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Duncan McCallum #4
Blood of the Oak: A Mystery
The fourth entry in the Bone Rattler series moves ever closer to the beginning of the American Revolution and advances the protagonist Duncan McCallum to 1765 and into the throes of the Stamp Tax dissent, which marked the beginning of organized resistance to English rule. As the story unfolds, Duncan is drawn into the mystery of ritualistic murders that are strangely connected to both the theft of an Iroquois artifact and an additional series of murders and kidnappings connecting to the network of secret runners supporting the nascent committees of correspondence—which are engaged in the first organized political dissent across colonial borders. In following the trail he encounters a powerful conspiracy of highly placed English aristocrats who are bent on crushing all dissent. Duncan is captured by its agents, and sent into slavery in Virginia beside the kidnapped runners. Inspired by an aged native American slave and new African friends Duncan decides not just to escape but to turn their own intrigue against the London lords.
Included in the novel's cast of characters are figures from our history who have their own destinies to fulfill in the next decade, including Benjamin Franklin (writing from London), Samuel Adams, the early Pennsylvania rebel James Smith, Dr. Benjamin Rush, and, very briefly, a soft spoken militia officer named Washington. The Blood of the Oak takes a fresh view on the birth of the new American nation, suggesting that the "freedom" that became the centerpiece of the Revolution was uniquely American, rising not just from unprecedented political discourse but also from the extraordinary bond with the natural world experienced by frontier settlers and native tribes.
Included in the novel's cast of characters are figures from our history who have their own destinies to fulfill in the next decade, including Benjamin Franklin (writing from London), Samuel Adams, the early Pennsylvania rebel James Smith, Dr. Benjamin Rush, and, very briefly, a soft spoken militia officer named Washington. The Blood of the Oak takes a fresh view on the birth of the new American nation, suggesting that the "freedom" that became the centerpiece of the Revolution was uniquely American, rising not just from unprecedented political discourse but also from the extraordinary bond with the natural world experienced by frontier settlers and native tribes.
458 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2016
About the author
Eliot Pattison
37 books361 followersEdgar Award winning Eliot Pattison has been described as a "writer of faraway mysteries," a label which is particularly apt for someone whose travel and interests span a million miles of global trekking, visiting every continent but Antarctica.
An international lawyer by training, Pattison first combined his deep concerns for the people of Tibet with his interest in fiction writing in The Skull Mantra, which launched the popular Inspector Shan series.
The series has been translated into over twenty languages around the world. Both The Skull Mantra and Water Touching Stone were selected by Amazon.com for its annual list of ten best new mysteries. Water Touching Stone was selected by Booksense as the number one mystery of all time for readers' groups. The newest installment, Soul of Fire, was included in Publisher's Weekly's list of "Best Book of 2014".
Pattison's fascination with the 18th century American wilderness and its woodland Indians led to the launch of his second critically acclaimed Bone Rattler series.
His dystopian novel, Ashes of The Earth, marks the first installment in his third book series, set in post-apocalyptic America.
A former resident of Boston and Washington, Pattison resides on an 18th century farm in Pennsylvania with his wife, three children, and an ever-expanding menagerie of animals.
An international lawyer by training, Pattison first combined his deep concerns for the people of Tibet with his interest in fiction writing in The Skull Mantra, which launched the popular Inspector Shan series.
The series has been translated into over twenty languages around the world. Both The Skull Mantra and Water Touching Stone were selected by Amazon.com for its annual list of ten best new mysteries. Water Touching Stone was selected by Booksense as the number one mystery of all time for readers' groups. The newest installment, Soul of Fire, was included in Publisher's Weekly's list of "Best Book of 2014".
Pattison's fascination with the 18th century American wilderness and its woodland Indians led to the launch of his second critically acclaimed Bone Rattler series.
His dystopian novel, Ashes of The Earth, marks the first installment in his third book series, set in post-apocalyptic America.
A former resident of Boston and Washington, Pattison resides on an 18th century farm in Pennsylvania with his wife, three children, and an ever-expanding menagerie of animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 3, 2019
Meldereiter
Im Jahr 1765 wird die Stempelsteuer in den amerikanischen Kolonien eingeführt. Erstmal formiert sich Widerstand gegen eine aus England kommende Maßnahme. Duncan McCallum hat ein paar ruhige Jahre in Edentown verbracht. Doch dann wird ein indianisches Artefakt gestohlen und es kommen mehrere Menschen zu Tode. Auch sein Freund aus alten Tagen Patrick Woolford wird schwer verletzt. Für Duncan gilt es, weitere Tode zu verhindern. Nur ungern verlässt er Edentown, doch er begibt sich auf die Spur der Toten. Unfreiwillig wird er dabei zum Betreuer eines jungen Mädchen, dass zwar französischer Herkunft war, aber bei Indianern aufgewachsen ist. Die Kleine lässt sich einfach nicht abschütteln.
Natürlich wurde die Unabhängigkeit nicht von einem Tag auf den anderen zu einem zwingenden Bedürfnis. Der Stempelsteuer Akt markiert, wie er Autor im Nachwort erläutert, den Beginn einer Entwicklung, die schließlich zur Unabhängigkeitserklärung führte. Erstmals versuchten die Kolonien gemeinsam gegen die englischen Befehle vorzugehen. Duncan McCallum gerät hier zwischen die Fronten der englischen Vertreter und der Vertreter der Kolonien. Sein Versuch, die verschwundenen Meldereiter zu finden, scheitert kläglich. Duncan wird gefangen genommen und zum Sklaven erklärt. Erst ist gerade in die Hände jener geraten, die versuchen jeglichen Widerstand im Keim zu ersticken. Und das auf jede gewalttätige Art, die man sich nicht vorstellen möchte.
Wenn man mit der frühen Geschichte der amerikanischen Kolonien nicht vertraut ist, wird dieser Roman zunächst etwas schwer verständlich sein. Möglicherweise ist es angeraten, die Anmerkungen des Autors, die am Ende des Buches stehen, zuerst zu lesen. Hat man entschlüsselt, was den geschichtlichen Hintergrund des Romans ausmacht, bekommt man einen sehr spannenden historischen Kriminalroman. Mit Wehmut liest man, wie die alten Geister immer mehr zurückgedrängt werden. Allerdings auch mit Hoffnung empfindet man die Aufbruchstimmung. „Land of the Free“ man meint den neuen Geist zu spüren, man fragt sich, wo er geblieben ist.
Im Jahr 1765 wird die Stempelsteuer in den amerikanischen Kolonien eingeführt. Erstmal formiert sich Widerstand gegen eine aus England kommende Maßnahme. Duncan McCallum hat ein paar ruhige Jahre in Edentown verbracht. Doch dann wird ein indianisches Artefakt gestohlen und es kommen mehrere Menschen zu Tode. Auch sein Freund aus alten Tagen Patrick Woolford wird schwer verletzt. Für Duncan gilt es, weitere Tode zu verhindern. Nur ungern verlässt er Edentown, doch er begibt sich auf die Spur der Toten. Unfreiwillig wird er dabei zum Betreuer eines jungen Mädchen, dass zwar französischer Herkunft war, aber bei Indianern aufgewachsen ist. Die Kleine lässt sich einfach nicht abschütteln.
Natürlich wurde die Unabhängigkeit nicht von einem Tag auf den anderen zu einem zwingenden Bedürfnis. Der Stempelsteuer Akt markiert, wie er Autor im Nachwort erläutert, den Beginn einer Entwicklung, die schließlich zur Unabhängigkeitserklärung führte. Erstmals versuchten die Kolonien gemeinsam gegen die englischen Befehle vorzugehen. Duncan McCallum gerät hier zwischen die Fronten der englischen Vertreter und der Vertreter der Kolonien. Sein Versuch, die verschwundenen Meldereiter zu finden, scheitert kläglich. Duncan wird gefangen genommen und zum Sklaven erklärt. Erst ist gerade in die Hände jener geraten, die versuchen jeglichen Widerstand im Keim zu ersticken. Und das auf jede gewalttätige Art, die man sich nicht vorstellen möchte.
Wenn man mit der frühen Geschichte der amerikanischen Kolonien nicht vertraut ist, wird dieser Roman zunächst etwas schwer verständlich sein. Möglicherweise ist es angeraten, die Anmerkungen des Autors, die am Ende des Buches stehen, zuerst zu lesen. Hat man entschlüsselt, was den geschichtlichen Hintergrund des Romans ausmacht, bekommt man einen sehr spannenden historischen Kriminalroman. Mit Wehmut liest man, wie die alten Geister immer mehr zurückgedrängt werden. Allerdings auch mit Hoffnung empfindet man die Aufbruchstimmung. „Land of the Free“ man meint den neuen Geist zu spüren, man fragt sich, wo er geblieben ist.
July 12, 2015
I am sad that history has marched on and the French and Indian War which drew me to this series is now behind us and we are now entering the run-up to the American Revolution. Not sure why I dislike stories set during the Revolution (same goe for the Civil War).
This was set enough before to hold my interest if not enthusiasm. Poor Duncan was much abused. The look at the fading of the Native American tribes of the south was heartbreaking but the information about Indian and African spirituality was uplifting, especially the "half-king's" wise words about the way the world turns in cycles.
A surprise villain makes Duncan's hard won victory more satisfying but leaves just enough scope for a future appearance by this thorn in Duncan's side. I'll probably follow, if reluctantly, as this series moves forward in time. Hope the next one is a little less graphically violent.
This was set enough before to hold my interest if not enthusiasm. Poor Duncan was much abused. The look at the fading of the Native American tribes of the south was heartbreaking but the information about Indian and African spirituality was uplifting, especially the "half-king's" wise words about the way the world turns in cycles.
A surprise villain makes Duncan's hard won victory more satisfying but leaves just enough scope for a future appearance by this thorn in Duncan's side. I'll probably follow, if reluctantly, as this series moves forward in time. Hope the next one is a little less graphically violent.
January 22, 2017
I love historical novels and I have a keen interest in American history so I was delighted when I was offered this title for review.
Pattison deftly weaves a fictional tale steeped in historical facts and Native American mysticism. The blood curdling violence in the story added to the suspense as it reflected the savagery that I associate with that time and place.
I found the story engaging from the beginning however the reader needs to take time time to appreciate the complexity of the plot and the intricacy of the clues dotted throughout.
The Blood of the Oak has received many 5 star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I am in the minority with allotting it 3 stars.
It is a lengthy book and I found the language style used, although reminiscent of the period, quite difficult and tedious to read. It slowed the pace of the novel for me which meant that I lost interest in various places along the way. I understood and appreciated the literary references e.g to Shakespeare however I could never fully immerse myself in the story as I had to work harder to process what I was reading. The long list of characters from various backgrounds and allegiances was also a challenge as I had not read the previous books. I think I would have had a better connection to the story and the characters if I had started from the beginning.
Pattison deftly weaves a fictional tale steeped in historical facts and Native American mysticism. The blood curdling violence in the story added to the suspense as it reflected the savagery that I associate with that time and place.
I found the story engaging from the beginning however the reader needs to take time time to appreciate the complexity of the plot and the intricacy of the clues dotted throughout.
The Blood of the Oak has received many 5 star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I am in the minority with allotting it 3 stars.
It is a lengthy book and I found the language style used, although reminiscent of the period, quite difficult and tedious to read. It slowed the pace of the novel for me which meant that I lost interest in various places along the way. I understood and appreciated the literary references e.g to Shakespeare however I could never fully immerse myself in the story as I had to work harder to process what I was reading. The long list of characters from various backgrounds and allegiances was also a challenge as I had not read the previous books. I think I would have had a better connection to the story and the characters if I had started from the beginning.
April 25, 2016
The blurb is excellent (except for getting the title wrong in the second paragraph), so I won't attempt a recap. It was so nice to meet up again with Duncan and all his friends, even though the circumstances became quite dire. Once again the author does a great job of planting clues--the reader needs to pay attention to everything.
One other comment--poor Duncan gets pummeled by the bad guys rather a lot. I hope he doesn't fare so badly in the next book.(I am assuming there will be a next book--we are still 10 years out from Lexington and Concord).
As always, the author's notes are fascinating to a history nerd such as I.
Though this book could probably be read and enjoyed without having read the first three, why deny yourself the pleasure of reading an intelligently written series set in an unfamiliar (to most) time and place.
One other comment--poor Duncan gets pummeled by the bad guys rather a lot. I hope he doesn't fare so badly in the next book.(I am assuming there will be a next book--we are still 10 years out from Lexington and Concord).
As always, the author's notes are fascinating to a history nerd such as I.
Though this book could probably be read and enjoyed without having read the first three, why deny yourself the pleasure of reading an intelligently written series set in an unfamiliar (to most) time and place.
April 5, 2016
Elegantly crafted with a strong sense of time and place, this is yet another outstanding entry in this fine series. It's hard to find fault with a book so well-written and engaging, with an intriguing plot set at the time of a turning point of American history, but it isn't perfect, with some uneven pacing in the narrative. Read our full review, here: http://www.mysteriousreviews.com/myst...
October 31, 2016
This book has some fascinating history about a time period I knew little about: right after the French and Indian War (Seven Years War in Europe) and before the Revolutionary War in the U.S. Pattison's knowledge of the Iroquois Confederacy makes the book an enjoyable read. I did get lost a few times with the intrigue of the mystery as there are a lot of details to consume and twists and turns introduced. Overall it was a good read and well written story.
May 20, 2016
set in 1760's british colonies of north america, ny, penn, vir, imagines the intrigues behind the new tax that helped unite colonists to question king and rule of home country. based on true stories, has lots about womens roles, indians, slaves, indentured servants, also lots of action and suspense and intrigue. was ok.
March 28, 2016
Pattison's writing delves deeply into exploring the time, culture, and geography that so greatly influenced pre-revolutionary America. As historical fiction goes, the Duncan McCallum books explore not so much the "big picture" historical events, but the impact those events had on the people who live through them. The first three books were subtitled "A Mystery of Colonial America", but Blood of the Oak moves beyond the mystery genre to offer just a bit more.
This is one of my favorite series, one that flies under the radar of best-seller lists. As a librarian the first book in the series, The Bone Rattler, is one of my go-to reading recommendations for those who enjoy high quality, richly detailed historical fiction.
This is one of my favorite series, one that flies under the radar of best-seller lists. As a librarian the first book in the series, The Bone Rattler, is one of my go-to reading recommendations for those who enjoy high quality, richly detailed historical fiction.
August 19, 2016
I just cannot gush enough about Eliot Pattison's Duncan McCallum series. They are just amazing and he has yet to make a wrong move on any of them IMHO. There is something for everyone in these. Even a tiny bit of romance but these are all serious historical fiction that harken back to Kenneth Robert's. If you LOVE reading about the USA before the Revolution and the events leading up to it then this is for you. If you have not read the series then you could read this as a standalone since Mr. Pattison does a fair job of catching you up on the past (because there is soo much time between installments) but you're likely to be a bit unsatisfied in terms of character development. So there are only 4 in the series right now so hurry and catch up!!
February 24, 2016
This is the latest installment in the excellent Duncan McCallum series. Pattison continues to bring depth and dimension to the wide variety of class and ethnicity that are part of early American history, going far beyond the traditional textbook stories. Blood of the Oak weaves its way through the early events of the Stamp Act, and whether you are a teacher, student, or just a fan of American history, this series is a must read. Any of the books in the series can be read as a stand alone, but I would recommend beginning with the first one, Bone Rattler. It will help understand both the characters and the historical background.
Oh--they are also great mysteries!
Oh--they are also great mysteries!
December 27, 2016
**I received a review copy from the author**
I have never read historical fiction before, so going into this book I wasn't sure what to expect. The author writes well and knows how to keep your attention well while drawing out the mystery all the way to the end. This book can be read alone even though it's part of a series, which is what I did. However, I believe if I had read the first 3 books in the series I would have recognized and understood more characters that appeared in this book. It was very interesting though and I'd recommend that if you read it, to first read the other 3 books in the series.
I have never read historical fiction before, so going into this book I wasn't sure what to expect. The author writes well and knows how to keep your attention well while drawing out the mystery all the way to the end. This book can be read alone even though it's part of a series, which is what I did. However, I believe if I had read the first 3 books in the series I would have recognized and understood more characters that appeared in this book. It was very interesting though and I'd recommend that if you read it, to first read the other 3 books in the series.
December 6, 2016
An excellent historical mystery. Not my usual line of reading, but well worth it. The setting is the leadup to the 1765 Stamp Tax congress, and Pattison gives us an especially deft portrait of the ways the native Americans worked with and against the various factions. I'm reading this along with a history of the USA called "American Nations," and they both are showing me things I never knew about the history of our country, especially its seamy sides.
January 12, 2017
A mysterious series of murders seems to be the work of the stolen idol, the Blooddancer. Duncan McCallum is out to solve the mystery when he becomes entangled in the burgeoning opposition to the Stamp Act. Intrigue and romance and native American myth. A much valued Author's note adds much to the historical setting but the story could stand on its own without the additional factual material. And, even though part of a series, can be read on its own.
October 18, 2017
I began this book while reading "Unbroken" by Laura Hildebrand, the story of Louis Zamperini, Olympic runner and Japanese POW. His cruel and tortuous experiences with the Japanese made it difficult for me to sleep at night, and I turned to history. Sadly, in this third book in the Duncan McCullum series, he is also taken prisoner and tortured. Why this is done and by whom takes the reader through historical events in the western region of Colonial America in 1765.
August 21, 2017
This book was very well written, very exciting, great action. The history was well researched and the story seemed plausible. It was fun reading about Roger's Rangers in a different context and seeing how the American Revolution really started way before most of us think about it starting. This book takes place in 1765 and the seeds of revolution have been firmly planted.
January 14, 2019
This Series is Magnificent
Mr. Pattinson writes just the way I want an author to write. The stories are adventurous, imaginative, fast placed, well though out and full of interesting characters.
Mr. Pattinson writes just the way I want an author to write. The stories are adventurous, imaginative, fast placed, well though out and full of interesting characters.
January 17, 2019
Interesting book and I like historical fiction so I liked this book to a point. Got a little confusing as to who was who and the conclusion was a little to neat but still enjoyed it. It was interesting enough to want to go back and read others in the series (This is the 4th.)
December 5, 2019
Amazing tale
I'm a lover of American history but this book took me into a story of American/ Indian history that I was not completely familiar with. I had some background but this was much deeper than I had ever read before. I recommend this book to all American history lovers.
I'm a lover of American history but this book took me into a story of American/ Indian history that I was not completely familiar with. I had some background but this was much deeper than I had ever read before. I recommend this book to all American history lovers.
February 24, 2016
I liked the earlier books in this series better than this one. However, I continue to enjoy his writing and will continue reading many more of his books. Great historical fiction!
February 20, 2017
I've enjoyed this series, but for some reason this one never really grabbed me.
March 5, 2017
great and exciting
December 4, 2018
Another really good historical mystery in the Bone Rattler series, and only one more to go until I'm caught up with the author.
May 27, 2019
Beautiful writing, superb characterization, gorgeous descriptions of the natural world, yet far too gruesomely bloody for my taste. I finished because the plot was great, but skimmed so much!
August 5, 2024
This was a hard read, quite a bit of drama with Duncan's indenture, Sara wanting more from Duncan than his honor will allow. Changes to the Native tribes and an impending stamp tax in the colonies. There were moments when I didn't think anyone would make it. And that Sara's father the despicable Lord Ramsey would win.
But I was curious since this paralells the Outland series in a way. While Duncan was in Holland learning the ways of medicine, Jamie was at Culloden. Both men lost family to the brutal extermination of the English. While Duncan came to the colonies a bonded servent, Jamie would enter as a freeman.....sorta.
This installment takes place in 1765, Duncan is still walking in two worlds. Those of the Native population and that of the colonies. Jamie on the other hand has arrived in France and won't enter the colonies of Noth Carolina until 1767. They paths are unlikely to cross. But the similarities in their upbringing are enough to keep an eye on their seperate paths.
But I was curious since this paralells the Outland series in a way. While Duncan was in Holland learning the ways of medicine, Jamie was at Culloden. Both men lost family to the brutal extermination of the English. While Duncan came to the colonies a bonded servent, Jamie would enter as a freeman.....sorta.
This installment takes place in 1765, Duncan is still walking in two worlds. Those of the Native population and that of the colonies. Jamie on the other hand has arrived in France and won't enter the colonies of Noth Carolina until 1767. They paths are unlikely to cross. But the similarities in their upbringing are enough to keep an eye on their seperate paths.
January 8, 2025
I am enjoying the books in this series very much. What I like about them is they portray a point before the Revolutionary War. This one is dealing with the start of the Committees of Correspondence that were formed in reaction to the Stamp Act. Although the Committees working are addressed they are not the real focus of the story. The real focus is Duncan McCallum going after the murderers of a young woman and the wounding of his best friend. As the story advances the plot becomes more involved and let me say that it is a tight run race to solve the mystery, rescue runners of the Committees, and to deal with old and new enemies. If you like historical fiction at its best then please give these books a try. I know that I am glad I did. I just wish I had taken so long to start the series.
August 26, 2025
1765 sees the passage of the Stamp Act in colonial America, which is of little importance to Duncan McCallum who is living on a settlement far away in the western recesses of Pennsylvania, near his Iroquois friends. But he is called into the presence of one of the ancient woman leaders of the tribe who tells him that a sacred Iroquois artifact has been stolen, and shortly thereafter several important people have been killed. Thus Duncan departs on a mission into Virginia to return the stolen artifact and to discover the murderer. He is accompanied in this quest by one of the Iroquois warriors, and followed, to his chagrin, by young girl, whose singing is magical, and whose determination cannot be undone. One of the better novels of this series, which can sometimes be hard to follow.
October 27, 2020
Book 4 in this series.
The year, 1765, is when historians say the American spirit began. When the colonies started to feel the unity of shared burdens and destinies. This fascinating series, which richly details the times and peoples, has me reading more about this pre-revolution era. And yet it's a mystery series! With convoluted who-did-its and thrilling scenes.
In this installment our hero Duncan McCallum must find who is killing 'runners' along communications trails and rescue 12 others being held captive. And why is this system being compromised?
With a cameo from a Colonel George Washington :-)
The year, 1765, is when historians say the American spirit began. When the colonies started to feel the unity of shared burdens and destinies. This fascinating series, which richly details the times and peoples, has me reading more about this pre-revolution era. And yet it's a mystery series! With convoluted who-did-its and thrilling scenes.
In this installment our hero Duncan McCallum must find who is killing 'runners' along communications trails and rescue 12 others being held captive. And why is this system being compromised?
With a cameo from a Colonel George Washington :-)
December 10, 2024
This was a very good story as I enjoyed the culture of Native Americans wrapped up in a tale about early America. The author really has Native American, Eastern Woodlands, spiritual life down pat and combined with the character of an ex-patriate Scot turned woodsman provides an intriguing read.
I also liked the inclusion of "real" personalities in the story such as a young Benjamin Rush, Deborah Franklin, John Dickinson and George Washington. And a real rotten villain, Lord Ramsey.
I'll have to go back and catch up on the other novels in this series. Thanks to my wife for bringing them to my attention and buying the book for me.
I also liked the inclusion of "real" personalities in the story such as a young Benjamin Rush, Deborah Franklin, John Dickinson and George Washington. And a real rotten villain, Lord Ramsey.
I'll have to go back and catch up on the other novels in this series. Thanks to my wife for bringing them to my attention and buying the book for me.
July 24, 2023
This riveting political mystery thriller is set in colonial America in 1765, as rebellion against the Stamp Act begins to boil. For years, the colonies existed like separate little countries, having most of their dealings with the British government and very little with each other. But the imposition of the stamp tax changed that, giving rise to the secret Committees of Correspondence and their growing opposition.
March 5, 2021
The series moves forward in time, during the early stages of what will become the American Revolution. Historical figures merge with the literary figures of the series for yet another incredible historical novel
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews