Patriots & Poisons

Founding Fathers Mystery #1

by Jamison Borek

It was only a waiter who was poisoned, Thomas Jefferson was the one supposed to die. Was it a political assassination gone awry? The press and people are in an uproar, as charges fly. Are President Adams and his Federalist colleagues trying to get rid of their chief rival, in order to stay in power. Adams wants the murderer found, and quickly too – or does he only want a convenient scapegoat? Senator Jacob Martin, tasked with investigating, takes his job too seriously, his colleagues say. As days go by, the scandal becomes a firestorm, threatening his political future, the woman he loves, and the very future of the United States. "Patriots and Poisons" is a great read for mystery lovers interested in American history. This intriguing murder mystery takes the reader back in time to eighteenth century Philadelphia, featuring the people and politics of the earliest years of the Republic and full of authentic period detail.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2015

About the author

I love mysteries and always wanted to write them. When my husband and I became involved in 18th century "living history," I realized that the late 1790's were a fascinating time and decided to set a mystery series in that period. My job as a lawyer and diplomat at the US Department of State left little time for working on it, however, until I retired. Then "Patriots & Poisons,"a 1797 mystery in which John Adams is accused of trying to murder Thomas Jefferson, really began to take shape. The next in the series, "Secrets Worth Killing For," should be available in November of 2016.

"Amanda's Secret" and "Amelia's Dream" (published under my nickname Jami Borek) developed thanks to two handmade "18th century" style dolls. I got them to entertain children at various events and demonstrate 18th century clothing. I named one Amanda after a friend's daughter and the other Amelia, and then started to make up a story for them - these two books (and at least one more to come) were the result.

Reviews

[Gregj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how the author brought late 18th century U.S. history (Philadelphia, the newly minted Constitution, and politics) to life. I thought the main character lacked depth, and the mystery could have been woven better. Still, the history, much that I didn't know, made it interesting.

[Joyce Cottrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting "what if?" about the beginning of this country. It was an assigned book from my grandson's teacher, and I enjoyed it more than he did.

[Maryjane Nordgren]

interesting setting, but the relationship dropped at the end and while that is understandable, it left a hollow the way it was handled

[NVTony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was so impressed with this book I set it aside to read again before writing a review. Writing style is outstanding, story is creative in approach to historical facts woven into fictional mystery. Would give 10 stars if available. History buffs will be excited by authors creativity and obvious writing skills. Mystery lovers should get a copy for their permanent collection. Won as good reads participant which had absolutely no impact on my review. Purchased for friends since reading.

[Yvonne Flint · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting companion on our historical vacation in Virginia, with a side of murder mystery.