What do you think?
Rate this book
Baltimore or Oliver Redcastle Historical Mysteries #1
Gunshy, a Baltimore Historical Mystery
It's 1882 and Oliver Redcastle, an ex-Pinkerton detective and a former Union Army sharpshooter, has inherited a house in Baltimore and a new daughter. Oliver dreams of putting his violent past behind him. When John D. Rockefeller forces him to investigate a railway explosion Oliver finds himself plunged into mayhem once again. The plot thickens when a Civil War encampment in the city digs up old betrayals, triggers death and breeds a fresh murder plot that Oliver must foil to prevent his future from becoming as bloody as his past.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
164 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2004
About the author
Louise Titchener
41 books23 followersLouise was born in Detroit, Michigan, USA. She began to write short stories in high school and continued to write in college. She married a philosophy student, and they moved to Ohio, where she obtained a Masters degree and taught freshman English. Her husband became a Philosophy Professor at the University of Maryland. She and her husband had two children. While staying at home with her son and daughter she began to write in earnest. Those first efforts remain unsold.
The family moved to Maryland, where she joined a literary critique group. There she wrote a collaborative effort with three other women, Ruth Glick, Carolyn Males and Eileen Buckholtz. The result was a romance novel, "Love is Elected", was published by Silhouette Books under the pseudonym Alyssa Howard. The foursome also wrote another novel, Southern Persuasion. The collaborators decided to split into groups of two. Louise wrote in collaboration with Ruth Glick under the pseudonyms Alexis Hill, Alexis Hill Jordan and Tess Marlowe, and in collaboration with Carolyn Males as Clare Richards and Clare Richmond. She also wrote alone under the pseudonyms of Anne Silverlock and Jane Silverwood. She published fantasy and mystery novels under her real name: Louise Titchener. She said: "I'm a story-teller; I'm not a romance writer, mystery writer, or suspense writer per se. I tell all different kinds of stories. I certainly would not recommend writing in so many genres to other writers -- it's not the way to build an audience or a career in today's market."
With their children grown, Louise and her husband decided to move from the Maryland suburbs to Baltimore's inner city so they could enjoy the harbor. Many of Louise's mysteries are set in Baltimore, including her historical series featuring Oliver Redcastle. Louise and her husband have recently migrated to Sarasota, Florida. When Louise isn't writing fiction, she paints, sails, bicycles and kayaks around her new home in Sarasota, Florida.
The family moved to Maryland, where she joined a literary critique group. There she wrote a collaborative effort with three other women, Ruth Glick, Carolyn Males and Eileen Buckholtz. The result was a romance novel, "Love is Elected", was published by Silhouette Books under the pseudonym Alyssa Howard. The foursome also wrote another novel, Southern Persuasion. The collaborators decided to split into groups of two. Louise wrote in collaboration with Ruth Glick under the pseudonyms Alexis Hill, Alexis Hill Jordan and Tess Marlowe, and in collaboration with Carolyn Males as Clare Richards and Clare Richmond. She also wrote alone under the pseudonyms of Anne Silverlock and Jane Silverwood. She published fantasy and mystery novels under her real name: Louise Titchener. She said: "I'm a story-teller; I'm not a romance writer, mystery writer, or suspense writer per se. I tell all different kinds of stories. I certainly would not recommend writing in so many genres to other writers -- it's not the way to build an audience or a career in today's market."
With their children grown, Louise and her husband decided to move from the Maryland suburbs to Baltimore's inner city so they could enjoy the harbor. Many of Louise's mysteries are set in Baltimore, including her historical series featuring Oliver Redcastle. Louise and her husband have recently migrated to Sarasota, Florida. When Louise isn't writing fiction, she paints, sails, bicycles and kayaks around her new home in Sarasota, Florida.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 29, 2024
I love historical fiction and this took place in 1880’s. The civil war was years before but still has a lingering feel on the country. A former Union soldier and Pinkerton agent is trying to start over where he can raise a family but fate has different plans.
I really enjoyed this and it was pleasantly realistic and intriguing. The characters were interesting and I loved the plot.
Thanks BooksGoSocial via NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this and it was pleasantly realistic and intriguing. The characters were interesting and I loved the plot.
Thanks BooksGoSocial via NetGalley.
March 23, 2021
1882 Ex-Pinkerton detective and former army sharpshooter, Oliver Redcastle is forced to investigate a railway explosion at the Carrolltown Viaduct which killed three men. Who and why was John D. Rockefeller's private railroad car sabotaged. But what secrets will his investigation reveal.
An entertaining historical mystery with a likeable main character. A good start to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining historical mystery with a likeable main character. A good start to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2022
Audiobook. 4 stars.
Though I enjoyed the premise, I had some issues with the book. However, I do hope to listen to more from this author.
Though I enjoyed the premise, I had some issues with the book. However, I do hope to listen to more from this author.
April 11, 2021
Oliver Redcastle has moved to live in Baltimore as he has inherited a townhouse from an aunt. He is stranger to bloodshed. As a Pinkerton Detective, then as a Union Army sharpshooter memories of the men killed haunt his days -- and his nights. He dreams of putting his past behind him and upon learning that he has an unexpected daughter gaining a sweet and peaceful life. Unfortunately,Oliver becomes involved in a railroad accident, the three fellows in the railroad crash — Enoch, Nutwell and Magruder. Enoch is killed. John D. Rockefeller wants the railroad accident solved. Oliver says no he doesn’t want to do it. Why? However he does investigate. Oliver hires a woman to help him get information he needs though is suspicious of her. Will he find out why the railroad accident happened?
In this exciting, thrilling mystery are twists and turns that had my complete attention. It has the abandoned child, a lady detective, and murder all written so smoothly incorporated that I never minded learning about Oliver’s character. He caught my interest as he found himself doing things that he wasn’t planning on, yet managed to not be discouraged. I look forward to reading his next Redcastle mystery.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
In this exciting, thrilling mystery are twists and turns that had my complete attention. It has the abandoned child, a lady detective, and murder all written so smoothly incorporated that I never minded learning about Oliver’s character. He caught my interest as he found himself doing things that he wasn’t planning on, yet managed to not be discouraged. I look forward to reading his next Redcastle mystery.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
August 26, 2020
Gunshy is a great introduction to a protagonist who is a 19th Century Jack Reacher/James Bond combination. The book takes place in post-Civil War Baltimore, where Oliver Redcastle has recently left the Pinkertons to settle down with his young daughter. However, the sharp-shooting detective can't escape his past. I loved all of the historical detail, with great descriptions of the streets, buildings, and wharves of Baltimore. The characters in this book were so well-written, that I am excited to follow them to the next book. I'm so glad this is the first in a series. If you like exciting historical fiction, I highly recommend Gunshy by Louise Titchener.
July 1, 2022
Gunshy
I like a good historical mystery. I especially like any around or after the Civil War. The story for this was very well constructed. I liked how they wove into it the war, the family (families), and post-war. The criminals were very run-of-the-mill, but the plot did have twists that were nice. My biggest complaint is that the book tied up everything much too quickly at the end. A little more explanation as to why the villains were doing what they were doing would have helped. A 4.3 out of 5 rating.
I like a good historical mystery. I especially like any around or after the Civil War. The story for this was very well constructed. I liked how they wove into it the war, the family (families), and post-war. The criminals were very run-of-the-mill, but the plot did have twists that were nice. My biggest complaint is that the book tied up everything much too quickly at the end. A little more explanation as to why the villains were doing what they were doing would have helped. A 4.3 out of 5 rating.
Read
November 28, 2025Late 1880's historical mystery with a former Pinkerton detective restarting his life in Baltimore, fully intent on creating a new life with his recently discovered young daughter. Only the powers that be won't allow him to walk away from his former life.
Very much enjoyed the post-civil war historical setting. Mystery was well done and I am def continuing the series. Narration is mid... it's not the most engaging narration I've ever listened to but enjoyable. The next book is live narration and the rest of the series is virtual voice, which is conflicting.
Very much enjoyed the post-civil war historical setting. Mystery was well done and I am def continuing the series. Narration is mid... it's not the most engaging narration I've ever listened to but enjoyable. The next book is live narration and the rest of the series is virtual voice, which is conflicting.
November 29, 2022
Fun read
Something completely different - a Yankee Civil War vet as a detective in 1882 Baltimore. Ms Titchener seems to have been a fly on the wall capturing small and large details of the era. She does a good job of tying up the details by the end. I may just try the next in the series.
Something completely different - a Yankee Civil War vet as a detective in 1882 Baltimore. Ms Titchener seems to have been a fly on the wall capturing small and large details of the era. She does a good job of tying up the details by the end. I may just try the next in the series.
January 3, 2023
Great new series
I'm not always a fan of 19th century stories , but this was a good one. I like mysteries to begin with, and I suppose it doesn't matter where or when they are sent, as long as they are interesting and exciting. This story was both of those things, so I will happily continue on the series.
I'm not always a fan of 19th century stories , but this was a good one. I like mysteries to begin with, and I suppose it doesn't matter where or when they are sent, as long as they are interesting and exciting. This story was both of those things, so I will happily continue on the series.
