Synopses & Reviews
When a traveling peddler discovers the murder of a farm family in colonial North Carolina whose bodies have been left in bizarre positions, circumstances point to an Indian attack. But Harry Woodyard, a young planter who is the volunteer constable of Craven County during a period in America's past when there was no professional police force, finds clues that seem to indicate otherwise. The county establishment wants to blame the crime on a former inhabitant, an elderly Indian who has suddenly reappeared in the vicinity like an old ghost. But he is a person to whom Harry owes much. Defying the authorities, Harry goes off on his own to find the real killer. His investigation takes him up the Atlantic seacoast and turns into a perilous hunt for even bigger quarry that could affect the future of Britain in the American continent.
Review
"Historical fiction at its best. I have read many books about America's history, but this blood-curdling murder-mystery, set in 18th century North-Carolina, with America at the brink of the Revolutionary War, taught me a lot. Stylish, exciting, and packed with historical insight." Bob Van Laerhoven, author of 'Baudelaire's Revenge'
Review
"With its intrepid detective, skillful plotting, colorful characters, action and rich period detail, Donald Smith's novel is sure to please fans of historical mystery." Gary Inbinder, author of 'The Devil in Montmartre'
Review
"Rich with historical details and surprising turns, , a story of murder, love and loyalty, is an outstanding debut." Barbara Corrado Pope, author of The Missing Italian Girl and Cezanne's Quarry
Review
"A yarn that combines the hue and scope of James Fenimore Cooper with the taut suspense of Elmore Leonard." John Smolens, author of 'The Schoolmaster's Daughter'
Review
"In , Donald Smith delivers a captivating blend of political intrigue, mystery, and romance set during the closing months of the French and Indian War. Read it for its suspense, for its many surprises, and for its insight into early American colonial life. But read it foremost because Smith's debut novel is a fast-paced romp, a beautifully spun tale." Gary Schanbacher, author of the Spur Award-winning Crossing Purgatory
Review
" is the best first novel I've read in a long while. Lyrical and tough and suspenseful and set in a time and place that's been little explored in fiction, especially detective fiction, but which Donald Smith brings alive with clarity and vibrancy and a muscular authority. A first-rate novel." Edgar and Shamus Award-winning author James W. Hall
Review
"Fans of Eliot Pattison's Bone Rattler series (, etc.) will relish Smith's impressive debut. Smith balances historical detail and a twisty whodunit plot like a veteran." Publishers Weekly (starred)
Review
"Through detailed descriptions of characters and setting, readers can easily imagine early American life and its shifting governance. Compares well with the Bone Rattler series by Eliot Pattison or the Smithyman saga by David More." Booklist
Synopsis
Set in a tumultuous period that helped to forge a nation, a riveting mystery that takes a volunteer constable through the wilds of colonial North Carolina to track down a shadowy killer
Synopsis
Defying the authorities, Harry goes off on his own to find the real killer. His investigation takes him up the Atlantic seacoast and turns into a perilous hunt for even bigger quarry that could affect the future of Britain in the American continent.
About the Author
Donald Smith is a Washington, D.C.-based writer, broa