Step into the thrilling world of Peter Fallon, where history’s secrets and heart-pounding mysteries collide! The Peter Fallon series by William Martin is a captivating blend of historical fiction and contemporary adventure, following rare-book dealer Peter Fallon and his partner, Evangeline Carrington, as they chase long-lost treasures across America’s past. With its dual timeline narrative, the series weaves meticulously researched history into pulse-pounding plots, offering readers an educational yet wildly entertaining ride.
Imagine unearthing a Paul Revere tea set or a lost Shakespeare play while dodging modern-day mobsters—this is the irresistible allure of Peter Fallon’s world. Whether you’re a history buff or a thriller enthusiast, this series promises a journey through time that’s as enlightening as it is exhilarating.
How Peter Fallon Began
William Martin, a New York Times bestselling author, launched the Peter Fallon series in 1979 with Back Bay. A Harvard graduate with a passion for American history, Martin drew inspiration from his love of grand, sweeping stories. He envisioned a hero who could bridge past and present, blending the scholarly pursuit of rare artifacts with the high-stakes drama of a thriller. The result was Peter Fallon, a Boston-based antiquarian whose adventures would span decades and resonate with readers for their rich historical detail and gripping narratives.
Martin’s background in screenwriting and his knack for storytelling shaped the series’ cinematic feel. His goal? To entertain while educating, making history come alive through vivid characters and intricate plots. The series’ debut was a hit, establishing Martin as a master of the historical thriller.
The Heart of Peter Fallon
The Peter Fallon series spans six novels, each a treasure hunt through a pivotal moment in American history. In Back Bay (1979), Peter, a struggling Harvard Ph.D. student, hunts for a missing Paul Revere tea set, uncovering secrets tied to Boston’s development. Harvard Yard (2003) sees him chasing a rumored Shakespeare manuscript hidden at Harvard, weaving tales from the university’s founding to the present. City of Dreams (2010) takes Peter to New York, where he seeks 1780 bonds that could save America’s economy, exploring Manhattan’s evolution. Finally, Bound for Gold (2018) dives into the California Gold Rush, following Peter’s search for a lost journal amid greed and adventure.
The series’ dual timeline structure is its hallmark, seamlessly blending past and present. Martin’s meticulous research brings historical eras to life, from Revolutionary Boston to Gold Rush San Francisco, while Peter and Evangeline’s modern-day quests add suspense and romance. Themes of greed, sacrifice, and the enduring power of history run throughout, with richly drawn characters facing trials that echo across centuries. Critics praise the series for its educational depth and page-turning plots, though some note the dialogue can feel clunky—a minor quibble in an otherwise immersive saga.
Settings like Boston, New York, and California are characters in themselves, vividly rendered to ground the action. Whether it’s the gritty streets of 19th-century Manhattan or the academic halls of Harvard, Martin’s prose transports readers to the heart of America’s story.
Why Peter Fallon Resonates
The Peter Fallon series has carved a niche in historical fiction, blending the thrill of a Dan Brown novel with the depth of James Michener’s epics. Its appeal lies in its ability to make history accessible and exciting, turning dusty artifacts into keys to gripping mysteries. Fans love the series for its educational value—each book offers a crash course in American history—while its action-packed plots keep them hooked. Martin’s 2005 New England Book Award underscores his contribution to regional literature, cementing the series’ cultural impact.
Though not a household name, Peter Fallon has a loyal following, with readers drawn to its unique mix of scholarship and swashbuckling. In an era craving immersive storytelling, the series remains a hidden gem for those seeking both knowledge and thrills.
- First Book Published: 1979 (Back Bay)
- Total Books: 6
- Award: William Martin received the 2005 New England Book Award
- Key Settings: Boston, New York, California
Ready to uncover America’s secrets with Peter Fallon? Grab Back Bay and dive into a world where history and mystery collide!