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Lincoln's White House Mystery #3
Murder at the Capitol
In July 1861, just months after the Battle of Fort Sumter plunges the young nation into civil war, President Lincoln's top priority is to unite the country, while Adam Quinn finds himself on the trail of a murderer . . .
On Independence Day, the citizens of Washington, DC, are celebrating as if there isn't a war on. But the city is teeming with green Union recruits while President Lincoln and his War Department are focused on military strategy to take Richmond in Secessionist Virginia in order to bring the conflict to a swift end. Manassas, Virginia, near Bull Run Creek, is in their sights.
The very next morning, as Congress convenes once more, a dead body is found on the marble floor of the Rotunda beneath the unfinished dome of the Capitol. Lincoln's close confidante, Adam Speed Quinn, is called upon to determine whether the man fell, or was pushed to his death.
With the help of Dr. George Hilton and journalist Sophie Gates, Quinn investigates what turns out to be murder. But the former scout is about to be blindsided, for a Southern sympathizer in the city is running a female spy network reporting to the Confederacy, and she has an insidious plot to get to Lincoln himself through Quinn--by employing the charms of one Constance Lemagne . . .
On Independence Day, the citizens of Washington, DC, are celebrating as if there isn't a war on. But the city is teeming with green Union recruits while President Lincoln and his War Department are focused on military strategy to take Richmond in Secessionist Virginia in order to bring the conflict to a swift end. Manassas, Virginia, near Bull Run Creek, is in their sights.
The very next morning, as Congress convenes once more, a dead body is found on the marble floor of the Rotunda beneath the unfinished dome of the Capitol. Lincoln's close confidante, Adam Speed Quinn, is called upon to determine whether the man fell, or was pushed to his death.
With the help of Dr. George Hilton and journalist Sophie Gates, Quinn investigates what turns out to be murder. But the former scout is about to be blindsided, for a Southern sympathizer in the city is running a female spy network reporting to the Confederacy, and she has an insidious plot to get to Lincoln himself through Quinn--by employing the charms of one Constance Lemagne . . .
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 28, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this mystery set during the beginning of the civil war in Washington DC. One of the MCs is Abraham Lincoln which is way cool. I love the characters Adam Quinn and Sophie Gates. And the fact that Sophie lives in the Smithsonian towers is also way cool! There are spies, murder, romance, and lots of good stuff in this book.
January 25, 2020
Murder At The Capitol is the third book in the Lincoln’s White House Mystery series.
It’s July 5th and the streets of Washington, D.C. are filled with revelers heading home from the July 4th celebration and soldiers awaiting orders to head off for their first major battle. A messenger has arrived at the White House with a message for President Lincoln’s confidant and friend, Adam Speed Quinn. Quinn is needed to report to the Capitol Building’s construction site. When he arrives he finds that there is a body hanging from the unfinished dome. He notices that his friend, Sophie Gates, an aspiring newspaper reporter, is there. He also sees Constance Lemange, a Southern belle and sympathizer, someone he has previously met. At first, it appears that the victim had committed suicide. Quinn engages Dr. Hilton to perform an autopsy. Once it is completed he has determined that it was murder. With the help of Sophie, Quinn sets off to learn who might have had it in for the victim.
I love historical mystery series and this one in particular. The author provides the reader with a view of what life was like for citizens at the beginning of the Civil War and for President Lincoln. The story is very well-written the characters are very interesting.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this interesting and informative series.
It’s July 5th and the streets of Washington, D.C. are filled with revelers heading home from the July 4th celebration and soldiers awaiting orders to head off for their first major battle. A messenger has arrived at the White House with a message for President Lincoln’s confidant and friend, Adam Speed Quinn. Quinn is needed to report to the Capitol Building’s construction site. When he arrives he finds that there is a body hanging from the unfinished dome. He notices that his friend, Sophie Gates, an aspiring newspaper reporter, is there. He also sees Constance Lemange, a Southern belle and sympathizer, someone he has previously met. At first, it appears that the victim had committed suicide. Quinn engages Dr. Hilton to perform an autopsy. Once it is completed he has determined that it was murder. With the help of Sophie, Quinn sets off to learn who might have had it in for the victim.
I love historical mystery series and this one in particular. The author provides the reader with a view of what life was like for citizens at the beginning of the Civil War and for President Lincoln. The story is very well-written the characters are very interesting.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this interesting and informative series.
June 1, 2020
2020 bk 178. For those of you wanting a well-researched, well-written historical mystery series set during the Civil War, you need to look no further than C. M. Gleason. This 3rd book takes us to the brink of the first battle of the war, highlights the very personal issues of abolitionists vs enslaving people, and what some people driven by hatred will do to keep a secret. I read it this weekend of anger and riots over the issues of authority and racial divide and upon finishing this book could not say 'thank goodness, this is no longer an issue.' That left me feeling sad, but the writing of C. M. Gleason made me glad to have learned of her books and her knowledge.
March 22, 2023
I REALLY enjoy this mystery series and book 3 was the best one yet!
First off, the Civil War, for all the horror and destruction it brought the United States is a historical period that is filled with so much interesting and intriguing stuff that it continues to fascinate me, and Colleen Gleason does an excellent job of putting her fictional characters into the period and including - as she confirms in the note at the end - a vast amount of real people, places and events of the time as part of the story. Having read a great deal about the period, I knew a lot of what is in this book but the way actual history is woven in with the fictional murder mystery was both interesting and educational.
I love these characters as well! Adam and Sophie especially, but also Constance, George, Billy and all the others are really well-written characters who are likable but also complex and conflicted (as so many people would have been in this tumultuous period in history) and who don't always make the best decisions. That always makes for engaging characters that a reader can really go along with as part of a story.
The murder was well-conceived and well-constructed, and for those who enjoy trying to figure things out before the reveal (I am not one of those people, preferring to just go along with the story until all is revealed at the end) I feel that enough information is provided to allow one to do that.
Overall, everything about this series is exactly in my lane, and all the books so far have been really good reads filled with everything I enjoy. I hope Gleason has more books planned for this series, because I am absolutely here for more of this world and these characters! Highly recommended for anyone who is interested in the Civil War period, or just enjoys a good murder mystery with interesting, likable characters.
First off, the Civil War, for all the horror and destruction it brought the United States is a historical period that is filled with so much interesting and intriguing stuff that it continues to fascinate me, and Colleen Gleason does an excellent job of putting her fictional characters into the period and including - as she confirms in the note at the end - a vast amount of real people, places and events of the time as part of the story. Having read a great deal about the period, I knew a lot of what is in this book but the way actual history is woven in with the fictional murder mystery was both interesting and educational.
I love these characters as well! Adam and Sophie especially, but also Constance, George, Billy and all the others are really well-written characters who are likable but also complex and conflicted (as so many people would have been in this tumultuous period in history) and who don't always make the best decisions. That always makes for engaging characters that a reader can really go along with as part of a story.
The murder was well-conceived and well-constructed, and for those who enjoy trying to figure things out before the reveal (I am not one of those people, preferring to just go along with the story until all is revealed at the end) I feel that enough information is provided to allow one to do that.
Overall, everything about this series is exactly in my lane, and all the books so far have been really good reads filled with everything I enjoy. I hope Gleason has more books planned for this series, because I am absolutely here for more of this world and these characters! Highly recommended for anyone who is interested in the Civil War period, or just enjoys a good murder mystery with interesting, likable characters.
November 19, 2023
I enjoyed what this author had to say more as a researcher than a writer.
July 21, 2020
Quick easy read. Super fun story. Love the historical details
February 10, 2020
Enigmatic Adam Quinn, who lost his left forearm in the Kansas battles between anti-slavery and pro-slavery factions, is once again called upon to solve a murder in the nation’s capital. In July of 1861, Pinebar Tufts is found hanging in the unfinished Capitol building which leads to a confusing mishmash of events.
The third book in the Lincoln White Mystery series finds the friend and trusted confidante of Abraham Lincoln trying to solve multiple murders and deal with blackmail, spies, and conspiracies. This well-researched historical fiction incorporates the language and events of the time and makes the authentic characters come alive.
