Abel Jones is an unlikely hero. A Welshman, he served with British forces in India as a non-commissioned officer until he rebelled against killing. Now living in the United States, he had no intention of becoming involved in the American Civil War, but when he saw the sad state of training local boys were getting, he gradually assumed command and became Captain of his unit. A severe leg injury at Bull Run has left him lame.

His most recent assignment with the Army has been to assemble clothing and other supplies for the troops in the face of wide-spread graft and corruption. Small of stature and unprepossessing in appearance, his rare honor and unusual abilities are not apparent to those who judge only on superficial image. He is devoted to his wife and young son who live in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Jones begins his criminal investigation by interviewing Fowler’s mother. The widow of a missionary to China, she lives in luxury and seclusion in Philadelphia. Jones recognizes the strict moral upbringing that molded Fowler’s character.

He ostensibly takes over Fowler’s position in Washington where he meets the other officers, long-time friends, who shared his office. Jones endures their hostile treatment. He discovers that Fowler had evidence of fraud by a military supplier. Was Fowler killed to cover up criminal activity, or was there some other darker and less obvious reason?

All the story’s actions are described through the eyes of the first-person narrator, Abel Jones. Modest and scrupulously honorable, Jones has a unique voice and an astute outlook on the actions of characters both lowly and highly placed. The story’s characters, from his loyal wife to his stolid German landlady to Fowler’s disreputable comrades, come alive in his narration. His observations and commentary enliven the whole tale. There are sufficient hints that there are more hidden secrets than just the identity of Fowler’s murderer. The hero’s complex history is only gradually revealed over the course of the book.

I have had read any number of books that launched a new mystery series, but rarely have I read one that did it so smoothly. A first book has to introduce the continuing characters, establish relationships, and open possibilities for further adventures. With its excellent writing, the highly readable Faded Coat of Blue launches this new historical mystery series in first class fashion.

A final scene opens the door to a whole range of possibilities for future mysteries and promises future adventures featuring Jones. He’s a welcome newcomer in the mystery genre, and I look forward to spending more time with this unusual and engaging hero. I urge readers to seek out this engrossing and original historical mystery and look for those to come.

--Lesley Dunlap