From the bestselling author of the American in Paris mysteries featuring Julia Child&’s best friend, and the Phyllida Bright mysteries featuring Agatha Christie&’s fictional housekeeper, this captivating mystery stars resourceful Adam Quinn, President Lincoln&’s new aide, as war—and murder--test his skills like never before . . .April 13, 1861: Rebel troops are across the Potomac River, only 800 feet from the White House and President Lincoln—but a murderer is even closer . . . As the Civil War begins, an invasion of Washington, D.C., seems imminent. Lincoln&’s trusted aide, Adam Speed Quinn, and Quinn&’s old friend, Senator Jim Lane, hastily assemble a motley crew of just over 100 men and garrison them in the East Room at the White House. But even as dawn breaks, a single act of violence intrudes. One of the Frontier Guard lies dead in the oval library, throat slit ear to ear. There is a murderer among them. Lincoln promptly assigns Quinn to deal with the matter, who is in turn aided by journalist Sophie Gates, and Dr. George Hilton. To Quinn&’s chagrin, Southern belle Constance Lemagne insists on being involved in the investigation as well. But when Dr. Hilton examines the body, he makes a startling discovery that overturns all Quinn&’s assumptions about the murder. With his president at grave risk from without and within, Quinn must act quickly to catch the White House killer . . . Praise for the author&’s previous mysteries &“Exhilarating. . . . Sure to please.&” —The New York Times Sunday Book Review &“Wonderfully witty . . . deliciously dark and delightfully entertaining.&” —The Chicago Tribune &“[This] novel is a well-oiled machine . . . the authentic historical framework . . . the compelling personalities.&” —School Library Journal
