The Kelsey Outrage: The Crime of the Century

by Alison Louise Hubbard

Cathleen Kelsey has always been her brother, Charles’s, protector. An eccentric, Bohemian poet, Charles is a bit of an oddball in their small, Long Island town. When he goes missing on Election Eve in 1872, Cathleen discovers he has been tarred and feathered after a flirtatious girl accused him of entering her bedroom and molesting her.

Cathleen is certain Charlie is innocent. She suspects the girl’s fiancé, the wealthy Sam Royals, and his powerful friends are behind the tarring. Realizing the constable is inept, Cathleen reinvents herself as a smart, fearless detective whose quest is to find Charlie and obtain justice. The town divides along class the “Tars” (defending Sam) vs. the “Anti-Tars.” Cathleen proves to be remarkably successful in her detective work, unearthing damning evidence about what the national papers are calling the “Crime of the Century.” But the closer she gets to the truth, the more her enemies are determined to stop her.

359 pages, Paperback

Published January 24, 2024

Reviews

[Terry Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this via an ARC from the author, for Rosie Amber's Book Review Team. The fact that it was free has not affected this honest review.

In 1872, Charles Kelsey, brother of Cathleen, goes missing. He has, for some time, been pursuing former love Lucy-Jane, now engaged to be married to another man: Sam Royals. Lucy insists Charles's obsession was one-sided; others know it was not.

A talented poet, educated and striking in his unusual mode of presenting himself, Charles is a controversial figure in the neighbourhood. When he goes missing, Cathleen is determined to uncover the truth, with the help of a bumbling local constable and the few people not in cahoots with the wealthy Royals family.

Cathleen and younger brother Danny are distraught when they discover that Charles was tarred and feathered; the crime divides the town.

This story is well-written and researched, and I enjoyed reading it. I found main character Cathleen a little flat, though others, such as the likeable Sam and his feckless brother Reuben, manipulative Lucy and social-climbing Hank, came alive on the page to a far greater degree, and almost immediately. There is much entertaining detail aside from the main story, such as Sam's experiences working in his uncle's Manhattan store, with the ghastly manager.

A solid four stars, though I felt it needed a little more oomph, perhaps by making Cathleen a more colourful character, or maybe editing it down; at times it felt slightly plodding, and it's a fairly long book. But I liked it. It was good, made more interesting, of course, because it really happened. Most impressive as a debut novel, too!

[Dawn Reno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alison Louise Hubbard’s Kelsey Outrage takes its inspiration from the true story of a horrible crime and flips it on its ear in a torn-from-the-headlines manner. Charlie Kelsey is a poet with the quirky nature of someone who lives in his head all day, thus it’s not surprising that he’s a lovelorn poet whose affections are not appreciated. When he leaves for what his sister Cathleen believes is a political rally, Cathleen disregards her feeling that something isn’t right, until the next day, when she finds his pocket watch and bloodied pieces of his clothing, but no Charlie.

After discovering he’s been tarred and feathered and accused of inappropriate behavior by one of the girls in town, Cathleen conducts a relentless hunt for clues that will prove her brother’s innocence. A strong and determined woman, Cathleen battles the locals, until finding herself caught between two warring factions until she finally brings the details of that night to light.

The tension Hubbard builds in this suspenseful, Victorian-era thriller will immediately draw you in, and the “what if” spin Hubbard embroiders upon newspaper records of the horrific event brings the town and its people alive. Detailed descriptions of the people, place, and emotions of the day vividly draws the scene and builds a believable connection with Cathleen’s unconventional role as a self-proclaimed detective.

If you’re a mystery fan, love true detective stories, or simply enjoy a strong female character, The Kelsey Outrage is sure to keep you turning the pages late into the night.

[Douglas J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling and compelling ride! Alison Louise Hubbard's The Kelsey Outrage focuses on a sensational crime in 1872 that was previously unknown to me but clearly resonates today: the brutal tarring and murder of an eccentric young man in the seemingly idyllic town of Huntington, New York. This barbaric act, however, soon draws national attention and divides its denizens into the anti-Tars and the Tars, depending on whether they sided with the victim's family or the odious, influential cabal of accused assailants.

Hubbard is a terrific writer who knows how to create compelling characters including a spirited female protagonist, Cathleen Kelsey, sister of the victim, who becomes a proxy sleuth when justice is asleep at the plow. Cathleen could live comfortably in the pages of Wilke Collins, but we're fortunate to have her here. Hubbard's gift for creating suspense is based on bringing this historical footnote to full and credible life. The journey is tremendously satisfying and highly recommended!

[Fran Hawthorne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author, Alison Louise Hubbard, explains in an afterword that this novel was inspired by a five-line plaque in her hometown on Long Island, NY. From those brief lines, Hubbard has created a rich world of interesting and original characters and a truly page-turning plot.

We know from early on--and from the plaque--that Charles Kelsey was tarred-and-feathered because of a false accusation by the young woman he'd been having an affair with. We also know basically who did it: the wealthiest and most powerful people in the small farming town. What kept me galloping was whether the guilty would be brought to justice. And it's one of the book's virtues that justice involves, not only the courts, but also families, neighbors, and shame.

While some of the characters are cliches, others are wonderfully original. (I particularly liked the constable-farmer Ruggles and the complicated "villain," Sam Royals.) The writing flows so easily that I forgot that I was reading.

[Martha Ironman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on the shelf of the local library. It had a local author sticker on it, and I opened the book to learn more. I was very surprised to find out the book was about a terrible crime that was committed in my hometown in 1872. I decided to give the book a try. I was fascinated with the crime, and the author’s choice for writing about it as fiction. I did more research, and found several newspaper articles that described the crime. Very interesting book. Give it a try!!

[Samuel Landsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true crime in the 1800’s in Huntington, Long Island, this suspenseful novel follows the victim’s sister on her quest for justice against a wealthy, callous town oligarchy. Expertly written, this book will hold you through the last unexpected turn.

[Ronald Yancey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Could not put Down

This was a great read and an outstanding historical novel. The characters were great and their roles well developed. Was hard to put down and enjoyable to read.

[Pat L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love historical fiction and this was an excellent read! Based on an actual murder in Huntington, NY, it weaves a great tale; was especially impressed with the character development.