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Mayflower Murders
From the #1 bestselling authors in Hard Boiled Mysteries and Police Procedurals, Carolyn McCray and Ben Hopkin, comes a new blockbuster historical thriller, Mayflower Murders.
**Warning: This is an alternate history version of the Pilgrims who came to the New World to form Plymouth. Historians beware, as this may well turn your view of the founding of America on its head.
Early praise for Mayflower Murders...
“It's a strong story with laughter, pain, grief, hate and love. The cast of characters are also strong and so perfect a match to the swift moving flow of the story. I could not lay this book down, it had me laughing till tears ran, filled with anger till I wanted to scream, then so surprised I could have never seen this coming! I highly recommend this wonderful story.”
DD Gott
Amazon Reviewer
Overview:
You think you know why the Pilgrims gave thanks on the first Thanksgiving. The harvest, right?
Wrong.
In this reimagining, we explore a much darker and more sinister reason.
With over half the colonists dying, did America's first serial killer come over on the Mayflower?
Praise for McCray and Hopkin’s other thrillers…
“Very good book with enough twists and turns to make you attached to the book until the end. Nice characters and a goon and interesting story indeed. A real thriller for enthusiasts.”
Pedro
Amazon Reviewer
“I loved this book (9th Circle)!!! First book I've ever read by these authors... and I thought it was totally amazing. Well written and def kept me on the edge of my seat! … Being a fan of detective novels, horror and some gore, I found this book right up my alley!! I bought it on a whim but now I def want to see what else they have written!!!”
Andrea Severino
Amazon Reviewer
“I absolutely loved this series (Darc Murders Collection). I've recommended it to several people. If you visualize what you are reading, the author will walk you through the most unusual and gory murders. Very unique. I found a new favorite writer!”
Alicia Dries
Amazon Reviewer
If you enjoy the tangled mystery The Name of the Rose or the intense action of Master and Commander, the new historical thriller Mayflower Murders is sure to keep you reading late into the night.
**If you were searching for characters such as Alex Cross and Hannibal or movies like 7 and Saw, check out the Darc Murders Collection
**If you were looking for McCray's #1 Hard Boiled/Police Procedural Patterson-style thrillers with dash of Hannibal, search under Harbinger Murder Mystery Collection
**Want even more serial killers? Check out McCray/Hopkin's latest, The Nursery Rhyme Murders series starting with Humpty Dumpty, the killer wants us to put him back together again
**Need your RDA allowance of thrills? Check out Got Thrills?
**Love thrillers and police procedurals? Look for Down & Dirty.
**Warning: This is an alternate history version of the Pilgrims who came to the New World to form Plymouth. Historians beware, as this may well turn your view of the founding of America on its head.
Early praise for Mayflower Murders...
“It's a strong story with laughter, pain, grief, hate and love. The cast of characters are also strong and so perfect a match to the swift moving flow of the story. I could not lay this book down, it had me laughing till tears ran, filled with anger till I wanted to scream, then so surprised I could have never seen this coming! I highly recommend this wonderful story.”
DD Gott
Amazon Reviewer
Overview:
You think you know why the Pilgrims gave thanks on the first Thanksgiving. The harvest, right?
Wrong.
In this reimagining, we explore a much darker and more sinister reason.
With over half the colonists dying, did America's first serial killer come over on the Mayflower?
Praise for McCray and Hopkin’s other thrillers…
“Very good book with enough twists and turns to make you attached to the book until the end. Nice characters and a goon and interesting story indeed. A real thriller for enthusiasts.”
Pedro
Amazon Reviewer
“I loved this book (9th Circle)!!! First book I've ever read by these authors... and I thought it was totally amazing. Well written and def kept me on the edge of my seat! … Being a fan of detective novels, horror and some gore, I found this book right up my alley!! I bought it on a whim but now I def want to see what else they have written!!!”
Andrea Severino
Amazon Reviewer
“I absolutely loved this series (Darc Murders Collection). I've recommended it to several people. If you visualize what you are reading, the author will walk you through the most unusual and gory murders. Very unique. I found a new favorite writer!”
Alicia Dries
Amazon Reviewer
If you enjoy the tangled mystery The Name of the Rose or the intense action of Master and Commander, the new historical thriller Mayflower Murders is sure to keep you reading late into the night.
