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Into the Suffering City: A Novel of Baltimore (Sarah Kennecott and Jack Harden Mysteries) Paperback – April 12, 2020

by Bill LeFurgy (Author)

4.3 504 ratings

Book 1 of 2: Sarah Kennecott and Jack Harden Mysteries

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A Baltimore Novel of Suspense

Baltimore, 1909. Sarah Kennecott is a brilliant young doctor who cares deeply about justice for murder victims. She also has a habit of displeasing powerful men and getting into trouble. After getting fired for looking too closely into the killing of a showgirl, she refuses to back down from the investigation.

Sarah forms a promising partnership with Jack Harden, a street-smart private detective struggling with terrible memories. They have much in common: Both defiant. Both independent. Both regarded as a bit unusual. Sarah gathers evidence in gilded mansions and fancy ballrooms. Jack follows leads into Baltimore's seedy underworld, a vitally corrupt realm of saloons, brothels, and burlesque theaters. When Sarah and Jack pull the pieces together, they discover a stunning pair of secrets, each of which is worth killing to keep.

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Editorial Reviews

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"A thrillingly suspenseful, superbly written historical murder mystery which dives deep into the seamy underbelly of Baltimore." --Indie Review

"Seamlessly weaves culture, history, and mystery into this novel's surprising twists and complex characters. Clear prose, intricate plotting, and likable leading characters combine to form an engrossing mystery." --BlueInk Review (Starred Review)

"Balancing complex character quirks, mysterious emotional baggage, surprising buried secrets, and riveting action sequences, Into the Suffering City is a knockout historical thriller." --Self-Publishing Review

"A multilayered, entertaining mystery that introduces a promising pair of detectives ... the author maintains suspense throughout ... [with] seamless integration of vivid details of daily life in 1909, unflinching portrayal of the sexism and racism of the time, and evocation of the era's sounds, smells, and tastes. --Kirkus Reviews

"Fans of the murder mystery genre will recognize all the elements of a great whodunit - and still won't be able to predict all of the novel's twists and turns. The story is enhanced by the original and authentic leads." --The Booklife Prize

From the Author

The book is inspired by two major elements of my life. First was my work as a historian, including serving as the Baltimore City Archivist early in my career. I ran across lots of eye-popping stories and kept telling myself "someone needs to write a novel about this stuff." So I did! The second event was the birth of my first child, who is autistic. His experience in the world is unique, and I thought it would be fascinating to apply a perspective like that to a fictional character. We hear quite a bit these days about autism but it isn't dealt with all that much in fiction.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ High Kicker Books (April 12, 2020)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0578618788
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0578618784
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.3 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #835,899 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3,440 in Hard-Boiled Mystery
- #6,794 in Historical Thrillers (Books)
- #8,548 in Historical Mystery

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4.3 504 ratings

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Bill LeFurgy

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Bill LeFurgy is a professional historian and archivist who has studied the gilded glamor and seamy underbelly of urban life. He has put his years of research experience into writing gritty historical fiction about Baltimore, where he lived for over a decade. It remains his favorite city.

While working at the Library of Congress, Bill headed a national program to preserve digital cultural heritage materials. In addition, he toured the world to speak to hundreds of libraries, archives, and museums about digital cultural heritage.

Before the Library, Bill served as Manager of the Modern Records Program at the National Archives and Records Administration and as Baltimore City Archivist. He also worked as Manuscript Archivist at the Maryland Historical Society.

Bill has a Batchelor of Arts degree from McGill University and graduate degrees from the University of Maryland. In addition to his Sarah Kennecott and Jack Harden Historical Mysteries Series, he has published many nonfiction books and articles about Baltimore history and other topics.

He has learned much from his family, including grace, patience, emotional connection, and the need to appreciate different perspectives from those on the autism spectrum and with other personality traits that are undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or unexplained. 

Thank you for visiting my page! Please Follow my profile for important updates. And thank you so much for your reviews!

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Piaras

A must-read for fans of historical mysteries.

Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2023

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"Into the Suffering City" by Bill LeFurgy is a captivating historical suspense novel set-in early 20th-century Baltimore. Inspired by the author's own experience as a historian, the book masterfully combines storytelling, historical detail, and complex characters. The story follows Sarah Kennecott, a determined young doctor seeking justice for murder victims despite facing opposition and discrimination. Alongside her is Jack Harden, a street-smart detective haunted by his past. Together, they uncover the dark underbelly of Baltimore while navigating its contrasting worlds.

LeFurgy's meticulous research immerses readers in the sights and sounds of the era, seamlessly integrating historical facts. The novel's blend of mystery, suspense, and social commentary keeps readers engaged, exploring complex character dynamics and prevailing societal attitudes. With his personal connection to autism, LeFurgy brings a unique perspective to the characters. Sarah and Jack's struggles and journeys provide contrasting narratives, enhancing the story's originality.

"Into the Suffering City" is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries and atmospheric thrillers. LeFurgy's passion for history and storytelling creates an engaging narrative that transports readers to a bygone era, where justice and societal norms collide. Highly recommended.

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J Armstrong

Interesting Mystery

Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2020

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In turn of the century Baltimore, Sarah Kennecott is a young female doctor who is ahead of her time. She does not much care for the social norms she is supposed to be playing by. Powerful men do not intimidate her and her sense of justice, moral compass, and ability to help others is much more important to her. Crossing powerful men is what she does yet again when she inquires into the death of a showgirl. Fired from her job and shut out from her usual sources for information, Sarah forms a union with a young detective, Jack Harden who offers to help her investigate the murder. As they start putting together the clues they gather, they unravel a disturbing secret that will prompt someone to murder to protect the secret.
I enjoy strong and smart female leads, and I really liked Sarah. Jack was not your typical detective and he was a well-balanced complement to Sarah’s character. In this I think the book did very well. The setting was well done, and I loved the chase after clues and how the two were able to fit them together. Good Book.

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Kat Kennedy

Fascinating Pot-Boiler that Will Keep You Reading Until the Wee Hours

Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2020

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Baltimore at the turn of the 20th Century is the backdrop for this historical thriller from the pen of Bill LeFlurgy. When showgirl, Lizzie Sullivan, is murdered the medical examiner, coroner and police commissioner have all concluded the cause of death to be a gunshot wound perpetrated by politician, Harold Shaw, who is in line to become mayor. However, Dr. Sarah Kennecot, a Pinkerton employee, who is sent to attend the post-mortem examination disagrees. Enter Jack Harden, a local Private Detective who is hired to find out the truth behind Sullivan’s murder.
These two characters, Dr. Sarah Kennecot and Jack Harden couldn’t be more different, yet they are thrown together as they search for answers in the murder of Lizzie Sullivan. Kennecot is autistic at a time when autism isn’t defined or understood. Harden suffers PTSD, which is also misunderstood. These two make quite the pair as they search for truth. The character of Dr. Sarah Kennecot leads readers through the early days of forensic science with a fascinating look at such things as the beginnings of the use of fingerprints. Jack Harden’s character takes readers through the seedier areas of the city with all it’s sensory emanations. Both are outcasts of society who bond in the search for justice.
Baltimore itself is a quasi character in this novel. LeFlurgy’s past work as an archivist at the Baltimore Historical Society and the Baltimore Archives is evident in his depiction of Baltimore and the historical events contained within this work. One can almost feel the energy of the city as it is vividly described. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will appreciate the author’s dedication to detail in this book. A wonderfully written thriller that will keep you turning pages late into the night!

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JoJo Maxson

I savored this story.

Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2020

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Bill LeFurgy weaves history and suspense into an intriguing mystery novel, Into the Suffering City. Dr. Sarah Kennecott is extremely smart, yet has an undiagnosed personality disorder. This behavior along with being a woman makes her an oddity to the men she is suppose to work with. Jack Hardin is hired to prove a politician did not murder a dance girl and must work with Sarah to find justice for this girl. Can these two fight a system that does not want to know the truth?

I found Into the Suffering City very fascinating. Bill LeFurgy paints Baltimore as a thriving and bustling city in the early 1900s. Pairing up these two misfits makes this novel interesting as Sarah and Jack face their own problems while trying to understand the other person. The story jumps right into the murder and conflicts that will need to be overcome. I really enjoyed this novel and savored the experience.

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Viga Boland, author No Tears for my Father

My Choice for Historical Novel of the Year!

Reviewed in Canada on May 1, 2020

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I never dreamed when I started reading this historical fiction novel that I would love it as much as I did. Not only does it have an incredibly complex and captivating plot, but the characters and themes are unforgettable. It is set in the early 1900’s in Baltimore, when interracial romantic relationships are unlawful, reputations can make or break you, and women are still expected to accept that future happiness depends on finding a suitable husband and having children. Enter into his scene one feisty, educated and outspoken young female pathologist, Sarah, who is hell-bent on getting to the bottom of who really murdered a beautiful, kindly prostitute. When Sarah combines her medical expertise with the street smart know how of Jack, a private detective, their investigations lead to the truth, but Not without endangering their own lives and more lives being lost. This captivating plot had me turning pages so fast I could not put the book down even when I had a load of other things on my plate that had to be done!

But while the plot kept me riveted, it was the brilliant depiction of Sarah that kept me smiling and enthralled. Supported by research notes at the end of the novel, the author suggests Sarah’s unusual behaviour and brilliance is born of her being on the autism spectrum. She is intelligent, but physically clumsy, cannot understand double-talk and is impatient with idle social chatter. She also avoids physical touching and eye contact. In the notes, the author points out that autism was most likely mistaken for schizophrenia or mental instability back in those days. And indeed, Some of the evil doers in the story are keen to get Sarah committed to a mental institution. LeFurgy’s characterization of Sarah is unforgettable and beautifully done. I could go on for paragraphs about other things I loved about this book, like the author’s recreation of the settings, shopping, bars, customs etc in Pittsburgh in that era, but I really would like you to discover that all for yourself. Don’t think twice about buying this book. Purchase it and let LeFurgy help you visualize The times, places, people and plot playing out on the big screen. ENJOY! Nothing less than five stars. I Would give it 10 if that were possible!

One person found this helpful

Katherine

A great novel!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 30, 2020

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Into the Suffering City is a brilliant novel which deals elegantly and delicately with some really interesting issues, alongside the central murder mystery storyline.

The story follows the life and work of Dr Sarah Kenecott, a medical practitioner who takes what is considered to be too great an interest in a murder case after an examination of the victim. When she refuses to move on from the incident, she loses her job - and there begins the real drama of the novel. From medicine to forensics and criminology, Sarah turns her expertise to solving the murder, teaming up with a private investigator - a character that perfectly complements her own.

LeFurgy has done an excellent job with the characters of this novel, particularly Sarah and Jack, each with subtle and interesting idiosyncrasies that set them apart from each other and serve to carve out their role within the story. Sarah’s autism (not identified as such in the contemporary world of the novel, set in 1909) is written in a nuanced way that works really well within the setting of the novel. The historical setting is also well-informed and immersive.

Overall, a really great novel - I’d highly recommend it to anyone, particularly with an interest in historical fiction of this period or murder mystery.

Bee

Gritty murder mystery

Reviewed in Canada on September 24, 2021

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A fascinating story of two unlikely partners in early twentieth century Baltimore, a down on his luck detective with PTSD, and a female pathologist with ASD. Their paths collide while both are independently trying to solve the murder of a 19 year old dancehall girl. With lots evocative detail that makes the smells and violence of the times come alive, their complimentary talents let them deduce the culprit.

Lizzy

A fresh take on mystery

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 26, 2020

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A showgirl turns up murdered, and the police think they have the case all wrapped up. But, when Sarah, a woman educated in pathology and medicine, helps with the autopsy, she is not convinced. With the case involved politically, the police and the coroner believe they have their man. For true justice to be served, Sarah must investigate the case alone. Along the way, she meets Jack Harden, a private detective, and together the two uncover dark secrets and unfinished business.

It is 1909, and the world caters to a patriarchal society. The author incorporated this into the book with accuracy and ease. It is best demonstrated through Sarah. She is on the spectrum for autism but is a lady of high society. Many shun her for her odd quirks and odd habits. Her educated status worsens how she is treated, as not many ladies were educated in 1909. Her workplace is dominated by men who often disregard her opinion because of her gender. Challenging this inequality, Sarah is unfazed and puts herself out there, molding herself into a modern woman.
The second protagonist of the story is Jack. He is a man trying to make ends meet while being haunted by ghosts from his past. Both characters are very relatable, and the story is more enjoyable because of them. The two click and have an amusing contrast. Jack is more streetwise of the two and is socially skilled. Sarah is the opposite but is very intelligent and knowledgeable in her field of study. Together the two make an unusual and yet very capable team.

The book vividly brings the past to life with its descriptive scenes and well-researched details. Everyday items we are unfamiliar with and also ideas that we would balk at in present times. Such as the racism, displayed by characters reflecting old attitudes, integrated into the book that is accurate with past prejudices. The idea that if you're associating with people descended from slaves, then your reputation will be in tatters. While this is an idea that we would never entertain, it does set the book up well and gives us an understanding of the context of the book.

The mystery aspect of the book is well thought out and is not easily solved and keeps the reader guessing. I liked this because I couldn't guess the ending. The plot is not cliche, and the subplots kept the mystery alive throughout the story. The use of Sarah's autism is original and makes the book more interesting.
The last pages round the story up nicely, and leave the book open to a sequel. Altogether, the book is a very good read, and I recommend it if you love mysteries. I can see this turning into a great series of books if the author wishes to continue with the characters.

Rudy

Quirky characters

Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2020

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Great story, some strange people but very interesting.

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