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Benjamin Franklin and The Quaker Murders
In September of 1785, everyone in Philadelphia thinks Jacob Maul, the Quaker stonecutter, is a murderer. How could there be any doubt? Two women have been found dead on his property--one of them in his bed--with bruise marks on their throats. The only person who comes to a different conclusion is the city's most famous citizen, Benjamin Franklin. But at seventy-nine years of age, Franklin doesn't want to acquire a reputation for solving his neighbors' problems. Instead, he recruits a younger man, Revolutionary War veteran James Jamison, to make inquiries under his direction and collect information that could prove the Quaker's innocence. Franklin's considerable intelligence guides Jamison, but as the investigation unfolds, details emerge that threaten to dismantle the great man's assumptions. The Quaker Murders contains rich details about both Benjamin Franklin and life in eighteenth-century Philadelphia, a large, bustling city that was still recovering from the rigors of the war for independence.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 13, 2017
Benjamin Franklin and The Quaker Murders is the first book by John Harmon McElroy that I've read and it hopefully won't be the last. It is apparent that the author combined historical facts with a well conceived mystery that was extremely engaging and kept the reader guessing until the very end.
Benjamin Franklin wore many hats throughout his life. He was a renowned author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat.
Therefore, it's not such a stretch that he could also be an amateur sleuth!
When the story takes place, Benjamin is quite elderly so he enlists the help of James Jamison, a Revolutionary war hero. Both men put their heads together with both intelligence and cleverness, and ferret out the real perpetrator of the Quaker murders.
I author expertly described the characters and setting so you could get a clear picture of what was going on as you read. At times, it was as though a movie was running through my mind as I read and I got a glimpse of 18th Century America. Some aspects were disturbing such as the description of the jails and how they were run, but I do think they were important to the story and gave an accurate depiction of the time period.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought it was moderately paced and steadily kept my attention.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed.
Benjamin Franklin wore many hats throughout his life. He was a renowned author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat.
Therefore, it's not such a stretch that he could also be an amateur sleuth!
When the story takes place, Benjamin is quite elderly so he enlists the help of James Jamison, a Revolutionary war hero. Both men put their heads together with both intelligence and cleverness, and ferret out the real perpetrator of the Quaker murders.
I author expertly described the characters and setting so you could get a clear picture of what was going on as you read. At times, it was as though a movie was running through my mind as I read and I got a glimpse of 18th Century America. Some aspects were disturbing such as the description of the jails and how they were run, but I do think they were important to the story and gave an accurate depiction of the time period.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought it was moderately paced and steadily kept my attention.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed.
September 12, 2017
3.5 stars
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND THE QUAKER MURDERS is an entertaining and historically accurate whodunit. McElroy drafts a detailed depiction of life in post-Revolutionary War Philadelphia, and his obvious esteem for Benjamin Franklin is evident throughout. This is a thinking man’s mystery.
When Benjamin Franklin learns of John Maul’s arrest for the murder of his sister-in-law, Franklin is irrefutably certain that the Quaker stonecutter is innocent. However, at seventy-nine years of age, he does not want to gain the reputation for solving other people’s problems. Really, who’s got time for that? He calls upon his trusted colleague’s grandson Captain James Jamison to investigate under his guidance. Given the strict instructions that Franklin must not be associated with the investigation, Jamison begins a systematic inquiry into the life of victim Lizzy Coons that takes him through Philadelphia to New Jersey and back.
I am a fan of historical fiction, especially mysteries, so I jumped at the chance to read this book. Since I read books set in various eras, I had no trouble adapting to the antiquated pace and cadence of the writing. As mentioned above, it is quite detailed, and while most of the information is pertinent to the plot, I do feel like the prose dipped into lecture mode on occasion. I admit that there was a passage after the climactic events of the revelation of the murderer’s identity that I skimmed over. I am not, as a general rule, a skimmer. There are also a couple of passages that had nothing to do with furthering the plot or character development that took me out of the story. That said, overall the writing is fluid and the text interesting.
