A House Divided: A Lincoln and Speed Mystery

by Jonathan F. Putnam

Overview

The new arrival of a woman named Mary Todd wedges a rift between Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed, but they must resolve their differences if they stand any chance of cracking one of the most harrowing murder cases they have ever faced.

In the winter of 1839, a sensational disappearance rocks Springfield, Illinois, as headlines announce a local man has accused his two brothers of murder. Not one to pass up an opportunity, Abraham Lincoln takes up the case of the accused with the assistance of his best friend Joshua Speed to search for evidence of innocence.

But just as soon as they begin, Lincoln and Speed find their friendship at grave risk of rupture as they vie for the hand a beautiful new arrival in town: an ambitious, outspoken young woman named Mary Todd. As the trial arrives, can Lincoln and Speed put aside their differences to work together for justice once more? An innocent man’s life may be in the balance—and nothing is as it seems.

Re-imagining one of the greatest unsolved murder mysteries from Abraham Lincoln’s real-life trial cases, A House Divided is the most captivating Lincoln and Speed mystery yet from expert Lincoln scholar Jonathan F. Putnam.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781643850375
Publisher:	Crooked Lane Books
Publication date:	07/09/2019
Sales rank:	397,332
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jonathan F. Putnam is a writer and attorney. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, he is a nationally renowned trial lawyer and recognized Lincoln scholar. He currently lives with his family in London, England.

Editorial Reviews

05/20/2019

Set in 1839, Putnam’s entertaining fourth mystery featuring friends and roommates Abe Lincoln and Joshua Speed (after 2018’s Final Resting Place) makes creative use of an actual case from the future president’s early legal career. A dangerous winter storm almost claims Speed’s life, but he’s saved from the icy downpour by Archibald Trailor, a carpenter who’s been doing work for Lincoln. Speed looks to return the favor after Archibald is accused by his own brother, Henry, of having committed a murder along with his other sibling, William. Flynn Fisher, who came to Springfield, Ill., to discuss a business venture with the Trailor brothers, has gone missing, and Henry claims that he was suffocated by Archibald and William. Lincoln ends up representing Archibald, and he and Speed investigate the allegations. The real-life rivalry between Speed and Lincoln over Mary Todd adds human interest. While the mystery isn’t that gripping, Putnam still excels at painting a convincing portrait of the younger Lincoln. Agent: Scott Miller, Trident Media Group. (July)

Publishers Weekly

Praise for A House Divided:
"Entertaining...Putnam still excels at painting a convincing portrait of the younger Lincoln."
—Publishers Weekly

"A nice balance between history and mystery. Putnam’s satisfyingly plausible portrait of the young Lincoln deepens with every installment.”
— Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Final Resting Place:
“These novels are historical fiction at their finest, calling to mind Caleb Carr's The Alienist.”
—BookReporter

“Putnam, a lawyer and amateur Lincoln scholar, wraps everything up neatly in this historical mystery, based on solid research, in a briskly moving narrative that’s factually accurate down to the quirks in Douglas’ courtroom behavior.”
—Booklist

“Jonathan F. Putnam continues to display his extensive knowledge of the courtroom and Lincoln’s life with deft, atmospheric flair. Everything from the dialogue to the setting to the cast of characters is rich with historical color and accuracy.”
—Criminal Element

“Putnam’s competence as a Lincoln scholar is well in evidence. For those who like novels involving actual persons, this novel is highly recommended.”
—NY Journal of Books

Praise for Perish from the Earth:
“An entertaining and well-researched murder mystery…both a mystery and a legal thriller, with well-paced courtroom scenes as well as intrigue…Putnam’s notes provide context for the historical figures who appear as characters and demonstrate his expertise as a Lincoln scholar.”
—Booklist

"Enough historical accuracy to satisfy a Civil War re-enactor and enough courtroom proceedings to reveal the author as the Harvard-trained attorney that he is. A mystery for history buffs and legal eagles."
—Kirkus

“Putnam successfully integrates the politics of 1837 America into his solid second mystery…The dramatic denouement, which features Lincoln’s vaunted courtroom skills, provides a satisfying resolution.”
—Publishers Weekly

“One of the best books I have read in a long time. I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you are either a mystery buff or a history buff, this book is for you. If you happen to be both, I’m certain you will be captivated by its raw and honest look at this part of American history and by the beauty of the language used to portray the people, both real and imaginary.”
—MyShelf.com

From the Publisher

2019-04-28
In 1839, young Abraham Lincoln and his friend Joshua Speed (Final Resting Place, 2018, etc.) work to exonerate a man accused of murder.

Springfield general store owner Joshua Speed is asked by his friend and housemate Abe Lincoln, the ambitious Springfield lawyer, to check out the State Bank in Chicago. As crisply narrated by Speed, the trip becomes a series of misadventures. Speed loses his purse, and his attempt to recover it leads to a hostile showdown with Archibald Trailor and Flynn Fisher, a pair of seeming louts. Later, he sprains his ankle in the middle of an ice storm. Archibald comes to his aid; has Speed misjudged him? Back in Springfield, Speed learns that Fisher has disappeared and that Archibald's brother William is suddenly flush with cash he claims the recently deceased Fisher bequeathed to him. So Speed consults Lincoln, who's intrigued by the situation. There's a third brother, Henry, whom Archibald believes teamed up with William to kill Fisher. But when colorful mayor Big Red arranges the arrest of Henry, Henry turns the tables by accusing Archibald of conspiring with William in the crime. Lincoln and Speed must work together to untangle the complex mystery just as their friendship is being sorely tested: Both men have grown attracted to the Springfield newcomer Mary Todd and are determined to woo her. The author's fourth franchise entry keeps a nice balance between history and mystery.

Putnam's satisfyingly plausible portrait of the young Lincoln deepens with every installment.

Kirkus Reviews

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