**If you were searching for characters such as Alex Cross and Hannibal or movies like 7 and Saw, check out the Darc Murders Collection
**If you were looking for McCray's #1 Hard Boiled/Police Procedural Patterson-style thrillers with dash of Hannibal, search under Harbinger Murder Mystery Collection
**Want even more serial killers? Check out McCray/Hopkin's latest, The Nursery Rhyme Murders series starting with Humpty Dumpty, the killer wants us to put him back together again
**Need your RDA allowance of thrills? Check out Got Thrills?
**Love thrillers and police procedurals? Look for Down & Dirty.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2013
68 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn McCray
136 books336 followersThis is a pen name of Goodreads author Cristyn West.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 3, 2014
This story is a wonderful example of how to mix a contemporary mystery with the colonial period. The authors have done a terrific job of researching to get so many accurate details into their story, from Miles Standish to the Native Americans, how they hunted, lived and even the societal demands placed on those who lived in this time period.
The authors have created a marvelous set of characters that are put in situations where anyone really could be the possible killer of colonists and Native Americans alike and the little mini-mysteries, as I like to call them, that were placed throughout the story added an extra layer of possibilities that kept you on the edge of your seat.
If you wish to read more of my full review, please scroll on down and I hope it helps you to pick this wonderful book up.
After reading this terrific Plymouth colonial mystery I have to applaud the authors for their extremely well done research in order to get so many details accurate, at least as accurate as we can know them to be from that time period. Adding characters such as Miles Standish gave it an extra air of authenticity that helped you to believe what you were reading was real history rather than a fictitious mystery. From the very beginning you got a great sense of ideals that Parley, Remmie as well as Tisquantum, who I found very interesting, possessed.
Early in the story, Remmie's father, Pastor Wilkes and a few of the other colonists struck a raw nerve in me simply because such usage of religion in order to persecute others who thought differently than them was a real part of the early settlers and that even runs true to today's society. The constant disappearances and lies of the Pastor made you think something was fishy with him and he wasn’t quite the honest, all godly religious leader he portrayed himself to be to his “flock”, which made you add him to your suspect list so that it could’ve been any of several different characters that could be causing the killings inflicted on both colonists and Native Americans alike.
It was also very interesting to see how the colonists viewed certain things that we today take for granted. Back then you had to keep all your emotions practically hidden or others would think you were "sinning" and the internal struggles they had to go through day in and day out in order to cope with their own emotions while at the same time behaving as society expected them to had to be extremely Their lives weren't just hard because of the wilderness but also because of how they had to behave within their own society and anything outside of the considered "norm" could get you not only ostracized but possibly put to death.
The authors’ ability to create the characters speaking in actual old English was a tremendous touch which took a little adjusting in the beginning but once you’ve read a couple of chapters you’ll find yourself having fewer issues with reading the old English.
The way the authors kept you guessing so even when the characters saw the killer they didn't immediately state the killer's name which kept you wondering if your thoughts on who it was, were correct and even though that was agonizing to your curiosity, it really kept you involved and wanting to continue the story and in my view anyways, is a wonderful way to involve the reader in the story and draw them in further.
In conclusion, this was a terrific story that has something for almost everyone. If you're into history, romance or mystery, you will not be disappointed in picking up this book and having a good read.
The authors have created a marvelous set of characters that are put in situations where anyone really could be the possible killer of colonists and Native Americans alike and the little mini-mysteries, as I like to call them, that were placed throughout the story added an extra layer of possibilities that kept you on the edge of your seat.
If you wish to read more of my full review, please scroll on down and I hope it helps you to pick this wonderful book up.
After reading this terrific Plymouth colonial mystery I have to applaud the authors for their extremely well done research in order to get so many details accurate, at least as accurate as we can know them to be from that time period. Adding characters such as Miles Standish gave it an extra air of authenticity that helped you to believe what you were reading was real history rather than a fictitious mystery. From the very beginning you got a great sense of ideals that Parley, Remmie as well as Tisquantum, who I found very interesting, possessed.
Early in the story, Remmie's father, Pastor Wilkes and a few of the other colonists struck a raw nerve in me simply because such usage of religion in order to persecute others who thought differently than them was a real part of the early settlers and that even runs true to today's society. The constant disappearances and lies of the Pastor made you think something was fishy with him and he wasn’t quite the honest, all godly religious leader he portrayed himself to be to his “flock”, which made you add him to your suspect list so that it could’ve been any of several different characters that could be causing the killings inflicted on both colonists and Native Americans alike.
It was also very interesting to see how the colonists viewed certain things that we today take for granted. Back then you had to keep all your emotions practically hidden or others would think you were "sinning" and the internal struggles they had to go through day in and day out in order to cope with their own emotions while at the same time behaving as society expected them to had to be extremely Their lives weren't just hard because of the wilderness but also because of how they had to behave within their own society and anything outside of the considered "norm" could get you not only ostracized but possibly put to death.
The authors’ ability to create the characters speaking in actual old English was a tremendous touch which took a little adjusting in the beginning but once you’ve read a couple of chapters you’ll find yourself having fewer issues with reading the old English.
The way the authors kept you guessing so even when the characters saw the killer they didn't immediately state the killer's name which kept you wondering if your thoughts on who it was, were correct and even though that was agonizing to your curiosity, it really kept you involved and wanting to continue the story and in my view anyways, is a wonderful way to involve the reader in the story and draw them in further.
In conclusion, this was a terrific story that has something for almost everyone. If you're into history, romance or mystery, you will not be disappointed in picking up this book and having a good read.
December 29, 2014
I am torn on the rating for this one. I'd like to give it 2 stars here on Goodreads for "it was okay" but 3 stars on Amazon.
Overall, the writing was above par for what I expected. The story was standard American grade-school Thanksgiving pastiche(with the exception of a psychotic serial killer, of course). There are people who've left reviews complaining about the sex, and all I can say to that is, "What sex?" I think they must be Puritanically offended by sexual attraction, because, literally, that's all the mention there was. And truly, to deny human beings have sexual attraction is to be - well - Puritanical. One must assume at least some of the Pilgrims at Plymouth had sex. But this book doesn't delve into that. At all. So, no sex.
So, moving on. There's a gore and violence factor. Mostly involving animals. And of course, the serial killer's victims. Which, truly, were not gory.
We have an Indian. He's progressive, forward-thinking and very cool.
We have a hot Pilgrim, blaming himself for. . .well, I can't say without a spoiler and I'm too lazy to insert one now.
We have an intelligent, fairly free-thinking Puritanical pastor's daughter who occasionally wonders about the hot Pilgrim in a not-so-Puritanical but less than detailed-and-graphic way.
We have a lot of "thouest-", "prithee-", and "forsooth"-type language, which truly, makes the dialogue a little clunky and, well, bizarre. But yes, they were Puritanical pilgrims, I wasn't there personally, and according to my third grade history teacher, there was some language of this type. Prithee, darest I to hope not come across it again sooneth.
Truthfully, it was vaguely amusing and a creative way to rehash the annual elementary school Thanksgiving "feast". Hey kids, I know the cafeteria turkey byproduct and canned green beans are kinda boring, but what if. . .what if I told you a story about the Pilgrims and there was a really creepy guy who went around and murdered the Pilgrims, tried to blame it on the Indians. . .yeah, yeah! Oh hey, wait - don't cry! No, no, no - it all got wrapped up in the end with hearts, flowers and a really yummy Venison stew. All the Indians showed up and they had "much big feast" and everyone lived happily ever after.
See. . .it's that elementary Thanksgiving story all over again! Completely historically inaccurate, a little more politically correct, plus a deranged serial killer plot that doesn't exactly fit but makes it kinda, sorta fun if you look at it sideways and squint your eyes. So, yeah, okay - 3 stars for creative license.
Overall, the writing was above par for what I expected. The story was standard American grade-school Thanksgiving pastiche(with the exception of a psychotic serial killer, of course). There are people who've left reviews complaining about the sex, and all I can say to that is, "What sex?" I think they must be Puritanically offended by sexual attraction, because, literally, that's all the mention there was. And truly, to deny human beings have sexual attraction is to be - well - Puritanical. One must assume at least some of the Pilgrims at Plymouth had sex. But this book doesn't delve into that. At all. So, no sex.
So, moving on. There's a gore and violence factor. Mostly involving animals. And of course, the serial killer's victims. Which, truly, were not gory.
We have an Indian. He's progressive, forward-thinking and very cool.
We have a hot Pilgrim, blaming himself for. . .well, I can't say without a spoiler and I'm too lazy to insert one now.
We have an intelligent, fairly free-thinking Puritanical pastor's daughter who occasionally wonders about the hot Pilgrim in a not-so-Puritanical but less than detailed-and-graphic way.
We have a lot of "thouest-", "prithee-", and "forsooth"-type language, which truly, makes the dialogue a little clunky and, well, bizarre. But yes, they were Puritanical pilgrims, I wasn't there personally, and according to my third grade history teacher, there was some language of this type. Prithee, darest I to hope not come across it again sooneth.
Truthfully, it was vaguely amusing and a creative way to rehash the annual elementary school Thanksgiving "feast". Hey kids, I know the cafeteria turkey byproduct and canned green beans are kinda boring, but what if. . .what if I told you a story about the Pilgrims and there was a really creepy guy who went around and murdered the Pilgrims, tried to blame it on the Indians. . .yeah, yeah! Oh hey, wait - don't cry! No, no, no - it all got wrapped up in the end with hearts, flowers and a really yummy Venison stew. All the Indians showed up and they had "much big feast" and everyone lived happily ever after.
See. . .it's that elementary Thanksgiving story all over again! Completely historically inaccurate, a little more politically correct, plus a deranged serial killer plot that doesn't exactly fit but makes it kinda, sorta fun if you look at it sideways and squint your eyes. So, yeah, okay - 3 stars for creative license.
January 3, 2014
This book was provided by the author for my review.
I was pleasantly surprised at how this story grabbed my attention from the very beginning and kept me spellbound right up to the very end. The character development was exceptionally well thought out and the story powerful enough to take me on an emotional journey where I experienced every emotion from joy to anger and fear. Rarely does a book interest me so much I find it hard to put down.
Initially I thought that the story being told in old English would be a problem for me, however as I began my journey into the Old World I quickly realized it would not have worked any other way. I found myself transported back in time to those days of hard unforgiving wilderness and the daily hardships our forefathers faced to tame this wild country. I am now a big fan of Carolyn McCray and Ben Hopkins and will be looking forward to reading their future works.
I was pleasantly surprised at how this story grabbed my attention from the very beginning and kept me spellbound right up to the very end. The character development was exceptionally well thought out and the story powerful enough to take me on an emotional journey where I experienced every emotion from joy to anger and fear. Rarely does a book interest me so much I find it hard to put down.
Initially I thought that the story being told in old English would be a problem for me, however as I began my journey into the Old World I quickly realized it would not have worked any other way. I found myself transported back in time to those days of hard unforgiving wilderness and the daily hardships our forefathers faced to tame this wild country. I am now a big fan of Carolyn McCray and Ben Hopkins and will be looking forward to reading their future works.
January 3, 2014
The first year........
The first settlers have landed at Plymouth during the hardest season of the year, Winter. Fighting to survive but to see death taking a bigger and bigger bite out of their numbers for seemingly no reason at all is hard. Our hero, Parley is struggling with more than just the weather, he needs to find the answers, and not just with the deaths.
This book is a story that is filled with more than just the survival of the fittest during a very trying time but with feelings and emotions that many of us have. Love and death, friendship and loyalty and how they affect each of us. It's a strong story with laughter, pain, grief, hate and love. The cast of characters are also strong and so perfect a match to the swift moving flow of the story. I could not lay this book down, it had me laughing till tears ran, filled with anger till I wanted to scream, then so surprised I could have never seen this coming! I highly recommend this wonderful story
The first settlers have landed at Plymouth during the hardest season of the year, Winter. Fighting to survive but to see death taking a bigger and bigger bite out of their numbers for seemingly no reason at all is hard. Our hero, Parley is struggling with more than just the weather, he needs to find the answers, and not just with the deaths.
This book is a story that is filled with more than just the survival of the fittest during a very trying time but with feelings and emotions that many of us have. Love and death, friendship and loyalty and how they affect each of us. It's a strong story with laughter, pain, grief, hate and love. The cast of characters are also strong and so perfect a match to the swift moving flow of the story. I could not lay this book down, it had me laughing till tears ran, filled with anger till I wanted to scream, then so surprised I could have never seen this coming! I highly recommend this wonderful story
January 3, 2014
Everyone knows the story of the pilgrims landing in the new world and the struggles they faced, or do we.
The first winter saw many of the colonists succumb to illness, far more than expected. In a land filled with inherent danger from the natives, wild animals and mother nature herself, something sinister is stalking the colonists.
Parley seeks to understand the deaths and what is happening to the fragile little colony while protecting secrets of his own.
This was a well woven story, filled with characters that I loved and hated. Several times I thought I had it all figured out, only to be surprised at the end.
Excellent and highly believable alternate telling of the Pilgrims's arrival.
The first winter saw many of the colonists succumb to illness, far more than expected. In a land filled with inherent danger from the natives, wild animals and mother nature herself, something sinister is stalking the colonists.
Parley seeks to understand the deaths and what is happening to the fragile little colony while protecting secrets of his own.
This was a well woven story, filled with characters that I loved and hated. Several times I thought I had it all figured out, only to be surprised at the end.
Excellent and highly believable alternate telling of the Pilgrims's arrival.
May 29, 2017
Mayflower pilgrims and native Indians alike are found dead -- so the question is how and why. this could have been interesting but instead was rather predictable and boring in its stereotypes.
November 12, 2017
Fun read!
A page turner that's hard to put down. A fun read, indeed! I recommended this alternate history novel to anyone who likes mysteries.
A page turner that's hard to put down. A fun read, indeed! I recommended this alternate history novel to anyone who likes mysteries.
September 10, 2020
History and mystery!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, the characters were well developed and the story was intriguing. Read this book, you will enjoy it!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, the characters were well developed and the story was intriguing. Read this book, you will enjoy it!
October 18, 2021
It kept me interested, I didn't guess the killer until near the very end.
May 4, 2023
USA. M&F. 2013.
January 7, 2014
I was given an advanced copy of the Mayflower Murders as a beta reader as well as for an honest review. Having read almost everything that Ms. McCray and Mr. Hopkins has published; I was not surprised to have loved this book.
Mayflower Murders is based back when the English were coming to colonize in America. With the help of an Indian, Tisquantum aka Squanto, the new members on the Mayflower were starting to finally gain some ground. Faced with a hard trip across the ocean, people were starting to die from scurvy and tuberculosis. However, there were the occasional unanswered deaths that had people wondering what was going on. It was the gospel of Father Wilkes that was trying to hold his flock together and let them know that all the deaths were due to their unfaithfulness in God.
Parley and his, aka, assistant, friend Joseph were always willing to help out with what was needed on the ship as well as on land. Parley, a physician in training, who is hiding his identity, starts to question why and how there so many unanswered deaths are going on. What starts as an accidental finding of blood spots in the whites of a strangled deer eyes, starts the hunt for a murder amongst the colony.
In the meantime, Squanto and his tribesmen are in a battle amongst themselves. Some have issues with the white folks. Others are welcoming them and have forged an alliance. Only problem is the internal battle for leader in the Indian tribe. It’s up to Squanto to help figure out what and how to help his fellow man as well.
What I loved about Mayflower is how it’s a combination of stories. The bonding between races of the Indians and white folks is impressive. Granted this is not historically accurate in how a lot of it all goes down…this is a fictional book! I did enjoy seeing that not all the tribes were against the colony. There is also the love story of two people from two different walks of life. To see how it all goes from just a look to the way the book ends, just touches that special place in one’s heart, without getting all mushy. Finally, there is the murder. How calculating the murderer is and capable of placing blame on those around him. Makes for a very interesting story.
Not once have I ever read a book by these two authors that has left me disappointed. I don’t foresee that there will be much to follow in this storyline, with the way it ended. If they do decide to revisit this book and create a series, it will be interesting to follow and see how all the characters develop over time.
Mayflower Murders is based back when the English were coming to colonize in America. With the help of an Indian, Tisquantum aka Squanto, the new members on the Mayflower were starting to finally gain some ground. Faced with a hard trip across the ocean, people were starting to die from scurvy and tuberculosis. However, there were the occasional unanswered deaths that had people wondering what was going on. It was the gospel of Father Wilkes that was trying to hold his flock together and let them know that all the deaths were due to their unfaithfulness in God.
Parley and his, aka, assistant, friend Joseph were always willing to help out with what was needed on the ship as well as on land. Parley, a physician in training, who is hiding his identity, starts to question why and how there so many unanswered deaths are going on. What starts as an accidental finding of blood spots in the whites of a strangled deer eyes, starts the hunt for a murder amongst the colony.
In the meantime, Squanto and his tribesmen are in a battle amongst themselves. Some have issues with the white folks. Others are welcoming them and have forged an alliance. Only problem is the internal battle for leader in the Indian tribe. It’s up to Squanto to help figure out what and how to help his fellow man as well.
What I loved about Mayflower is how it’s a combination of stories. The bonding between races of the Indians and white folks is impressive. Granted this is not historically accurate in how a lot of it all goes down…this is a fictional book! I did enjoy seeing that not all the tribes were against the colony. There is also the love story of two people from two different walks of life. To see how it all goes from just a look to the way the book ends, just touches that special place in one’s heart, without getting all mushy. Finally, there is the murder. How calculating the murderer is and capable of placing blame on those around him. Makes for a very interesting story.
Not once have I ever read a book by these two authors that has left me disappointed. I don’t foresee that there will be much to follow in this storyline, with the way it ended. If they do decide to revisit this book and create a series, it will be interesting to follow and see how all the characters develop over time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2014
I received this book free in return for an honest review. That in no way influenced my review.
I wasn't sure about this book when I started in. I'm not a big fan of colonial history or stories of settlers and Indians. It's usually hard for me to get into books like that, but this book is an exception. The author has a way of making the past seem very appealing and interesting. The fact that right away you're aware that people are hiding secrets keeps you turning pages - just hoping that the next page would shed some light on the colonists. The story brings you across the Atlantic on the Mayflower, and then follows Parley, a former doctor who is running from demons of his past. He is followed by his assistant Joseph, who can't seem to remember that his mentor is attempting to conceal his identity. They are helped by a native, Tisquantum, that knows English from an unfortunate incident that involved his abduction for slave labor. The three of them are pulled into an investigation when Parley begins to question the manner in which colonists and natives are dying near the settlement. Without giving too much of the story away, Parley goes against the cultural mores of the time period to find the truth and put an end to the deaths.
I really enjoyed this book. I only liked this book until I got to around Chapter 18, and then I was blown away by the honest soul-baring conversations that took place between Parley and Remembrance, and then between Remembrance and her father. The emotion in both of those scenes were intense, and left me thinking about how hurt many people are. That's something that is timeless. Everyone can identify with pain, and reading about someone finally becoming vulnerable and sharing their pain left a long-lasting impression on me. The first part of the book set up for the characters to really come alive in those moments.
The discovery of the killer wasn't as surprising as it could have been, as I guessed the culprit a few chapters earlier. Once it began being hinted at, I knew I was correct. The ending was intense and exciting. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller!
I wasn't sure about this book when I started in. I'm not a big fan of colonial history or stories of settlers and Indians. It's usually hard for me to get into books like that, but this book is an exception. The author has a way of making the past seem very appealing and interesting. The fact that right away you're aware that people are hiding secrets keeps you turning pages - just hoping that the next page would shed some light on the colonists. The story brings you across the Atlantic on the Mayflower, and then follows Parley, a former doctor who is running from demons of his past. He is followed by his assistant Joseph, who can't seem to remember that his mentor is attempting to conceal his identity. They are helped by a native, Tisquantum, that knows English from an unfortunate incident that involved his abduction for slave labor. The three of them are pulled into an investigation when Parley begins to question the manner in which colonists and natives are dying near the settlement. Without giving too much of the story away, Parley goes against the cultural mores of the time period to find the truth and put an end to the deaths.
I really enjoyed this book. I only liked this book until I got to around Chapter 18, and then I was blown away by the honest soul-baring conversations that took place between Parley and Remembrance, and then between Remembrance and her father. The emotion in both of those scenes were intense, and left me thinking about how hurt many people are. That's something that is timeless. Everyone can identify with pain, and reading about someone finally becoming vulnerable and sharing their pain left a long-lasting impression on me. The first part of the book set up for the characters to really come alive in those moments.
The discovery of the killer wasn't as surprising as it could have been, as I guessed the culprit a few chapters earlier. Once it began being hinted at, I knew I was correct. The ending was intense and exciting. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller!
February 18, 2017
Did The White Man Come In Peace?
Overall, I would say yes, but much was misunderstood and personal demons on both sides made co-existence difficult. The monster was not who you expect.
Overall, I would say yes, but much was misunderstood and personal demons on both sides made co-existence difficult. The monster was not who you expect.
November 3, 2016
This is a mystery with mysteries all around, is the only way I can describe this book.
Even if you are good at figuring them out as I am....Ha! Not this time. I was so thrown off by what was going on,( and there is a lot going on) It was all I could do to keep up with the one doctor who worried me, to the really good doctor that no one could know he was a doctor, to his faithful assistant and of course his Indian friend who has been adopted by another tribe but lives with the settlers.....Well, it just goes on and on and where it ends nobody knows until the very end, and I was just floored! I absolutely never saw it coming.
I usually don't do Pilgrims, settlers, Indians..ect... but, hey this is Carolyn McCray & Ben Hopkins were talking about here, Right? OM Gods, I couldn't put it down! Mystery with a dash of gore.
I would actually love to see more of Remembrance and Parley, they are a great team and Tisquantum also,
to round out this motley crew. I recommend this to anyone & everyone who enjoys a great mystery.
Even if you are good at figuring them out as I am....Ha! Not this time. I was so thrown off by what was going on,( and there is a lot going on) It was all I could do to keep up with the one doctor who worried me, to the really good doctor that no one could know he was a doctor, to his faithful assistant and of course his Indian friend who has been adopted by another tribe but lives with the settlers.....Well, it just goes on and on and where it ends nobody knows until the very end, and I was just floored! I absolutely never saw it coming.
I usually don't do Pilgrims, settlers, Indians..ect... but, hey this is Carolyn McCray & Ben Hopkins were talking about here, Right? OM Gods, I couldn't put it down! Mystery with a dash of gore.
I would actually love to see more of Remembrance and Parley, they are a great team and Tisquantum also,
to round out this motley crew. I recommend this to anyone & everyone who enjoys a great mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2014
Mayflower Murders was definitely a two star book. Though I really enjoy the historical murder mystery genre, this one was lacking.
I believe I may have enjoyed it better if the author hadn't used such a histrical time period. As well as so many prominent historical figures.
Though I do enjoy having a few mild distractions during a mystery, expecially if it is hard to tell that it is only a destruction, but the side plots in this book were so numerous that they should have been their own novel.
The characters were two dimensional at best. The secrets were actually pathetic. The main character was no sherlock holms. In fact the books only saving grace was the killer. Sadly the motive behind the killings wasnt explained to my full liking either, how ever props for having a killer I didnt see coming.
(book was downloaded for free from Amazon.com via Bookbub.)
I believe I may have enjoyed it better if the author hadn't used such a histrical time period. As well as so many prominent historical figures.
Though I do enjoy having a few mild distractions during a mystery, expecially if it is hard to tell that it is only a destruction, but the side plots in this book were so numerous that they should have been their own novel.
The characters were two dimensional at best. The secrets were actually pathetic. The main character was no sherlock holms. In fact the books only saving grace was the killer. Sadly the motive behind the killings wasnt explained to my full liking either, how ever props for having a killer I didnt see coming.
(book was downloaded for free from Amazon.com via Bookbub.)
September 9, 2014
COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN
Mayflower Murders puts the our original settlers in a whole new light! This book was not only engaging and and thrilling, and kept me on the edge of my seat, but also contained some of the most beautiful prose I've read in a very long time.
Go back in time to the Plymouth settlement. What truly devastated their numbers that first winter? Was is really disease as we've been taught for hundreds of years, or could a serial killer have been brought across on the Mayflower as well as the settlers? You'll surely want to read this to find out!
I was unable to put down MAYFLOWER MURDERS: 5 stars all the way!
Mayflower Murders puts the our original settlers in a whole new light! This book was not only engaging and and thrilling, and kept me on the edge of my seat, but also contained some of the most beautiful prose I've read in a very long time.
Go back in time to the Plymouth settlement. What truly devastated their numbers that first winter? Was is really disease as we've been taught for hundreds of years, or could a serial killer have been brought across on the Mayflower as well as the settlers? You'll surely want to read this to find out!
I was unable to put down MAYFLOWER MURDERS: 5 stars all the way!
January 8, 2014
If history books had been written as well as this book, maybe they wouldn't have put us to sleep as kids. This story had me hooked from the very beginning right through the end. Similar to my first encounter with Carolyn McCray's incredible skill as a writer with "Fifty Pieces of Silver", the twist at the end had me picking my jaw up from the floor. Another interesting twist to my reading was the desire to learn more about historical people whose names I being a New Englander had heard all my life. I look forward to more great tales from these two gifted writers!
January 5, 2015
Mayflower Murder Mystery
Too many people are dying. Starting with the voyage over to the new world. The number of deaths continue to be high and they start to suspect there is a serial murder amoung them. A doctor amoung them notices similarities in the bodies. Many are suspects but the murder fools the settlers and the indians who also have simular deaths. There are many obstacles and hazards of making the settlement and life near the Indians. Many twists in the plot makes it diffucult for the reader to solve the mystery. I enjoyed reading this book.
Too many people are dying. Starting with the voyage over to the new world. The number of deaths continue to be high and they start to suspect there is a serial murder amoung them. A doctor amoung them notices similarities in the bodies. Many are suspects but the murder fools the settlers and the indians who also have simular deaths. There are many obstacles and hazards of making the settlement and life near the Indians. Many twists in the plot makes it diffucult for the reader to solve the mystery. I enjoyed reading this book.
March 5, 2015
This was a fun and interesting read about what could have been when our settlers first came to the New World. This book takes historical figures, both settlers and Native Americans, and gives a big "What if?" to the history books. Someone is taking out both settlers and Native Americans. Who is it? Why? A fun read that was tough to put down. I felt like I really got to know and care about the main characters. Loved it!
November 25, 2014
Very enjoyable read!
I was pleasantly surprised with this historic novel by Ben Hopkins. The language was enjoyable and intelligent as was the storyline. I enjoyed meeting the characters and felt connected with what the New World must have been like when the Colonists first arrived. I happily recommend this novel to anyway matey lover with a fondness for this period in history.
I was pleasantly surprised with this historic novel by Ben Hopkins. The language was enjoyable and intelligent as was the storyline. I enjoyed meeting the characters and felt connected with what the New World must have been like when the Colonists first arrived. I happily recommend this novel to anyway matey lover with a fondness for this period in history.
May 30, 2015
Murder and Mayhem on Plymouth Rock?
I thoroughly enjoyed the Mayflower Murders. What an interesting twist to the lives and times of some of our first settlers. The story was well thought out and well written. With enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Is the killer the white interloper or the brown native? This story will certainly keep you guessing right to the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Mayflower Murders. What an interesting twist to the lives and times of some of our first settlers. The story was well thought out and well written. With enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Is the killer the white interloper or the brown native? This story will certainly keep you guessing right to the end.
December 3, 2014
A very interesting book about a serial killer among the Mayflower Pilgrims during their first year in the New World. I enjoyed the mix of real history with the fiction of the serial killer. The killer wasn't who I guessed it might be.
November 16, 2014
Great beginning, then it really slows down (to the point I almost just deleted it off of my Kindle) and then picks back up. Not great but not terrible. For those who really love historical fiction, this is not historical fiction.
May 22, 2015
I started this book as a light read not expecting too much but I was very pleasantly surprised. The characters seemed realistic and, although I'm sure some license was taken it appears to be well researched. I highly recommend this.
March 16, 2015
This book held my attention, but I didn't get into any of the people. I really didn't CARE if they got killed.
It dragged a lot, and other than some learning moments, about use of thee and thou and you I would have said it was a total waate.
It dragged a lot, and other than some learning moments, about use of thee and thou and you I would have said it was a total waate.
November 14, 2019
This book was a real treat to read at Thanksgiving. It kept my attention throughout and I could not put it down. I could envision the early settlers and Native Americans and the harsh realities they must have endured.
Will definitely be reading more by this author.
Will definitely be reading more by this author.
December 24, 2015
Besides being a good mystery with an unexpected ending, this novel gives a persuasive view of what life in Plymouth might have been like, with the noble Squanto mixing easily with the best of the new settlers.
February 3, 2016
A wonderful retelling of the first mass murderer in the U.S.. Filled with new characters and the Pilgrims everyone knows, readers go on a mystery hunt for a straggler who is killing both settlers and natives. Whose to blame is a surprise readers will not expect.
December 8, 2014
My rating is more like a 2-1/2. I thought the story was interesting enough but it just dragged along at a slow pace. The ending was exciting and I was happy to finally reach it.
July 3, 2015
This was a page turner.
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