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Alastair Ransom #3
City of the Absent
Chicago's magnificent White City will soon be fading into memory. As the grand Exposition of 1893 reaches its final day, the metropolis is rocked by the public assassination of its popular mayor. In the chaos that ensues, another murder--the savage slaughter of a Pinkerton agent posing as a prostitute in a seedy slum alleyway--goes virtually unnoticed . . . except by police inspector Alastair Ransom.
An avenging angel haunted by the ghosts and mistakes of his past, Ransom called the slain detective, Nell Hartigan, "friend"--and his unorthodox inquiries into her murder are pointing him toward a fiend who's targeting the city's most unremarkable and disposable citizens. But in a great urban slaughterhouse, where foul corruption festers in every dark corner, Ransom will find himself accused of the one crime he did not commit . . . and facing the final judgment of the hangman's noose.
An avenging angel haunted by the ghosts and mistakes of his past, Ransom called the slain detective, Nell Hartigan, "friend"--and his unorthodox inquiries into her murder are pointing him toward a fiend who's targeting the city's most unremarkable and disposable citizens. But in a great urban slaughterhouse, where foul corruption festers in every dark corner, Ransom will find himself accused of the one crime he did not commit . . . and facing the final judgment of the hangman's noose.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2007
43 people want to read
About the author
Robert W. Walker
184 books75 followersAka Geoffrey Caine, Glenn Hale, Evan Kingsbury, Stephen Robertson
Master of suspense and bone-chilling terror, Robert W. Walker, BS and MS in English Education, Northwestern University, has penned 44 novels and has taught language and writing for over 25 years. Showing no signs of slowing down, he is currently juggling not one but three new series ideas, and has completed a film script and a TV treatment. Having grown up in Chicago and having been born in the shadow of the Shiloh battlefield, near Corinth, Mississippi, Walker has two writing traditions to uphold--the Windy City one and the Southern one--all of which makes him uniquely suited to write City for Ransom and its sequels, Shadows in White City and City of the Absent. His Dead On will be published in July 2009. Walker is currently working on a new romantic-suspense-historical-mainstream novel, titled Children of Salem. In 2003 and 2004 Walker saw an unprecedented seven novels released on the "unsuspecting public," as he puts it. Final Edge, Grave Instinct, and Absolute Instinct were published in 2004. City of the Absent debuted in 2008 from Avon. Walker lives in Charleston, West Virginia.
Master of suspense and bone-chilling terror, Robert W. Walker, BS and MS in English Education, Northwestern University, has penned 44 novels and has taught language and writing for over 25 years. Showing no signs of slowing down, he is currently juggling not one but three new series ideas, and has completed a film script and a TV treatment. Having grown up in Chicago and having been born in the shadow of the Shiloh battlefield, near Corinth, Mississippi, Walker has two writing traditions to uphold--the Windy City one and the Southern one--all of which makes him uniquely suited to write City for Ransom and its sequels, Shadows in White City and City of the Absent. His Dead On will be published in July 2009. Walker is currently working on a new romantic-suspense-historical-mainstream novel, titled Children of Salem. In 2003 and 2004 Walker saw an unprecedented seven novels released on the "unsuspecting public," as he puts it. Final Edge, Grave Instinct, and Absolute Instinct were published in 2004. City of the Absent debuted in 2008 from Avon. Walker lives in Charleston, West Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 4, 2017
City of the Absent by Robert W. Walker takes place in Chicago, Illinois in 1893 during the Great Chicago World's Fair. The main character, police Inspector Alastair Ranson is trying to solve the mystery surrounding missing people who seem to end up as dissection models for aspiring physicians. Ranson uses some rather unorthodox methods in his detecting and may find himself on the other side of the law. His love interest is a woman who often poses as a male physician and she is also involved in the disappearance of people who she believes end up as specimens at the local medical school. This is a dark mystery that often refers back to events that happened in previous books and ends on a cliffhanger that presumably will be solved in a future book. A little too dark for me, but may appeal to others.
September 2, 2017
Inspector Ransom must find a serial killer who is responsible for a Pinkerton agent as well as the mayor in Chicago dying. As his investigation goes on, his enemies all over him trying to derail him and his investigation.
I liked this book. I did not realize until I was a chapter or two into the story that this is the third installment of Inspector Ransom series. I could follow it without a problem. I would have understood some references to past cases and actions had I read the books in order but it still made sense. I liked Ransom. He is aggressive but intelligent as he follows leads. I liked Jane who disguises herself as a male doctor and helps in Ransom's investigations.
The story was good. Having read THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY by Eric Larsen, I have an interest in stories set during the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Mr. Walker stayed true to those times and the event. I was also yelling at Ransom because we readers know who the killer is and why from the beginning and Ransom is missing the killer while near the killer. For the record, Ransom paid no attention to me telling him who and why on the killings.
The only thing I hated (because this is a 5 star story but this is what makes it a 4) is the ending. I wanted to know if Ransom defeated his enemies and we are left with questions. There is no book 4. I hope a book 4 may come out one day because I have that enquiring mind that wants to know.
I liked this book. I did not realize until I was a chapter or two into the story that this is the third installment of Inspector Ransom series. I could follow it without a problem. I would have understood some references to past cases and actions had I read the books in order but it still made sense. I liked Ransom. He is aggressive but intelligent as he follows leads. I liked Jane who disguises herself as a male doctor and helps in Ransom's investigations.
The story was good. Having read THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY by Eric Larsen, I have an interest in stories set during the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Mr. Walker stayed true to those times and the event. I was also yelling at Ransom because we readers know who the killer is and why from the beginning and Ransom is missing the killer while near the killer. For the record, Ransom paid no attention to me telling him who and why on the killings.
The only thing I hated (because this is a 5 star story but this is what makes it a 4) is the ending. I wanted to know if Ransom defeated his enemies and we are left with questions. There is no book 4. I hope a book 4 may come out one day because I have that enquiring mind that wants to know.
October 8, 2019
Molto ben scritto, ma a volte troppo prolisso e comunque estremamente cupo e violento
February 6, 2008
CITY OF THE ABSENT (Police Proc/Hist-Ins. Alastair Ransom-Chicago-1893) - NR
Walker, Robert W. – 3rd in series
Harper Mystery, 2007, US Paperback - ISBN: 0060740124
First Sentence: Mayor of Chicago, Carter Harrison, a politician who split families and lovers over the issues of the day, a man both beloved and despised, lay dying of an assassin’s bullet.
On the closing day of Chicago’s Exposition of 1893, the mayor is assassinated in his front yard. The same night, a Pinkerton agent, posing as a prostitute, is murdered in an alleyway. Police Inspector Alastair Ransom wants the killer. In the investigation, Ransom uncovers the murder/disappearance of a number of homeless/dispossessed people.
On the personal side, Ransom is trying to restore his relationship with his lady love, Jane Francis Tewes, known to the public world, during a time when women weren’t permitted to practice surgery, as Dr. James Phineas Tewes.
Chicago, as true of most major cities in the late 1800s, was dark, dangerous and had, in large part, a corrupt government and police force. Walker evokes the feeling of this time very well, and that’s the positive.
For me, the negatives vastly outweighed the positive. Clearly, one should have, and the author seems to assume one has, read the first two books in the series to have a real feel for the main characters and understand the relationships between them to the point where it felt manipulative. Not having so done, the most of the back story and much of the character development was missing. There were several plot lines going on and it was all a bit of a jumble. I’m not certain we ever found out who sot the mayor. If we did, I missed it.
That no one suspected the duplicity of the female protagonist seemed completely improbable to me and the two females in the story did something so dumb and with an outcome so predictable, it absolutely made me scream with irritation.
The use of “Harry Bosch,” Michael Connelly’s protagonist, as the name of the snitch, is a nice homage, but it took me completely out of the story. I found myself not liking any of the characters, including the protagonist.
This book would have been an “Okay/Poor” for me but the ending was manipulative and made it a wall-banger. I shall definitely not be reading any more by this author.
Walker, Robert W. – 3rd in series
Harper Mystery, 2007, US Paperback - ISBN: 0060740124
First Sentence: Mayor of Chicago, Carter Harrison, a politician who split families and lovers over the issues of the day, a man both beloved and despised, lay dying of an assassin’s bullet.
On the closing day of Chicago’s Exposition of 1893, the mayor is assassinated in his front yard. The same night, a Pinkerton agent, posing as a prostitute, is murdered in an alleyway. Police Inspector Alastair Ransom wants the killer. In the investigation, Ransom uncovers the murder/disappearance of a number of homeless/dispossessed people.
On the personal side, Ransom is trying to restore his relationship with his lady love, Jane Francis Tewes, known to the public world, during a time when women weren’t permitted to practice surgery, as Dr. James Phineas Tewes.
Chicago, as true of most major cities in the late 1800s, was dark, dangerous and had, in large part, a corrupt government and police force. Walker evokes the feeling of this time very well, and that’s the positive.
For me, the negatives vastly outweighed the positive. Clearly, one should have, and the author seems to assume one has, read the first two books in the series to have a real feel for the main characters and understand the relationships between them to the point where it felt manipulative. Not having so done, the most of the back story and much of the character development was missing. There were several plot lines going on and it was all a bit of a jumble. I’m not certain we ever found out who sot the mayor. If we did, I missed it.
That no one suspected the duplicity of the female protagonist seemed completely improbable to me and the two females in the story did something so dumb and with an outcome so predictable, it absolutely made me scream with irritation.
The use of “Harry Bosch,” Michael Connelly’s protagonist, as the name of the snitch, is a nice homage, but it took me completely out of the story. I found myself not liking any of the characters, including the protagonist.
This book would have been an “Okay/Poor” for me but the ending was manipulative and made it a wall-banger. I shall definitely not be reading any more by this author.
February 6, 2008
Detective Alastair Ransom must discover who killed an agent of the Pickerton Investigative Agency. But what he finds is much more horrifying than murder.
I loved the historical context of this novel. The references to Twain and Dickens were wonderful. And just as Jane felt “like she was in a Charles Dickens serial tale in the Tribune newspaper, anxiously awaiting the next chapter,” so did I. A part of me was screaming, “No, you can’t end it this way.” And another part of me was thinking, “How brilliant; how ironic; how wonderful!”
The constant tension between Jane and Alastair is amusing and adds so much to both of their characters. Their strong wills and determination are a given, but their relationship to each other brings out another dimension in them both. They both have the ability to put someone else before their selves. They are both prominent figures in the society, but at the same time they aren’t accepted – Alastair because of a reputation he’s established (or that’s been established for him) in law enforcement and Jane because she’s a woman who wants to work in a “man’s” field. And despite this lack of acceptance (or maybe because of it), they are extremely accepting of each other and those they come into contact with.
The concept of Vander and Philander is also a good one. The idea of the two people containing the different “parts” of the whole. Philander is intelligent but Vander has the physical strength. Philander is more physically attractive on the outside, but Vander has the potential for compassion and that makes him more attractive on the inside. One can’t seem to function without the other.
I was intrigued at the choice of Henry Bosch for Alastair’s snitch. I couldn’t help but wonder if Walker was influenced by Michael Connelly on that one.
I did kind of feel like the Mayor’s murder was inconsequential. It didn’t really seem to have any significance in the overall scheme of things, so I found myself wondering why it was included at all?
I’m definitely going back to read the prequels to this novel, and Walker absolutely MUST continue this series.
I loved the historical context of this novel. The references to Twain and Dickens were wonderful. And just as Jane felt “like she was in a Charles Dickens serial tale in the Tribune newspaper, anxiously awaiting the next chapter,” so did I. A part of me was screaming, “No, you can’t end it this way.” And another part of me was thinking, “How brilliant; how ironic; how wonderful!”
The constant tension between Jane and Alastair is amusing and adds so much to both of their characters. Their strong wills and determination are a given, but their relationship to each other brings out another dimension in them both. They both have the ability to put someone else before their selves. They are both prominent figures in the society, but at the same time they aren’t accepted – Alastair because of a reputation he’s established (or that’s been established for him) in law enforcement and Jane because she’s a woman who wants to work in a “man’s” field. And despite this lack of acceptance (or maybe because of it), they are extremely accepting of each other and those they come into contact with.
The concept of Vander and Philander is also a good one. The idea of the two people containing the different “parts” of the whole. Philander is intelligent but Vander has the physical strength. Philander is more physically attractive on the outside, but Vander has the potential for compassion and that makes him more attractive on the inside. One can’t seem to function without the other.
I was intrigued at the choice of Henry Bosch for Alastair’s snitch. I couldn’t help but wonder if Walker was influenced by Michael Connelly on that one.
I did kind of feel like the Mayor’s murder was inconsequential. It didn’t really seem to have any significance in the overall scheme of things, so I found myself wondering why it was included at all?
I’m definitely going back to read the prequels to this novel, and Walker absolutely MUST continue this series.
March 12, 2008
City of the Absent
Robert W. Walker
Harper Collins, 2007, 320 pps.
ISBN No. 978-0-06-074012-2
October 28, 1893 marks the last night of the World’s Fair held in Chicago. The date also marks the end of Carter Harrison’s life. Harrison, Mayor of Chicago, is shot down in his front yard.
This is just the first of many mysteries Inspector Alastair Ransom works to solve in City of the Absent. Dr. James Phineas Tewes manages to show up at most crime scenes although Ransom would prefer she quit posing as Dr. Tewes and just be Jane Francis Tewes, the woman Ransom loves.
Before much investigating can be done regarding the murder of the Mayor, Nell Hartigan is viciously murdered. The men that attack and kill her, take her for an old prostitute, and kill her to sell her body for scientific experiments. Little do they know that Nell is working undercover and is a Pinkerton Detective.
City of the Absent shows Chicago as it really was at that time in history. People killing other people so their bodies could be sold to doctors to further medical experiments. Children are living in the streets and making out as best they can to keep alive. The entire city was corrupt and you were never sure whom you could trust.
I’ve read all three Ransom books and am told this may be the last one. I certainly hope not. I think that Inspector Alastair Ransom and Jane Francis Tewes have many more stories of Chicago and the day-to-day crimes that readers would be most interested in learning about.
Robert W. Walker
Harper Collins, 2007, 320 pps.
ISBN No. 978-0-06-074012-2
October 28, 1893 marks the last night of the World’s Fair held in Chicago. The date also marks the end of Carter Harrison’s life. Harrison, Mayor of Chicago, is shot down in his front yard.
This is just the first of many mysteries Inspector Alastair Ransom works to solve in City of the Absent. Dr. James Phineas Tewes manages to show up at most crime scenes although Ransom would prefer she quit posing as Dr. Tewes and just be Jane Francis Tewes, the woman Ransom loves.
Before much investigating can be done regarding the murder of the Mayor, Nell Hartigan is viciously murdered. The men that attack and kill her, take her for an old prostitute, and kill her to sell her body for scientific experiments. Little do they know that Nell is working undercover and is a Pinkerton Detective.
City of the Absent shows Chicago as it really was at that time in history. People killing other people so their bodies could be sold to doctors to further medical experiments. Children are living in the streets and making out as best they can to keep alive. The entire city was corrupt and you were never sure whom you could trust.
I’ve read all three Ransom books and am told this may be the last one. I certainly hope not. I think that Inspector Alastair Ransom and Jane Francis Tewes have many more stories of Chicago and the day-to-day crimes that readers would be most interested in learning about.
October 10, 2011
This is a dark but entertaining tale which except for the mention of Mr. Edison’s electrical inventions and the “new-fangled telephones” and other items we take for granted. could be contemporary in its storyline. Public officials are corrupt and doing everything to maintain their power, including ridding themselves of anyone who is an obstacle; undercover private police are killed in the line of duty; priests are accused of improper behavior with their acolytes; derelicts are being killed and their organs removed for sale—not for transplantation, however, but for study. My only argument with the story is that it ends on a cliff-hanger.
December 28, 2011
Okay, here is what I'm really doing. City of The Absent is published in Italian by Mondadori. The Italian title is Necropolis. I am reading the Italian version and will then post a review, in Italian on the Italian site of Amazon. Robert was kind enough to send me a copy of the Italian version. To be continued...
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews