Picture a Harvard-trained lawyer turned bestselling author who brings Abraham Lincoln to life as a whip-smart detective—meet Jonathan F. Putnam! With his 'Lincoln and Speed Mystery' series, Putnam blends courtroom drama, historical intrigue, and a dash of frontier grit, captivating readers with tales rooted in real 19th-century cases. His knack for weaving fact and fiction has made him a standout in historical mystery.
From high-stakes trials to penning page-turners, Putnam’s journey is as fascinating as his stories. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this legal eagle turned literary star!
The Making of Jonathan F. Putnam
Born with a passion for history, Jonathan F. Putnam graduated from Harvard College in 1988, earning a degree in History with honors, before excelling at Harvard Law School, graduating magna cum laude in 1992. His legal career soared as a trial lawyer at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in New York, where he tackled complex commercial litigation, specializing in intellectual property disputes. Named one of the top 50 trial lawyers under 45 by The American Lawyer, Putnam’s courtroom prowess laid the groundwork for his storytelling. Inspired by his sister, a historian, and his love for Caleb Carr’s 'The Alienist,' he began crafting historical mysteries, channeling his legal and historical expertise into fiction.
Jonathan F. Putnam’s Unforgettable Stories
Putnam’s 'Lincoln and Speed Mystery' series, published by Crooked Lane Books, reimagines a young Abraham Lincoln and his real-life friend Joshua Speed as a Holmes-and-Watson duo solving crimes in 1830s Springfield, Illinois. The series kicked off with 'These Honored Dead' (2016), where Lincoln, a fledgling lawyer, and Speed, a storekeeper, investigate a murder tied to a true frontier case. Critics, including Pulitzer Prize-winner Doris Kearns Goodwin, praised its authenticity and narrative drive, calling it 'splendid.'
Subsequent novels—'Perish from the Earth' (2017), 'Final Resting Place' (2018), and 'A House Divided' (2019)—deepen the duo’s adventures, blending meticulous research with gripping plots. 'Perish from the Earth' tackles a steamboat murder with national implications, while 'A House Divided' introduces Mary Todd, adding romantic tension. Putnam’s style shines through vivid historical detail, taut courtroom scenes, and Lincoln’s emerging brilliance, earning accolades from Booklist and Publishers Weekly for balancing history and mystery.
His books, optioned for a potential TV series, have hit #1 on Amazon’s bestseller lists, proving Putnam’s ability to make history pulse with modern suspense. Fans of historical fiction and legal thrillers find his work irresistible, with reviewers likening it to 'The Alienist' for its immersive frontier vibe.
Why Jonathan F. Putnam Matters
Putnam’s impact lies in reviving interest in Lincoln’s early years, portraying him not as a mythic president but as a relatable, sharp-witted young lawyer. His series bridges historical fiction and mystery, appealing to history buffs and crime enthusiasts alike. By grounding his novels in real cases, Putnam offers a fresh lens on America’s past, illuminating the gritty realities of the frontier and the roots of Lincoln’s moral compass. His charitable work, including supporting the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, further cements his legacy as a storyteller with a purpose.
- Birth Date: Not publicly available
- Key Works: 'These Honored Dead,' 'Perish from the Earth,' 'Final Resting Place,' 'A House Divided'
- Notable Recognition: #1 Amazon bestseller, praised by Doris Kearns Goodwin
- Fun Fact: Putnam is a back-of-the-pack marathon runner and a fantasy football league commissioner!
Snag 'These Honored Dead' and dive into Jonathan F. Putnam’s thrilling blend of history and mystery—Lincoln’s never been this exciting!