"The Death of the Admiral is a fast, entertaining read, set against a historical backdrop that isn't used often enough. I really loved the story for its quick pace and for the brilliant selection of the post-Civil War period and location in Washington, where it was possible to move from fancy parlors to taverns and back again as the story unfolded. Bravo."
—Charles Fancher, author of Red Clay
Washington, D.C., 1885. A dead admiral. A missing map. A conspiracy that could reshape the world's naval balance of power.
When journalist Meade Meadows discovers Admiral Ezra Radford slumped over his desk in an apparent suicide, something doesn't feel right. The note seems forced, the circumstances suspicious, and Radford's recent work on a top-secret naval intelligence project raises disturbing questions.
Joined by his brilliant sister Lucinda—a discerning, quick-witted partner—Meade begins investigating what quickly proves to be murder. Their search leads them into the shadowy world of Commander Nathan Tower's intelligence network, where nothing is as it seems and trust is a luxury they can't afford.
As foreign agents circle like vultures around America's emerging naval secrets, the Meadows siblings must navigate the treacherous waters of 1880s Washington society. From elegant DuPont Circle salons to dangerous waterfront taverns, from the halls of the Navy Department to hidden meeting rooms where conspirators plot, they pursue a truth that threatens to destroy them both.
The stolen maps in Admiral Radford's possession could determine whether America takes its place among the world's great naval powers—or remains vulnerable to the European empires that still view the young republic as an upstart rival. But as Meade and Lucinda dig deeper, they discover that the greatest threats may come not from foreign shores, but from disgruntled and dangerous Americans who will kill to protect their secrets.
Set against the backdrop of America's transformation from a war-torn nation into a global power, The Death of the Admiral brings to life the birth of American intelligence operations and the dangerous game of international espionage. In this world where secrets have international consequences and betrayal is the coin of the realm, the Meadows siblings must learn to think like spies if they hope to survive like patriots.
Featuring a diverse cast of characters including Sylvester Watkins, a brilliant African American analyst whose talents challenge the prejudices of his era, and the enigmatic Parrish siblings, whose Civil War experiences forged them into formidable adversaries.
This is espionage fiction at its finest—where historical authenticity meets pulse-pounding suspense, and where the birth of America's intelligence community provides the backdrop for a thrilling tale of murder, conspiracy, and betrayal.
"I intended to wait until next week to read your novel, but went ahead and uploaded it to the reader on my phone, 'just to be sure it was compatible.' This led to my flipping a few pages... and then I didn't want to stop reading."
—Advance Reader
The Death of the Admiral is the first novel in the Nathan Tower series, introducing readers to a world where America's rise to global prominence depends on the courage and cunning of those who operate in the shadows.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction, espionage thrillers, and anyone fascinated by the hidden stories of America's past.
Jim StovallJim Stovall is a retired journalism professor who taught at the University of Alabama, Emory and Henry College, and the University of Tennessee. He has written numerous fiction and nonfiction books and lives in Tennessee with his wife Sally, where he spends his days reading, writing, painting watercolors, and trying to make each day better than the one before.
