Steel Ashes

by Karen Rose Cercone

Police detective Milo Kachigan and Helen Sorby, a determined young political activist and social worker, join forces to investigate a mysterious tenement fire that claims the lives of two poor immigrants, only to find their case hindered by turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh's corrupt political machine. Original.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

For Karen Rose Cercone, writing is just another way to flex her teaching muscles. The IUP geoscience professor teaches her readers about science and scientists through her Star Trek novels and history through her series of historical mysteries.

She has co-written some eleven Star Trek novels with fellow writer Julia Ecklar under the name L.A. Graf. The name stands for "Let's All Get Rich and Famous" and was the name of a writer's group to which the two authors belonged. Their first Star Trek novel came out in 1990.

The two authors have split the writing by dividing up the characters. Cercone takes the scientists. "I want to have a really positive portrayal of science and show scientists are human beings using this technique to solve problems," said Cercone. "I want my scientists to be the heroes and the role models. I have a lot of women scientists."

Reviews

[Adrienne Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful historical novel with unforgettable characters

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After doing a Pittsburgh search on the excellent website, Stop, You're Killing Me! I found a 3 book series written in the 90s by Karen Rose Cercone. I had to buy the series in paperback, as they have not made it to Kindle. Despite that hassle, Steel Ashes was worth it. The first in the series introduces Social Worker Helen Sorby & Det. Milos Kastigan. Cercone is great at recreating early 1900s Pittsburgh & I did not figure out whodunnit on my own. Glad I purchased the 2 remaining paperbacks.

[Jackie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little historical mystery set in the the early 1900's in corrupt Pittsburg PA. A fresh female protagonist working toward solving some unexplained deaths along side a young new detective hiding his own ethnic background in biased racially charged Pittsburg and the massive steel mills that create great wealth for a few, and new risks for its workers.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this back when I was in high school, and quite liked it. (I have always been a sucker for the Edwardian period.) I recently picked it up again, and like it even better: the history is nicely worked in without taking away from the plot, and the two protagonists are wonderfully entertaining. The romantic tension between Helen Sorby and Milo Kachigan is nicely understated, and their developing relationship carried me through the two sequels. The mysteries themselves aren't too bad, but fairly standard fare, revolving around the union politics of the early twentieth century and Helen's political affiliations as a socialist. I recommend all three books, and wish that the author had written more about these characters.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series takes place in the Pittsburgh Pa area in the 1904's. It shows you what it was like in that area at that time. Since I am familiar with the Pittsburgh area and many of the people mentioned are famous it added to the books charm. It is interesting to see what life was like for and independent woman at that time (she was considered an anarchist).

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steel Ashes by Karen Rose Cercone is an historical mystery that takes place in Pittsburgh at the turn of the 20th century. I picked this book up because of the tie to western PA and was not disappointed. Ms. Cercone has a knack for bringing the gritty atmosphere of the city in the early 1900s to life. A good, but quick, read.

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troy Hill, South Side, Mt Washington, Downtown -- it's all in there, along with steel mills, the rivers, East European "Hunkies", and trollies.

A good detective story with realistic characters and period details. An easy and enjoyable read; a joy for Pittsburghers. I learned some new historic facts about our city as well!

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pittsburgh in 1905....steel mills, unions, socialism, temperance and a mix of immigrant cultures....great subjects handled well with interesting characters who must make hard choices to stay in integrity. For my genealogy friends, you will like the character who makes Sanborn maps! (Ignore the inaccurate statement that names were changed at Ellis Island by the immigration officials)

[Suzette Kunz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of mysteries set in the steel mills of Pennsylvania. The author was drawn to this setting because her own ancestors had been involved in it. Her research is really good and her characters and mysteries are interesting. I really enjoyed them.

[Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides · Rating 4 out of 5]

A promising start. If you've ever researched the history of Pittsburgh and you like mysteries, you'll love this book. The author captures the atmosphere very well, and the characters are very interesting.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steel Ashes is a mystery novel, but it's an historical mystery SET IN PITTSBURGH! HELL YEAH! Weave an interesting story with some labor history AND the 412 area code and you can't go wrong.

[Dewdrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun for any Pittsburgher.