📖 Overview
A Marked Man continues Abigail Adams's adventures as an amateur detective in 1774 colonial Boston. When a British customs agent is murdered, Abigail must work to clear the name of a young lawyer who stands accused of the crime.
The investigation leads Abigail through Boston's turbulent political landscape during the buildup to the American Revolution. She navigates both the tensions between loyalists and patriots, and the complex social hierarchy of colonial society.
The novel combines historical accuracy with elements of mystery and suspense. Real historical figures like John Adams and Samuel Adams appear alongside fictional characters in pre-revolutionary Boston.
This second book in Hamilton's Abigail Adams mystery series explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the price of political conviction in a time of growing unrest. The portrait of colonial Boston provides context for understanding the human motivations behind historical events.
👀 Reviews
Readers note that this historical mystery effectively captures colonial Boston's atmosphere and politics. Many appreciate how Hamilton portrays Abigail Adams as both a strong-willed investigator and a historically accurate character.
Readers highlight:
- Detailed research and period authenticity
- Complex mystery plot that incorporates real historical events
- Development of the Adams family relationships
Common criticisms:
- Slow pacing in the middle sections
- Some find the political details overwhelming
- Several readers mention confusion about the large cast of characters
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (243 ratings)
Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings)
"The historical details make you feel like you're really there," writes one Amazon reviewer, while a Goodreads user notes "the mystery takes too long to get moving."
Many readers compare it favorably to the first book in the series, The Ninth Daughter, though some say the plot is not as compelling.
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A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch A gentleman detective and his best friend solve murders in Victorian London while navigating aristocratic society.
The Silver Bear Shop and Murder by Christine Husom A mystery shop owner in Minnesota becomes entangled in local murders connected to her store's merchandise.
A Test of Wills by Charles Todd An inspector from Scotland Yard investigates a murder in post-WWI England while dealing with his own war trauma.
Face of a Killer by Robin Burcell An FBI forensic artist works to solve cold cases while uncovering connections to her father's murder.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔍 A Marked Man is the second book in Barbara Hamilton's Abigail Adams mystery series, blending real historical figures with fictional murder investigations.
🗽 The author, Barbara Hamilton, is a pen name for Barbara Hambly, who has written numerous historical novels and fantasy series under different names.
👩⚖️ Abigail Adams, the protagonist, was a real historical figure who became the second First Lady of the United States and was known for her intelligence and strong political opinions.
⚔️ The book is set in 1774 Boston, during the tumultuous period leading up to the American Revolution, when tensions between colonists and British authorities were at their peak.
📜 The murder mystery plot involves a British customs agent accused of murder, reflecting the genuine historical conflicts between colonial merchants and British tax collectors during this period.