A Long Way from Clare

by Robert W. Smith

Conor Dolan, a young Irishman, travels to Chicago in 1903 to visit his older brother but finds only a mystery. His journey sparks a quest to peel away secrets and rediscover a dead sibling he idolized but never really knew as he strives to learn the true meaning of brotherhood.

His search reveals an Irish Republican plot to assassinate a visiting British royal. In the process, he is drawn into an alliance with two women: a mesmerizing Jewish widow and a struggling young Irishwoman. Each teaches Conor existential truths of life and love in her own way.

But the brother he finds may not be the brother he remembers. A Long Way from Clare is a story of Chicago's early twentieth century immigrants and one man’s struggle with both bigotry and injustice in an unforgiving city where no good deed goes unpunished.

Will Conor find the answers he desperately craves? Or will this trip punch a one-way ticket?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2023

About the author

Bob was raised in Chicago, enlisting in the Air Force at age eighteen during the Vietnam War. Following a year of language training at Syracuse University, he served four years as a Russian Linguist attached to the NSA. He attended DePaul University and The John Marshall Law School in Chicago on the G.I. Bill while working as a Chicago Transit Authority Police Officer. Thirty-odd years as a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago ensued. His first book was Immoral Authority (Echelon Press, 2002) followed by Catch a Falling Lawyer (New Leaf Books, 2005) and The Sakhalin Collection (New Leaf Books, 2007, hardcover). Running with Cannibals (Willow River Press) was released in 2022. A Long Way from Clare (Meryton Press) was released in January, 2023. The author has no criminal history of note.

http://www.robertsmithbooks.com

Reviews

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific piece of historical fiction; it's got everything: Chicago at the turn of the 19th century, immigrants, primarily 19th century Irish, corruption everywhere in the police, government, the Catholic Church, Irish Republican loyalists-all either at war or in alliance according to whatever is most expedient at a given time. Inject into this a cast of colorful characters, most of them of dubious character and yet often somewhat attractive in their moral ambiguity and exigency. The protagonist Conor Dolan, age 24 arrives from Springfield, Illinois in 1903, a new lawyer and essentially a naïf in this cauldron of activity. Those who know me know I could not help but be captivated with Dog, a scruffy three-legged canine who adopts Conor and develops a hankering for beer in his bowl. What follows is a fast-moving story of intrigue and mysteries that builds relentlessly to a satisfying denouement in which Conor is no longer a newbie. This 2023 novel cries out for a sequel or perhaps a series. Many thanks to my friend David Eppenstein for recommending the book.

[David Eppenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought and read this book on the recommendation of a former colleague. It appears that the author went to the same law school that I attended but he probably started about the time that I was finishing up and starting my career. After the author finished law school he seems to have followed me into criminal defense work in Chicago. From the photo in the book he looks familiar so I have probably seen him in the halls of the main criminal court house in Cook County known as 26th and Cal. I can't say that I ever had any dealings with the gentleman but after reading this book it appears that he has the imagination that is the most essential talent for a criminal defense lawyer.

When I started reading the book I thought okay this is going to be a 3 star read. The beginning of the book had me somewhat uncomfortable because I thought the opening scenario was too clumsy, contrived and based on that I was concerned about what was to follow. The author redeemed himself rather quickly, at least for this born and raised Chicagoan with a fascination for our local history. The story takes place in Chicago at the turn of the 20th century, 1903, and the tone and flavor of the story is true Chicago of that time. This period of time is probably Chicago's most colorful, corrupt, sleazy, depraved, violent, and glorious in its very complex history and the author does a very good job of recreating that time for the reader. So I guess you could fault me for being biased in favor of my hometown history but then the story is very nicely planted in this landscape of Gilded Age wheeler dealer corruption and ethnic hardships. The more I read the more my 3 star notions faded and my 4 star possibilities began to form. Then I got to the end and was gob smacked by a surprised climax that I never saw coming and the book hit the 5 star jackpot.

So what is the story about? It's about 2 Irish brothers from County Clare, Ireland. One brother, Kevin, being much older than his baby brother, Conor, takes his little brother to America after his family is evicted from their home. Kevin settles Conor with an uncle living in Springfield, Illinois while he joins the U.S. Calvary for a few years and then becomes a Chicago cop. The brothers rarely see each other but Kevin sends money to support Conor and his education. Conor becomes a lawyer and travels to Chicago for a surprise visit with Kevin who he hasn't seen in years. On arriving in Chicago Conor learns that Kevin is dead having committed suicide, something Conor just cannot accept as true. Conor decides to stay in Chicago and investigate the death of his brother. Conor moves into a flat and then opens an office to start a law practice. Conor learns that his brother's death is suspiciously dealt with by the police considering especially that Kevin was a cop whose body was found in full uniform. This is the start of story that becomes more and more involved as Conor is recruited to defend a young Irish woman that jumped from a bridge with her baby in her arms and is now charged with the murder of her infant. The woman's grief has her in a near catatonic state unable to communicate. Then we have Pinkerton detectives doing an undercover investigation of a possible plot to assassinate the visiting Prince of Wales by an underground Irish brotherhood in which Kevin may have been involved along with the chief of police. To this add an assortment of very colorful locals including a friendly bartender named Murph, a local parish priest with a girlfriend living in Chinatown, and then there's 3 legged dog named Dog with a fondness for Schlitz beer. How can you not love a book with an alcoholic 3 legged dog? This is a very entertaining read and I suspect, actually hope, that it is the beginning of a series. Enjoy.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turn of the (Twentieth) Century Chicago is a place and time where history is raw and heartbreaking, but seedy and dangerous for those of the lower and immigrant classes. I was keen to read the story of a young first generation Irish American come to this blustering city to find his older brother and ends up finding more than that. Robert Smith is a new to me author, but his careful research into the setting and background along with insight into the characters who make up his story drew me into Chicago’s past and left me richer for the experience.

Conor is a young Irish American lawyer from small town Springfield, Illinois. He’s on a journey of discovery. He wants to meet up with the older brother he idolizes so he makes his way to Chicago only to encounter that Kevin has died. Conor has to face that his brother, Kevin, was much more than the ex-Cavalry soldier who stopped in on him at their aunt and uncle’s once after moving him to America for their new start and the old picture he has of Kevin in Chicago police uniform. Conor came to finally get a chance to know his brother and Kevin’s death doesn’t end that search, but is the beginning. In his investigation, he meets intriguing people and unearths a dangerous Irish terrorist group and their plot to assassinate the Prince of Wales on his visit.

I liked Conor. He’s seen poverty as a child in Ireland, but then grows up with his uncle in small town America, fresh-faced and innocent of the corruption and grit he encounters when he goes looking for his older brother. He’s observant and thoughtful. He takes a sympathetic yet clear-eyed perspective which is needed for what he’s doing. In essentials, Conor holds true against some enticing and sometimes downright scary situations. Chicago is roiling with struggles of class, immigrants, political corruptions, and change as it grows as a modern city. Kevin was entangled in Irish republicanism and the political corruption as Conor discovers.
The way the story unfolds as Conor meets people along this journey of discovery was to my liking from the earliest encounter with the Spanish American soldier on the train, to the Irish woman Kevin was with. The female Jewish Pinkerton Agent, Rebecca, who Conor partnered on his brother’s case was the most fascinating for me since my weak spot is historical detecting and detectives.
Life was rough back then and Conor sees the harsh reality and is involved by being the legal aid to the young Irish woman who was in trouble for allegedly attempting to commit suicide with her baby on the bridge. People came for the promise of the American Dream and found more struggles.

Originally, I thought this was a historical mystery when I picked it up. There is that, but there is a mesh of genres from romance to thriller, but I think I’ll label it historical fiction since the historical context and Conor’s own story are the focus. I was very taken with the Irish American history come to life and the author’s writing style that tells a story- a full-blooded story that doesn’t gloss over realities or uncomfortable truths. Historical fiction fans should definitely add this one to the reading list.

I rec’d an eARC from Meryton Press to read in exchange for an honest review.


My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Apr 5th

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read
A well-written story about an Irish immigrant who became a lawyer and moved from Springfield to Chicago in search of the brother who saved him from poverty in Ireland and financed his upbringing and education in America.

Conor Dolan, an extremely likable young man, discovers the realities of a 1903 Chicago filled with corruption. His search for answers to the unanswered questions about his brother’s life brings him front and center into the web of an assassination plot against the Prince of Wales.

As Conor is introduced to many new acquaintances, some friendly and others not so much, and some more likeable than others, the reader is often left wondering who is friend or foe? Who can he really trust, and will he and his cohorts manage to thwart the evil plot in time to save lives? And at what cost?

I really enjoyed this fast-paced, well-written story, that had me wanting to keep turning the pages, even though real life was determined to pull me away. This isn’t my usual genre and I’m no expert, but I’m happy to recommend this book.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 *

A murder mystery + romance + a little Chicago history = an enjoyable read

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob Smith has crafted another powerful page-turner, and the setting of A Long from Clare (turn-of-the-century Chicago) crackles with vibrancy and rich period detail. Smith's story focuses on two brothers from Ireland and a sudden tragedy that shapes their lives as one travels to the big city to try to determine what truly happened. With a swiftness that is simultaneously thrilling and unmerciful, Smith delivers a tale of political intrigue, possible assassination attempts, and community in an emerging space and time for such a formative place: Chicago. I smile to think that my great-grandfather and grandmother would have crossed paths with these characters, breathed their same air (often polluted, to be sure), and wondered about the way power manifests itself in institutions, both official and unofficial, in a neighborhood so far from home. And as a coda, Smith continues his lifelong quest to do the impossible: make me believe that lawyers have souls. Highly recommended!

[D.K. Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The corned beef was lean and ruddy like the bartender's middle-aged face. He could pass as an Irish immigrant, Conor thought, but the accent was pure Chicago. “Good sandwich,” Conor managed to say while chewing. “Glad you like it,” the man said, smiling, hands on the bar. “New to the neighborhood?” Conor smiled. “How'd you guess?”

Chicago in the 1900s. For anyone who is enthralled by that setting and the possibilities which shadow that era – a world full of intrigue, secrecy, and corruption – then you are in for a treat. A Long Way from Clare by Robert W. Smith is a book you will not want to put down until the very last page. This incredibly researched novel follows the journey of Conor Dolan, initially as a young boy leaving Ireland with his brother for the shores of America, and then onto his adult life as a rookie lawyer seeking answers to his brother's death which opens the story.

It was a warm, damp morning for late fall with no trace of a breeze. The black and gray smoke from the stacks north of the river hovered over the city like a blanket, fouling the air and smothering the sidewalks, windows, and carriages with a fine black silt. Nothing escaped it, not even the squeaky-clean streets and fine mansions of Astor Street and Prairie Avenue. The difference was that the wealthy could make the grime disappear quickly so as not to damage the illusion.

Conor travels to Chicago where his brother worked as a police officer, and as the story shows, he knows very little of his brother's life in the Windy City. Years have passed without much contact, save for a few letters here and there, so this quest for answers leads Conor into the seedy underbelly of the lives of corrupt politicians, poverty-stricken women and children, and the volatile grumblings of the Clan na Gael, an Irish secret organization with designs to bring an end to British rule in Ireland.

Three women come into his life – his brother's former mistress, a red-headed Irishwoman with a child, whose situation strikes a chord with Conor... not to mention, his heart; a strong-willed Jewish woman named Rebecca who turns out to work for the infamous Pinkerton agency as a detective; and a young Irish girl facing prison. As he and Rebecca work together to unravel the secrets of his brother's life, and as he takes on the tragic case of this young Irish girl accused of jumping from a Chicago bridge to kill herself and her baby, this story unfurls like a satisfying cinematic movie with Conor's narrating Irish lilt lingering in your ear. The in-depth research infused within the story of the Clan na Gael and their desire to use any means necessary to bring an end to British rule in Ireland is eye-opening, as well as the travails of so many immigrants who wanted a better future in the States, yet only found more hardship and suffering under the hand of uncaring, manipulative monsters.

The depravity in men's hearts, however, was another matter entirely. It was as formless as a cloud and as pervasive as the air we breathe. It might confront you in your own home or in the street. It might draw you in without consent and force you to face demons in your own soul. … The ugliness one could see with one's eyes was bad, but the ugliness one could not see was infinitely worse. … If there were a natural scale of evil for the four iniquities, hate was the worst because the only way to fix it was to alter human nature. Nobody was immune to the iniquities.

The development of the narrative and the structure is so pleasing and well-put-together, with incredible ambiance and world-building, not to mention the inner workings and heart of the characters, especially Conor whose insight into humanity helps a reader connect with him on a very deep level.

And the dog... must say something about the dog. The author uses the dog as a device of symbolism and the result is pure perfection. Without giving too much away since this is a brilliant way to have a reader connect with the themes woven into the story line, and thus links the main character with the reader in an almost literary way, even with this being a tried and true historical detective mystery. A very enjoyable read and highly recommended.

He reflected finally upon his brother, the meaning of brotherhood, and the irreconcilable duality of human nature. It all made him appreciate the three-legged dog more than ever. Dog was immune to all the duplicity and did not understand the concepts of lies or hate or concealed motives. He liked a good steak or rib-bone now and again, shared his home with a needy stranger sometimes, and did not give a damn where another dog came from or what color he was. If only Dog could talk. What a conversation they would have over a Schlitz.

*****

“A Long Way from Clare” by Robert W. Smith receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fellow Mystery readers, here's an interesting one that will take you back to 1903.

Robert W. Smith's "A Long Way from Clare" is a gripping historical fiction that transports readers to the early 20th century, a time of immense change and challenge. The novel follows Conor Dolan, a young Irish lawyer who journeys to Chicago in 1903, only to be thrust into a whirlwind of mystery and intrigue upon discovering his brother's untimely death. Smith weaves a tale that is as much about the immigrant experience as it is a compelling mystery, offering a window into the lives of those who sought the American dream amidst the backdrop of a burgeoning yet unforgiving city. The narrative is rich with historical detail, capturing the essence of Chicago's rough-and-tumble streets, where every corner presents a new test of survival. Smith's portrayal of Conor's struggle with the city's lawlessness and his quest for justice is both authentic and captivating. The author's background as a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago lends a layer of depth and realism to the story as he deftly navigates the legal and societal complexities of the time.

"A Long Way from Clare" is not just a journey through the physical spaces of early Chicago but also an exploration of the emotional landscapes of its characters. Conor's interactions with a diverse cast, including a Jewish widow and a fellow Irish immigrant, reveal the multifaceted nature of identity and belonging. These relationships are the heart of the novel, providing poignant insights into the human condition. Smith's novel is a testament to the enduring power of family, heritage, and the quest for truth. It is a story that resonates with the struggles of the past while shedding light on the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for justice. For those who appreciate historical fiction with a strong sense of place and a compelling narrative, "A Long Way from Clare" is a journey worth taking. Get your copy today.

• ASIN: B0BS259XFD
• Publisher: Meryton Press
• Publication Date: 1/18/2024
• File Size: 4686 KB
• Print Length: 272 pages
• Genre: Historical Mysteries - Private Investigator Mysteries - Murder

[Brodie Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conor escapes hopeless childhood destitution in County Clare, Ireland, to Illinois with his big brother Kevin in the late 1800s. Years later, Conor travels from his law practice in Springfield, Illinois to check on his brother, who is now a policeman in Chicago, but Kevin has been found dead. Conor is not satisfied with the disposition of the case as a suicide and comes of age as he searches for the truth while finding his passion for protecting Chicago’s poor and downtrodden.

Turn-of-the-century Chicago comes alive in the graft of its ward politics, its seedy underbelly, as well as its progress, like the elevated train line and a new logistics tunnel under the city center. Conor uncovers an assassination plot with ties to his brother and the local Clan na Gael, a shadowy group that supports Irish Republicanism. He takes on the case of a young, abused Irish immigrant mother, and his handling of it attracts the interest of a powerful Irish-heritage politician.

The case and the investigation of his brother’s death become dual narratives where Conor explores the depravity, prejudices and oppression that are Chicago’s growing pains, as well as the complex nature of Irish social governance. He must decide how far he will go to seek justice, both for his client and his brother.

During this fairly short and fast-paced read, Conor connects with numerous memorable characters who collectively sketch an entertaining portrait of early Chicago. A Long Way From Clare is the author’s fifth novel, and readers will be hopeful that Conor and many of these characters return in another book, solving more mysteries as the city of broad shoulders grows up.

Was this review helpful? I am an avid reader of historical fiction and author, and more of my reviews can be found at www.brodiecurtis.com

[James Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A long way from Clare," Ireland, is Chicago where most of this historical fiction story takes place. One Irish brother, Conor, comes to the turn-of-the-century city in search of answers regarding the death of his older brother Kevin. The tale has elements of mystery, thriller, romance, and mob story, smoothly and intelligently tied together. Conor’s quest to learn about what befell his brother morphs into a quest to prevent the assassination by the Irish Republicans of an English royal set to visit the city. Especially interesting is the 1903 setting of Chicago, a city modern and growing fast, but one in which corruption and murder sometimes flourish. A fine story by a new voice in historical fiction. Highly recommended.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an energetic romp through a young lawyers life in the early 1900s! This page turner has so many twists and turns, while developing it's player's true characters. Truly an enjoyable read.