Deadly Occupation

Michael Stoddard American Revolution Mystery #1

by Suzanne Adair

A wayward wife, a weapons trafficker, and a woman with “second sight”—it’s a puzzle that would have daunted any investigator. But Michael Stoddard wasn’t just any investigator.
Late January 1781, in coastal North Carolina, patriots flee before the approach of the Eighty-Second Regiment, leaving behind defenseless civilians to surrender the town of Wilmington to the Crown. The regiment’s commander assigns Lieutenant Michael Stoddard the tasks of tracking down a missing woman and probing into the suspicious activities of an unusual church. But as soon as Michael starts sniffing around, he discovers that some of those not-so-defenseless civilians are desperately hiding a history of evil.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical Mystery

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2015

About the author

Award-winning novelist Suzanne Adair is a Florida native who lives in North Carolina. Her mysteries transport readers to the Southern theater of the American Revolution, where she brings historic towns, battles, and people to life. She fuels her creativity with Revolutionary War reenacting and visits to historic sites. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and hiking. In 2018, she was appointed by North Carolina’s Daughters of the American Revolution to a state-wide committee formed by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to help share information about and coordinate events of America's upcoming Semiquincentennial. She was also awarded a Professional Development Grant from the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County.

Check her web site and blog for more information. Or hop over to her Facebook and Twitter pages to say “hi.”

Books by Suzanne Adair

Michael Stoddard American Revolution Mysteries
-- Deadly Occupation
-- Regulated for Murder (a Suspense Magazine "Best of 2011" book choice)
-- A Hostage To Heritage (winner of the Indie Book of the Day Award)
-- Killer Debt (nominated for Daphne du Maurier Award)

Mysteries of the American Revolution
-- Paper Woman (recipient of the Patrick D. Smith Literature Award)
-- The Blacksmith's Daughter
-- Camp Follower (nominated for Daphne du Maurier Award and Sir Walter Raleigh Award)

Reviews

[Jennifer S. Alderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Occupation is a complex historical mystery set in North Carolina during the American Revolution. The story is told from the perspective of the main character, ‘redcoat’ Lieutenant Michael Stoddard of the 82nd Regiment of the British Army.

Stoddard is tasked with investigating the disappearance of a local woman, though quickly discovers there are several secrets the community is trying to conceal. The many mysteries and side stories are all inspired by situations and events important to the late 1700’s: gun trafficking, smuggling, radical churches, rebels and ‘parmours’ (extramarital affairs). That is a nice touch. He is also plagued by a past incident with a fellow officer and there are several flashbacks to that (for him) life changing event.

The author’s research is impeccable and lends an air of authenticity to the story. Her descriptions engage all of the senses and pulled you into the period, frankly a time in history I knew little about.

Stoddard is a character I found irritating at the beginning of the novel, but quickly grew to like. The many multi-layered mysteries intertwined well, yet at times I did have a bit of trouble keeping track of everything that was going on in the story.

Deadly Occupation is an enjoyable, well researched historical mystery and period piece. By reading it, I have learned much about the American Revolution, from both sides of the battlefield.

(I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.)

[Caroline Clemmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEADLY OCCUPATION is a rousing historical mystery. If you’ve read other works by Suzanne Adair, then no doubt you are also a fan of Lt. Michael Stoddard—even though he is a Redcoat. Cheering for him makes me feel a traitor, but I can’t help myself. My American Revolution ancestors are probably scowling down at me from above (giving them the benefit of the doubt☺).
Major Craig and the 82nd regiment take over Wilmington after the rebel soldiers have fled. Those left in town are paroled to conduct business. Soon Major Craig is made aware that on the day the rebels fled, a local woman named Julia Garrity has gone missing. Michael is appointed Lead Investigator to find her.
In this book, Michael is twenty-six. He’s a man of honor and treats those he encounters without bias unless they have broken the law. As his assistant, he’s chosen young Private Nick Spry, age eighteen. They are mismatched physically and by rank, but have much in common. Both young men are keen observers of detail, a quality important in any investigation.
The men are allowed to board at the house of a local woman, Mrs. Chiswell. She isn’t home, but her housekeeper, Enid Jones, is terrified by past events. Michael and Nick are pleased they have good food and a better place to bunk than the barracks. Nick is also pleased the maid next door is a buxom blond, Molly.
Michael is aided in his search by attractive widow Kate Duncan, co-owner of White’s Tavern with her brother Kevin Marsh. One of those assisting with Kate’s intervention is Mrs. Hooper, wife of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Not only has Mrs. Garrity disappeared, but there have been attacks directed at other women: Mrs. Farrell and a young widow, Esmé Delacroix.
A curious new religious group has set up just outside town. A supposed Anglican vicar, Elijah Spivey, encourages women to take part in foot washing and to accept leadership roles in his Mary and Martha of Bethany congregation. Mr. Spivey is partial to brunettes with brown eyes, which fits Mrs. Garrity’s description. But Mr. Garrity is not blameless, nor is his housekeeper, Mrs. Overstreet.
Although referred to, the demonic Lt. Fairfax does not make an appearance.
As usual with Ms Adair’s books, historic details are blended in without being pedantic. On the contrary, her writing makes history come alive. DEADLY OCCUPATION is a fast-paced mystery that kept me unable to stop reading until the conclusion. I don’t give spoilers in my reviews so I can’t tell more. Allow me to summarize and say this great book is thick with intrigue and subplots to keep readers guessing. DEADLY OCCUPATION is definitely a 5 out of 5 rating.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical mystery comes from the unique point of view of a British soldier during the US Revolutionary War. Unlike other novels of this era, it takes place in the south, rather than New England. The chaos and lack of governmental controls is exploited as armies fight for supremacy and some crimes go unpunished. At least until Lieutenant Micheal Stoddard arrives.

The mystery in this novel is nicely woven through the history of the Loyalists and the redcoats who are attempting to protect them. Beginning with a missing person case that appears easy to explain, Stoddard and his assistant end up uncovering much more than they bargained for. Sprinkled flashbacks also hint at an even more serious situation that Stoddard will have to deal with.

When everyone in town seems to have a secret and time is running short, the case may wind up solved, but it is not a neatly wrapped happily ever after. While the finale is satisfying, the reader is left wanting to get to know the characters better by picking up the next book.

I received this book through NetGalley.

[PowdyrdWyg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve been searching for a rich, immersive series set in colonial America for some time. A series in which colonial America is not just a setting but a character itself. A series authored by one who does for colonial America what Colleen McCullough did for Ancient Rome, what John Burdett did for Bangkok. My search continues.

The characters are one-dimensional. The author breathes so little life into 18th century Wilmington that this story could have been set anywhere. The plot is simple and linear.

[Lexie Conyngham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than Paper Woman, to which it is related - it had more the feel of a family saga (though it wasn't one), where this was a whodunnit/adventure. Again, the historical background is well researched but more easily worn. The language is less flowery, and the hero is quite sympathetic, though on the whole men do not come off well in their portrayals here. I hope to read more in the series.

[JJ Broenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author describes the history with great detail and follows Michael Stoddard, a red coat stationed in the US; in North Carolina this novel. The story was not so much about the war as about a disappearance and investigation with Michael and one other soldier he selected to accompany him on this task. The story explains a lot of history through the people and towns in NC at that time. A good piece of historical fiction.

[Tess Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enjoyed this series, hated finishing the last of the books and am avidly awaiting her next publication. Excellent story line and characters. One of those book series that I have kept to reread.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, uncommon setting and interesting characters. The writing is a little stilted and the flashbacks felt unnecessarily cumbersome.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the King’s Eighty-Second Regiment occupies Wilmington, North Carolina, in January, 1781, Lieutenant Michael Stoddard is ordered to stop a rebel attack on the home of a loyalist merchant. From the start, the reader is drawn into Deadly Occupation by Suzanne Adair, into the action and into the world of military command, order, and investigation. The Revolutionary War grinds on.

Deadly Occupation by Suzanne Adair, is a prequel (chronologically the first in the series) to Regulated for Murder and A Hostage to Heritage, the first two novels in the Michael Stoddard series. If you have never read a historical mystery and would like to try one, this is a great series to start with. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone novel, yet once you read her fluid style, you will want to read the whole series. Suzanne has mastered fast-paced plotting, filled her novels with captivating characters, and keeps her readers hooked with dramatic tension. The novels are entertaining, yet I’ve absorbed an incredible amount of historical detail without feeling like I’m reading history.

I love all kinds of mysteries, but this series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Here’s what I love:

Michael Stoddard is a young, 27-year-old, Lieutenant with a gift for solving crimes, a chin full of blemishes, and a murky past. In this novel, he chooses an assistant, 18-year-old Nick Spry. Spry has his own talents, an eye for detail and a relaxed way with people that encourages them to open up to him. He’s young, but he’s no one’s fool. They are an unlikely pair, yet they get results.

Stoddard’s love interest, the widow Kate Duncan, owns a tavern and is easy on the eye. Yet, she is no pushover. A strong woman with great intuition, she keeps Stoddard guessing and on his toes.

Throughout the series, Stoddard agonizes over a sociopathic nemesis who makes an appearance in all of Adair’s historical novels, including those not in this series, starting with Paper Woman: A Mystery of the American Revolution (where Michael Stoddard first makes a brief appearance), Camp Follower, and The Blacksmith’s Daughter. Stoddard is a minor character throughout this alternate series. Adair’s handling of Lieutenant Fairfax as a villainous thread of evil through all of her novels is brilliant.

Whether stationed in one location or on the move with the Regiment, the settings are well-crafted with historical details that bring each scene to life. The suspects and characters populating the novels are realistic, with basic human motivations. They are colorful, interesting, and many are seemingly drawn from authentic historic figures.

Suzanne Adair makes history come alive through a uniquely creative fiction style.

[Amber Foxx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a fan of in-depth, accurate history, with a particular interest in the eighteenth century American South, therefore I had high expectations for this book. I’m happy to say it met all of my history buff needs. I didn't find a single anachronism or inaccuracy—even things I thought had to be wrong turned out to be right. (Did you know that the use of the word “lousy” to describe feeling poorly dates back earlier than the 1780s?) Adair uses her knowledge smoothly, never slowing the story while still effectively setting every scene with the right touches of period detail.

A novel set in North Carolina during the American Revolution with a young British lieutenant as the protagonist gives American readers a new slant on our history. Shortly after British troops occupy Wilmington, Michael Stoddard’s commanding officer asks him to look into the disappearance of a local woman. From that first inquiry, Stoddard begins to trace weapons smuggling and possibly kidnapping and murder. He is not a stereotypical hero. I liked his physical ordinariness, his persistence, and his dedication to his work as a special investigator for the British occupying forces. He’s open-minded for his times, but not so much so as to seem modern. He struck me as too forceful at times, and he misses a few things he should have seen. This mix of flaws and goodness makes him human. He’s not a genius or a saint. He’s a hard-working man in a difficult situation, someone I think most readers will be able to identify with and root for.

The plot is complex and fascinating. The main and supporting characters are fully developed. I especially liked Private Spry, Stoddard’s assistant in the investigations. I also found the romantic subplot realistic and enjoyable. There are a number of strong female characters in this book.

The intertwining mysteries were more than enough to keep me interested. I would have liked the book better without the flashbacks and backstory about Stoddard’s unfinished dealings with a very disturbing fellow officer. I’m a first-class wimp when it comes to reading about that kind of villain, and I’m not fond of long flashbacks, so this material briefly took me out of the story. It looks like it’s a continuing plot thread weaving through the whole series, and I expect other readers may like the idea of an ongoing conflict with a nemesis Stoddard seeks to finally defeat. The book was otherwise a compelling page-turner, and this one shortcoming in my view is due entirely to my personal tastes, not the author’s skill in telling a story. She had mastered that art, and history buffs should get hooked on this series.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Occupation is the third book published in the Michael Stoddard American Revolution Mystery series.

It is actually the first book in this wonderful series, written from the British point of view. If you've not read the other books, start with this one, as you will be introduced to the recurring characters. For those that have read the other two books, you will learn more about how Stoddard became an investigator and more insight into his assistant, Nick.

The 82nd regiment has just landed outside of Wilmington and are in the process of setting up their encampment. Most of the rebels have left the area and the situation is rather chaotic. Craig, the commander of the 82nd is approached by Gabriel Garrity, a rebel and local gunsmith, and ask Craig's help in locating his wife who has been missing for three days. Stoddard is assigned to find Julia Garrity, the wife. As they begin to look into the last day Julia was seen at home, Garrity's housekeeper feels certain that Esme Delacroix, who is reputed to be a witch, is responsible for her disappearance. They also learn that Julia had some connection with Elijah Spivey, a preacher of a questionable church. It's up to Stoddard and Nick to sort though this information that has been gathered, most all of it from rebel sympathizers, to find was having actually happened to Julia and to find her. While the rebels aren't a 100% helpful, most all want to see law and order restored to the town of Wilmington.

I love both series set during the American Revolution and centering in North Carolina and historical mysteries in general. Adair has amassed a wonderful and believable cast of characters in her books. She does a fabulous job setting the scenes and describing how things were in the 1700's. I also found it interesting as to just how much of the American Revolution was fought in North Carolina.

Certainly hoping to see more of these exciting stories.

[Marja McGraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Occupation by Suzanne Adair takes the reader back to the Revolutionary War, and what a trip it is! Ms. Adair has certainly done her research, but instead of feeling like I was reading a history book, I enjoyed a wonderful mystery.

Michael Stoddard is given the task of finding a missing woman, which leads him to other mysteries as well, including a woman accused of being a witch and an out of the ordinary church.

Ms. Adair takes the reader through the times, the mindset of civilians and the personalities of the people of Wilmington with great realism.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys history and mysteries. The characters are likable and memorable. I’ll be looking forward to the next volume in this series.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a fan of historical fiction and mysteries, so I was excited to read this book. While I enjoyed the story, it didn't grip me the way I though it would.

I did like the relationship between Michael and Spry. I thought they were funny and suited each other well. I wish we would have gotten to see that kind of relationship among some of the other characters.

Overall, I did like this book; it was interesting to see the other side of the American Revolution being told in this book.


This book was given to me by NetGallery for a fair and honest review.

[Cyl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lot of fun and historical facts.
I enjoyed the character.