Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Coal Bones
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Karen Rose Cercone
Class/Genre: Mystery Historical
Berkley, Jan 1999, $5.99, 288 pp.
In 1906 Pennsylvania, the robber barons own the coalmines and railroads. They also control the law enforcement officials such as the County Detectives Bureau where corruption is rampant and the wealthy are assisted on their schemes. Detective Milo Kachigan is the rare honest cop. He is punished for his efforts by being transferred to the small town of Tarentun in the middle of coal country. Currently, the area is filled with conflict between union organizers trying to gain a toehold and owners wanting to maintain the status quo.
The workers are poised to strike, but Milo has other problems to deal with when a miner is found dead at the Sedgewick Coal and Coke Company. No one can identify the murder victim. As Milo seeks answers, the Black Hand mob enters the picture since the suspect wears their tattoo. Soon, all hell breaks loose as mines are dynamited, riots occur, and Milo and his girl friend are kidnapped.
Karen Rose Cercone paints a very gray picture of early twentieth century Pittsburgh and the surrounding towns at a time when unions are being formed and the women's movement is just beginning. The Faustian relationship between the law and the robber barons adds depth to the unusual, but grim imagery of a powerful story line. Milo and his girl friend add strength, compassion, and humor as well as insight into the socialist and suffragette movements. COAL BONES is a great work by a rising star.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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