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Mickey Rawlings #2
Murder at Ebbets Field
Slugger/amateur sleuth Mickey Rawlings is back for a second whodunit. August 1914: the Giants are in first place, the Dodgers last, and Mickey might well realize his most cherished dream of playing in the World Series. But as the pennant race heats up, Mickey finds himself matching wits with a killer who has an irritating habit of vanishing into thin air.
280 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1996
18 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Troy Soos
26 books89 followersTroy Soos is a writer and teacher based in Winter Park, Florida. Soos is best known for his "Mickey Rawlings" series of historical baseball novels (seven books set from 1912 to 1923). He also authored a four-book historical mystery series set in 1890s New York featuring Marshall Webb and Rebecca Davies. Soos has written a nonfiction history of early New England baseball history, "Before the Curse," and two mystery short stories ("Pick-Off Play" and "Decision of the Umpire") now available as e-books. His newest release is "The Tomb That Ruth Built," the seventh in the Mickey Rawlings series (published March 2014).
Series:
* Mickey Rawlings
* Marshall Webb and Rebecca Davies
Series:
* Mickey Rawlings
* Marshall Webb and Rebecca Davies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 8, 2018
My team lost the Super Bowl and there are still seven weeks left until opening day. There, I said it. This time of year in between football and baseball season is the toughest for me as it coincides with winter dragging on. Even if there is no snow on the ground, the cold and gray days get to me as I long for spring to hurry up and push winter away. I try things in February like taking a reading vacation but this only intensifies the fact that I miss the sun. A wise goodreads friend suggested that I read a baseball themed book to help me out of the dumps, and, even though I had just read a mystery, I decided upon Murder at Ebbets Field by Troy Soos to help me improve my mood as I look excitedly toward opening day.
Mickey Rawlings is a utility player with the New York Giants during the early days of the major leagues. This installment of Soos' series takes place during the 1914 season when the Giants are battling for the national league pennant. At the time, players like Rawlings had to earn every bit of playing time that they got as baseball still had not reached its height of popularity and the top salaries were a mere few thousand dollars. The nascent federal league battled the majors for control over players like Rawlings, yet any major leaguer who signed to play with the Feds was Black listed from ever suiting up in the majors again. It is amidst this backdrop that the league leading Giants take on their rival cellar dwelling Dodgers for a key three game series that matters more for bragging rights than a place in the standings and in the end has little to do with baseball.
Florence Hampton is an actress at Vitagraph movie studios and a part owner of the Dodgers. She would like for one Giant and Dodger player to take on a small acting role in the company's upcoming movie, and Giants manager John McGraw suggests Rawlings. Rawlings takes to acting and meets this book's love interest Margie Turner while on set. Invited to a company party at Coney Island, Rawlings begins to fall for Turner, yet, at the same party, Florence Hampton is discovered washed up on the beach. As with his stint with the Boston Braves, trouble and murders seem to find Rawlings, and he is determined to uncover whodunit. Along with help from Turner, a few rival players on the Dodgers, and his some time friend reporter Karl Landfors, Rawlings slowly begins to unravel the case. While doing so he comes under the unwavering eye of his manager while in a pennant race and needs to prioritize whether life as a ball player or extra curricular activities are more important to him, creating the elements of a fun historical piece.
Murder at Ebbets Field is the fourth of Soos Rawlings mysteries that I have read, and each is impeccably researched and includes historical tidbits that make the series a fun read for any baseball fan. In this installment, Soos describes the dimensions of the Polo Grounds and gives 1910s star players like Christy Mathewson and Casey Stengel supporting roles in the plot. Combined with the tensions of World War One and, the fight with movie studios and baseball to gain the public's attention, and the yearly pennant race featured in the prose, these historical mysteries have become a fun series to turn to while the games aren't being played on the field.
While these books can not change the fact that there are still seven weeks between now and opening day, each baseball book that I read whets my appetite for baseball and spring that much more. Rather than agonizing over a football game that might have been, I have baseball to look forward to, and my team is supposed to do well this year, or so I hope. Suffice it to say, I may be turning to Troy Soos again before opening day to help me get into the baseball mood.
3.5 stars
Mickey Rawlings is a utility player with the New York Giants during the early days of the major leagues. This installment of Soos' series takes place during the 1914 season when the Giants are battling for the national league pennant. At the time, players like Rawlings had to earn every bit of playing time that they got as baseball still had not reached its height of popularity and the top salaries were a mere few thousand dollars. The nascent federal league battled the majors for control over players like Rawlings, yet any major leaguer who signed to play with the Feds was Black listed from ever suiting up in the majors again. It is amidst this backdrop that the league leading Giants take on their rival cellar dwelling Dodgers for a key three game series that matters more for bragging rights than a place in the standings and in the end has little to do with baseball.
Florence Hampton is an actress at Vitagraph movie studios and a part owner of the Dodgers. She would like for one Giant and Dodger player to take on a small acting role in the company's upcoming movie, and Giants manager John McGraw suggests Rawlings. Rawlings takes to acting and meets this book's love interest Margie Turner while on set. Invited to a company party at Coney Island, Rawlings begins to fall for Turner, yet, at the same party, Florence Hampton is discovered washed up on the beach. As with his stint with the Boston Braves, trouble and murders seem to find Rawlings, and he is determined to uncover whodunit. Along with help from Turner, a few rival players on the Dodgers, and his some time friend reporter Karl Landfors, Rawlings slowly begins to unravel the case. While doing so he comes under the unwavering eye of his manager while in a pennant race and needs to prioritize whether life as a ball player or extra curricular activities are more important to him, creating the elements of a fun historical piece.
Murder at Ebbets Field is the fourth of Soos Rawlings mysteries that I have read, and each is impeccably researched and includes historical tidbits that make the series a fun read for any baseball fan. In this installment, Soos describes the dimensions of the Polo Grounds and gives 1910s star players like Christy Mathewson and Casey Stengel supporting roles in the plot. Combined with the tensions of World War One and, the fight with movie studios and baseball to gain the public's attention, and the yearly pennant race featured in the prose, these historical mysteries have become a fun series to turn to while the games aren't being played on the field.
While these books can not change the fact that there are still seven weeks between now and opening day, each baseball book that I read whets my appetite for baseball and spring that much more. Rather than agonizing over a football game that might have been, I have baseball to look forward to, and my team is supposed to do well this year, or so I hope. Suffice it to say, I may be turning to Troy Soos again before opening day to help me get into the baseball mood.
3.5 stars
January 25, 2020
"MURDER AT EBBETS FIELD" is the third novel in the Mickey Rawlings series of mystery novels I've read in which Major League Baseball looms large. This time, the reader is transported to Ebbets Field in Brooklyn in the first week of August 1914, where the Brooklyn Dodgers is playing against their crosstown rival, the New York Giants. Rawlings is now a utility ball player with the Giants, which are led by the irascible, hard-driving, profane and legendary manager John McGraw. The Giants are in the midst of a pennant race, leading the league. Should the Giants manage to maintain their lead through the next couple of months of the season, they would be going to the World Series, which is Rawlings' greatest ambition. That and maintaining a .250 batting average.
Little did he know that his life was about to change. A movie director from the Vitagraph Motion Picture Company (Elmer Garvin) is chatting with McGraw, who is none too pleased to be pestered by Mr. Garvin. Garvin explains that he's at the game to make a baseball movie and would like to have one of McGraw's players appear in it, saying to McGraw that "We'd like to use one of your players for a few shots --- give the picture some realism, you see ---". Rawlings, who is also an avid movie fan, is watching the film crew set up their equipment and also looking on at the exchange between McGraw and Garvin. McGraw makes it clear that he has no interest in what Garvin wants to do. So, Garvin gives way to a tall, elderly gentleman with a posh manner who goes over to McGraw, introducing himself. It turns out that McGraw and the gentleman (Arthur V. Carlisle) have had a previous acquaintance through a social club, the Lambs, to which they both belong. Carlisle is able to cajole McGraw to allow one of his players to appear in Garvin's movie.
So it is that Rawlings is used for a few shots, both at Ebbets Field and later in the movie studio in Brooklyn, where he makes the acquaintance of a number of people --- including Casey Stengel, a rival player with the Dodgers who would later achieve fame as one of the greatest baseball managers in history; Margie Turner a young actress with whom Rawlings establishes a growing rapport; and a beautiful film star Florence Hampton, who owned a share of the Dodgers and is later found dead under mysterious circumstances. Indeed, it is Hampton's death which serves as the touch off point for Rawlings as he becomes involved in trying to solve a series of murders while trying to safeguard his own life, which ends up being caught in the cross hairs of Fate.
"MURDER AT EBBETS FIELD" is a delightful mystery novel that'll keep the reader guessing as to who did what and why.
Little did he know that his life was about to change. A movie director from the Vitagraph Motion Picture Company (Elmer Garvin) is chatting with McGraw, who is none too pleased to be pestered by Mr. Garvin. Garvin explains that he's at the game to make a baseball movie and would like to have one of McGraw's players appear in it, saying to McGraw that "We'd like to use one of your players for a few shots --- give the picture some realism, you see ---". Rawlings, who is also an avid movie fan, is watching the film crew set up their equipment and also looking on at the exchange between McGraw and Garvin. McGraw makes it clear that he has no interest in what Garvin wants to do. So, Garvin gives way to a tall, elderly gentleman with a posh manner who goes over to McGraw, introducing himself. It turns out that McGraw and the gentleman (Arthur V. Carlisle) have had a previous acquaintance through a social club, the Lambs, to which they both belong. Carlisle is able to cajole McGraw to allow one of his players to appear in Garvin's movie.
So it is that Rawlings is used for a few shots, both at Ebbets Field and later in the movie studio in Brooklyn, where he makes the acquaintance of a number of people --- including Casey Stengel, a rival player with the Dodgers who would later achieve fame as one of the greatest baseball managers in history; Margie Turner a young actress with whom Rawlings establishes a growing rapport; and a beautiful film star Florence Hampton, who owned a share of the Dodgers and is later found dead under mysterious circumstances. Indeed, it is Hampton's death which serves as the touch off point for Rawlings as he becomes involved in trying to solve a series of murders while trying to safeguard his own life, which ends up being caught in the cross hairs of Fate.
"MURDER AT EBBETS FIELD" is a delightful mystery novel that'll keep the reader guessing as to who did what and why.
Read
April 14, 2020It’s baseball during the 1910s plus murder mystery. I heart it.
June 20, 2014
Second mystery outing for Mickey Rawlings. Now he's with the New York Giants and is hoping to play in the World Series. But being a utility player, he is asked to do numerous things just to stay part of the team. When a movie producer asks for a Giant player to be in his movie with starlet, Florence Hampton, Rawlings is picked, because being in a movie is not a good thing for a ball player.
After the glitzy after movie opening party, Florence is found necked and dead by the beach. The thing is, Florence hated the water. So was it an accident , suicide, or murder. Rawlings' newspaper friend from the first book, asks Mickey to find out what really happened to her. Since Rawlings did so well solving an earlier murder, he agreed. It also didn't hurt that another starlet encouraged Mickey and agreed to help him, because Florence was her best friend.
Lots of fun information kept me intrigued with this book, but there was perhaps a bit too much movie info for someone wanting a summer baseball read. But the mystery was great and I didn't know what happened until Mickey figured it out. Soos' books remind a bit of Agatha Christie's Poirot, in that the story takes many twists and turns, then the murderer is names with the complete explanation to follow at the end.
I am learning lots about the times with these baseball books, so I plan to continue with the series. I listened to this on audio which added to my enjoyment.
After the glitzy after movie opening party, Florence is found necked and dead by the beach. The thing is, Florence hated the water. So was it an accident , suicide, or murder. Rawlings' newspaper friend from the first book, asks Mickey to find out what really happened to her. Since Rawlings did so well solving an earlier murder, he agreed. It also didn't hurt that another starlet encouraged Mickey and agreed to help him, because Florence was her best friend.
Lots of fun information kept me intrigued with this book, but there was perhaps a bit too much movie info for someone wanting a summer baseball read. But the mystery was great and I didn't know what happened until Mickey figured it out. Soos' books remind a bit of Agatha Christie's Poirot, in that the story takes many twists and turns, then the murderer is names with the complete explanation to follow at the end.
I am learning lots about the times with these baseball books, so I plan to continue with the series. I listened to this on audio which added to my enjoyment.
March 23, 2017
As usual, fun more for the texture of the details rather than the solution to the mystery. The author puts the reader in a different time where athletes and actors were suspect rather than center-stage and where men could be charged with a crime for going shirtless in public. The narrating guide he uses for this journey is an unassuming but astute young ballplayer who is constantly engaging. Never a WOW moment, but worth including the next book in the series in a balanced rotation of other reading -- especially with all the attention World War I has received as a watershed of culture's transformation into what we now know as the modern world.
SECOND READING: I think I would give it another half star if I have the option. The narrator is definitely engaging, as is the time he describes. The 21st-century reader's experience of America before World War I is equal parts bemusement at the quaint formality of the time and recognition, as those same characters living through the early 20th century are longing for the good old days.
SECOND READING: I think I would give it another half star if I have the option. The narrator is definitely engaging, as is the time he describes. The 21st-century reader's experience of America before World War I is equal parts bemusement at the quaint formality of the time and recognition, as those same characters living through the early 20th century are longing for the good old days.
July 7, 2015
Decent little mystery with some baseball and romance thrown in for good measure. I wish the author had painted the characters more prominently during the rising action. His lack of character development left me guessing at the wrong suspect.
October 30, 2017
I am enjoying this series. The books have the requisite murders but are also filled with baseball history which I find fascinating.
January 2, 2020
Again, a good read, entertaining and informative.
What is particularly enjoyable about this series is the insight it gives into 1. Baseball in the early 20th century, 2. Some of the characters in the game, and 3. The stadiums that are a part of the history of the game.
It is almost as if the mystery is merely the vehicle for conveying this other information. But make no mistake: the mystery is the main focus of the book. I just find the other information to be so enjoyable and unique.
Mickey Rawlings is a character that I identify easily with; were he a star rather than a journeyman something would suffer in the story. He doesn’t live “large” and his life away from the game also provides diversion from the less baseball-obsessed reader (that’s me.)
A good, quick mystery/baseball read.
What is particularly enjoyable about this series is the insight it gives into 1. Baseball in the early 20th century, 2. Some of the characters in the game, and 3. The stadiums that are a part of the history of the game.
It is almost as if the mystery is merely the vehicle for conveying this other information. But make no mistake: the mystery is the main focus of the book. I just find the other information to be so enjoyable and unique.
Mickey Rawlings is a character that I identify easily with; were he a star rather than a journeyman something would suffer in the story. He doesn’t live “large” and his life away from the game also provides diversion from the less baseball-obsessed reader (that’s me.)
A good, quick mystery/baseball read.
August 18, 2018
This is the second in a series, following Murder at Fenway Park, which I enjoyed more than this one. Mickey Rawlings is a utility infielder for the 1914 New York Giants baseball team, under the leadership of Manager John McGraw. A female movie star dies after a party attended by Rawlings, who decides to investigate the untimely death. This book is full of baseball lore, including some well-known figures from that era. In that respect, this book was very enjoyable. However, some of the key figures were not clearly depicted and the outcome left something to be desired.
November 24, 2020
I always enjoy Troy Soos' Mickey Rawlins stories and this was no exception. A fun romp through 1914 New York with an emphasis on the nascent film scene at the time. Soon knows how to make the city and the ghost of Ebbets Field come alive. The mystery was interesting enough too, which is a bonus. And of course, the baseball is always great, particularly as the reader rubs shoulders with John McGraw and Casey Stengel.
