Deadly Declarations: The Indie Retirement Mystery Series, Book 1

by Landis Wade

It’s modern day in the New South City of Charlotte, North Carolina, when an unlikely trio of retirees at the Independence Retirement Community team up to solve two mysteries related to the death of a 96-year-old resident. Why was his manuscript about the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence missing when they found his body? And why did his handwritten will dated the day he died disinherit his beloved granddaughter (his only heir), and leave his $50 million fortune to Sue Ellen Parker, the most despised resident at the Indie?

At the urging of Chuck Yeager Alexander, an optimistic soul who loves historical conspiracies, and Harriet Keaton, a former businesswoman with an extreme dislike of Sue Ellen Parker, Craig Travail, a trial lawyer recently ousted from his law firm after 40 years, reluctantly goes to court to challenge the dead man’s will for the granddaughter. This decision sets in motion a series of dangerous events that could lead the threesome to discover the answer to a colonial mystery that has evaded historians for 250 years. That is, if they don’t die trying.

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Historical Fiction, Historical, Amazon, Fiction, Thriller

Audible Audio

Published March 10, 2022

About the author

Landis Wade is a recovering trial lawyer who writes mysteries and legal thrillers with amateur sleuths and underdog attorneys.

His Christmas Courtroom Trilogy has been called a cross between My Cousin Vinny and Miracle on 34th Street.

His Indie Retirement Mystery series involves humor, good puzzles, and engaging retirees who solve mysteries with a historic component. Deadly Declarations, book 1 in the series, won ten awards, including Winner in the 2022 American Fiction Awards in the Cozy Mystery category, and Winner in the Mystery category in the 17th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards. Next in the series is Deadly Gold Rush. His love of history led to this series.

Landis also founded the popular Charlotte Readers Podcast where he interviewed more than 500 authors, and compiled The Write Quotes series–8 books that feature inspirational and practical quotes from those authors. While podcasting, he co-wrote a novella with podcast co-host Sarah Archer titled Death by Podcasting, a comedic mystery about the danger of podcasting with author guests.

The Charlotte Writers Club awarded Landis their 2025 Adelia Kimball Founders Award for service to the club and the literary community. He lives in North Carolina, where he grew up, went to school, practiced law, and learned to write. He enjoys travel, playing golf, reading, and spending time in the mountains and at the beach.

Reviews

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living in North Carolina this one was a hit for my Wade hit the nail on the head with the history of North Carolina. I was really impressed with the story, and I recommend this book.
4 stars and one for the books.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Fast paced and characters easy to connect with.

[David Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful seniors exploring history and solving mysteries.
When ninety-six-year-old Matthew Collins is found dead, it's discovered he wrote a last minute will leaving his incredible wealth to a woman he hardly knew and disinheriting his only blood relative, his beloved granddaughter Lori. Feeling something wasn't right, three seniors living at the Independence Retirement Community team up to solve the mystery.
Chuck Yeager Alexander is Matthews best friend and a very funny character that knows no boundaries. Harriet Keaton, is a retired businesswoman who has the brains and fortitude to handle the finest of details. The leader of this unlikely trio is Craig Travail, a lawyer who was recently unceremoniously fired from his law firm and most recent resident at The Indie. When Craig reluctantly agrees to challenge Matthew's will in court the three cohorts find there's a connection in their case to the controversial Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, a document that may or may not have preceded what we now call the official Declaration of Independence. A connection that through discovery might just get them all killed.
This truly enjoyable book is rich in historical detail while adding just enough fiction to make it a page-turner. Very well researched with a varied cast of well drawn characters, this one held my attention from start to finish. I highly recommend this one to those who love a good mystery steeped in history that delivers the goods.
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Thank you to the author and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Tour Stop
@SuzyApprovedBookTours @AuthorLandisWade

☕☕☕☕☕
This is the first book in the Indie Retirement Mysteries series. When one of the residents dies leaving a note that changes his will cutting off his granddaughter from his large estate things don't seems to add up. Graig is a lawyer who moved into the retirement community after his wife died. Craig finds evidence that Matthew's death might be tied to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Back when the residents of Mecklenburg County North Carolina declared independence from British rule. I really enjoyed learning all about the historical facts in this that I never heard of before. This is part history, legal mystery with vivid characters that are quirky and witty. I loved the characters were seniors and how they came together. I really enjoyed this first book and look forward to the next book. Great read!

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when I connect and fall in love with the characters immediately. The characters in this book were so charming, funny, feisty and full of heart.

Deadly Declarations is a cozy mystery centered in a retirement community. One of the aging residents passes away suddenly, just after changing his will and excluding his beloved granddaughter. His friends Harriet and Yeager don't buy that so they enlist the helping of new resident and former lawyer, Craig, to contest the will.This trio was a force to be reckoned with.

Such a fun and entertaining mystery. Learning about North Carolina history and the Mecklenburg Declaration was extremely interesting. I had never heard of the controversy around the Meck Dec and the Declaration of Independence before. So fascinating.

[Susan Zurenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his new novel, Deadly Declaration, author Landis Wade creates an exhilarating combination of mystery, history, and legal thriller that adds up to one terrific read.
Aptly named protagonist Craig Travail leaves his home to move into the Indie Retirement Community where he labors to start anew after his wife’s death. Coinciding with his move, he is fired by his law firm and believes his legal career is over. However, when a 96-year old professor at the retirement community dies suspiciously and leaves a dashed-off handwritten will cutting his granddaughter and only heir, Lori, from his $50-million estate, Craig decides to set up a makeshift law office to challenge the will on Lori’s behalf.
With the help of two quirky and endearing residents at the Indie Retirement Home to assist in his legal defense, Craig learns the death might be connected to the professor’s knowledge surrounding the controversial Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (known as the Meck Dec), the name given to a document allegedly produced on May 20, 1775 when residents of Mecklenburg County, NC, declared themselves free and independent from British rule. As Lori’s legal team goes to court and learns more about the fascinating history of the Meck Dec, the threesome find themselves in grave danger.
Deadly Declarations is a novel of multi-leveled suspense that readers will enjoy, especially if they like wit and engaging characters. A bonus is the author’s investigation of the intriguing real-life possibility of a connection between the Meck Dec and our nation’s Declaration of Independence.

[Kendal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book intrigued about the history of the Mecklenburg Declaration, and stayed for the fun mystery! For me, characters make the storyline either sink or soar. Loved all the characters (actually sad to lose some of them…but hey, it’s a murder mystery) who were each unique, and their places in the storyline made total sense. The camaraderie of the team came naturally as the mystery progressed, and the villains were believably corrupt. I enjoyed the representation of the over 60 crowd in a smart, cozy, and genuinely fun mystery.
The use of an actual American history conundrum was fun to follow ~ brave to take on T. Jefferson! Looking forward to the next adventure with Chuck, Harriet & Craig, the Indie Team.
[I received an Advance Reader's Copy ~ As a library fiction collection selector, when I read a small press book I am often frustrated by errors in syntax and spelling that would benefit from editing. This author produced a book that’s CLEAN as a whistle ~ kudos!]

[Reita Pendry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like his eccentric character Chuck Yeager Alexander, Wade spins a good yarn. Deadly Declarations centers around the debate whether the Mecklenburg Declaration preceded the Declaration of Independence and whether the revered Thomas Jefferson cribbed from the Mecklenburg version. Lives hang in the balance as some very powerful people care mightily about the answer.
Wade creates vibrant characters – villains are ruthless, the good guys are kind and brave, and some characters haven’t quite decided. Wade brings the retirement home to life, and one of my favorite things about the book is that he shows the vitality and creativity of seniors – of which I’m one. I was delighted with his explanation at the end of the book as to how much sprang from his imagination and how much was rooted in our early history. I liked this book so much I’ll read it again.

[Rebecca Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Landis Wade’s DEADLY DECLARATIONS, a delightful, light-hearted mystery with a healthy dose of history tossed in for good measure. When an unexpected death and a puzzling will create turmoil in a Charlotte retirement community, it’s time for a team of somewhat wacky residents to step in and tackle the puzzle. With a mix of courtroom drama and old-fashioned detective work, (and quite a few twists and turns), this book will keep you turning the pages. I’m already looking forward to seeing these characters again in the next book of the series.

[Frank Morelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landis Wade's latest novel, Deadly Declarations, is a study in how to develop vibrant characters and set them loose inside a mystery story that has more twists and turns than you can count. Set inside the unlikely location of a retirement community and against the backdrop of a historical document signed in Charlotte, NC that may have inspired the actual Declaration of Independence, Wade weaves together his painstaking historical research with the delicious drama of retirement to build a mystery tale that not only keeps a reader burning through the pages, but also shows the wit and vitality of his senior aged investigators. Deadly Declarations is a rip-roaringly fun read loaded with fascinating historical points and surprises at every turn. I can't wait to read the next book in what projects to be an incredibly engaging series.

[Sandra Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Declarations rolls with gentle Southern humor – at times laugh-out-loud – and a host of enjoyable, quirky characters. You’ll definitely root for displaced lawyer Craig Travail and his Indie Retirement Community cronies as they investigate a death, a questionable inheritance, and the controversial existence of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. An especially fun read for Revolutionary War history buffs and North Carolinians.

[Charlotte Dune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this and it was so fun! I feel like I learned something while also being entertained. As I'm from the Charlottesville area myself and have spent a lot of time in North Carolina and South Carolina as well, I really appreciated the regional elements too! The narrator was great and the mystery really pulled me in! I loved the retirement home setting too!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three retirees in a retirement community investigate two mysteries surrounding the death and will of one of the wealthiest residents.

[Debbie Maskus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deadly Declarations by Landis Wade borders on similarity to the Richard Osman series. Both writers employ senior citizens as the main characters. The story by Landis Wade concentrates on Charlotte, North Carolina, and the mystery involving a Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence that supposedly preceded America’s Declaration of Independence. The three main characters provide many hours of laughter, but the long discussion into history wastes too many pages and hinders the story. A nasty woman at the beginning of the book rotates her personality and changes into a warm and fuzzy character, which seems too good to be true.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like legal thrillers with a humorous bent, then this book is for you. If you don't normally read legal thrillers-- this book is still for you. Landis Wade breathes life into this Charlotte-based mystery driven by quirky characters who happen to live in a retirement community.

Wade has provided a refreshing look at elders ages 70+ and the various contributions and antics they provide. A fast read, Deadly Declarations is chock full of historical intrigue and details that exhibit just how much Wade knows about the courtroom (hint: a lot). Highly recommend this book!

[Judy Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this rollicking, intelligent, full-of-characters-you-care-about, delightful novel! Landis has a great imagination -- and he will keep you turning the pages. Grab a copy and have some fun!

[Rick Pryll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five characters in Landis Wade’s new book, Deadly Declarations, with whom I would like to have a drink

To pay homage to the ensemble supporting cast in this fun new book from Landis Wade, I thought I would treat each one to a beverage.

Chuck Yeager Alexander
This one is easy — the old codger shoots fish out of the retirement community’s lake — c’mon. Plus, he brings airplane bottles in his pockets to the community’s bar and orders a soda to spike. My kind of dude. In fact, that’s just what we would do.

NASCAR Nelli
I don’t know if she drinks. But for kicks, let’s say she wouldn’t be opposed to jetting her super-charged electric conveyance vehicle over to my place for a good piña colada. I would run the blender an extra minute or two just to see her yellow scarf fan out behind her as she sped away, giggling.

Sue Ellen Parker
She’s a proud woman, sure, but I bet she would not say no to a glass of chilled rosé in the garden. She’d be dressed to the nines of course. I’d break out the Ferragamo loafers and the really thin sweater from Barney’s to knock one back with SEP. Becky Trainer would be so jealous.

Professor Matthew Collins
I would, but of course, that would be impossible. He dies before the book even gets started! Even so, if it were possible, I would pour a neat Macallans 18 and ask the Professor to expound upon his obsession with the Meck Deck controversy.

Maximiliano Esposito
We probably would not be alone, I would imagine he would have to have one or two of his closest compaesana with him at all times. Still, I think a nice Cutty and water would be something the immaculately coiffed grandfather would appreciate.

BONUS: Craig Travail
With Craig, of course, it would have to be a Captain Jack from Charlotte’s own Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. It would be a sunny spring Sunday in OMB’s gorgeous Biergarten under a Carolina blue sky. And yes, the pour would be perfect with the traditional frothy head of foam. Cool, crisp and delicious. Captain Jack is a sharp German Pils, and one of my favorites, even before I read the book.

“Deadly Declarations” by Landis Wade is highly entertaining and a great read. The surprise ending is the crescendo of an ensemble supporting cast created to show that the good will you put out into the world, that seems at times to flag in old age, is still there in all its glory; you just have to find it. And by “it” I mean the people whose lives you have touched.

At the heart of this book is the controversial Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, said to have been written more than a year before that other declaration by Thomas Jefferson; it contains several instances of seeming likeness. Could Jefferson have cribbed some of the language? Whether it is true or not, Wade doesn’t come to a conclusion; rather he teases out both sides of the argument using fiction to freely explore the underlying nature of historical truth and documentary evidence.

The book is chock full of ancillary material that will give you all the detail you need to understand how the author came up with this story. If you are the type of reader who has questions about what was true and what was made up after reading historical fiction, you will love Deadly Declarations.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep research into a genuine historical mystery provides the structure for a tale of modern-day skulduggery, both legal and political, that leads to a disputed will, thefts, a murder, car chases, and standoffs in places as mundane as the condo owners association meeting and remote as a ramshackle farm deep in the Virginia countryside.

Deadly Declarations is based around the Mecklenberg Declaration—a document some consider mythical, yet passionately defended by Charlotteans—that predated the Declaration of Independence and may have provided some of the language we associate with Thomas Jefferson. Though a companion document survived, the “Meck Dec” disappeared. Who would have a stake in sowing doubt about its reality, and keeping it a lost artifact? More people than you would imagine …

The characters are what make this story. As someone of a certain age who’s got some feelings about the possibility of ending up in a “retirement village,” I immediately empathized with put-out-to-pasture lawyer Craig Travail. He doesn’t want to live at “The Indie,” but he soon becomes enmeshed in a suspicious death -- and the lives of a tough and canny group of retirees. From “wild man” Chuck Yeager Alexander to the efficient Harriett to the mysterious Godfather, these retirees are tired of retirement and ready to take on the dastardly Robert Elkin, Congressman Butterworth and an ancestral peanut gallery including dead presidents.

Wade, himself a retired lawyer, makes sure the courtroom drama and behind-the-scenes maneuvering ring true. He employs his setting to great advantage, using the landmarks that are tied to the historical theme but also getting the flavor of the “Queen City” with references to popular hangouts and local attractions. Charlotte’s story, and the “Meck Dec,” are deeply intertwined in real life and so should they be here.

Readers who love humorous mysteries and well-grounded history will find this a rollicking read. This book, with the subtitle of “An Indie Retirement Mystery,” promises future adventures for our intrepid band of retiree sleuths.

[Alice Osborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Declarations by Charlotte native and former trial attorney, Landis Wade, is a “Mr. Toad” wild ride through the Queen City’s and the nation’s origin story that many people may not be aware. At the heart of this novel is the trial of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, Meck Dec for short, that preceded the better-known Declaration of Independence by a year. Did this North Carolina document of sedition even exist and could it have been the model for the “real” one authored by Thomas Jefferson? Could Jefferson have “borrowed” some key words from the North Carolina version to incorporate into his document?
After Yeager Alexander’s best friend, the professor, dies while working on a pro-Meck Dec book (he authored a con-Meck Dec book fifteen years before), he leaves behind a new will that disinherits his granddaughter whom he helped raise. Yeager is determined to right a wrong and prove that the Meck Dec is the real deal. Within his posh retirement community, Yeager connects with jobless lawyer Craig Travail (which means “to work” in French), egging him on to take the case of the will and to also solve why the professor changed his mind about the Meck Dec. But soon Yeager, Travail, and the inimitable Harriet, brush up against powerful foes well-versed in sneaky politics and corporate corruption. Such is the conflict in Deadly Declarations, where those who want to preserve Jefferson’s good name will resort to murder.
Paced well at the beginning and at the end, this novel did drag for me in the middle until the plot’s engine caught more steam. Thanks to Wade’s meticulous research that never felt shoe-horned into the story, I appreciated learning so much more about North Carolina history, and in particular Charlotte history, than I ever did as a museum docent in Raleigh. Though in their sixties and seventies, the main and secondary characters never behaved “old”—and this was an inspiration to read. If you love good courtroom drama and a historical mystery all laced with detailed settings, lovable characters, and humorous encounters, read this novel today. Can’t wait to read Landis Wade’s next novel in this series!

[Poppy Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this charming historical/contemporary mystery after being a regular listener to the author's literary podcast. It's one of those books that is a nice surprise - it's a multi-layered mystery with a unique plot, well researched, with lots of unexpected twists and turns.
The story begins with the death of 96-year-old scholar Matthew Collins, who leaves a last minute, handwritten will bequeathing his vast estate to a woman he barely knows, effectively disinheriting his beloved grand-daughter. His friends in the retirement village suspect something is wrong, and they enlist Craig Travail, a prominent trial lawyer who has just moved into the village, to investigate. What unravels is a contemporary legal mystery/drama that centres around the controversial Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. It seems the dead professor's knowledge about the Meck Dec might be linked to his death... and there are some well connected, dangerous people who do not want a lawyer and his team sleuthing around.
In real life, residents of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina declared themselves independent of British rule in May 20, 1775 - a year before Thomas Jefferson signed the famous Declaration of Independence. The Meck Dec document was delivered to Congress in Philadelphia in 1775, however, any copies have been lost or destroyed, so its content and intent have always been hard to prove. Questions have been raised regarding whether the declaration written and signed by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 was based on this first declaration. I was enthralled learning about this part of US history, which is deftly woven through the novel, and further explained in an informative author note at the end.
Deadly Declarations is witty, endearing, smart and utterly intriguing. I enjoyed the fresh combination of different ingredients from the mystery writer's pantry: it's a riveting court room drama, there's cold-blooded murder, old-fashioned detective work, conspiracy theories, fascinating history and a cast of colourful, well imagined characters who move the story along at a brisk pace. Highly recommend!

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is THE BEST!
It’s a combination of a history mystery like a Brad Meltzer book, a courtroom drama like a John Grisham read, and a group of characters with big personalities like a Stephanie Plum novel.

Secret Societies, Hidden historical documents, a questionable newly written will, and a group of very smart folks that live in a Charlotte, North Carolina retirement community all combine to make this a PERFECT read.

This book, as the author puts in his Afterword, is based on what could be the “original government conspiracy”. Could a group of Charlotte, North Carolina patriots written a Declaration of Independence (Aka the Meck Dec) on May 20,1775? And could Thomas Jefferson have used direct quotes from this said document to write our National Declaration of Independence over a year later? (That’s called plagiarism y’all.)

