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A Lincoln and Speed Mystery #3
Final Resting Place
Twenty-nine-year-old Abraham Lincoln has spent his entire adult life running from his past―from the poverty of the dirt-floor log cabin where he was raised, from the dominion of his uneducated father, and from a failed early courtship. But now, Lincoln’s past is racing back to haunt him.
It is the summer of 1838, and Springfield is embroiled in a tumultuous, violent political season. All of Springfield’s elite have gathered at a grand party to celebrate the Fourth of July. Spirits are high―until a prominent local politician is assassinated in the midst of fireworks. When his political rival is arrested, young lawyer Lincoln and his best friend Joshua Speed are back on the case to investigate.
It’s no ordinary trial, however, as Lincoln and Speed soon face unwelcome complications. Lincoln’s ne’er-do-well father and stepbrother appear in town and threaten Lincoln’s good name and political future. And before long, anonymous letters start appearing in the local newspapers, with ominous threats that make Lincoln fear for himself and his loved ones.
As the day of reckoning arrives, the threats against Lincoln continue to escalate. Lincoln and Speed must identify the culprit and fast, before Lincoln loses the race to outrun his past in Final Resting Place, the brilliant third installment of Jonathan F. Putnam’s acclaimed Lincoln and Speed mysteries.
It is the summer of 1838, and Springfield is embroiled in a tumultuous, violent political season. All of Springfield’s elite have gathered at a grand party to celebrate the Fourth of July. Spirits are high―until a prominent local politician is assassinated in the midst of fireworks. When his political rival is arrested, young lawyer Lincoln and his best friend Joshua Speed are back on the case to investigate.
It’s no ordinary trial, however, as Lincoln and Speed soon face unwelcome complications. Lincoln’s ne’er-do-well father and stepbrother appear in town and threaten Lincoln’s good name and political future. And before long, anonymous letters start appearing in the local newspapers, with ominous threats that make Lincoln fear for himself and his loved ones.
As the day of reckoning arrives, the threats against Lincoln continue to escalate. Lincoln and Speed must identify the culprit and fast, before Lincoln loses the race to outrun his past in Final Resting Place, the brilliant third installment of Jonathan F. Putnam’s acclaimed Lincoln and Speed mysteries.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published July 10, 2018
49 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan F. Putnam
4 books104 followersJonathan Putnam is a writer and attorney. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, he is a nationally renowned trial lawyer and a recognized Lincoln scholar. His historical mysteries in the Lincoln & Speed Mystery Series include A House Divided (July 2019); Final Resting Place (published 2018), Perish from the Earth (2017) and These Honored Dead (2016).
Jonathan has given many lectures about Lincoln to historical societies, libraries, bookstores, civic organizations, and lawyer groups around the country. The focus of his Lincoln scholarship is the great president's early professional years, including his defining, lifelong friendship with a well-born Southerner named Joshua Speed.
Jonathan has given many lectures about Lincoln to historical societies, libraries, bookstores, civic organizations, and lawyer groups around the country. The focus of his Lincoln scholarship is the great president's early professional years, including his defining, lifelong friendship with a well-born Southerner named Joshua Speed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 30, 2022
Earlier this year, the Crooked Lane publishing company suggested several books that I might be interested in reading. Final Resting Place: A Lincoln and Speed Mystery by Jonathan F. Putnam is one of those books. It is the third book in this mystery series and will be published in July 2018. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and took on this historical novel today. At first I was a bit apprehensive... it had politics (which I don't normally like or discuss) and some basis in fact (I know a bunch about this time period, would it all line up?)... how would it all materialize as a book to read ~180 years after the fact. But rest assured, Putnam has done well!
The book takes place in the late 1830s when Abraham Lincoln was still a practicing attorney and just entering into politics. His best friend, Joshua Fry Speed, serves as his Dr. Watson during the day and his bed-mate at night. No... I'm not suggesting anything was going on there, nor is the author. I bring this up only because it reminded me that people would sleep in the same bed together back then. As an avid genealogist, I find this entire time period in America fascinating. Disputes over territory with Great Britain, kicking Native American off their land, Whigs and Democrats having duels (remember Burr and Hamilton?). It's like a rich history lesson and I seem to be on a kick reading several historical fiction novels lately.
In this caper, elections are front and center. When the current Town Land Recorder is killed, it appears like a political opponent had something to do with it. Throw in backstory about Lincoln's first fiancee (all real!) who died of meningitis, a decade-old feud over who loved her, and Honest Abe's rough & rude father and step-brother, there are tones of side stories to keep this plot moving along. The pace is good, a fair balance between life nearly two centuries ago and the need for some expediency in action in modern times. The trial was eye-opening. The duel was amusing. But the camaraderie within the primary characters and between the protagonists and antagonists was quite strong.
Resurrection of long-dead actual people as fictionalized characters has been done before. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Here it definitely did. This story had a very palpable voice and connection. I could feel the tension between the political rivalries. I could see the respect they still shared for one another (something lacking in today's leaders) and the differences in how men and women were treated. Putnam paints a good picture of life in America in 1838, and you feel transported to the tenacity people demonstrated to get ahead but still follow the rules. A few people misbehaved, but they apologized and often received fair judgment and punishment.
The book contains an afterthought chapter from the author who describes what is real and what was potentially fictional. I LOVE this part, as I could see where he drew a line in what he would make up or keep strictly accurate. This is the kind of approach I wish other authors would take when writing historical fiction, as sometimes readers like to know where the line has been blurred. Kudos to Putnam for generating some interest in a time period we only ever attribute to the Civil War. There were a lot of expansionist activities occurring in the Midwest during this time period, and the true nature of our political parties beginning to veer off into different directions was taking place. But we also saw the birth of law and trials. The courtship between men and women. And then ways in which people traveled from one part of the land to another.
All in all, a very exciting read. It fit well into my expanding genre selections, showed some opportunity for a great series to explore on the literary forefront, and gave me something analytical with many hidden truths to think about. Thank you for sending this book my way!
The book takes place in the late 1830s when Abraham Lincoln was still a practicing attorney and just entering into politics. His best friend, Joshua Fry Speed, serves as his Dr. Watson during the day and his bed-mate at night. No... I'm not suggesting anything was going on there, nor is the author. I bring this up only because it reminded me that people would sleep in the same bed together back then. As an avid genealogist, I find this entire time period in America fascinating. Disputes over territory with Great Britain, kicking Native American off their land, Whigs and Democrats having duels (remember Burr and Hamilton?). It's like a rich history lesson and I seem to be on a kick reading several historical fiction novels lately.
In this caper, elections are front and center. When the current Town Land Recorder is killed, it appears like a political opponent had something to do with it. Throw in backstory about Lincoln's first fiancee (all real!) who died of meningitis, a decade-old feud over who loved her, and Honest Abe's rough & rude father and step-brother, there are tones of side stories to keep this plot moving along. The pace is good, a fair balance between life nearly two centuries ago and the need for some expediency in action in modern times. The trial was eye-opening. The duel was amusing. But the camaraderie within the primary characters and between the protagonists and antagonists was quite strong.
Resurrection of long-dead actual people as fictionalized characters has been done before. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Here it definitely did. This story had a very palpable voice and connection. I could feel the tension between the political rivalries. I could see the respect they still shared for one another (something lacking in today's leaders) and the differences in how men and women were treated. Putnam paints a good picture of life in America in 1838, and you feel transported to the tenacity people demonstrated to get ahead but still follow the rules. A few people misbehaved, but they apologized and often received fair judgment and punishment.
The book contains an afterthought chapter from the author who describes what is real and what was potentially fictional. I LOVE this part, as I could see where he drew a line in what he would make up or keep strictly accurate. This is the kind of approach I wish other authors would take when writing historical fiction, as sometimes readers like to know where the line has been blurred. Kudos to Putnam for generating some interest in a time period we only ever attribute to the Civil War. There were a lot of expansionist activities occurring in the Midwest during this time period, and the true nature of our political parties beginning to veer off into different directions was taking place. But we also saw the birth of law and trials. The courtship between men and women. And then ways in which people traveled from one part of the land to another.
All in all, a very exciting read. It fit well into my expanding genre selections, showed some opportunity for a great series to explore on the literary forefront, and gave me something analytical with many hidden truths to think about. Thank you for sending this book my way!
December 5, 2018
It's election time in Illinois, and Abraham Lincoln is running for office. What an inopportune time for his father and stepbrother to come visit! They're hillbillies who want money, and do almost everything possible to hurt Lincoln's campaign, just by being idiots.
There's a large party with a new novelty for the frontier, fireworks. As the fireworks go off, there is a murder under cover of the explosions. Lincoln is assigned the defense against his eternal opponent, Stephen A. Douglas.
A great book from a series that should be much better known.
There's a large party with a new novelty for the frontier, fireworks. As the fireworks go off, there is a murder under cover of the explosions. Lincoln is assigned the defense against his eternal opponent, Stephen A. Douglas.
A great book from a series that should be much better known.
March 28, 2018
I am biased, but I think this might be my best book yet. I'm excited for readers to have the chance to read it themselves.
April 19, 2018
Life and death in 1838 Springfield
This third historical novel featuring Joshua Speed and his roommate and friend Abraham Lincoln takes place at the height of the political campaign season in Springfield, Illinois, in 1838. Elected offices are not the only plums to be plucked by the winning party; patronage jobs are also highly prized, so it is not surprising that the competition for them is also very heated. One such competition seems to come to a head at a fourth of July party, as guests are enjoying what is for many of them their first fireworks display. One explosion comes not from the fireworks but from a gun, and a prominent local figure dies. Abraham Lincoln is chosen to defend the man accused of the murder, and his opponent prosecuting the case is none other than Stephen Douglas. Lincoln definitely has his work cut out to be successful in this trial!
The subtitle “A Lincoln and Speed Mystery” may mislead readers. First of all, Speed is the narrator and main protagonist. More important, these are not seat-of-the-pants thrillers or even Agatha-Christie-style whodunits, although there is a nice courtroom sequence. The murderer is revealed in a twisty and suspenseful denouement at the end of the book, but the plot is mostly a pleasant skeleton on which to hang the REAL meat of the book, which is a well-researched and vivid portrait of Springfield, Illinois, in the year 1838. In many ways I am reminded of small-town America today, and the society seems very familiar, but then I keep getting brought up short by things like the local doctor diagnosing a patient with stomach pains as having humors out of balance and recommending the application of leeches. I especially enjoyed the recounting of the 1838 election, where partisan enthusiasm spilled over into enthusiastic brawls. The campaign practices of that era may have had some upsides, though---as someone who recently spent money to attend a Happy Hour event for a local candidate, I was amused to read about a time it was the candidates who bought the voters drinks! And I laughed out loud at the image of the judge smoking a cigar in the courtroom in the middle of a murder trial. There is a helpful Historical Notes at the end of the book that informed me that a number of things I had thought must be fiction were actually true.
Readers looking for a rousing mystery should probably look elsewhere for their thrills, but those who enjoy well-told portraits of earlier times are likely to find a good resting place in Final Resting Place.
3++
This third historical novel featuring Joshua Speed and his roommate and friend Abraham Lincoln takes place at the height of the political campaign season in Springfield, Illinois, in 1838. Elected offices are not the only plums to be plucked by the winning party; patronage jobs are also highly prized, so it is not surprising that the competition for them is also very heated. One such competition seems to come to a head at a fourth of July party, as guests are enjoying what is for many of them their first fireworks display. One explosion comes not from the fireworks but from a gun, and a prominent local figure dies. Abraham Lincoln is chosen to defend the man accused of the murder, and his opponent prosecuting the case is none other than Stephen Douglas. Lincoln definitely has his work cut out to be successful in this trial!
The subtitle “A Lincoln and Speed Mystery” may mislead readers. First of all, Speed is the narrator and main protagonist. More important, these are not seat-of-the-pants thrillers or even Agatha-Christie-style whodunits, although there is a nice courtroom sequence. The murderer is revealed in a twisty and suspenseful denouement at the end of the book, but the plot is mostly a pleasant skeleton on which to hang the REAL meat of the book, which is a well-researched and vivid portrait of Springfield, Illinois, in the year 1838. In many ways I am reminded of small-town America today, and the society seems very familiar, but then I keep getting brought up short by things like the local doctor diagnosing a patient with stomach pains as having humors out of balance and recommending the application of leeches. I especially enjoyed the recounting of the 1838 election, where partisan enthusiasm spilled over into enthusiastic brawls. The campaign practices of that era may have had some upsides, though---as someone who recently spent money to attend a Happy Hour event for a local candidate, I was amused to read about a time it was the candidates who bought the voters drinks! And I laughed out loud at the image of the judge smoking a cigar in the courtroom in the middle of a murder trial. There is a helpful Historical Notes at the end of the book that informed me that a number of things I had thought must be fiction were actually true.
Readers looking for a rousing mystery should probably look elsewhere for their thrills, but those who enjoy well-told portraits of earlier times are likely to find a good resting place in Final Resting Place.
3++
March 21, 2018
1838, Springfield Illinois murder is committed, the lawyers? Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, with the help of Lincoln's friend Joshua Speed and his sister they pursue the truth with a fascinating cast of characters, all with historical significance. An enjoyable read that might just be better then the two previous books in this series.
April 2, 2021
Supremely entertaining historical fiction about a 29-year old Abraham Lincoln and his best friend Joshua Speed teaming up to solve a mystery. The author does a superb job of putting the reader back in 1838 in Springfield, Illinois. The courtroom scenes are excellent. There is a solid cast of supporting characters, including many historical figures, especially Stephen Douglas. As good as it gets for both historical fiction and for a mystery.
January 4, 2019
Please my review on Amazon.com under C. Wong. Thank you!
November 6, 2018
For those who enjoy historical fiction and have yet to delve into the Lincoln & Speed Mystery series, you are in for a treat. I love history and have always had a fondness for U.S. presidential history and trivia. All of my expectations have been met by Jonathan F. Putnam, who, as an attorney and Harvard graduate, really knows his stuff.
FINAL RESTING PLACE is the third entry in the series and takes place in the year 1838. Our heroes are 29-year-old Abraham Lincoln and his best friend, Joshua Speed. Lincoln is an attorney at the time and will be squaring off in the courtroom against his rival, Stephen A. Douglas. Douglas is the polar opposite of Lincoln in many ways. Not only is he quite small --- an American version of Napoleon Bonaparte --- he is a spirited debater with a booming voice, a stark contrast to Lincoln's tall stature and far more tempered voice.
Speed, the narrator, is the son of a wealthy plantation owner who runs a general store. He and his sister, Martha, spend much of the novel seeking out the truth on behalf of Lincoln, who is mired in both the trial and his own torment. What starts with a series of letters to the publication known as The Democrat, simply signed “S.G.”, grows into a much larger conflagration of hate, and the primary target appears to be Lincoln. When Jacob Early approaches Lincoln during a Fourth of July celebration, his attempt to speak with him about an issue concerning the land office is drowned out by the celebratory fireworks --- followed by the sound of a gunshot that takes Early's life before they are able to complete their discussion.
The foppish Henry Truett is arrested and charged with Early's murder. Truett maintains vehemently that he did not do it and then surprises everyone when he requests that Lincoln defend him. Of course, the opposing counsel is Douglas, which sets things up nicely for a literary courtroom showdown. It turns out it is not that simple. Truett not only confesses his innocence but indicates that the actual villain here is none other than Lincoln’s own father, Thomas. There is no love lost between father and son, and there is much about Lincoln’s family history that he would like to bury along with Early’s body.
Thomas and his stepson, John Johnston, do their part to strike back and attempt to smear Lincoln in the court of public opinion. When it turns out that Early was trying to make Lincoln aware of falsification of public land records, things begin to point in Thomas’ direction. From then on, it is one blow after another that slowly eats away at Lincoln, driving him into a sullen solitary cocoon. He misses a court date on his case due to a false note telling him to go elsewhere. A close friend, Margaret Owens, dies horrifically from poisoning. And then comes the biggest blow of all. Speed and his sister travel to New Salem, 20 miles from Springfield, IL, where they believe the author of the letters to The Democrat resides. They eventually find a man named John Rutledge, who claims that Lincoln killed his sister, Ann.
Although Rutledge's accusations are mostly without proof or merit, the fact that he is voicing such a statement will weigh heavy upon Lincoln's reputation, potentially doing permanent harm to his own political aspirations. When Rutledge takes the Speeds to the meager burial site, Ann’s final resting place, it is indeed a sobering moment regardless of who was responsible for her death. Douglas also takes the opportunity to smear Lincoln, telling those present at a public debate that his rival was never one to let the facts get in the way of a clever argument.
FINAL RESTING PLACE continues on towards the finale, never losing steam or failing to keep the reader in suspense the entire way. It will take everything Speed has to help pull his friend out of the downward spiral that surrounds him and get to the bottom of the mystery that started with Early's death and ends up hitting way too close to home. The court scenes alone are worth the price of admission.
These novels are historical fiction at their finest, calling to mind Caleb Carr's THE ALIENIST and the works of Stefanie Pintoff and Lyndsay Faye. The Lincoln here is not chasing vampires as other speculative fiction has represented in recent years. This is the Lincoln most of us don't know --- a young man still learning, making mistakes and seeking to be a good person who can make a difference, both to himself and for his country. FINAL RESTING PLACE may be the most personal and serious installment of the series thus far, and I am eager to see what Putnam has in store for us next.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
FINAL RESTING PLACE is the third entry in the series and takes place in the year 1838. Our heroes are 29-year-old Abraham Lincoln and his best friend, Joshua Speed. Lincoln is an attorney at the time and will be squaring off in the courtroom against his rival, Stephen A. Douglas. Douglas is the polar opposite of Lincoln in many ways. Not only is he quite small --- an American version of Napoleon Bonaparte --- he is a spirited debater with a booming voice, a stark contrast to Lincoln's tall stature and far more tempered voice.
Speed, the narrator, is the son of a wealthy plantation owner who runs a general store. He and his sister, Martha, spend much of the novel seeking out the truth on behalf of Lincoln, who is mired in both the trial and his own torment. What starts with a series of letters to the publication known as The Democrat, simply signed “S.G.”, grows into a much larger conflagration of hate, and the primary target appears to be Lincoln. When Jacob Early approaches Lincoln during a Fourth of July celebration, his attempt to speak with him about an issue concerning the land office is drowned out by the celebratory fireworks --- followed by the sound of a gunshot that takes Early's life before they are able to complete their discussion.
The foppish Henry Truett is arrested and charged with Early's murder. Truett maintains vehemently that he did not do it and then surprises everyone when he requests that Lincoln defend him. Of course, the opposing counsel is Douglas, which sets things up nicely for a literary courtroom showdown. It turns out it is not that simple. Truett not only confesses his innocence but indicates that the actual villain here is none other than Lincoln’s own father, Thomas. There is no love lost between father and son, and there is much about Lincoln’s family history that he would like to bury along with Early’s body.
Thomas and his stepson, John Johnston, do their part to strike back and attempt to smear Lincoln in the court of public opinion. When it turns out that Early was trying to make Lincoln aware of falsification of public land records, things begin to point in Thomas’ direction. From then on, it is one blow after another that slowly eats away at Lincoln, driving him into a sullen solitary cocoon. He misses a court date on his case due to a false note telling him to go elsewhere. A close friend, Margaret Owens, dies horrifically from poisoning. And then comes the biggest blow of all. Speed and his sister travel to New Salem, 20 miles from Springfield, IL, where they believe the author of the letters to The Democrat resides. They eventually find a man named John Rutledge, who claims that Lincoln killed his sister, Ann.
Although Rutledge's accusations are mostly without proof or merit, the fact that he is voicing such a statement will weigh heavy upon Lincoln's reputation, potentially doing permanent harm to his own political aspirations. When Rutledge takes the Speeds to the meager burial site, Ann’s final resting place, it is indeed a sobering moment regardless of who was responsible for her death. Douglas also takes the opportunity to smear Lincoln, telling those present at a public debate that his rival was never one to let the facts get in the way of a clever argument.
FINAL RESTING PLACE continues on towards the finale, never losing steam or failing to keep the reader in suspense the entire way. It will take everything Speed has to help pull his friend out of the downward spiral that surrounds him and get to the bottom of the mystery that started with Early's death and ends up hitting way too close to home. The court scenes alone are worth the price of admission.
These novels are historical fiction at their finest, calling to mind Caleb Carr's THE ALIENIST and the works of Stefanie Pintoff and Lyndsay Faye. The Lincoln here is not chasing vampires as other speculative fiction has represented in recent years. This is the Lincoln most of us don't know --- a young man still learning, making mistakes and seeking to be a good person who can make a difference, both to himself and for his country. FINAL RESTING PLACE may be the most personal and serious installment of the series thus far, and I am eager to see what Putnam has in store for us next.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
December 10, 2018
For those who enjoy historical fiction and have yet to delve into the Lincoln & Speed Mystery series, you are in for a treat. I love history and have always had a fondness for U.S. presidential history and trivia. All of my expectations have been met by Jonathan F. Putnam, who, as an attorney and Harvard graduate, really knows his stuff.
FINAL RESTING PLACE is the third entry in the series and takes place in the year 1838. Our heroes are 29-year-old Abraham Lincoln and his best friend, Joshua Speed. Lincoln is an attorney at the time and will be squaring off in the courtroom against his rival, Stephen A. Douglas. Douglas is the polar opposite of Lincoln in many ways. Not only is he quite small --- an American version of Napoleon Bonaparte --- he is a spirited debater with a booming voice, a stark contrast to Lincoln's tall stature and far more tempered voice.
Speed, the narrator, is the son of a wealthy plantation owner who runs a general store. He and his sister, Martha, spend much of the novel seeking out the truth on behalf of Lincoln, who is mired in both the trial and his own torment. What starts with a series of letters to the publication known as The Democrat, simply signed “S.G.”, grows into a much larger conflagration of hate, and the primary target appears to be Lincoln. When Jacob Early approaches Lincoln during a Fourth of July celebration, his attempt to speak with him about an issue concerning the land office is drowned out by the celebratory fireworks --- followed by the sound of a gunshot that takes Early's life before they are able to complete their discussion.
The foppish Henry Truett is arrested and charged with Early's murder. Truett maintains vehemently that he did not do it and then surprises everyone when he requests that Lincoln defend him. Of course, the opposing counsel is Douglas, which sets things up nicely for a literary courtroom showdown. It turns out it is not that simple. Truett not only confesses his innocence but indicates that the actual villain here is none other than Lincoln’s own father, Thomas. There is no love lost between father and son, and there is much about Lincoln’s family history that he would like to bury along with Early’s body.
Thomas and his stepson, John Johnston, do their part to strike back and attempt to smear Lincoln in the court of public opinion. When it turns out that Early was trying to make Lincoln aware of falsification of public land records, things begin to point in Thomas’ direction. From then on, it is one blow after another that slowly eats away at Lincoln, driving him into a sullen solitary cocoon. He misses a court date on his case due to a false note telling him to go elsewhere. A close friend, Margaret Owens, dies horrifically from poisoning. And then comes the biggest blow of all. Speed and his sister travel to New Salem, 20 miles from Springfield, IL, where they believe the author of the letters to The Democrat resides. They eventually find a man named John Rutledge, who claims that Lincoln killed his sister, Ann.
Although Rutledge's accusations are mostly without proof or merit, the fact that he is voicing such a statement will weigh heavy upon Lincoln's reputation, potentially doing permanent harm to his own political aspirations. When Rutledge takes the Speeds to the meager burial site, Ann’s final resting place, it is indeed a sobering moment regardless of who was responsible for her death. Douglas also takes the opportunity to smear Lincoln, telling those present at a public debate that his rival was never one to let the facts get in the way of a clever argument.
FINAL RESTING PLACE continues on towards the finale, never losing steam or failing to keep the reader in suspense the entire way. It will take everything Speed has to help pull his friend out of the downward spiral that surrounds him and get to the bottom of the mystery that started with Early's death and ends up hitting way too close to home. The court scenes alone are worth the price of admission.
These novels are historical fiction at their finest, calling to mind Caleb Carr's THE ALIENIST and the works of Stefanie Pintoff and Lyndsay Faye. The Lincoln here is not chasing vampires as other speculative fiction has represented in recent years. This is the Lincoln most of us don't know --- a young man still learning, making mistakes and seeking to be a good person who can make a difference, both to himself and for his country. FINAL RESTING PLACE may be the most personal and serious installment of the series thus far, and I am eager to see what Putnam has in store for us next.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
FINAL RESTING PLACE is the third entry in the series and takes place in the year 1838. Our heroes are 29-year-old Abraham Lincoln and his best friend, Joshua Speed. Lincoln is an attorney at the time and will be squaring off in the courtroom against his rival, Stephen A. Douglas. Douglas is the polar opposite of Lincoln in many ways. Not only is he quite small --- an American version of Napoleon Bonaparte --- he is a spirited debater with a booming voice, a stark contrast to Lincoln's tall stature and far more tempered voice.
Speed, the narrator, is the son of a wealthy plantation owner who runs a general store. He and his sister, Martha, spend much of the novel seeking out the truth on behalf of Lincoln, who is mired in both the trial and his own torment. What starts with a series of letters to the publication known as The Democrat, simply signed “S.G.”, grows into a much larger conflagration of hate, and the primary target appears to be Lincoln. When Jacob Early approaches Lincoln during a Fourth of July celebration, his attempt to speak with him about an issue concerning the land office is drowned out by the celebratory fireworks --- followed by the sound of a gunshot that takes Early's life before they are able to complete their discussion.
The foppish Henry Truett is arrested and charged with Early's murder. Truett maintains vehemently that he did not do it and then surprises everyone when he requests that Lincoln defend him. Of course, the opposing counsel is Douglas, which sets things up nicely for a literary courtroom showdown. It turns out it is not that simple. Truett not only confesses his innocence but indicates that the actual villain here is none other than Lincoln’s own father, Thomas. There is no love lost between father and son, and there is much about Lincoln’s family history that he would like to bury along with Early’s body.
Thomas and his stepson, John Johnston, do their part to strike back and attempt to smear Lincoln in the court of public opinion. When it turns out that Early was trying to make Lincoln aware of falsification of public land records, things begin to point in Thomas’ direction. From then on, it is one blow after another that slowly eats away at Lincoln, driving him into a sullen solitary cocoon. He misses a court date on his case due to a false note telling him to go elsewhere. A close friend, Margaret Owens, dies horrifically from poisoning. And then comes the biggest blow of all. Speed and his sister travel to New Salem, 20 miles from Springfield, IL, where they believe the author of the letters to The Democrat resides. They eventually find a man named John Rutledge, who claims that Lincoln killed his sister, Ann.
Although Rutledge's accusations are mostly without proof or merit, the fact that he is voicing such a statement will weigh heavy upon Lincoln's reputation, potentially doing permanent harm to his own political aspirations. When Rutledge takes the Speeds to the meager burial site, Ann’s final resting place, it is indeed a sobering moment regardless of who was responsible for her death. Douglas also takes the opportunity to smear Lincoln, telling those present at a public debate that his rival was never one to let the facts get in the way of a clever argument.
FINAL RESTING PLACE continues on towards the finale, never losing steam or failing to keep the reader in suspense the entire way. It will take everything Speed has to help pull his friend out of the downward spiral that surrounds him and get to the bottom of the mystery that started with Early's death and ends up hitting way too close to home. The court scenes alone are worth the price of admission.
