What do you think?
Rate this book
A Lincoln and Speed Mystery #4
A House Divided: A Lincoln and Speed Mystery
The new arrival of a woman named Mary Todd wedges a rift between Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed, but they must resolve their differences if they stand any chance of cracking one of the most harrowing murder cases they have ever faced.
In the winter of 1839, a sensational disappearance rocks Springfield, Illinois, as headlines announce a local man has accused his two brothers of murder. Not one to pass up an opportunity, Abraham Lincoln takes up the case of the accused with the assistance of his best friend Joshua Speed to search for evidence of innocence.
But just as soon as they begin, Lincoln and Speed find their friendship at grave risk of rupture as they vie for the hand a beautiful new arrival in town: an ambitious, outspoken young woman named Mary Todd. As the trial arrives, can Lincoln and Speed put aside their differences to work together for justice once more? An innocent man’s life may be in the balance—and nothing is as it seems.
Re-imagining one of the greatest unsolved murder mysteries from Abraham Lincoln’s real-life trial cases, A House Divided is the most captivating Lincoln and Speed mystery yet from expert Lincoln scholar Jonathan F. Putnam.
In the winter of 1839, a sensational disappearance rocks Springfield, Illinois, as headlines announce a local man has accused his two brothers of murder. Not one to pass up an opportunity, Abraham Lincoln takes up the case of the accused with the assistance of his best friend Joshua Speed to search for evidence of innocence.
But just as soon as they begin, Lincoln and Speed find their friendship at grave risk of rupture as they vie for the hand a beautiful new arrival in town: an ambitious, outspoken young woman named Mary Todd. As the trial arrives, can Lincoln and Speed put aside their differences to work together for justice once more? An innocent man’s life may be in the balance—and nothing is as it seems.
Re-imagining one of the greatest unsolved murder mysteries from Abraham Lincoln’s real-life trial cases, A House Divided is the most captivating Lincoln and Speed mystery yet from expert Lincoln scholar Jonathan F. Putnam.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2019
50 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan F. Putnam
4 books104 followersJonathan Putnam is a writer and attorney. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, he is a nationally renowned trial lawyer and a recognized Lincoln scholar. His historical mysteries in the Lincoln & Speed Mystery Series include A House Divided (July 2019); Final Resting Place (published 2018), Perish from the Earth (2017) and These Honored Dead (2016).
Jonathan has given many lectures about Lincoln to historical societies, libraries, bookstores, civic organizations, and lawyer groups around the country. The focus of his Lincoln scholarship is the great president's early professional years, including his defining, lifelong friendship with a well-born Southerner named Joshua Speed.
Jonathan has given many lectures about Lincoln to historical societies, libraries, bookstores, civic organizations, and lawyer groups around the country. The focus of his Lincoln scholarship is the great president's early professional years, including his defining, lifelong friendship with a well-born Southerner named Joshua Speed.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 5, 2019
Lincoln and Speed have hit a speed bump in their friendship. The arrival of Mary Todd to the locale has created quite a stir. Most of the bachelors in the whole county are after her, most including Lincoln and Speed.
The two are in the midst of the rift when a strange murder happens, and Lincoln needs Speed's help to prove his defendant innocent, but the two aren't even talking.
To be honest, I'm not sure I completely buy Putnam's revisionism concerning Mary Todd as a person, but he makes a good case for his perspective.
The two are in the midst of the rift when a strange murder happens, and Lincoln needs Speed's help to prove his defendant innocent, but the two aren't even talking.
To be honest, I'm not sure I completely buy Putnam's revisionism concerning Mary Todd as a person, but he makes a good case for his perspective.
March 22, 2019
With thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc.
Description:
"In the winter of 1839, a sensational disappearance rocks Springfield, Illinois, as headlines announce a local man has accused his two brothers of murder. Not one to pass up an opportunity, Abraham Lincoln takes up the case of the accused with the assistance of his best friend Joshua Speed to search for evidence of innocence."
This really is a romping good read! This is my first book by this author and it's such fun, I loved it. The writing style conjures images of the period with ease and the character development flows from the story rather than as a descriptive aside, I found all of the characters very real and likeable. The plot is full of twists and red herrings, with a huge feelgood factor, it bounces along to a satisfying end for all the heroes, heroines and baddies! I would highly recommend this book and will be looking out for more from this author.
