The Slave Tag

by Robert Buckley

He was a black man from Tennessee and they werethree white teenagers from Iowa who killed him andtook the only thing he ever treasured – his greatgrandfather’s slave tag. His family never heard fromhim again. The year was 1940.Sixty years later a college grad student stumblesupon the unreported crime, decides to investigate itand quickly becomes immersed in its complexity.Joined by his college girlfriend they eventually identifythe victim and his assailants, one of whom they areamazed to learn is still living – a Catholic priest whostill has the tag in his possession. Urged on by thisguilt-ridden man, the students accept the obligationto return the tag to the victim’s family - if they canonly find them.Research leads them into the Deep South wherethey encounter a colorful collection of charactersand embark on an adventure they could never haveimagined.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Shawn Callon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What impressed me most about this novel was the originality of the story. The author makes no comments at the end of his novel as to where he got the idea - was it based on a true event or did he create the whole plot himself? It is a well-written novel, well-structured, easy to read and didn't get lost in multiple subplots and diversions. I was expecting some twists or surprises though, particularly when a local police officer started to go slightly rogue but that fizzled out. The next time I expected a change of direction occurred when Hank's room mate Pete took the slave tag to show it to some of his poker buddies and mislaid it. I thought this was going to be a significant plot development but again it was not to be! The story is a little too linear for me, I like surprises. The other issue I have with the book is the way the author cast a lot of his characters. Many of them were just too "Iowa-nice". A touch more reality in depicting some of the family members would have helped. Even the police lieutenant was unbelievably helpful and considerate. Putting these points aside, I did enjoy Robert Buckley's writing style and the content he created.
This review was written by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic Spy.

[Susanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a mystery by a local Cedar Rapids author. It plays out over two generations in Dubuque, Ia and deals with murder, racism and human interest. The story itself is quite good - a young woman and man from an Illinois college accidentally discover a murder of a black man, and while solving the case fall in love. The writing style and some of the details, however, are a little simple and too wholesome for me. The writer's voice and belief system come through a little too obvious , and I am missing the "reading between the lines".

[Lorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. Picked it up because the author is from Iowa. Grabbed my attention right from the start. Really enjoyed the plot and the twists and turns that occurred. Highly recommend this book. The story is a little different because you know right up front who did it but it is an awesome book.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book but did not like his other books.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read. Great story. I highly recommend. Very intriguing and interesting. A real page turner.

[VerJean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read on recommendation of sister.
Her book club selection for this month.
Wow - what an intriguing storyline.
Early in the book, I got so involved, forgot it was a novel.
But, of course, by the time all the discoveries and revelations are unfolding . . . maybe a bit predictable, still . . . . couldn't wait to finish and tie up all the pieces.
Might be hard to find this book - Iowa based author.
Interesting read !

[Cindy Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting plot but a bit put off by the "clunky" conversations, particularly by the college students. They are nice young people, but I don't believe young people still use words like "gosh" and "roomie" and "pal"...at least not in conversations with friends. Would have enjoyed more info on slave tags, but that information could be found online.