Black Drop

Sage Adair #4

by S.L. Stoner

This fast-paced story is crafted around Theodore Roosevelt’s 1903 visit to Portland, Oregon. The new president has threatened big business and Congress by adopting a progressive program aimed at equalizing wealth and power, reducing abuse of workers, rejecting racial discrimination and preserving the environment. It appears these efforts have triggered an assassination attempt. Against the backdrop of mounting excitement over the impending presidential visit, Sage Adair and his colorful, like-minded friends race to prevent Roosevelt’s murder. And, since life is never simple, Sage also learns of young boys who need rescuing from a fate worse than death. As the presidential train and the boys’ doom rush ever closer, every crucial answer remains elusive Once again, actual historical events lie at the core of this fourth book in the fascinating Sage Adair historical mystery series.

Genres: Mystery

326 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2014

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am still thoroughly enjoying getting this glimpse into turn-of-the-century Portland, combined with learning more of the history of the labour movement and other social issues that we are still dealing with today (in fact, this series of books is even more relevant now than when this one was published a couple of years ago). Coupled with recently learning more about Teddy Roosevelt's role in establishing the National Park system via the Ken Burns documentary, this was an interesting look into his unpopularity with the big corporations and popularity with the working class. Stoner was clear, however, that Roosevelt had his shortcomings as far as discrimination was concerned (easily fit into the story given the importance of the Chinese characters) and that she was emphasizing his progressive views in regards to the labour movement as that is the central theme to this book series.

[Ryan Mishap · Rating 3 out of 5]

No departure from the previous three novels except for the (all too common in series books) turn to suspense rather than mystery. While I have a few criticisms that I could share, I'd rather point out how rare it is to have novels written from a pro-labor, anti-capitalist viewpoint. While these stories take place safely in the past, the parallels between the turn of the century US and the here and now are striking: gross wealth inequality, anti-immigrant stances, corporate power, wars abroad, and more. Sure, Sage slips into political monologue and one could use the word didactic, but I don't mind because the sympathy always resides with the poor and downtrodden, the oppressed and swindled, and the people who try to work for better conditions.

[Susan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful historical mystery. Set in 1903 this is the story of Teddy Roosevelt's trip to Portland Or. where an assassination awaits him.

A great read for fans of history or mystery.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am becoming quite attached to these characters!! I live in the Portland, OR metro-area and reading of places that I actually have been to multiple times and have better-than-average knowledge of .... it's so fun!!
I also enjoy trying to puzzle out the meaning of the title in books I read. This one I couldn't figure out until the book told me. Ha.
I put book 5 on hold at the library today.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to have won this book in the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway and have only just got around to reading this book.

I love historical fiction, especially when there is a mystery involved. It was a page turner and do hope to read more books by this author.

[Carolyn Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific sense of place and time and personalities and conflicts of that age. Put this on your list if you're interested in the history of Portland, Oregon, and the issues the growing city faced in 1903.