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4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 A REMARKABLE READ Jan 08, 2009
By Marilyn Flamberg
The Tinen Killings: A Novel of Civil War Veterans by J.D. Solomon is a remarkable combination of mystery story and Civil War history. Told from different points of view, the reader gradually learns more about each of the characters as the historical novel progresses. Solomon manages the feat of holding our interest with a progression of clues, even after we think we have discovered the people responsible for the novel's central murders. Much of the book is historically accurate, but even the fictional characters and events seem true.
The novel is the result of Solomon's twenty-five years of interest in and research into the life of his wife's great-great-grandfather, Patrick Sherman Tinen, an Irish immigrant who served as a respected Union officer in the Civil War. The central action of the book opens in 1898 in a National Soldiers Home in Virginia, but quickly moves to Philadelphia as Sheriff Jed Roberts tries to solve the murders of Tinen's son and daughter-in-law.
If you enjoy mysteries, this book will keep you turning the pages. If you are interested in the Civil War, the book is doubly enjoyable. But you don't have to be a Civil War buff to find this book fascinating. The history kind of sneaks up on you and enhances a story that echoes in some current events.
I recommend this book to all who enjoy a good historical mystery.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Original and Captivating Apr 05, 2008
By R. William Pike
I found that the originality of the story, the authenticity of the details and the intrigue all combine to make a great read...this story is perfect for Civil War buffs and for any readers of historical fiction...
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A Compelling Murder Mystery Left Over From the Civil War Dec 27, 2008
By Ron Standerfer
"Author, The Eagle's Last Flight"
It is April 1898 and America's eyes are focused on the new century and to the war with Spain that was sure to come. For many, the new century promised to be one of innovation and progress. Telephones and electricity were already making their appearance in homes and offices, and rumors abounded about the "horseless carriage" which would eventually make its appearance as well. But not all Americans were focused on the new century, or on the prospect of a war with Spain. Some lived their lives with one foot planted firmly in the dark days of the Civil War. Like Pat Tinen, for example; an aging Civil War officer and Union hero at Gettysburg who was living his final days in a National Soldiers' Home in Virginia. His was a life condemned to endless days of numbing boredom; until he learned that his son and daughter-in-law were brutally murdered. This is where J. D. Solomon's compelling and well written book "The Tinen Killings" begins.
The task of investigating the murder of Pat Tinen's son falls to Sheriff Jed Roberts, the son of a Confederate officer killed in Pickett's Charge. Unlike Tinen, Roberts has no real interest in the past, but instead, has his eyes firmly on a future run for Congress. But the murder of Tinen's son has evoked such shock and outrage within the community that unless Roberts solves this brutal crime, his chances of being elected to Congress are slim.
Like most murder mysteries, the plot is complicated and riddled with inconvenient truths. For example, Tinen's son, a failed Klondike prospector, is murdered after a clumsy attempt to blackmail a powerful financier. The question is, of course, who is this financier and why was he being blackmailed? After a series of red herrings and false starts, Roberts deduces that his man is in Philadelphia, and that's where most of the story takes place. It is also the place where Roberts meets Tinen's estranged daughter, a clever and resourceful woman who proves to be enormously helpful in identifying the financier.
Meanwhile, the financier has his own troubles, caused by double-dealing dating back to the Civil War. As Roberts draws closer to his prey, the financier calls on a network of murderers and thieves in his employ to stop Roberts' investigation at all costs. It is this part of the book that is the most exciting and readable.
It is not often that a reader can take an enjoyable and informative journey through post Civil War American history while reading a page turning mystery rich with interesting characters and well written dialogues; but "The Tinen Killings" by J. D. Solomon does all that and more. It is a great read, and I highly recommend it.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
well worth reading Jul 21, 2008
By Jeffrey Goldstein
This is a book well worth reading. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the life in retirement of many civil war veterans, life in Philadelphia in 1898, and the booming post Civil War economy on the East and West Coasts. Although somewhat familiar with the Battle for Gettysburg, I was unaware of the pivotal role played by the 69th Pennsylvania Irish regiment in the battle. The plot does not revolve around the battle but uses it as the pivotal point around which the story revolves.
The plot is well thought out, the characters well drawn, the historical detail well researched. You don't have to be a Civil War buff to enjoy it. In short, it's a most enjoyable read.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Engaging characters and a great plot! Jun 30, 2008
By K. Bealle
Since I like historical fiction I was drawn to J.D. Solomon's "The Tinen Killings". The story is compelling, the characters are well-drawn and engaging and the historical references really make you feel like you're in late 19th century Philadelphia. A really great read!
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