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by Robert James

A historical novel that recreates the compelling story of a Yorkshire settler's 1832 shocking murder and the trial of the accused in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada.

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2000

About the author

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Reviews

[Matty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to read a local historical murder mystery. The back of the book sounded mysterious and alluring. The book itself turned out to be 3/4 Anne of Green Gables and 1/4 murder investigation. If the book had been fully about the murder with a short back story about the upbringing and family life it would have been so much better. They were both interesting aspects but didn't flow together. The murder and trial left so many unanswered questions. As this is historical fiction I would have loved to read more about why the family chose to support the accused (and obvious murderer, according to the facts), the affects of a murder on the small farming community, etc. There was so much more than could have been delved into afterword, instead of all of the unrelated lead-up.

[Irene D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book based on actual people and events in the early 1800’s in New Brunswick. The author is a genealogist and really got to know his ancestors and brought them to life. Actual names from the area were used or mentioned, such as Milner, Fawcett. As someone researching their family tree I found this fascinating. Well done, Robert James.