The characters are well developed, even those with the most minor of appearances. Captain James Jamison makes a wonderful sleuth. His veteran status and gentlemanly manner open many doors for him throughout the investigation. Even with Franklin’s direction, he is no mere puppet. His intelligence and methodical tactics shine through. He is authentic and relatable, and I particularly enjoyed his remembrances of his juncture with George Washington. After all, our experiences make us what we are.
I enjoyed my time spent in the early days of America’s freedom with Jamison and Dr. Franklin and look forward to more adventures with this unlikely investigating team.
I received a copy of this title and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND THE QUAKER MURDERS is an entertaining and historically accurate whodunit. McElroy drafts a detailed depiction of life in post-Revolutionary War Philadelphia, and his obvious esteem for Benjamin Franklin is evident throughout. This is a thinking man’s mystery.
When Benjamin Franklin learns of John Maul’s arrest for the murder of his sister-in-law, Franklin is irrefutably certain that the Quaker stonecutter is innocent. However, at seventy-nine years of age, he does not want to gain the reputation for solving other people’s problems. Really, who’s got time for that? He calls upon his trusted colleague’s grandson Captain James Jamison to investigate under his guidance. Given the strict instructions that Franklin must not be associated with the investigation, Jamison begins a systematic inquiry into the life of victim Lizzy Coons that takes him through Philadelphia to New Jersey and back.
I am a fan of historical fiction, especially mysteries, so I jumped at the chance to read this book. Since I read books set in various eras, I had no trouble adapting to the antiquated pace and cadence of the writing. As mentioned above, it is quite detailed, and while most of the information is pertinent to the plot, I do feel like the prose dipped into lecture mode on occasion. I admit that there was a passage after the climactic events of the revelation of the murderer’s identity that I skimmed over. I am not, as a general rule, a skimmer. There are also a couple of passages that had nothing to do with furthering the plot or character development that took me out of the story. That said, overall the writing is fluid and the text interesting.
The characters are well developed, even those with the most minor of appearances. Captain James Jamison makes a wonderful sleuth. His veteran status and gentlemanly manner open many doors for him throughout the investigation. Even with Franklin’s direction, he is no mere puppet. His intelligence and methodical tactics shine through. He is authentic and relatable, and I particularly enjoyed his remembrances of his juncture with George Washington. After all, our experiences make us what we are.
I enjoyed my time spent in the early days of America’s freedom with Jamison and Dr. Franklin and look forward to more adventures with this unlikely investigating team.
I received a copy of this title and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
September 6, 2017
I am a big fan of historical novels, and Benjamin Franklin and The Quaker Murders does not disappoint. I found myself engrossed in post-American Revolution Philadelphia, and of course, who could not be fascinated by Benjamin Franklin.
When Benjamin Franklin believes the wrong man, a Quaker, has been imprisoned for the murder of a Quaker woman, he enlists the help of James Jamison, a former Continental Soldier, to try to find the real murderer. Thus begins an extremely interesting and informative search by Jamison, with Franklin in the background providing insights and courses of action, to see if the killer is still at large.
This book has several twists, and one of them, right in the middle, had me sitting up straight in my chair -- how did I not see that coming? Benjamin Franklin and The Quaker Murders is so well thought out and full of historical tidbits that it kept me engaged all the way to the end. Jamison is portrayed as having been with George Washington when he crossed the Delaware River, and his reminiscences of that time, as well as of other battles he in which he participated, were truly interesting.
I think this book is a definite must-read for historical fiction fans. I highly recommend it and hope to see future collaborations between Benjamin Franklin and James Jamison.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Benjamin Franklin believes the wrong man, a Quaker, has been imprisoned for the murder of a Quaker woman, he enlists the help of James Jamison, a former Continental Soldier, to try to find the real murderer. Thus begins an extremely interesting and informative search by Jamison, with Franklin in the background providing insights and courses of action, to see if the killer is still at large.
This book has several twists, and one of them, right in the middle, had me sitting up straight in my chair -- how did I not see that coming? Benjamin Franklin and The Quaker Murders is so well thought out and full of historical tidbits that it kept me engaged all the way to the end. Jamison is portrayed as having been with George Washington when he crossed the Delaware River, and his reminiscences of that time, as well as of other battles he in which he participated, were truly interesting.
