Angel Trumpet: 2a Civil War Mystery

Narcissa Powers, a white widowed nurse, and Judah Daniel, a free black healer, as well as many secondary characters introduced in McMillan's debut Civil War mystery, 1998's Dead March, return for a second outing. In Richmond, Va., in October 1861, with the war at a temporary lull, Col. John Berton returns from the front to find his parents and wife slain and his house slaves in a stupor. The fear of slave rebellions is intense; if Berton's slaves committed the murders, it is important not only that they be punished, but that word of the slaughter be kept quiet. For not only might the news inspire further uprisings, but it could sap the will of the soldiers who have left loved ones behind. Surgeon Cameron Archer, Powers and Daniel find themselves unlikely and uneasy allies as each tries to unravel the same mystery for different reasons. McMillan's descriptions of 19th-century medicine, transportation and social customs are fascinating, but the novel's frequent shifts in viewpoint give it an episodic feel that blunts its dramatic thrust. Even so, this is a solid entry in a series of high interest and great promise. Agent, Nancy Yost. (Oct.)