These novels are historical fiction at their finest, calling to mind Caleb Carr's THE ALIENIST and the works of Stefanie Pintoff and Lyndsay Faye. The Lincoln here is not chasing vampires as other speculative fiction has represented in recent years. This is the Lincoln most of us don't know --- a young man still learning, making mistakes and seeking to be a good person who can make a difference, both to himself and for his country. FINAL RESTING PLACE may be the most personal and serious installment of the series thus far, and I am eager to see what Putnam has in store for us next.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
October 27, 2018
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Final Resting Place is the third Lincoln & Speed historical mystery by Jonathan F. Putnam. Released 10th July 2018 by Crooked Lane books, it's 288 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audio formats.
The author is quite accomplished and I enjoyed the attention to historical detail. There were a number of small details (such as 'pigging') which were written into the narrative without unusual comment or fanfare. I appreciated these small atmospheric additions. Obviously it's a historical murder mystery and not an academic treatise. People looking for actual history and not a well written historical mystery will likely be disappointed. On the other hand, the mystery is well crafted and enjoyable.
The language is very clean and there isn't a lot of direct or graphic violence. There was a graphic description of strychnine poisoning which was unappealing to me but was used effectively to drive the narrative ahead.
I had some trouble keeping some of the secondary characters straight, but that was due mostly to the fact that this book was my morning commute read and thus read in several short sessions. I did not ever find my interest in the plot or the mystery waning whilst I was reading.
All in all a good historical murder mystery, heavy on the history. There was a nice afterword included also with some nice explanatory historical reference notes by the author.
Enjoyable. Three and a half stars, rounded up for the great writing.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Final Resting Place is the third Lincoln & Speed historical mystery by Jonathan F. Putnam. Released 10th July 2018 by Crooked Lane books, it's 288 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audio formats.
The author is quite accomplished and I enjoyed the attention to historical detail. There were a number of small details (such as 'pigging') which were written into the narrative without unusual comment or fanfare. I appreciated these small atmospheric additions. Obviously it's a historical murder mystery and not an academic treatise. People looking for actual history and not a well written historical mystery will likely be disappointed. On the other hand, the mystery is well crafted and enjoyable.
The language is very clean and there isn't a lot of direct or graphic violence. There was a graphic description of strychnine poisoning which was unappealing to me but was used effectively to drive the narrative ahead.
I had some trouble keeping some of the secondary characters straight, but that was due mostly to the fact that this book was my morning commute read and thus read in several short sessions. I did not ever find my interest in the plot or the mystery waning whilst I was reading.
All in all a good historical murder mystery, heavy on the history. There was a nice afterword included also with some nice explanatory historical reference notes by the author.
Enjoyable. Three and a half stars, rounded up for the great writing.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
August 17, 2018
4.5 Stars
Putnam pulls out all of the stops when it comes to research and being true as possible to his characters that are based on real-life historical figures, one of which is the most beloved man in America and future President. There are many great authors that do their research and I enjoy reading them, Putnum goes further and stays in the same timeline, uses the same court cases to shape his mysteries around, being an armchair Lincoln addict, always leaves me in awe. Those great authors that I mentioned above love to shift historical events, people, disasters, etc, not Putnam with a very few and very clear changes only to move along the plot. I have an immense amount of respect for his scholarship and mystery chops!
You think politics is a bad and dirty business today? In 1938 it was worse in its own way and this run to return Lincoln to the State Legislature has the added boost of scurrilous attacks on Lincoln via letters written to the opposition's paper signed only by initials. Who is S.G. and why does he or she sound more like the evil ghost of Jacob Marley that knows Lincoln's past so well, enough to not only besmirch him during his campaign but wound him personally, making it harder for him to go on?
What are Lincoln's father and step-brother doing in town and just what are they up too? Was there
corruption going on in the land office, why else would there be deed and sales registered with Lincoln as the surveyor well after he'd started his law practice and stopped surveying?
There are a lot of questions going around in this third book of the Lincoln and Speed Mysteries and the answers don't come easily or quickly. I can't wait until the next one!
Putnam pulls out all of the stops when it comes to research and being true as possible to his characters that are based on real-life historical figures, one of which is the most beloved man in America and future President. There are many great authors that do their research and I enjoy reading them, Putnum goes further and stays in the same timeline, uses the same court cases to shape his mysteries around, being an armchair Lincoln addict, always leaves me in awe. Those great authors that I mentioned above love to shift historical events, people, disasters, etc, not Putnam with a very few and very clear changes only to move along the plot. I have an immense amount of respect for his scholarship and mystery chops!
You think politics is a bad and dirty business today? In 1938 it was worse in its own way and this run to return Lincoln to the State Legislature has the added boost of scurrilous attacks on Lincoln via letters written to the opposition's paper signed only by initials. Who is S.G. and why does he or she sound more like the evil ghost of Jacob Marley that knows Lincoln's past so well, enough to not only besmirch him during his campaign but wound him personally, making it harder for him to go on?
What are Lincoln's father and step-brother doing in town and just what are they up too? Was there
corruption going on in the land office, why else would there be deed and sales registered with Lincoln as the surveyor well after he'd started his law practice and stopped surveying?
There are a lot of questions going around in this third book of the Lincoln and Speed Mysteries and the answers don't come easily or quickly. I can't wait until the next one!
July 13, 2018
I enjoy historical mysteries but, while this is the third in this series, it's the first that I have read. Now the previous books are on my to be read stack. Add to it being a new series to me, the period and setting are new to me, as well. Here we have Abe Lincoln and Joshua Speed and Speed's sister, Martha living in Springfield in 1838. Lincoln is on the stump campaigning while at the same time trying to put together a defense for his friend, Truitt who is in jail on a charge of murder. They were all attending a 4th of July party which ended in fireworks and a murder. Death doesn't stop there and there are threatening letters directed at Lincoln. When Ann Rutledge, the woman Lincoln was stepping out with, dies, Lincoln needs even more help from Joshua and Martha in stopping the killer.
