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Harrison Raines #1
Murder at Manassas
Excellent Book
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
27 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 27, 2009
This is a promising first book in the "Harrison Raines" Mystery series.
Mr. Kilian has done his research well.
While escorting a lady to the Battle of Manassa(aka first Bull Run), Harry discovered that a Federal officer, shot in the back, was not killed by enemy fire--but murdered! This discovery plunges him into some of the political conflict at the time.
The story is well written, reasonably exciting, with a decent answer to the mystery of the soldiers death.
One very, very good point the author shows is the conflicting feelings some persons---especially in border states--had in the early days of the Civil War. Harry is a Virginian; and like Robert E. Lee, does not wish to take arms against the state of his birth. Yet, Harry personally opposes slavery and acts on this belief in the novel.
Recommended for fans of historical mysteries and/or fans of Civil War historical fiction.
Mr. Kilian has done his research well.
While escorting a lady to the Battle of Manassa(aka first Bull Run), Harry discovered that a Federal officer, shot in the back, was not killed by enemy fire--but murdered! This discovery plunges him into some of the political conflict at the time.
The story is well written, reasonably exciting, with a decent answer to the mystery of the soldiers death.
One very, very good point the author shows is the conflicting feelings some persons---especially in border states--had in the early days of the Civil War. Harry is a Virginian; and like Robert E. Lee, does not wish to take arms against the state of his birth. Yet, Harry personally opposes slavery and acts on this belief in the novel.
Recommended for fans of historical mysteries and/or fans of Civil War historical fiction.
September 12, 2022
Harrison Franville Raines owns a plantation in Virginia. The year is 1861. His brother and father are officers in the Confederate Army. He does not share share their on views. In addition to his land he makes his living as a gambler; he is not a detective although the Pinkerton Agency recognize his skills at deductive reasoning and would like to have him as an employee. This piece of historical fiction, which is Part 1 of his Civil War mysteries, takes the reader to the first battle of the War of Secession at Bull Run in Virginia about thirty-five miles south of Washington, D. C. Raines is totally infatuated with Caitlin Howard, an actress. She considers him a great friend and asks him to take her to watch the battle, as people did in the early days of the war, because she fears for the safety of her friend and fellow actress, Laura Keene. Because of Raines's neutrality the law in D.C. considers that he might be a Southern spy. As a result of being sighted at the battle, he soon finds himself embroiled in the accusations that a well respected son-in-law of a U.S. senator was a coward in the battle and was shot in the back while fleeing the battle. He strongly believes that it was a cold blooded murder. He is asked to prove that and save his reputation. Many famous people of that time period float through the pages, but Raines stays close to the facts of history. It an enjoyable read and very different from mysteries that I have read that tie together fact and fiction.
April 19, 2022
“Murder at Manassas” did exactly what I want from a historical novel, or more specifically in this case, a history mystery. And that is the book becomes a time machine transporting me back to not only read about there and then, but to be there and then. This is achieved in both grand ways, like the picnic atmosphere of D.C. civilians going to view the battle of Bull Run as if it were a sporting event, to small ones like a poker bet of 10¢, which learn is enough for a half pound of butter. The dialogue is never anachronistic, a problem many historical novels fall into. It has enough 19th century idioms and vocabulary to ring true, but not too much to bog down the story telling.
Then there’s the mystery part, which had the added twist of being a murder in the midst of the first great battle of the Civil War. Plenty of suspects, including the Confederate army. The fictional characters interact seamlessly with actual historical figures. Our main character, Harrison Raines, is an unlikely detective. Quite nearsighted, but vanity often leaves without his spectacles and a clear view. This Virginian gambler, with an abolitionist heart, gets pulled into a complex web of corruption and jealousies, due to his unrequited love for a beautiful British actress, who only has eyes for none other than John Wilkes Booth.
It’s the first in a series of which I look forward to more.
Then there’s the mystery part, which had the added twist of being a murder in the midst of the first great battle of the Civil War. Plenty of suspects, including the Confederate army. The fictional characters interact seamlessly with actual historical figures. Our main character, Harrison Raines, is an unlikely detective. Quite nearsighted, but vanity often leaves without his spectacles and a clear view. This Virginian gambler, with an abolitionist heart, gets pulled into a complex web of corruption and jealousies, due to his unrequited love for a beautiful British actress, who only has eyes for none other than John Wilkes Booth.
It’s the first in a series of which I look forward to more.
February 15, 2024
Murder at Manassas is the first i a series of historical fiction which take place during the civil war. The book is not about battles, but rather about a murder that happened on the Manassas battlefield. The book was enjoyable and the obscure mention of some place or something that would have big consequences later in the war, such as the mention that Pennsylvania produced a great quantity of shoes for the Union Army. Or, that John Wilkes Booth liked to jump from the balcony of his bedroom window and perfected that to be used in the theatre. The protagonist is likable but has the character of a man of the 1860's, which in regard to his treatment of the ladies was a bit short-sighted on his part. The story rests on the believability of the characters.
Donated to a Little Free Library in Savannah, GA.
Donated to a Little Free Library in Savannah, GA.
February 7, 2021
Civil War mystery
This mystery is based at the start of the Civil War. Despite a few inaccuracies (Secret Service starting in 1861 being one), I was taken by the way the mystery was written and by the way certain clues became known. The novel had many, many twists, almost too many. Also, it did not tie up until the very end. I will definitely read the next. 4.5 out of 5 rating.
This mystery is based at the start of the Civil War. Despite a few inaccuracies (Secret Service starting in 1861 being one), I was taken by the way the mystery was written and by the way certain clues became known. The novel had many, many twists, almost too many. Also, it did not tie up until the very end. I will definitely read the next. 4.5 out of 5 rating.
June 1, 2021
The description of the first battle of the Civil War is a good way to start this story. The description here tallies with others that I've read. All the Northeners treated the battle as if they were going to a picnic--ladies in their best dresses and bonnets. What an horror that men were actually shot!! But...how and who shot one man is the mystery. Even Wilkes-Booth is part of the plot.
I'd rather read Grant's memoirs.
I'd rather read Grant's memoirs.
November 26, 2021
Not optimal
Parts of this book are brilliant. Other parts less so. It all adds up to about 3 1/2 stars. I'll surely read the next book in the series, but it's not going to make "my favorite books of the year" list. Worth my time to read, but muddled. The history is wonderful. But the plot is muddled and ultimately not satisfying.
Parts of this book are brilliant. Other parts less so. It all adds up to about 3 1/2 stars. I'll surely read the next book in the series, but it's not going to make "my favorite books of the year" list. Worth my time to read, but muddled. The history is wonderful. But the plot is muddled and ultimately not satisfying.
June 14, 2020
I liked it a lot. While the main character is fictional, the events surrounding it are true. This is a very good historical novel, that transports you back to the time of the Civil War. An intriguing mystery is interwoven around the actual events. Very atmospheric.
November 30, 2021
Every woman in this book is an absolute twit. Good gravy.
If you can get past the twit-infested beginning (it took me three tries), the rest is okay. The mystery is muddled, but that seems to be by design. And the MC as an annoying twit-enabler may be on purpose too, I suppose. But it's annoying.
If you can get past the twit-infested beginning (it took me three tries), the rest is okay. The mystery is muddled, but that seems to be by design. And the MC as an annoying twit-enabler may be on purpose too, I suppose. But it's annoying.
August 31, 2023
a civil war mystery
Michael Kilian was a master of historical mystery. In this first of the series, the reader is introduced to Harrison Raines and a cast of historical heavy weights.
Totally grand read.
Michael Kilian was a master of historical mystery. In this first of the series, the reader is introduced to Harrison Raines and a cast of historical heavy weights.
Totally grand read.
July 12, 2019
Story was interesting enough for me to read the second book in the series but author just couldn't leave this guy's unrequited love alone.Enough already !
March 21, 2017
Entirely Entertaining
I'm pretty sure I'll read the next book in the series. This is a much better blend of historical fiction and mystery than Cussler's Isaac Bell series.
I'm pretty sure I'll read the next book in the series. This is a much better blend of historical fiction and mystery than Cussler's Isaac Bell series.
July 12, 2018
Very good mysteries with a twist at the very end.
I found the historical events accurate and enjoyed the fictional mystery involved within them. It was easy believe this could have been an realistic event and not fictional.
I found the historical events accurate and enjoyed the fictional mystery involved within them. It was easy believe this could have been an realistic event and not fictional.
June 29, 2010
Murder at Manassas (not -es, as in the title here on Goodreads!) was a pretty solid start to the Harrison Raines Civil War Mysteries series. More of a 3.5 star book, but the main character was likable and the milieu was better than average and overcame the rather pedestrian writing and confusing plot.
Harrison Raines is a rather well off dandy, who passes the time playing cards and investing in various money making schemes. Washington DC is all a twitter, as the first big battle of the American Civil War is about to commence, with the Confederates meeting the Union at the nearby town of Manassas. The Confederates were to call this the Battle of Manassas, as they usually named them after nearby towns, while the Union called it the Battle of Bull Run, using a nearby river or other geographic location. The battle was watched by a whole stream of civilians, who flocked to the site from DC to catch what they figured would be the first and last battle of the Civil War.
Raines gets dragged along by Caitlin, with whom he is smitten yet who doesn't reaturn the favor, as she loves John Wilkes Booth (yes, that Booth). But he does as bidden and they see the Union disaster unfold before them. They also see a Major Pleasants try to stem the tide of retreating blue, only to be shot down. Later he is asked to help retrieve the body and there uncovers a startling fact - Pleasants was almost certainly murdered!
This also leads him into a labyrinthian maze of torn loyalties, Federal jurisdictions, plots, counter plots and treachery. Who is trying to steal shoes from the Union and give them to the Confederate? Who killed a sargeant and tried to pin it on Raines? Can he find the answers to these before being arrested and thrown in jail by the DC marshall, or should he help Pinkerton?
Lots of minor characters show up and sometimes I lost track of them. There are plenty of historical figures who play parts, both major and minor in the story, including Clara Barton, Allan Pinkerton, and even Abraham Lincoln himself, who has some of the most amusing dialog. The story was a little too complex, I thought, and the writing servicable at best. But I liked all the characters and loved how the history was woven in. I'm looking forward to the second book in the series, A Killing at Ball's Bluff: A Harrison Raines Civil War Mystery.
PS: Darn it all - Michael Kilian died in 2005, ending the series at the Battile of Antietam, Harrison Raines book #6. That's sad ☹
Harrison Raines is a rather well off dandy, who passes the time playing cards and investing in various money making schemes. Washington DC is all a twitter, as the first big battle of the American Civil War is about to commence, with the Confederates meeting the Union at the nearby town of Manassas. The Confederates were to call this the Battle of Manassas, as they usually named them after nearby towns, while the Union called it the Battle of Bull Run, using a nearby river or other geographic location. The battle was watched by a whole stream of civilians, who flocked to the site from DC to catch what they figured would be the first and last battle of the Civil War.
Raines gets dragged along by Caitlin, with whom he is smitten yet who doesn't reaturn the favor, as she loves John Wilkes Booth (yes, that Booth). But he does as bidden and they see the Union disaster unfold before them. They also see a Major Pleasants try to stem the tide of retreating blue, only to be shot down. Later he is asked to help retrieve the body and there uncovers a startling fact - Pleasants was almost certainly murdered!
This also leads him into a labyrinthian maze of torn loyalties, Federal jurisdictions, plots, counter plots and treachery. Who is trying to steal shoes from the Union and give them to the Confederate? Who killed a sargeant and tried to pin it on Raines? Can he find the answers to these before being arrested and thrown in jail by the DC marshall, or should he help Pinkerton?
Lots of minor characters show up and sometimes I lost track of them. There are plenty of historical figures who play parts, both major and minor in the story, including Clara Barton, Allan Pinkerton, and even Abraham Lincoln himself, who has some of the most amusing dialog. The story was a little too complex, I thought, and the writing servicable at best. But I liked all the characters and loved how the history was woven in. I'm looking forward to the second book in the series, A Killing at Ball's Bluff: A Harrison Raines Civil War Mystery.
PS: Darn it all - Michael Kilian died in 2005, ending the series at the Battile of Antietam, Harrison Raines book #6. That's sad ☹
July 14, 2011
Murder at Manassas is of the historical mystery genre of novel. It is the debut of Harrison Raines, who is about as perfect as a Civil War character could be. He resembles Rhett Butler, being a gambler and a rogue, yet has a strong sense of honor and morality. He is devoted to his lady love, even if she doesn’t return his feelings. He is a southerner who refuses to fight against his family and friends; he is also a southerner who hates slavery. Harrison freed his own slave, taught him to read, and now treats him as an equal. He participated in the Underground Railroad. He was disowned by his family, but still loves them. In his spare time he probably supports suffragettes and starts recycling programs.
Now Harrison is called upon by a senator’s daughter to investigate the death of her husband at the battle of Manassas. The poor fellow was shot in the back, so is now accused of being a coward.
Ah, but Harrison is able to prove that it was, in fact, a cold-blooded murder, and sets about finding the truth. His journey takes him to theaters and bawdyhouses, across Rebel lines into Virginia and back to Washington, joining forces with the Pinkerton detectives and a nascent secret service. He meets cameos like Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth and Belle Boyd.
Granted, I am not up on Civil War history, but no major historical mistakes leapt out at me. Indeed, the battle is referred to as Manassas and not Bull Run, which makes sense since Harrison IS a southerner, if a noble one. That’s a nice touch.
The only jarring error was his lady-love’s name: Caitlin, which is even pronounced in the modern American way of “kayt-lin.” Kathleen would have been more likely, but even that is stretching it a bit. Catherine would have been just right.
Originally, I was not overly-excited nor overly-annoyed by Murder at Manassas. I found it a standard issue historical mystery. The ending, however, contained a twist and an intriguing hook for the sequels. I was not expecting any surprises, so I just may try #2.
Now Harrison is called upon by a senator’s daughter to investigate the death of her husband at the battle of Manassas. The poor fellow was shot in the back, so is now accused of being a coward.
Ah, but Harrison is able to prove that it was, in fact, a cold-blooded murder, and sets about finding the truth. His journey takes him to theaters and bawdyhouses, across Rebel lines into Virginia and back to Washington, joining forces with the Pinkerton detectives and a nascent secret service. He meets cameos like Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth and Belle Boyd.
Granted, I am not up on Civil War history, but no major historical mistakes leapt out at me. Indeed, the battle is referred to as Manassas and not Bull Run, which makes sense since Harrison IS a southerner, if a noble one. That’s a nice touch.
The only jarring error was his lady-love’s name: Caitlin, which is even pronounced in the modern American way of “kayt-lin.” Kathleen would have been more likely, but even that is stretching it a bit. Catherine would have been just right.
Originally, I was not overly-excited nor overly-annoyed by Murder at Manassas. I found it a standard issue historical mystery. The ending, however, contained a twist and an intriguing hook for the sequels. I was not expecting any surprises, so I just may try #2.
March 23, 2016
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Kilian weaves a thick carpet of historical characters and settings on which he sets an intricate murder mystery. He gets the history, including people, places, and perceptions down very well, from Belle Boyd to Matthew Brady to Allen Pinkerton; from Washington, DC to northern Virginia and western Maryland.
The one negative is that the story, to my mind, is needlessly cryptic. Yes, the ladies of the time were all wrapped in protecting their "honor" and keeping their word, but after the fifth or sixth time this plot device is used, it becomes tiresome. In other words, one or two fewer plot twists ending in this dead end would have been better.
However, it is a very engaging tale, with many elements all at large in the early part of the Civil War. All in all very well done and recommended.
The one negative is that the story, to my mind, is needlessly cryptic. Yes, the ladies of the time were all wrapped in protecting their "honor" and keeping their word, but after the fifth or sixth time this plot device is used, it becomes tiresome. In other words, one or two fewer plot twists ending in this dead end would have been better.
However, it is a very engaging tale, with many elements all at large in the early part of the Civil War. All in all very well done and recommended.
June 9, 2015
First Harrison Raines Civil War Mystery, second one I read. Interestingly, this one is better written than the third. It just seemed like the entire team (writing, editing, publishing) gave more attention to details on this first effort than they did on the third.
This is a good mystery, not a great one. The historical locations and events make it interesting. Writing this review before finishing the book, I think I solved the mystery on page 175 (of 308).
OK, I was half right! The writer kept throwing twists in to the very last page.
I'll keep reading.
This is a good mystery, not a great one. The historical locations and events make it interesting. Writing this review before finishing the book, I think I solved the mystery on page 175 (of 308).
OK, I was half right! The writer kept throwing twists in to the very last page.
I'll keep reading.
May 2, 2009
First sentence: "They say the war shall be won tomorrow," Caitlyn Howard said, setting down her whiskey glass to take up the two cards Harrison Raines had dealt her.
Want to read
January 21, 20101st in series
October 3, 2010
This was entertaining. Not on my biggest hits list by far.
September 3, 2011
Harrison Raines mysteries (Civil War Mystery). I have really enjoyed this series. I have read all the books in this series, but not sure if he is going to write any more Harrison Raines mysteries.
April 11, 2013
This was the first series of Civil War fictional mysteries I read. I only wish Mr. Kilian had written more before he died! It's a shame that you cannot get these books in E-Book form.
July 8, 2016
An enjoyable historical murder set in the Civil War.
August 13, 2016
Excellent
This is a great blend of fact and fiction. The description of Washington D.C. was almost repulsive it was so real. The characters are likeable and human.
This is a great blend of fact and fiction. The description of Washington D.C. was almost repulsive it was so real. The characters are likeable and human.
June 1, 2010
RATING: 2.5
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