Author: Eve Karlin
Publication Information: Alibi ebook, Random House, January 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction, settling 1799 New York
Plot: A crime that rocked a city. A case that sunned a nation. Based on the United States' first recorded murder trial, Eve Karlin's debut novel recreates early New York City, where a love affair ends in a brutal murder, told by the victim's cousin, and a conspiracy involving Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr erupts in shattering violence.
It is high time to tell the truth. Time for justice. . . . How she was murdered and why she haunts me. It is not only Elma’s story, it’s mine.
What I liked: Having attended the Alexander Hamilton elementary school in Boston, I have always been interested in him so was eager to review this novel. Karlin does a wonderful job capturing an era of New York that is unfamiliar to me. Her work is well researched and works as a historical murder mystery as well as a depiction of famous men and their intrigue. Those interested in realistic history will enjoy this - and you will appreciate clean water much more after you finish!
The famous duel between Burr and Hamilton took place in Weehawken, NJ where I used to go for work conferences. I can't recall if the location of the duel is marked in some way but I often thought about it!
Other Recommendations: My Theodosia by Anya Seton, about Burr's (much nicer than he) daughter. It is dated but enjoyable. For a duel with as much drama but a more satisfying ending, try Savannah Purchase by Jane Aiken Hodge, one of my all time favorites.
What I disliked: I did not really care for any of the characters, even Catherine Ring, the heroine and only person who cares about her flighty cousin. However, it bothered me that neither she nor her husband behaved like Friends, although that was one of the first things we learned about them.
Source: I received this book from TLC Book Tours as part of Eve Karlin's Blog Tour. This tour includes a Rafflecopter giveaway for a $25 gift card to the eBook retailer of the winner's choice plus a copy of the book! The giveaway only lasts until January 30, 2015 so enter quickly!
Eve Karlin’s TLC Book Tour Stops:
Tuesday, January 6th: Mystery Playground
Wednesday, January 7th: Bibliophilia, Please
Friday, January 9th: Fiction Zeal
Monday, January 12th: History from a Woman’s Perspective
Monday, January 12th: Omnimystery News – author guest post
Tuesday, January 13th: Dwell in Possibility
Tuessday, January 13th: Kritter’s Ramblings
Wednesday, January 14th: No More Grumpy Bookseller
Thursday, January 15th: Back Porchervations
Friday, January 16th: Reading Reality
Monday, January 19th: From the TBR Pile
Tuesday, January 20th: Sarah’s Book Shelves
Wednesday, January 21st: A Fantastical Librarian
Thursday, January 22nd: Chew & Digest Books
Friday, January 23rd: Tiffany’s Bookshelf
Monday, January 26th: Brooke Blogs
Tuesday, January 27th: Tales of a Book Addict
Thursday, January 29th: 100 Pages a Day and Stephanie’s Book Reviews
Thursday, January 29th: 100 Pages a Day and Stephanie’s Book Reviews
Friday, January 30th: Books in the Burbs
I love when an author really immerses me in another time and place - it's fascinating experience every time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of the tour!
I'm also interested in Hamilton--I read a bio of him a few years ago and find him a fascinating figure in American history.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a pretty good novel, although it's usually nice to like at least one of the characters! I like Anya Seton so I might get to her version of the story one of these days.
Good review!