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Lincoln's White House Mystery #2
Murder in the Oval Library
April 13, 1861: Rebel troops are across the Potomac River, only 800 feet from the White House and President Lincoln—but a murderer is even closer . . .
As the Civil War begins, an invasion of Washington, DC, seems imminent. Lincoln’s trusted aide, Adam Speed Quinn, and Quinn’s old friend, Senator Jim Lane, hastily assemble a motley crew of just over a hundred men and garrison them in the East Room at the White House. But even as dawn breaks, a single act of violence intrudes within the White House. One of the Frontier Guard lies dead in the oval library, throat slit ear to ear. There is a murderer among them.
Lincoln promptly assigns Quinn to deal with the matter, who is in turn aided by journalist Sophie Gates and Dr. George Hilton. And to Quinn’s chagrin, the Southern belle Constance Lemagne insists on being involved in the investigation as well. But when Dr. Hilton examines the body, he makes a startling discovery that overturns all Quinn’s assumptions about the murder. With his president at grave risk from without and within, Quinn must act quickly to catch the White House killer . . .
Praise for the previous works of C. M.
“Exhilarating . . . Sure to please.”
— The New York Times Sunday Book Review
“Wonderfully witty . . . deliciously dark and delightfully entertaining.”
— The Chicago Tribune
“Gleason’s novel is a well-oiled machine . . . the authentic historical framework . . . the compelling personalities.”
— School Library Journal
As the Civil War begins, an invasion of Washington, DC, seems imminent. Lincoln’s trusted aide, Adam Speed Quinn, and Quinn’s old friend, Senator Jim Lane, hastily assemble a motley crew of just over a hundred men and garrison them in the East Room at the White House. But even as dawn breaks, a single act of violence intrudes within the White House. One of the Frontier Guard lies dead in the oval library, throat slit ear to ear. There is a murderer among them.
Lincoln promptly assigns Quinn to deal with the matter, who is in turn aided by journalist Sophie Gates and Dr. George Hilton. And to Quinn’s chagrin, the Southern belle Constance Lemagne insists on being involved in the investigation as well. But when Dr. Hilton examines the body, he makes a startling discovery that overturns all Quinn’s assumptions about the murder. With his president at grave risk from without and within, Quinn must act quickly to catch the White House killer . . .
Praise for the previous works of C. M.
“Exhilarating . . . Sure to please.”
— The New York Times Sunday Book Review
“Wonderfully witty . . . deliciously dark and delightfully entertaining.”
— The Chicago Tribune
“Gleason’s novel is a well-oiled machine . . . the authentic historical framework . . . the compelling personalities.”
— School Library Journal
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2018
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363 people want to read
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January 16, 2018Well, since I wrote it, I liked it. :-)
August 7, 2018
Murder In The Oval Library is the second book in the Lincoln’s White House Mystery series.
This is a win-win series for me. I love historical mysteries and the author skillfully weaves actual events from the time into the story.
Fort Sumter has been fired on and the war has begun. President Lincoln is busily trying to put together an army to protect Washington, DC. from being invaded by Rebels from Virginia. New Senator Jim Lane has about 100 members of his Frontier Guard garrisoned at the White House. The next morning everyone is relieved that an invasion has not occurred, but there is a scream from one of the maids when she finds one of the Frontier Guard has had their throat cut. President Lincoln, once again, calls on Adam Speed to investigate the gruesome murder. In turn, Speed calls on Sophie Gates, a reporter writing as Henry Altman, to help him search for the murderer. Speed also calls on Dr. George Hilton to help with his investigation and provides some shocking information. Sophie also meets Clara Barton and helps her care for the soldiers from Massachusetts who had been injured on their way to DC.
I thought this was a well-plotted and exciting story. Gleason also provides the reader with an interesting and believable cast of characters. What I also found very interesting is how easy it was to get access to the White House. The author may have stretched the truth a little, but I do remember reading in history class about the people lining the White House looking for government jobs. The author has also included in her Author Notes sources that readers might want to check out for more information on the period that the book to place.
I will definitely be watching for the next book in this exciting series.
