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Worthy Brown's Daughter
Known for his critically acclaimed contemporary thrillers, New York Times bestselling author Phillip Margolin explores intriguing new territory in Worthy Brown's Daughter, a compelling historical drama, set in nineteenth-century Oregon, that combines a heartbreaking story of slavery and murder with classic Margolin plot twists.One of a handful of lawyers in the new state of Oregon, recently widowed Matthew Penny agrees to help Worthy Brown, a newly freed slave, rescue his fifteen year old daughter, Roxanne, from their former master, a powerful Portland lawyer. Worthy's lawsuit sets in motion events that lead to Worthy's arrest for murder and create an agonizing moral dilemma that could send either Worthy or Matthew to the hangman.
At the same time, hanging judge Jed Tyler, a powerful politician with a barren personal life, becomes infatuated with a beautiful gold-digger who is scheming to murder Benjamin Gillette, Oregon's wealthiest businessman. When Gillette appears to die from natural causes, Sharon Hill produces a forged contract of marriage and Tyler must decide if he will sacrifice his reputation to defend that of the woman who inspired his irrational obsession.
At Worthy's trial, Matthew saves Worthy by producing a stunning courtroom surprise and his attempt to stop the deadly fortune hunter ends in a violent climax.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2014
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November 12, 2020
Inspired by real legal cases, Worthy Brown's Daughter is set in Oregon in 1860. There are two concurrent, but unconnected, plots which are linked by Matthew Penny, a young lawyer. In the first, Worthy Brown is a former slave who enlists the aid of Penny to free his teenaged daughter from their former master. The second involves a circuit judge and the richest man in town who are both brought low by the scheming prostitute, Sharon Hill.
This is a novel and interesting setting for a book. I know nothing about Oregon's history, and this book was a very entertaining introduction to its society and legal system. (Don't worry, the trials are not boring at all.) There is also a charming, non-sappy love story. All of the characters were well-developed and acted in a believable manner. Matthew, Worthy and his daughter were particularly appealing characters. I thought there were some giant holes in the final legal argument, but I still found the ending very satisfying.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
This is a novel and interesting setting for a book. I know nothing about Oregon's history, and this book was a very entertaining introduction to its society and legal system. (Don't worry, the trials are not boring at all.) There is also a charming, non-sappy love story. All of the characters were well-developed and acted in a believable manner. Matthew, Worthy and his daughter were particularly appealing characters. I thought there were some giant holes in the final legal argument, but I still found the ending very satisfying.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
August 24, 2019
I'm overwhelmed with disappointment in this book. It's seriously terrible -- overwrought plot, stilted dialogue, banal narration -- despite a promising plot description. And Margolin is billed as a "best selling author," which makes me wonder whether stepping out of his normal genre is the issue or if there's just no accounting for taste.
The plot line from the title is that a prominent Portland attorney brought two slaves with him from Georgia -- a man and his adolescent daughter. Slavery is illegal in the new state of Oregon, so the wily lawyer strikes a deal with his former slave, Worthy Brown, to let him work for his own freedom and that of his daughter. The lawyer reneges on setting the daughter free, however, keeping her as an indentured servant. Worthy approaches another Portland attorney, Matthew Penny, to help him free his daughter.
What could have been an in-depth examination of racism and the law, instead becomes a ridiculous soap opera with all the elements Margolin adds. The aforementioned wily lawyer, Caleb Barbour, is a immoral, alcoholic, lecherous sleazeball, without a single redeeming quality. The protagonist, Matthew, is so stilted and self-righteous with all his internal conflicts, I wanted to hand him the world's smallest violin. A second major plotline, about a vindictive prostitute, steals the show most of the time, even though it's a stock, melodramatic storyline without any actual depth.
The only reason I even finished this book was my sense of responsibility for suggesting it to my book group. For that, I'm truly repentant.
Read for book group, October 2014.
The plot line from the title is that a prominent Portland attorney brought two slaves with him from Georgia -- a man and his adolescent daughter. Slavery is illegal in the new state of Oregon, so the wily lawyer strikes a deal with his former slave, Worthy Brown, to let him work for his own freedom and that of his daughter. The lawyer reneges on setting the daughter free, however, keeping her as an indentured servant. Worthy approaches another Portland attorney, Matthew Penny, to help him free his daughter.
What could have been an in-depth examination of racism and the law, instead becomes a ridiculous soap opera with all the elements Margolin adds. The aforementioned wily lawyer, Caleb Barbour, is a immoral, alcoholic, lecherous sleazeball, without a single redeeming quality. The protagonist, Matthew, is so stilted and self-righteous with all his internal conflicts, I wanted to hand him the world's smallest violin. A second major plotline, about a vindictive prostitute, steals the show most of the time, even though it's a stock, melodramatic storyline without any actual depth.
The only reason I even finished this book was my sense of responsibility for suggesting it to my book group. For that, I'm truly repentant.
Read for book group, October 2014.
October 15, 2013
My sincere thanks to Harper Collins for giving me the opportunity to read this before publication.
I'd recommend Worthy Brown's Daughter to reader's looking for a good historical novel that explore the themes of women, grieving, slavery and justice. Margolin sets his story in mid-1800 Oregon, an area that he is familiar with and one that he can comfortably and expertly depict. I was immediately drawn into the story by its first chapter, always a good sign.
As not to spoil the story for you, I'll leave out some details but suffice it to say that Matthew finds himself practicing law in Portland. His clients are the poor farmers of this region, more likely to pay him "in produce or trade as in cash".First case we're privy to involves a man, Clyde Lukens, accused of stealing $200 from a guest at the town's inn. Some would hang him without a trial but this is not Matthew's form of Justice. Sharon Hill, the woman claiming that she was robbed is of questionable character and Lukens dubs her a jezebel. Matthew agrees to take Clyde on as a client. I'll not tell how this works out but Hill and her morals continue to be a pertinent part of the story.
Matthew's character is now set in our minds. He is approached by Worthy Brown whose daughter Roxanne learns of the new constitution of Oregon which abolishes slavery. Worthy asks his owner, Barbour do set them both free. Barbour refuses but eventually agrees that if Worthy works for him one more year, he'll let them go. When the year is up, Caleb Barbour reneges on this promise, orders Worthy off his property and refuses to let Roxanne leave. Worthy wants Matthew to bring Barbour to court and get freedom for his daughter.
What I liked:
The Brown vs. Barbour case and whether justice will be served for all our citizens
The setting and description thereof
Margolin's rendering of the times
A love story that I've told you nothing about
The many moral dilemmas presented - made me think
I liked the characters but their speaking voices and sometimes even their thoughts fell flat for me. With a more realistic dialog this would have been a superior book. As I stated in the beginning, if you like historical fiction and the subject of justice, then Worthy Brown's Daughter might fit the bill for you.
One more thing which may or not make the final cut as my read was from an uncorrected proof but I so loved the dedication that I'd like to share it:
For Doreen, who was with me when I
started
Worthy Brown's Daughter, and is still in
my heart
Margolin's wife Doreen Stamm, also a defense attorney, died from cancer in 2007.
I'd recommend Worthy Brown's Daughter to reader's looking for a good historical novel that explore the themes of women, grieving, slavery and justice. Margolin sets his story in mid-1800 Oregon, an area that he is familiar with and one that he can comfortably and expertly depict. I was immediately drawn into the story by its first chapter, always a good sign.
As not to spoil the story for you, I'll leave out some details but suffice it to say that Matthew finds himself practicing law in Portland. His clients are the poor farmers of this region, more likely to pay him "in produce or trade as in cash".First case we're privy to involves a man, Clyde Lukens, accused of stealing $200 from a guest at the town's inn. Some would hang him without a trial but this is not Matthew's form of Justice. Sharon Hill, the woman claiming that she was robbed is of questionable character and Lukens dubs her a jezebel. Matthew agrees to take Clyde on as a client. I'll not tell how this works out but Hill and her morals continue to be a pertinent part of the story.
Matthew's character is now set in our minds. He is approached by Worthy Brown whose daughter Roxanne learns of the new constitution of Oregon which abolishes slavery. Worthy asks his owner, Barbour do set them both free. Barbour refuses but eventually agrees that if Worthy works for him one more year, he'll let them go. When the year is up, Caleb Barbour reneges on this promise, orders Worthy off his property and refuses to let Roxanne leave. Worthy wants Matthew to bring Barbour to court and get freedom for his daughter.
What I liked:
The Brown vs. Barbour case and whether justice will be served for all our citizens
The setting and description thereof
Margolin's rendering of the times
A love story that I've told you nothing about
The many moral dilemmas presented - made me think
I liked the characters but their speaking voices and sometimes even their thoughts fell flat for me. With a more realistic dialog this would have been a superior book. As I stated in the beginning, if you like historical fiction and the subject of justice, then Worthy Brown's Daughter might fit the bill for you.
One more thing which may or not make the final cut as my read was from an uncorrected proof but I so loved the dedication that I'd like to share it:
For Doreen, who was with me when I
started
Worthy Brown's Daughter, and is still in
my heart
Margolin's wife Doreen Stamm, also a defense attorney, died from cancer in 2007.
March 7, 2014
I so wanted to like this book more than I did. It has a great premise based on a true story: a man agrees to free his slaves once they help him get settled in Oregon, but he reneges in part of his deal, leaving a young woman as his indentured slave. What could have, and should have, been a fascinating look at the legal system in the new West, reflecting the racial, economic, and social issues of the time, became a superficial pile-up of wacky plots and a main story that went nowhere.
There was little to no character development. Except for the main character of Matthew, everyone else came across as a cardboard character. The villains were clearly villainous, the martyrs virtuous, and the heroes were too good to be true. Anyone who was introduced with a sliver of conflict - such as the whore turned scam artist and the judge who lusted after her - lost that sliver as soon as the story moved on. And there was little to really like about the main character other than his integrity. Matthew, who is still in mourning after two years, trudges along feeling sorry for himself and his circumstances throughout the novel. There are a few positives for him, but they sort of fall into his lap (not really earned at all).
The plot moves quickly, and if it hadn't, I probably wouldn't have finished the book. The main legal conflict - Worthy Brown's suit to free his daughter - becomes mired in subplots of the murder of the "master" and the scam of Portland's wealthiest man. The legal aspects of the case should have been enough to create a compelling story; the subplots weren't tied into the book well enough to make them worthwhile (and the scam plot was resolved rather quickly - it could have been excised from the book and no one would have noticed). It was a disappointing read.
In the afterword, Margolin claims this is the best book he's written, and since it's the first of his I've read, I doubt I'll pick up another one. This premise (and Worthy Brown's daughter) deserved better.
There was little to no character development. Except for the main character of Matthew, everyone else came across as a cardboard character. The villains were clearly villainous, the martyrs virtuous, and the heroes were too good to be true. Anyone who was introduced with a sliver of conflict - such as the whore turned scam artist and the judge who lusted after her - lost that sliver as soon as the story moved on. And there was little to really like about the main character other than his integrity. Matthew, who is still in mourning after two years, trudges along feeling sorry for himself and his circumstances throughout the novel. There are a few positives for him, but they sort of fall into his lap (not really earned at all).
