City of Liars and Thieves by Eve Karlin is a historical mystery based on actual events. Events that took place in New York City in the year 1799, when Alexander Hamilton and Raymond Burr were both trying to gain political power. It is told through the eyes of Catherine Ring, whose cousin Elma Sands was found dead at the bottom of a well. The condition of her body clearly showed that her death was not only violent, but that she was murdered.
The author brings to life the city and the age. The things we take for granted, like running water, were not something that was enjoyed by our forebears. The disease that spread because of unsanitary conditions was staggering. Politics weren’t what they are today, which says a lot. Corruption was even more prevalent and personal interests often outweighed social justice. The times may have changed, but motivations have not. The trial, which took place in 1800, was the first recorded murder trial in the United States. Karlin takes actual events and weaves a story out of them. She creates an interesting additional set of facts to supplement the history books.
This sounds very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for another great review. So many wonderful books to read.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review. I have this on my TRL. Look forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
I love historical fiction for the way that it teaches me about other times and places, particularly when the story is based so much on fact.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of the tour!