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Deadly Anthem: A Novel
By dawn’s early light … murder, mystery, and historical intrigue.
When the Star-Spangled Banner flag is stolen from the Smithsonian Institution, it’s up to a clairvoyant historian who happens to be a descendant of National Anthem author Francis Scott Key to see it returned. The investigation using clues from Fort McHenry, the National Anthem, and the War of 1812 will reveal a disturbing historical twist as old as the flag itself.
When the Star-Spangled Banner flag is stolen from the Smithsonian Institution, it’s up to a clairvoyant historian who happens to be a descendant of National Anthem author Francis Scott Key to see it returned. The investigation using clues from Fort McHenry, the National Anthem, and the War of 1812 will reveal a disturbing historical twist as old as the flag itself.
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Published January 19, 2024
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About the author
David Healey
61 books90 followersDavid Healey made his publishing debut with SHARPSHOOTER, a what-if historical thriller about an attempt to assassinate Union General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War, published by an imprint of Penguin Putnam. That novel was the result of years of research into the Civil War that included time as a reenactor at Gettysburg and other battlefields.
In its review, the Civil War News wrote: “SHARPSHOOTER has the feel of a techno-thriller, the kind offered by Tom Clancy or Dean Koontz ... SHARPSHOOTER moves quickly and is filled with all manner of intrigue."
Healey has brought that same passion for research and history to his World War II novels, GHOST SNIPER, ARDENNES SNIPER, and RED SNIPER. During a 21-year career as a journalist, he was fortunate enough to interview many veterans of the 29th Division who landed at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. Some of the events and characters in these novels were inspired by their stories.
He loves the idea of a character like Micajah Cole, a self-reliant backwoods hunter who turns out to be unrelenting and ruthless as a sniper, especially against a skilled adversary, in the pages of these books.
In addition to fiction, he has written books on regional history, including 1812: REDISCOVERING CHESAPEAKE BAY'S FORGOTTEN WAR and GREAT STORMS OF THE CHESAPEAKE.
A graduate of Washington College and the Stonecoast MFA program, he was recognized in 2011 as a Chaney Scholar in history by St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Visit him online at www.davidhealeyauthor.com or follow him at Facebook at facebook.com/david.healey.books
In its review, the Civil War News wrote: “SHARPSHOOTER has the feel of a techno-thriller, the kind offered by Tom Clancy or Dean Koontz ... SHARPSHOOTER moves quickly and is filled with all manner of intrigue."
Healey has brought that same passion for research and history to his World War II novels, GHOST SNIPER, ARDENNES SNIPER, and RED SNIPER. During a 21-year career as a journalist, he was fortunate enough to interview many veterans of the 29th Division who landed at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. Some of the events and characters in these novels were inspired by their stories.
He loves the idea of a character like Micajah Cole, a self-reliant backwoods hunter who turns out to be unrelenting and ruthless as a sniper, especially against a skilled adversary, in the pages of these books.
In addition to fiction, he has written books on regional history, including 1812: REDISCOVERING CHESAPEAKE BAY'S FORGOTTEN WAR and GREAT STORMS OF THE CHESAPEAKE.
A graduate of Washington College and the Stonecoast MFA program, he was recognized in 2011 as a Chaney Scholar in history by St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Visit him online at www.davidhealeyauthor.com or follow him at Facebook at facebook.com/david.healey.books
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 11, 2020
Historical Thriller
Focuses on events related to relics of the War of 1812. Fairly decent thriller, although does fall into some of the formula traps ... It's not really a spoiler to say the plucky girl's life will be endangered, and the bad guy will take time out of his busy schedule to lay out his plan for world domination. There were some unexpected elements to the story that I really enjoyed, that were handled in a far more respectful way than many authors might.
I read this book because the author is a friend of a friend, and my friend was quite excited about his friend's accomplishment. I will probably check out some of his other work, particularly if he develops other stories with the main character.
Focuses on events related to relics of the War of 1812. Fairly decent thriller, although does fall into some of the formula traps ... It's not really a spoiler to say the plucky girl's life will be endangered, and the bad guy will take time out of his busy schedule to lay out his plan for world domination. There were some unexpected elements to the story that I really enjoyed, that were handled in a far more respectful way than many authors might.
I read this book because the author is a friend of a friend, and my friend was quite excited about his friend's accomplishment. I will probably check out some of his other work, particularly if he develops other stories with the main character.
January 3, 2023
Another really enjoyable book by Author Healey!
I particularly like his research and inclusion of factual locations, events and information. I’ve now read all of his Sniper series (Caje Cole and the Pacific three, the Rebel series, Civil War novels and Chesapeake books) and as with most authors I enjoy, they can’t write as quickly as I read! I’ve had the opportunity to correspond with David Healey — he is quick to respond, personable, and sounds like the kind of human being I believe I’d enjoy sitting with in an oyster bar with a cold beer! Keep writing historical fiction along with an occasional non-fiction sharing your research!
I particularly like his research and inclusion of factual locations, events and information. I’ve now read all of his Sniper series (Caje Cole and the Pacific three, the Rebel series, Civil War novels and Chesapeake books) and as with most authors I enjoy, they can’t write as quickly as I read! I’ve had the opportunity to correspond with David Healey — he is quick to respond, personable, and sounds like the kind of human being I believe I’d enjoy sitting with in an oyster bar with a cold beer! Keep writing historical fiction along with an occasional non-fiction sharing your research!
January 16, 2022
a threat to the original Star Spangled Banner, great plot
David Healey has outdone himself with this book.
A tale finely crafted and well organized with plots, great principles and evil villains.
A great read for a snowy day.
David Healey has outdone himself with this book.
A tale finely crafted and well organized with plots, great principles and evil villains.
A great read for a snowy day.
November 26, 2024
One of the best adventures thru history I’ve read in ages….and i love a happy ending “… by the dawns early light..”
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews