Murder at Manasses: A Harrison Raines Civil War Mystery

Harrison Raines has found himself in a hard spot. A Virginia native, he's loyal to his state and family. But he also opposes slavery. Living in Washington doesn't make finding his desired neutrality any easier to find.When a friend insists on going to watch the first, and certainly the only, battle in the Civil War, Harry reluctantly accompanies her. Instead of a quick victory, they are shocked when the Union soldiers flee right past them. The next morning, the retreat is being blamed on one Major shot down during the last moments of the battle. But Harry is convinced that the man was really murdered. He's hired by the man's family to learn the truth and redeem his name. With his carefully guarded neutrality on the line, Harry sets out to find the truth, wherever that may lead, including a smuggling plot that the victim may have been involved with.I was very impressed with this mystery debut. The story is obviously well researched; I was completely transported back to 1861 while reading it. The plot moves forward at a leisurely pace, but throws some great twists in as the story progresses. Still, it is possible to follow exact what happens if you're paying attention. The characters were interesting and realistic, and the use of real people added just the right amount of fun to the proceedings without being too far fetched.As a fan of US history, I'm looking forward to more books in this series that is part mystery and part political intrigue. The mix looks to be just right for many more entertaining books.

This is a very good book and I really enjoyed reading it. I suggest that any civil war buff or mystery lover buy it and buy it now. This book really kept me interesed in it and I couldn't put it down. I don't think I have ever read a book as fast as I did this one. I'am not a mysery lover but this book was a goodin. I just had to know the ending. The author definetly did his homework on the sunject, to better bring to life the characters and the struggles of their time period. It's not the greatest but is one of the best I've read. I suggest buying this book. It one's of my favorites.

MURDER AT MANASSAS is an especial treat for people familiar with the Washington, D.C. area.Michael Kilian has faithfully recreated what the city, its residents, politicians, soldiers, and Civil War culture were like in the 1860's.As a former American History teacher, I couldn't put Murder at Manassas down. I'm looking forward to upcoming titles based on other Civil War battles.Kilian does a great job of researching the era and setting for his novels as both MURDER AT MANASSAS and MAJOR WASHINGTON demonstrate. He works a lot of historical people into his fiction, fleshing out characters you know such as John Wilkes Booth and others who may be new to you such as Confederate spy Belle Boyd.A quick and enjoyable read.

Murder at Manassas is an absorbing page turner of a Civil War mystery, and I can hardly wait for the next volume in the series. Killian has obviously done his homework in researching the corruption so rampant during the war. Self serving polititians and officers, after profit regardless of the cost of lives, were as much a part of the era as the battles. The protagonist of the story, Harrison Raines, is not a detective to equal Cadfael, Holmes or Poirot. However, he is a very likeable character and one with whom a reader can be truly sympathetic. Harrison's very fallability is endearing. He has poor eyesight, cannot shoot, and he faithfully, jealously, and relentlessly pursues unrequited love. Harrison also manages to muddle through to make a number of erroneous deductions. The supporting fictional cast include an actress, who Harrison loves, and a former slave. Both come through nearly as strongly and their often witty repartee with Harrison add to the pleasure of a great read. The concept of a single murder amid the slaughter a battle field, while not totally new, was treated with imagination and skill. The kinds of evidence that Harrison eventually puts together in the story are almost ingenius.

By July 1861, Fort Sumter is part of the history books and the country is preparing for the battle that will mark the savagery of the Civil War. Everyone knows that a battle is set for Manassas, but there is a festive atmosphere surrounding the upcoming event. Both sides plan victory parties and entourages make the fight appear to be a carnival not a bloody engagement.Harrison "Harry" Raines is a Virginia blue blood who broke ranks with his family over the slavery issue. He observes the battle with a different perspective because he knows hell is about to enter the no longer United States. He watches a northern major George Pleasants act the role of hero, but the South wins and the man is dead. The DC crowd blames George for the debacle. However, some powerful individuals ask Harry to discover the truth about how George really died.Michael Killian has triumphantly opened his Civil War mystery series at the BATTLE OF MANASSAS. The story line reflects strong research that includes trivia that adds period depth to the plot. The flawed and guilt-ridden Harry is a wonderful hero who sub-genre fans will adore. Civil War buffs will gain much pleasure from this novel. The author's Herculean task to write a series of mysteries that chronologically follow the war to its conclusion gives this series a fascinating twist.Harriet Klausner