Declarations of Liberty

Cobb Sisters Mysteries #2

by Lisa Walker

When Detective Brad Hamilton finds a strange document at the scene of a gruesome murder, he knows just who to call to figure out what it is and what it means – local history professor Connie Cobb and her sister Rebecca. Brad and the Cobb sisters find themselves pulled into a centuries-old legend of political intrigue that still creates deep passions in modern-day North Carolina.

Genres: Fiction, Cozy Mystery

170 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2014

About the author

Lisa Walker was born outside of Chicago, grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, and went to graduate school in Arizona. She returned to the South to take a job as a sociology professor at UNC Charlotte in 1998, and the rest is history. Her Cobb Sisters Mysteries are labors of love, born during National Novel Writing Months (nanowrimo.org), once she finally ran out of excuses.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What appears to be a letter written in 1775 is found at a murder scene. Detective Brad Hamilton isn't a history buff so he needs the help of Dr Connie Cobb, local history professor. Problem is, he went out on a date with her sister Rebecca two weeks ago. And then seemingly disappeared-- no phone call, no stopping by, nada. How will the sisters react when he asks for help?

Connie is thrilled to help. The letter seems to represent proof of the Declarations of Liberty- a declaration of intent to no longer be under control of the British written a year before the Declaration of Independence. How did the murder victim attain the letter? Can provenance be proven? Who knew he had it? Who would kill to own it?

Brad has few leads and a lack of evidence. With no real suspects, he starts looking at local history buffs and appraisers. After running down alibis, he is left with 3 suspects. How to figure out which one is guilty?

Brad explained his absence to Rebecca and she forgives him. She uses her talents as a graphic artist to help find clues to solving the case.

This was a highly enjoyable book. There are twists and turns to keep you guessing. All the characters are interesting and believable. The sisters are both strong, capable women with careers. To me, those are the best type of women characters. Brad is all man but not macho-- my kind of man.

This is the second book in the Cobb Sisters Mysteries. I haven't read Book 1 but I intend to. I'm looking forward to more Cobb Sisters Mysteries.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

DECLARATIONS OF LIBERTY

I liked this book a great deal....perhaps now Connie will find her match too.... I think you need someone to do a better job of proof reading your books. We are reading along and all of a sudden your mind says what did she just say...so you go back and read it again...only to find it is Typo; or your typist must have left a word out. I really enjoy your work but only one or two mysteries at a time.
THANK YOU for another good read

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

this book and the murder mystery is one that is very interesting to read about as the wine industry in North Carolina is very great to read about.

[Toni Roush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. This is the second in a series. I would read others by this author.

[Charles Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

When police detective Brad Hamilton finds an old letter at a murder scene, he has to call on history professor, Connie Cobb, and her sister, Rebecca, for help. The letter, which refers to the famous Mecklenburg Declaration, a declaration of independence from England by the government of Mecklenburg, NC, supposedly dated two years before the Declaration of Independence, suspicion falls on historical document validators in the area who might have wanted to take it from the victim.

Declaration of Liberty by Lisa Walker is the second novel in the Cobb Sisters mystery series, that follows Connie, Rebecca, and Brad as they undertake two lines of investigation; one to try and determine the identity of the killer, and the other to determine the authenticity of the letter. While it contains interesting historical information, including historical flashbacks relating to the individuals mentioned in the letter, and police procedure as Brad and his fellow officers trace the victim’s movements in the days before his murder, the pacing of the narrative is rather monotonous, and the flashbacks misleading—and, called into question by the final test of the document’s authenticity.

Although an interesting story with an interesting cast of characters, and not too bad, it could have been much better without the flashbacks.

I give the author three stars for the promise shown.

[Dinnl · Rating 3 out of 5]

the plot was fine and it was a quick and easy read. Bit let down by poor proofreading. The sisters are supposed to be reasonably literate but a mistake like resemble instead of resent ... Also at least once saw the victim's name when it should have been the police detective's. I may try another in the series but not sure.

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the historical context

I chose the book by its cover. It reminded me of my 4x Great Grandfather 's gravesite and the time period was perfect. It was a very interesting story with all of the history woven through. The history and the mystery held my interest but the romances in the story fell short.

[Jean Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

This is a good story that is done a disservice by whomever digitized it. There are missing words, double words, bad grammar, wrong verb tenses. All are distracting to the reading of the story. However if you like history sleuthing, you might enjoy the book anyway.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was pretty good, not a bad mystery series to follow. The characters are likeable and interesting, but the poor job of editing is so distracting that it impedes progress throughout the book. I might read more of this author's work, hopefully after she gets a new proofreader. So many wrong words, misspellings, incorrect verb tenses....I could go on and on.

[Linda Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

I have gotten used to the author style of writing which seems to be very abrupt. The mystery is written with a historical overtones and the solving of the murder is very logical. The characters are likeable and getting more realistic.

[Libby Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cobb Sisters Mystery book 2

Like the writing style, but the editing left a lot to be desired. Good story, would read another one. Recommended for all cozy mystery readers.