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The Abel Jones series, penned by Owen Parry, is a captivating collection of historical mysteries set in the early 19th-century United States. This riveting series takes readers on a journey through American history, delving into the complexities of the period while weaving intricate and suspenseful tales. At the heart of the series is Abel Jones, a philosophical and astute Welshman who emigrates to Philadelphia in pursuit of a better life. Jones, a former soldier and a man of deep moral conviction, becomes an insurance agent, a profession that allows him to delve into the lives and secrets of the city's most influential citizens. This unique occupation provides Jones with the perfect cover to investigate the darker corners of society, uncovering crimes and conspiracies that threaten the very fabric of the young nation. In the first book, "Darknald's Terror," Jones is tasked with solving a series of arsons that have been plaguing the city's shipyards. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that reaches the highest levels of power. In "The Iron Traitor," Jones must navigate the treacherous world of politics and espionage to expose a traitor within the American ranks, while in "The America Ground," he is drawn into a complex web of intrigue surrounding a disputed piece of land on the English coast. Owen Parry, the pseudonym of award-winning author Sharyn McCrumb, masterfully blends historical detail with suspenseful storytelling in the Abel Jones series. Parry's meticulous research and vivid prose transport readers to the early 1800s, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and political tensions of the era. The series offers a fascinating look at the birth of the United States, exploring the ideals and conflicts that shaped the nation. Abel Jones is an engaging and relatable protagonist, whose moral compass and intelligence make him a formidable detective. Readers will be drawn into his world, captivated by the intricate mysteries he unravels and the rich historical tapestry that surrounds him. The Abel Jones series is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and suspense, offering a unique and thrilling exploration of early American history.
Caleb Carr
The Alienist
Fans of Abel Jones will enjoy The Alienist for its historical setting and thrilling mystery. Set in 1896 New York City, a series of murders of boy prostitutes has the city on edge. A team of investigators, including a criminal psychologist known as an 'alienist,' must use the latest forensic techniques to track down the killer.
Learn MoreDeborah Blum
The Poisoner's Handbook
For readers who enjoy the historical aspects of Abel Jones, The Poisoner's Handbook is a must-read. This non-fiction book tells the story of the early days of forensic science in the 1920s and 30s, as a pioneering medical examiner and a determined chemist team up to solve some of the most baffling poisoning cases in New York City.
Learn MoreMichael Chabon
The Yiddish Policemen's Union
Fans of the Abel Jones series will appreciate the noir style and intricate plotting of The Yiddish Policemen's Union. In an alternate history where Israel was destroyed in 1948 and Jews were granted a temporary homeland in Alaska, a detective must solve a murder that could have far-reaching consequences for the Jewish community.
Learn MoreErik Larson
The Devil in the White City
Readers who enjoy the historical aspects of Abel Jones will be captivated by The Devil in the White City. This non-fiction book tells the story of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago and the serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims. With its richly detailed setting and gripping narrative, this book is a must-read for history buffs and mystery lovers alike.
Learn MoreUmberto Eco
The Name of the Rose
Fans of Abel Jones's intellectual pursuits will enjoy The Name of the Rose, a historical mystery set in a medieval monastery. A Franciscan friar and his young apprentice must solve a series of murders that seem to be connected to a forbidden book. With its intricate plot and richly drawn characters, this book is a classic of the genre.
Learn MoreConnie Willis
The Doomsday Book
Readers who enjoy the time-travel aspect of Abel Jones will be fascinated by The Doomsday Book. In this science fiction novel, a historian from the year 2054 travels back to the 14th century to study the Black Death. But when she arrives, she finds herself in the midst of a deadly epidemic that threatens to destroy everything she knows.
Learn MoreChina Miéville
The City & the City
Fans of Abel Jones's exploration of different communities and cultures will be intrigued by The City & The City. In this novel, two cities occupy the same physical space, but their inhabitants are forbidden from interacting with each other. When a woman is murdered in one city, a detective from the other must solve the case without breaking the law.
Learn MoreMichael Connelly
The Lincoln Lawyer
Readers who enjoy Abel Jones's legal battles will be hooked by The Lincoln Lawyer. In this novel, a defense attorney who operates out of his Lincoln town car takes on a high-profile case that could make or break his career. But as he digs deeper, he uncovers a web of corruption that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.
Learn MoreMichael Connelly
The Black Echo
Fans of Abel Jones's gritty detective work will be drawn into The Black Echo. In this novel, a veteran detective must solve the murder of a fellow Vietnam War veteran, who was found in a drainpipe in Los Angeles. As he investigates, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to destroy the city's most vulnerable communities.
Learn MoreVal McDermid
The Wire in the Blood
Readers who enjoy Abel Jones's psychological insights will be captivated by The Wire in the Blood. In this novel, a criminal psychologist teams up with a detective to track down a serial killer who is terrorizing the north of England. As they delve deeper into the killer's mind, they uncover a dark and twisted world that threatens to consume them both.
Learn MoreAlex Michaelides
The Silent Patient
Fans of Abel Jones's exploration of the human psyche will be intrigued by The Silent Patient. In this psychological thriller, a criminal psychotherapist is hired to treat a woman who has refused to speak since she was accused of murdering her husband. As he delves deeper into her past, he uncovers a series of secrets that threaten to destroy everything he thought he knew.
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