This book follows a group of three characters living in a retirement home as they try to not only figure out these questions but also help get a 50 million dollar inheritance back to its rightful heir.

This book is steeped in not only Charlotte’s history but also the history of our Nation’s Independence.

The three main characters, Harriet, Craig, and Yeager are fantastic. Their personalities and spunk make this book come alive! I’ll go live in a retirement community if I can have folks like this living near me!

I’m a native North Carolinian and I had no idea of Charlotte’s role in honestly anything related to the American Revolution. This book also gives great descriptions of the town of Charlotte and I will be using this book as a guide to enjoy some of these Charlotte landmarks!

The Afterward by Landis may be one of the best I have ever read with details about the history of the Meck Dec, Charlotte settings, and even the characters’ name origins.

I can’t wait to see what history mysteries (hopefully) this trio of characters solve next!

[Michele Berger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Declarations will make you laugh aloud and question what you thought you knew about early American history and the Declaration of Independence. This book has got something for readers who like strong characters, believable antagonists, hidden history and mystery with a good touch of humor. The book centers around a fabled mysterious document known as the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (aka the ‘Meck Dec’). The cozy setting is a retirement community near Raleigh. NC. Craig Travail is our hero, a lawyer recently widowed, bullied at work and not at all thrilled about living in a retirement community. He meets Yeager Alexander, a polar (but lovable) opposite of him, Harriet Keaton, a caring former entrepreneur and a cast of truly distinctive cast of characters at the retirement home. When Matthew Colins, a beloved professor, who was working on a book that would prove the Meck Dec was real dies at the retirement home, the mystery is set in motion. His beloved niece is disinherited raising red flags for Yeager and Harriet who are her friends. Travail slowly gets drawn in. This cozy mystery hits all the right notes in terms of tone, characterization and tropes. Structurally, I like that the novel includes excerpts of letters between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, snippets from historical texts that provide context, a few flashbacks and multiple POVs that offer narrative variation. And, I also appreciate the diversity of the characters across age, race and sexuality. I often read novels aloud to my husband and it is often immediately evident if the writer has crafted prose that is smooth, easy to follow and engaging. Wade delivers on all of those criteria in Deadly Declarations. Finally, Wade offers a rich and complex picture of life at a retirement community, its challenges but also its joys. As a 50 something Gen-Exer, it was refreshing to read about sly, vital and intrepid characters older than 40.
I received an arc for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

When 96-year-old Matthew Collins dies and a hastily written will is found that revokes his previous will and leaves his fortune to Sue Ellen Parker, the most hated resident at the Indie retirement community, Collins' friends Yeager and Harriet rope in new resident and recently retired lawyer Craig Travail to help solve this mystery. But they quickly uncover a new mystery involving the Meck Dec, or Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, that may have led to their friend's demise and could also land the three of them in even more trouble. The characters in Deadly Declarations prove that there is more to retirement communities than card games and crafts - sex, lies, secret relationships, local historical mysteries, courtroom drama, and more follow these characters throughout the novel. Several twists and turns keep you guessing until the end.

While this is not the type of book I normally read - 1) Landis Wade is a local author and has participated in library book club discussions of his book and has done several other program about writing for the library and 2) this is the book chosen by a community for their community read program and they've asked me to come speak at their event. I figured the least I could do is read the book and participate in the whole event.

Wade is a good writer. While I didn't love every aspect of the story and there were some pretty outlandish things thrown in, it was funny and well written enough to keep my attention. I loved the character of Craig Travail and how his story was told and expanded throughout the book. I did feel like a few parts were a little melodramatic and over the top - but again it kept my attention and even with some crazy things I wanted to see how everything played out in the end. Overall, it was good but not my personal cup of reading tea.

[Lynda Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

History is full of mysteries, unanswered questions, and gaps in the record. So is life, as Landis Wade effectively reveals in 'Deadly Declarations.'

Quirky, endearing seniors are at the heart of Wade’s Indie Retirement Mystery. Think 'Three’s Company' meets 'Matlock.' These madcap, mischievous mayhem-makers rock their retirement community as they set about solving the mystery of North Carolina’s Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, said to have been written more than a year before Congress made theirs. Here’s the rub…there is no verifiable evidence to confirm Meck Dec’s existence.

It turns out that lack of evidence creates for a good story!

Through the use of historical background, vibrant narrative, and memorable characters, 'Deadly Declarations' conveys the rumors and subtext surrounding the ‘Meck Dec.’ Thorough research underpins a story that captures your imagination.

This book is as much about the future as it is about the past. Landis reveals his own uncertainty about a future absent the law in the character of Travail, “Why did he continue to practice law? And what was the purpose?” and “He just kept showing up…because he didn’t know what else to do with his life.” I appreciated the vulnerability in such statements. It’s something everyone facing retirement wrestles with.

I enjoyed the process of discovery right along with each of the characters. I can’t wait to see what happens to them next!

This is one ripping good yarn. I do declare.

Lynda Bouchard is the founder of Booking Authors Ink, LLC and author of 'The Witches Three Count on Me!'

[Mary Flinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In Deadly Declarations, author Landis Wade takes us on a wild ride through North Carolina history. It begins with Captain James Jack’s Paul Revere-like ride from Charlotte-Town to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on May 20, 1775, to deliver the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, or “Meck Dec,” as it is infamously known. Ousted lawyer and bereaved widower Craig Travail hopes to disappear from life by moving into Charlotte’s Independence Retirement Community, known as the “Indie.” The mysterious death of his friend, also an Indie resident, Matthew Collins, a history professor, and bestselling author of a book disputing the existence of the Meck Dec, pulls Travail into the spotlight as he must help the man’s beloved granddaughter and sole heir contest his will, which even more mysteriously cuts her out of his $50 million fortune.

Enter a delightful cast of misfit characters, Indie residents who are anything but retiring, and two of whom are hell-bent on helping granddaughter Lori contest the Professor’s will. Craig Travail is dragged kicking and screaming back into the courtroom where he must ironically duel over the will with his former boss who’d sent him packing. Travail’s “research team” must trace the history and existence of the dubious Meck Dec document to figure out the motive for the disinheritance, and possibly the death of Professor Collins.

Danger, courtroom drama, and a man’s surprising journey into indie senior life dosed with plenty of humor create a humdinger of an historical novel in Deadly Declarations, which hints at a sequel or two. Write on, Landis Wade!”

~Mary Flinn, award-winning author of LUMINA and A Girl Like That

[Lainey Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a blast of a book! Mystery, history, a retirement community, great memorable characters, local Charlotte lore.

Such a fun idea – a murder mystery with a good dose of legal / courtroom drama, which happens to be set in a Charlotte retirement community.

All the mystery and friendship of a Miss Marple mystery, but way hipper and more fun!

These characters are no old folks. They’re cool, with tales of tales of retirement community skinny dipping parties, and one who goes fishing by shooting the fish out of the pond! (I said it was no Miss Marple!).

Craig Travail is a lawyer on the edge of retiring when he moves into the community. He’s had enough of cutthroat law firms. The last thing he wants is to get dragged into setting up shop in his retirement cottage and with his new friends and investigating the suspicious death of a ninety—six-year-old resident.

Yet soon Craig is dragged into the case. He's fascinated by the linkage of the death to much debated local Charlotte area history and lore around the Meck Deck. (The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, which supposedly preceded the Thomas Jefferson version — and the lore says perhaps was copied from?). Craig is investigating with his friends and back in the courtroom defending the granddaughter of the dead man, and soon all of their lives will be at risk.

History buffs will appreciate the history threaded throughout, and I liked the author’s note at the end that explained what was real versus disputed facts.

Fun, fun, fun. Can’t wait to read future books in the series, with Craig, and his friends Harriet, and colorful Chuck Yeager Alexander.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chuck Alexander is supposed to meet his friend for an adventure to research more into the Mecklenburg Declaration, but when he rounds the corner there’s an ambulance and police presence which makes his heart sink and his suspicion is confirmed when he gets to his floor and finds it was his apartment they were in, and the despised Sue Ellen Parker was hanging around as well.

Alexander (I had Leslie Jordan pictured the whole time I read this) realizes that things are now missing and a document he finds is not what he remembers it to be, things seem a bit more suspicious and now he has a mystery on his hands. Parker he knows was up to no good, and how deep was Matthew in with this Mecklenburg trail he was following? Alexander cannot let this document he found go, and decides to call upon a few friends to help him get to the bottom of what really happened to his friend, the document he found, as well as why all of his Mecklenburg research was missing as well.

This was a fun read. I enjoyed the different characters as it was not your normal police detective read. I also had no idea about the Mecklenburg Declaration so that was an interesting historical storyline as well. This was a more light hearted read and I enjoyed this gang of retired bandits.

Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite, and to the author for sending me a free copy of his novel. I am looking forward to seeing what other cases these characters stumble upon.

[Phil Vavra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Craig Travail is a lost lawyer who finds his way in an unlikely place. Pushed out by the firm where he had worked for forty years, the widowed Travail moves into the Indie, a retirement community in Charlotte, NC. Instead of easing into a quiet existence of rocking chairs and walks with his dog, the attorney is soon pulled back into service by his new neighbors after one of them is found dead. At the center of that mystery is another involving a 250-year-old document, which may or may not have existed, and may or may not have been the inspiration for the Declaration of Independence.
In "Deadly Declarations," Landis Wade has created a vivid cast of characters and placed them in a fast-paced story of intrigue and American history. In addition to a gripping plot, readers (especially those outside of Charlotte) get a lesson about the little-known Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, a fascinating tale in its own right.
Wade's real-life experience as a trial lawyer comes through in some of the best courtroom scenes I've ever read. He has also balanced the drama with plenty of humor. The residents of the Indie are so varied and entertaining that I feel like Wade has the makings of a television series on his hands. I would tune in to watch what happens next at the Indie. In the meantime, I'll look forward to Book 2.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

Okay, this book was a lot of fun! It had so much to offer: historical conspiracy, legal drama, mystery, and delightful characters.

When the professor, an elderly resident of the Indie Retirement Community, dies, it's a shock that he has made a last-minute change to his will. His millions now go to a not-so-well-liked resident of the Indie instead of his beloved granddaughter, Lori.

A group of the residents calls upon one of their own, Craig Travail, a trial lawyer currently out of a job, to contest the professor's will for Lori. The trial opens wide a long-held conspiracy surrounding the Declaration of Independence that Thomas Jefferson may have plagiarized words from a manuscript called the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. The very manuscript the professor was writing about when he died.

I loved this group of retirees working together to solve this mystery; they were witty, fun, and sassy. The history of the "Meck Dec" made for some great intrigue and suspense; it also made me very curious if there is any truth behind the legend.

Thank you to @suzyapprovebooktours and @charlottereaderspodcast for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm telling everyone to buy this book! The legal intrigue of John Grisham meets the quirky characters of Jeff High in DEADLY DECLARATIONS, and the combination is a masterpiece I'll not soon forget.

Centered on the centuries-old mystery of The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence--a puzzle I've often wanted to solve myself--Wade's impeccable research and writing drew me in from the first page. I especially loved getting to know the residents of The Indie, whose rich, diverse backgrounds both complicate and move the mystery forward. I've long thought retirement communities like colleges--hardly anywhere else can you find such a concentrated center of wisdom--and was delighted that Wade chose the cast that he did.

I'll be pre-ordering the next Indie Retirement Mystery book the moment it's available and will be gifting this book to many! Can't wait to see what the gang tackles next!