This is a win-win series for me. I love historical mysteries and the author skillfully weaves actual events from the time into the story.
Fort Sumter has been fired on and the war has begun. President Lincoln is busily trying to put together an army to protect Washington, DC. from being invaded by Rebels from Virginia. New Senator Jim Lane has about 100 members of his Frontier Guard garrisoned at the White House. The next morning everyone is relieved that an invasion has not occurred, but there is a scream from one of the maids when she finds one of the Frontier Guard has had their throat cut. President Lincoln, once again, calls on Adam Speed to investigate the gruesome murder. In turn, Speed calls on Sophie Gates, a reporter writing as Henry Altman, to help him search for the murderer. Speed also calls on Dr. George Hilton to help with his investigation and provides some shocking information. Sophie also meets Clara Barton and helps her care for the soldiers from Massachusetts who had been injured on their way to DC.
I thought this was a well-plotted and exciting story. Gleason also provides the reader with an interesting and believable cast of characters. What I also found very interesting is how easy it was to get access to the White House. The author may have stretched the truth a little, but I do remember reading in history class about the people lining the White House looking for government jobs. The author has also included in her Author Notes sources that readers might want to check out for more information on the period that the book to place.
I will definitely be watching for the next book in this exciting series.
November 10, 2018
I am becoming a real fan of books about Lincoln, and this one had an interesting premise, but the writing is rather like a YA, so I could only persist through 30%. I am not at all surprised that she has written a series of books for teens. I might have enjoyed this when I was about 12.
September 10, 2018
Thanks to Kensington Books and TLC Book Tours for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
For those that love a good historical fiction novel, then this one is perfect for you! This is set in the late 1800’s – Lincoln has just been elected President and the US is in turmoil. The country is on the brink of the Civil War with the South beginning to succeed, and to make things worse, a body is found in the library of the White House.
Lincoln assigns Adam Quinn to the case. He is accompanied by Sophie Gates and Dr. George Hilton, they try to quickly unravel the mystery with mounting pressure as the Confederates start to cross into Northern territory. I really enjoyed that Gleason sprinkled the story with actual historical figures – that added another level of authenticity to the novel.
I enjoyed the mystery element and the setting. I feel like I never really see historical fiction novels about this time period – all the ones lately take place in Victorian England (not complaining about that!). I think I need to go back and read book one to get to know the characters a little better, but I would highly recommend picking this series up. I also enjoyed the Author’s Note at the end of the book.
For those that love a good historical fiction novel, then this one is perfect for you! This is set in the late 1800’s – Lincoln has just been elected President and the US is in turmoil. The country is on the brink of the Civil War with the South beginning to succeed, and to make things worse, a body is found in the library of the White House.
Lincoln assigns Adam Quinn to the case. He is accompanied by Sophie Gates and Dr. George Hilton, they try to quickly unravel the mystery with mounting pressure as the Confederates start to cross into Northern territory. I really enjoyed that Gleason sprinkled the story with actual historical figures – that added another level of authenticity to the novel.
I enjoyed the mystery element and the setting. I feel like I never really see historical fiction novels about this time period – all the ones lately take place in Victorian England (not complaining about that!). I think I need to go back and read book one to get to know the characters a little better, but I would highly recommend picking this series up. I also enjoyed the Author’s Note at the end of the book.
February 3, 2019
I enjoyed this. It's a well-plotted murder mystery, with likable characters, good pacing and a bonus of an interesting history lesson about a period I enjoy - the civil war.
This series really is almost a history book, although it's fiction. The author does clearly exhaustive research and there is plenty of reality woven in with the fiction. It makes history interesting and engaging and teaches while it entertains.
I loved the feeling of being in the White House with the characters, getting to spend time with President Lincoln, and experiencing the early days of the civil war through the eyes of the characters.
Certainly this was not an easy time for the U.S., but it very much makes for engrossing reading for a present-day reader. I listened to this as an audio book and the narrator was good.
Overall this book - and this series - are solid, well-written and entertaining stories that blend good fiction with actual history for an easy, enjoyable read.