November 30, 2020
In fairness, mysteries are not my favorite genre. I read this for a book club that has a different theme each month. This month was Read Something Outside Your Usual Genres.
So, I did and the baseball setting helped with names I knew from history or the names of players that I recognized as former managers. Also ties to early movies...apparently silent films because it didn't seem to matter what they were really saying.
Not bad, just not my "type."
So, I did and the baseball setting helped with names I knew from history or the names of players that I recognized as former managers. Also ties to early movies...apparently silent films because it didn't seem to matter what they were really saying.
Not bad, just not my "type."
January 19, 2022
I'm officially a fan now.....
Of author Troy Soos and his wonderful baseball player/detective Mickey Rawlings!
Mr. Soos has hit at least a three run homer with this book! The same humor, great characterizations, and wonderful attention to historical detail has made me ready for another Rawlings mystery! This mystery was sharply focused, had the right amount of suspects, and let the reader think that they were going to solve it before Mickey--to no avail, at least from this reader. Can't wait to read another!
Of author Troy Soos and his wonderful baseball player/detective Mickey Rawlings!
Mr. Soos has hit at least a three run homer with this book! The same humor, great characterizations, and wonderful attention to historical detail has made me ready for another Rawlings mystery! This mystery was sharply focused, had the right amount of suspects, and let the reader think that they were going to solve it before Mickey--to no avail, at least from this reader. Can't wait to read another!
July 5, 2025
I struggled with the motive of the murderer for the first murder and then subsequent ones. At least I did consider Arthur Carlyle at one point as the murderer so that made me fill better. And I thought Margie would stay with Mickey, but she didn't. Wondering who WWI will play into the next couple of books as the war has already started in Europe. Will Karl be back in another book? Will Mickey find another girlfriend? Will Mickey switch teams again? He just resigned with John McGraw.
October 19, 2018
Fun baseball/mystery
These books are fun and Mickey is such a likeable character. I’m enjoying reading about baseball in the early 1900’s and this one had the added fun of the beginning of movies as well. The mystery was good and I was kept guessing until the reveal.
These books are fun and Mickey is such a likeable character. I’m enjoying reading about baseball in the early 1900’s and this one had the added fun of the beginning of movies as well. The mystery was good and I was kept guessing until the reveal.
August 31, 2021
Enjoyable Mystery with a baseball setting. Mickey Rawlings is utility Infielder and murder and mystery seems to follow him as he goes from team to team in the 1910s and 1920s. Soos works in historical ballplayers with his fictional characters seamlessly.
August 4, 2018
Besides a mystery, it talks about the early days and history of baseball in 1914.
April 15, 2019
I'm sorry this was such a small series, but appreciate the historical trivia on early baseball.
July 21, 2019
Fun, easy read. I’ve previously read the cincinnati reds story.
November 23, 2019
Not sure if I was reading a history of baseball with a sort of mystery added in or a sort of mystery with history of baseball added in. In either case this book was rained out in the 3d inning.
May 14, 2020
Closer to 3.5 but still a vast improvement over Murder At Fenway Park.
June 15, 2020
A fun read, Early base ball and early 20th century New York.
November 21, 2020
Love the Mickey Rawlings books. Not only a great mystery but a look into baseball in the early days.
April 17, 2021
Fun history
January 19, 2022
I mainly like this because of the baseball scenario. The main character's narration is kind of fun too.
July 6, 2022
Enjoyed this a little more than the first book in series. Nice period piece blending historical fiction - baseball, silent movie industry and general period history,
September 14, 2022
Another solid hit
Mystery is a little too convoluted this time but you still gotta love the baseball stuff and great early 20th century American history. Well played!
Mystery is a little too convoluted this time but you still gotta love the baseball stuff and great early 20th century American history. Well played!
March 27, 2024
Good short story on baseball and murder.
July 8, 2024
Learned a lot about the history of baseball earlier in the 1900s.
October 6, 2025
3.5 enjoyed more than first.
November 10, 2025
Better than the first, can't wait for the third book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews