Michael Kilian (1939–2005)

The Civil War is one of my favorite subjects. Murder mysteries is one of my least favorite subjects. However, both of my wives love them (one of them at a time, of course), so I thought if i were to try out this genre, why not read one that takes place during the Civil War? However, the reasons why I avoid murder mysteries was reinforced by this novel - simply, I cannot recognize a clue if I caught Mrs. Peacock red handed with a lead pipe in the library! Also, the action related to the show more Battle of Hampton Roads (aka Monitor vs Virginia/Merrimac) was ok but unoriginal. I enjoyed the fact that the "hero" of the book, Harrison Raines, a Secret Service agent in the employ of the Union, was flawed and frequently drunk, an unusual spin for a good guy, and this is apparently part of a series of such books starring this same character. But truth be told, there is nothing about this book that compels me to want to purchase the other parts of this series. show less

Former newspaper columnist turned art dealer Bedford Green travels from jazz age New York City to Paris to the French Riviera and back again in search of his art gallery partner Sloane Smith's missing aspiring artist friend. Along the way he mingles with some of the most famous artists and writers of the time, who are portrayed thoughtfully and with attention to detail,

The core mystery is expertly written, and the descriptions of people and places involved perfectly compliment the story. show more Having such a large number of well known people in the story could be risky, but Kilian skillfully avoids saccharine idolization.

A thoroughly enjoyable read. Nice to meet you, Bedford Green. Looking forward to hearing much more from and about you.

**eARC netgalley** show less

Bedford Green receives an invitation for a weekend visit to the Vanderbilt estate in Newport. It is through his gallery assistant, Sloan. Bedford is suspicious there is a reason more than just being social. Turns out he is right.

The inviting Vanderbilt is interested in getting the gossip on Countess Zala, a supposed Hungarian noble. When Bedford and Sloan arrive at the right Vanderbilt house (seems there is more than one) the interest in getting the gossip on the Countess has disappeared. In show more fact any interest has completely dried up, even when a dead body is found by Bedford during a late night skinny dipping episode. This is very interesting and unusual, as the dead body strongly resembles the Countess.

Bedford and Sloan find that the rich prefer to ignore or silence any and all publicity that could be negative. For the rich, life is too good to be soiled by murder.

In trying to solve this case, Bedford and Sloan find themselves involved with rum runners, Hungarian revolutionaries, murderous family members from high society to middle class. It is quite the cast of characters. And of course it is the Roaring Twenties!

I’m looking forward to finding more books in this series. This is number two! show less

The Jazz Age — the roaring twenties. Man-about-town, Bedford Green, arrives at his art gallery to find his assistant, Sloan, in tears. When asked what is wrong, she hands him a postcard and tells him she wants to go to Paris.

Sloan is not a weepy, emotional woman. She is independent, sensible, smart, logical and has excellent control of her emotions. Something serious has caused Sloan’s current behaviour. That something is the postcard she’s received from a close friend. The image is a show more bizarre likeness of the lady with an unusual message: “Doulour. Le denier cri.” Is it a cry for help?

Bedford winds up going to Paris to find Sloan’s friend and to find out what is going on. The trail he follows leads to meeting up with Picasso, Hemingway and his wife, the Fitzgeralds and others of that era, as he searches for the missing lady.

It is a fun read, set in an interesting era. The first of a series. show less