Faded Coat of Blue

Rating:
Summary: Ready for the Sequel
Review: I have never read a book before that, from the outset, seemed to be selling the sequel. By the end, it is obvious that Mr. Parry had already written the next one. Much of the first half of this book is a long introduction to the main character - Abel Jones - including his beliefs, personal history and values. At times it touched on tedious.

Abel Jones gets chosen, for some unknown reason, by Gen. MacLellan to find the murderer of a well-known abolitionist officer. Once the introductory portion is done, Jones actually gets on the case and the book picks up considerably. The plot becomes the core rather than the character and that plot is fairly good.

Mr. Parry captures Civil War Washington very well. His caricatures of the well-known charcters are terrific. One could picture Gen. MacLellan by the author's description and understand his personality perfectly in just the few pages devoted to him.

On the last page of the book, the author tells the reader that the adventures of Abel Jones are continued in the next book. That is fitting since the preceding few pages are devoted to his being hired on for more tasks. Athough I did not think so on page 100 or so, I am looking forward to the further adventures of Abel Jones.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Civil War mystery
Review: It's always a treat to discover a new author, and a new genre. I've never read a mystery set in the Civil War times before, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The detail and sense of place gave me the impression that the author did an enormous amount of research into the personalities and the times. I can't vouch for the accuracy of his Washington scenes, but the narrator is from the Anthracite coal fields of Pennsylvania, where I reside. When the action shifts to Pottsville and vicinity, and discusses some of the historical characters there, I know the author is correct, for I am well acquainted with the geography and streets of Pottsville, and other persons mentioned in the book. The accuracy is comforting, for then I know the author has the research knowledge to be true to the historical record, as far as it is necessary to advance his story. It's well-written, and I look forward to more tales of the exploits of Major Abel Jones.

Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece of Two Genres.
Review: This is a true gem of a novel that is a masterpiece of two genres, mystery and historical fiction. It is a superbly written, skillfully plotted novel set during the early stages of the Civil War when the North still hadn't realized the enormity of the situation it faced. Owen Parry brilliantly brings to life the era with his detailed and unglamorous portrayals of Washington and Philadelphia.

Abel Jones, a wounded Civil War hero, is as interesting a protagonist as any I have ever read in mystery fiction. He has to find his way through corruption, racism and deception to get to the bottom of the murder of a well-loved abolitionist. Along the way, he meets up with several notable figures from the war, including General McClellan and Abe Lincoln himself. There are several twists and the plot moves along at a perfect pace, all leading up to a powerful conclusion.

I have read many Civil War books, both fiction and nonfiction, and this easily ranks along side such memorable favorites as The Killer Angels and A Stillness at Appomattox. If you are a fan of mystery and/or historical fiction you must read this novel.