Nicodemus Dunne is a running patterer in 1828 in New South Wales, giving the news orally to the community of soldiers, convicts, free people, and aborigines; many of whom can't read for themselves. He also helps those who can't write to fill out advertisement forms, and in this story, he is tasked with helping solve multiple murders. A former Bow Street runner in Britain, Dunne was transported to Australia as punishment for a trumped-up assault charge. Knowing his past and his ability to penetrate all areas of the community as a patterer, the governor turns to him for help as the bodies pile up. First, they found the body of a soldier behind a pub in an alley, then a printer was killed, then someone else was poisoned... Dunne starts to piece the whole matter together, but he might have done it too well as he soon finds himself the murderer's prime target.

Robin Adair has crafted a terrific murder mystery, redolent with period detail, interesting characters and terrific writing that brings the whole drama to life. He gives insight to issues of the period such as racism between locals, soldiers, and transported criminals, prostitution, and dueling (among other things). He has clearly done his research and gives a clear picture of time and place. It's easy to feel as if you're traveling alongside Nic rather than being just an observer to the action.

Adair's writing has an old-fashioned flair, but the chapters are short enough, that it doesn't bog down the story. He introduces each chapter with a well-researched quote that gives a hint as to what will happen next. Adair has a large and colorful cast but provides a dramatis personae at the beginning, and I had to flip back a few times to figure out who was who. Overall, DEATH AND THE RUNNING PATTERER is a wonderful historical mystery that will appeal to fans of mysteries and historical fiction alike.