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Duncan McCallum #6
The King's Beast
When Duncan McCallum is asked by Benjamin Franklin to retrieve an astonishing cache of fossils from the Kentucky wilderness, his excitement as a naturalist blinds him to his treacherous path. But as murderers stalk him Duncan discovers that the fossils of this American incognitum are not nearly as mysterious as the political intrigue driving his mission. The Sons of Liberty insist, without explaining why, that the only way to keep the king from pursuing a bloody war with America is for Duncan to secretly deliver the fossils to Franklin in London.
His journey becomes a nightmare of deceit and violence as he seeks the cryptic link between the bones and the king. Every layer that Duncan peels away invites new treachery by those obsessed with crushing American dissent. With each attempt on his life, Duncan
questions the meaning of the liberty he and the Sons seek. His last desperate hope for survival, and the rescue of his aged native friend Conawago—imprisoned in Bedlam—requires the help of freed slaves, an aristocratic maiden, a band of street urchins, and the gods of his tribal allies.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2020
98 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Eliot Pattison
34 books352 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 33 reviews
June 25, 2020
Seditious
A remarkably immersive and compelling story, crafted with Eliot Pattison’s atmospheric style of vividly portraying historical fiction. Pattison provides fascinating historical detail which he weaves seamlessly into his storytelling to create an outstanding novel. A focal point of his novels is his ability to bring to life the wonderful landscape his stories inhabit.
The New World in the American colonies was beginning to explore its resources with an increasing realisation that new ideas and exciting possibilities lay ahead. The barriers to its own sense of worth were the controls from the English colonial power, and how taxes, materials and benefits flowed in one direction only.
In 1769, as many covert activities around scientific knowhow, business trade and military forces from Britain and the colonies started gathering momentum, the bones of an ancient beast are discovered in a salt lick in Kentucky, on the Ohio River. As the bones of the Incognitum are unearthed under the behest from the Sons of Liberty and the watchful eyes of tribesmen, lethal forces from England want to prevent them being used as another example of American wealth and opportunity. The destination of the bones is London and to Benjamin Franklin, as he seeks to curry favour with King George III. There are forces around the king that want to prevent that happening, including those closest to him.
Duncan McCallum is the main character in the novel, a Scottish highlander, a scholar, a soldier and a brother to the tribes. One of his close friends, Ezra, on the assignment with him is murdered and a letter is found shoved into his mouth that has been signed by Benjamin Franklin and contains the word ‘Covenant’. Duncan is sure the killers are ahead of them in a race up the river to Pittsburgh. With his companion, Ishmael, an Iroquois warrior, they now have an ordeal ahead of them to complete their mission for the Sons of Liberty and track the killers of their friend. The Shawnee chief Catchoka said to Duncan
Eliot Pattison is a master of developing a sense of time and place and having read a few of his books now, I feel he operates in a league with very few others. Nothing is ever wasted as each scene and conversation is expertly woven into an exciting plot with mystery and suspense. There are so many intricate layers of plotting where deceit, misdirection and conspiracy keep this story enthralling from beginning to end.
An easy decision to rate this book 5 stars and I highly recommend reading it. I would like to thank Eliot Pattison for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest review.
A remarkably immersive and compelling story, crafted with Eliot Pattison’s atmospheric style of vividly portraying historical fiction. Pattison provides fascinating historical detail which he weaves seamlessly into his storytelling to create an outstanding novel. A focal point of his novels is his ability to bring to life the wonderful landscape his stories inhabit.
The New World in the American colonies was beginning to explore its resources with an increasing realisation that new ideas and exciting possibilities lay ahead. The barriers to its own sense of worth were the controls from the English colonial power, and how taxes, materials and benefits flowed in one direction only.
In 1769, as many covert activities around scientific knowhow, business trade and military forces from Britain and the colonies started gathering momentum, the bones of an ancient beast are discovered in a salt lick in Kentucky, on the Ohio River. As the bones of the Incognitum are unearthed under the behest from the Sons of Liberty and the watchful eyes of tribesmen, lethal forces from England want to prevent them being used as another example of American wealth and opportunity. The destination of the bones is London and to Benjamin Franklin, as he seeks to curry favour with King George III. There are forces around the king that want to prevent that happening, including those closest to him.
Duncan McCallum is the main character in the novel, a Scottish highlander, a scholar, a soldier and a brother to the tribes. One of his close friends, Ezra, on the assignment with him is murdered and a letter is found shoved into his mouth that has been signed by Benjamin Franklin and contains the word ‘Covenant’. Duncan is sure the killers are ahead of them in a race up the river to Pittsburgh. With his companion, Ishmael, an Iroquois warrior, they now have an ordeal ahead of them to complete their mission for the Sons of Liberty and track the killers of their friend. The Shawnee chief Catchoka said to Duncan
“ ‘The gods will follow the bones. No one can stop them now. They have great power. Lives will change.’ Duncan sensed no anger in his voice now, but rather something like pity. ‘They are old earth. You are new earth. You will suffer the consequences. You will die again and again.’ ”The King’s Beast is a beautifully written novel that captures the period with its political machinations and wonderfully diverse range of new and renowned characters. History marks Benjamin Franklin as an American founding father, a man of science, an inventor of electricity, and an important figure in the relationships between England and America. Pattison gives voice to the many Native American tribes, such as the Shawnee, Mohawk, Oneida and Iroquois, which is a wonderful element of the book. The prophetic visions and the ancestral attachments from the tribesmen offer mystical favour and a deep connection with nature.
Eliot Pattison is a master of developing a sense of time and place and having read a few of his books now, I feel he operates in a league with very few others. Nothing is ever wasted as each scene and conversation is expertly woven into an exciting plot with mystery and suspense. There are so many intricate layers of plotting where deceit, misdirection and conspiracy keep this story enthralling from beginning to end.
An easy decision to rate this book 5 stars and I highly recommend reading it. I would like to thank Eliot Pattison for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest review.
May 30, 2020
Another great entry in this historical mystery series. This one is set in 1769, as tensions between Britain and its North American colonies are beginning to rise.
The beast of the title is a set of fossil bones that our series's hero, Duncan McCallum, retrieved in the Kentucky wilderness at the behest of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin, who is in London, wants to use the gift of these ancient bones as a way to speak directly with King George III. Franklin's belief is that the king is a rational ruler, who does not want war with his colonies; if only Franklin could speak with him, all can be smoothed over.
It quickly becomes obvious to Duncan and his companions that there are many in the upper levels of British government who do not want that to happen. Just getting the bones back to Philadelphia was a dangerous journey. The voyage from Philadelphia to London was even more fraught. Once in London, the whole plot becomes becomes even more convoluted.
Pattison had so many different plot threads going I was afraid he would never be able to weave them into a coherent whole. A tip of the hat to the author for a job well done. There are so many varied and fascinating historical tidbits scattered throughout the story: the Transit of Venus, the architecture of St Paul's Cathedral; Daniel Boone even makes a cameo appearance. As always, the author's Afterwords is essential reading.
It was good to spend time with Duncan and the cast of continuing characters, especially Sarah Ramsey, Patrick Woolford, Conawago and Ishmael. Of course, it was a delight to spend time with Ben Franklin. I was even happy to 'boo' the return of Sarah's father, the #1 villain.
Sigh, now to wait, wait, wait for the next book.
The beast of the title is a set of fossil bones that our series's hero, Duncan McCallum, retrieved in the Kentucky wilderness at the behest of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin, who is in London, wants to use the gift of these ancient bones as a way to speak directly with King George III. Franklin's belief is that the king is a rational ruler, who does not want war with his colonies; if only Franklin could speak with him, all can be smoothed over.
It quickly becomes obvious to Duncan and his companions that there are many in the upper levels of British government who do not want that to happen. Just getting the bones back to Philadelphia was a dangerous journey. The voyage from Philadelphia to London was even more fraught. Once in London, the whole plot becomes becomes even more convoluted.
Pattison had so many different plot threads going I was afraid he would never be able to weave them into a coherent whole. A tip of the hat to the author for a job well done. There are so many varied and fascinating historical tidbits scattered throughout the story: the Transit of Venus, the architecture of St Paul's Cathedral; Daniel Boone even makes a cameo appearance. As always, the author's Afterwords is essential reading.
It was good to spend time with Duncan and the cast of continuing characters, especially Sarah Ramsey, Patrick Woolford, Conawago and Ishmael. Of course, it was a delight to spend time with Ben Franklin. I was even happy to 'boo' the return of Sarah's father, the #1 villain.
Sigh, now to wait, wait, wait for the next book.
May 7, 2020
BLURB
When Duncan McCallum is asked by Benjamin Franklin to retrieve an astonishing cache of fossils from the Kentucky wilderness, his excitement as a naturalist blinds him to his treacherous path. But as murderers stalk him Duncan discovers that the fossils of this American incognitum are not nearly as mysterious as the political intrigue driving his mission. The Sons of Liberty insist, without explaining why, that the only way to keep the king from pursuing a bloody war with America is for Duncan to secretly deliver the fossils to Franklin in London. His journey becomes a nightmare of deceit and violence as he seeks the cryptic link between the bones and the king. Every layer that Duncan peels away invites new treachery by those obsessed with crushing American dissent. With each attempt on his life, Duncan
questions the meaning of the liberty he and the Sons seek. His last desperate hope for survival, and the rescue of his aged native friend Conawago—imprisoned in Bedlam—requires the help of freed slaves, an aristocratic maiden, a band of street urchins, and the gods of his tribal allies.
REVIEW
A rousing tale of that politically turbulent period between The French & Indian War, and The Revolutionary War. Replete with characters who draw the reader into the drama; finely honed to reflect the time and place, full of the respective cultures they portray. The temerity of the British aristocracy; their seeming never ending condescending attitude to any colonial, even transplanted Englishmen, is on full display in this quest for dominance over anything that happens in the colonies. A secret mission for Ben Franklin sets Duncan on a emotionally charged road to unravel the mysteries thrust at him in often violent fashion. Loaded with the spiritual beliefs of the Native tribes, The King's Beast is also a detailed and well researched lesson on the cultures which had survived centuries before being "discovered", and the insurmountable odds against their continued existence. Among the historical characters given life by the author, Franklin shines as a somewhat absent-minded, eccentric genius. His naivete is a refreshing look at a complicated man, though it does create more problems for Duncan to sort out. One of the main plots is the locating and rescuing the aged Nipmuc elder, Conawago. The difference in spiritual beliefs is highlighted in this quote from a young frontiersman, Daniel Boone, ""The tribes talk about the spirits in the trees and the gods in the forest." Boone looked upward as he spoke, into the limbs of the aged tree. "I heard a preacher once tell a warrior friend of mine that such talk is sacrilege, that there's no room in the Bible for such things. My friend said that's because the men who wrote his Bible lived in the desert" It is this spiritual void that Conawago has become entrapped and provides a most thrilling escape - a fitting example of the page turning effect this book has on the reader. This was my first venture into the Duncan McCallum tales, it won't be my last.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When Duncan McCallum is asked by Benjamin Franklin to retrieve an astonishing cache of fossils from the Kentucky wilderness, his excitement as a naturalist blinds him to his treacherous path. But as murderers stalk him Duncan discovers that the fossils of this American incognitum are not nearly as mysterious as the political intrigue driving his mission. The Sons of Liberty insist, without explaining why, that the only way to keep the king from pursuing a bloody war with America is for Duncan to secretly deliver the fossils to Franklin in London. His journey becomes a nightmare of deceit and violence as he seeks the cryptic link between the bones and the king. Every layer that Duncan peels away invites new treachery by those obsessed with crushing American dissent. With each attempt on his life, Duncan
questions the meaning of the liberty he and the Sons seek. His last desperate hope for survival, and the rescue of his aged native friend Conawago—imprisoned in Bedlam—requires the help of freed slaves, an aristocratic maiden, a band of street urchins, and the gods of his tribal allies.
REVIEW
A rousing tale of that politically turbulent period between The French & Indian War, and The Revolutionary War. Replete with characters who draw the reader into the drama; finely honed to reflect the time and place, full of the respective cultures they portray. The temerity of the British aristocracy; their seeming never ending condescending attitude to any colonial, even transplanted Englishmen, is on full display in this quest for dominance over anything that happens in the colonies. A secret mission for Ben Franklin sets Duncan on a emotionally charged road to unravel the mysteries thrust at him in often violent fashion. Loaded with the spiritual beliefs of the Native tribes, The King's Beast is also a detailed and well researched lesson on the cultures which had survived centuries before being "discovered", and the insurmountable odds against their continued existence. Among the historical characters given life by the author, Franklin shines as a somewhat absent-minded, eccentric genius. His naivete is a refreshing look at a complicated man, though it does create more problems for Duncan to sort out. One of the main plots is the locating and rescuing the aged Nipmuc elder, Conawago. The difference in spiritual beliefs is highlighted in this quote from a young frontiersman, Daniel Boone, ""The tribes talk about the spirits in the trees and the gods in the forest." Boone looked upward as he spoke, into the limbs of the aged tree. "I heard a preacher once tell a warrior friend of mine that such talk is sacrilege, that there's no room in the Bible for such things. My friend said that's because the men who wrote his Bible lived in the desert" It is this spiritual void that Conawago has become entrapped and provides a most thrilling escape - a fitting example of the page turning effect this book has on the reader. This was my first venture into the Duncan McCallum tales, it won't be my last.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 29, 2020
This is the last book (to date) of a fine series covering the time of American Revolution, this one taking Duncan to London where he spends considerable time with Benjamin Franklin. There is a good deal of Indian lore and action in young America, the discovery and protection of the incognitum, the journey across the sea carrying bones from the precious relic, as well as the fate of the brilliant Indian who traveled before Duncan and Ishmael only to end up in Bedlam in London where more intrigue and bloodshed await.
Of course the story must continue. Duncan is not yet wed. I look forward to the next installment when available.
Kindle Purchase
Of course the story must continue. Duncan is not yet wed. I look forward to the next installment when available.
Kindle Purchase
May 29, 2020
Eliot Pattison's books have always been densely packed, full of detail about unique cultural eras and places, with a large cast and frequent introspective musings by the author and by those characters. For me, Pattison's books have been eager but not quick reads, especially the Inspector Shan series. The Bone Rattler series, featuring Duncan McCallum, has been more accessible, if only because the cultural surroundings are familiar. Both series are extraordinary achievements.
And, THE KING'S BEAST is the best of Pattison's many books, so the good is getting even better. This sixth iteration of the Bone Rattler series has more clarity and is quicker paced, while retaining the development of characters we now hold dear, the intricate plotting, and the re-construction of historical settings that are familiar enough to envelop us but distinct enough to unsettle.
THE KING'S BEAST primarily occurs in London, though it begins with an intriguing trip down the Ohio River when that was the western frontier, a quick sojourn in Philadelphia and a trip across the Atlantic. Pattison is very good at presenting both the unsavory dirtiness of urban life in 1769 and the omnipresent threat of violence that peristed in the city. But that ugliness uplifted by the inspiring cast of Duncan's supporting characters, who may live on the edge but have real character and hopes. Almost makes Ismael appreciate urban life. Duncan's ad hoc team takes on the powers-that-be in London, and that is the central conflict in THE KING'S BEAST. That Duncan's fight both mirrors and becomes enmeshed in the larger, emerging, conflict between the colonies and Great Britain, simply adds depth. Yes, it may seem fantastic that an expat Highlander can take on aristocratic power, but it is also fantastic that disparate colonies came together to take on the greatest empire of the 18th century.
One almost tangential note, Pattison is adept at expressing the cosmopolitan nature of London's denizens as the global economy emerges. The dockworkers, sailors, and tradesmen are more conversant about the broader world and much more comfortable with this diversity than the aristocracy. Another theme throughout is the thirst for knowledge of the natural world that emerges as a result of the growing interaction between parts of the world.
As always, Pattison provides a satisfying conclusion t0 this book and sets the stage for Duncan's future adventures. There should be more Sarah in the next book and that will be good. I can hardly wait.
Plopped in the midst of
enemies everywhere,
Duncan's plan works out.
And, THE KING'S BEAST is the best of Pattison's many books, so the good is getting even better. This sixth iteration of the Bone Rattler series has more clarity and is quicker paced, while retaining the development of characters we now hold dear, the intricate plotting, and the re-construction of historical settings that are familiar enough to envelop us but distinct enough to unsettle.
THE KING'S BEAST primarily occurs in London, though it begins with an intriguing trip down the Ohio River when that was the western frontier, a quick sojourn in Philadelphia and a trip across the Atlantic. Pattison is very good at presenting both the unsavory dirtiness of urban life in 1769 and the omnipresent threat of violence that peristed in the city. But that ugliness uplifted by the inspiring cast of Duncan's supporting characters, who may live on the edge but have real character and hopes. Almost makes Ismael appreciate urban life. Duncan's ad hoc team takes on the powers-that-be in London, and that is the central conflict in THE KING'S BEAST. That Duncan's fight both mirrors and becomes enmeshed in the larger, emerging, conflict between the colonies and Great Britain, simply adds depth. Yes, it may seem fantastic that an expat Highlander can take on aristocratic power, but it is also fantastic that disparate colonies came together to take on the greatest empire of the 18th century.
One almost tangential note, Pattison is adept at expressing the cosmopolitan nature of London's denizens as the global economy emerges. The dockworkers, sailors, and tradesmen are more conversant about the broader world and much more comfortable with this diversity than the aristocracy. Another theme throughout is the thirst for knowledge of the natural world that emerges as a result of the growing interaction between parts of the world.
As always, Pattison provides a satisfying conclusion t0 this book and sets the stage for Duncan's future adventures. There should be more Sarah in the next book and that will be good. I can hardly wait.
Plopped in the midst of
enemies everywhere,
Duncan's plan works out.
April 18, 2020
A great book, a great series & a great author!
March 21, 2020
In 1769, Benjamin Franklin has asked Duncan McCallum, an exiled from Scotsman, to help retrieve fossil bones from a bog in the Kentucky wilderness. When one of the team is found dead amongst the fossils, Duncan determines it was murder. He vows to find the murderers. The Sons of Liberty tell him the future of America lies in getting those fossil bones to Franklin in England. Someone, though, doesn’t want Duncan to succeed either at find the killer or of getting the bones to Franklin. Things heat up and he finds a link between the fossils and the King of England.
This is the sixth book in Pattison’s award-winning Bone Rattler mystery series. However, you don’t need to have read the first five books to thoroughly enjoy this entry in the series. If you are new to the series, this book will make you want to buy the first five books to see how the highly nuanced main characters have been developed over the years.
This is a well-written book and the evidence of the author’s research is found in the telling and the details we are provided. Pattison builds and maintains the suspense throughout this book.
If your favorite genre is historical mysteries, this book is not to be missed. You’ll want to put it at the top of your to-be-read list.
My thanks to Counterpoint and Edelweiss for an eARC.
This is the sixth book in Pattison’s award-winning Bone Rattler mystery series. However, you don’t need to have read the first five books to thoroughly enjoy this entry in the series. If you are new to the series, this book will make you want to buy the first five books to see how the highly nuanced main characters have been developed over the years.
This is a well-written book and the evidence of the author’s research is found in the telling and the details we are provided. Pattison builds and maintains the suspense throughout this book.
If your favorite genre is historical mysteries, this book is not to be missed. You’ll want to put it at the top of your to-be-read list.
My thanks to Counterpoint and Edelweiss for an eARC.
March 8, 2020
This is the first book by Eliot Pattison I've read so I had no idea what to expect from his writing style or if he had any other works available. Come to find out, this is the sixth book in his "Bone Rattler" series! As exciting as events sometimes are, plain history to me is usually boring unless it's told with all the excitement that surrounded the events in the first place. Eliot Pattison seems to have done that for me. His world-building was descriptive enough to take my mind to that place and his characters allowed me to live the event as they took me through their journey and tried to solve the plot that seamlessly ran through the story. I really was fascinated with this story and will most definitely backtrack to check out the previous books in the series. Historical fiction to me is a great way to blend actual events and people with an author's imagination of what the details were.
April 8, 2020
The King's Beast is well written and offers up a rollicking adventure with exotic locals in England and the United States during the 1700s. Ben Franklin has asked Duncan McCallum, formerly of Scotland, to retrieve old bones from a bog in what is now the state of Kentucky. Unfortunately, one of Duncan's mates ends up dead while trying to recover the bones. Duncan concludes that his friend was murdered and vows to find the guilty party. Franklin stresses the import of finding and returning the bones to England even as McCallum insists on solving the murder of his friend. Eventually, Duncan connects the dots between the murder, the bones, and a hidden character who does not want Duncan to succeed at either task.
The King's Beast is another beautifully written and researched effort by the writer. While this is a stand-alone, the reader is encouraged to check out the author's wonderful backlist.
The King's Beast is another beautifully written and researched effort by the writer. While this is a stand-alone, the reader is encouraged to check out the author's wonderful backlist.
April 16, 2020
I am in awe of Eliot Pattison's Bone Rattler/Duncan McCallum series. The depth of history equals that of the greatest non-fiction writers such as David McCullough & Walter Isaacson all packed into a rollicking, adventurous mystery. The essence of this series is the constant struggle between the past and the future and how mankind navigates these waters. The stress between settlers & natives, the stress between England & the Colonies, the stress between the natural and the mechanical world are all captured in this series and most specifically in this installment.
While this could be read as a standalone, I wouldn't generally recommend it. There is too much richness of character and place developed & embedded in Duncan McCallum & Conawago through the earlier books that makes them more than typical characters in a typical historical mystery. But if you find yourself here - go forward and then catch up!
I don't write synopsis in most of my reviews as the publishers do a better job, but I will say that this is equal parts history & mystery with a HUGE part adventure story. I was on the edge of my seat, reading late into the night & then unable to sleep for the excitement of the adventure. There was never a good place to temporarily out this down.
Fasten your seatbelts - you're in for quite a ride.
While this could be read as a standalone, I wouldn't generally recommend it. There is too much richness of character and place developed & embedded in Duncan McCallum & Conawago through the earlier books that makes them more than typical characters in a typical historical mystery. But if you find yourself here - go forward and then catch up!
I don't write synopsis in most of my reviews as the publishers do a better job, but I will say that this is equal parts history & mystery with a HUGE part adventure story. I was on the edge of my seat, reading late into the night & then unable to sleep for the excitement of the adventure. There was never a good place to temporarily out this down.
Fasten your seatbelts - you're in for quite a ride.
September 4, 2020
Trouble is brewing on both sides of the Atlantic in 1769 as death follows Duncan McCallum to London on a mission for the Sons of Liberty. Fictional series regulars are joined by historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin, Daniel Boone, and Hercules Mulligan in this historical mystery that shows the American cause of liberty to be a messy and complicated affair. After a bit of a slow start, the story really picks up as Duncan identifies the people & forces working against him and his cause. While the ending seems a bit anticlimactic, it does set up the next book quite nicely. A recommended series.
May 17, 2020
A great mix of historical fiction and mystery that kept me hooked till the last page.
I loved the storytelling and how well the author mixes historical facts with fiction.
The historical background is well researched and vivid, the characters are fleshed out and the mystery is solid.
It's the first I read in this series and won't surely be the last.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the storytelling and how well the author mixes historical facts with fiction.
The historical background is well researched and vivid, the characters are fleshed out and the mystery is solid.
It's the first I read in this series and won't surely be the last.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
November 23, 2020
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series...exciting and smart with interesting characters who grow on you as the series progresses. I love the Native American lore and historical detail. I am looking forward to the next book in the series...
June 5, 2020
Another excellent adventure with Duncan. This time to London to bring some dinosaur bones to Benjamin Franklin and to rescue his best friend Conawago from the mental institution. Great story, a page turner. Lots of murder and mystery.
June 5, 2020
This is a story about early America and a relic relic that was found and no one could figure out what it was
July 7, 2020
Have followed this series since #1, drawn to it by the French and Indian War setting. We are now entering the run-up to the Revolution and the political intrigue is heating up. I’m not fond of novels set during the American Revolution for some reason but the prelude remains interesting. I will say that I much prefer the frontier/wilderness settings to this book’s largely urban action. Good atmosphere of London. A little slow until final action chapters. Some interesting historical info (importance of the transit of Venus for example). Duncan gets beat up a lot. Ending has some hints foreshadowing that next book may involve Boston Massacre and/or the Tea Party. I want to go back to the forest!
July 31, 2023
Grade school American history was never this exciting!
It is 1769, and the colonies are frustrated with having to buy everything they need from England, and at prices they deem unfair. The Sons of Liberty have already protested and rioted against the Stamp Act, and want to start their own industries. It is beginning to look like King George will be sending his troops to suppress the opposition to rules Parliament has imposed on the colonists.
Benjamin Franklin is in London thinking of ways to convince the King that the colonies have great potential as valuable assets to England, unlike Parliament's perception of them as wild and savage.
And so Franklin solicits the Sons of Liberty to provide evidence of great scientific knowledge by digging up and sending him mastodon bones found at a site in Kentucky, near the Ohio river. Even Daniel Boone is part of the party. (Today it is the Big Bone Lick Historic site.)
Duncan accompanies the party to the site, unaware of the reasons why the project is highly secret, and when murders occur, and there are attempts by unknown assailants to steal the keelboat with the bones, the project becomes increasingly treacherous.
The action never lets up and Duncan encounters more deadly attacks on his party and the mission, all the way across the sea to England.
Duncan, Ishmael, Conewago, Ben Franklin, and many other characters face down attempts on their lives, are betrayed by an unknown spy in their midst, and are targeted by the King's elite guard that have no restraints on what they do to stop the Sons of Liberty.
The King's Beast is a thrilling adventure story and truly wonderful historical fiction. It is number six in Eliot Pattison's Bone Rattler series, to be followed soon by number seven, Freedom's Ghost.
It is 1769, and the colonies are frustrated with having to buy everything they need from England, and at prices they deem unfair. The Sons of Liberty have already protested and rioted against the Stamp Act, and want to start their own industries. It is beginning to look like King George will be sending his troops to suppress the opposition to rules Parliament has imposed on the colonists.
Benjamin Franklin is in London thinking of ways to convince the King that the colonies have great potential as valuable assets to England, unlike Parliament's perception of them as wild and savage.
And so Franklin solicits the Sons of Liberty to provide evidence of great scientific knowledge by digging up and sending him mastodon bones found at a site in Kentucky, near the Ohio river. Even Daniel Boone is part of the party. (Today it is the Big Bone Lick Historic site.)
Duncan accompanies the party to the site, unaware of the reasons why the project is highly secret, and when murders occur, and there are attempts by unknown assailants to steal the keelboat with the bones, the project becomes increasingly treacherous.
The action never lets up and Duncan encounters more deadly attacks on his party and the mission, all the way across the sea to England.
Duncan, Ishmael, Conewago, Ben Franklin, and many other characters face down attempts on their lives, are betrayed by an unknown spy in their midst, and are targeted by the King's elite guard that have no restraints on what they do to stop the Sons of Liberty.
The King's Beast is a thrilling adventure story and truly wonderful historical fiction. It is number six in Eliot Pattison's Bone Rattler series, to be followed soon by number seven, Freedom's Ghost.
October 4, 2025
The year 1769 finds Duncan in the wilds of Ohio digging up bones for Benjamin Franklin, bones of prehistoric creatures for which the scientific community has no explanation. It is also the year that an expected transit of Venus across the sun will be measured by astronomers, including in Pennsylvania. Franklin hopes to use these advancements to influence King George's attitude toward the colonies, but there are those in England who are very much against this happening. Another significant thing has occurred: Duncan's dear friend and mentor, Conawago, has mysteriously gone to London and has since disappeared. All of these developments, along with the murder of two of Duncan's friends, form the basis of Duncan's decision to go to London himself, accompanied by Ishmael, a young Nipmuc, even though Duncan knows how dangerous it will be for him personally.
Duncan and Ishmael bring the warrior spirit to London, where they find it is more than welcome by the street urchins of that place. "The Shawnee prophet had warned: there will be blood in the night. You will die, again and again." Page 117.
Duncan and Ishmael bring the warrior spirit to London, where they find it is more than welcome by the street urchins of that place. "The Shawnee prophet had warned: there will be blood in the night. You will die, again and again." Page 117.
July 11, 2020
Pre-quel to the American Revolution
Eliot Pattison's latest novel shows us the evil and good in the English and native-born and tribal survivors as The Highlander, Duncan McCullum, transforms those around him into Americans. The year is 1769, the Americans want the English to allow trade, manufacturing, and new inventions. Duncan's betrothed, Sarah, runs her frontier town and much more, though the protective Duncan is ignorant of the most dangerous. Duncan sails to London to rescue his old Niptuc Indian mentor imprisoned and drugged in the madhouse Bedlam. Thrilling scenes point us to the perfidy of the Royal Horse-guards, who torture and then imprison Duncan in a cage that ends up at the bottom of the Thames. The rich and various players contribute to a rousing and moving tale, the most convincing and exciting is the deepening friendship with Benjamin Franklin, the genius inventor. In all, the best of a compelling and moving series exploring the foundations of America.
Eliot Pattison's latest novel shows us the evil and good in the English and native-born and tribal survivors as The Highlander, Duncan McCullum, transforms those around him into Americans. The year is 1769, the Americans want the English to allow trade, manufacturing, and new inventions. Duncan's betrothed, Sarah, runs her frontier town and much more, though the protective Duncan is ignorant of the most dangerous. Duncan sails to London to rescue his old Niptuc Indian mentor imprisoned and drugged in the madhouse Bedlam. Thrilling scenes point us to the perfidy of the Royal Horse-guards, who torture and then imprison Duncan in a cage that ends up at the bottom of the Thames. The rich and various players contribute to a rousing and moving tale, the most convincing and exciting is the deepening friendship with Benjamin Franklin, the genius inventor. In all, the best of a compelling and moving series exploring the foundations of America.
July 11, 2020
I started reading this novel then put it down for a number of weeks before returning to it. This was unusual because I have enjoyed earlier books in this series. This one did not immediately grab me and hold my interest. It seemed to be more slow moving and disjointed than the authors earlier books. At over 400 pages of small print I feel it was overly long. The pacing of the book could have been vastly improved by condensing the story. Some characters seem to be rather superfluous, just added because they were a part of the historical record rather than included to move the story along. One such historical character being Daniel Boone, who just happens to come across our hero David McCallum in the Kentucky wilderness. I understand this is a far reaching series, but I felt some storylines were unnecessarily left hanging while others were abruptly ended.
February 6, 2025
This was a change of pace for this series. The action takes place for the most part in England. As Duncan must perform two missions: the first to deliver prehistory bones to Benjamin Franklin in London and secondly to rescue his friend, Cowanego from Bedlam. As Duncan carries out his missions he finds that there is a different kind of battlefield that war is waged on. This battlefield is the field of politics and it proves to be more dangerous than any battlefield Duncan has fought on. There are men in this story, who are evil in their action because of the power they wield. I can't tell you how this Tory ends, but I will say I liked the way it ended.
November 5, 2020
I read this book on a recommendation. It was a good book even though I read it out of order (this was book #6). This novel was set In Colonial America. Duncan McCallun and 2 friends/ companions are sent into the Kentucky wilderness to retrieve the fossils of the incognitum and deliver to Benjamin Franklin in London. But in the process Duncan’s two friends are killed and the killers are now trying to stop Duncan from delivering the fossils and kill him too. Can Duncan stop them and get the fossils to London and find out who killed his friends?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2021
Started out with hardcover, and the print was SO small, I had to find it in Kindle. It was a slow start, but I have read the other books in the series, and knew it would get better. The story is really about the beginnings of the separation of the colonies from England. Americans were not allowed to manufacture needed goods, were considered un-intelligent. This story gets a bit long telling more about Ben Franklin than I expected, but strange as it seems, all based on reality, so we move rather quickly from the wilderness to London. It's quite a wild tale.
June 10, 2021
I read this book very slowly, knowing that it was the end of a series. Is it a 5 star read? Probably not, but I'll most definitely give the entire series this rating. This time, the action ends up in England and the major historical figure (kind of a pun, right?) is Benjamin Franklin. The world is moving toward revolution in what will become America, but what ties it all together are the major characters. I'm going to miss them all, and wonder what become of them as the world continues to change.
September 29, 2023
Skipped a book - oops. Benjamin Franklin and his wife have pretty big roles in this book. How much of it could possibly be true? I do get a little tired of the violence AND that McCallam ALWAYS barely escapes death over and over and over again.
April 13, 2025
The frightening stuff Duncan gets himself involved in. At this point I would like to see him take a break and get married. However, this does have a parallel story line similar to the Outlander series.
August 23, 2020
Historical fiction well done
From American colonies to England this is historical fiction at it's most engrossing. A deep look into the intrigue of the late 1700's
From American colonies to England this is historical fiction at it's most engrossing. A deep look into the intrigue of the late 1700's
August 24, 2020
Wonderfully detailed historical novel.
September 9, 2020
A True Mystery
Eliot Patterson's books are always detailed, and are based on historical events. What I like about this book is how the mystery is revealed in small intervals.
Eliot Patterson's books are always detailed, and are based on historical events. What I like about this book is how the mystery is revealed in small intervals.
October 21, 2020
Stopped this at page 90. The characters and the situation seem interesting enough, but I see this is #6 in a series. Perhaps I'd best start with #1 (this one certainly wasn't floating my boat!)
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