The Ironclad Alibi

Harrison Raines #3

by Michael Kilian

Union secret agent Harrison Raines is sent into the heart of the Confederacy to obtain information about "The Monster"-the hulking remains of the ironclad ship Merrimack, which is being restored. But before he can complete his mission, he must solve the murder of his first love, and clear his best friend of the crime.

Praise for the

"Both Civil War and mystery fans will appreciate Kilian's grasp of the genres of historical fiction and mystery." ( Booklist )

"Kilian blends fiction and history, using real people to establish a believable context and create an absorbing period piece." ( San Antonio Express-News )

"Kilian offers clues for anyone wishing to guess the identity of the murderer, but also indulges in a case of misdirection that might nag at a genuine mystery buff for months. Picaresque adventure." ( Publishers Weekly )

"An engaging character." ( The Denver Post )

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Civil War, American Civil War

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Julie Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since this is the third, I might have missed something in the narrative by coming in at number three as my first in this series, but it seemed fine as a start. I like mysteries, and have not read one before set in the Civil War. This one involves a Virginian, Harrison Raines, who has clashed with his plantation owner father and left with his childhood friend and former slave, Caesar Augustus, who he gave freedom to once they were out of Virginia. We pick Harrison and Caesar up on their back into Richmond; Harrison has become a detective with the Pinkertons and he and his friend are returning to the Confederate seat of government to spy on the progress of The Monster, an ironclad ship sparking rumors in Washington. Soon after returning with the cover story that he is rejoining the Confederacy, Harrison finds an old girlfriend hanging in his hotel room, with his former slave captured and jailed as the only suspect. He tries to figure out what happened to Arabella, while still trying to spy on the Confederacy. The book ends with the first battle of the Merrimack, or Virginian, and the Monitor. The battle was a bit long for me, but historians might enjoy the detailed accounts. At the end, Caesar is freed, Harrison has discovered a long held secret involved in the murder that may or may not affect him, and he is heading out around Florida with another Pinkerton to continue his involvement in the war.

[Ted Waterfall · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Civil War is one of my favorite subjects. Murder mysteries is one of my least favorite subjects. However, both of my wives love them (one of them at a time, of course), so I thought if i were to try out this genre, why not read one that takes place during the Civil War? However, the reasons why I avoid murder mysteries was reinforced by this novel - simply, I cannot recognize a clue if I caught Mrs. Peacock red handed with a lead pipe in the library! Also, the action related to the Battle of Hampton Roads (aka Monitor vs Virginia/Merrimac) was ok but unoriginal. I enjoyed the fact that the "hero" of the book, Harrison Raines, a Secret Service agent in the employ of the Union, was flawed and frequently drunk, an unusual spin for a good guy, and this is apparently part of a series of such books starring this same character. But truth be told, there is nothing about this book that compels me to want to purchase the other parts of this series.

[Mbsuther · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Civil War mystery

This is the 3rd in the series. The facts in the book make the story a bit more tolerable. I did like the point about Harry knowing Jefferson Davis and giving him a gift. The only thing I feel was missing is that the "mystery " was left alone until the last few pages and wasn't a great ending. It was more of a "story is over, conclusions reached". The previous books were better at resolution. A 4.1 out of 5 rating.

[Allen Kearns, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these Harrison Raynes mysteries set during the Civil War. There are six of them and I love them all. The mysteries are well written within an historically accurate time of the war. I highly recommend them if you're drawn to mysteries or are a Civil War buff. Either way, you'll enjoy yourself.

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like Civil War history this book series is worth a look.

[Todd Stockslager · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third Harrison Raines Civil War Mystery, first one I read. OK mystery, but some poor proofing and sloppy grammer indicates a lack of attention to detail suggesting that the author is not too serious in his effort to create serious fiction. So why should the reader take it seriously?

Still, it wasn't a boring book, and the history and fiction is woven nicely with attention to historic detail--pretty much a requirement given the level of general knowledge of the Civil War among the general population likely to read the book.

Third of a series covering the events of the Civil War in chronological order. To give the series a fair chance, I'll probably go back and read the first two in the series.

Murder at Manasses (Harrison Raines Civil War Mysteries, Book 1)
A Killing at Ball's Bluff (Harrison Raines Civil War Mysteries, Book 2)

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a Virginia gentlemen who acts as a Union spy during the Civil War and is assigned the task of learning as much as he can about the Confederate ironclad The Merrimack/Virginia....the author's historical novel weaves in a murder of the spy's first lover after he has returned to Richmond on his mission.

[Mary G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful Civil War mystery.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This tale really emphasizes the reasons for the civil war. Kilian describes real people and situations that brings to life the unromantic aspects in this era.