The third book in the Lincoln White Mystery series finds the friend and trusted confidante of Abraham Lincoln trying to solve multiple murders and deal with blackmail, spies, and conspiracies. This well-researched historical fiction incorporates the language and events of the time and makes the authentic characters come alive.
March 22, 2021
The third installment of the Lincoln White House Mysteries. As always, the book is peppered with historical facts. Willy and Tad Lincoln getting lost in the cellars of the Capitol with the Taft kids; Julia Taft; the Capitol construction; the underground railroad; confederate spies; even the RI troops running roughshod over the patent building.
Adam, Sophie, Dr. George, Constance and Brian are back in a solid mystery.
The author has written elegantly about the Capitol building which is almost sad knowing what has transpired there this past year.
Hoping for a 4th instalment.
Adam, Sophie, Dr. George, Constance and Brian are back in a solid mystery.
The author has written elegantly about the Capitol building which is almost sad knowing what has transpired there this past year.
Hoping for a 4th instalment.
June 6, 2020
A somewhat flat novel that I really didn't enjoy. The characters are okay but the plot moves slowly and did not keep my interest. The social and historical aspects were interesting but the events just didn't mesh well.
January 11, 2020
In Murder at the Capitol, C.M. Gleason’s third “Lincoln White House Mystery,” it’s 1861 - and the country is at war. A man is found hanged in the under-construction capitol building. We know he’s been murdered, it’s not suicide as someone would like us to believe. Adam Quinn, our series protagonist is called in as investigator.
Washington is a city besieged -- by northern soldiers. It’s going to be difficult to find a murderer in a city swelled to bursting. The dead man had apparently come in to some extra money -- probably not legally, ‘cause he’s dead, isn’t he. And of course Miss Sophie Gates, erstwhile journalist, since she was one that first came across the body is going to involve herself in figuring out the culprit. That makes it easy enough to involve Miss Gates in the story, Mr. Quinn’s thorn in his side.
Side stories involve Constance Lemagne, southern belle and aspiring southern spy. There’s Dr. Hilton -- who happens to be a free black man, not exactly the easiest of positions. He finds himself in trouble early, and it’s up to Constance to help him out, of all people. This is just an excuse by the author to set up another story, as you will come to see. And Sophie’s contacted by a young woman with a highly charged tale of woe of her own, and all Sophie wants to do is help Adam in his investigations. All of these stories sort of get in the way of finding out what really lies behind the murder of Pinebar Tufts (love that name!), so a reader does need to exercise patience, as everything is part and parcel, more or less.
The author does have much to say about the “peculiar institution” -- the horror of it leaps off the pages here. It would be difficult to write a tale involving the Civil War without having something to say about slavery, indeed.
And at the end, we have a murderer and we have -- entanglements! A little too neatly made up for some, though. Truly, I don’t think that everything can be said to be in keeping with the times and what would have been permissible for the times. I was disappointed in what the author came up with; the way she got two characters together seemed way too modern and unusual for me. It also took away from the original storyline. I guess I just didn’t see the point.
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for a copy of this book, in exchange for this review.
Washington is a city besieged -- by northern soldiers. It’s going to be difficult to find a murderer in a city swelled to bursting. The dead man had apparently come in to some extra money -- probably not legally, ‘cause he’s dead, isn’t he. And of course Miss Sophie Gates, erstwhile journalist, since she was one that first came across the body is going to involve herself in figuring out the culprit. That makes it easy enough to involve Miss Gates in the story, Mr. Quinn’s thorn in his side.
Side stories involve Constance Lemagne, southern belle and aspiring southern spy. There’s Dr. Hilton -- who happens to be a free black man, not exactly the easiest of positions. He finds himself in trouble early, and it’s up to Constance to help him out, of all people. This is just an excuse by the author to set up another story, as you will come to see. And Sophie’s contacted by a young woman with a highly charged tale of woe of her own, and all Sophie wants to do is help Adam in his investigations. All of these stories sort of get in the way of finding out what really lies behind the murder of Pinebar Tufts (love that name!), so a reader does need to exercise patience, as everything is part and parcel, more or less.
The author does have much to say about the “peculiar institution” -- the horror of it leaps off the pages here. It would be difficult to write a tale involving the Civil War without having something to say about slavery, indeed.
And at the end, we have a murderer and we have -- entanglements! A little too neatly made up for some, though. Truly, I don’t think that everything can be said to be in keeping with the times and what would have been permissible for the times. I was disappointed in what the author came up with; the way she got two characters together seemed way too modern and unusual for me. It also took away from the original storyline. I guess I just didn’t see the point.
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for a copy of this book, in exchange for this review.
September 21, 2024
In reading the first book in this series, I enjoyed it, but found the historical facets lacking. There were a lot of historical errors and I thought that these were unforced mistakes that could’ve been remedied with more research and/or the advisement of a historian or even a high school History teacher. However, I felt that Ms. Gleason did a good job keeping the reader interested in the mystery she had woven. In the second book, I contended that Ms. Gleason had grown quite a bit in the realm of historical fiction author and the historical aspects were much more accurate, complimenting her clear skills as a mystery writer. In this third and apparently final book in the series I feel that the historical facets were quite good, and by way of the Author’s Notes at the end, was impressed with the way she wove real events, people and occurrences into the story. Oddly, the biggest failing in this book, in my opinion, is the mystery. Oh she leads us through an intriguing page turner, but the denouement was a letdown. The murderer/blackmailer isn’t really caught as much as inexplicably decides to reveal all when he didn’t need to, and attempt to murder again in front of witnesses at a party which, although not discussed in the story, would spell his own doom. The choice of the “middle man” the blackmailer involves is a stretch and frankly makes little sense. The murder of that middle man also doesn’t make much sense, as cloaking it as a robbery gone wrong would’ve sufficed. An author does need a hook and an intriguing and unique one, but Gleason doesn’t give us a good enough reason for the spectacle of the fake suicide/murder. Inexplicably, the “mystery” is the weakest part of this book.
Despite the above criticism I still give this story 4 stars and I do wish there were more volumes in this series- but there has been a gap of 4 years from the publishing of Murder at the Capitol and this review, without another entry so I suppose Ms. Gleason is done with this series. Again, this book was a page turner, it kept me interested and the historical information therein was excellently portrayed, if mostly as red herrings. I do wish the conclusion was a bit more realistic and plausible.
February 26, 2020
Princess Fuzzypants here: It is the summer of 1861 and both sides in the Civil War are chomping at the bit for hostilities to start. Both sides hope to knock the other out with one gigantic victory and Washington is overrun with Union soldiers who have little to do but create chaos. But there are darker more nefarious forces at work in the Capitol. There are many Southern sympathizer in the city and some have chosen to be more active in their support of the South.
So when the body of a government worker is found hanging from the construction crane on the additions to the Capitol, once suicide is ruled out, it becomes the job of Adam, aide extraordinaire to Lincoln to find out what happened and what it means. Along the way he is ably abetted by two ladies and a black doctor. One turns out to be a great ally. One turns out to be a disappointment. One turns out to have so much more than what meets the eye. All will be put in grave danger before the villain is unmasked and brought to justice.
It’s an interesting historical tale that blends the factual with the fiction and examines the prevailing opinions of the time and challenges them as it flips them over. The characters are compelling. I love what the author has done with Lincoln in making him very human and real. All in all it was a cracking story that was a page turner.
Five purrs and two paws up.
So when the body of a government worker is found hanging from the construction crane on the additions to the Capitol, once suicide is ruled out, it becomes the job of Adam, aide extraordinaire to Lincoln to find out what happened and what it means. Along the way he is ably abetted by two ladies and a black doctor. One turns out to be a great ally. One turns out to be a disappointment. One turns out to have so much more than what meets the eye. All will be put in grave danger before the villain is unmasked and brought to justice.
It’s an interesting historical tale that blends the factual with the fiction and examines the prevailing opinions of the time and challenges them as it flips them over. The characters are compelling. I love what the author has done with Lincoln in making him very human and real. All in all it was a cracking story that was a page turner.
Five purrs and two paws up.
January 26, 2020
July 4, 1861 Washington, D.C. and the city is bursting at the seams with troops almost shoulder to shoulder, streets impassable and gun fire and cannons going off night and day. The troops are itching to get into a battle but nobody can say when that will happen. Lincoln is trying to make it a short event but, as we know, it will last four years - April 12, 1861 to April 9, 1865. The Dome of the Capitol is under construction and Lincoln is in talks with his War Department. Then a murder disguised as a suicide comes on the scene. A man is found hanging from the unfinished Dome. The best person to investigate is Lincoln's best friend, Adam Speed Quinn. Quinn is joined in his task by journalist Sophie Gates and freeman Dr. George Hilton. Soon their investigation brings them into contact with a mysterious Southern lady, Miss Constance Lemagne along with various spies and a killer.
The mystery itself is engrossing and the history is very well researched, blending real and fictional characters seamlessly. The subject of slavery is, of course, center stage. I enjoyed this mystery very much and I hope there will be more in this series.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The mystery itself is engrossing and the history is very well researched, blending real and fictional characters seamlessly. The subject of slavery is, of course, center stage. I enjoyed this mystery very much and I hope there will be more in this series.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 8, 2020
It’s July,1861 in Washington, DC and political tensions are running high. There are thousands of troops in town, and President Lincoln is hoping for a decisive battle to bring the Civil War to a quick end.
The president’s confidant, Adam Quinn, is called to the Capitol the day after Independence Day when Congress reconvenes and a body is found hanging from a crane being used to construct the building’s dome. First impressions suggest a suicide, but Quinn’s keen eye along with assistance from journalist Sophie Gates and Dr. George Hilton’s detailed autopsy reveals the victim was murdered. Quinn and Gates are soon on the trail of what led to the murder and who killed the victim.
There are plenty of adventures in addition to solving the murder as Quinn and Gates help find the president’s missing sons and uncover a Southern female spy ring.
This historical is the third in a series and its intriguing premise, detailed historical research and interesting characters do not disappoint. I look forward to more tales of Quinn and Gates’ adventures and anticipate reading the first two books in the series as well.
April 6, 2020
Great great book. This series is very good. I've actually learned a lot from them. Of course, everyone knows who the big players are who actually existed and not made up characters. However, Ms. Gleason also includes lesser known real life people (at least to me) in these stories. I've enjoyed that aspect very much. I find the mysteries to be very well thought out. For some reason, I didn't figure this one out. I should have bcs of course it was so obvious once it was revealed. When Sophie saw the bad guy's pants, I knew it was important but I couldn't figure out why. Once, Adam thought about it and realized the significance, I was like "ahh". Lol. I also greatly enjoyed reading about the Lincoln and Taft boys. I feel like Miss LeMagne is also going to have a change of heart, or maybe I'm just hoping she does. I'm very invested in Dr. Hilton and what he does to assist Adam in his investigations. I love that Adam and Sophie finally acknowledged their feelings for each other. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series.
January 22, 2020
It's July 4, 1861 and tensions are running high in Washington, DC, as everyone anticipates the first large battle of the Civil War. In Murder at the Capitol by C.M. Gleason, it is expected the battle will take place at Manassas Junction near Bull Run, but Union generals don't think their troops are ready.
Young reporter Sophie Gates is headed to the Capitol for a session of the Senate. No sooner does she arrive when she is greeted by Constance Lemagne, a Southern belle living in Washington. Sophie isn't sure if she doesn't trust Constance because of her Southern sympathies or because of her interest in Adam Quinn.
As they are about to enter the Rotunda, a shout echoes through the room. To their horror, they see a man hanging from a huge construction crane, obviously dead. Sophie sends for Adam Quinn, a close confidante of President Lincoln, to determine if the man hanged himself or was murdered.
Young reporter Sophie Gates is headed to the Capitol for a session of the Senate. No sooner does she arrive when she is greeted by Constance Lemagne, a Southern belle living in Washington. Sophie isn't sure if she doesn't trust Constance because of her Southern sympathies or because of her interest in Adam Quinn.
As they are about to enter the Rotunda, a shout echoes through the room. To their horror, they see a man hanging from a huge construction crane, obviously dead. Sophie sends for Adam Quinn, a close confidante of President Lincoln, to determine if the man hanged himself or was murdered.
May 8, 2025
I have been enjoying historical mysteries lately, and this book was no exception. I like that Abraham Lincoln is a character, but he's not involved in solving the murders that occur, unlike other series that feature prominent politicians. I like most of the other major characters, and that at least one of those is a free black man who is a qualified medical doctor.
The murders in this story are obviously related, but there was no obvious suspect. There were a lot of twists and turns along the way, and every time I thought I had it all worked out, something happened to prove that theory wrong. I did decide on a culprit just before it was revealed in the book, but the motive was surprising - and, to my modern sensibilities, disgusting.
I would love to read more in this series, but this is apparently the last book. It was published five years ago, and there's been no hint of anything else coming, so I unfortunately have to say goodbye to Adam, Sophie, George, and young Brian.
The murders in this story are obviously related, but there was no obvious suspect. There were a lot of twists and turns along the way, and every time I thought I had it all worked out, something happened to prove that theory wrong. I did decide on a culprit just before it was revealed in the book, but the motive was surprising - and, to my modern sensibilities, disgusting.
I would love to read more in this series, but this is apparently the last book. It was published five years ago, and there's been no hint of anything else coming, so I unfortunately have to say goodbye to Adam, Sophie, George, and young Brian.
December 11, 2019
5th July 1861. After the celebrations of the 4th it is time for Congress to convene, but a body is found hanging from the unfinished dome of the Capitol. Witnessing the scene is Miss Sophie Gates and Miss Constance Lemagne. They ensure that Adam Speed Quinn, aide to the President is called to the building. Soon it is obvious that this is not a suicide. Adam with the help of Sophie investigate, among the rumours of an impending battle.
Although the third in the series it can easily be read as a standalone story but I would certainly recommend reading the first two is see the development of the characters and their roles.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written historical mystery, with its wide cast of likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book
Although the third in the series it can easily be read as a standalone story but I would certainly recommend reading the first two is see the development of the characters and their roles.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written historical mystery, with its wide cast of likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book
January 24, 2020
Fun historical mystery set in 1861 Washington, DC, and featuring, well the murder of Pinebar Bluffs at the Capitol. Adam Quinn, a confident of Lincoln investigates, along with Sophie Gates, who found the body and with whom he has a challenging relationship. This isn't as simple as it might seem because WDC in this period was a swamp (yes literally and figuratively both) filled with competing parties, spies, and bad acts. Add in Dr. George Hilton, a lot of small players and, who is Constance Lemagne and what does she want? No spoilers. You might find yourself checking to see who is real and who is fiction as you read along but this can be read without that info. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. It's fine as a standalone.
March 13, 2023
Thank you, thank you, thank you Ms. Gleason! Its been some time since I've read a book that was this interesting. As I read I was trying to see if I could identify who and what occurrences were fact and which were fiction. I have to admit I only succeeded once.
Originally I only ordered book #3 but quickly went back to order the first two books, didn't want to miss the opportunity to get them at the special pricing. It was wonderful to not have to wait for you to complete the next book in the series before I could read more of Quinn and Sophie's adventures.
There were several lose ends at the very end of the story but perhaps you will resolve that in the next book? I'm looking forward to book #4, please hurry!
Originally I only ordered book #3 but quickly went back to order the first two books, didn't want to miss the opportunity to get them at the special pricing. It was wonderful to not have to wait for you to complete the next book in the series before I could read more of Quinn and Sophie's adventures.
There were several lose ends at the very end of the story but perhaps you will resolve that in the next book? I'm looking forward to book #4, please hurry!
January 18, 2025
I am sorry to see this is the last of the series. I enjoyed reading about Adam Quinn assisting Abe Lincoln as he assumes the Presidency and faces the start of the Civil War.
In this episode, a dead body is found hanging in the Capitol, from a crane used to put the dome segments in place. A big clue throughout is the marble dust that helps identify people who have crossed the rotunda.
We see the regulars, journalist Sophie Gates and Doctor George Hilton assist Adam as he determines who had an issue with the dead man and why the victim had blackmail notes at his home.
Perhaps when Colleen has finished writing her other excellent series we will get more action from Adam Quinn and Abe Lincoln.
I borrowed a copy from the public library and assigned my reading group this series to read in January 2025.
In this episode, a dead body is found hanging in the Capitol, from a crane used to put the dome segments in place. A big clue throughout is the marble dust that helps identify people who have crossed the rotunda.
We see the regulars, journalist Sophie Gates and Doctor George Hilton assist Adam as he determines who had an issue with the dead man and why the victim had blackmail notes at his home.
Perhaps when Colleen has finished writing her other excellent series we will get more action from Adam Quinn and Abe Lincoln.
I borrowed a copy from the public library and assigned my reading group this series to read in January 2025.
November 9, 2020
Excellent research in bringing 1861 alive in Washington DC alive with the noise, smells, prejudices and suspicions of the era. You are quickly drawn in to the mysteries of murder, a complex budding relationship, attempting to raise kids in the White House all the while preparing for War within 30 miles. There is just enough humor amid surprises to keep you interested in what will happen next, while you attempt to piece together the two different investigations. Then, follow our hero and heroine into the deep bowels of the Capitol looking for the President's sons.
November 9, 2021
Almost great
I really wanted to love this book, and for the most part I have enjoyed it immensely. The characters are compelling, the clues are there but not obvious and the history is accurate. Maybe it's just the horror of the reality of slavery and forcing people into second class citizenship based on a characteristic they have no control over. The reality of that is not paramount, as most of the main characters are white. Anyway, I'm certainly looking forward to the next installment?
I really wanted to love this book, and for the most part I have enjoyed it immensely. The characters are compelling, the clues are there but not obvious and the history is accurate. Maybe it's just the horror of the reality of slavery and forcing people into second class citizenship based on a characteristic they have no control over. The reality of that is not paramount, as most of the main characters are white. Anyway, I'm certainly looking forward to the next installment?
March 14, 2023
A well written novel, felt like a historical novel, described DC at the beginning of the civil war. The plot progressed in a logical and interesting manner. The subject matter of the times was dealt with in a factual manner, not an emotional one, although it did stir emotions. I haven't read the 1st two in this series and felt like there may be some facts missing, but it didn't make the book any less enjoyable.
January 15, 2020
I haven't read the other books in this series, but I'll have to circle back. This is well done overall. The plot is engaging, and the historical aspects help add to the total package. The author's talent shows through quite well, and includes a number of characters. Recommended for historical mystery fans.
Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!
Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!
Read
February 4, 2020Enjoyed it
It is always amazing to me when reading a historical fiction book how many people thought the Civil War would be over after a battle or two. The same with WWI novels. I love Adam and Sophie and even Constance, such interesting characters. The mystery was well done. I'm looking forward to the next book!
It is always amazing to me when reading a historical fiction book how many people thought the Civil War would be over after a battle or two. The same with WWI novels. I love Adam and Sophie and even Constance, such interesting characters. The mystery was well done. I'm looking forward to the next book!
February 5, 2020
A good historical mystery, an enjoyable and engrossing story.
I liked the well researched historical background, the solid mystery and the cast of characters.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I liked the well researched historical background, the solid mystery and the cast of characters.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Read
November 28, 2025Read, but I have no idea when, as I obviously did not record reading it at the time. Weeks ago, at best. A nefarious plot, but uncovered in time, and the aims of the plotters destined to be thwarted by the president's closest aide, their intentions to neutralize him fortunately having been derailed as well.
April 14, 2020
I don't know if I love this series because it's well written and well researched, or if it's because I met the author at a book reading and found her to be very entertaining. Regardless, I hope there will be more Lincoln White House Mystery books because 3 is not enough.
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September 12, 2020Another enjoyable mystery during the Lincoln presidency for Adam Quinn and Sophie Gates to solve. This time Piney Tufts is found hanging from the crane used to build the Capitol dome on July 5 - was it suicide? Or did someone kill Mr Tufts?
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