This series really is almost a history book, although it's fiction. The author does clearly exhaustive research and there is plenty of reality woven in with the fiction. It makes history interesting and engaging and teaches while it entertains.
I loved the feeling of being in the White House with the characters, getting to spend time with President Lincoln, and experiencing the early days of the civil war through the eyes of the characters.
Certainly this was not an easy time for the U.S., but it very much makes for engrossing reading for a present-day reader. I listened to this as an audio book and the narrator was good.
Overall this book - and this series - are solid, well-written and entertaining stories that blend good fiction with actual history for an easy, enjoyable read.
July 1, 2023
Murder in the Oval Library is book two in Lincoln's White House Mystery series by C. M. Gleason. House, Adam Speed Quinn and his friend Senator Jim Lane believed there would be an attack on the White House and organise one hundred men to protect the White House. However, when morning arrives, and no attack happens, they realise Murder is among them when one of the guards is found dead in the Oval Library. Adam Quinn must act quickly to find the killer and save the President. The readers of Murder in the Oval Library will continue to follow Adam Speed Quinn and his friends to discover what happens.
Murder in the Oval Library is a fantastic historical mystery that engages me from the first page and an excellent addition to Lincoln's White House Mystery series by C. M. Gleason. I love C. M. Gleason's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Murder in the Oval Library is well-written and researched by C. M. Gleason. I like C. M. Gleason's description of the settings of Murder in the Oval Library, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Murder in the Oval Library will learn about life at the White House during the 1860s. Also, the readers of Murder in The Oval Library will learn about the role of trusted aid to the President.
I recommend this book.
Murder in the Oval Library is a fantastic historical mystery that engages me from the first page and an excellent addition to Lincoln's White House Mystery series by C. M. Gleason. I love C. M. Gleason's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Murder in the Oval Library is well-written and researched by C. M. Gleason. I like C. M. Gleason's description of the settings of Murder in the Oval Library, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Murder in the Oval Library will learn about life at the White House during the 1860s. Also, the readers of Murder in The Oval Library will learn about the role of trusted aid to the President.
I recommend this book.
June 26, 2020
I'm through with this series!
Most of the story revolves around the days just after war is declared and the criminal behaviours that the 'Southern gentlemen' and their supporters get up to in DC.
However, since time immemorial I think. when war is declared - or even before - the governments or people in charge round up the treasonous and dissenters and either kill them or lock them away.
So there was no real point to this story except that someone didn't do what they should have done.
Most of the story revolves around the days just after war is declared and the criminal behaviours that the 'Southern gentlemen' and their supporters get up to in DC.
However, since time immemorial I think. when war is declared - or even before - the governments or people in charge round up the treasonous and dissenters and either kill them or lock them away.
So there was no real point to this story except that someone didn't do what they should have done.
September 12, 2024
On the positive side:
I enjoyed this book, and more so than the first one in the series. It seems that Ms. Gleason did more historical research for this volume and the (at times glaring) historical mistakes in the first book are not really evident in this one.
I feel that Ms. Gleason did a very good job interweaving the real tension felt in Washington after the firing on Fort Sumter with the mystery/murder that is the Macguffin for the story. Her Afterword describes some of the sources she used in her research and although I have read other books where this tense period was described, I do believe I will eventually read those listed as her sources. I am glad she named them.
As I stated in my review of her first book in this series, it is evident that the author has talent as a mystery writer. This book is a page-turner and there are ample red herrings and possibilities presented to keep the reader intrigued.
On the negative side: (warning, some spoilers below)
Ms. Gleason once again (as in the last book) has a woman impersonating a man. This was unnecessary in the last book and it is trite to use the same gimmick again, especially two stories in a row. Also, although the goings on in Washington believably interfere with our hero’s investigation, anyone with half a brain would have at least investigated the victim’s spouse, especially given the infidelity involved. Adam Quinn explains this away in a sentence, stating that he believed her husband was dead, but there had been no indication of this when Jim Lane admits that she was his mistress and that she was married. It is also bizarre how indifferent Lane is to her murder.
In Conclusion:
I thought the first book was good enough to want to read this volume and this one is better. Yes, the male impersonator business was stale and recycled but the historical facts were far more accurate, which not only is necessary if writing in a historical setting but added a realistic sense of drama and tension. The murderer is a person Adam should have suspected from the jump or, Ms. Gleason should have linguistically wrangled a plausible way for Adam to have believed him dead. He says he thought so, but I see no reason why he would think so. I do look forward to reading the next installment and am hopeful that the author continues her growth in this genre.
April 11, 2019
Murder in the Oval Library by C.M. Gleason is the second book in the Lincoln’s White House Mystery series. As Lincoln waits for the Confederate Army to begin its attack on Washington DC, about a hundred men, the Frontier Guard, are in the White House awaiting for the attack. One of these men is found dead in the Oval Library. Is there a murderer among them? President Lincoln, knowing he can trust Adam Quinn, asks him to catch the killer.
Adam once again uses his friends, Sophie, Dr. Hilton, and Miss Lemagne to help him. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters better in this second book. We learn more about their pasts and come to understand them better.
By far my favorite aspect of the book was the historical elements. Author Gleason does a great job of describing events while still caring a story forward. I learned so much about the beginnings of the Civil War from this book. There were so many things I did not know and I was constantly doing further research to see if it was fact or fiction. Gleason describes these events in a way that I could easily picture Washington during this crucial time in our history. Washington then is not the Washington we see when we go there now and Gleason did a great job in placing me in the correct Washington. We are also shown this time period from the perspective of not only North and South, but race, and class.
Murder in the Oval Library is a quick, engaging murder mystery. Though the setting of the beginning of the Civil War could be heavy, the story provides lots of information without weighing down or getting lost in a murder mystery.
Murder in the Oval Library is the second in a series, and I do think it would be beneficial to read the first one first, though it isn’t necessary. I love to get to know characters really well and so reading the first book gives more of that information, but it wasn’t necessary to the storyline.
My copy of Murder in the Oval Library was provided by Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
Adam once again uses his friends, Sophie, Dr. Hilton, and Miss Lemagne to help him. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters better in this second book. We learn more about their pasts and come to understand them better.
By far my favorite aspect of the book was the historical elements. Author Gleason does a great job of describing events while still caring a story forward. I learned so much about the beginnings of the Civil War from this book. There were so many things I did not know and I was constantly doing further research to see if it was fact or fiction. Gleason describes these events in a way that I could easily picture Washington during this crucial time in our history. Washington then is not the Washington we see when we go there now and Gleason did a great job in placing me in the correct Washington. We are also shown this time period from the perspective of not only North and South, but race, and class.
Murder in the Oval Library is a quick, engaging murder mystery. Though the setting of the beginning of the Civil War could be heavy, the story provides lots of information without weighing down or getting lost in a murder mystery.
Murder in the Oval Library is the second in a series, and I do think it would be beneficial to read the first one first, though it isn’t necessary. I love to get to know characters really well and so reading the first book gives more of that information, but it wasn’t necessary to the storyline.
My copy of Murder in the Oval Library was provided by Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
July 24, 2018
The year is 1861; Lincoln has been inaugurated; the South has started to succeed; the country is on the brink of a civil war. Oh, and a body is found in the Oval Library of the Whitehouse.
Abraham Lincoln assigns Adam Speed Quinn the task of digging for the truth. Sophie Gates, an independent reporter writing for the New York Times, appoints herself as his assistant. Together they will need to put together the pieces of a puzzle that will only become more complicated once Washington DC is invaded by the Rebels from the South.
The story was a fun read and held this reader’s attention for the duration of the book. Well worth my time.
A “Note From The Author” does a good job of helping to connect the story to the historical events in the days immediately following the inauguration. What was disappointing was that events discussed in the book could not be verified through Google, etc. As I have said in earlier reviews, the ability to follow up with a bit of independent research is what makes an historical novel particularly interesting. The brief essay at the end ties the book to some of that history, but it also leaves some questions unanswered.
Having said that, I have ordered an earlier title by the same author written with the same characters and similar sitting. I do not expect to be disappointed.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.
Abraham Lincoln assigns Adam Speed Quinn the task of digging for the truth. Sophie Gates, an independent reporter writing for the New York Times, appoints herself as his assistant. Together they will need to put together the pieces of a puzzle that will only become more complicated once Washington DC is invaded by the Rebels from the South.
The story was a fun read and held this reader’s attention for the duration of the book. Well worth my time.
A “Note From The Author” does a good job of helping to connect the story to the historical events in the days immediately following the inauguration. What was disappointing was that events discussed in the book could not be verified through Google, etc. As I have said in earlier reviews, the ability to follow up with a bit of independent research is what makes an historical novel particularly interesting. The brief essay at the end ties the book to some of that history, but it also leaves some questions unanswered.
Having said that, I have ordered an earlier title by the same author written with the same characters and similar sitting. I do not expect to be disappointed.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.
February 26, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy for an honest review.
*No synopsis---you can get that above*
Three things resonated with me right out of the gate: Civil War era, a mystery, an a historical fiction novel that wasn't a romance. (Sometimes that seems to be the only genre when searching for historical fiction)
I really enjoyed this book. The plot/mystery was constructed very well & not predictable. A few twists and turns along the way. There was a delightful array of characters from all different backgrounds & personalities. They each had a distinct voice--none seemed cliched. The main protagonist: Adam Quinn. He came across very shrewd---always observing & never giving too much a way.
The crown jewel for me in this, was that real persons weren't just 'talked' about, they actually were part of the story & interacted with the fictional characters. Gleason did a fantastic job with this. They jumped off the page in a natural, 3-D, flesh & blood fashion. This book was as much character driven & plot driven.
This was the second book in this series. I plan on reading the first & look forward to future installments.
*No synopsis---you can get that above*
Three things resonated with me right out of the gate: Civil War era, a mystery, an a historical fiction novel that wasn't a romance. (Sometimes that seems to be the only genre when searching for historical fiction)
I really enjoyed this book. The plot/mystery was constructed very well & not predictable. A few twists and turns along the way. There was a delightful array of characters from all different backgrounds & personalities. They each had a distinct voice--none seemed cliched. The main protagonist: Adam Quinn. He came across very shrewd---always observing & never giving too much a way.
The crown jewel for me in this, was that real persons weren't just 'talked' about, they actually were part of the story & interacted with the fictional characters. Gleason did a fantastic job with this. They jumped off the page in a natural, 3-D, flesh & blood fashion. This book was as much character driven & plot driven.
This was the second book in this series. I plan on reading the first & look forward to future installments.
August 3, 2018
War has been declared. As tensions grow, Adam Quinn is tasked with solving yet another murder on top of protecting Mr. Lincoln. With help from old friends and new, he learns just how close danger can lurk.
This is an excellent follow-up to the first book. Familiar characters return to help Adam follow the clues to the killer. Sophie Gates, a woman journalist, and Dr. George Hilton are among his chief allies to solving the crime. Dr. Hilton is without a doubt one of my favorite characters from these books.
There continues to be a slight triangle of attraction between Adam, Sophie, and Southern belle, Constance Lemange, who is doing her best to help the Confederate cause from Washington DC. This is my least favorite part of this book.
Overall, the plot is well balanced, keeping the tension high with the city under threat and a killer on the loose. Historical figures are woven in expertly, and are presented as they might have been.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a historical mystery.
This is an excellent follow-up to the first book. Familiar characters return to help Adam follow the clues to the killer. Sophie Gates, a woman journalist, and Dr. George Hilton are among his chief allies to solving the crime. Dr. Hilton is without a doubt one of my favorite characters from these books.
There continues to be a slight triangle of attraction between Adam, Sophie, and Southern belle, Constance Lemange, who is doing her best to help the Confederate cause from Washington DC. This is my least favorite part of this book.
Overall, the plot is well balanced, keeping the tension high with the city under threat and a killer on the loose. Historical figures are woven in expertly, and are presented as they might have been.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a historical mystery.
November 24, 2021
This is a YA level novel written in adult language.
Waaaaay too much BAD cursing that was unnecessary makes this a negative stars book.
Very slow dull blah start. Not much after that either.
Over two dozen continuity/believability errrors.
Too many scene/location hops.
No tension. No real plot.
Somebody got killed, and somehow got found out with too many coincidences along the way.
Some SPAG issues along with some vague pronouns leaving you wondering who/what was being referenced.
Some mystery sections that did not seem to relate to anything except boosting word total.
Well made; pages did not fall out like many books do these days.
Only possibly interesting aspect was the setting providing a look back at history in DC and the start of the civil war.
If the generals had obeyed Lee's orders and set up on the hill at Gettysburg asap, instead of waiting a day, then the south would likely have won the war. Unclear if attacking DC sooner would have done that like the book implies.
Waaaaay too much BAD cursing that was unnecessary makes this a negative stars book.
Very slow dull blah start. Not much after that either.
Over two dozen continuity/believability errrors.
Too many scene/location hops.
No tension. No real plot.
Somebody got killed, and somehow got found out with too many coincidences along the way.
Some SPAG issues along with some vague pronouns leaving you wondering who/what was being referenced.
Some mystery sections that did not seem to relate to anything except boosting word total.
Well made; pages did not fall out like many books do these days.
Only possibly interesting aspect was the setting providing a look back at history in DC and the start of the civil war.
If the generals had obeyed Lee's orders and set up on the hill at Gettysburg asap, instead of waiting a day, then the south would likely have won the war. Unclear if attacking DC sooner would have done that like the book implies.
December 30, 2023
I both listened to and read a library copy of this second in the series.
I really enjoy this time period, of which I know very little. This sets the stage for the American Civil War, as war has just been declared in the opening pages. Both Union and Confederate supporters are sitting in Washington D.C. just waiting for the invasion of the Southern forces. Union forces have been delayed passing through Maryland so there is a general call for Union support from the local citizens. Adam Quinn has some Kansas fighting men, but more are needed.
In the meantime the White House is still an open building with petitioners drifting through looking for face time with President Lincoln. When a dead body is found in the library, just feet from the President's quarters, Adam is once more enlisted to look into the murder.
He gets assistance from Dr. George Hilton and reporter Sophie Gates. Constance Lemagne also assists with her artistic rendering of the unidentified body.
This is professionally written with an interesting plot. I will be reading the next in this series.
I really enjoy this time period, of which I know very little. This sets the stage for the American Civil War, as war has just been declared in the opening pages. Both Union and Confederate supporters are sitting in Washington D.C. just waiting for the invasion of the Southern forces. Union forces have been delayed passing through Maryland so there is a general call for Union support from the local citizens. Adam Quinn has some Kansas fighting men, but more are needed.
In the meantime the White House is still an open building with petitioners drifting through looking for face time with President Lincoln. When a dead body is found in the library, just feet from the President's quarters, Adam is once more enlisted to look into the murder.
He gets assistance from Dr. George Hilton and reporter Sophie Gates. Constance Lemagne also assists with her artistic rendering of the unidentified body.
This is professionally written with an interesting plot. I will be reading the next in this series.
March 13, 2019
I'm really enjoying this new mystery/historical fiction series. Both books move along at a brisk pace, so I never get bored. I enjoy and root for most of the characters, with the glaring exception of Constance Lemange, who is a syrupy, stereotypical insult to every woman who has ever lived below the Mason-Dixon line. Myself included. If the author wanted to make the Confederates look bad, they did that for themselves; all she had to do was write the truth. There was no need for this posturing little peacock.
The thing I most like about this series is how it shows, without being preachy or intrusive, this particular time in history from so many differing viewpoints: Northern, Southern, white, black, Irish, Eastern, Western, wealthy, poor.
I highly recommend this series to mystery and historical fiction fans. These are fast and fun books that leave you with something to think about at the end- a rare combination.
The thing I most like about this series is how it shows, without being preachy or intrusive, this particular time in history from so many differing viewpoints: Northern, Southern, white, black, Irish, Eastern, Western, wealthy, poor.
I highly recommend this series to mystery and historical fiction fans. These are fast and fun books that leave you with something to think about at the end- a rare combination.