Description:
"In the winter of 1839, a sensational disappearance rocks Springfield, Illinois, as headlines announce a local man has accused his two brothers of murder. Not one to pass up an opportunity, Abraham Lincoln takes up the case of the accused with the assistance of his best friend Joshua Speed to search for evidence of innocence."
This really is a romping good read! This is my first book by this author and it's such fun, I loved it. The writing style conjures images of the period with ease and the character development flows from the story rather than as a descriptive aside, I found all of the characters very real and likeable. The plot is full of twists and red herrings, with a huge feelgood factor, it bounces along to a satisfying end for all the heroes, heroines and baddies! I would highly recommend this book and will be looking out for more from this author.
April 28, 2019
I saw this book and felt that it would be nice to learn more about Lincoln's early life. This book has been researched and while it is Historical fiction I learn a good amount of life in the Midwest. The author is new to me and I plan on reading the early books in the series.
The 4th episode of the Lincoln and Speed mysteries finds in 1839 that Springfield is in a turmoil over the fact that the state bank has no hard currency and the work on the canal has stopped and has hit the workers hard sending many into poverty.
Henry Trailer accuses his brothers William and Archibald of killing Fynn Fisher. Archibald saved Joshua Speed's life during the ice storm and convinces Lincoln to get involved in the case. The outcome of the case is impressive. Speed and Lincoln are both attractive to a new woman, Mary Todd in town. There a unique bank robbery and a chase of the felons that will capture will mind. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Disclosure: Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
The 4th episode of the Lincoln and Speed mysteries finds in 1839 that Springfield is in a turmoil over the fact that the state bank has no hard currency and the work on the canal has stopped and has hit the workers hard sending many into poverty.
Henry Trailer accuses his brothers William and Archibald of killing Fynn Fisher. Archibald saved Joshua Speed's life during the ice storm and convinces Lincoln to get involved in the case. The outcome of the case is impressive. Speed and Lincoln are both attractive to a new woman, Mary Todd in town. There a unique bank robbery and a chase of the felons that will capture will mind. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Disclosure: Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 9, 2019
A House Divided in the fourth book in the Lincoln and Speed Mystery series.
I love historical mysteries and with the Lincoln and Speed series, I also get a generous helping of Historical Fiction. The series follows Lincoln and Speed through the 1830-40s while they were living in Springfield, IL., with Lincoln starting his law career.
This book place in December 1839 the with financial condition of Illinois shaky at best. Construction on a canal has been stopped as the State Bank has almost no funds with which to pay the workers. One of the reasons the bank is facing insolvency is due to the fact that Mr. Fisher was able to bilk the bank of a good deal of money. Soon the talk around Springfield is that Fisher is dead and the Trailor brothers are brought in for questioning as Henry Tailor has been spending a good deal of money that he claims he had inherited from Fisher. Later, he claims that his brothers, Archibald and William, killed him describes the area where it happened. Archibald and William are put on trial for the reported murder and Lincoln will defending Archibald.
The book is well-written and plotted and has a cast of interesting characters. One of the characters introduced is Mary Todd. She is somewhat smitten with Abe and proves helpful in Lincoln’s defense of Archibald. The author has taken liberties with the case but explains in the Author’s Note what they are and why he had taken them.
I will definitely be watching for the next book in this exciting and informative series.
I love historical mysteries and with the Lincoln and Speed series, I also get a generous helping of Historical Fiction. The series follows Lincoln and Speed through the 1830-40s while they were living in Springfield, IL., with Lincoln starting his law career.
This book place in December 1839 the with financial condition of Illinois shaky at best. Construction on a canal has been stopped as the State Bank has almost no funds with which to pay the workers. One of the reasons the bank is facing insolvency is due to the fact that Mr. Fisher was able to bilk the bank of a good deal of money. Soon the talk around Springfield is that Fisher is dead and the Trailor brothers are brought in for questioning as Henry Tailor has been spending a good deal of money that he claims he had inherited from Fisher. Later, he claims that his brothers, Archibald and William, killed him describes the area where it happened. Archibald and William are put on trial for the reported murder and Lincoln will defending Archibald.
The book is well-written and plotted and has a cast of interesting characters. One of the characters introduced is Mary Todd. She is somewhat smitten with Abe and proves helpful in Lincoln’s defense of Archibald. The author has taken liberties with the case but explains in the Author’s Note what they are and why he had taken them.
I will definitely be watching for the next book in this exciting and informative series.
June 20, 2019
1839 and Mary Todd has arrived in Springfield to stay with her sister Elizabeth Edwards. Which causes trouble between Lincoln and Speed and they both via for her attentions. But Lincoln is distracted by a new case. Henry Trailor has accused his two brothers, William and Archibald, of murder.
An entertaining story, which is well-written. I like the writing style of this series and the characters are a delight to read about. Although this is the fourth in the series it can easily be read as a standalone story but I would recommend reading the first three as they are all enjoyable reads.
A NetGalley Book
An entertaining story, which is well-written. I like the writing style of this series and the characters are a delight to read about. Although this is the fourth in the series it can easily be read as a standalone story but I would recommend reading the first three as they are all enjoyable reads.
A NetGalley Book
July 25, 2019
A dishonest banker brought me to Chicago, and a pickpocket I met there saved my life.
That simple sentence packs a lot of foretelling into it. The individual who thought that line was Joshua Speed, Abraham Lincoln’s best friend. A HOUSE DIVIDED marks the fourth Lincoln and Speed mystery, which is one of the best historical fiction series on the market.
It is December 1839, and Speed has traveled from Springfield to Chicago on business. It is in the Windy City where he runs into a shady banker named Brown. On his way out of town, searching for some place to rest for the night, he travels on his trusty horse, Hickory, through some seriously depressed areas. The ironic thing is that Chicago tantalized hundreds of new Irish immigrants from the ports of New York City with the promise of jobs that never materialized. It is mostly these Irish immigrants who Speed comes across, giving out whatever small change he has on his person in an effort to help feed some of these families. He wants to do more, and intends to raise the plight of these displaced immigrants to his friends in Springfield, when he realizes that someone has pinched his money purse.
The following day, a man approaches Speed and is in possession of the “lost” purse. He is Archibald Trailor, a carpenter with whom Speed is familiar. Even though the purse is slightly lighter than when he last held it, it is once again back on his person and still contains the priceless locket that he keeps tucked inside it. Running into Trailor is no coincidence as he soon will be at the center of a huge murder trial featuring Lincoln as one of the defense attorneys.
A man named Flynn Fisher has gone missing, and authorities, under the direction of Mayor Big Red May, appear to have found his remains. Witnesses come forward to claim that Flynn was done in by two of the three Trailor brothers, one of whom is Archibald. Big Red is seeking to take advantage of his popularity with voters by pushing for a quick verdict of guilty. However, Lincoln and Speed put their heads together to come up with some way to get the Trailors off the hook. Assisting with the defense is another able attorney, James Conkling.
The book’s title comes from one of President Lincoln's famous speeches from a civil war that is still years away. As for the hidden meaning it has for this novel, I believe it represents the schism formed between the two lifelong friends. They are roommates, and when you are in each other’s company as much as they are, there are bound to be squabbles. Of course, at the center of their issues is a woman: Mary Todd. Lincoln has his eye keenly on her but has yet to make any serious moves towards courting her. Speed has not been afraid to admit that he fancies her as well. Lincoln misinterprets a meeting between Speed and Mary, which erupts into a fistfight between the two men. They continue on with the trial as professionals, but do not speak to each other outside of the courthouse and only when absolutely necessary. It is difficult to read about their troubles as they are so good together.
Meanwhile, the trial of the Trailor brothers is in full force, and things are not looking good for the defense. Another disreputable banker, Belmont, enters into the fray and allegedly has a shipment of gold he is looking to get his hands on. Lincoln does not trust Belmont but wants to keep him close as he feels that his presence has something to do with Flynn’s murder.
Jonathan F. Putnam deftly juggles all of these narrative balls in the air and neatly wraps them up in an unpredictable ending. A HOUSE DIVIDED is a highly enjoyable novel that once again allows readers to peek into the years of the great Abraham Lincoln long before he became President. This is historical fiction at its finest.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
That simple sentence packs a lot of foretelling into it. The individual who thought that line was Joshua Speed, Abraham Lincoln’s best friend. A HOUSE DIVIDED marks the fourth Lincoln and Speed mystery, which is one of the best historical fiction series on the market.
It is December 1839, and Speed has traveled from Springfield to Chicago on business. It is in the Windy City where he runs into a shady banker named Brown. On his way out of town, searching for some place to rest for the night, he travels on his trusty horse, Hickory, through some seriously depressed areas. The ironic thing is that Chicago tantalized hundreds of new Irish immigrants from the ports of New York City with the promise of jobs that never materialized. It is mostly these Irish immigrants who Speed comes across, giving out whatever small change he has on his person in an effort to help feed some of these families. He wants to do more, and intends to raise the plight of these displaced immigrants to his friends in Springfield, when he realizes that someone has pinched his money purse.
The following day, a man approaches Speed and is in possession of the “lost” purse. He is Archibald Trailor, a carpenter with whom Speed is familiar. Even though the purse is slightly lighter than when he last held it, it is once again back on his person and still contains the priceless locket that he keeps tucked inside it. Running into Trailor is no coincidence as he soon will be at the center of a huge murder trial featuring Lincoln as one of the defense attorneys.
A man named Flynn Fisher has gone missing, and authorities, under the direction of Mayor Big Red May, appear to have found his remains. Witnesses come forward to claim that Flynn was done in by two of the three Trailor brothers, one of whom is Archibald. Big Red is seeking to take advantage of his popularity with voters by pushing for a quick verdict of guilty. However, Lincoln and Speed put their heads together to come up with some way to get the Trailors off the hook. Assisting with the defense is another able attorney, James Conkling.
The book’s title comes from one of President Lincoln's famous speeches from a civil war that is still years away. As for the hidden meaning it has for this novel, I believe it represents the schism formed between the two lifelong friends. They are roommates, and when you are in each other’s company as much as they are, there are bound to be squabbles. Of course, at the center of their issues is a woman: Mary Todd. Lincoln has his eye keenly on her but has yet to make any serious moves towards courting her. Speed has not been afraid to admit that he fancies her as well. Lincoln misinterprets a meeting between Speed and Mary, which erupts into a fistfight between the two men. They continue on with the trial as professionals, but do not speak to each other outside of the courthouse and only when absolutely necessary. It is difficult to read about their troubles as they are so good together.
Meanwhile, the trial of the Trailor brothers is in full force, and things are not looking good for the defense. Another disreputable banker, Belmont, enters into the fray and allegedly has a shipment of gold he is looking to get his hands on. Lincoln does not trust Belmont but wants to keep him close as he feels that his presence has something to do with Flynn’s murder.
Jonathan F. Putnam deftly juggles all of these narrative balls in the air and neatly wraps them up in an unpredictable ending. A HOUSE DIVIDED is a highly enjoyable novel that once again allows readers to peek into the years of the great Abraham Lincoln long before he became President. This is historical fiction at its finest.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
July 25, 2019
A dishonest banker brought me to Chicago, and a pickpocket I met there saved my life.
That simple sentence packs a lot of foretelling into it. The individual who thought that line was Joshua Speed, Abraham Lincoln’s best friend. A HOUSE DIVIDED marks the fourth Lincoln and Speed mystery, which is one of the best historical fiction series on the market.
It is December 1839, and Speed has traveled from Springfield to Chicago on business. It is in the Windy City where he runs into a shady banker named Brown. On his way out of town, searching for some place to rest for the night, he travels on his trusty horse, Hickory, through some seriously depressed areas. The ironic thing is that Chicago tantalized hundreds of new Irish immigrants from the ports of New York City with the promise of jobs that never materialized. It is mostly these Irish immigrants who Speed comes across, giving out whatever small change he has on his person in an effort to help feed some of these families. He wants to do more, and intends to raise the plight of these displaced immigrants to his friends in Springfield, when he realizes that someone has pinched his money purse.
The following day, a man approaches Speed and is in possession of the “lost” purse. He is Archibald Trailor, a carpenter with whom Speed is familiar. Even though the purse is slightly lighter than when he last held it, it is once again back on his person and still contains the priceless locket that he keeps tucked inside it. Running into Trailor is no coincidence as he soon will be at the center of a huge murder trial featuring Lincoln as one of the defense attorneys.
A man named Flynn Fisher has gone missing, and authorities, under the direction of Mayor Big Red May, appear to have found his remains. Witnesses come forward to claim that Flynn was done in by two of the three Trailor brothers, one of whom is Archibald. Big Red is seeking to take advantage of his popularity with voters by pushing for a quick verdict of guilty. However, Lincoln and Speed put their heads together to come up with some way to get the Trailors off the hook. Assisting with the defense is another able attorney, James Conkling.
The book’s title comes from one of President Lincoln's famous speeches from a civil war that is still years away. As for the hidden meaning it has for this novel, I believe it represents the schism formed between the two lifelong friends. They are roommates, and when you are in each other’s company as much as they are, there are bound to be squabbles. Of course, at the center of their issues is a woman: Mary Todd. Lincoln has his eye keenly on her but has yet to make any serious moves towards courting her. Speed has not been afraid to admit that he fancies her as well. Lincoln misinterprets a meeting between Speed and Mary, which erupts into a fistfight between the two men. They continue on with the trial as professionals, but do not speak to each other outside of the courthouse and only when absolutely necessary. It is difficult to read about their troubles as they are so good together.
Meanwhile, the trial of the Trailor brothers is in full force, and things are not looking good for the defense. Another disreputable banker, Belmont, enters into the fray and allegedly has a shipment of gold he is looking to get his hands on. Lincoln does not trust Belmont but wants to keep him close as he feels that his presence has something to do with Flynn’s murder.
Jonathan F. Putnam deftly juggles all of these narrative balls in the air and neatly wraps them up in an unpredictable ending. A HOUSE DIVIDED is a highly enjoyable novel that once again allows readers to peek into the years of the great Abraham Lincoln long before he became President. This is historical fiction at its finest.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
That simple sentence packs a lot of foretelling into it. The individual who thought that line was Joshua Speed, Abraham Lincoln’s best friend. A HOUSE DIVIDED marks the fourth Lincoln and Speed mystery, which is one of the best historical fiction series on the market.
It is December 1839, and Speed has traveled from Springfield to Chicago on business. It is in the Windy City where he runs into a shady banker named Brown. On his way out of town, searching for some place to rest for the night, he travels on his trusty horse, Hickory, through some seriously depressed areas. The ironic thing is that Chicago tantalized hundreds of new Irish immigrants from the ports of New York City with the promise of jobs that never materialized. It is mostly these Irish immigrants who Speed comes across, giving out whatever small change he has on his person in an effort to help feed some of these families. He wants to do more, and intends to raise the plight of these displaced immigrants to his friends in Springfield, when he realizes that someone has pinched his money purse.
The following day, a man approaches Speed and is in possession of the “lost” purse. He is Archibald Trailor, a carpenter with whom Speed is familiar. Even though the purse is slightly lighter than when he last held it, it is once again back on his person and still contains the priceless locket that he keeps tucked inside it. Running into Trailor is no coincidence as he soon will be at the center of a huge murder trial featuring Lincoln as one of the defense attorneys.
A man named Flynn Fisher has gone missing, and authorities, under the direction of Mayor Big Red May, appear to have found his remains. Witnesses come forward to claim that Flynn was done in by two of the three Trailor brothers, one of whom is Archibald. Big Red is seeking to take advantage of his popularity with voters by pushing for a quick verdict of guilty. However, Lincoln and Speed put their heads together to come up with some way to get the Trailors off the hook. Assisting with the defense is another able attorney, James Conkling.
The book’s title comes from one of President Lincoln's famous speeches from a civil war that is still years away. As for the hidden meaning it has for this novel, I believe it represents the schism formed between the two lifelong friends. They are roommates, and when you are in each other’s company as much as they are, there are bound to be squabbles. Of course, at the center of their issues is a woman: Mary Todd. Lincoln has his eye keenly on her but has yet to make any serious moves towards courting her. Speed has not been afraid to admit that he fancies her as well. Lincoln misinterprets a meeting between Speed and Mary, which erupts into a fistfight between the two men. They continue on with the trial as professionals, but do not speak to each other outside of the courthouse and only when absolutely necessary. It is difficult to read about their troubles as they are so good together.
Meanwhile, the trial of the Trailor brothers is in full force, and things are not looking good for the defense. Another disreputable banker, Belmont, enters into the fray and allegedly has a shipment of gold he is looking to get his hands on. Lincoln does not trust Belmont but wants to keep him close as he feels that his presence has something to do with Flynn’s murder.
Jonathan F. Putnam deftly juggles all of these narrative balls in the air and neatly wraps them up in an unpredictable ending. A HOUSE DIVIDED is a highly enjoyable novel that once again allows readers to peek into the years of the great Abraham Lincoln long before he became President. This is historical fiction at its finest.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
July 20, 2019
I enjoy a well written historical mystery and this series is at the top of my list of favorites. So far there are four books covering the early years of Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed using the real life of these two friends. It's now 1839 in Springfield, Illinois and things are not going well for the citizens and the local bank. With a canal being built the bank finds that it can't meet its obligations and workers are not being paid and the lives of many may end up in the poor house. Soon it is discovered that Mr. Fisher has had his hand in the till. When he is found dead and Henry Trailor is seen to be spending more money than he should have he turns the focus on his two brothers, Archibald and William. When they are put on trial for the crime, Lincoln defends him and investigates the crime with the help of Speed.
As they are trying to find the killer and get the brothers freed, tension grows between these friends when a young woman comes to town to visit her cousin and her uncle, one of Springfield's leading citizens. The young woman is Mary Todd and both Abraham and Joshua are very taken with her. So is Stephen Douglas. As they say, the rest is history.
The writing style flows very well, the historical facts are well researched and when the author takes some artistic license he has good reason and explains the changes he made at the end of the book in historical notes. Lincoln and Speed were close friends and shared a room in Springfield from 1837 to 1841. To keep the pair together the fact that Speed was not in town at the time of this case has been changed. None of the changes took anything away from the story and the setting. Besides getting to know Lincoln and Speed the reader learns much about daily life in Springfield. I found it to be a very satisfying mystery.
My thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
As they are trying to find the killer and get the brothers freed, tension grows between these friends when a young woman comes to town to visit her cousin and her uncle, one of Springfield's leading citizens. The young woman is Mary Todd and both Abraham and Joshua are very taken with her. So is Stephen Douglas. As they say, the rest is history.
The writing style flows very well, the historical facts are well researched and when the author takes some artistic license he has good reason and explains the changes he made at the end of the book in historical notes. Lincoln and Speed were close friends and shared a room in Springfield from 1837 to 1841. To keep the pair together the fact that Speed was not in town at the time of this case has been changed. None of the changes took anything away from the story and the setting. Besides getting to know Lincoln and Speed the reader learns much about daily life in Springfield. I found it to be a very satisfying mystery.
My thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 16, 2019
I was surprised to find myself trudging through A House Divided by Jonathan F. Putnam, an author with an outstanding legal and historical background. This is the fourth book in this series, but I did not feel that my not having read the previous books was a hindrance. There just seemed to be a disjoint between the history and fiction of the tale. None of the characters were fleshed out with emotion for me, and so I did not identify with any of them. I really wanted to like this book, but it was difficult when the characters’ motives were rarely disclosed. Lincoln and his friend Speed are competitors for the affections of Mary Todd, but even Mary’s character holds no depth.
The mystery was interesting and based somewhat on history, although the narrator Speed, a major actor in the story, was actually not a part of the real events of the crime and trial. Perhaps that alteration of the facts added to the difficulty of creating an interesting work of historical fiction. Perhaps the problem lies in timidity in assigning thoughts and feelings to major historical figures. Authors may find that easier to do when the main character is either a minor figure on the historical stage or the creation by the author of a composite character based on what a person in that role at that time of history would be like.
I did appreciate the author’s efforts to include the plight of Irish workers and their families. They were caught in the middle of a web of corruption and greed on the part of politicians and bankers. Another positive of the book is the writer’s style which is appropriate to the period.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Crooked Lane Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The mystery was interesting and based somewhat on history, although the narrator Speed, a major actor in the story, was actually not a part of the real events of the crime and trial. Perhaps that alteration of the facts added to the difficulty of creating an interesting work of historical fiction. Perhaps the problem lies in timidity in assigning thoughts and feelings to major historical figures. Authors may find that easier to do when the main character is either a minor figure on the historical stage or the creation by the author of a composite character based on what a person in that role at that time of history would be like.
I did appreciate the author’s efforts to include the plight of Irish workers and their families. They were caught in the middle of a web of corruption and greed on the part of politicians and bankers. Another positive of the book is the writer’s style which is appropriate to the period.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Crooked Lane Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2019
A House divided is the first book I've read by this author and I must say that I didn't know what to expect.
The title of course is a reference to Lincoln's 1858 speech, a house divided ("a house divided against itself cannot stand") that kicked off his campaign for the US senate.
The book however is set much earlier (1841) when he was still working as a solicitor and is a work of fiction, a historical mystery, loosely based on a couple of things that really did happen in his live.
I must say that I rather liked the genre, and that it is easy to follow even though it turned out to be the fourth episode in a series. I had no difficulties following the story and history even though being born and bred in Europe I am no expert on American history.
I think the author did a good job and I was pleasantly surprised that much of the story was based on real facts, that the author has woven into his fiction.
A house divided is the story about a murder trial where one brother accuses his two other brothers of murder. In that sense the title is well chosen, because this also is a house divided. Although there is no body found the trial starts and some strange things come to light.
I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The title of course is a reference to Lincoln's 1858 speech, a house divided ("a house divided against itself cannot stand") that kicked off his campaign for the US senate.
The book however is set much earlier (1841) when he was still working as a solicitor and is a work of fiction, a historical mystery, loosely based on a couple of things that really did happen in his live.
I must say that I rather liked the genre, and that it is easy to follow even though it turned out to be the fourth episode in a series. I had no difficulties following the story and history even though being born and bred in Europe I am no expert on American history.
I think the author did a good job and I was pleasantly surprised that much of the story was based on real facts, that the author has woven into his fiction.
A house divided is the story about a murder trial where one brother accuses his two other brothers of murder. In that sense the title is well chosen, because this also is a house divided. Although there is no body found the trial starts and some strange things come to light.
I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2019
What an amazing tale! And the most interesting part is how much of it is true! Part way through I googled Lincoln and Trailor. I found this article: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/histor...
which gave the true story. (I'd advise the reader not to read this until the book is completed).
Putnam did deviate a bit from the truth. He has Lincoln defending a different brother. Lincoln's real life friend Speed who appears in the book as the narrator of the story was not actually present. There is a large amount of gold which is a temptation for robbery.
But the main thing is that, even with Lincoln's first hand account of this incident and trial, there exists to this day mystery! Reading this is like watching a magican. You see everything that was done, but how was it done?
Great book! I definitely need to read more by this author!
which gave the true story. (I'd advise the reader not to read this until the book is completed).
Putnam did deviate a bit from the truth. He has Lincoln defending a different brother. Lincoln's real life friend Speed who appears in the book as the narrator of the story was not actually present. There is a large amount of gold which is a temptation for robbery.
But the main thing is that, even with Lincoln's first hand account of this incident and trial, there exists to this day mystery! Reading this is like watching a magican. You see everything that was done, but how was it done?
Great book! I definitely need to read more by this author!
July 9, 2019
Fans of historical mysteries (or fiction for that matter) based on fact should try this series for a chance to read not only about Abraham Lincoln as a young man but also his friend Joshua Speed, who figured more in Lincoln's life than is usually acknowledged. This time out, Lincoln is intrigued when one brother = Henry - accuses his other two brothers - Archibald and William- of murder. Things are already not good in Springfield Illinois this winter of 1939 so when Joshua is convinced that Archibald is not guilty, Lincoln agrees to take the case. The investigation is entertaining, the reasons for the murder etc a little but not too twisty. Throw in there the arrival of Mary Todd and there's some friction between the two friends. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good read.
September 3, 2021
A House Divided is a historical mystery that intertwines fiction with real-life events. It is the fourth book in the series and if you have not read the first three books, you should.
We find Mary Todd in 1839 in the dead of winter causing havoc amongst Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed as a local man accuses his two brothers of murder. Abraham and Joshua take on the case and must work together if they are going to solve the mystery. Interesting plot and well-crafted characters.
I was provided with this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. In my personal, I enjoyed Putnam's first three books much more than book 4. Still the writing was excellent and the story was easy to follow.
We find Mary Todd in 1839 in the dead of winter causing havoc amongst Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed as a local man accuses his two brothers of murder. Abraham and Joshua take on the case and must work together if they are going to solve the mystery. Interesting plot and well-crafted characters.
I was provided with this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. In my personal, I enjoyed Putnam's first three books much more than book 4. Still the writing was excellent and the story was easy to follow.
July 1, 2020
3.5 Stars
The 4th book in the Abraham Lincoln/Joshua Speed series.
In the winter of 1839, the disappearance/possible murder of Flynn Fisher results in the arrest of two brothers with a third brother to testify against them. Speed and Lincoln work to prove the local resident brother is innocent. However, complicating this is their rivalry over a new arrival in town – Mary Todd. This book was the highest rated in the series in Goodreads yet the one I enjoyed least. As always, the historical aspect was enlightening but I found the plot a bit convoluted. I do like that there are strong female characters especially Speed's sister, Martha.
2020(27)
The 4th book in the Abraham Lincoln/Joshua Speed series.
