These Honored Dead: A Lincoln and Speed Mystery

Trial lawyer Putnam’s well-researched first novel, a series launch, does a fine job presenting a recognizable young Abraham Lincoln. In 1837, Lincoln moves to Springfield, Ill., where he finds lodging with merchant Joshua Speed, a historical figure, who was to become one of the future president’s best friends. Despite their closeness, Speed conceals from Lincoln his recent affair with Rebecca Harriman, who runs a general store in a nearby town, a relationship that she broke off two months earlier to forestall gossip that could harm her business. Rebecca reenters Speed’s life unexpectedly when her teenage niece, Lilly Walker, is stabbed to death in her barn, a tragedy that she delayed reporting to the authorities for some reason. Two more murders follow, apparently connected. Convinced of the prime suspect’s innocence, Lincoln takes up the man’s defense, despite the lack of time to prepare his case and to gather exonerating evidence. The courtroom scenes are nicely dramatic, and the final reveal a plausible surprise. Agent: Scott Miller, Trident Media Group. (Aug.)