Angel Trumpet

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Summary: fascinating historical mystery
Review: After reading McMillan's first book, Dead March, I looked forward to the continuation of her Civil War mystery series - Angel Trumpet - and I was not disappointed. I like the historical settings of the book, both in the Richmond area and in northern Virginia. I like the descriptions of the buildings and houses. I like the people in the book, especially the women, constrained by the conventions of the times and by a war, and yet managing to live their lives and solve mysteries. McMillan's historical, architectural and scientific research is detailed and remarkable. Can't wait for the third volume!

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Summary: A mystery with depth and power
Review: After reading McMillan's sparkling debut mystery, "Dead March," I waited eagerly to see if her second book would match that high standard. She did not disappoint. "Angel Trumpet" takes the engaging characters from Book I and propels them further into this fascinating time and place, Civil War Richmond. The mystery plot is woven in a tapestry of meaning and sub-meaning that gives the reader something lasting -- as well as a thrilling read. Narcissa Powers and Judah Daniel dig deep to solve a gruesome slaughter, and their world is populated with a remarkable cast of allies and suspects. The historical detail, once again, is adroitly handled and utterly believable. Book III can't come soon enough for me.

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Summary: Home Front No Respite from the War
Review: As if the war weren't bad enough, all is not quiet on the home front. In Angel Trumpet, the second book of her Civil War mystery series, author Ann McMillan sets the opening scene in gruesome technicolor. Her meticulous research and medical knowledge of the period are skillfully woven into the fabric of this story. Her two protagonists provide an interesting contrast: Narcissa Powers, a young white widow, is still growing in her self-awareness and abilities, while Judah Daniel, a free black herbalist and conjure woman, is a strong and fascinating character. The unlikely duo works together to make sense of the carnage that faced John Berton, master of Goochland Plantation, when he rode home in 1861 for a respite from the war. A captivating read that leaves one wanting more.

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Summary: Immersed into History, Once Again
Review: At last! It finally came into paperback! I am too cheap to buy hardcover fiction, so I am very testy and impatient to get paperback editions. Ann McMillan did not disappoint me. Thank you, Ann! You set me back a century or two and I was oh, so comfy and fascinated. What an interesting interaction between black and white culture during "The Great Conflict," played up by the author quite believably. One reviewer here did point out that there was little to the mystery part of the story, but I think if a reader is more interested in the historical atmosphere and characters, they will not be disappointed. I picked this series up for a variety of reasons, least of all the mystery aspect. I am not a "mystery lover," thus I am unsure of what "mystery" conditions apply; but I recommend this book to anyone looking for a well written tale of women, race relations, plantations and murder all set during the Civil War.

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Summary: Excellent Civil War Mystery
Review: I love Ann McMillan's two Civil War mysteries (Dead March and Angel Trumpet). The author gives a fascinating glimpse of life in Virginia at the start of the Civil War. McMillan has great respect for both her white and black heroines, and she doesn't take a simplistic view of the whites or blacks of the era. Along with the historical detail there is a great mystery to be solved and lots of continuing characters. I can't wait for book number three.

Rating:
Summary: Good ideas, poor execution
Review: I so much wanted to like this book. Someone recommended Dead March to me, but I thought I would start with this one. Cardboard characters, trite scenes, bad dialogue. I would rather be watching who wants to marry a millionaire than read anymore of these.

Rating:
Summary: turgid, awful
Review: I so much wanted to like this book. Someone recommended Dead March to me, but I thought I would start with this one. Cardboard characters, trite scenes, bad dialogue. I would rather be watching who wants to marry a millionaire than read anymore of these.

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Summary: Richmond to Cornwell: Move Over
Review: In addition to being a rousing good mystery, Ann McMillan's Angel Trumpet, is also one of the best summaries of the slave rebellions around Richmond, a story not often told around here. It's hard enough to develop a good plot; to re-create Richmond as it was in 1861 is difficult indeed. But McMillan shines in both her story telling and her setting. Her meticulous attention to historical detail is a delight and a relief from the romanticized Confederate sterotype. Her African charaters, freed and slave, are richly alive. Judah Daniel has taught me as much about herbal remedies as Euell Gibbons. You'll not find a better Civil War series, a better historical novel, or a more enjoyable mystery. She's 2 for 2. I can't wait for the next installment.

Rating:
Summary: Good ideas, poor execution
Review: McMillan has some wonderful, dramatic ideas in this book. However, she doesn't convey them well on paper. Her work lacks dramatic tension and emotional impact, and important plot twists go by so rapidly the reader's left going "Huh?". I like that she deals with the issue of race in 19th century America without resorting to stereotypes, and I thought her battle scene was reasonably well done. Still, the shallow nature of the writing ended up leaving me cold.

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Summary: Tyler's Review on Angel Trumpet
Review: This was a wonderful book that starts off in the beginning slow and boring but as you read on everything starts to unfold, and you will see how the life and times of Virginia in the 1860s really were. For instance, the people in this story treated blacks as though they were dogs, with little if any respect at all, but back in Cival War times, that's how it was. Civil War fans should enjoy ANGEL TRUMPET. The plot of the mystery is well written but a little complex as many people have motives and opportunities to commit the murders. Ann McMillan has written an awesome story that to me was very good. I have read better stories in my life-time, but I did love the novel, because I am a fan of the fascinating facts of Cival War History.