Customer Reviews

A Grave at Glorieta (Harrison Raines Civil War Mysteries, Book 4)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Author Michael Kilian continues his Harrison Raines series, as the Secret Service agent and his partner Joseph Leahy journey to New Mexico to investigate reports of a rebel invasion there. Though the two agents become separated in New Mexico, they are both in close proximity to Glorieta Pass where the Union, under the command of Major Chivington, drives the Confederate forces back and burns their supply wagons.

Noting the rebels' retreat while trying to free Leahy from jail where he is accused of being a horse thief, Harry makes the acquaintance of Isabel Almaden y Cortes, daughter of Don Luis, a Union hero at Glorieta. When Don Luis is murdered at his home, Harry seeks to discover the identity of the murderer. Passions run high, as shades of gray blur lines of loyalty, and someone seems to be searching for the gold that Harry discovered abandoned near the bodies of a man and woman.

Gripping and intense, the pace of this novel increases in speed as Harry and Indian friend Tatou are attacked when they unearth the grave of Don Luis near Glorieta. Inspired by the actual 1862 Battle of Glorieta Pass, this novel brings into focus a clear picture of the division of familial loyalties and subterfuge that were so much a vital part of the U.S. Civil War.

He is a son of the South, part of a rich Tidewater, Virginia family who embraces the concept of slavery so wholeheartedly that they fight for the confederacy. Harrison sees slavery as an evil institution and severed his ties to his family. He became an agent for the secret service under Pinkerton's command. Having been involved in two battles in the East, Pinkerton sends Harrison and "Boston" Leahy out west to determine whether these states will join the Confederacy.

Harrison and Leahy are to make contact with Federal supporter Don Luis Almaden y Cortes but instead they journey into Santa Fe during the battle of the Glorieta Pass. The Federal troops, with the help of locals, win, ending the South's hope to make the west part of their new nation. Don Luis is killed after the battle is won and Harrison, who is infatuated with the deceased's daughter, vows to bring the killers to justice if the killer doesn't murder him first.

Each book in the Harrison Raines Civil War mysteries revolves around a key battle that is interwoven into the story line. Michael Kilian does meticulous research so readers are receiving an education while being entertained. A GRAVE AT GLORIETA is an interesting tale focusing on the Western states during the Civil War, but presenting all sides fairly so that readers can understand all the undercurrents pulling people in numerous directions. Critical to this theme is that war is not glorified, but presented closer to the lines of All's Quiet on the Western Front. This book and this series are highly recommended.

Harriet Klausner

I'll keep it short.This book draws you right into an often forgotten theater of the US Civil War. Few Americans know that the war raged in the desertland of New Mexico. There's vivid battle scenes and of course the unforgettable Harrison Raines on another dangerous mission. I hope if you're a Civil War buff you give this book and the rest of the series a shot. You'll be rewarded with a fun and informative read.

Harrison Raines and Boston Leahy are heading west on assignment. There are reports of the rebels trying to take over a path all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Their job is to find out what is happening and report back to the Secret Service.

But first they have to cross the desert. The climate is nothing like either of the men have seen before. When they find some time sensitive info, they split up. When Harry finally arrives in Santa Fe, he finds the town in disarray and Boston arrested for one of the murders he's learned about. Now he needs to find the truth to clear his friend and keep the west in Union hands.

I love this series because it brings the Civil War to life in a fascinating way. This book, however, wasn't nearly as good as the others have been. The plot dragged with too much time spent on Harrison's travels through the desert. When the plot finally does get going, it seems rushed as a result, and I found myself struggling to keep up. One thing I enjoy about the series is the developing storyline with the characters, but since only Harry and Boston were in this book, that aspect was absent as well.

I'm sorry to have to give this book such a low rating when the series is normally so great. Hopefully the next book will be more on the level with the others.