Picture an American storyteller who spins historical mysteries with the precision of a journalist and the flair of a novelist—meet Burt Solomon! A contributing editor at The Atlantic and National Journal, Solomon has traded White House press briefings for the gritty streets of 19th-century Washington, crafting gripping tales that blend meticulous research with heart-pounding suspense. His John Hay Mysteries series brings America’s past to life, making history feel as thrilling as a modern-day thriller.
From award-winning journalism to historical fiction, Solomon’s journey is one of curiosity and craft. His knack for uncovering the human side of history has earned him a unique place in the literary world, inviting readers to step into a vividly reimagined past.
The Making of Burt Solomon
Born and raised near Baltimore, Maryland, Burt Solomon grew up just 33 miles from Washington, D.C., a city that would later become the backdrop for his novels. Educated at Harvard College, he honed his storytelling skills as a journalist in Boston and D.C., covering the White House for National Journal. In 1991, his incisive reporting earned him the prestigious Gerald R. Ford Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency. This deep dive into Washington’s political pulse laid the groundwork for his later fiction, where historical accuracy meets narrative intrigue.
Solomon’s love for history sparked early, from watching President Eisenhower’s parade as a boy to clambering on the Capitol’s roof as a teen. His transition to writing began with nonfiction, but the leap to fiction felt natural—a chance to weave his research into stories that pulse with life.
Burt Solomon’s Unforgettable Stories
Solomon’s fiction debut, The Murder of Willie Lincoln (2017), kicks off his John Hay Mysteries series with a bold premise: what if Abraham Lincoln’s son didn’t die of typhoid fever but was murdered? Set in 1862 Washington, the novel follows John Hay, Lincoln’s real-life aide, as he unravels a conspiracy. Solomon’s vivid prose and historical detail make the Civil War-era White House feel alive, earning praise from Doris Kearns Goodwin for its “plausible account.”
The Attempted Murder of Teddy Roosevelt (2019) fast-forwards to 1902, where Hay, now Secretary of State, investigates a suspicious carriage crash that kills a Secret Service agent. Blending real figures like Nellie Bly and J.P. Morgan, Solomon crafts a thrilling whodunit that captures the Gilded Age’s energy. His latest, The Murder of Andrew Johnson (2023), dives into the post-Civil War era, imagining the impeached president’s death as a poisoning. Solomon’s strength lies in his research—he scoured biographies, newspapers, and even embalming records to ensure authenticity.
Known for his “engaging roman à clef” style, Solomon uses real historical figures as characters, with Hay as his witty, boxing-poet detective. His novels balance suspense with rich period details, from the smells of 1860s Washington to the political machinations of Reconstruction, making history accessible and addictive.
Why Burt Solomon Matters
Burt Solomon’s work bridges the gap between history and storytelling, offering readers a front-row seat to America’s pivotal moments. His John Hay Mysteries don’t just entertain—they illuminate the complexities of the past, from Civil War tensions to Gilded Age power struggles. By grounding his fiction in rigorous research, Solomon appeals to history buffs and mystery lovers alike, earning accolades from Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly for his “plausible characterizations” and “brilliant” period evocation.
His impact extends beyond books. As a journalist-turned-novelist, Solomon inspires writers to blend fact with imagination, showing how history can resonate in modern times. His stories remind us that the past is never just a backdrop—it’s a mirror for today’s challenges.
- Born: Baltimore, Maryland
- Key Works: The Murder of Willie Lincoln, The Attempted Murder of Teddy Roosevelt, The Murder of Andrew Johnson, Where They Ain’t
- Awards: Gerald R. Ford Prize for Distinguished Reporting (1991)
- Fun Fact: Solomon took up boxing at 61, channeling his detective’s grit!
Ready to time-travel through America’s past? Snag The Murder of Willie Lincoln and dive into Burt Solomon’s thrilling historical mysteries!