In the winter of 1839, the disappearance/possible murder of Flynn Fisher results in the arrest of two brothers with a third brother to testify against them. Speed and Lincoln work to prove the local resident brother is innocent. However, complicating this is their rivalry over a new arrival in town – Mary Todd. This book was the highest rated in the series in Goodreads yet the one I enjoyed least. As always, the historical aspect was enlightening but I found the plot a bit convoluted. I do like that there are strong female characters especially Speed's sister, Martha.
2020(27)
July 17, 2019
"A House Divided" is set in the days when Abraham Lincoln was working as a lawyer in the new state capital of Springfield. Assisted by his friend Joshua Speed, he conducts a lively sideline in solving mysteries. With cameo appearances by Mary Todd, and Stephen Douglas, this historical mystery series wonderfully evokes the open prairies and wild western towns of the day. Banking, canal building, and education for women all form themes in this close-to-history mystery yarn.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 18, 2019
This was a fantastic read. I was fortunate enough to hear the author speak at our local bookstore event at the library in my community. My wife and I were so impressed that we purchased the entire series to be autographed. If you enjoy mystery, romance, and historical fiction then this book is an absolute must. I was gripped the entire time and when I wasn’t reading the book I was thinking about it. This is an absolute must read!
April 21, 2022
Just another great book in this series! I feel like I’ve picked up several gems in 2022 and I truly enjoy the mysteries and background historical lessons I learn about Abraham Lincoln and the time in America when he was getting started as a lawyer through the eyes of one of his closest friends. It seems one main-ish character has exited and he has just now met Mary Todd so I’m hoping there’ll still be a few more books left before he and his friend part ways.
April 7, 2019
With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me this ARC.
Winter 1839 in Springfield, Illinois should be boring. However, it’s anything but when Lincoln and Speed are around. A mysterious disappearance finds these two friends on a chase against the clock to find out the real story and to bring justice to the innocent. A good historical fiction.
Winter 1839 in Springfield, Illinois should be boring. However, it’s anything but when Lincoln and Speed are around. A mysterious disappearance finds these two friends on a chase against the clock to find out the real story and to bring justice to the innocent. A good historical fiction.
July 4, 2019
A well written, engrossing and entertaining historical mystery.
I appreciated the well written characters, the detailed historical setting and the plot.
The mystery was engaging, full of twists and turns.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I appreciated the well written characters, the detailed historical setting and the plot.
The mystery was engaging, full of twists and turns.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
August 5, 2019
First time I've picked up a Lincoln and Speed story. I enjoyed it a lot. The story starts with a great tense storm and reveals a complex mystery along the way. The author's "historical note" at the end was interesting, too and added to the overall affect. The wooing subplot got a little old, but it was still fun to think of Lincoln as something other than a monument we visit in D.C.
April 3, 2020
Latest entry in the Lincoln and Speed Series. Based on an actual Lincoln Murder case tried in Springfield, this case was worthy of a Perry Mason episode! Speed did a lot of the legwork in this tale while Abe was involved with numerous legislative entanglements and the wooing Mary Todd. Nice visit with some old friends!!
August 19, 2021
A fascinating read. As a Michener fan this book is well researched and the mix of history with fiction is so that as you go along you hardly
Realize you are getting acquainted with the true feel of that period of time. I regret that this is the last book . hope that Putnam will go on!
Realize you are getting acquainted with the true feel of that period of time. I regret that this is the last book . hope that Putnam will go on!
March 24, 2020
Another great historical fiction featuring Abraham Lincoln and his friend Joshua Speed involved in investigating a murder all the while dealing with their common interest in a certain young lady named Mary Todd. Highly recommended!
October 27, 2020
I really enjoy this series a lot! I know the author does a lot of research. while reading this book, it feels so authentic for a historical novel and murder mystery. At the end of the book is an addendum that explains some of the history behind the events that were portrayed in the book. Enjoy!
June 18, 2023
I enjoyed reading a detective style novel based around an actual case in history with characters I was familiar with from history books. I’ll definitely read some of the other Lincoln and Speed mysteries.
July 14, 2019
Read my review Friday on bookreporter.com.
November 10, 2019
I always love the books in this series. Such great history and delivered with colorful characters. The author does his research with care. Very enjoyable.
Read
February 20, 2021Interesting book about Lincoln's life as a lawyer. Looking forward to reading more of this series (of course I'll be reading them out of order as this is book number 4).
May 3, 2021
An interesting plot and an enjoyable read.
Read
January 16, 2023Enjoyed the whole series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews