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Will Rees Mysteries #10
Murder on Principle
Will Rees faces a moral dilemma when a slaveholder is murdered while attempting to recapture a former slave: should he pursue lawful justice or should he let the killer go free? November 1800, Maine. After helping their long-time friend Tobias escort his wife, along with a liberated slave and her child, from the Great Dismal back to Durham, Will and Lydia Rees's lives are interrupted when a dead body is found near their home. The body is that of Mr Gilbert, a slaveholder from the Great Dismal. Was he murdered in pursuit of the former slaves? When it's discovered Gilbert was infected with smallpox, and Gilbert's sister arrives demanding justice and the return of her absconded slaves, Will is torn. Finding the killer could lead to the recapture of the former slaves. Letting them go free could result in a false arrest and endanger the Durham community. Will must make a choice . . .
224 pages, Hardcover
Published August 3, 2021
2 people are currently reading
2781 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Kuhns
21 books1,264 followersEleanor is a lifelong librarian. She wrote her first story at the age of ten and hasn't stopped since. She lives with her husband and dog in New York State.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 7, 2021
This is my first experience reading a Will Rees mystery. This episode is set in 1800, Durham Maine, in November during the final weeks before the Presidential election between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. As such, it includes many topical issues of the time: presidential politics, abolition vs slavery, the Shakers, the Fugitive Slave Act, early medical care and early forms of policing. All of this wrapped around a murder mystery.
Will Rees is a farmer, weaver and sometime constable, backing up the local tavern keeper and full time constable when needed. Here he is drawn into the investigation of the death of a man who is not local, who is discovered to be a Southerner, perhaps in search of stolen property—a young woman, a slave, who was assisted North by anti-slavery northerners. As Rees becomes fully involved in this investigation, he finds himself questioning people he likes and respects as he dreads possible answers in his search for the truth.
This was easily read as an entrance to the series or a standalone as enough background is provided to understand characters’ behavior and motivations. I found this an interesting story and mystery and an interesting review of early American racial history. I would read more.
A copy of this book was provided by Severn House publishing through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Will Rees is a farmer, weaver and sometime constable, backing up the local tavern keeper and full time constable when needed. Here he is drawn into the investigation of the death of a man who is not local, who is discovered to be a Southerner, perhaps in search of stolen property—a young woman, a slave, who was assisted North by anti-slavery northerners. As Rees becomes fully involved in this investigation, he finds himself questioning people he likes and respects as he dreads possible answers in his search for the truth.
This was easily read as an entrance to the series or a standalone as enough background is provided to understand characters’ behavior and motivations. I found this an interesting story and mystery and an interesting review of early American racial history. I would read more.
A copy of this book was provided by Severn House publishing through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
January 5, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
Will Rees is pulled into another mystery. After the events of the last book, (I don't think I've read any books in this series) slave catchers have come to Maine to bring back some former slaves that Rees and his wife helped free.
When the slave catchers start dying, and spreading small pox to the area, and the 1800 elections approach, we get a host of anachronisms and historical errors. It's John Adams, NOT John Quincy Adams!
The mystery is okay, but it appears the author wanted to say something about current conditions, but didn't know what.
Will Rees is pulled into another mystery. After the events of the last book, (I don't think I've read any books in this series) slave catchers have come to Maine to bring back some former slaves that Rees and his wife helped free.
When the slave catchers start dying, and spreading small pox to the area, and the 1800 elections approach, we get a host of anachronisms and historical errors. It's John Adams, NOT John Quincy Adams!
The mystery is okay, but it appears the author wanted to say something about current conditions, but didn't know what.
July 1, 2021
Eleanor Kuhn's Will Rees historical mystery series is set in pre-Civil War Maine. The northern states no longer have slavery, the southern states do—and the Dred Scott decision and subsequent legislation have confirmed the view that escaped slaves are still "property" and can be captured and returned to their owners. The way this situation plays out in reality is that any Black American in the North is at risk of being kidnapped and taken south as an escaped slave—even if that individual had been free from birth or had already purchased their freedom. It was easy enough for slave catchers to destroy the paperwork proving that a Black person was free, and from there the reality of slavery and the relative power of white and Black Americans meant that the individual would most likely wind up living out their life as a slave.
Murder on Principle involves a number of characters: there's weaver Will Rees and his wife Lydia, who are abolitionists, along with their many children, both natural and adopted; there are the anti-slavery residents at the local Shaker colony, who keep themselves isolated and seldom act on their principles; there are individuals like the married couple Tobias (free born) and Ruth (escaped slave). In an earlier volume in the series Will, Lydia, and Tobias successfully smuggled Ruth the freedom and brought along a young woman, Sandy, and her infant son.
The plot here centers on Sandy who is fair-skinned and beautiful, making her a valuable commodity in the South. The brother of Sandy's owner and a slave catcher who works with him have tracked Sandy to Maine. Before they can seize her, her owner's brother is killed, and the owner herself shows up demanding justice and the return of her "property." Will works simultaneously to protect Sandy and solve the murder. Meanwhile, there's the small additional matter of an outbreak of smallpox.
The mystery here is pretty straightforward, though not obvious. What I found to be the real strength of this novel is the way the author manages to make real living at continuous risk of being sold or stolen south and what it means to live a "free" life along that razor's edge.
Read Murder on Principle for the characters, its depiction of the precariousness of free life, and its exploration of the difference between law and justice.
I received a free review copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
Murder on Principle involves a number of characters: there's weaver Will Rees and his wife Lydia, who are abolitionists, along with their many children, both natural and adopted; there are the anti-slavery residents at the local Shaker colony, who keep themselves isolated and seldom act on their principles; there are individuals like the married couple Tobias (free born) and Ruth (escaped slave). In an earlier volume in the series Will, Lydia, and Tobias successfully smuggled Ruth the freedom and brought along a young woman, Sandy, and her infant son.
The plot here centers on Sandy who is fair-skinned and beautiful, making her a valuable commodity in the South. The brother of Sandy's owner and a slave catcher who works with him have tracked Sandy to Maine. Before they can seize her, her owner's brother is killed, and the owner herself shows up demanding justice and the return of her "property." Will works simultaneously to protect Sandy and solve the murder. Meanwhile, there's the small additional matter of an outbreak of smallpox.
The mystery here is pretty straightforward, though not obvious. What I found to be the real strength of this novel is the way the author manages to make real living at continuous risk of being sold or stolen south and what it means to live a "free" life along that razor's edge.
Read Murder on Principle for the characters, its depiction of the precariousness of free life, and its exploration of the difference between law and justice.
I received a free review copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
November 28, 2021
Love Eleanor Kuhns! She is able to use well researched facts, along with a mystery, and memorable characters. Her books are not long but carry you away to that time period in a smooth writing style.
Will and Lydia are in the midst again helping others to survive during the 1800s in Maine. I can not wait for the next installment.
Will and Lydia are in the midst again helping others to survive during the 1800s in Maine. I can not wait for the next installment.
January 4, 2022
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December 9, 2021
Even though Murder on Principle by Eleanor Kuhns is about murder, it has a relaxed feel to it when you are reading it. It could be because the main character, Will Rees, is a very relaxed person or it could be because the story is set in the 1800's and things are done at a much slower pace, or it could be that things in the 1800's are done completely different from modern days due to lack of technology and such. Regardless when I was reading this tenth book in the Will Rees Mystery series, I felt more at ease reading about the murder and how it was investigated.
In Murder on Principle there is a lot going on..... first there is a dead body discovered on the land near the Rees' home and the local constable, Rouge, looks to Rees for assistance. When it is learned that the deceased is an out of town slaveholder looking for a woman slave and her baby and Rees and his wife Lydia know the whereabouts of the two, Rees helps the woman and child out of town to safety. Unfortunately the sister of the deceased comes to town with some slave takers and demands that the girl and her child be returned to her. When Rouse ends up very sick he asks Rees to step in and take control of the investigation and find the murderer.
While Rees looks into the case, one of the slave takers is found dead on the opposite side of town as the other body and that piles on a bunch of new questions. Also it is discovered that smallpox has been brought into the area and that is what Rouse is battling as well as others in town. So not only is a murderer on the loose in town feared but also a deadly disease......
The Will Rees Mystery series being set in the 1800's allows readers a chance to step away from stories with a lot of technology based crimes and the way they are solved to a much simplier way of living. And seeing how things are handled will make readers wonder about that simplier time a little bit. Readers will love Rees and his wife and family and how he assists Rouse in the investigations, you cannot help but admire him and the way he goes about things. This series will not only entertain the reader but it also educates you on the way things were back in the day.......
In Murder on Principle there is a lot going on..... first there is a dead body discovered on the land near the Rees' home and the local constable, Rouge, looks to Rees for assistance. When it is learned that the deceased is an out of town slaveholder looking for a woman slave and her baby and Rees and his wife Lydia know the whereabouts of the two, Rees helps the woman and child out of town to safety. Unfortunately the sister of the deceased comes to town with some slave takers and demands that the girl and her child be returned to her. When Rouse ends up very sick he asks Rees to step in and take control of the investigation and find the murderer.
While Rees looks into the case, one of the slave takers is found dead on the opposite side of town as the other body and that piles on a bunch of new questions. Also it is discovered that smallpox has been brought into the area and that is what Rouse is battling as well as others in town. So not only is a murderer on the loose in town feared but also a deadly disease......
The Will Rees Mystery series being set in the 1800's allows readers a chance to step away from stories with a lot of technology based crimes and the way they are solved to a much simplier way of living. And seeing how things are handled will make readers wonder about that simplier time a little bit. Readers will love Rees and his wife and family and how he assists Rouse in the investigations, you cannot help but admire him and the way he goes about things. This series will not only entertain the reader but it also educates you on the way things were back in the day.......
November 13, 2021
MURDER ON PRINCIPLE by Eleanor Kuhns
The Tenth Will Rees Mystery
A body found on Will Rees's property brings more trouble than expected. The well dressed man was a Southerner intent on recapturing Sandy and her son, slaves Rees recently helped bring to Maine. Even dead the man brings problems in the forms of smallpox and his sister. Mrs. Sechrest has traveled from Virginia with several slave takers intent on not only recovering her "property" but arresting Rees for theft. Rees will have to keep his wits about him as he tries to solve the murder, hide the enslaved pair, and protect his free born friends while remaining free himself.
Generally, I'm a stickler for reading a series in order, but sometimes an opportunity arises and I am compelled to jump in. While MURDER ON PRINCIPLE is the tenth book in the Will Rees Mystery series it is the first one I've read and it certainly won't be the last! The book works perfectly fine as a standalone. I was not lost at all, although I know I would have appreciated it even more if I had read previous books, especially the one released just prior.
The well developed characters are interesting with complex inner dynamics and fascinating relationships. I love the relationship between Rees and his wife. Lydia is thoughtful, smart, and capable; a true partner. Rees and Rouge have a very interesting partnership as well and I enjoyed watching the changes it took as the book progressed. I found Granny Rose and Dr. Ned delightful and hope to see more of them in future books.
Although MURDER ON PRINCIPLE is a historical novel, so much is relevant today. While there may not be slave takers, racial equality remains an issue and one cannot help but relate smallpox to the COVID-19 of today. The mystery here was complex with victims most people would be happy to find dead. I wouldn't have minded one more! Making things more difficult is the fact that most of the suspects are friends of the protagonist. Rees, and the reader, will be faced with several ethical dilemmas.
MURDER ON PRINCIPLE is a complex historical mystery that captures your interest while making you consider your own morality.
The Tenth Will Rees Mystery
A body found on Will Rees's property brings more trouble than expected. The well dressed man was a Southerner intent on recapturing Sandy and her son, slaves Rees recently helped bring to Maine. Even dead the man brings problems in the forms of smallpox and his sister. Mrs. Sechrest has traveled from Virginia with several slave takers intent on not only recovering her "property" but arresting Rees for theft. Rees will have to keep his wits about him as he tries to solve the murder, hide the enslaved pair, and protect his free born friends while remaining free himself.
Generally, I'm a stickler for reading a series in order, but sometimes an opportunity arises and I am compelled to jump in. While MURDER ON PRINCIPLE is the tenth book in the Will Rees Mystery series it is the first one I've read and it certainly won't be the last! The book works perfectly fine as a standalone. I was not lost at all, although I know I would have appreciated it even more if I had read previous books, especially the one released just prior.
The well developed characters are interesting with complex inner dynamics and fascinating relationships. I love the relationship between Rees and his wife. Lydia is thoughtful, smart, and capable; a true partner. Rees and Rouge have a very interesting partnership as well and I enjoyed watching the changes it took as the book progressed. I found Granny Rose and Dr. Ned delightful and hope to see more of them in future books.
Although MURDER ON PRINCIPLE is a historical novel, so much is relevant today. While there may not be slave takers, racial equality remains an issue and one cannot help but relate smallpox to the COVID-19 of today. The mystery here was complex with victims most people would be happy to find dead. I wouldn't have minded one more! Making things more difficult is the fact that most of the suspects are friends of the protagonist. Rees, and the reader, will be faced with several ethical dilemmas.
MURDER ON PRINCIPLE is a complex historical mystery that captures your interest while making you consider your own morality.
July 15, 2021
"Murder on Principle" is a mystery set in 1800 in Maine. This was the 10th book in a series, but you can follow what's going on without having read the previous books. This book did spoil some events in a previous book but not any whodunits. I didn't find Will be particularly intelligent or engaging. While this was a clue-based mystery, the clues all clearly pointed toward one person. It was easy to catch on to whodunit and each clue only further pointed towards whodunit. Unfortunately, Will was so certain that only certain people would have reason to kill the victims that he didn't look at the clues so much as try to prove his suspects either innocent or guilty. He suspected his friends and destroyed his friendship with them because he didn't trust them when they claim innocence.
The book explored why Will pursued the killer so relentlessly when multiple people told him that he wasn't going to like knowing whodunit because the victims deserved it. In the end, it seemed like he wanted to know so he could personally judge if the person should be punished or not. He allowed someone innocent but out of reach of the law to take the blame. I didn't find this very satisfying, though the real killer might have been treated unfairly if brought to light.
Some interesting historical details were woven into the story. I found it ironic that Will declared it a smallpox epidemic when only one living person was known to be sick. There was no sex. There was one use of bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The book explored why Will pursued the killer so relentlessly when multiple people told him that he wasn't going to like knowing whodunit because the victims deserved it. In the end, it seemed like he wanted to know so he could personally judge if the person should be punished or not. He allowed someone innocent but out of reach of the law to take the blame. I didn't find this very satisfying, though the real killer might have been treated unfairly if brought to light.
Some interesting historical details were woven into the story. I found it ironic that Will declared it a smallpox epidemic when only one living person was known to be sick. There was no sex. There was one use of bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 2, 2021
Nothing appears has it looks in this engrossing and rollicking whodunit set in the early days of the young American Republic. A very captivating fictional journey with lots of twists and turns and unexpected surprises within the early days of the underground movement and the urgent drive to deal with slavery and its evil consequences. But can you blindingly trust everbody especially when the helpless might actually turn out to be more dangerous that he/she seems? I love this novel and its incredible thrust into a little known period in American history
especially overhere in Europe. Elegantly written and blessed with some unforgettable characters this wonderful novel definitely deserves to be discovered and enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever. A new author for me and a fiendishly good piece of historical fiction! Go for it👍👍👍👍
Many thanks to Netgalley and Canongate/Severn for this terrific ARC
especially overhere in Europe. Elegantly written and blessed with some unforgettable characters this wonderful novel definitely deserves to be discovered and enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever. A new author for me and a fiendishly good piece of historical fiction! Go for it👍👍👍👍
Many thanks to Netgalley and Canongate/Severn for this terrific ARC
July 19, 2021
This historical mystery series continues to impress for its unusual hero and subject. Will, who married into the Shaker faith of his wife Lydia. He's a weaver who probably spends more time (honestly) helping slaves escape and resettle in Maine. In this installment, Sandy's owner has sent her brother Randolph Gilbert after her. And then he's found dead. Who killed him? Will funds himself investigating in part because Sheriff Rouge is ill- small pox has arrived in their small corner of the world. The mystery of the murderer is less twisty than usual but that's ok- it's a nicely atmospheric read with a good ethical question. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Fans of the series will be pleased but it's also fine as a standalone.
April 18, 2022
This book picks up shortly after the previous bookends. A slave taker has traveled from Virginia to Maine looking for the young female slave and her child that returned to Maine with Will and Lydia. Shortly after the slave taker is found murdered, the young woman that sent him to Maine arrives in Maine after receiving notice from the slave taker that he believes he found the woman they were looking for.
At the same time, a smallpox outbreak occurs in town and the Constable comes down with it. Due to that, he assigns Rees temporary constable duties and asks Rees to investigate the murder.
While investigating, he is once again visiting the local Shaker community and asking for their assistance.
This book is very well written and the history is presented well.
At the same time, a smallpox outbreak occurs in town and the Constable comes down with it. Due to that, he assigns Rees temporary constable duties and asks Rees to investigate the murder.
While investigating, he is once again visiting the local Shaker community and asking for their assistance.
This book is very well written and the history is presented well.
January 6, 2022
Ficção histórica e história de detetive juntos, dois gêneros dos quais gosto muito. Este livro me fez desejar ler a série completa. A ideia de 'matar por princípios' pode parecer bizarra, mas, para mim pelo menos, faz todo sentido quando a suposta vítima é um caçador de pessoas escravizadas. Eu só gosto de narrativas violentas na ficção, pois sei que ali tudo normalmente acaba bem. Mas não sei se na vida real eu seria diferente diante do que o assassino desta história sofre em decorrência de uma lei absurda que admitia pessoas como propriedade de outras pessoas. Gostei da discussão que esta narrativa pode provocar, e gostei bastante do final.
March 4, 2022
This is an interesting historical mystery with slave catchers and slave owners searching for runaway slaves. The young woman who is a slave owner is a hateful lady. I loved how Lydia told her that owning slaves is wrong. There was also a smallpox breakout, which was brought there by the first man who was killed. He was an evil man, which brought about his demise.
I enjoyed reading about the history at the end of the book, very enlightening.
I enjoyed reading about the history at the end of the book, very enlightening.
May 12, 2022
When a dead man is found in a secluded area on Will Rees's property, he becomes involved in the search for the murderer. But the dead man was a southerner, in town to search for runaway slaves, putting Will in a moral dilemma, especially since the constable is ill with scarlet fever, and Rees is filling in for him.
December 11, 2022
This book follows closely on the heels of “The Great Dismal” but does reunite us with the Shaker friends which I did enjoy. The small pox epidemic is an interesting plot point as well as the continued storyline about slavery. The mystery was again woven cleverly and I really hope that the next book will move the storyline forward further.
September 27, 2021
Life has certainly changed over this series for Will, Lydia and their family. I have loved reading about that evolution, and the history of times post American Revolution, with a relevant mystery embedded in each book. It’s well worth taking the time to read this series from the beginning.
October 25, 2021
I won this book from Goodreads giveaways and I'm just so happy I did. Who but ms. Kuhns would have attempted runaway slaves, the misery of the great dismal swamp, the shakers, to combine them in one book. What a twist to the ending, you won't see it coming. Read this book
April 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I’ve never read a historical mystery quite like this one. It took a little while to get invested in the story, but once I was, I had to know how it turned out. The characters were good, likeable, but not overpowering. The plot was enjoyable, discussing parts of the 1800s I wasn’t super familiar with.
I’ve never read a historical mystery quite like this one. It took a little while to get invested in the story, but once I was, I had to know how it turned out. The characters were good, likeable, but not overpowering. The plot was enjoyable, discussing parts of the 1800s I wasn’t super familiar with.
September 11, 2021
The death by foul means of a slave owner in the 1800's in Maine sets the stage for Will Rees, an unofficial deputy, to be delegated to find the murderer and bring him or her to justice . With the historical background of slavery as well as the upcoming election between John Quincy Adams and Thomas Jefferson looming, the murder must be solved . The characters in the Great Dismal Swamp are there to hide from their former slave owners while they try to seek freedom. With many twists and turns, Will Rees is able to find the truth but will he reveal it?
Another enjoyable read with interesting characters and enough historical fact to entertain.
Another enjoyable read with interesting characters and enough historical fact to entertain.
October 11, 2021
Interesting historical mystery-you will enjoy
March 19, 2023
This is one of the strongest entries in a great series. In addition to the good plotting this entry stresses the moral choices facing people when law and order go up against decency and morality.
April 15, 2024
A great addition to this wonderful series. Eleanor Kuhns describes the historical atmosphere of the mystery so accurately that you feel that you are there.
June 18, 2025
Not quite as good as the last. Lots of interesting historical facts.
August 28, 2025
Interesting historical read, bringing the return of runaway slaves and slave catchers into play long before the Civil War.
June 4, 2021
Will Rees is informed by Constable Rouge that a body has been discovered on the Shakers farmland. That of Randolph Gilbert, who has travelled north following a trail, looking for his escaped slaves. The same ones that he and Lydia help escape. As Rouge falls ill Rees takes over the investigation knowing that some of his friends believe the killing to be justified.
An enjoyable and well-wriiten historical mystery with its likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to the series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An enjoyable and well-wriiten historical mystery with its likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to the series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2022
I really enjoyed the setting of this historical mystery. I think it's a unique time period in American history. Looking forward to reading more of this series. Thank you to the author for giving me a free review copy.
September 29, 2021
I have read the entire series. I like the research
the author puts in her books. I enjoyed reading
this book. Keep writing more for the series.
the author puts in her books. I enjoyed reading
this book. Keep writing more for the series.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews