Richard Edward Crabbe

This book was an enjoyable read - I picked it up as a beach book on vacation and it was reasonably engaging. The characters are likeable and compelling, and there's enough of a mix of good and bad things happen so that it's not sappy or syrupy.

This book, like TV shows such as "Criminal Minds," doesn't leave the bad act to suspense - we learn about it in the beginning, and the motives and intent of the bad guys are clear from the start. Normally, I prefer this kind of book less than the other, where you uncover the plots as you read; and I think this may be the main reason I disagreed with comparisons to Caleb Carr's "Alienist." Despite this, I found myself eagerly turning pages in the latter half, curious to see what would happen and how things would turn out.

This is not a great novel, nor revolutionary. But it's enjoyable, and a fun read, especially for those who appreciate tales of New York gone by.… (plus d'informations)

This is a mystery novel based on the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. On May 31, 1883, thousands of people will be on the new bridge for it's opening. It's the perfect time for terrorists to demolish the bridge and make their statement. Seven desperate former Confederate soldiers, with revenge on their minds for their loss during the Civil War, have been planning to destroy the bridge for years. The chief engineer of the bridge was Washington Roebling and Washington Roebling was a Yankee Captain during the War and he came face to face with the leaders of the former Confederate soldiers during the Gettysburg battle of Little Roundtop. The brother of Captain Thaddeus Erasmus Sangree remembers that Roebling had directed the gunners and his brother, Franklin, had been hit by the shrapnel. Franklin knew he was dying but it was a gut wound and his death would be a long, horrible one so he begged Thaddeus to shoot him in the head and Thaddeus had had to do it. Thaddeus had never forgotten and he and his men want revenge.

Sergeant Detective Tom Braddock tries to solve the murder of Terrence Bucklin, a bridge mason. How does this lead Braddock to the plot of terrorism? Who killed Bucklin and why? And Tom Braddock has to weave himself through the corrupt politics in the police force of the time too. He nearly loses his own job and his own life.

This was a great book and I hardly put it down! I recommend it.… (plus d'informations)