Anything But Civil

Hattie Davish Mystery #2

by Clara McKenna

Traveling secretary Hattie Davish and her trusty typewriter alight on a small town in Illinois, where the Civil War may long be over, but certain mysteries refuse to be buried. . .

Hattie Davish is delighted to be ably assisting her wealthy employer, Sir Arthur Windom-Greene, an English scholar who is fluent in Civil War history and hard at work putting together a definitive biography of General Cornelius Starrett. Their research takes them to Galena, Illinois, where they quickly learn that time has done little to heal old battle wounds. Distrust and betrayal seem to linger in everyone's minds, none more so than the General's pompous son Henry. And Hattie is certain he has something to do with a string of bizarre incidents in town--especially when he turns up dead. . .

Between her work for Sir Arthur, preparing for Christmas, and unscheduled visitors from her past, Hattie hardly has time to investigate a murder, but soon she is lost in a labyrinth of secrets and deceit that leads to more questions than answers. Henry had a knack for finding trouble and making enemies, and there's no shortage of suspects--including Sir Arthur. Now, Hattie must uncover the truth while maintaining her civility in a most uncivil situation. . .

Praise For A Lack Of Temperance

"Delightful. . .cozy fans will eagerly await Hattie's next adventure." --Publishers Weekly

"This historical cozy debut showcases the author's superb research. Readers will be fascinated. . .this is a warm beginning." --Library Journal

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Cozy Mystery, Civil War

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2012

About the author

Clara McKenna is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical cozy mysteries. The Stella & Lyndy Mystery series involves an unlikely couple who mix love, murder, and horseracing in Edwardian England. The Hattie Davish Mystery series follows a 19th century secretary who solves crime in every historical town she visits.

Clara is a member of Sisters in Crime and the founding member of Sleuths in Time, a cooperative group of historical mystery writers who encourage and promote each other's work.

An avid teacup collector and self-proclaimed anglophile with an incurable case of wanderlust, Clara enjoys afternoon tea from her prized collection and travels every chance she gets, the UK being a favorite destination. When she can't get to the UK, she's happy to write about it from her home in the Upper Midwest.

To learn more, and subscribe to her monthly newsletter, visit her online at www.claramckenna.com

Reviews

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second novel of a series is always an important one, especially if the first novel introduces a spectacular new character into a reader's life and, further more, when that character is surrounded by a great story, full of well-researched historical links. Will the second one live up to the excellence of the first? Is this series going to continue to wow you, or will the author be unable to sustain the winning formula? Well,I am heed-over-heels happy to announce that Anna Loan-Wilsey and her Hattie Davish series is the real deal. A new, engaging series has definitely arrived, and there is no doubt that the author writes from a wealth of intelligence, meticulous research, and grand story-telling skills. Ms. Loan-Wilsey spins a fascinating murder mystery with immaculate attention to the minute details of a crime. Her amateur detective, Ms. Davish, is a traveling secretary by trade, but her intelligence and diligence propel her into realms normally beyond her station in life in the late 1800s when she is called upon to solve crimes connected to her assignments. With both of the current books in the series, the reader learns along with Hattie more about particular areas of history that affect her world of 1894. And, it is those gems of learning about an event and place in history that aren't in the forefront of history books. For those who love their mysteries combined with these delicious tidbits of history, Anna Loan-Wilsey's novels will definitely tickle your fancy.

In Anything But Civil, Hattie is back in the employment of her original benefactor of her career, Sir Arthur Windom-Greene, an Englishman living in the states. Sir Arthur has rented a house in Galena, Illinois, where he is gathering research for a book he's writing on General Cornelius Starret, a local hero from the Civil War still living in Galena. Galena is a town rich in Civil War history, and 30 years after the conflict feelings of pride and division still run high. Hattie's hopes of a routine research and manuscript typing assignment while enjoying a festive build-up to Christmas in a snowy wonderland are dashed when General Starret's brutish son is murdered. Although the son, Henry, was a most unplesant sort, and there were plenty of people with reason to hate him, the list is soon narrowed down for Hattie to investigate. Unfortunately the small number of people who had motive and opportunity include Hattie's employer, Sir Arthur. Hattie must navigate the constrictions of being a woman and an employee at the end of the nineteenth century to ingratiate herself into people's lives and uncover secrets of long standing.
Hattie's ability to deal with all manner of people is one of her greatest strengths.

One of the greatest pleasures of reading is to discover new favorite authors. As a mystery fan who likes her mysteries with a cup of history, Anna Loan-Wilsey has created the perfect brew. Now, I do the waiting for her next addition to this intriguing series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical mysteries so I adored this one. Anything But Civil by Anna Loan-Wilsey taught me more details about the Civil War so that and the spellbinding writing makes it an easy five stars for me.

Hattie Davish was hired to aid Sir Arthur Windom who was writing a biography of General Cornelius Starrett. Her employer specialized in writing books about the Civil War. They were trying to get the subject to relate the details of his experience in the Civil War. Despite several attempts, something had always caught interrupted his telling of the meeting Grant and Lee at Appomattox.

Hattie has to be self-effacing due to the low standing of women that were not in the upper class. She is able to catch herself from saying what she thinks. She respects Sir Arthur and wants to continue to work with him. She also knows that she has to fit in socially as not an upper class women or a servant. That trait is very useful when Sir Arthur asks her to plan and participate in the Christmas parties. Hattie has her employer’s up most respect as she has previous solved a murder. There are two people that you will love to hate in this book, General Starrett’s son who happens to resemble Santa Clause and Mrs., Baines who is a stickler for the classes not mixing. There is no way of pleasing Mrs. Baines!

It is easy to get wrapped up in this story and there were very many twists. Hattie also melodically laid out a list of suspects and works on the answers to her questions. Hattie is very clever and certainly knows the art of survival around people such as Mrs. Baines and other villains.

I really enjoyed this historical mystery and hope to read the previous one in this series.

I received this book as a win from First Reads. My thoughts and opinions in this review are totally my own.

[Joyce Yanney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical mystery set in Galena, Illinois during civil war era. Hattie takes on a secretarial job to Sir Author. Hattie becomes a hero when she saves the life of a young girl from drowning. Then steps in with local police trying to help solve the case, especially when her employer is arrested for the murder. Hattie is a strong woman, unusual in this era. Smart, works hard and a all around enjoyable person, as she helps to work thru to solve this murder. Book is a real page turner. Did not want to put it down. Can't wait to read the adventure this author puts out in next book. I highly recommend this author and book.

[Lori Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Loan-Wilsey's writing has opened a new genre of book for me. As a strictly non-fiction reader for years, I thoroughly enjoyed LACK OF TEMPERANCE (Hattie's 1st adventure) when it was given to me by a friend.
Ms. Loan-Wilsey's dedication to detail shines through again in ANYTHING BUT CIVIL...and captured this fan's attention to the last page.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because I loved the first one. Anna Loan-Wilsey is one of my favorite authors and I feel like I know her when I read her books. This book is very good so far and I know that I will love it by the time that I am done with it. It is well written and I can't put it down.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot all about this series! I had read 2 books in the series in the past and was not able to get others on kindle! Thank you NYPL, I can now continue staying in touch with the wonderful Hattie Davish. This is a great "turn of the century" 1898 series! Strong characters and intriguing mysteries seal the deal!

[Annette Meier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery had more suspects than an Agatha Christie story - and all of them viable suspects! I like the stories in this series - just enough "fluff", just enough personal relationships, plenty of intrigue.

[Michele Breaux-Rowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge fan of historical mysteries, I was excited to receive this ARC for review. I thought the description of the story was intriguing. I can honestly tell you that I was not disappointed! From the start I noticed 2 things; the first being well developed characters. There was no apathy toward any of them really, you despised the jerks and you loved the heroine, I never felt like they lacked anything. The second was the author’s research into the time period. This novel is set post-Civil War, in Kansas, during the Victorian period. The author did a fantastic job of illustrating the class divide, structure and customs of the time period.
While I found at least 2 of the characters practically reprehensible, there were several more that I completely enjoyed, however, I can’t help but have fallen in love with Hattie. She is a remarkably written woman. I particularly like that the author wrote her to be a strong, independent, self-sufficient woman in a time period that authors commonly write women to be weak and needy, and often uneducated in worldly matters. Hattie handles herself with class and dignity, gives the illusion that she knows her place, and as it happens, this illusion puts her in a better position to get the information that she needs to solve the murder, especially after her employer is arrested for murder!
All in all, I will say that Anything But Civil should be high on your TBR shelves. It was a roller coaster of twists and turns, where there are tons of suspects and little in the way of clues. It will keep you guessing until the very end! I will definitely be checking out the author’s first novel, A Lack of Temperance, and eagerly anticipate the third in the series.

**ARC from NetGalley

~Michele
Book Geeks Unite

[Cathy Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Loan-Wilsey's first Hattie Davish mystery, A Lack of Temperance, but I have to admit that I had a more difficult time getting into Anything But Civil. This is mostly due to the fact that I intensely disliked two of the characters. Henry Starrett was a pompous, spoiled bully who found little reason to rein in his horrible temper. He was so obnoxious that I simply didn't care who killed him because Henry's absence was such a relief. Another character who drew my ire was Rachel Baines, a vain, ill-tempered sort of woman who feels better about herself by constantly putting others down. Henry and Rachel are two sorts of people whom, if I met them in real life, I would walk away-- and stay away-- from. Since they are prominent characters with many scenes, it was tough going at times.

But I still think the character of Hattie Davish is a winner. She's smart, hard-working, quick-thinking and brave, and I enjoy watching her piece together clues to solve the crime. Getting acquainted with Hattie's oft-mentioned employer, Sir Arthur Windom-Greene, was a treat as well. He's an interesting blend of scholar, forward thinker, and proper upper class British gentleman. Also tops on my enjoyment scale is the setting of Galena, Illinois. The author made a very good decision to set her book in the hometown of Ulysses S. Grant. What better place to show the lingering aftereffects of the Civil War than in the home of the best-known of the Union generals?

Although two obnoxious characters did dim my enjoyment of Hattie Davish's second mystery, I like her so much that I'm looking forward to her next adventure.

[Karen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hattie Davish is secretary to a wealthy Englishman, Sir Arthur Windom-Greene who is fascinated by the Civil War. They are in Galena, Kansas doing research on General Cornelius Starrett when a murder occurs. The victim is Henry Starrett, the General's son, who has returned to Galena after a long absence.

Hattie is naturally very observant and clever so she is drawn into this murder by the strange events that had occurred prior to the murder and the lies people are telling when questioned by the police within her hearing. When Sir Arthur is arrested for the murder he requests Hattie to investigate and find the real murderer.

This is a nicely written historic mystery set in the period twenty-five years after the Civil War. There were clues as to who the murderer was and also the answers to a few secrets.

Hattie is a very likeable, efficient and smart young women who is independent and very aware that she must stay within the place society dictates. She is not a servant but she is an employee and is dependent upon Sir Arthur's continued approval of her actions. This class difference is pointed out constantly by one of Sir Arthur's guests, Mrs. Baines, who treats Hattie as a servant and not worthy of sitting at the same table as everyone else or even in the room.

I enjoyed this book and the historic references to the Civil War and the well drawn characters, a few of whom were not likeable but very much a part of the story.

I won this book in a FirstReads giveaway.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Loan-Wilsey continues the exploits of secretary Hattie Davish who made her debut in Anna's first novel, A Lack of Temperance. She works for Sir Arthur Windom-Greene, an English scholar who is an expert on the Civil War and writing a biography of General Cornelius Starrett. His research takes them to Galena, Illinois where he interviews the General while Hattie takes dictation. Suddenly, a brawl erupts, introducing the conflict that will drive the story. Two men stand in the street hurling insults that precede a fight with both men grappling on the ground. As the three of them watch, the door flies open and the larger of the two men enters the room. The reader discovers the man is Cornelius's son Henry Starett who still battles his old nemesis from the Civil War.

Sir Arthur rents a house and he and Hattie continue to work on the biography as they discover bitter resentment runs deep between the Copperheads who were against the war and those who fought.

The high light is Hattie and her enduring loyalty, ingenuity, and quirks like counting to a hundred in French when she is nervous. It is Christmas time and she is given the tasks of decorating, buying presents, taking dictation on the book, while trying to solve the murder of Henry.

The book is so well researched that it reads like a history of Galena and the Civil War, yet, is infinitely more enjoyable. Anna describes the town, inhabitants, and characters in such detail one feels they live among the bitterness and pain. It is a wonderful read and makes the reader yearn for more Hattie Davish.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until I read this book, I had never heard the term "historical cozy" or "cozy" as a book genre (or subgenre, I guess). I'd read a few before, but not extensively. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book and one I think exemplifies this category. I was drawn in by the fact it combines two my favorite historical periods, the Civil War and the Gilded Age/Victorian Era, and the story did not disappoint. The characters were well developed (especially Hattie the main character), the plot kept me moving from page one and it was well written. It was clear Loan-Wilsey did extensive research on the culture, class structure, customs and manners of the period which was described in the characters' interactions. I loved that the main character is a strong woman in a time when women still were dependent on the good graces of a man or an employer for their livelihood and to have a decent, safe lifestyle. She embodies poise, intuition, courage, wit and a strong sense of when to speak and when to keep her own counsel in light of whatever events are happening as the plot unfolds. This would be a great weekend or vacation read. I would recommend it to others that like cozies. This book is the second in the Hattie Davish series. I have not read the first, but now I think I will.

[Jan Blazanin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the Hattie Davish mystery series takes place twenty-five years after the Civil War, but in Galena, Illinois, anger still runs deep. Hattie has been put into service to help wealthy Sir Arthur Windom-Greene write a biography of Union General Cornelius Starrett. It's a few weeks before Christmas, and in addition to her typing duties, Hattie is expected to put together a festive Christmas for Sir Arthur's household. And then, of course, there's a murder.

What I especially enjoyed about this novel was the authenticity of the characters and the period details that bring the place and time to life. Hattie is a capable, intelligent, inquisitive woman, but she is constrained by the bounds of her "position" in society. She has to find ways to assist her employer and solve the mystery without stepping on any upper-class toes. It's a fine line to walk. I was also happy to see Hattie's love interest, Dr. Walter Grice, make an appearance in this story.

The mystery itself is well-plotted with multiple red herrings and clues released a few at a time. I didn't identify the culprit until shortly before the author revealed the evil-doer. Fans of cozy mysteries and historical fiction will love this novel.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can I not enjoy a mystery with strong tie-ins with the American Civil War? That's what I found, almost by accident, when I came upon this book at the store the other day.

It's 1890--25 years after the Civil War--and an English historian is researching the life and career of General Starret (a fictional character, not a historical person), and for that reason is staying in Galena, Illinois with his secretary, Hattie Davish. Galena is a real place, and the home of several real Civil War generals, including Ely Parker, John Rawlins, and of course, U. S. Grant.

Hattie and her employer, Sir Arthur Windom-Greene, are conducting interviews and undertaking the necessary research for what Sir Arthur plans to be the definitive biography of Gen. Starret when the general's loutish, obnoxious grandson, Captain Henry Starret, enters the scene. Henry Starret immediately sets about creating waves, and it will come as no surprise to learn that before the book is over, Henry is found dead (deservedly so, according to a number of characters).

This was a pleasantly readable book, with a good mystery and well-developed characters both admirable and despicable.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as cozy as the first book, but still really great! Set in the winter in Galena, Illinois, Hattie Davish is with her patron and current employer, Sir Arthur, helping him write a book about the Civil War and one of its general, General Starrett. However, when the general's awful son, Captain Henry Starrett, is found beaten and shot, Sir Arthur is arrested for his murder, and so Hattie must prove his innocence.
Just FYI, Henry doesn't die until about halfway through the book. I thought that was interesting, although it didn't affect the pace of the book. Also, the mystery was upheld better this time around; I wasn't sure who had killed Henry until just before Hattie revealed the killer!
Dr. Walter Grice also makes his appearance and assists Hattie in her investigation. The only downside to this book, I would say, is that there were more mean characters in it. Also, I missed the coziness from the first book, but that's more a matter of opinion on my part. Overall, a great sequel!

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything But Civil 9-24
I usually am not a fan of historical mysteries, so was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Hattie is a strong young lady who not only takes on a secretarial job to Sir Arthur, but also proves herself quite a heroine when she rescues a young girl from certain drowning. I generally picture women of the era to be wishy, washy and under the thumb of the men in their lives. Hattie is an exception to that thought. When a man is found beaten and then shot to death, Hattie is right in there, with the local police, to try to solve this case. She proves her worth again when Sir Arthur is accused and arrested for the murder.
The Galena, Illinois setting is a beautiful setting for this post Cvil War mystery. Galena gave us many strong men in that era, Ulysses S. Grant being just one of them. But together a strong woman, a lovely town, several murder suspects and you have a great read!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd novel featuring secretary Hattie Davish is an excellent combination of keep you guessing, page turning intrigue and well researched, believable historical fiction. Anna Loan-Wilsey's descriptions of some of the tensions in communities & between families as a result of the U.S. Civil War are excellent and the setting of Galena Illinois is captivating. Hattie's employer Sir Arthur Windom-Greene is working on a biography of a Union Army General & Hattie is looking forward to enjoying a family style Christmas with Sir Arthur's house guests. When murder, Christmas & the biography research collide, Hattie must use her detective skills to help solve the death before someone else is killed and Christmas is ruined. The book has a touch of romantic tension that adds to the overall enjoyment of the book. I highly recommend this book to readers of traditional, cozy or historical mysteries - it is a wonderful combination of the three genres!

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

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I enjoyed this second book in the Hattie series. But am still frustrated not to be getting "full disclosure" on Hattie's past. There are still clues dangled before the reader but no delivery on her past; just those teasers. I, for one, want to know her past that the author keeps just out of reach. As for this story, Hattie proves excellent at her eye for detail and putting pieces of a puzzle together. She has a LOT of facts at her fingertips and is able to ferret out all sorts of secrets and, eventually, the identity of the murderer. There is a lot going on this book and Hattie is one very determined, loyal and intelligent heroine. I will definitely be reading the next book.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad to have read the two books in this series. I enjoy historical mysteries, and I thoroughly enjoyed the first Hattie Davis book, so was thrilled to read this one. This book finds Hattie in Galena, Illinois, and I enjoyed the setting just as much as the one of Hot Springs, Arkansas in the first book. The author makes her settings come alive to the point that they almost seem like an additional character to me. I enjoyed the returning characters, and was glad to meet the new ones. The storyline kept my interest, and was an enjoyable one. This book had enjoyable historical references, and plenty of suspense. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Civil war historian Sir Arthur Windom-Greene and his secretary Hattie Davish plan to spend Christmas, 1892, in Galena, Illinois, where Sir Arthur is working on a biography of Civil War general Cornelius Starrett. Their interview with him is interrupted by the arrival of his son Henry, who has many enemies but who never minds making more. When Sir Arthur is suspected of a murder, Hattie reluctantly gets to work finding out the true culprit so she can clear his name. The local policeman is willing to let her investigate, in fact, he seems to have romantic feelings for her, but her friend Dr. Walter Grice comes from St. Louis to be with her.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly delightful mystery set within a historical context. A nice diversity of believable characters who stayed true to form throughout. Plenty of twists and turns and alas, dead ends. A tasteful, modest amount of romance befitting the historical period. Some excellent references to events of the time period. Plenty of suspects who were weeded through...and weeded out. I did figure out who had "done it" before it was revealed, but that's okay. I found myself puzzling over the mystery even when I wasn't actively reading the book! I think Hattie is bright, inquisitive, and admirable! A great read!

[Paula Ackley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not read the first book in the series of Hattie Davish historical mysteries so I was not sure whether I would be able to read Anything But Civil without getting lost. No problem! There were a few references to the previous book, but nothing so important that it distracted from the new book. The characters are well developed. You cheer for the heroes and boo at the villains, but every character plays a part in the story. The book is very easy reading while keeping you interested in the story.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a great follow up to A Lack of Temperance! I still didn't guess who did it, BUT I was closer than the first book. I knew something was up with the killer but wasn't sure what.

I found the information about the Civil War interesting and the author does a great job with the details.

I'm not sure about Sir Arthur - he has no regard for the law and thinks he is above it all. Perhaps it was the time then? It was also more civilized when Hattie was sorting out who was the klller - no one rushed to leave the room or try and kill someone else to escape it all.

[Tempa Pagel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Loan-Wilsey does her homework. The reader immediately becomes immersed in the Victorian age with well-researched details that enhance the setting and characters. Hattie, the protagonist, is carefully crafted by Loan-Wilsey who gives her a spunky character while making sure her actions remain true to the era. The plot moved along well, with some surprises along the way and a satisfying conclusion. In all, an enjoyable read. I began with the second Hattie Davish mystery, but will be catching up on the first, A Lack of Temperance,and the third.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Hattie Davish mystery. I recently read A Sense of Entitlement and loved it so much that I am now reading them in reverse order!! It really doesn't matter because each is a stand-alone book. I particularly enjoyed this book because it deals with the Civil War and a book Sir Arthur is writing. The story takes place in Galena, Illinois. When a murder occurs and several people become suspects, Hattie must use her detecting skills to find the real killer. The author's books are well researched and very enjoyable. I am loving this series, Anna Loan-Wilsey.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traveling secretary Hattie Davish and her trusty typewriter alight on a small town in Illinois, where the Civil War may long be over, but certain mysteries refuse to be buried...

This book was great! Mystery, intrigue, history! I learned some interesting things about the Civil War I never learned about in history books while in school.

[JMM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hattie, private secretary to a gentleman-scholar pursuing an interest in the Civil War, becomes part of a murder investigation in Galena, Illinois. There’s a spunky heroine, a little romance, a little history, and characters to like and loathe (the loathsome characters, however, were far too one-dimensional).

[Sharon Aguanno]

I absolutely loved this book...It is well written, and easy to read and follow the time period.... Once I began reading, I had trouble putting it down. I love Hattie's character and her interaction with all the others makes the story come alive. I look forward to the rest of the series. And getting to know more about Hattie and Walter.

[Gramma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the series, the characters were incredible and right until the end I had no idea who did it. A real page turner. Loved the first book and loved the second one even more. Hattie Davish-you go girl!