Second in Parry's praised Civil War series (after Faded Coat of Blue), thisuncommonly engaging historical drama, the second to feature AbelJones-Union officer, reluctant detective, and loyal confidential agent forPresident Lincoln-stirs the imagination with its vivid color, grippingsuspense and wartime historical accuracy. In the winter of 1862, MajorJones, an immigrant Welshman now in the Union Army, is sent to northern NewYork to investigate rumors of an Irish insurrection among those who opposethe war. Two federal undercover agents have already been brutally murdered,and Jones knows this will be a delicate and dangerous mission. He boldlysets out for the prosperous town of Penn Yan, N.Y., with no disguise orcover story, proclaiming to all that he is there to investigate the murdersand the rumors of rebellion. His presence is at once feared and welcomed,and he naturally becomes the target of the Irish troublemakers, members of agroup called Whiteboys. The Irish insurrection, however, is only the frontfor a larger operation, and Jones soon finds himself in even deeper personaland professional danger. Aided by beautiful Nellie Kildare, who is either amadwoman or a mystic, and thwarted by the manipulative man who passes as herfather, Jones and his thieving and conniving friend, Jimmy Molloy, uncover aplot that threatens to cripple the North. Jones is an endearing literarycharacter who should gracefully weather further sequels. He is a war herowho hates war almost as much as he hates horses, admits he does notunderstand women and thinks the ancient Greeks were a bad sort. Bright butnot brilliant, flawed but not troubled, Jones is an ordinary man with anextraordinary sense of duty. Parry has created a thoroughly likable andbelievable character and engages him here in a riveting adventure.