{"product_id":"death-and-hard-cider-9780727850744","title":"Death and Hard Cider","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eMusician, sleuth and free man of color Benjamin January gets mixed in politics, with murderous results.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"The historical backdrop is vivid, and the writing is exquisite. One of the best in a not-to-be-missed series\" - \u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e Starred Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eSeptember, 1840\u003c\/i\u003e. A giant rally is being planned in New Orleans to stir up support for presidential candidate William Henry Harrison: the Indian-killing, hard-cider-drinking, wannabe \"people's president\". Trained surgeon turned piano-player Benjamin January has little use for politicians. But the run-up to the rally is packed with balls and dinner parties, and the meagre pay is sorely needed. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eSoon, however, January has more to worry about than keeping his beloved family fed and safe. During an elegant reception thrown by New Orleans' local Whig notables, the son of a prominent politician gets into a fist-fight with a rival over beautiful young flirt Marie-Joyeuse Maginot - and, the day after the rally is over, Marie-Joyeuse turns up dead. The only black person amongst the initial suspects is arrested immediately: January's dear friend, Catherine Clisson. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWith Catherine's life on the line, January is determined to uncover the truth and prove her innocence. But his adversaries are powerful politicians, and the clock is ticking . . .\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBarbara Hambly\u003c\/b\u003e, though a native of Southern California, lived in New Orleans for many years while married to the late science fiction writer George Alec Effinger. Hambly holds a degree in medieval history from the University of California and has written novels in numerous genres.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Severn House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50507936530706,"sku":"9780727850744","price":20.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_1d233a74-b12e-432c-ac1c-2853f45759dc.jpg?v=1737222653","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/death-and-hard-cider-9780727850744","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}