyed the historical aspect and the intelligent language, scenarios, and character descriptions and think you will too!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I entered the contest to win this book from Goodreads. I was thrilled when I received my book. I read it and was quite pleased with this cozy mystery. Harry Reese is an insurance investigator with a wife who tries, and usually succeeds, in running rings around him. I enjoyed it from the first sentence through the last, in fact I found the first sentence intriguing. Emmie it seems gets involved in murders while Harry solves thefts. They head to Washington and become involved with an over the hill law maker and other less than sterling citizens. They solve the thefts and become involved in murder. Emmie is a complicated woman and Harry seems to be able to barely keep up with her. I enjoyed their dialogue and repartee. The book has a good rhythm. I read it over one night and reread parts of it the next day. I definitely recommend this book. In fact I have already gotten all the other books of this series and can't wait to read them, too! I want to commend Robert Bruce Stewart on the way he portrays the bigotry in that city in the 1900's. Thank you Bob.

[Paul Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who's shakin' who? Author Stewart has stated his goal for his Reese Mysteries Series. "It's my aspiration to write historical mysteries that are humorous in a sophisticated way, yet faithful to both the genre and the period." He succeeded! Harry and Emmie Reese might have just stepped out of any of those stylish comic sleuth stories, movies, or television series we all have loved on public tv channels or lately, for me on Netflix and Amazon Prime. These productions feature a smart youngish man accompanied by a highly inquisitive and surpassingly intelligent, analytic, intuitive young woman, usually also surpassingly attractive. The repartee between Harry and Emmie as they interact with each other and with the other characters are finely done and fit nicely into the well-framed complex plot with details revealed in as tantalizing a pattern as any Agatha Christie or Kerry Greenwood, reminding me most of Tommy and Tuppence. Stylish. Witty. Satisfying. I'm buying the other books in the series!

[Sheila Carsins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Read.

I think fans of "Miss Marple," or Agatha Christie will enjoy this story the most. I spent a great deal of time trying to keep track of all of the escapades, of who did what to whom, and why there wasn't a "cut and dry" crime to attribute to one single character. Many of the characters seemed to be guilty of something or other, and there seemed to be a lot of I"ll trade you this crime or tidbit of information, or jewelry, for a different angle on this or that aspect of the case. In fact, I'm pretty sure that everyone involved in the story was guilty of something, even if it was simply ignoring the obvious misdeeds of someone else. Even the police weren't above looking for a good spin to put on events to present them in the best light to gain most of the credit. Good luck trying to untangle this web of intrigue. Even the "good guys" have their share of misdeeds. That being said, there's still plenty to think about, and a clever storyline to enjoy for the puzzle lovers out there!

[Florry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this mystery book because the case is solved with humor, satire, riddles and all that fun, as the author accustomed us in the other books of the series.

Harry Reese and his funny wife Emmie are in Washington to investigate a mysterious case about the disappearance of some valuable jewelry.

It’s complicated to prove who the thief is when there are implicated various people such as: a countess, doctors, colored servants, sergeants, a general, a senator, some newspapermen and even an enthusiastic child.

In the whole puzzle also appear some murders that may be connected to the thefts, secrets well kept, blackmailing letters and a tempting property.

I liked the main characters and the case solving solution, but I felt sorry for poor Emmie. This time she turned fifty shades of red, was covered in mud, people ridiculed her and she was “almost” solving the case.

I’m looking forward for the next mystery of the funny couple!

[Joel Bresler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character in Kalorama Shakedown is a solver of mysteries named, aptly enough, Mr. Reese. Or Harry, to his friends and one particularly questionable countess.
Harry and his wife Emmie (who is not above having a few mysteries of her own) travel to DC, he to investigate some suspicious jewel thefts and she, ostensibly, to visit an old school friend. While there, they uncover a plot, become unwitting participants in a couple more, solve a murder and learn never to be left holding the bar bill after a night out with the press corps.
The story is set in 1901, though it is more reminiscent of some of the wonderful comedic whodunit movies of the 1930s. The clever repartee is pure Nick and Nora. Harry, as first-person narrator, is able to tell the story as he is experiencing it very effectively, much like a Chandler character might.
Kalorama Shakedown is a humorous mystery novel, and great fun to read.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's in the early 1900's. Harry Reese is an insurance investigator who travels to Washington, DC with his wife Emmie to solve a rash (three) of burglaries. The victims are a US Senator, a lobbyist, and a general. Is there a connection. Harry & his wife think so. But, they don't think it's that they hired servants from the same agency. While in DC, Emmie wants to visit her old friend Elizabeth who is now a personal assistant (to use the modern term) to a Countess. Do Elizabeth or the Countess have burglary in their backgrounds? There's also a death. Was it murder? Seems like everyone has a skeleton in their closet, but then it is DC.

Wonderful story with detail characters taking place in Washington, DC. I like Harry. He's a likable fellow who is not use to the DC ways (he's from NYC). I didn't like his wife, Emmie. She seemed manipulative.

Even the Wizard of Oz story is part of the novel. How wonderful is that.

[Italo Italophiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this author's books, and perhaps enjoyed this one more than the others. The rich research and intelligent language is here, as always, creating a book that could have been written circa 1900 (when the story is set), but we have the author's modern eye on race, sexuality and married life.

I think I liked this one best for the setting: Washington, D.C. We get some political history and a view of the nation's capital before it was built up.

Insurance investigator Harry narrates the story, giving us a humorous view of life with his independent and crafty wife, Emmie, with whom he is besotted. They take on Washington schemers and more than one murderer in this tale. There are some very funny lines and some hilarious set scenes, but even just following Harry and Emmie around is entertaining.

My favorite line was “laws are like sausages--it's best not to see how they're made”.