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Clay Boutwell

A woman enters the Boston Police Department, presenting to Sergeant Sully a bloodied knife and a confession she had committed murder. The body was indeed discovered where she said it would be and the knife was confirmed to be the murder weapon.

Only one problem with her story: She could not have done it.

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The Agora Mystery Series

Beautiful Dreamer: A 19th Century Historical Murder Mystery Novella

Reeling from the horrific pain of the loss of Anne, his wife, Carl Brooke must face his ultimate nemesis, Thomas Drake. Did Drake play a hand in Anne's death? 

Can Carl stop Drake before he harms his daughter, Mary?

Join Carl Brooke and Captain Barnwell on their final adventure together.

The Eye of Bennu: A 19th Century Historical Murder Mystery Novella

"There it was again. A moment, a flash, something indescribable and so quickly discarded that one would feel obliged to disbelieve one's own eyes had it not become inescapable by multiple repetition in my presence."

Murder and intrigue abound. At the center of it all appears a mysterious sheik and his cursed ruby.

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In the style of Arthur Conan Doyle, Clay Boutwell brings back the Agora Society and its premiere scholar, Carl Brooke. This is the fourth novella in the Agora Series, the others being, Two Tocks before Midnight, The Penitent Thief, and The Peace Party Massacre.

The Curse of the Mad Sheik: A 19th Century Historical Murder Mystery

"On more than one occasion," said the captain, "input from the esteemed members of the Agora Society has aided our investigations. Furthermore, in at least one case, the Agora's contribution led directly to the apprehension of a murderer."

"Hear, hear!" Shouted Otto, the decidedly least reserved member of our little group. The rest of us clapped politely and softly lest we further fanned the flames of dear Otto's enthusiasm.

"However, with your permission, today, I shall do a new thing."

The club quieted down to hear of this new thing.

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Captain Barnwell, a long-time honorary member of the Agora Society, presents to the members a solved case one clue at a time. Three suspects. One murderer. Who is the murderer and why?

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Each Agora mystery is a complete and standalone mystery; however, some readers prefer reading the stories in order. This is the fifth short story (about 10k words) in the Agora Series, the others being (in order): Two Tocks before Midnight, The Penitent Thief, The Peace Party Massacre, The Curse of the Mad Sheik, and The Captain's Play

The Captain's Play: A 19th Century Historical Murder Mystery

The loveliest creature on earth ... a dark secret ... and the felled crabapple tree

An anonymous telegram introduces Carl Brooke to both his future wife and her conflicted brother. Long buried secrets from the Civil War threaten to come to the forefront with the discovery of a deliberately cut tree. 

As he tugs at the loose threads, Carl discovers the presence of a mysterious one-legged man and the possible reemergence of his nemesis, Thomas Drake.

Fans of Sherlock Holmes and detectives who use keen reasoning to untangle mysteries will love this latest installment of the Agora Mysteries. 

This insightful tale can be read alone or in tandem with the rest of the series.

The Felled Crabapple Tree: A 19th Century Historical Murder Mystery Novella

Kidnapped! An honorable man has gone missing and his wife is not in the least helpful. The sheriff dithers and every day brings death closer to a reality.

It is late 1865. After hostilities cease, the Agora Society, led by the indomitable Carl Brooke, sends a group to aid the reconstruction of Wilmington Port in North Carolina and to encourage its sister society, the Nec Temere.

Unknown to the volunteers, a heinous crime has been committed, creating a greater urgency for the Agora’s more… colorful services.

This is a story of a near death, a murder, and the letter that introduces Carl Brooke to “the figure that looms so vividly” in his nightmares.

Nec Temere, Nec Timide
Neither Rashly, Nor Timidly

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In the style of Arthur Conan Doyle, Clay Boutwell brings back the Agora Society and its premier scholar, Carl Brooke. This is the third short story in the Agora Series.

The Peace Party Massacre: A 19th Century Historical Murder Mystery

A hidden identity. A mysterious priest. An oath left unfulfilled.

Edison, the most proper member of the Agora Society, hides a past he thought was long buried. The sudden appearance of a strange priest, however, reveals secrets that demand Edison honor an oath made long ago.

With news of the imminent arrival of assassins, can the members of the Agora Society and Captain Barnwell discover the truth in time to save a friend?

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Scroll up now and one click your copy to discover the truth behind this satisfying mystery.

Remember Thy Oath: A 19th Century Historical Murder Mystery

A string of thefts ends in a grisly murder. Certain evidence leads Captain Barnwell to suspect a former thief, Rutherford Nordlinger as the culprit. Carl Brooke becomes personally involved as Nordlinger's guilt is questioned.
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In the style of Arthur Conan Doyle, Clay Boutwell brings back the Agora Society and its premiere scholar, Carl Brooke. This is the second novella in the Agora Series, the first being, Two Tocks before Midnight.

The Penitent Thief: A 19th Century Historical Murder Mystery

An art critic is brutally murdered and the subject of his last review is suspected. 

Did the artist do it or was it one of the family members--all of whom had motive and opportunity? 

Join Carl Brooke and Captain Barnwell as they uncover the clues and weed through the red herrings to discover the surprising identity of the murderer.

The Agora Mystery Series - The book series

The Agora Mystery Series - The book series

The Agora Mystery Series books in order

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