Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
The Killing Breed
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Mark Graham
Class/Genre: Mystery Historical Police Procedural
Avon Twilight, $5.99, 272 pp.
In 1874 Philadelphia, police detective Wilton McCleary enjoys his job, protecting his fellow citizens from the criminals. However, the former Civil War vet soon finds himself embroiled in two different cases that take him to the seamier side of the city.
A valuable canine, Jocko, has been dognapped. The dog's owner, Bunker, has received a ransom note, demanding $10,000 or else Jocko will be murdered. Since Jocko is an expert at ratting matches, he easily brings in that sum and more to his owner. Bunker wants Wilton to rescue his dog. At the same time, Edwin Munro, a child, is kidnapped with his abductors asking for $10,000 from the lad's father Archibald. The only witness is Edwin's brother Stephen. It is up to Wilton to solve both abductions without harm coming to the victims.
THE KILLING BREED is an impressive debut novel that will elate fans of historical mysteries. The two prime plots intelligently blend into a cohesive and highly intelligent story line. Wilton is a fabulous character and the secondary cast helps bring post Civil War Philadelphia into clear focus. If this novel is any indication of the future, Mark Graham has a long career ahead as the author of the Wilton McCleary historical police procedural.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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