The Killing Breed

Old Philadelphia #1

by Mark Graham

Smart, savvy and solitary, bitter Civil War veteran Wilton McCleary saw the evil heart of man as a captive in the notorious Andersonville Prison. But the war has been over for nearly a decade. Now he walks the beat in Philadelphia as a city detective, protecting a great and growing town in the last years of the nineteenth century, using hard-won skill and courage to fight for justice his own way: alone.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

About the author

Mark Graham is the Edgar award-winning author of "Black Maria", third in a series of historical novels which have been translated into several languages. He studied medieval history and religious studies at Connecticut College and has a master's degree in English literature from Kutztown University. He lives in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Susan Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book appeared to be well researched and the portions reflecting the protagonists' memories were accurate, so I am assuming the rest of the book was as well. It seemed very authentic. The mystery was compelling and suspenseful. The story, as told in the epilog was inspired by a true story. The detective investigator was sharply drawn with both positive and negative attributes. I enjoyed the read and finished the book in 2 days. I enjoyed the writing.

I donated my copy to a Little Free Library.

[Lisa Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gross sport of ratting was disgusting, but I like the detective and his own internal demons.

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Atmospheric mystery set in post-Civil War Philadelphia. I had high hopes; this seemed right up my alley and was strongly recommended. For the most part, I wasn't disappointed. The central mystery and the historic research was solid, but the main character is hard to relate to or even like. The main players would have had to work hard to communicate any less with each other. Moments of melodrama and lone wolf/Superman attempted heroics pulled me out of the narrative occasionally. And if there's a trope for the Laurell K. Hamilton/Anita Blake whinging, "I have to stop, lest I become one of the monsters too," the main character falls face first in it at the end of the book. The author's afterword pulled some more of the shine off of this project too. I'm glad that you're so deep and, incidentally, well done on your book, but I think we're all just here for a spot of entertainment, dear sir.

[S.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following a treacherous course of events this well-paced mystery creates an atmosphere that permeates Philadelphia’s antique charm with a physical awareness of the muggy summer haze and gaslight noir in which the story unfolds. Pages come to life with a cast of characters who prowl the streets of late 19th Century Philadelphia in search of ransom, solace, power, and the successful closure of two crimes. An intriguing look into the darker side of The Quaker City in the 1800’s, The Killing Breed blends the dark finesse of Poe with the terse dialogue of Chandler; it is sure to appeal to the tastes of hard-boiled fanatics, mystery lovers, and anyone who enjoys a thoroughly entertaining read.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-researched historic Philadelphia in this fictional tale of kidnapping and murder in the late 1800s, told in first-person by one of the detectives on the case. Inspired by a true story.