A new series is off to a good start with interesting characters set in a rather unique time frame; following the U.S. Civil War but from a British perspective. ( )

This book introduces the crime solving duo of Jason Redmond and Daniel Haze. Haze is a village constable who had a past as a London bobby but returned home at his wife's request after the death of their child. Redmond is a Civil War veteran who spent time in Andersonville and who is a doctor. He has recently inherited property and a title from his British grandfather.

When Haze comes to Redmond's home to ask questions after a murder is discovered in the local church's crypt, the two begin a partnership. Redmond acts as a medical examiner and, his curiosity aroused, helps investigate the crime. The two have an interesting partnership as their social classes let them investigate all levels of society.

I enjoyed the investigation. But most of all I enjoyed learning about these two well-rounded characters. Haze is dealing with a very depressed wife. And Redmond is dealing with the trauma of having been a brutalized prisoner of war. Redmond has a young ward who was also in Andersonville after being a drummer boy for his dead father's company.

Set in 1866, this was an engaging mystery with interesting characters. It is the first of a twelve-book series. ( )

1866 Captain Jason Redmond has arrived in Birch Hill to claim his inheritance of Redmond Hall. The day after his arrival a body of a young man is discovered murdered, in the crypt of the church, by Reverend Talbot. Parish Constable Daniel Haze investigates with the help of the captain.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with two very likeable main characters. A very good start to the series. ( )

DNF @ pg 70 the author has a real issue with info dumping and repetitive language. it's too bad, too, because the plot was interesting!!