The writing paints such a vivid picture of their world that I felt I was there with them. The historical figures are respected and their actions don't feel forced into the mystery. When I came to the last page I was looking forward to picking up the first in the series. A very satisfying read.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The writing paints such a vivid picture of their world that I felt I was there with them. The historical figures are respected and their actions don't feel forced into the mystery. When I came to the last page I was looking forward to picking up the first in the series. A very satisfying read.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 2, 2018
3.5/5 Stars
It's the height of election season, and Abraham Lincoln is running for the Illinois state legislature while Stephen Douglas runs for the US Senate. The two of them wind up facing off in a courtroom, as Lincoln defends a man accused of murdering his rival for a political appointment and Douglas serves as prosecutor.
There are additional subplots, involving the Second Great Revival, and Lincoln's unfortunate ill luck as a suitor (he's already lost one lady friend to illness, and another is poisoned in the course of the book). Lincoln, along with his longtime friend Joshua Speed, decides he needs to solve both his lady friend's murder and the one for which he is defending a man whom he truly believes is innocent despite the evidence.
The author, Jonathan F. Putnam, is both an attorney and a Lincoln scholar, so there's no doubt that he's done his homework. I thought the plot was well-constructed, although there were times when the pacing lagged. Still, the "whodunnit" came as a shock. Likewise, I enjoyed the historic detail.
It's the height of election season, and Abraham Lincoln is running for the Illinois state legislature while Stephen Douglas runs for the US Senate. The two of them wind up facing off in a courtroom, as Lincoln defends a man accused of murdering his rival for a political appointment and Douglas serves as prosecutor.
There are additional subplots, involving the Second Great Revival, and Lincoln's unfortunate ill luck as a suitor (he's already lost one lady friend to illness, and another is poisoned in the course of the book). Lincoln, along with his longtime friend Joshua Speed, decides he needs to solve both his lady friend's murder and the one for which he is defending a man whom he truly believes is innocent despite the evidence.
The author, Jonathan F. Putnam, is both an attorney and a Lincoln scholar, so there's no doubt that he's done his homework. I thought the plot was well-constructed, although there were times when the pacing lagged. Still, the "whodunnit" came as a shock. Likewise, I enjoyed the historic detail.
May 27, 2018
An emotional showdown as well as a murder mystery takes center stage in “Final Resting Place,” the third book in the Abraham Lincoln/Joshua Speed series of historical mystery novels by Jonathan F. Putnam. We meet Lincoln’s father and stepbrother, who have come to Illinois for some palaverin’ with their long and lanky relative. As readers will soon appreciate, they ain’t up to no good, and Mr. Lincoln finds himself regretting the visit of these cantankerous relations.
Speaking of personal problems, Mr. Putnam has postulated a unique interpretation behind the death of Lincoln’s early beloved, Ann Rutledge (yes, she’s mentioned in this book, too, as a source for Abe’s lingering melancholia). Then, when a young woman he has been stepping out with is murdered, well, Joshua Speed and his sister Martha are called upon to do a lot of detective work on their own, because Lincoln isn’t up to it.
The researched history throughout the book is implacable, as always. Indeed, readers are treated to it from the very first pages, where we learn of the death of Ann Speed, Joshua’s and Martha’s very young sister, who died when she was only eight (Speed’s father had married twice, and within the second marriage had eleven children). Death, including the main murder of the local land office registrar (which really occurred; Mr. Putnam uses it as the background to his novel), plays a large part throughout the book.
For faithful followers of the series, familiar characters are present. Stephen Douglas, of course; well known from the annals of American history. And there is mention of the Todd sisters, Elizabeth and Mary. The Historical Note at the end of the book provides a comprehensive look at the real-life events of the time frame set forward in “Final Resting Place,” including who the unfortunate Margaret Owens is patterned after.
Mr. Putnam’s latest is eminently readable, both as a history lesson and as a historical mystery. I look forward to further adventures.
Speaking of personal problems, Mr. Putnam has postulated a unique interpretation behind the death of Lincoln’s early beloved, Ann Rutledge (yes, she’s mentioned in this book, too, as a source for Abe’s lingering melancholia). Then, when a young woman he has been stepping out with is murdered, well, Joshua Speed and his sister Martha are called upon to do a lot of detective work on their own, because Lincoln isn’t up to it.
The researched history throughout the book is implacable, as always. Indeed, readers are treated to it from the very first pages, where we learn of the death of Ann Speed, Joshua’s and Martha’s very young sister, who died when she was only eight (Speed’s father had married twice, and within the second marriage had eleven children). Death, including the main murder of the local land office registrar (which really occurred; Mr. Putnam uses it as the background to his novel), plays a large part throughout the book.
For faithful followers of the series, familiar characters are present. Stephen Douglas, of course; well known from the annals of American history. And there is mention of the Todd sisters, Elizabeth and Mary. The Historical Note at the end of the book provides a comprehensive look at the real-life events of the time frame set forward in “Final Resting Place,” including who the unfortunate Margaret Owens is patterned after.
Mr. Putnam’s latest is eminently readable, both as a history lesson and as a historical mystery. I look forward to further adventures.
August 20, 2018
Entertaining, gripping, captivating! Mr. Putnam’s third installment in his Lincoln and Speed Mystery Series “Final Resting Place” is his best work to date. I found the novel a real page turner, finishing within a twenty-four-hour period – I could not put it down. With the addition of Lincoln’s father and step-brother to the series, the reader sees a more personal side of Lincoln, as well as a look into his past as the mystery unfolds. I found the historical facts in this novel to be very intriguing, and the way Mr. Putnam draws them all together to complete the story is just amazing. Five Stars!!
July 7, 2018
Political shenanigans abound in 1838 Springfield as Lincoln's past catched up on him. When a murder occurs on the four of July celebrations Speed and Lincoln must turn their talents to finding out the truth.
There are enough sub-plots to keep the pace of the tale moving along, and to make the story as a whole interesting, especially to someone like me who knows nothing about this period of history. The characters are also portrayed well.
This can easily be read as a standalone story but it might be worthwhile starting at the beginning.
A NetGalley Book
There are enough sub-plots to keep the pace of the tale moving along, and to make the story as a whole interesting, especially to someone like me who knows nothing about this period of history. The characters are also portrayed well.
This can easily be read as a standalone story but it might be worthwhile starting at the beginning.
A NetGalley Book
December 2, 2024
This is the first in the Lincoln and Speed series I've read. Putnam does an interesting job of fictionalizing historical reality and at the same time, presenting many accurate historical details. I recognized a few of the details of the court trial where Lincoln is the defense trial from the trial detailed in Dan Abram's "Lincoln's Last Trial".
I found the mystery itself rather convoluted. While I'd pick up another in the series, this isn't one I'll be searching out. Recommended for historical mystery fans who want stronger history than mystery.
I found the mystery itself rather convoluted. While I'd pick up another in the series, this isn't one I'll be searching out. Recommended for historical mystery fans who want stronger history than mystery.
March 15, 2019
Fascinating how the author managed to insert a murder mystery into the real history of the contentious Illinois election of 1838. Amidst campaign fever, someone seems to targeting Lincoln, so his friend Speed, along with Speed's sister Martha (who becomes somewhat enamored with Stephen Douglas!) undertake an investigation. Especially interesting is the author's note explaining just what is fiction (not very much) and what is fact. Highly recommended.
August 3, 2019
This book is historical fiction about Lincoln and his roommate and best friend, Joshua Speed. It is part of a series, it this is the first one I have read. In this one, Lincoln goes up against Douglas in a murder trial. It took me a bit to get into it, but once I did, I found it very entertaining. Be sure to read the authors notes at the end - very interesting and gives you an insight into what parts were fact, many of which I did not know.
May 21, 2019
I am now updated with the Lincoln and Speed mystery series as I finished the 3rd
installment of the series. I have learned a lot about Lincoln's early life and life in general in the 1830s. It is election time to select a Senator and other officials. Lincoln is working hard to send his law partner to Washington DC. His Father and stepmother have come for a visit. At the Four of July Celebration, someone is killed during the fireworks. Immediately, a known enemy is arrested and Lincoln his lawyer. I especially like the description of the election process? I now know how our elections are run. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
installment of the series. I have learned a lot about Lincoln's early life and life in general in the 1830s. It is election time to select a Senator and other officials. Lincoln is working hard to send his law partner to Washington DC. His Father and stepmother have come for a visit. At the Four of July Celebration, someone is killed during the fireworks. Immediately, a known enemy is arrested and Lincoln his lawyer. I especially like the description of the election process? I now know how our elections are run. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
July 15, 2019
I liked the mystery and inclusion of historical tidbits about Abraham Lincoln and voting procedures of the time. The book was boring in places, though, and never "wowed" me. I did appreciate that it's a clean book with mild language. And even though it's #3 in a series, it does stand alone. I would read other books in the series.
March 24, 2020
Once again readers can delve into the life and career of the young lawyer Abraham Lincoln and his friend Joshua Speed in Springfield, IL. One of my favorite parts of the book is the scene of how votes were cast (out loud for everyone to hear) in the election when Lincoln is running for the Illinois House of Representatives. Book #3 in the series - highly recommended!
May 24, 2020
3.75 Stars
The 3rd book in the Abraham Lincoln/Joshua Speed series.
Once again, there is a murder in Springfield and it's up to Lincoln and Speed, along with Speed's sister Martha, to solve the crime and clear the wrongfully accused. These aren't thrillers but they juggle fiction and history quite nicely. Good read.
2020(22)
The 3rd book in the Abraham Lincoln/Joshua Speed series.
Once again, there is a murder in Springfield and it's up to Lincoln and Speed, along with Speed's sister Martha, to solve the crime and clear the wrongfully accused. These aren't thrillers but they juggle fiction and history quite nicely. Good read.
2020(22)
May 20, 2021
Although I love Lincoln's personage, and historical and biographical novels, in general, this one fell a bit flat for me. In the author's end note. He outlines all the ways in which he was faithful to small details and actual event. Perhaps he put too much energy into recapturing the past than into making this a compelling story.
May 2, 2018
I liked Lincoln as a literary character and Putnam does a good job at capturing Lincoln in his early years as a lawyer. The research he did to write this story is deep and as far as I know, accurate. The book, however, could have been more exciting. It wasn't exactly a thriller.
August 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this book so much that I ordered the 2 previous books by this author in this series. I must have at least 50 books about Lincoln and this being a little twist on fact was quite interesting.
November 14, 2018
I've enjoyed all three books in this series. Combining great details from early American western frontier and Abraham Lincoln's life into a murder mystery works for me. Hope to see more with other famous Americans.
October 25, 2019
What a rush to read about new Salem, the state House, Law office... all places we visited last month. It was also unbelievable how many of the characters were based on real persons and the murder case actually true as well. Speed and his sister are great supporting characters.
July 22, 2021
I've now read all four books in the series and have enjoyed the author's writing style as well as the historical detail and research involved. I admire Lincoln and enjoy reading most books about him.
February 26, 2022
The audiobook was very well done. Each character had a distinct voice and pattern of speaking, and the narrator read clearly and with expression.
This was my first Lincoln and Speed book, and I’m definitely open to reading another!
This was my first Lincoln and Speed book, and I’m definitely open to reading another!
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