Overlooked objects, like the past itself,
may divulge the most unexpected finds.
- Paul E. Bolin
On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 16, 1869, thousands stood cheering as President Ulysses S. Grant strode down the center aisle of what was then the largest covered wooden structure in the United States. His presence here was the highlight of a grand event known as the National Peace Jubilee and Great Musical Festival, held June 15-19, 1869, in Boston, Massachusetts, conducted to celebrate peace for the nation after the conclusion of the United States Civil War.
But does the story of what happened in the life of President Grant at the Musical Festival that afternoon hold more shocking suspense than what history books record? This question drives the page-turning dramatic revelations made by a 23-year-old graduate student of Civil War history, when in 2017 she discovers a 19th-century handwritten diary telling of an attempt to assassinate President Grant at the musical jubilee in Boston. Along the way she uncovers a vast cache of Confederate treasure, sending her on a precarious cross-country road trip in search of seclusion and safety from her pursuers. This captivating personal account takes you on a thrilling multi-layered journey through murder, mystery, and unexpected museum surprises, while pondering the words of Mark Twain: “It may have happened, it may not have happened, but it could have happened.” Immerse yourself in the pages of Layers, and decide this for yourself!
Layers exemplifies the best of historical fiction. Paul Bolin’s meticulous research ensures historical accuracy, while his masterful storytelling seamlessly blends a suspenseful past with a gripping present. The novel’s authentic characters and alternating perspectives immerse readers in the personal traumas of the Civil War, revealing how those events reverberate long after the war’s end. As these historical threads intertwine with a present-day, cross-country chase, the tension builds, keeping readers on edge until the shocking and unexpected conclusion. In true historical fiction fashion, this novel explores a tumultuous period in American history that challenges what we think we know.
This is a wonderful book! Really held my interest and I was especially drawn to the character of the writer of the journal which was discovered hidden away in a trunk with a false bottom. The plot was very clever and I don’t want to give anything away! Historical knowledge was impressive and the story just carried me away to a long ago time. I hated it to end, but hopefully there might be a sequel!! 5 stars! Most fun I have had reading a book in a long time. I’m sad I read it so fast I might have to re-read!
Interesting historical fiction, clever, delicious characters. More like lasagna layers than onion layers. Kind of book where you know some of it is true, and some is fiction, but the story is so good you don't care which is which.
About
Paul E. Bolin, PhD is a historian of art education, having taught at the University of Oregon, The Pennsylvania State University, and The University of Texas at Austin. He retired from The University of Texas at Austin in 2018. He co-authored (with Doug Blandy) the book Learning Things: Material Culture in Art Education, and co-authored (with Ami Kantawala and Mary Ann Stankiewicz) the book Steppingstones: Pivotal Moments in Art Education History. Paul lives in College Station, Texas with his wife Jane and cat Tigger, and enjoys time spent with his two daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren whenever possible.
