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Hired to investigate the murder of an 84-year-old widow, P.I. Joe Coopersmith hits one dead end after another in his search for leads. With few clues and no suspects, he nearly gives up, until he uncovers a connection to a bizarre plot to kill the descendants of Irish soldiers who fought for Mexico during the Mexican-American War. Known as San Patricios, they belonged to the St. Patrick's Battalion, an elite Mexican unit composed mostly of Irish immigrants. When a well-preserved diary of an Irish soldier turns up, Coopersmith knows he's on the right track. He digs deeper into the plot, soon learning the identity of the man behind it and his warped motive for the cold-blooded murder of the elderly widow.
Enjoy an Excerpt
Finally, Coopersmith brought up the reason for his visit. “I’m working on a case that has a Mexico-Irish connection and I thought you might be able to help.” He handed Professor Mangas a photo and letter that belonged to Pancho Delaney.
Professor Mangas studied the photo and the words on the back, then held it up for a second. “This was taken in front of an old convent in Churubusco, just outside Mexico City. I’ve been there many times. That’s where the St. Patrick’s Battalion made its last stand.”
“The St. Patrick’s Battalion?”
“It’s a long story and I’ll do my best to explain.” He put down the photograph. “Before the start of the Mexican-American War, hundreds of Irish immigrants enlisted in the U.S. Army. They had left Ireland during the Great Famine and felt lucky to have a job, any job. Of course, the recruits knew little about America or it politics with regards to Mexico. As American troops prepared to invade Mexico, a number of Irish-born soldiers began to identify with the enemy: Catholics like themselves. By this time, they had endured ethnic and religious prejudice by their nativist officers, so it was no surprise they chose to join the Mexicans.”
“Now it makes sense—the words on the back of the photo: Ireland and Mexico—A bond of friendship forever. It’s an amazing story. But I don’t remember reading about it in any of my history books.”
About the Author:Ernesto Patino has been a musician, soldier, schoolteacher, FBI agent and private investigator. He is a multi-genre author whose books range from Mysteries and Thrillers to Romance and Children’s books. His published works include In the Shadow of a Stranger, Web of Secrets, The Last of the Good Guys and One Last Dance. He lives in Southern Arizona with his wife Pamela with whom he shares a passion for ethnic cuisines, classical music and foreign films.
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