ORIGINAL DEATH is the third book in The Bone Rattler series by Eliot Pattison. Filled with historical detail, a complex revolutionary plot, and a need for justice in a world ruled by greed and power, ORIGINAL DEATH is truly a fascinating and emotionally charged mystery.

Scottish exile, Duncan McCallum, travels Colonial America with Conawago, searching for the last members of Conawago's tribe. When they do locate Conawago's family, it is only to find the entire village slaughtered. Conawago sees the ritual murders as a crisis in the spirit world, one that he must correct. Duncan has no time to investigate the true nature of these murders before he's arrested for the crime. Escaping from British custody, Duncan must piece together clues that hint at a far greater plot that could spell the end of the native tribes, British rule, and colonial America as he knows it.

ORIGINAL DEATH by Eliot Pattison brings together everything that is wonderful about historical novels and mysteries. The authenticity of the historical detail is amazing, and the facts are woven into the story seamlessly, never slowing the plot or turning into a lesson. The history feels active and alive, in a way that all history should be told. The mystery is intricate and goes down an unexpected path. There is a lot happening in ORIGINAL DEATH. The murders that draw Duncan and Conawago into the plot are just the very tip of what is happening, but these murders are never forgotten even as the mystery expands to include a secret rebellion that could shift the power balance for the world.

Eliot Pattison has crafted a tightly woven mystery, with intriguing characters and vivid historical detail. ORIGINAL DEATH is a fascinating glimpse into pre-Revolutionary America and the struggles of a people to retain their identity in an ever shifting political struggle. Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy ORIGINAL DEATH.