The plot moves quickly, and if it hadn't, I probably wouldn't have finished the book. The main legal conflict - Worthy Brown's suit to free his daughter - becomes mired in subplots of the murder of the "master" and the scam of Portland's wealthiest man. The legal aspects of the case should have been enough to create a compelling story; the subplots weren't tied into the book well enough to make them worthwhile (and the scam plot was resolved rather quickly - it could have been excised from the book and no one would have noticed). It was a disappointing read.
In the afterword, Margolin claims this is the best book he's written, and since it's the first of his I've read, I doubt I'll pick up another one. This premise (and Worthy Brown's daughter) deserved better.
January 5, 2014
Worthy Brown's Daughter is 2014 Harper publication written by Phillip Margolin. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
The 1860's, Matthew Penny and his young wife make the journey from Ohio to Oregon where he wished to set up a law practice. Tragically on the journey Rachel dies in an accident. Bereft, Matthew continues on with his plans and sets up a law office in Portland. He isn't really doing all that well with the firm, when he becomes embroiled in a case involving a man accused of stealing money from a strikingly beautiful woman. The man is found guilty but Matthew is certain he was conned.
On another note Matthew meets a charming young lady named Heather. For the first time since Rachel's death he feels like he could have a chance at happiness. Fate intervenes when Worthy Brown visits Matthew will a shocking revelation. In return for this information, Worthy wants Matthew to sue Worthy's former owner. Why? Worthy and his daughter Roxanne were made a bargain that would set them free from slavery. They did their part, but Worthy was the only one set free. His daughter is still enslaved and Worthy wants her released.
Matthew is faced the an unprecedented moral dilemma. He agreed to take Worthy's case, never suspecting the outcome of his involvement. In the 1860's Oregon was a new state and there were new rules or laws concerning slave ownership. Worthy, had a right to have his daughter returned, but once again fate intervened and Worthy finds himself imprisoned, facing the gallows. Can Matthew save him before it's too late?
This is a compelling historical fiction mystery based in part on a real case. The attitude regarding blacks often led some to the helpless conclusion that they were not worth defending. They had no future, not way to educate themselves and very little money. This trap would lead Worthy to make a decision that would set a guilty man free, because he felt one man's life was worth more than another's. Matthew disagrees vehemently and fights for justice however he can get it.
In the meantime the beautiful con artist sets her sights on Heather's widowed father and attempts to take Heather's inheritance from her. Once more Matthew must try to bring the wily mastermind to justice once and for all. So, there are two crimes Matthew is seeking to bring a close to. His future is also questionable as he isn't sure if he should try to tough it out in Oregon and maybe have a future with Heather, or to pack it all in and return to Ohio. Matthew's character is very honorable, despite his flaws. He is pretty hard on himself at times. Heather is also a likeable person and I admired her for sticking with the man she loved through some shocking truths and very difficult times. The political and judicial corruption was alive and well in 1860 as much as it is today. Men were bribed, promised powerful positions and blindsided by their own goals and greed. There were a lot of bad guys in this one, all with an agenda of their own.
Overall this was an interesting crime drama that explored a painful period in our history. I give this one a B+
The 1860's, Matthew Penny and his young wife make the journey from Ohio to Oregon where he wished to set up a law practice. Tragically on the journey Rachel dies in an accident. Bereft, Matthew continues on with his plans and sets up a law office in Portland. He isn't really doing all that well with the firm, when he becomes embroiled in a case involving a man accused of stealing money from a strikingly beautiful woman. The man is found guilty but Matthew is certain he was conned.
On another note Matthew meets a charming young lady named Heather. For the first time since Rachel's death he feels like he could have a chance at happiness. Fate intervenes when Worthy Brown visits Matthew will a shocking revelation. In return for this information, Worthy wants Matthew to sue Worthy's former owner. Why? Worthy and his daughter Roxanne were made a bargain that would set them free from slavery. They did their part, but Worthy was the only one set free. His daughter is still enslaved and Worthy wants her released.
Matthew is faced the an unprecedented moral dilemma. He agreed to take Worthy's case, never suspecting the outcome of his involvement. In the 1860's Oregon was a new state and there were new rules or laws concerning slave ownership. Worthy, had a right to have his daughter returned, but once again fate intervened and Worthy finds himself imprisoned, facing the gallows. Can Matthew save him before it's too late?
This is a compelling historical fiction mystery based in part on a real case. The attitude regarding blacks often led some to the helpless conclusion that they were not worth defending. They had no future, not way to educate themselves and very little money. This trap would lead Worthy to make a decision that would set a guilty man free, because he felt one man's life was worth more than another's. Matthew disagrees vehemently and fights for justice however he can get it.
In the meantime the beautiful con artist sets her sights on Heather's widowed father and attempts to take Heather's inheritance from her. Once more Matthew must try to bring the wily mastermind to justice once and for all. So, there are two crimes Matthew is seeking to bring a close to. His future is also questionable as he isn't sure if he should try to tough it out in Oregon and maybe have a future with Heather, or to pack it all in and return to Ohio. Matthew's character is very honorable, despite his flaws. He is pretty hard on himself at times. Heather is also a likeable person and I admired her for sticking with the man she loved through some shocking truths and very difficult times. The political and judicial corruption was alive and well in 1860 as much as it is today. Men were bribed, promised powerful positions and blindsided by their own goals and greed. There were a lot of bad guys in this one, all with an agenda of their own.
Overall this was an interesting crime drama that explored a painful period in our history. I give this one a B+
January 24, 2014
Portland, Oregon is the 1860's is a typical frontier town, a place where things are not very easy. Yet, Matthew seizes the opportunity to relocate there from the east, and he and his wife join the wagons heading over the Oregon Trail. Matthew makes it to Oregon, his wife does not.
Once in Oregon,Matthew who is a lawyer becomes embroiled in a few cases over a property dispute and lands on the wrong side of a man, who does not easily forgive. He also decides to undertake the lawsuit of a negro, the said Worthy, whose daughter in still being held as a slave even though slaves are illegal in Oregon.
Margolin has written legal thrillers for many years so he knows his way around a courtroom. and this one is loosely based on a true incident. Really enjoyed Matthew's character and the rough and tumble of this western town. The corruption and graft, violence never far from the core. It was very unusual for a white man at that time to take on the defense of a black man, yet it was done.
There were a couple of subplots that I felt were not really necessary, taking away from the main plot which was very interesting. Also at the end Matthew's new love interest lectures Worthy's daughter, about doing something with her life rather than being a servant something I did not like and could have been left out. All in all a good solid read.
Once in Oregon,Matthew who is a lawyer becomes embroiled in a few cases over a property dispute and lands on the wrong side of a man, who does not easily forgive. He also decides to undertake the lawsuit of a negro, the said Worthy, whose daughter in still being held as a slave even though slaves are illegal in Oregon.
Margolin has written legal thrillers for many years so he knows his way around a courtroom. and this one is loosely based on a true incident. Really enjoyed Matthew's character and the rough and tumble of this western town. The corruption and graft, violence never far from the core. It was very unusual for a white man at that time to take on the defense of a black man, yet it was done.
There were a couple of subplots that I felt were not really necessary, taking away from the main plot which was very interesting. Also at the end Matthew's new love interest lectures Worthy's daughter, about doing something with her life rather than being a servant something I did not like and could have been left out. All in all a good solid read.
April 18, 2014
I love the way this story with its litany of characters comes together, especially toward the end. Very well written novel by author Margolin with some historical facts introduced. 10 of 10 stars
November 18, 2013
Worthy Brown is a humble man. He works hard for what he wants. For example he was a slave but now he is finally a free man. Not without a lot of hard work and pain. If there was any other way Mr. Brown would take it but there is not. Thus he takes himself down to Matthew Penny's office. Mr. Penny is an attorney.
Mr. Brown's former employer made a deal with Mr. Brown that if he and his daughter worked for him for another year then he would release them both. As you can imagine, he broke that deal. Now Mr. Brown will do everything he can to get his daughter back and give her her freedom.
I was first introduced to this author by reading his book, Sleight of Hand. After reading that book I knew I needed to check out this author's other books. When I got the chance to read Mr. Margolin's newest book, I knew I could not pass up the opportunity. Plus, I have always been fascinated by the South and this time period.
Instantly, I was spellbound by this book and the story of Mr. Brown and his daughter. This book was so great that as soon as I finished the last word, I ran to by co-worker and raved about this book. I told her she needed to write down this author's name and this book and check it out when it became available. In fact this book was so good that I even compared it to another one of my all time favorite classic books that I read...To Kill a Mockingbird. Yes, I did just make this reference. Worthy Brown's Daughter is a must read and must keeper!
Mr. Brown's former employer made a deal with Mr. Brown that if he and his daughter worked for him for another year then he would release them both. As you can imagine, he broke that deal. Now Mr. Brown will do everything he can to get his daughter back and give her her freedom.
I was first introduced to this author by reading his book, Sleight of Hand. After reading that book I knew I needed to check out this author's other books. When I got the chance to read Mr. Margolin's newest book, I knew I could not pass up the opportunity. Plus, I have always been fascinated by the South and this time period.
Instantly, I was spellbound by this book and the story of Mr. Brown and his daughter. This book was so great that as soon as I finished the last word, I ran to by co-worker and raved about this book. I told her she needed to write down this author's name and this book and check it out when it became available. In fact this book was so good that I even compared it to another one of my all time favorite classic books that I read...To Kill a Mockingbird. Yes, I did just make this reference. Worthy Brown's Daughter is a must read and must keeper!
May 21, 2014
Sadly disappointed in this Oregon historical fiction. Loosely based on a true story of a slave who is emancipated, and whose child is not released by the wealthy land owner, so the fight for her release ensues. I was hoping for a less Harlequin Romancey story, complete with its light sex scenes, rape and pimps in a whore house. In all, it was too pat for me, and there were too many sub-plots that got checked off in the last few short chapters, check, check, check, ok good, I'm done. Oh, PS, of course the last paragraph was a setup for a sequel. Meh.
October 2, 2019
This fast-paced historical drama -- set in Portland, Oregon in 1860 -- has exciting plot twists in almost every chapter. A must read as a mystery novel and as a historical novel.
October 21, 2014
Margolin takes the reader back into the newly created State of Oregon in 1860, where slavery has been abolished, but the sentiments are still high among Americans. Matthew Penny, a young lawyer, is commissioned to assist in the meagre defence of a man accused of stealing money from a young woman. What transpires is a kangaroo court like no other and Penny is forced to see that justice is blind (to equality) as well as deaf (to reason). When Penny is approached by Worthy Brown, a negro who has negotiated his freedom, he is highly intrigued about the case put before him. Brown's daughter, Roxanne, remains in the custody of Caleb Barbour, the owner of the Brown family who brought them to Oregon. While he has permitted Worthy to live free, he holds onto Roxanne and has her living as a servant, without pay, to earn her freedom after spending much time under Barbour's care but unable to work as a younger child. Worthy seeks to free Roxanne and have Penny enact the legal proceedings to bring this about. However, after a lustful attack on Roxanne, Barbour lays dead on his porch steps and all eyes turn to Brown. Penny must fight with his conscience and do the right thing, defending a negro for a murder there is no way he could have committed. If that were not enough, a Jezabel-like woman has her claws into all the wealthy men of the community, sucking them dry and taking their riches. Will her wiles finally catch-up to her and how will this prowess taint Penny and his attempts to get Brown of the hook? Margolin has done it again, with a riveting story sure to keep the reader hooked, back in a time when justice saw colour before constitutional rights.
I was highly impressed with the story, even more so when I learned that Margolin wove it together from a number of cases in the 1860s. He portrays the characters, the general sentiment, and the setting in such a way to make it realistic and effective. While I was certain the story, and its judicial angle, were headed in a specific direction, Margolin turns the tables numerous times and gave a secondary or tertiary case the limelight for much of the book. The writing is sound and the plot is highly manageable, as well as the judicial arguments. That said, the book lacks the impetus of a real, centralised legal battle to hold the entire novel together. When I met Matthew Penny, I suspected that he would be a throwback form of Jake Brigance (of Grisham's A TIME TO KILL fame), defending an African American in front of a white jury. Instead, the cases were short and usually completed in a single chapter (which are quick and very fast paced). The novel is almost three stories collected into one, with a thread pulling them all together, but none receive the adequate attention that they deserve. That said, it was a swift read and highly entertaining.
Kudos, Mr. Margolin for your hard work and wonderful presentation.
I was highly impressed with the story, even more so when I learned that Margolin wove it together from a number of cases in the 1860s. He portrays the characters, the general sentiment, and the setting in such a way to make it realistic and effective. While I was certain the story, and its judicial angle, were headed in a specific direction, Margolin turns the tables numerous times and gave a secondary or tertiary case the limelight for much of the book. The writing is sound and the plot is highly manageable, as well as the judicial arguments. That said, the book lacks the impetus of a real, centralised legal battle to hold the entire novel together. When I met Matthew Penny, I suspected that he would be a throwback form of Jake Brigance (of Grisham's A TIME TO KILL fame), defending an African American in front of a white jury. Instead, the cases were short and usually completed in a single chapter (which are quick and very fast paced). The novel is almost three stories collected into one, with a thread pulling them all together, but none receive the adequate attention that they deserve. That said, it was a swift read and highly entertaining.
Kudos, Mr. Margolin for your hard work and wonderful presentation.
January 13, 2014
Known for his critically acclaimed contemporary thrillers, New York Times bestselling author Phillip Margolin explores intriguing new territory in Worthy Brown's Daughter, a compelling historical drama, set in nineteenth-century Oregon, that combines a heartbreaking story of slavery and murder with classic Margolin plot twists.
One of a handful of lawyers in the new state of Oregon, recently widowed Matthew Penny agrees to help Worthy Brown, a newly freed slave, rescue his fifteen year old daughter, Roxanne, from their former master, a powerful Portland lawyer. Worthy's lawsuit sets in motion events that lead to Worthy's arrest for murder and create an agonizing moral dilemma that could send either Worthy or Matthew to the hangman.
At the same time, hanging judge Jed Tyler, a powerful politician with a barren personal life, becomes infatuated with a beautiful gold-digger who is scheming to murder Benjamin Gillette, Oregon's wealthiest businessman. When Gillette appears to die from natural causes, Sharon Hill produces a forged contract of marriage and Tyler must decide if he will sacrifice his reputation to defend that of the woman who inspired his irrational obsession.
At Worthy's trial, Matthew saves Worthy by producing a stunning courtroom surprise and his attempt to stop the deadly fortune hunter ends in a violent climax.
Read this book. You just must. I haven't read any other books by Margolin, but after reading the blurb for this one, I had to read it. And it didn't disappoint. Fascinating book. The picture on the cover is so haunting, I really loved the work Margolin has put into this one and I highly recommend this entertaining read!!
One of a handful of lawyers in the new state of Oregon, recently widowed Matthew Penny agrees to help Worthy Brown, a newly freed slave, rescue his fifteen year old daughter, Roxanne, from their former master, a powerful Portland lawyer. Worthy's lawsuit sets in motion events that lead to Worthy's arrest for murder and create an agonizing moral dilemma that could send either Worthy or Matthew to the hangman.
At the same time, hanging judge Jed Tyler, a powerful politician with a barren personal life, becomes infatuated with a beautiful gold-digger who is scheming to murder Benjamin Gillette, Oregon's wealthiest businessman. When Gillette appears to die from natural causes, Sharon Hill produces a forged contract of marriage and Tyler must decide if he will sacrifice his reputation to defend that of the woman who inspired his irrational obsession.
At Worthy's trial, Matthew saves Worthy by producing a stunning courtroom surprise and his attempt to stop the deadly fortune hunter ends in a violent climax.
Read this book. You just must. I haven't read any other books by Margolin, but after reading the blurb for this one, I had to read it. And it didn't disappoint. Fascinating book. The picture on the cover is so haunting, I really loved the work Margolin has put into this one and I highly recommend this entertaining read!!
June 22, 2015
I’ve been a fan of Philip Margolin since my sister recommended him years ago. I enjoyed the first book so much, I began to get every one of his books that my library had. He writes great crime type thrillers.
In this book, he steps out of his normal genre and gives historical fiction a shake. This book is based on a real trial, so that may have been his inspiration. But, for me, this didn't work. I really wanted to have the same love for this as I do for his other books, but it didn't happen. I was disappointed. My two biggest complaints with this book were that the characters were bland and predictable, which then made the whole story, bland and predictable.
I liked the light that was centered on the issue of slavery and that of the abolitionists. I also loved the historical fiction part of this. It was an interesting time in American history.
I'll give this 3 stars.
In this book, he steps out of his normal genre and gives historical fiction a shake. This book is based on a real trial, so that may have been his inspiration. But, for me, this didn't work. I really wanted to have the same love for this as I do for his other books, but it didn't happen. I was disappointed. My two biggest complaints with this book were that the characters were bland and predictable, which then made the whole story, bland and predictable.
I liked the light that was centered on the issue of slavery and that of the abolitionists. I also loved the historical fiction part of this. It was an interesting time in American history.
I'll give this 3 stars.
April 23, 2017
Worthy Brown’s Daughter was not only a great read, it is an important read!
Worthy Brown’s slave owner Caleb Barbour moved from Georgia to Oregon promising Worthy his and his daughter, Roxanne, their freedom after arriving in Oregon. Caleb Barbour, a dishonest man, didn’t keep his word. When Worthy Brown challenged Barbour, Barbour threw Worthy Brown off his property keeping Worthy Brown’s teenage daughter, Roxanne. Worthy hires attorney Matthew Penny to help him get custody of his daughter.
Worthy Brown’s Daughter was based upon two actual events. It was well researched and written in good form. Worthy Brown’s Daughter is a story that should be required reading at the middle school level and again in high school. Jason Culp did a very good job in storytelling.
Worthy Brown’s slave owner Caleb Barbour moved from Georgia to Oregon promising Worthy his and his daughter, Roxanne, their freedom after arriving in Oregon. Caleb Barbour, a dishonest man, didn’t keep his word. When Worthy Brown challenged Barbour, Barbour threw Worthy Brown off his property keeping Worthy Brown’s teenage daughter, Roxanne. Worthy hires attorney Matthew Penny to help him get custody of his daughter.
Worthy Brown’s Daughter was based upon two actual events. It was well researched and written in good form. Worthy Brown’s Daughter is a story that should be required reading at the middle school level and again in high school. Jason Culp did a very good job in storytelling.
August 17, 2017
Written with spare prose and compelling dialogue, this gripping story plunges readers into Oregon territory in 1860, on the brink of the Civil War when racial tensions were high. Recently widowed attorney Matthew is drawn into the case of former slave Worthy Brown, who asks Matthew to gain release of the daughter kept by his prior owner. The case turns into a murder trial when the despicable Barbour, abusive owner of Brown's daughter, is found dead on his front stairs with Brown standing nearby. Using his background as a criminal defense lawyer, the author creates dramatic courtroom scenes and builds suspense around characters' motives and actions. Full of pithy descriptions of Portland in its early old west and racist days, the story wraps around love, prejudice, principles, despair and hope in a legal thriller that keeps you in suspense. Some characters are one-dimensional—Matthew's love interest Heather is relentlessly kind, Barbour incessantly evil—but Matthew and Brown are complex with mixed motives. The ending is a genuine and satisfying surprise.
March 30, 2020
This is the story of early Oregon and their fear of black people. A southerner brings his slaves to the Oregon territory and refuses to release them. No slaves were allowed in Oregon. No free blacks were allowed in Oregon either, unless you arrived before the Oregon Constitution was written.
This is the story (loosely based on facts) of a black man who gained his freedom but his master refused to let his young daughter go.
Mr. Worthy Brown asks a young lawyer to help and the story is most about this lawyer and his romance with a rich young woman while he tries to fight the prejudice in court and in Portland of the white Oregonians.
I enjoyed the book, but it was not up to his best work. It didn't surprise me, and I felt it was pretty much phoned in.
I checked this book from my local library.
This is the story (loosely based on facts) of a black man who gained his freedom but his master refused to let his young daughter go.
Mr. Worthy Brown asks a young lawyer to help and the story is most about this lawyer and his romance with a rich young woman while he tries to fight the prejudice in court and in Portland of the white Oregonians.
I enjoyed the book, but it was not up to his best work. It didn't surprise me, and I felt it was pretty much phoned in.
I checked this book from my local library.
June 28, 2020
4.0
A great commercial page-turner, but also good as historical fiction. Margolin took over a decade with this little gem, and based it on actual events in Oregon as the Civil War came about. Given the subject matter, probably none of the big phfatt agents nor publishers now would touch this story and that is a shame.
Margolin does a nuanced and balanced description of how the slavery issue impacted territories and young states and their inhabitants. The writing style is straightforward but does not pander to those who don't usually pick up a book or insist on romantzz novels. The author's legal background helps and lends authenticity. The details of time and place are important and not merely wallpaper.
Minor complaint; the large print edition has numerous typos and errors, which are distracting.
A great commercial page-turner, but also good as historical fiction. Margolin took over a decade with this little gem, and based it on actual events in Oregon as the Civil War came about. Given the subject matter, probably none of the big phfatt agents nor publishers now would touch this story and that is a shame.
Margolin does a nuanced and balanced description of how the slavery issue impacted territories and young states and their inhabitants. The writing style is straightforward but does not pander to those who don't usually pick up a book or insist on romantzz novels. The author's legal background helps and lends authenticity. The details of time and place are important and not merely wallpaper.
Minor complaint; the large print edition has numerous typos and errors, which are distracting.
April 10, 2019
This historical fiction novel is quite a departure from Margolin’s usual writing. It was on and off for me as I read it. Parts were very good, other parts less so. It gives an interest g picture of historic frontier justice and how courts are run. I’m glad I stayed with it. A good read.
August 22, 2021
Love Books that go back in time and this Story was a GREAT ONE!!!!!
August 20, 2022
What A Excellent READ***** To all PhillIp Margolin Fans, pick this book up, You Won't be Disappointed :-)
Read
April 28, 2025DNF No rating. Death in the first 5 pages times 3. Meh! Connectivity in progressions is nearly always questionable to character or place. Not a fan.
February 24, 2021
A good, solid read - didn't think this would be a book that would do much for me, but found it to be interesting and a good story. Was definitely worth the time to read.
July 31, 2020
I liked this novel! I cared about the main characters. I was engaged in plot threads, especially Barbour’s murder. I enjoyed the historic details of Oregon as it established statehood.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4 ⭐️
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4 ⭐️
February 8, 2014
I have enjoyed Phillip Margolin’s legal thriller set in current times but this is a very different book for Margolin. This a historical novel set in 1860 Portland Oregon. Margolin states that he loosely based the story on a true legal case in 1861 Portland. According to Margolin when Oregon wrote its state constitution it did not allow black people to settle in Oregon but those there prior to statehood could stay and own land. The real case had a black family that was slaves to a white man. When statehood passed he freed the parents and one child but kept the other children as servants. The parents sued for their children to be freed and returned to them and they won the case. In this book Margolin has a black man freed after statehood but the slave owner Caleb Barbour an attorney refused to release his 14 year old daughter. Mr. Worthy Brown contacted attorney Mr. Penny to sue for her freedom. There are several plots going on at the same time and they all come together at the end of the book. Margolin has a knack for storytelling. This book is a fast, absorbing read and Margolin’s law expertise makes the book’s climax, a courtroom battle very realistic and exciting. The ending of the book is interesting and exciting. Phillip Margolin is a criminal defense attorney who has become a novelist so the legal aspect of the story is realistic. February is National Black history month so this story about slavery in Oregon in 1960 is a perfect topic to read this month. I read this as an audio book. Jason Culp did an excellent job narrating the book.
December 4, 2014
Phillip Margolin is one of those special authors who, when a reader picks up their book, they know they are in for an entertaining experience.
I was sent this book from Amazon vine, in return for my review and I couldn't be happier that I picked this book.
The time is 1860 and Oregon is really beginning to grow. Matthew Penny and his wife decide to move west from Ohio and travel by wagon train. However, Matthew losses his wife when a wagon is swept down a river crossing.
With this burden behind him, he moves to Phoenix, Oregon where he's appointed to defend a man accused of theft. When he wins the case, another man approaches him and tells him that this man has information that Matthew can use to win another case he was preparing for. All this man wants is the promise from Matthew that if the information helps, Matthew would promise to return the favor. (For just a bit, it seems like the devil in Damn Yankees).
Matthew wins the new case and what the man wants is Matthew's help in getting his daughter who is being kept as a slave by a wealthy but unscrupulous man.
It's difficult not to give away plot but the story moves along swiftly. The characters are vividly drawn as is the setting of the early days of Portland, Oregon. We see such things as the first steam locomotive in that part of the country.
This is one of the best books I've read this year. My heart was beating faster and faster as I approached the conclusion which was both appropriate and satisfying.
I was sent this book from Amazon vine, in return for my review and I couldn't be happier that I picked this book.
The time is 1860 and Oregon is really beginning to grow. Matthew Penny and his wife decide to move west from Ohio and travel by wagon train. However, Matthew losses his wife when a wagon is swept down a river crossing.
With this burden behind him, he moves to Phoenix, Oregon where he's appointed to defend a man accused of theft. When he wins the case, another man approaches him and tells him that this man has information that Matthew can use to win another case he was preparing for. All this man wants is the promise from Matthew that if the information helps, Matthew would promise to return the favor. (For just a bit, it seems like the devil in Damn Yankees).
Matthew wins the new case and what the man wants is Matthew's help in getting his daughter who is being kept as a slave by a wealthy but unscrupulous man.
It's difficult not to give away plot but the story moves along swiftly. The characters are vividly drawn as is the setting of the early days of Portland, Oregon. We see such things as the first steam locomotive in that part of the country.
This is one of the best books I've read this year. My heart was beating faster and faster as I approached the conclusion which was both appropriate and satisfying.
March 19, 2014
WORTHY BROWN’S DAUGHTER
Phillip Margolin
Mr. Margolin has become famous writing legal thrillers; in fact he is the author the American Bar Association singled out as their pick for best writer of legal fiction. In his new book he is writing in a completely new genre, WORTHY BROWN’S DAUGHTER is a historical western with of course, a courtroom climax.
Loosely based on true events in Portland, Oregon in the 1860’s, Worthy Brown, a freed black man asks attorney Matthew Penny help in rescuing his daughter being held illegally in servitude. Crooked attorney and landowner, Caleb Barbour won’t release the daughter, Roxanne. When Worthy is discovered standing over Caleb Barbour’s dead body Matthew knows he must defend Worthy as only they know the truth. Worthy is convinced the jury will be racist, and doesn’t have a chance.
The wonderful colorful characters in the famous gritty westerns make their appearances. The crooked political system, the corrupt judge, the lovely damsel, the poor attorney and of course, the flamboyantly beautiful gold digging femme fatale who wraps men around her finger.
All together a thoroughly enjoyable and nostalgic read at the hand of a talented writer and story teller.
Phillip Margolin
Mr. Margolin has become famous writing legal thrillers; in fact he is the author the American Bar Association singled out as their pick for best writer of legal fiction. In his new book he is writing in a completely new genre, WORTHY BROWN’S DAUGHTER is a historical western with of course, a courtroom climax.
Loosely based on true events in Portland, Oregon in the 1860’s, Worthy Brown, a freed black man asks attorney Matthew Penny help in rescuing his daughter being held illegally in servitude. Crooked attorney and landowner, Caleb Barbour won’t release the daughter, Roxanne. When Worthy is discovered standing over Caleb Barbour’s dead body Matthew knows he must defend Worthy as only they know the truth. Worthy is convinced the jury will be racist, and doesn’t have a chance.
The wonderful colorful characters in the famous gritty westerns make their appearances. The crooked political system, the corrupt judge, the lovely damsel, the poor attorney and of course, the flamboyantly beautiful gold digging femme fatale who wraps men around her finger.
All together a thoroughly enjoyable and nostalgic read at the hand of a talented writer and story teller.
June 16, 2014
I have been reading Margolin’s mysteries for quite a long time, but this historical novel marks a definite departure from his typical serial killer stories. Set in the Oregon territory in the 1860s, Margolin balances the research in the historical detail with characters that really come to life. The pacing moves along quickly and the story, though not entirely unpredictable, unfolds in an engaging manner with vile villains, sympathetic victims and a hero burdened by his past. The legal history will make readers thankful for the ways that the law has progressed. And the basis on a real historical case makes all of the heart of this novel all the more poignant.
The ending may be a bit rushed, but it is such a fast-paced novel that the quick ending does not really jar with the preceding pages. The novel as a whole may surprise diehard fans, but I think they will be won over by the genuine emotion present in the story. It is an entertaining read and I wonder if Margolin will continue on in the historical subgenre.
The ending may be a bit rushed, but it is such a fast-paced novel that the quick ending does not really jar with the preceding pages. The novel as a whole may surprise diehard fans, but I think they will be won over by the genuine emotion present in the story. It is an entertaining read and I wonder if Margolin will continue on in the historical subgenre.
September 10, 2014
When I selected this book from the library, it appeared to have an interesting premise. A former slave and his daughter, now living in a state where slavery is not permitted after being transported by their former master, strikes up a deal for freedom for himself and his daughter following a year of servitude in Oregon. After a year, the former owner allows the man to go, but keeps the daughter. The former slave finds a lawyer to represent him to help win back his daughter.
Based on a true story, this story alone might have been interesting. However, the author added a tawdry sub-plot about a former prostitute/con artist who likes to woo wealthy men and then rob, kill them, or in some cases both.
The whole plot was convoluted, and it was clear at the end that the author needed to quickly tie up loose ends, which he did in a relatively sloppy manner.
According to the author notes, this book was 20 years in the making by a well-established author. All I came out of it with was an assurance that I would never pick up another book from this particular author.
Based on a true story, this story alone might have been interesting. However, the author added a tawdry sub-plot about a former prostitute/con artist who likes to woo wealthy men and then rob, kill them, or in some cases both.
The whole plot was convoluted, and it was clear at the end that the author needed to quickly tie up loose ends, which he did in a relatively sloppy manner.
According to the author notes, this book was 20 years in the making by a well-established author. All I came out of it with was an assurance that I would never pick up another book from this particular author.
July 4, 2024
This historical novel is set in 1860s Oregon, when it's just become a state.
A young attorney named Matthew Penny is trying to establish a law practice in Portland.....
......and he agrees to represent a freed Black man named Worthy Brown.
Worthy's daughter Roxanne (15) is being kept as a slave by attorney Caleb Barbour, who treats her badly.
Barbour brought Roxanne from Georgia to Oregon when he moved across the country.
Oregon doesn't allow slavery, but Barbour won't free Roxanne, and attorney Matthew Penny takes Barbour to court.
Meanwhile, Sharon Hill, a beautiful prostitute from San Francisco, is 'masquerading' as a respectable woman in Portland.
Sharon enchants Benjamin Gillette, the richest man in town, and schemes to get all his money. In the end, Sharon's nefarious plan requires that she go to court to try to get Gillette's worldly goods.
To add another layer of intrigue, Judge Jed Tyler, who's in charge of all the trials in Portland, has been entranced by cunning Sharon Hill, who takes full advantage of Tyler's crush.
In the meantime, there's a tragic death, and Worthy Brown - though completely innocent - is accused of the crime.
Matthew Penny takes on Worthy's defense, though everyone in Portland is convinced of Worthy's guilt, and wouldn't flinch at convicting a Black man even if he's innocent. Worthy's daughter Roxanne is upset about her father's plight, and comforts him as best she can.
There's plenty of courtroom drama in the novel, as well as an interesting dissection of Black-White issues in Oregon just before the Civil War. This book is a departure for Phillip Margolin, who usually writes modern legal thrillers.
I'd recommend the book to fans of historical fiction and courtroom dramas.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
February 4, 2014
VERY ENTERTAINING READING.
"Law was like that. Victory and elation one minute, and crushing defeat the next."—page 41
WORTH BROWN'S DAUGHTER, by Phillip Margolin is a very entertaining read—an exceptionally well told historical novel, with a lawyerly twist. Set in the exciting city of Portland, during Oregon's first year of statehood, 1860, with side junkets to the glittering city of San Francisco and its nefarious Barbary Coast, this novel is a special treat for fans of the history of the western edge of the country.
Recommendation: Highly recommended for all who might be interested in history, law and/or culture; and to those, who just enjoy good, engaging, illuminating storytelling.
"…then he would be forced to admit that he had destroyed his reputation and career for the delusions and criminal ambitions of a madwoman."—page 236
NOOKbook edition, 283 pages
"Law was like that. Victory and elation one minute, and crushing defeat the next."—page 41
WORTH BROWN'S DAUGHTER, by Phillip Margolin is a very entertaining read—an exceptionally well told historical novel, with a lawyerly twist. Set in the exciting city of Portland, during Oregon's first year of statehood, 1860, with side junkets to the glittering city of San Francisco and its nefarious Barbary Coast, this novel is a special treat for fans of the history of the western edge of the country.
Recommendation: Highly recommended for all who might be interested in history, law and/or culture; and to those, who just enjoy good, engaging, illuminating storytelling.
"…then he would be forced to admit that he had destroyed his reputation and career for the delusions and criminal ambitions of a madwoman."—page 236
NOOKbook edition, 283 pages
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