The Lost Despatch

Natalie Sumner Lincoln's 'The Lost Despatch' is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of a missing diplomatic pouch that holds crucial information for national security. Set in a post-Civil War United States, the book combines elements of detective fiction and political intrigue, making it a compelling read for fans of both genres. Lincoln's descriptive prose and attention to historical detail immerse the reader in the world of late 19th-century America, adding depth and richness to the narrative. Natalie Sumner Lincoln, a prolific writer of mystery novels, draws on her own interest in history and politics to craft a story that not only entertains but also educates. Her background in journalism and her keen eye for detail are evident in the meticulous research that underpins 'The Lost Despatch'. Through this novel, Lincoln sheds light on lesser-known aspects of American history and highlights the importance of diplomacy and national security during a tumultuous period of the country's past. I highly recommend 'The Lost Despatch' to readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a strong historical backdrop. Lincoln's skillful storytelling and engaging characters will keep you turning the pages until the very end, eager to uncover the fate of the missing despatch.

Natalie Sumner Lincoln (1881–1935) was an American author who left a distinctive mark in the literary world with her early twentieth-century mystery novels. Born in Washington, D.C., to a family with roots that stretched back to the American Revolution, Lincoln was well-positioned to infuse her novels with rich historical context and social insights. Notably, her 1917 mystery novel 'The Lost Despatch' is emblematic of her craft, intertwining suspense with elements of romance and espionage—a reflection of the intrigue-filled wartime era in which she wrote. Lincoln's literary style was characterized by its attention to detail and the tightly woven plotlines, which often leveraged her insider knowledge of Washington society and politics. With a keen understanding of the genre, her works contributed to the foundations of mystery fiction. Although her name may not be as widely recognized today, Lincoln was a prolific writer, producing over 20 novels. Beyond 'The Lost Despatch,' other notable titles include 'The Trevor Case' (1912) and 'The Cat's Paw' (1922), where her talent for crafting engrossing narratives shone through, assuring her a place in the annals of early American mystery literature. Her works remain a fascinating window into the era's cultural and social mores, and they continue to attract readers who appreciate classic whodunits.