On September 3, 1902, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, a streetcar crashed into the horse-drawn carriage carrying President Theodore Roosevelt, injuring him and killing his Secret Service agent. That much is true, and it's the basis for Solomon's second historical mystery (after The Murder of Willie Lincoln, 2017) featuring John Hay as narrator and amateur detective. Hay, now secretary of state, is summoned by TR to investigate the collision, which the president doesn't believe was accidental. Many could have a motive to kill TR, including Hay himself, since he is next in line of succession. But the investigation itself becomes a risk, as Hay is assaulted twice and warned to back off or risk both his life or that of Lizzie Cameron, a woman with whom the long-married Hay is guiltily infatuated. Solomon brings in other historical figures, as Hay interviews Emma Goldman and joins forces with Nellie Bly after a related murder is committed virtually in front of him. Best of all, Hay is a fallible, engaging character with interests in boxing and poetry as well as sleuthing, and his narration brings to life a time and place as it unravels a crime.--Michele Leber Copyright 2019 Booklist

In 1902, while touring New England, President Theodore Roosevelt is involved in an accident when his carriage is broadsided by a streetcar, killing his bodyguard. Roosevelt is convinced this was no accident and calls on his secretary of state, John Hay, to investigate the matter. Hay assisted President Lincoln with the investigation of his son Willie's death (The Murder of Willie Lincoln) is no stranger to detective work. Because Roosevelt succeeded President McKinley after his assassination at the hands of an anarchist, Hay begins with the anarchists, including the well-known rabble-rouser Emma Goldman. Besides Goldman, Hay's investigation puts him in the path of other well-known figures, including Henry Adams, J.P. Morgan, and even journalist Nellie Bly. The anarchist theory is quickly discarded, and Hay soon finds that the answer lies closer to home than he ever could have suspected. VERDICT Solomon incorporates many historically accurate events, details, and characters into this engaging story, based on an actual incident. Historical mystery fans who relish rich period details will be eager to see Hay again.--Melissa Stoeger, Deerfield P.L., IL