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The Lincoln Moon: A Historical Novel
"A wonderful slice of American history, beautifully written." Fannie Flagg, best-selling author of 'Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe'
Cass County, Illinois, 1858. Nine-year-old Scrump Armstrong’s days are centered around his tight-knit family. But after stumbling across a Black man lynched on their property, the youngster’s world changes forever. And as his parents join the Underground Railroad, he fears suspicious neighbors could uncover their dangerous secret.
Idolizing his older brother, Scrump is terrified when the nineteen-year-old is suddenly accused of killing their neighbor… a conviction that surely ends in hanging. And his only hope for acquittal rests in the letter his ailing father sends off to a prominent friend, the lawyer Abraham Lincoln.
Will Scrump’s prayers be answered by Honest Abe?
The Lincoln Moon is a heartwarming historical fiction novel. If you like stories based on true events, compelling mysteries, and full-rounded, colorful characters, you're sure to love this captivating page-turner..
Get The Lincoln Moon to today!
Cass County, Illinois, 1858. Nine-year-old Scrump Armstrong’s days are centered around his tight-knit family. But after stumbling across a Black man lynched on their property, the youngster’s world changes forever. And as his parents join the Underground Railroad, he fears suspicious neighbors could uncover their dangerous secret.
Idolizing his older brother, Scrump is terrified when the nineteen-year-old is suddenly accused of killing their neighbor… a conviction that surely ends in hanging. And his only hope for acquittal rests in the letter his ailing father sends off to a prominent friend, the lawyer Abraham Lincoln.
Will Scrump’s prayers be answered by Honest Abe?
The Lincoln Moon is a heartwarming historical fiction novel. If you like stories based on true events, compelling mysteries, and full-rounded, colorful characters, you're sure to love this captivating page-turner..
Get The Lincoln Moon to today!
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2020
About the author
Michael Price Nelson
1 book13 followersMichael Price Nelson has written for stage, dabbled in television, and enjoyed writing celebrity interview articles and occasionally, short stories to amuse himself. He writes strictly for the fun of it. "The Lincoln Moon" is his first novel.
When not spinning yarns at the keyboard, Michael enjoys beauty and activity that the California shoreline offers. Those who tolerate him while he writes include his husband, Dale, their pandemic pooch, Linus, family members, and his neighborhood coffee barista Other interests include live concerts, the L.A. Phil, theater and movies, yoga and TM.
Michael lives in Long Beach, California.
When not spinning yarns at the keyboard, Michael enjoys beauty and activity that the California shoreline offers. Those who tolerate him while he writes include his husband, Dale, their pandemic pooch, Linus, family members, and his neighborhood coffee barista Other interests include live concerts, the L.A. Phil, theater and movies, yoga and TM.
Michael lives in Long Beach, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 26, 2022
What an awesome book! History at it’s finest. The writing style took awhile for me to get used to, but once I did, I was hooked. President Abraham Lincoln was a man of the ages. Our world could use more like him. I highly recommend this book!
February 7, 2021
I purchased this book based on advice of the author’s post on our high school alumni Facebook page. I am a lover of historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. Abraham Lincoln has been one of my favorite subjects since I read my first biography of him in 1955 when I was 8 years old. This was a story about him that I did not know, making it even more delightful. Although some of the characters, dialogue and parts of the story were “fictionalized”, the truth of the story basis and Abe Lincoln’s character was evident. Marvelous debut novel! I couldn’t put it down.
July 27, 2025
Do you ever pick a book off the shelf at a library and take a risk that it might be a good one? I did this, only with the audio version on Libby, and boy, am I glad I did! If you’ve read my reviews for any length of time, you know that I adore historical fiction: learning through a good story is the best!
I had no idea, prior to this book, about a trial where Abe Lincoln convinced the judge to use the farmer’s almanac as evidence. And honestly, that might not seem like an interesting fact when mentioned out of context. However, Michael Price Nelson is a phenomenal storyteller, and the reason Lincoln convinced the judge to use it as evidence is one you’ll have to read for yourself!
He told the story through a kid brother’s perspective, who was just smart and nosy enough to “happen” to be around when all the important things were being discussed and discovered.
Though Mr. Lincoln is painted in an almost saintly light, that is about my only complaint for this book. The characters, the way events unfolded, the sorrow and despair of the family at their son being accused of murder, and the family’s desperation to find a way to prove him innocent were all told magnificently. The narrator also did a great job!
There aren’t a ton of content warnings here, apart from the lynchings, n word, and the violence involved the murder itself . . . . Okay, that sounds like a lot. Basically I’m saying not much cussing or any sexual content here. But yes, violence and slavery.
I had no idea, prior to this book, about a trial where Abe Lincoln convinced the judge to use the farmer’s almanac as evidence. And honestly, that might not seem like an interesting fact when mentioned out of context. However, Michael Price Nelson is a phenomenal storyteller, and the reason Lincoln convinced the judge to use it as evidence is one you’ll have to read for yourself!
He told the story through a kid brother’s perspective, who was just smart and nosy enough to “happen” to be around when all the important things were being discussed and discovered.
Though Mr. Lincoln is painted in an almost saintly light, that is about my only complaint for this book. The characters, the way events unfolded, the sorrow and despair of the family at their son being accused of murder, and the family’s desperation to find a way to prove him innocent were all told magnificently. The narrator also did a great job!
There aren’t a ton of content warnings here, apart from the lynchings, n word, and the violence involved the murder itself . . . . Okay, that sounds like a lot. Basically I’m saying not much cussing or any sexual content here. But yes, violence and slavery.
June 19, 2021
Excellent Read
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the character of Scrump. The way he arrives to his awareness of the evils of slavery was the simplicity of how a child can so clearly view truth and accept it without argument. Slavery is evil. PERIOD. The book is not deep, nor does it delve into the issues of slavery, but it humanizes Abe Lincoln the man, before he became the 16th president. Sometime the people in history books are just that; pictures in a book. When a book like this comes along, you realize the humanness of the men and women who helped shape our country.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the character of Scrump. The way he arrives to his awareness of the evils of slavery was the simplicity of how a child can so clearly view truth and accept it without argument. Slavery is evil. PERIOD. The book is not deep, nor does it delve into the issues of slavery, but it humanizes Abe Lincoln the man, before he became the 16th president. Sometime the people in history books are just that; pictures in a book. When a book like this comes along, you realize the humanness of the men and women who helped shape our country.
October 3, 2022
At the beginning of the story, I tagged along with the young boy as he got in and out of trouble. Toward the middle of the book, I was racing to find a "good" end, one that didn't go badly for the sorely tested boy. Wise beyond his tender years, he finds ways to navigate through huge issues that have continued to exist to this day.
I enjoyed standing next to Abe Lincoln, a man with great understanding of the human condition and who knew how to "talk" to almost anyone. I loved his stories. Yes, Abe Lincoln was a lawyer but so much more.
And that, to me, was the "take-away", how to be so much more as a human.
I enjoyed standing next to Abe Lincoln, a man with great understanding of the human condition and who knew how to "talk" to almost anyone. I loved his stories. Yes, Abe Lincoln was a lawyer but so much more.
And that, to me, was the "take-away", how to be so much more as a human.
November 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this novel. The historical context was fascinating as well as the character portrayal & feel for life of the time. It was well written.
“At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou
I think this quote that is often paraphrased says it well, in that I may not be versed in the craft of writing, but this author has impressed my that they definitely have a good "feel" for how to do it well!
“At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou
I think this quote that is often paraphrased says it well, in that I may not be versed in the craft of writing, but this author has impressed my that they definitely have a good "feel" for how to do it well!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genre's and Michael Price Nelson does a great job of adding a narrator to tell the story of what became a celebrated case for Abe Lincoln who set a precendent for future cases. We read this for our book club and it stimulated some good questions around what was different then and what is the same from then for now.
Murder, innocence, principles and moral values all explored.
It was a fast read, well written and very compelling.
Murder, innocence, principles and moral values all explored.
It was a fast read, well written and very compelling.
June 8, 2024
This book is based on a real court case-“The people vs Armstrong” that Abraham Lincoln served as a lawyer on before he became the 16th president. The Armstrong’s were friends that were like family to Abraham Lincoln. He lived with the Armstrong’s at a time when he needed help getting established in a new location. He even babysat the young son who he represents later as a young man in this court case.
All “evidence” appears to point to William Duff Armstrong in this murder trial, but things are not what they seem. Abraham Lincoln is determined to reveal the truth-after all he is called “Honest Abe”.
Set in the time of slavery, the Underground Railroad is a big part of this story as well. Injustices abound! But Abe Lincoln is on a mission to seek justice for the Armstrong family.
This is a good historical fiction novel. I learned a little something about Abe Lincoln that I didn’t know before.
All “evidence” appears to point to William Duff Armstrong in this murder trial, but things are not what they seem. Abraham Lincoln is determined to reveal the truth-after all he is called “Honest Abe”.
Set in the time of slavery, the Underground Railroad is a big part of this story as well. Injustices abound! But Abe Lincoln is on a mission to seek justice for the Armstrong family.
This is a good historical fiction novel. I learned a little something about Abe Lincoln that I didn’t know before.
January 4, 2021
Fantastic debut Novel about a little known piece of Lincoln's history. Michael weaves well-researched real characters together with fictional ones to tell a compelling story from a young boy's point of view. Timely and poignant social justice theme paired with the love of family, hope and kindness.
November 29, 2021
The plot of this novel is based on facts about a trial held in 1858 in which Abraham Lincoln was the lawyer for the defense. The account is told from the perspective of Truman Armstrong, who is the 9-year old brother of the defendant, Duff. The Armstrong family has a farm near Beardstown, Illinois and are secretly helpful to runaway slaves.
June 20, 2022
Fabulous!
This is a wonderful book. Full of history, family, trials, woes, slavery, the Underground Railroad and Abraham Lincoln. A great novel and a pleasant way to absorb History. I recommended this book to my teenage grandsons, and they plan to read it soon. A very good book!
This is a wonderful book. Full of history, family, trials, woes, slavery, the Underground Railroad and Abraham Lincoln. A great novel and a pleasant way to absorb History. I recommended this book to my teenage grandsons, and they plan to read it soon. A very good book!
August 18, 2023
Fictional retelling of Lincoln’s pro bono defense of Duff Armstrong, accused of murder. Nelson writes a heart warming story which touches on racism, honoring secrets and Lincoln’s essential goodness. This might be a YA book - not sure about that - but still a decent rendering of a formative episode in Lincoln’s life.
January 4, 2026
Sheesh, I've not written a review probably since 2020. Lazy I suppose. I loved this book. In fact I have stayed in bed this rainy Sunday morn, drinking coffee and finishing the book. I loved the characters and loved that it was based on an actual event and apparently one of Lincoln's most famous trials.
August 21, 2021
The Lincoln Moon: Historical Novel
A very interesting and down to earth historical novel, from the pre civil war era. I just could not put the book down, It held my attention to the very end.
A very interesting and down to earth historical novel, from the pre civil war era. I just could not put the book down, It held my attention to the very end.
November 15, 2021
A Purely Enjoyable Book
I love historical fiction and even if this is intended for youth, I thoroughly enjoyed it as a senior citizen. We need more wholesome historical stories to remind us of life filled with kindness and truth.
I love historical fiction and even if this is intended for youth, I thoroughly enjoyed it as a senior citizen. We need more wholesome historical stories to remind us of life filled with kindness and truth.
February 17, 2022
Great story
I love happy endings. It was a historical fiction book loosely regarded as a true story . The true story was not really told in this book at all. But' it was a good fictional story which ended by thing up all ends nice?y.
I love happy endings. It was a historical fiction book loosely regarded as a true story . The true story was not really told in this book at all. But' it was a good fictional story which ended by thing up all ends nice?y.
October 16, 2022
THE LINCOLN MOON is an historical novel based on a murder trial that then lawyer, Abraham Lincoln litigated for a family friend. Beautifully reimagined, seen through the eyes of nine-year-old Truman Armstrong, the novel is an absolutely delightful reading experience.
April 17, 2023
Amazing story
This is the first book by this author but will look for more. The story is sweet and flows along quickly . I read in 2 evenings and hated to see it end. I love historical fiction.
This is the first book by this author but will look for more. The story is sweet and flows along quickly . I read in 2 evenings and hated to see it end. I love historical fiction.
February 20, 2025
A somewhat easy read but so good! I love that this is a personal story of someone so truly admired - as he should be! It’s something we don’t hear about when it comes to Lincoln. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys reading!
April 12, 2026
Great read - captures the essence of Lincoln well.
The story is told from the eyes and mind of a bright 9 year old boy and is entertaining, pulling you straight into the story . I love there is some facts that hold the base of this work of fiction. A great quick read.
The story is told from the eyes and mind of a bright 9 year old boy and is entertaining, pulling you straight into the story . I love there is some facts that hold the base of this work of fiction. A great quick read.
May 27, 2026
I enjoyed the story of a wrongfully accused murderer whose family called upon a good friend Abraham Lincoln to represent their son in the case. It has a Matlock feel to it which is a good thing. Enjoyed very much !
October 10, 2020
The perfect blend of historical fiction and several actual historic heroes. Scrump’s voice masterfully tells a story of murder and power all from his innocent perspective. Well worth the read!
October 17, 2020
Spellbinding
Michael is a master storyteller, and this novel pulls you in and won’t let you go until the last page has been turned.
Michael is a master storyteller, and this novel pulls you in and won’t let you go until the last page has been turned.
July 3, 2021
The story plot is very good, based on history. The dialogue is weak.
July 20, 2021
I enjoyed this story and "getting to know" Abe Lincoln more. The author had an interesting take on the actual event.
August 2, 2021
Love the history!
The book is a good read. I love the story line. Easy read. Abe for the win. Absolutely lovely book.
The book is a good read. I love the story line. Easy read. Abe for the win. Absolutely lovely book.
August 19, 2021
Love this book
I loved this book and it’s characters. And even more so knowing it is based on a true story. It was well told and engaging.
I loved this book and it’s characters. And even more so knowing it is based on a true story. It was well told and engaging.
October 1, 2021
Intriguing
A thoughtful reflection of life as experienced by hard working folks and those who are entitled, It’s an interesting read.
A thoughtful reflection of life as experienced by hard working folks and those who are entitled, It’s an interesting read.
February 4, 2022
Great historical fiction book about Abe Lincoln. Quick and easy to read.
February 11, 2022
Unforgettable
One of the best books that I have read in a long list of books read!
The story should be made into a movie
One of the best books that I have read in a long list of books read!
The story should be made into a movie
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews