This was an interesting novel with real characters, and the story was interesting and unique. I enjoyed the bits of truth interwoven into the fictional story and made this a really fun, historical read.

I received this book free from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The mystery was intriguing not to mention twisty enough that I never saw the end coming. What I really enjoyed is the depth of research done by the author to make the story, not only interesting, but gives us background on a future president. Definitely a worthwhile read.

I keep saying how uncomfortable I am with real people being used as characters in novels … but I keep reading novels in which real people are used as characters. I'm a masochist, I guess? But in this case I found it hard to resist a novel featuring Abraham Lincoln. Come on, I saw Ken Burns's <I>Civil War</i> during my formative years – as much as any human being can be a hero, he's always been it for me. By this point in my life I've become too jaded to really see anyone as a full-fledged hero (except maybe <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janusz_Korczak">Janusz Korczak</a>, or <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/alexander-kronemer/noor-inayat-khan-muslim_b_5785576.html>Noor Khan</a>), but … still. Lincoln. Afraid as I was of mishandling, I wanted to see him run as a character (to go a bit D&D on you), depicted not as the president, not as the public figure, <I>not</i> as a hero, but as a man. I wanted a book by a really great writer who knows Abraham Lincoln inside and out and can channel his voice, make me learn more about him in all his roles.

Oddly, though, it didn't feel like there was that much Lincoln in this book. Which I mean two ways: first, he wasn't the central focus; his friend Speed was. I was interested in Speed – but a novel about his adventures wasn't what I hoped for. Second … the Lincoln that did appear in the story felt like a cardboard cutout – a paper doll of Young Lincoln moved through the plot as necessary.

I just wasn't entirely convinced by … any part of this, really. The courtroom scenes felt like something from primetime tv with a thin gloss of 19th century. The story was … fine; it kept me reading through to the end, and no part of it ever annoyed or offended me enough to make me quit. But I don't feel any need to read more of the series.

The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.

A rather decent read I was set to rate 4 stars until I reached the very end, at which point it easily became five stars. A pre-civil war era story with a twisting plot. The setting is the Mighty Mississippi River in the early days of steam boat paddle wheelers as well as assorted other river vessels. Love, murder, thievery, riots, slavery and the story of the judges and lawyers of the times, traveling from county to county doling out justice, representing defendants, prosecuting law breakers with the constant turmoil provided by those for and against slavery. At the end, reading the authors notes, I discover the nuggets of historical fact regarding one of the lawyers, a Mr. Lincoln, first name Abraham, yes that one, living a life of near poverty. Not in this book but perhaps in an upcoming book in this series, he went on to become President of our nation, and most of us know how that turned. Nice job by Mr. Putnam authoring this series.

Perish From the Earth by Jonathan F. Putnam is the second book I've read this year about riverboats and intrigue during the the early 1800s. (The first being Martha Conway's The Underground River). Both include historically accurate topics and events, and even a few people from history.

Putnam's book takes it a bit further, in that most of the main characters are people who existed in history. (Thanks, Wikipedia!) Joshua Speed, the son of a Kentucky judge and planter, owns a general store in a Springfield, Illinois. During the 1830s, Speed shared a room with the young lawyer and state legislator Abraham Lincoln. In addition, several of the other characters are true historical people.

Speed is at the center of this novel, but don't get the idea that Perish From the Earth is dry and boring. In fact, it's a solid whodunit mashed up with police and legal procedurals. But don't forget the procedures are from 1836, so hanging is still the alternative to innocence. That adds a layer of intensity to the stakes!

Speed and Lincoln must team up to investigate a murder, and defend an alleged criminal. The action takes place in Alton, Illinois, a town just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. Other locations include a steamboat owned by Joshua's father, Judge Speed.

Jonathan Putnam does a great job of incorporating true historical details into the story, while still maintaining an exciting plot. I could feel the tension, while also gaining perspective on the social and political issues of the time. Plus, I just straight out like Speed and Lincoln as people.

One reason I picked up this book is it's set one town over from my college town. Of course, it's set 150 years earlier than I was there! Even so, some landmarks from the story were around when I was in college, so I enjoyed the walk down memory lane.

This second novel in the series reads enough like an independent book that I wasn't worried about missing plot elements. In fact, I liked Putnam's writing style and the characters enough to snag the first book in the series for future reading. This is definitely a great historical fiction mystery - not too heavy and not too light. Perfect for summer!

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Blending a great deal of history with a believable, though fictional, story, takes talent and skill. Jonathan F. Putnam had done just that.

My acquaintance with Lincoln began and ended with his Presidency. “Perish From The Earth” takes the reader back to an earlier time in Lincoln’s career when he served as a circuit riding lawyer in Illinois. We are introduced to his best friend and roommate from that era, Joshua Speed. Similarly, we are introduced to Lincoln’s co-workers, prosecutors, and judges. Others from that era that make an appearance also have their roots in the history along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The mid-19th-century river boat culture takes on a life of its own as the story develops. Wrapped in a mystery and a courtroom scene in the town of Alton, IL, worthy of a great 20th-century writer, the who, what, where, and why’s, that make this story engrossing, readable, and exciting.

For any fan of Lincoln, for any fan of historical fiction, and for any fan of great courtroom drama, this book should quickly become a must read. The author hints that more may be coming - I do not want to wait, I want more now!
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Thanks Crooked Lane Books and netgalley for this ARC.

I'll never think of Lincoln or the Civil War the same after reading this series. It's history sneaked in with the mystery that never comes across as a history lesson. I love the camaraderie and brother/sister drama that rounds out the story.

I enjoyed his book because of its historical roots. Seeing Lincoln as a young lawyer, just starting out was interesting. The plot involving Speed and Lincoln trying to uncover the real story of a murder will appeal to many young readers.

Engrossing. Hard to put down. Historical mysteries that aren't "cozy" are always a treat. This is far more. Fabulous characters. Loved Lincoln.

1837 and Joshua Speed just manages to board the steamboat War Eagle, owned by his father as it travelled up the Mississippi River.
Meanwhile new lawyer Abraham Linclon is on the circuit in Illinois hearing cases, when they meet up later on shore and discover a body. A body of a man who while recently on board the steamboat had lost all his money. Speed encourages Lincoln to defend the accused, while he aims to discover proof of innocence.
A very enjoyable introduction for me to this series, some good rounded characters and a well constructed mystery.

Is this fan fiction about Abraham Lincoln or a good historical mystery/legal novel? It's both. Keep in mind that Joshua Speed is the main character, not Lincoln but it's fun to watch Abe as a lawyer, not as a President. I liked the atmospherics on the riverboat and the courtroom scenes. The mystery isn't too twisty but it will keep you guessing. The card game, which I know is integral to the plot, went on a bit too long for me but that's ok because I learned a few things. Try this one for something different that's pretty entertaining and well written. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I hadn't read the first book and that wasn't a problem; I'm going to look for the next one.

I found the pace of this book to be a bit slow and unengaging. I did not find the characters particularly personable. While not in any way a bad book, I found that I simply lost interest.

Nice historical fiction mystery with Abraham Lincoln as friend to Joshua Speed, son of a steamboat owner, who is trying to determine why the captain of the ship keeps shorting his father of the money owed to him. Joshua's inquiries into what is happening aboard ship leads to a murder, and Lincoln, as a lawyer travelling the circuit, is called to defend the accused.

Set in the pre-civil war, slave-owners vs abolishionists, days we get a glimpse of a young Abe Lincoln already pondering the events of the day and holding true to his beliefs. An interesting read.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this mystery.

Thanks Crooked Lane Books and netgalley for this ARC.

A twisted, puzzling, and sparky murder mystery that continues a strong series in the capable hands of Jonathan F Putnam. You wont' see the finale coming which make all the more cool.

This is the second time Lincoln and Speed have been paired together to solve a mystery. In this case, they are trying to prove the innocence of a young artist accused of murdering a fellow passenger on a riverboat. Speed has only a few short weeks to find the real murderer before Lincoln must defend his client in front of the judge, who is already prepared to declare him guilty. At the same time, Speed must also uncover how the captain of the same riverboat is cheating his family of the money owed to them. Speed seems to alternate between clever and naïve when on his own, but shines best when working with either his daredevil sister or Lincoln. Lincoln himself is a delight, coming across as witty and rather mischevious rather than the grave portrayal from his later years as president. One of the best parts of the story is the historical detail. The author has clearly done his research and has worked many interesting details of riverboat life and the early circuit court system.

First and foremost, this is excellent historical fiction. Second, I love the fact that it's a fictional account of actual historical figures. (There are even some fun cameos by historical celebrities before they were famous) As an attorney myself, this book holds a special interest for me. I was intrigued by the history of the circuit riding court and the parallels to today's legal system. I also found the trial scenes to be very realistic.

The plot is well-paced, and the book kept my interest up throughout. This was my first read in this series, but I would definitely go back and check out book 1, and read more going forward. I feel like this book set the stage for following Lincoln on his road to the presidency - painting a vivid picture of his morals and values, and what eventually led him to believe he had to do more than just win justice in the courtroom. I hope the series will continue through his journey into office.

Fans of historical fiction and legal fiction alike will find plenty to enjoy here. This book will certainly appeal to a wide audience.

Fantasy with historical figures that illustrate fairness and not so fair choices and consequences.

I received a free electronic copy of this historical novel from Netgalley, Jonathan F. Putnam, and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all, for sharing your hard work with me.

In this day and time of political turmoil, unrest and blatant racism, a review of President Lincoln's speech addressing the Young Men's Lyceum in Springfield, Illinois on January 27, 1838 is very relevant. It is offered as a Historical Note in this novel. The importance of 'rule of law' is vital to ALL of our freedoms and safety.

I have always been interested in Abraham Lincoln and his time in history, and this novel based on his days as an eager new lawyer riding the circuit with his friend Joshua Speed is a fast and enlightening read.Jonathan F. Putnam put in a great amount of time with researching this time, place, and people, and he shares with us much of that in the endnote. This is a book I am happy to recommend to friends and family.

Just AWESOME good ole fashion mysteries...great story and great characters!

A fascinating look at Lincoln's early career as as a lawyer on the circuit, combined with a good whodoneit makes for a fun read.