July 17, 2018
I was really intrigued when I came across Murder in the Oval Library by C.M Gleason. I have a hard time turning down a novel based on history but shrouded in fiction. However, upon finishing the book i felt a little cheated. Overall the story telling was interesting and the characters were fun to follow but the ending left me somewhat underwhelmed. It felt like when there is a big build up and then the reveal happens and everyone is looking around going “is that it?”. There are some minor tweaks and other story changes that could probably make this a really strong novel. I would be interested in reading additional stories in this series but would need to be more wowed next time or would have to move on.
Thanks to C.M Gleason and Kensington for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
Thanks to C.M Gleason and Kensington for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
August 11, 2018
1861 and the Civil war has just started. While the opposing army is less than a mile away, all of Washington waits to see the outcome. But the plans of Adam Speed Quinn are interrupted when a body of a Frontier Guard is discovered in the Oval Library. President Lincoln requests that he investigate. Although wishing otherwise for their safety only, he gets help from journalist Sophie Gates, Dr. George Hilton and Southern female Constance Lemagne.
An interesting and well-plotted, well-written mystery which kept my attention throughout. And the characters are well-drawn and mostly likeable, though I am not too sure about Constance.
Although this is the second in the series it can certanly be read as a standalone story and I look forward to the next in the series.
A NetGalley Book
An interesting and well-plotted, well-written mystery which kept my attention throughout. And the characters are well-drawn and mostly likeable, though I am not too sure about Constance.
Although this is the second in the series it can certanly be read as a standalone story and I look forward to the next in the series.
A NetGalley Book
March 1, 2019
The second book in the Adam Quinn series has President Lincoln and all of Washington bracing for invasion by rebel soldiers at the start of the Civil War.
Southern sympathizers in Maryland are blocking the train tracks and Washington, DC, has very few soldiers to defend it against Confederate soldiers just across the river in Virginia.
A band of Kansas frontiersmen is bedding down in the President's House to protect Lincoln. But one of them is murdered in the middle of the night.
Quinn is asked to find out what happened -- and also to help spread rumors to forestall the imminent attack.
He and his supporting cast make for a good read, And the details about historic Washington add some real flavor.
Southern sympathizers in Maryland are blocking the train tracks and Washington, DC, has very few soldiers to defend it against Confederate soldiers just across the river in Virginia.
A band of Kansas frontiersmen is bedding down in the President's House to protect Lincoln. But one of them is murdered in the middle of the night.
Quinn is asked to find out what happened -- and also to help spread rumors to forestall the imminent attack.
He and his supporting cast make for a good read, And the details about historic Washington add some real flavor.
April 7, 2023
I'm in love! Gleason is now my favorite author. This trilogy is fantastic, so interesting, full of cliff hangers at the end of chapters that make you turn the page when you should be turning out the lights. While I'm sorry this is the last book in the trilogy (I read them out of order) currently available, I'm happy Gleason has other books for me to start reading. Please write more about Quinn and Sadie, it would be nice to see their relationship progress as they solve other crimes.
Please continue this series Ms. Gleason, please, please, please. Your explanation of the historical facts at the end of each novel was wonderful since I wondered which people and events were true and which were your creation as I read the book. Keep up your delightful story telling. More Please.
Please continue this series Ms. Gleason, please, please, please. Your explanation of the historical facts at the end of each novel was wonderful since I wondered which people and events were true and which were your creation as I read the book. Keep up your delightful story telling. More Please.
February 6, 2020
Another great one in this series. I didn't like the mystery in this one as much as the first, but the story made for it in the further development of the characters from the first book.
I know this is a historical mystery, but I see two potential love interests and it would be fun for those to develop. The tension between the two ladies is already brewing.
I loved the introduction of Clara Barton into the story to add another real person from history.
I had never heard about the week that Washington DC was cut off at the start of the Civil War. It is always nice to learn more when I read historical fiction.
I know this is a historical mystery, but I see two potential love interests and it would be fun for those to develop. The tension between the two ladies is already brewing.
I loved the introduction of Clara Barton into the story to add another real person from history.
I had never heard about the week that Washington DC was cut off at the start of the Civil War. It is always nice to learn more when I read historical fiction.
August 21, 2018
A nicely done tale of murder in the White House! Adam Quinn is asked by President Lincoln to investigate the murder of one of the guards who moved into the White House to protect him. Working with George Hilton and Sophie Gates, he unravels a mystery. There are cameos by real people from the era (Clara Barton for one). There's also a new potential love interest in Constance. This is well written and a quick read which has a little more depth than I expected. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Fans of historical mysteries- who aren't too hung up on precise details- will like this one.
January 17, 2019
The South has seceded from the Union and all of Washington is bracing for a Confederate invasion. When one of the Frontier Guards in found dead in the Oval Library, President Lincoln calls on Adam Quinn to find the murderer. When the body is examined by Dr. George Hilton, he makes a remarkable discovery - the dead person was a woman disguised as a man. This puzzles Quinn, but with the help of journalist Sophie Gates, they try to discover who she is and why she was killed. An excellent historical mystery.
January 31, 2023
I can't get enough. This book is a continuation of the first book in the series the Lincoln's White House Mystery. I felt like I was actually there with Gleason's descriptions of the times and even felt the hatred between the north and the south. I was so exhausted when I went into work from staying up late finishing it. There wasn't a good spot to stop. Just one more chapter never seemed to come. I loved it. Fantastic. If you are a civil war enthusiast, make sure this series gets on your list for this year.
November 26, 2018
Another fascinating historical thriller from Ms Gleason
Wow! Yet another great thriller from Colleen Gleason based in real historical time and facts. I love Lincoln and so naturally, I had to read these immediately. I love all the history she puts in here with her fictional mystery and people perfectly blended with history. Cannot wait for another one...there has to be 3 of these right???
Wow! Yet another great thriller from Colleen Gleason based in real historical time and facts. I love Lincoln and so naturally, I had to read these immediately. I love all the history she puts in here with her fictional mystery and people perfectly blended with history. Cannot wait for another one...there has to be 3 of these right???
August 30, 2019
Book 1, Murder in the Lincoln White House, was excellent - and I found book 2 to be even better! Tense, gripping, and chock full of wonderful, never read before historical information about the time between the firing on Fort Sumpter and the arrival of troops to defend Washington, DC, I enjoyed the development of the characters - especially Adam Quinn, the protagonist, and Sophie Gates - and nicely woven plot along with the author notes by Gleason at the end. Can't wait for book 3!
February 26, 2021
The band of patriots led by Adam Quinn, Dr. Hilton and Miss Gates scramble to assist Abraham Lincoln in finding the murderer of a person in the White House. While Abe is involved in keeping the Confederate soldiers from storming Washington, the 3 are on their own to uncover the truth. A very likable set of characters populate the book and this story introduces us to a few real folks, Clara Barton being one.
March 1, 2024
Author (CM Gleason AKA Colleen Cambridge) writes great stories. This is one of them. There is a murder in the White House's Oval Library on the brink of the Civil War. Adam Quinn and Sophie Gates work together to determine who the culprit is. With each chapter read more information and suspects come to light with a surprising ending. This was a joy to read. Looking forward to all her other series.
March 8, 2019
Not crazy about it. She has an Irish character saying "Top o' the morning." Irish people don't say that. The expression is "stage Irish," used by American actors portraying Irish people. The first time anybody in Ireland ever heard that expression it was from an American.
The story didn't really grab me all that much.
The story didn't really grab me all that much.
March 12, 2020
Nice simple easy read in my opinion. The second book did pretty well further developing current characters. I’m in love with time periods like this one & will definitely check out the next book. Hard work was put in for historical accuracy & the storyline was pretty solid. When it came to weaving fiction into factual situation.
November 6, 2025
Plots galore in the White House, as southern sympathizers awaited the arrival of secessionist troops and Unionists waited equally anxiously for troops being sent from Maryland. The eve of the decisive day unfolds with various attempted murders and arson efforts to burn the the Willard Hotel. All mostly foiled, and the difficulties to be resolved with the dawn of the following day.
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