May 6, 2023
Very good detective story
I really enjoyed the setting and the atmosphere of the story. The hero is well developed and
whole person-not just one dimensional character. The setting is alive with sight and sounds of 19th century Baltimore. A very entertaining and well written detective story.
I really enjoyed the setting and the atmosphere of the story. The hero is well developed and
whole person-not just one dimensional character. The setting is alive with sight and sounds of 19th century Baltimore. A very entertaining and well written detective story.
May 29, 2021
Great start to new series
Very well written story, set in the late 1870's, of revenge, espionage, greed, murder and more. It drew me in from the first page and the diversity of the plot and sub plots held my attention throughout the book. Looking forward to reading book two.
Very well written story, set in the late 1870's, of revenge, espionage, greed, murder and more. It drew me in from the first page and the diversity of the plot and sub plots held my attention throughout the book. Looking forward to reading book two.
August 26, 2023
Gunshy
I enjoyed this book, and will read the others in the series. This one had a lot of twists and turns, and about the time I figured out what was going on, the plot took another twist.
I enjoyed this book, and will read the others in the series. This one had a lot of twists and turns, and about the time I figured out what was going on, the plot took another twist.
June 9, 2024
Redcastle to the Rescue
Redcastle and his skills provides the reader with a wind
Redcastle's adventures provide the reader with an introduction to the social issues of the
Gilded age.
Redcastle and his skills provides the reader with a wind
Redcastle's adventures provide the reader with an introduction to the social issues of the
Gilded age.
May 15, 2022
I enjoyed it very much and will continue the series.
July 9, 2022
Pretty good; not sure if I’ll stick around for Book 2, but…
My Full Review →
My Full Review →
July 10, 2022
Caught my interest
Oliver redcastle is a likeable and interesting character. The story moved along at a good pace. Looking forward to the next book.
Oliver redcastle is a likeable and interesting character. The story moved along at a good pace. Looking forward to the next book.
November 13, 2022
Quite wonderful
This book was meticulously researched, such marvelous details! I loved it! There are not many books Of this post civil war era. I learned a great deal.
This book was meticulously researched, such marvelous details! I loved it! There are not many books Of this post civil war era. I learned a great deal.
January 20, 2023
Enjoy kickoff to a series. Want to read more.
February 16, 2023
Fantastic
A great story about a detective back in the Gilded Age. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing about everyone in this story. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
A great story about a detective back in the Gilded Age. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing about everyone in this story. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
April 16, 2023
Quite enjoyable. I haven't read any books set in the aftermath of the civil war before but the ongoing rivalry seemed believable. Looking forward to the next book.
June 19, 2021
I was gifted an Audible version of this historical mystery. This is my voluntary review.
Set post civil war in Baltimore. Oliver Redcastle is coaxed into solving a fatal train mishap. The story is fascinating, discriptive, and action packed
All very well told. There are a lot of interesting characters. So many that I found it hard to keep them all straight without having the written word to refer to.
The narrator was easy to understand with lots of voices to discern the characters.
I enjoyed the Oliver Redcastle character so much I will be reading him again.
Set post civil war in Baltimore. Oliver Redcastle is coaxed into solving a fatal train mishap. The story is fascinating, discriptive, and action packed
All very well told. There are a lot of interesting characters. So many that I found it hard to keep them all straight without having the written word to refer to.
The narrator was easy to understand with lots of voices to discern the characters.
I enjoyed the Oliver Redcastle character so much I will be reading him again.
March 25, 2021
Another great whodunit in the likes of Agatha Christie. This was my first Oliver Redcastle mystery and I had a hard time putting it down. The characters are all interwoven at a period of time when America was at war with itself. As the plot thickens, your not sure who to trust and who's the good guy or the bad guy. The book is well written and full of surprises. Your always reading ahead to see who did what and just what happened next. I'd highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading another great mystery from Miss Tichener..
May 7, 2021
A genuine hero is at the head of this quirky, fast paced and engaging novel. His adventures take the reader from potential disaster to potential disaster and every step is completely thrilling! I feel like you could pick the main character up and put him in a 21st century setting and he’d take it in his stride. It was nice to have such relatable characters in a really interesting historical setting.
March 11, 2021
A fun concept done well by an author I’m reading for the first time. Taking hints from Ian Fleming and Lee Child, she develops an interesting character and places him in the 19th century with conflicts that keep the reader entertained and anxious for the rest of the series. I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
December 11, 2012
Very easy, quick read based on historical/murder mystery plot.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews