"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.
# Author Biography - Jim StovallJim Stovall is the former Edward J. Meeman Distinguished Professor of Journalism at the University of Tennessee and professor emeritus at both the University of Alabama and the University of Tennessee. During his distinguished 30-year academic career, he specialized in writing, journalism, and public opinion research, teaching at institutions including the University of Alabama, Emory and Henry College, and the University of Tennessee.Stovall is the author or co-author of numerous books, including *Writing for the Mass Media*, an introductory writing textbook used at more than 500 colleges and universities worldwide. His other works include *Seeing Suffrage: The Washington Suffrage Parade of 1913* (University of Tennessee Press), *Web Journalism: Practice and Promise of a New Medium*, and *Journalism: Who, What, Where, Why and How*. As a survey researcher and co-director of Southern Opinion Research, he conducted more than 200 public opinion surveys for clients including major newspapers and news organizations.From 1970 to 1974, Stovall served on active duty in the United States Navy, where he was a staff writer for *All Hands* magazine. His journalism experience includes work with the Bristol Herald Courier, Knoxville News-Sentinel, Birmingham News, and Tuscaloosa News. He also worked as a graphics coordinator at the Chicago Tribune through fellowships from the American Society of Newspaper Editors.A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Stovall earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Tennessee, his master's degree in political science from American University, and his doctorate in mass communication from the University of Tennessee.*The Death of the Admiral* marks his debut in historical fiction, combining his expertise in American journalism and history with his lifelong fascination with espionage and intelligence operations. He lives in Tennessee with his wife Sally McMillan, where he spends his days reading, writing, painting watercolors, and trying to make each day better than the one before.