I think this book is a definite must-read for historical fiction fans. I highly recommend it and hope to see future collaborations between Benjamin Franklin and James Jamison.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 12, 2017
Benjamin Franklin and the Quaker Murders by John Harmon McElroy is a wonderful mixture of history and mystery.
I love history and a good mystery so with this book I have the best of both worlds. John Harmon McElroy weaves a story of murder into the fabric of post Revolutionary Philadelphia using Benjamin Franklin as the main investigator incognito who uses a Veteran of the War to do his leg work and investigating to prove Jacob Maul the father of John Maul who saved James life in the war, isn't the murderer of Mrs Coon or for that matter his wife either. James isn't so sure of Jacob's innocence but promises Benjamin Franklin that he would try to find the truth and help Jacob Maul.
I really found this book to be fascinating and the author goes into great detail to show the reader what post Revolutionary War America was like, the details of the place.and occupations as well as the life of the people at that time. It really adds to the story and makes it another added dimension to the book as well.as to the mystery.
I also like the fact that the author has Benjamin Franklin using his analytical mind when he and James discuss what information they are finding about the murders. The puzzle has so many interesting pieces that combine into a surprising but perfect ending.
This book is an unique mystery set in a historical place with interesting situations and twists in the puzzle that makes you think and puzzle out the mystery right along with Benjamin Franklin and his investigator James. If you like a good mystery, enjoy historical settings and like a good.puzzle that takes you to the end to figure out then you will like this book.
I would recommend this book to history buffs and mystery lovers as well as anyone else who enjoys a good read.
I received this book for my honest opinion and review.
I love history and a good mystery so with this book I have the best of both worlds. John Harmon McElroy weaves a story of murder into the fabric of post Revolutionary Philadelphia using Benjamin Franklin as the main investigator incognito who uses a Veteran of the War to do his leg work and investigating to prove Jacob Maul the father of John Maul who saved James life in the war, isn't the murderer of Mrs Coon or for that matter his wife either. James isn't so sure of Jacob's innocence but promises Benjamin Franklin that he would try to find the truth and help Jacob Maul.
I really found this book to be fascinating and the author goes into great detail to show the reader what post Revolutionary War America was like, the details of the place.and occupations as well as the life of the people at that time. It really adds to the story and makes it another added dimension to the book as well.as to the mystery.
I also like the fact that the author has Benjamin Franklin using his analytical mind when he and James discuss what information they are finding about the murders. The puzzle has so many interesting pieces that combine into a surprising but perfect ending.
This book is an unique mystery set in a historical place with interesting situations and twists in the puzzle that makes you think and puzzle out the mystery right along with Benjamin Franklin and his investigator James. If you like a good mystery, enjoy historical settings and like a good.puzzle that takes you to the end to figure out then you will like this book.
I would recommend this book to history buffs and mystery lovers as well as anyone else who enjoys a good read.
I received this book for my honest opinion and review.
September 2, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. At first I found it daunting to navigate the historical language and habits but I did really enjoy this book once I got started. James Jamison has returned from the war and found himself summoned to meet with his grandfather's old friend, the much admired Benjamin Franklin. Mr. Franklin enlists James to investigate the murder of a Quaker woman following the arrest of Quaker stonemason, Jacob Maul. The story follows James as he makes his inquiries and questions the guilt of Mr. Maul whose sone saved James' life during the war. A wonderful historical read and interesting mystery. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in history, Benjamin Franklin or delving into a twisted mystery.
September 7, 2017
If you're looking for a story that combines both history and murder, this is the perfect book for you. The major protagonist is Benjamin Franklin who enlists Captain James Jamison to investigate the "Quaker Murder". James is an honorable man who fought for his country's independence. With these two men working together, the murderer should be afraid. Their intelligent and rational investigation pulled me into the story. These characters are well developed and dominate the stage. Historic Philadelphia adds to the drama as do the residents who live there. I gained new inspite into the growth of this major metropolis. John Harmon McElroy is a talented author who skillfully combines history and fiction. I couldn't put this book down. The author did an excellent job building the suspense. I was kept in the dark. The ending took me by surprise. I'm hoping that we'll be seeing more of this dynamic duo.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
August 25, 2017
An ingenious concept for a mystery! This story takes place in post Revolutionary War Philadelphia. The main character is Captain James Jamison who is asked to assist the aging Ben Franklin to help solve a murder. This story is steeped with historical references and lots of imagery to support the storyline. This is a story for mystery and history lovers alike. There is a lot of historical context provided so I recommend you really have an interest in this time period before deciding to read it. I absolutely loved this story as it reminded me of Sherlock Holmes and Watson, but set in America. I recommend this story and cannot wait to read any additional stories that come out!
August 29, 2017
Secrecy and murder abound in this story. A well laid out plot has the reader anxious to find out what happened to two murdered Quaker women but be patient as the scene is set slowly and with great detail.
This story does a good job depicting post Revolutionary War America, the Quaker way of life and Benjamin Franklin. If you are looking for a light easy read this book is not for you but if you want a book rich in detail and full of history plus mystery put this on your must read list.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This story does a good job depicting post Revolutionary War America, the Quaker way of life and Benjamin Franklin. If you are looking for a light easy read this book is not for you but if you want a book rich in detail and full of history plus mystery put this on your must read list.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 2, 2017
A well executed historical fiction that reminded me of the nostalgia of Sherlock Holmes but with more gump and captivational presence. It left me wanting an entire series dedicated to the man many remember only because of a song sung in a musical or a face on a bill.
July 7, 2017
Everyone in Philadelphia thinks Jacob Maul, the Quaker stonecutter, is a murderer. How could there be any doubt? In September of 1785, two women were found dead on his property—one of them in his bed—with bruise marks on their throats. The only person who comes to a different conclusion is the city’s most famous citizen, Benjamin Franklin.
But at seventy-nine years of age, Franklin doesn’t want to acquire a reputation for solving his neighbors’ problems. Instead, he recruits a younger man, Revolutionary War veteran James Jamison, to make inquiries under his direction and collect information that could prove the Quaker’s innocence. Franklin’s considerable intelligence guides Jamison, but as the investigation unfolds, details emerge that threaten to dismantle the great man’s assumptions.
The Quaker Murders contains rich details about both Benjamin Franklin and life in eighteenth-century Philadelphia, a large, bustling city that was still recovering from the rigors of the war for independence. (Summary via Goodreads)
If you are a fan of The Quaker Midwife series by Edith Maxwell or A Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery series and/or The Gilded Newport Mysteries series both by Alyssa Maxwell, I highly recommend Benjamin Franklin and the Quaker Murders by John Harmon McElroy. And don't think that because Benjamin Franklin is involved it is going to be a boring, historical book. It is far from that. I will admit to taking notes while reading it .... only because I wanted to be certain that when I sat down to write my review I was giving McElroy the credit he is so deserving of.
Jacob Maul a Quaker stonecutter has seen too much death...right in his own home. His first wife dies from injuries after being hit by a wagon, his second wife found strangled next to him in bed, and then the sister of his second wife found strangled and discarded on his property. After Mrs. Coons (Lizzie), Jacob's second wife's sister is found, he is arrested for the murder.
Captain James Jamison, who happened to be saved by Maul's oldest son, John, during the battle at Monmouth, is summoned secretly by Benjamin Franklin to discuss looking into the deaths. Franklin does not believe that Maul is guilty and once he presents his reasoning to Jamison, Jamison finds himself agreeing.
After this initial meeting, plans are set in motion. Jamison will look into the deaths but mainly focusing on Lizzie's death as her sister's death was 7 years earlier. Franklin and Jamison set up an arrangment so that no one will know that Franklin is behind the investigation. It will be best if he is left out of it all together.
Jamison puts out word around town that he is looking into the murder and asks anyone for information to come forward. He also sets out to visit Lizzie's family members and anyone that knew her so that he can learn more about her. While on a trip out of town, a riot occurs in the jail resulting in Jacob Maul's
death. This does not stop the investigation as it is important to the rest of the Maul family that Jacob be found innocent, if that is the case.
As you travel along with Jamison you will not believe some of the things that are uncovered regarding Lizzie and the secrets involved in her life. You will also find amusement in the relationship between Jamison and Franklin. And when they obtain a confession for Lizzie's death, you will be completely shocked. And when you close the book for the last time, I believe you will be in awe of McElroy in the way in which he wrote a very entertaining and captivating story....and yes you can brag that you read a book on Bejamin Franklin.
But at seventy-nine years of age, Franklin doesn’t want to acquire a reputation for solving his neighbors’ problems. Instead, he recruits a younger man, Revolutionary War veteran James Jamison, to make inquiries under his direction and collect information that could prove the Quaker’s innocence. Franklin’s considerable intelligence guides Jamison, but as the investigation unfolds, details emerge that threaten to dismantle the great man’s assumptions.
The Quaker Murders contains rich details about both Benjamin Franklin and life in eighteenth-century Philadelphia, a large, bustling city that was still recovering from the rigors of the war for independence. (Summary via Goodreads)
If you are a fan of The Quaker Midwife series by Edith Maxwell or A Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery series and/or The Gilded Newport Mysteries series both by Alyssa Maxwell, I highly recommend Benjamin Franklin and the Quaker Murders by John Harmon McElroy. And don't think that because Benjamin Franklin is involved it is going to be a boring, historical book. It is far from that. I will admit to taking notes while reading it .... only because I wanted to be certain that when I sat down to write my review I was giving McElroy the credit he is so deserving of.
Jacob Maul a Quaker stonecutter has seen too much death...right in his own home. His first wife dies from injuries after being hit by a wagon, his second wife found strangled next to him in bed, and then the sister of his second wife found strangled and discarded on his property. After Mrs. Coons (Lizzie), Jacob's second wife's sister is found, he is arrested for the murder.
Captain James Jamison, who happened to be saved by Maul's oldest son, John, during the battle at Monmouth, is summoned secretly by Benjamin Franklin to discuss looking into the deaths. Franklin does not believe that Maul is guilty and once he presents his reasoning to Jamison, Jamison finds himself agreeing.
After this initial meeting, plans are set in motion. Jamison will look into the deaths but mainly focusing on Lizzie's death as her sister's death was 7 years earlier. Franklin and Jamison set up an arrangment so that no one will know that Franklin is behind the investigation. It will be best if he is left out of it all together.
Jamison puts out word around town that he is looking into the murder and asks anyone for information to come forward. He also sets out to visit Lizzie's family members and anyone that knew her so that he can learn more about her. While on a trip out of town, a riot occurs in the jail resulting in Jacob Maul's
death. This does not stop the investigation as it is important to the rest of the Maul family that Jacob be found innocent, if that is the case.
As you travel along with Jamison you will not believe some of the things that are uncovered regarding Lizzie and the secrets involved in her life. You will also find amusement in the relationship between Jamison and Franklin. And when they obtain a confession for Lizzie's death, you will be completely shocked. And when you close the book for the last time, I believe you will be in awe of McElroy in the way in which he wrote a very entertaining and captivating story....and yes you can brag that you read a book on Bejamin Franklin.
July 8, 2017
This is a fun historical mystery set in Philadelphia in the 1780s. Benjamin Franklin is playing detective to uncover a murderer and help free a Quaker who has been imprisoned for the crime. It is full of wonderful historical details and gives an engaging portrait of Franklin. I highly recommend it.
September 24, 2025
Ohhhh my, how boring! Half way through and I can't tell you how many ties I've been re-told what the "issues" are. He seems to tell everybody he meets. Over and over and over again. I keep drifting off to sleep. I don't need to sleep that much!!!
March 20, 2018
Meticulously researched and tightly plotted, this novel works well on multiple levels.
At first glance, it is a police-procedural before the invention of police: a mysterious murder, an obvious suspect, but a case that unravels quickly and leaves you wondering what exactly DID happen to Lizzie Coons? There's a bit of action, a bit of romance, and a lot of old-fashioned detective work (that wasn't yet old-fashioned in the 18th century).
At another level, the book is a love story to the United States in its infancy, just after the end of the Revolutionary War. The descriptions of daily life, of political and social concerns, and of both cityscape and countryside will bring you back in time to when the nation was young, when endless possibilities lay just over the horizon, and colonists are just learning how to be Americans. I found myself keeping Google Maps open on my iPad next to my Kindle to trace the action through and around early Philadelphia.
But at the highest level, this book is a celebration of one our most honored citizens, and one of the most remarkable men in history. The scenes with Benjamin Franklin sparkle with the character of the man, and his dialogue (much of it adapted from his "Autobiography") comes off naturally, not forced or stilted.
Highly recommended, and since the ending seems perfectly set up for a sequel, I look forward to revisiting this world.
At first glance, it is a police-procedural before the invention of police: a mysterious murder, an obvious suspect, but a case that unravels quickly and leaves you wondering what exactly DID happen to Lizzie Coons? There's a bit of action, a bit of romance, and a lot of old-fashioned detective work (that wasn't yet old-fashioned in the 18th century).
At another level, the book is a love story to the United States in its infancy, just after the end of the Revolutionary War. The descriptions of daily life, of political and social concerns, and of both cityscape and countryside will bring you back in time to when the nation was young, when endless possibilities lay just over the horizon, and colonists are just learning how to be Americans. I found myself keeping Google Maps open on my iPad next to my Kindle to trace the action through and around early Philadelphia.
But at the highest level, this book is a celebration of one our most honored citizens, and one of the most remarkable men in history. The scenes with Benjamin Franklin sparkle with the character of the man, and his dialogue (much of it adapted from his "Autobiography") comes off naturally, not forced or stilted.
Highly recommended, and since the ending seems perfectly set up for a sequel, I look forward to revisiting this world.
August 7, 2018
John McElroy’s “Benjamin Franklin and the Quaker Murders” is far more than just a novel. Although classified as historical fiction, this is a history book and a biography and includes elements of romance, mystery, science, violence, international intrigue, wisdom, sex, and sin. Set a few years after the American Revolution, Ben Franklin is in his late 70s. The great hardships of the war are well-outlined and their impact on day-to-day life is illustrated.
Franklin applies principles of scientific investigation and the wisdom of his life to solving the mystery. Although the ultimate resolution represents a departure from American principles of justice, it works because it is Franklin, perhaps the greatest American of that time, and ever since.
The setting is Philadelphia in the 1780s and the book provides accurate depictions of places, culture, habits, and practices of the era. It is replete with anecdotes of Franklin’s life, many from his autobiography, numerous witty quotes, and discourse of Franklin’s views on topics as diverse as good and evil, cheerfulness, and his suffering from gout and stones.
Just as there are countless levels of complexity to Benjamin Franklin, the book serves to satisfy on so many levels. I have just read it for the first time. It is on my list for a re-read. This seems like a book that can be read over and over, getting more from it each time. It is entertaining, but also an amazing education on so many topics.
Thank you John McElroy.
Franklin applies principles of scientific investigation and the wisdom of his life to solving the mystery. Although the ultimate resolution represents a departure from American principles of justice, it works because it is Franklin, perhaps the greatest American of that time, and ever since.
The setting is Philadelphia in the 1780s and the book provides accurate depictions of places, culture, habits, and practices of the era. It is replete with anecdotes of Franklin’s life, many from his autobiography, numerous witty quotes, and discourse of Franklin’s views on topics as diverse as good and evil, cheerfulness, and his suffering from gout and stones.
Just as there are countless levels of complexity to Benjamin Franklin, the book serves to satisfy on so many levels. I have just read it for the first time. It is on my list for a re-read. This seems like a book that can be read over and over, getting more from it each time. It is entertaining, but also an amazing education on so many topics.
Thank you John McElroy.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews