Field of Schemes, the sixth installment of J.B. Manheim’s The Deadball Files series, is a blend of sports and mystery. It invites readers into the complex underbelly of baseball, a world where the stakes extend far beyond the diamond. The novel introduces Adam Wallace, a baseball sleuth who uncovers more than he bargains for while setting up a new exhibit for the Hall of Fame. His journey into the depths of baseball’s relationship with sophisticated gambling schemes is intricately portrayed, with Manheim’s narrative weaving through past and present, revealing the game’s dark ties to gambling and corruption. Manheim’s skillful blend of historical intrigue and fictional narrative enriches the story. It provides a gripping backdrop of early 20th-century baseball, filled with rich details and an authentic atmosphere. The juxtaposition of the sport’s purity with its more sinister affiliations offers a compelling exploration of how far the roots of gambling have entwined within America’s favorite pastime.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, notably Wallace, whose moral compass and passion for baseball drive the story forward. His interactions with various historical figures and the dilemmas he faces add depth to the narrative, engaging the reader’s emotions and intellect. The dialogue and pacing are sharp, with J.B. Manheim maintaining suspense while adeptly handling multiple timelines and subplots. Each chapter builds tension, creating a satisfying resolution that ties up the intricate plot lines while setting the stage for potential future adventures. Field of Schemes is not just for baseball enthusiasts but anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery that challenges the boundaries between history and fiction. It’s an interesting read that offers insight into the complexities of loyalty, deceit, and the enduring impact of America’s historic sports culture.

J. B. Manheim wraps up The Deadball Files with this absorbing sixth installment of the series. Field of Schemes, a historical fiction mystery novel, follows the adventures of Adam Wallace, an award-winning author and baseball sleuth. When Adam is called upon by the Baseball Hall of Fame to write a story about the first Congressional baseball game played in 1909, he humbly accepts their request. Soon, he sets out to gather more information about the historical game, including the legacy it left behind. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Baseball asks him to analyze the impact of gambling companies on Major League Baseball. After Adam's investigation takes him to Costa Rica, he uncovers an insidious conspiracy that could shake the very foundations of baseball. Can he bring down the person pulling the strings from the shadows?

J.B. Manheim has written a riveting novel steeped in political intrigue and mystery. The author incorporates elements of both historical fiction and sleuth mystery into an enthralling narrative that delves into government corruption, baseball history, abuse of power, and a decades-long gambling conspiracy. Manheim also uses a lot of notable names from history in this book, both from the world of baseball and politics. What impressed me most about the novel was the seamless blend of history, baseball, and fiction. The narrative is well-paced, and the more you read, the more you find yourself immersed in the story. Adam is a likable protagonist to whom readers will instantly relate. Field of Schemes is the perfect book for fans of baseball and history. In addition, if you're a sleuth mystery lover, you're in for a treat!