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Watch the Hour
In the 1870s in Pennsylvanias anthracite coal region, mine owners and their employees, particularly the Irish immigrants, are in conflict over working conditions.
Private police forces commissioned by the state but paid by the coal companies are sworn to protect property of the mine owners. The miners know their real purpose is to spy upon targeted agitators and intimidate and break up strikers.
The Mollie Maguires, a secret society some see as working to improve the lot of the Irish and which others damn as a terrorist organization, are viewed as an increasing threat.
Benjamin Franklin Yeager is a coal company police officer. He does his best to follow orders while trying to be fair to the workers whose lot he sees as little different from his own. Despite his efforts at fairness, Yeagers job makes him the enemy of the Irish.
And thats the crux of his troubles.
For Ben is in love with an Irish girl.
Private police forces commissioned by the state but paid by the coal companies are sworn to protect property of the mine owners. The miners know their real purpose is to spy upon targeted agitators and intimidate and break up strikers.
The Mollie Maguires, a secret society some see as working to improve the lot of the Irish and which others damn as a terrorist organization, are viewed as an increasing threat.
Benjamin Franklin Yeager is a coal company police officer. He does his best to follow orders while trying to be fair to the workers whose lot he sees as little different from his own. Despite his efforts at fairness, Yeagers job makes him the enemy of the Irish.
And thats the crux of his troubles.
For Ben is in love with an Irish girl.
316 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
J.R. Lindermuth
40 books172 followersJ.R. Lindermuth lives and writes in central Pennsylvania. A retired newspaper editor/writer, he is also librarian of his county historical society where he assists clients with research and genealogy.
He's the author of 20 published novels and two regional histories He has published stories and articles in a variety of magazines, both print and on-line.
He is a member of International Thriller Writers and is a former vice president of the Short Mystery Fiction Society.
He's the author of 20 published novels and two regional histories He has published stories and articles in a variety of magazines, both print and on-line.
He is a member of International Thriller Writers and is a former vice president of the Short Mystery Fiction Society.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 9, 2009
Here’s a good historical fiction. This one has a good gritty background set in the coal mining regions of Pennsylvania in the 1870s. Benjamin Yaeger, a police officer for the coal mining company is expected to follow orders, even when they go against the grain. In carrying out his job, he inevitably crosses the Irish. His biggest challenge comes when he falls in love with an Irish girl. This is a love story, I found the characters well formed, the background interesting and informative, and I thoroughly enjoyed the tale.
Carole
August 8, 2015
I just completed both "Watch The Hour" and "Digging Dusky Diamonds" by noted Pennsylvania author J.R. Lindermuth. I can report that these works, the former one of fiction, the latter a work of historical narrative, are excellent depictions of the hard scrabble life in the Anthracite coal regions of the Keystone State. I found my experience was enhanced by reading both works in tandem, as the facts inform the fiction which in turn provides meaning and flesh to both.
First to "Watch The Hour." Set in the years following the Civil War and the great conflict between the wealthy owners and desperate workers of the coal mining industry, the author introduces a cast of believable characters caught up in a whirlwind of passion, deceit and violence. Benjamin Franklin Yeager is a young veteran of the Civil War working as a member of the hated Coal and Iron Police - a vanguard of industry appointed private police charged with keeping order in the coal mine areas by suppressing any form of dissent, unionization and especially, the hated Molly Maguires. Yeager is caught between his sense of duty and fair play, and is equally torn by his love for an Irish girl and the opportunity to marry the daughter of his boss, a move which would provide him with wealth and security.
Look for carefully drawn personalities, interesting sub-plots and engaging dialogue. The authors research and knowledge of the times gives credibility and heft to the work. I thoroughly enjoyed it and my interest has been piqued for more works by this author.
"Digging Dusky Diamonds" is a very readable, interesting and entertaining history of the discovery and expansion of the Anthracite coal industry. Told in a narrative form, using many clippings and photographs from area newspapers, Mr. Lindermuth has succeeded in paying a fitting tribute to an area and industry that he knows much about. You will not only gain a sense of how difficult and dangerous coal mining was and is to this day, you will understand the workings of the industry, the booms and busts, as well as the inevitable decline. As a New Englander with little knowledge of the life and times of Pennsylvania Coal Miners, I found the work engaging from cover to cover. The author, a retired newspaperman and editor,lives in the area and comes from a long line of coal men.He does them justice with this work. Recommended for anyone who enjoys history with a human touch.
First to "Watch The Hour." Set in the years following the Civil War and the great conflict between the wealthy owners and desperate workers of the coal mining industry, the author introduces a cast of believable characters caught up in a whirlwind of passion, deceit and violence. Benjamin Franklin Yeager is a young veteran of the Civil War working as a member of the hated Coal and Iron Police - a vanguard of industry appointed private police charged with keeping order in the coal mine areas by suppressing any form of dissent, unionization and especially, the hated Molly Maguires. Yeager is caught between his sense of duty and fair play, and is equally torn by his love for an Irish girl and the opportunity to marry the daughter of his boss, a move which would provide him with wealth and security.
Look for carefully drawn personalities, interesting sub-plots and engaging dialogue. The authors research and knowledge of the times gives credibility and heft to the work. I thoroughly enjoyed it and my interest has been piqued for more works by this author.
"Digging Dusky Diamonds" is a very readable, interesting and entertaining history of the discovery and expansion of the Anthracite coal industry. Told in a narrative form, using many clippings and photographs from area newspapers, Mr. Lindermuth has succeeded in paying a fitting tribute to an area and industry that he knows much about. You will not only gain a sense of how difficult and dangerous coal mining was and is to this day, you will understand the workings of the industry, the booms and busts, as well as the inevitable decline. As a New Englander with little knowledge of the life and times of Pennsylvania Coal Miners, I found the work engaging from cover to cover. The author, a retired newspaperman and editor,lives in the area and comes from a long line of coal men.He does them justice with this work. Recommended for anyone who enjoys history with a human touch.
October 10, 2018
In the 1870s in Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal region, mine owners and their employees, particularly the Irish immigrants, are in conflict over working conditions.
Private police forces commissioned by the state but paid by the coal companies are sworn to protect property of the mine owners. The miners know their real purpose is to spy upon targeted agitators and intimidate and break up strikers.
The Mollie Maguires, a secret society some see as working to improve the lot of the Irish and which others damn as a terrorist organization, are viewed as an increasing threat.
Benjamin Franklin Yeager is a coal company police officer. He does his best to follow orders while trying to be fair to the workers whose lot he sees as little different from his own. Despite his efforts at fairness, Yeager’s job makes him the enemy of the Irish.
And that’s the crux of his troubles. For Ben is in love with an Irish girl.
“Conflict and emotions runs high through a maze of doubt, self-worth, fool headed stubbornness, and the promise of love. Benjamin, “Ben” Yeager has the world on his shoulders, struggling to keep peace in every direction. Is he the saving grace to a town that is the catalyst to his future or could the gumption that he shows set him on a path to a world of salvation
Masonville a town in the state of Pennsylvania sets the backdrop for a cast of complex characters that takes you on a journey of self sacrifice and personal discovery. This is Ben Yeager’s town, deputy sheriff, honest friend to some, a “bully boy” to others. He’s genuinely concerned about the people around him. Quick to defend at a moment’s notice but too shy to show his softer side.
Ben, in love with an Irish girl, not of his faith nor background but from the wrong side of the tracks. Wanting to marry and seek a new life, tired of a job where there is killing. Ben has duties and obligations as a deputy to a town who thinks of him as the enemy. He has to contend with the plight of his Irish neighbors, the working class of Masonville who that he feels is no different than him in upbringing; in essence they’re all the same.
The down trodden Irish immigrants working hard for pennies a day as miners, compared to as slaves of the south. Their plight is the mines and the dangers it holds. From dusk to dawn in sot covered faces these low class citizens tirelessly work without any hope of reprieve. Castaways in an ever progressive society they are a kept group of people living in poverty but content for that’s all they know. Harsh as their lives are they maintain as the working class in an improvised, but thriving community.
In this story of complex characters Ben is the binding thread, but there are others around him that weaves in and out of his life. There are two that captured my intention. Father Paul Delaney is once such person, the village priest to this patch of land called Masonville. A reserved person satisfied with the simple life, knows his place, kept around only to keep peace among the oppressed workers. Desperately seeking solace from daily battles with his faith, while fighting the curiosity of a sinner.
From the reserved to the infamous. “Old Man” Mason, a cantankerous old coot, who has more money than God. He controls the lives of the people who reside in this all forgotten village with an iron fist. Considers himself above all others including “the Irish vermin”. Hunger for power at any cost. You want to better yourself, then this is the guy that wrote the book on being self-sufficient. He calls the shots in Masonville only because he has the power and the money to do so. He’s all about business and don’t mind stepping on the few who get in his way.
I must admit that I was a bit curious about a book titled, Watch The Hour and what that meant, not sounding like the usual love story that I’m accustom to. Once the surprise of not finding the typical boy, girl story then I was able to get involved and focus on the reading.
This book takes you in a maze of directions, leading you on individual struggles of each character and how they overcome their hardships. The author J. R. Lindermuth displays a wealth of knowledge and history on the mining industry and the growth it brought about in creating jobs for unskilled laborers. He gives you a peek of the workers and choices they made in order to live. Courage of the unknown, tolling the line, choosing the dank and darkness as their overseers.
Author J. R. does well in placing the reader in the world of 1800 living, were buggies and wagons are daily necessities. The use of Irish slang is an adjustment the reader must make but once there, you are consumed in the lives of these people. The smell of traveled dirt roads, a since of the dampness of the mines, the musty, heavy laden air filed with dust and sot, the tightness of your chest when trying to catch your breath with the sweet smell of fresh air. The author draws you in the story, playing on all senses.
There are so many characters in this tale that they are too numerous to mention. Becoming bored is not possible because there are lessons that need learning. Turn a page and you’re faced with a new adventure in the lives of these colorful townspeople, you become to care about each person whether be good or bad. This is not your quick read, what the author gives you is a well-rounded story of drama and sweet romance, mixed with a nice bit of history. A complete read from beginning to end.
If you’re looking for something a little different than your usual boy, girl romance then you’ve found it. You leave with understanding these people lives and appreciating the challenges of life that they faced. You come away remembering them all.
Watch the Hour is for all who are looking for a resolution and awaiting the hour in which it happens. Go out and get this one before they are all gone. This is one for your keeper shelf."
Private police forces commissioned by the state but paid by the coal companies are sworn to protect property of the mine owners. The miners know their real purpose is to spy upon targeted agitators and intimidate and break up strikers.
The Mollie Maguires, a secret society some see as working to improve the lot of the Irish and which others damn as a terrorist organization, are viewed as an increasing threat.
Benjamin Franklin Yeager is a coal company police officer. He does his best to follow orders while trying to be fair to the workers whose lot he sees as little different from his own. Despite his efforts at fairness, Yeager’s job makes him the enemy of the Irish.
And that’s the crux of his troubles. For Ben is in love with an Irish girl.
“Conflict and emotions runs high through a maze of doubt, self-worth, fool headed stubbornness, and the promise of love. Benjamin, “Ben” Yeager has the world on his shoulders, struggling to keep peace in every direction. Is he the saving grace to a town that is the catalyst to his future or could the gumption that he shows set him on a path to a world of salvation
Masonville a town in the state of Pennsylvania sets the backdrop for a cast of complex characters that takes you on a journey of self sacrifice and personal discovery. This is Ben Yeager’s town, deputy sheriff, honest friend to some, a “bully boy” to others. He’s genuinely concerned about the people around him. Quick to defend at a moment’s notice but too shy to show his softer side.
Ben, in love with an Irish girl, not of his faith nor background but from the wrong side of the tracks. Wanting to marry and seek a new life, tired of a job where there is killing. Ben has duties and obligations as a deputy to a town who thinks of him as the enemy. He has to contend with the plight of his Irish neighbors, the working class of Masonville who that he feels is no different than him in upbringing; in essence they’re all the same.
The down trodden Irish immigrants working hard for pennies a day as miners, compared to as slaves of the south. Their plight is the mines and the dangers it holds. From dusk to dawn in sot covered faces these low class citizens tirelessly work without any hope of reprieve. Castaways in an ever progressive society they are a kept group of people living in poverty but content for that’s all they know. Harsh as their lives are they maintain as the working class in an improvised, but thriving community.
In this story of complex characters Ben is the binding thread, but there are others around him that weaves in and out of his life. There are two that captured my intention. Father Paul Delaney is once such person, the village priest to this patch of land called Masonville. A reserved person satisfied with the simple life, knows his place, kept around only to keep peace among the oppressed workers. Desperately seeking solace from daily battles with his faith, while fighting the curiosity of a sinner.
From the reserved to the infamous. “Old Man” Mason, a cantankerous old coot, who has more money than God. He controls the lives of the people who reside in this all forgotten village with an iron fist. Considers himself above all others including “the Irish vermin”. Hunger for power at any cost. You want to better yourself, then this is the guy that wrote the book on being self-sufficient. He calls the shots in Masonville only because he has the power and the money to do so. He’s all about business and don’t mind stepping on the few who get in his way.
I must admit that I was a bit curious about a book titled, Watch The Hour and what that meant, not sounding like the usual love story that I’m accustom to. Once the surprise of not finding the typical boy, girl story then I was able to get involved and focus on the reading.
This book takes you in a maze of directions, leading you on individual struggles of each character and how they overcome their hardships. The author J. R. Lindermuth displays a wealth of knowledge and history on the mining industry and the growth it brought about in creating jobs for unskilled laborers. He gives you a peek of the workers and choices they made in order to live. Courage of the unknown, tolling the line, choosing the dank and darkness as their overseers.
Author J. R. does well in placing the reader in the world of 1800 living, were buggies and wagons are daily necessities. The use of Irish slang is an adjustment the reader must make but once there, you are consumed in the lives of these people. The smell of traveled dirt roads, a since of the dampness of the mines, the musty, heavy laden air filed with dust and sot, the tightness of your chest when trying to catch your breath with the sweet smell of fresh air. The author draws you in the story, playing on all senses.
There are so many characters in this tale that they are too numerous to mention. Becoming bored is not possible because there are lessons that need learning. Turn a page and you’re faced with a new adventure in the lives of these colorful townspeople, you become to care about each person whether be good or bad. This is not your quick read, what the author gives you is a well-rounded story of drama and sweet romance, mixed with a nice bit of history. A complete read from beginning to end.
If you’re looking for something a little different than your usual boy, girl romance then you’ve found it. You leave with understanding these people lives and appreciating the challenges of life that they faced. You come away remembering them all.
Watch the Hour is for all who are looking for a resolution and awaiting the hour in which it happens. Go out and get this one before they are all gone. This is one for your keeper shelf."
August 16, 2011
A historical fiction novel about life and love in a Pennsylvania coal mining company town in the 19th century, during the time of the Molly Maquires.
A quick read, enjoyable.
A quick read, enjoyable.
June 30, 2010
Amazing book, I couldn't put it down, I finished all 300 ish pages in a day and a half
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews