Pinkerton agent Garrett Lyons arrives in Chicago in 1882, close on the trail of the person who murdered his partner. He encounters a vibrant city that is striving ever upwards, full of plans to construct new buildings that will “scrape the sky.” In his quest for the truth Garrett stumbles across a complex plot involving counterfeit government bonds, fierce architectural competition, and painful reminders of his military past. Along the way he seeks the support and companionship of his friends—elegant Charlotte, who runs an upscale poker game for the city’s elite, and up-and-coming architect Louis Sullivan. Rich with historical details that bring early 1880s Chicago to life, this novel will appeal equally to mystery fans, history buffs, and architecture enthusiasts.
Silver Award winner for the IBPA Ben Franklin Award in the Mystery/Suspense category
Silver Award winner for the ForeWord Reviews IndieFab Awards in the Mystery category
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Praise for Honor Above All
“Bard-Collins’ detailed knowledge of building, architecture and Chicago history forms a solid base for a debut showcasing a hero reminiscent of Sam Spade.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Chicago history enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy Honor Above All…Bard-Collins gets everything right, from the opulence of the large hotels to the dustiness and grit of the streets. The inclusion of a disgraced state senator returning to public life after imprisonment feels like a nod to Chicago’s long history of political corruption. The book is packed with various aspects of unsavory deeds in 19th-century Chicago – vandalism on a building site, counterfeit government bonds, and Army cover-ups. At times, it felt as though a lot of plot lines were juggled, but in the end, I realized that they were skillfully woven together. And, what came through was a zest and appreciation for Chicago, undimmed by the corruption and greed of some characters. This is Bard-Collins’ first book, and I hope the first in a series. I’d love to see Lyons, Reid, Sullivan, et al., again.” —Ellen Keith, Historical Novels Review
“This debut is almost as much an architectural history as it is a mystery…Garrett is a likeable sleuth, and the supporting characters are equally appealing and colorful; Louis Sullivan is charming, and Garrett’s romantic interest, Charlotte Reid, runs high-stakes poker games. Fans of Walter Satterthwait’s mysteries featuring Pinkerton agents Jane Turner and Phil Beaumont will enjoy this series launch.”—Library Journal
“An historical novel embedded throughout with meticulously accurate details that bring early 1880s Chicago to life as a backdrop to a fascinating and engaging mystery/suspense story. Exceptionally entertaining from beginning to end…very highly recommended.” —Midwest Book Review
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Trade Paperback ♦ ISBN 978-0-9890535-7-0 ♦ $17.99
Ebook ♦ ISBN 978-0-9890535-8-7 ♦ $6.99
Available through Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.
FICTION/ Mystery & Detective/ Historical
6″ x 9″
312 pages
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