Jonathan F. Putnam is a writer and attorney. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, he is a nationally renowned trial lawyer and recognized Lincoln scholar. He currently lives with his family in London, England.
Praise for A House Divided: Entertaining...Putnam still excels at painting a convincing portrait of the younger Lincoln. -Publishers Weekly A nice balance between history and mystery. Putnam's satisfyingly plausible portrait of the young Lincoln deepens with every installment. - Kirkus Reviews This fourth entry in the Lincoln and Speed mysteries continues to bring to life the legendary Lincoln...With impressive research, Putnam fashions...a fine historical mystery. -Booklist Putnam has done an amazing amount of research [and] provides context while simultaneously stirring the imagination...A master of historical fiction. -MyShelf Lincoln scholar Putnam has once again woven a fact-based story into an entertaining fiction for his readers to enjoy. -New York Journal of Books This fourth entry in the Lincoln and Speed Mysteries is Putnam's finest. Character development is first-rate, as even minor players come to life. -Historical Novel Society Praise for Final Resting Place: These novels are historical fiction at their finest, calling to mind Caleb Carr's The Alienist. -BookReporter Putnam, a lawyer and amateur Lincoln scholar, wraps everything up neatly in this historical mystery, based on solid research, in a briskly moving narrative that's factually accurate down to the quirks in Douglas' courtroom behavior. -Booklist Jonathan F. Putnam continues to display his extensive knowledge of the courtroom and Lincoln's life with deft, atmospheric flair. Everything from the dialogue to the setting to the cast of characters is rich with historical color and accuracy. -Criminal Element Putnam's competence as a Lincoln scholar is well in evidence. For those who like novels involving actual persons, this novel is highly recommended. -NY Journal of Books Praise for Perish from the Earth: An entertaining and well-researched murder mystery...both a mystery and a legal thriller, with well-paced courtroom scenes as well as intrigue...Putnam's notes provide context for the historical figures who appear as characters and demonstrate his expertise as a Lincoln scholar. -Booklist Enough historical accuracy to satisfy a Civil War re-enactor and enough courtroom proceedings to reveal the author as the Harvard-trained attorney that he is. A mystery for history buffs and legal eagles. -Kirkus Putnam successfully integrates the politics of 1837 America into his solid second mystery...The dramatic denouement, which features Lincoln's vaunted courtroom skills, provides a satisfying resolution. -Publishers Weekly One of the best books I have read in a long time. I can't recommend it highly enough. If you are either a mystery buff or a history buff, this book is for you. If you happen to be both, I'm certain you will be captivated by its raw and honest look at this part of American history and by the beauty of the language used to portray the people, both real and imaginary. -MyShelf.com