I won this book on goodreads in return for a review.


I really enjoyed this book! Plot twists, good research, and relatable characters.

The only thing I had issues with were there were times when the main character would mention something, and I would get the feeling I should know what they're referring to. Almost like I hadn't read the first book in a series, but I checked and there aren't other books. It didn't take away from the novel at all though.

I also found a slight error on page 288. The author puts nineteen fifty eight, while the novel is actually set in the 1800's. Just a small misprint.

Overall, excellent book and I can't wait to read more by this author!

This book was more interested in world-building instead of a good mystery. It seemed the author was thinking of the books ahead instead of focusing on the plot. It's a rather dull finish, with the murderer's reveal feeling like an afterthought. The setting is great and the characters that meet Adam Quinn along the way will lead to a fun group when he continues to serve President Lincoln. I will probably not continue this series. It was ok, but not enough to take on another series.

This was a really fun book. Just a super fun mystery.
I really like the main character and liked the shifting narration.
I don't know how accurate any of the events are, but it was a blast to listen to.
I'll probably look up more books by this author to see if there are more fun mysteries like this one.
The blend of classic mystery elements with the historical society are really well blended.
I was worried that the story would be a little stinker, but the author keeps things moving and the killer has a very understandable motive once it's revealed.
This was a mystery where it felt like when the killer was revealed it wasn't a "huh?" But more of an "OK" which is what I'm usually looking for. I don't need the author to completely outsmart me and this doesn't try to outsmart you.
Likeable characters and a couple strong subplots kept this going to the end.

Very historically accurate, with an interesting plot. Most of the characters were a little forgettable, but overall an enjoyable read.

Excellent historical mystery- looking forward to more in the series!

This novel also prompted me to learn more about Bloody Kansas!

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy for an honest review.

*No synopsis---you can get that above*

Three things resonated with me right out of the gate: Civil War era, a mystery, an a historical fiction novel that wasn't a romance. (Sometimes that seems to be the only genre when searching for historical fiction)

I really enjoyed this book. The plot/mystery was constructed very well & not predictable. A few twists and turns along the way. There was a delightful array of characters from all different backgrounds & personalities. They each had a distinct voice--none seemed cliched. The main protagonist: Adam Quinn. He came across very shrewd---always observing & never giving too much a way.

The crown jewel for me in this, was that real persons weren't just 'talked' about, they actually were part of the story & interacted with the fictional characters. Gleason did a fantastic job with this. They jumped off the page in a natural, 3-D, flesh & blood fashion. This book was as much character driven & plot driven.

This was the second book in this series. I plan on reading the first & look forward to future installments.

This was an ok book. Set in the first days of Lincoln’s presidency, the story goes on to be a typical detective novel. You could translate the story to another time and place pretty easily. I kind of like a couple of the characters, especially Dr. Hilton. A second one is coming out in August. I might give it a look. The Amazon preview says the people I like will be back.
adventurous informative mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

It had an very promising premise and I had high hopes for it but unfortunately it didn't work for me. I was not invested enough to care for the audiobook and had difficulty getting into the story.
adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced