Rebels of Babylon

Abel Jones #6

by Owen Parry

When a Yankee heiress is murdered in Civil War-era, Union-occupied New Orleans, prim Methodist detective Abel Jones launches an investigation that takes him from the French Quarter alleys, to nearby plantations, to the local bayous, in a case that is complicated by regional superstition. 30,000 first printing.

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

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

A pseudonym used by Ralph Peters

Reviews

[Phillip]

As I write this review, I see this is sixth in a line of books from the author. This explains a lot! From the very first page, I felt as if yours truly joined in the middle of a conversation that, ignorant of the backstory, didn't make a whole lot of sense. As the book progressed, I was able to piece together enough to make sense of the plot and enjoy the storyline. Had I known this was one book in a series (#6 nonetheless), more than likely I would not have read it. (Especially since this isn't the type of book I would ordinarily read anyway.) Please don't think I didn't enjoy the book. In fact, I had to chuckle to myself when reading about the main protagonist's time spent in the "antique shop". The reason for the chuckle is because it seemed so out of place to the rest of the story. Kind of like Hugo's description of Paris in his otherwise masterful work of art titled The Hunchback of Notre Dame. In the end, I suppose the book was worth reading. If you do, don't do as I did but read the first five books in the series.

[Gareld Butler]

I enjoy the main character, Abel Jones, in this series. He is quirky, with a blunt, religious view of the world and all those around him. The contrast with the world he is dropped into in New Orleans - with voodoo and supposedly sophisticated people who lie with nearly every breath. He is truly a fish out of water but has a case to solve and a determination that allows him to work through every obstacle. This was a light but very enjoyable book. I just wish he had chosen to continue the series.

[Waverly Fitzgerald]

I loved the early novels Abel Jones for their look at the underbelly look at a Civil War where the real problems were not battles or ideals, but how many shoes could be manufactured and distributed to the soldiers or the ineffectiveness of certain Generals. And Parry is a virtuoso at reproducing the historical voices of a diverse cast of characters. He does on paper what Trevor Noah does so well in person.
But as the series has gone along, the crimes have become more and more grotesque, a trend which seems to be infecting all of historical fiction. This book, which seems to be the last in the series, is a fascinating tour of the seamy side of New Orleans, which is always fascinating, but certain scenes, especially the voodoo rite near the end of the book, seem not only gratuitous but exploitative and historically inaccurate, with its blend of imagery from witch trials and voodoo rituals.
It appears that Parry never wrote another Abel Jones mystery and that's OK with me. He wraps everything up quite neatly in this fifth book, sending Abel home to his wife and his business ventures, sick and tired of the brutality of war. Like him, I don't know if I could read another one. My question is why did his vision grow so dark and twisted? Was he following the marketplace or is that the inevitable path of the author of crime fiction who needs to explore new territory?

[Marsha]

This book is part of a series about a union army officer who investigates murders during the civil war. In this entry Abel Jones is sent to New Orleans to investigate the death of a wealthy northern man's daughter who was found dead after traveling there to "help" former slaves.

Fast paced and alive with period detail and atmosphere, Abel is drawn into the underbelly and hypocrasy of New orleans in order to determine the events leading to the girl's death. Definitely worth looking into other books in this series.

[Jack Purple]

Jack Purple
English Period 2
11/1/17
Book Bingo Category: Whodunnit?
Pages:338

1863 New Orleans - Abel Jones, a redcoat turned federal agent is sent to investigate the death of wealthy New York heiress who washed up on the beach. In his journey, he confronts massive intrigue networks, the local's dark voodoo powers, and the simmering racial tensions that permeates the city.

I gave this book a 5/5 because not just does Parry present an engaging, living city in his writing, but he also gave his characters a distinctive stylization that reflects the place and time very well.

[Patrick Barry]

This is the 6th Abel Jones tale and it finds him in New Orleans in 1863 investigating the murder of a Northern heiress and abolitionist. It does not go well. In quick succession he is kidnapped, buried alive, in a gunfight, has a run in with a poisonous snake and is paralyzed by a charm. Just another day in the office for Abel. The book makes Abel more frivelous and I think it was a precursor to the author ending the series. Sometimes there are no more tales to tell.

[Doug]

Took this with me to Cayamo cruise to have a poolside read. Parry’s series is a favorite although this one is not. A bit too New Orleans strange but has some of the usual commentary of its time. Just a re read

[Irene]

Interesting story. Voodoo disgusting.

[Anne Laurent]

Another Great One

Owen Parry never misses and this one did not disappoint. Rollicking good mystery with all the usual fabulous characters! Huzzah!

[Sarah]

"Another Civil war era novel?!" I hear you say. Or as my husband asked "What is up with you and the Civil War lately?!" . Much to my husband's dismay I've added Gettysburg to our movie list, moved it to the top and intend to watch it the moment it arrives. It's all Michael Shaara's fault. I'm still babbling on to anyone who will listen about how brilliant I found The Killer Angels.

In regards to Rebels of Babylon, the book was well written...The characters voices quite appropriate for the period. The setting of New Orleans during the Civil War is marvelously detailed. It's easy to get a strong sense of the period from the great deal of research the author must have done. The story is fast paced, exciting and believable.

I wanted to like this book, I really did, yet I had a difficult time truly enjoying it. I found the main character, Abel Jones, to be a self righteous jerk. The man is a total and complete prick. I just could not like him or truly invest myself in such a disagreeable character. He whined constantly during internal monologues and he had the tendency to harp on and on about his faith. He was also a bit of a bigot and a hypocrite. Some books you're not intended to like the protagonist. I would argue in a detective series liking the lead character is imperative. Try as I may I could not like him. I tried to tell myself because he is so flawed he is more real, more human. Sorry it did not work. I still heartily disliked him.

The book had promise but unfortunately I found myself sorely disappointed.

[Donna]

Abel Jones finds himself in the middle of New Orleans just after the city is taken. This tale is darker than the other books as Abel is sent to investigate the murder of the daughter of a prominent Washington politician. It seems her murder has lead Abel into the midst of the darkness of New Orleans with voodoo and all sorts of strange events surrounding him. There is a cast of many diverse characters awaiting you as you read this, the last novel so far in the series. I am, as always, looking forward to another.

[LemonLinda]

Another Abel Jones Civil War mystery to solve and this one is set in New Orleans. Abel is sent to solve the murder of a young heiress who travels south in an attempt to relieve the. Suffering of the former freed slaves. He enters an arena where multiple cultures clash - voodoo meets Yankee soldiers that are now holding the city who enter into some dirty dealings with Confederate wealth and wealth seekers. And it all combines to bring about multiple murders some of which are done in a most gruesome and gory manner. But Abel Jones comes through and justice prevails.

[Jack]

The sights, the sounds, and yes, even the smells of Civil War New Orleans - what a treat.
The one thought as I read this story - I wonder if they could make this into a movie?
You have all of the elements: murder, voodoo, racial tensions and a cast of characters running from the bizarre and eccentric to down right scary.

[Dennis]

Pity that this appears to be the last of the "Abel Jones" series of novels. Published in 2005 - ten years ago - it ends with "The adventures of Able Jones will continue!" It would seem that the author has moved on to other projects, but I do hope to see another book in this series one day.

[Bob Caroti]

Not bad .... civil war mystery novel, apparently one of many about a Major Able Jones who finds himself in New Orleans near the end of the war and gets involved with some interesting characters with slaves, voodoo, murder and all that great period stuff. An entertaining read!

[Carlotta]

Voodoo mystery with a Civil War twist and an interesting insight to a soldier's religious view of war.

[Stephen Heverin]

Rebels of Babylon (Abel Jones Mysteries) by Owen Parry (2006)

[Barry Parham]

Very good story, with a wonderfully-drawn set of characters. It turns out there are other "Abel Jones" stories by Mr. Parry, so I will find them. Highly recommended!

[Tom]

I hope that "Parry" is working on another Abel Jones book!

[Rick]

The final book in Owen Parry's Civil War sextet featuring Major Abel Jones. What a great ending to a fantastic series! highly recommended if you like really good historical fiction.

[Michele]

Glad I picked this one up. Fun, lots of plot twists.

[Joe]

A Civil War mystery. The best of the series so far.